Youngsters are preparing for their own X-Factor, as Bury St Edmund’s Theatre Royal begins the audition process to find 12 talented performers to join the professional cast on stage as the chorus of the 2013 pantomime, Aladdin!

For the second year running the theatre, in Westgate Street, is opening auditions to boys and girls aged eight to 18, who are keen to take their first steps into the world of showbiz.

The lucky 12 chorus members are an essential part of the show, will share the stage with a cast of professional actors and be seen by over 20,000 people during the pantomime’s two month run, from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 12.

No previous experience is required to audition; just an ability to sing, dance and act and the stamina to make it through over 40 performances throughout the three-month run.

Auditions will be conducted in groups on the theatre’s stage, between 10am and 4pm, on Sunday, September 8, and rehearsals for the panto will take place throughout November.

The production of the pantomime, which has been written for the theatre by Daniel O’Brien, directed by Tim Welton and designed by Nigel Hook, is one of the most popular panto titles of all time.

Last performed at the Theatre Royal in 2006 it tells the story of young Aladdin who spends his days getting into scrapes and dreaming of the beautiful Princess Jasmine.

But what hope does a lowly washer-boy like Aladdin have of winning the hand of a Princess?

The mysterious Abanazar seems to have the answer ... but is the man what he seems?

And why is he so keen to get his hands on a grubby old oil-lamp?

Aladdin will also feature the return of Bury’s favourite Dame, James Nickerson, as Widow Twankey, who last appeared in the 2008 production of Puss in Boots.

To apply to audition email your name, age, gender and height to Amy Wyllie at amy@theatreroyal.org

For tickets to to the performances call the box office on 01284 769505 or visit www.theatreroyal.org