Annie is looking for her dog – and St Albans Operatic Society fears it has been barking up the wrong tree in its hunt for the perfect pooch.

The operatic society is putting on Annie this Spring at the Alban Arena and are hunting for the right dog for the eponymous heroine. “Sandy” will be a small dog with blonde/beige coloured fur that likes to be handled, is good with children and would not be overawed being on stage performing in front of lots of people.

Even a dog without experience of the stage could be the one for Annie.

The musical is set in the gut-wrenching Depression era of New York in the 1930s. It is the story of a young orphan girl who is plucked from a wretched orphanage by a millionaire businessman Warbucks, who quickly takes the girl to heart and attempts to help her find her long lost parents.

The show, which follows the sucess of earlier productions such as Kiss Me Kate, The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls and Follies, is being directed by Julia Rufey and features a cast of children from all over the local area.

It is being performed from Tuesday, April 29, to Saturday, May 3, and tickets are available through the Alban Arena box office by calling 01727 844488 or visiting the website www.alban-arena.co.uk.

Anyone who believes their dog would be suitable for the role of Sandy should send an email to publicity@saos.org.uk.