A PAIR of greyhounds are set to take centre stage as they make their debut at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre. Ernie and Tracy, who are both rescue dogs, will be featuring in a one-off production of the opera Rigoletto on Thursday, October 2.

The opera’s director Ellen Kent, known for her lavishness and grand productions, was inspired to use greyhounds in the piece after hearing how many are abandoned at the end of their running days.

Sue North, who has been the manager at the Greyhounds In Need shop in Bournemouth for the past 14 years, was contacted by the award-winning director to seek out the talented hounds.

She said: “I received a call from Ellen Kent saying she was producing the opera and she wanted to use two rescue greyhounds.

“We are very excited to be able to participate,” she said. After spreading the word with supporters of the charity, Ernie’s owner, Amanda Lawrence, and Tracy’s owner, Joanne Davies, agreed to have their pets star in the show, which will also feature a golden eagle.

“They were very quick to take up the opportunity,” Mrs North said.

“It’s quite unusual,” she added.

“I’ve never has a request like it before.”

Ellen Kent, whose mother ran an animal sanctuary in Spain, is a passionate animal welfare campaigner.

She said: “To be able to promote animal welfare and preservation of endangered species through the drama and spectacle of my operas is a great joy and privilege for me.”

Written by Giuseppe Verdi, Rigoletto, which stars Vladimir Draggos, is a dramatic tale of a jester’s daughter whose heart is stolen by a charming but unreliable ruler and how her father’s attempts to prevent the love affair lead to tragedy.

To book tickets go to bic.co.uk or call 0844 576 3000.