A SPANIEL is set to star in a musical showing at the Tivoli in Wimborne this month.

The Wimborne Musical Theatre Society (WMTS) have happily ignored the old adage ‘never work with children or animals’ and will welcome Honey, a pedigree Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, on stage during a big party scene in their show, Sounds of the 50s and 60s.

The society described 18-month-old Honey as “very affectionate and sociable” with a “lovely, calm temperament”.

She is owned by a local family who have allowed her to take part in the show.

Chairwoman Sylvia Walpole said Honey seemed to be enjoying her role.

“At our recent rehearsal, Honey has been quietly sitting and patiently waiting for her cue. I must get all the members to do that,” she joked.

“Does Honey steal the show? Well, you will have to come to find out.”

After performing songs from the musical hall days for their winter concert last year, WMTS are continuing their nostalgic theme and have chosen the 1950s and 60s for their upcoming performance on Saturday, November 12.

The show features songs made famous from the early rock ‘n’ rollers through to the ‘flower power’ groups, plus a few world-famous songs from musicals of the time, which have remained popular to this day.

The audience can expect to hear songs such as Living Doll, I Could Have Danced All Night, Mr Sandman, Hound Dog, It's My Party, Let's Twist Again, and San Francisco.

There will be a matinee performance at the Tivoli theatre at 2.30pm, followed by another performance at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 (£10 concession for over 60s and children for the matinee) and can be purchased from the Tivoli box office on 01202 885566 or online at tivoliwimborne.co.uk.