Opera company seeking actor for Wolverhampton show

English Touring Opera is seeking someone to play the walk-on role of the cardinal in their new production of Puccini's TOSCA at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

The classic Puccini opera will be performed at the Lichfield Street theatre in the city on April 11.

The role is a non-singing part and is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an opera lover to tread the boards in one of the world's most recognisable and much-loved operas.

TOSCA is the story of Floria Tosca, the wife to a painter who is called upon to hide an escaped political prisoner.

The chosen cardinal will contribute to Puccini's heart-breaking story of double crossings, love and betrayal.

At the climax of act one, the chosen Cardinal will lead the Te Deum procession, a group of young choristers, through Rome, fully kitted out in clerical vestments.

The new opera is led by award-winning theatre director Blanche McIntyre and conducted by ETO's Music Director, Michael Rosewell.

The selected person will join an exclusive group of 31 first-time performers from across the country.

Those interested in performing the role, whether they're experience opera stars, an actual cardinal or have never been on the stage before, are advised to email Rebecca at rebecca.ryan@englishtouringopera.org.uk with a short paragraph on why they should play the cardinal, and their choice of performance date.

TOSCA will be performed in Italian with English surtitles.

English Touring Opera will also be performing Gilbert and Sullivan's PATIENCE the evening before on April 10. Tickets for both operas are now on sale.

Earlier this month, the theatre revealed it was looking for actors to audition for parts ahead of the first in-house production at the theatre for more than 40 years.

The theatre is looking for 10 people for speaking parts in its production 'Brassed Off'.

The production will run from August 23 to September 2.