The hunt has begun to find Dublin’s next panto star – do you have what it takes?

Acclaimed panto personalities Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick are holding open auditions for the lead roles of Belle and Beast in their upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast, A Sammy and Buffy Story.

Registration is open to those aged 17 and over from 11.30am at the National Stadium on the South Circular Road - with auditions taking place throughout the day.

The production has previously introduced the likes of Brian Dowling, Marty Morrisey, Pippa O’Connor and Joe Duffy to the stage.

Actors Orla Jennings (Belle) and Chris Corroon (The Beast) at the launch of The Helix 2017 Christmas Pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. Image: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

On Newstalk Breakfast, Mr Hughes said the aim of today’s try-outs is to give everyone the opportunity to impress.

“A lot of people have been saying they have to go to the UK to get involved in pantos, so today we’re having open auditions for Beauty and the Beast,” he said.

“It is a lovely opportunity for some people who want to try and get a break in and even people who are established to come along and audition and to be in a big Christmas show.

“So, we're offering two talented people to get around six or seven weeks of work with us this Christmas playing either the beautiful Belle or the handsome prince who also plays the Beast.”

'Big panto family'

Mr Hughes said it is tough but rewarding work.

“It’s a bit intense for the period you’re doing it, but it’s great fun and people really enjoy it when they do it,” he said.

“We have a big panto family and we literally do surround ourselves with lots of fun.

“Over the years we’ve had lots of people tread the boards with us for the first time, so we’re also looking for that.

“We gave people like Brian Dowling his first panto gig, Linda Martin, Pippa O'Connor.”

The panto itself will run from December 10th to January 5th at Dublin’s National Stadium.

Main image: An amateur production of Beauty and the Beast in Wales. Image: redsnapper / Alamy Stock Photo