A 3-year- old dog, Frodo, is set to star in ‘Puccini La Boheme’ by award-winning opera director and producer, Ellen Kent, at Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge.

Frodo is a jackadoodle, a cross between a Jack Russell and a Toy Poodle and lives in Southborough, with owner Caroline Funnell, also starring in the production as Musetta’s maid.

The cast includes international soprano Alyona Kistenyova as Mimi and starring Olga Perrier, the international French Soprano as Musetta.

Ms Funnell described Frodo as an ordinary dog but discovered Frodo’s talent whilst on holiday in Dorset when he started to howl along to her singing.

The mother of two, said: “We have since discovered that he has to be ‘in the mood’ and only likes songs from ‘The Sound of Music’!”

The 46-year- old, added: “He is a popular dog - he is often at the school gates where he has lots of doggy chums and he has even accompanied me to art classes and our church cafe.”

It is not the first time Ms Kent has used animals in theatre productions. Ms Kent, said: “The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit.”

Ms Kent added: “We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.”

The director was inspired by George Orwell’s novel ‘Down and out in Paris’, as illustrated through her use of extreme poverty in the backstreets and attics of Paris.

The performance is on Saturday, April 22, 7:30pm. Ticket prices from £25.