THE search for the next canine star of the stage continued at the Bolton Octagon.

Dog-owners and their four legged friends faced an anxious wait after the auditions at the theatre tonight (Thursday).

Nine hopefuls of different breeds auditioned for the role of Candy’s dog in their forthcoming production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.

In the script, the dog is described as a “dragfooted sheepdog, gray of muzzle, and with pale, blind old eyes”.

The successful dog for the part will be announced on Monday by the Octagon.

Of Mice And Men is at the Octagon from January 17 to February 16, 2013.

Tickets cost between £9.50 and £23.50. Call 01204 520661 or visit the website octagonbolton.co.uk.