ANYBODY who is anybody will soon walk through that door of the Towngate Theatre when the open auditions for Bugsy Malone take place.

Kids and young people aged eight to 21 can turn up on Monday October 30 at the Towngate Theatre, St Martin's Square, Basildon from 6.15pm - 9.15pm and Sunday November 19 at the Billericay School in School Road, Billericay, from 2pm - 4pm.

Each session will run for approximately 20-30 minutes.

Young people will be auditioned in groups of 10-12, and will be taught an excerpt from a song from the show, a short dance routine and will be asked to read a short piece of dialogue.

A spokesman from Rare Productions, which is putting on the show, said: "There is no need to prepare anything. Just be sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for dancing - we cannot allow anyone to audition in socks or bare feet. It's all very relaxed and informal so we will look forward to seeing lots of you there to audition for this exciting production.

"There is no need to book an audition - just turn up in the time slot appropriate to your age."

Times slots are: Monday October 30: 6.15pm – 7.30pm (8 - 12 year olds); 7.30pm – 9.15pm (13 – 21 year olds). Sunday November 19: 2pm – 3pm (8-12 years olds); 3pm – 4pm (13-21 years old).

Rare claims to be the UK’s largest youth musical theatre company. It produces full shows on real stages and offers the ideal opportunity to work in the widest variety of professional theatres with over 12 years experience and more than 200 productions performed.

If your child gets through to the production there is a fee of £147.50 per child to be involved.

The show will run in March.

For more information visit rareproductions.co.uk.