Talented youngsters took to the stage to audition for a part in The King and I at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre which will be performed in the city in March.

Around 140 boys and girls did their best to impress choreographer Debbie Norris yesterday. They each took their turn to sing songs from the smash-hit musical and perform dance routines on the stage.

Thirty-two children, aged bet-ween five and 14, will be given parts in the show, which is being staged by Curve Theatre Leicester.

Vicky Price, from the Grand, said she was very impressed by the talent on display.

“We had around 130 youngsters come down to audition,” she said.

“They have been singing and moving about on the stage.”

One of the boys hoping to land a part in the musical was eight-year-old Harry Jones.

Harry, who is a pupil at St Nicholas CofE First School in Codsall and a member of Central Youth Theatre, said: “I’ve always loved performing.

“I think I’ve got a good chance of getting through the auditions.”

Lydia Stephenson, 12, who performs with West Bromwich Operatic Society, said: “It would be a dream to perform at the Grand.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed and hopefully I will be successful.”

The King and I is being performed at the Grand from March 27 to 31.