Could your donkey be a real ass-et to an opera?
Well, now’s your chance to turn your donkey into a diva.
Opera director and producer Ellen Kent needs a donkey with star quality for a touring production coming to Dunstable.
She is bringing the opera Carmen to the Grove Theatre early next year.
At each stop on the tour, Ellen is using rescue donkeys from sanctuaries close to the various venues.
But so far, her efforts to find a Jack or Jenny (that’s what you call boy and girl donkeys) in this area have so far been in vain.
Ellen said: “This production of Bizet’s Carmen is about bringing the heat, the passion and the sensuous intensity of Spain to life on stage.
“In some venues, we’re using a white Andalucian stallion. But, really, what could be more Spanish than incorporating a donkey into the performance?”
She needs a donkey to appear in the market scene in Act One and to carry the smugglers’ goods through the mountains in Act Three.
Sadie Williams is co-ordinating the donkey stars for Opera and Ballet International.
She said: “We’ve had a great response in many areas and often the donkeys are quite used to the spotlight, having appeared in nativities or Palm Sunday parades.
“But for some reason, we’re struggling to find a suitable donkey in Bedfordshire.”
Carmen will be staged at the Grove Theatre on February 22.
If you think that your donkey has what it takes to appear in the show, contact Sadie on sadie@ellenkent.co.uk by December 20.
The donkey owner will need to be prepared to go onstage in costume to look after the four-legged thespian.
A collection to raise money for donkey welfare will be made on the night.
Maybe Ellen and Sadie should be looking in Eaton “Bray”!
There’s an extra sparkle in Dunstable town centre at the moment.
For the Christmas street lights are adding a blaze of colour to the high street.
It’s a bright way to remind us that it’s time to empty the piggy-bank and start picking up pressies in our local shops as well as further afield.
Photographer Joanna Cross captured the scene in High Street North on camera for you.
And it certainly made me “focus” on Christmas!
We’re all scouring the town for gift ideas.
I’ve heard of some wacky presents in the past.
What’s the quirkiest pressie you’ve ever had – or given?
Share the moment with me by dropping me a line at the email address at the foot of this column,
Or check out our postal address on page 2.
You’ve heard of Movember.
But will you be taking part in Decembeard?
Bowel Cancer UK is urging people in this area to grow a beard in December to raise sponsorship cash.
Just make sure you’re clean-shaven on November 30, set up an online fundraising page, keep track of your beard growth, and start seeking sponsorship support.
Easy! If you can’t grow a beard, you can download a cut-out beard for those with stubble trouble, from the charity’s website.
And there’s lots of other info on there, including a special beard quiz that’s perfect for a fundraising night.
You can find a Decembeard fundraising pack, and sign up to take part, on the website, too, at www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/Decembeard. Or call the charity on 020 7386 4006.
And don’t give up if you’re having bother becoming a beardie – keep your chin up...