A FOUR-legged star of the stage is leading the cast of a highly-anticipated pantomime into a historic market town.

The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond has chosen three-year-old cockapoo Jackson to play the role of Toto in The Wizard of Oz.

Jackson, who is making his acting debut on the Georgian stage, was a rescue dog, taken on by Sarah Kearsley – an actress and professional dog trainer.

After she was cast as Alfalfa, the Wicked Witch of the West, Jackson was handed a starring role.

Ms Kearsley, who appeared in The Georgian Theatre Royal’s 2012 pantomime Babes in the Wood, said: “Jackson was re-homed with me the day before his first birthday and we are now each other’s best friend.

“It hasn’t been difficult for him to learn some extra tricks and we even get to share a dressing room.”

Clare Allen, writer and director of this year’s pantomime, said: “When we got talking to Sarah we realised that the show’s canine star was sitting right under our noses.

“He is very friendly and has already become a firm favourite with the cast and crew. We are sure our audiences will love him.”

The Wizard of Oz runs from Thursday, December 7, 2017, until Sunday, January 7, 2018.

Tickets are priced from £8 and are available from the Box Office on 01748 825252 or at www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk