Sutton's pooch performer is set for stage debut

For most budding starlets the chance to appear in a hit musical would be a dream come true.

But one four-legged performer it is about to see his name in lights, as he gets set to appear in the West End hit Legally Blonde.

Horace, a three-year-old “superstar” English bulldog from Sutton, is getting his big break starring in the touring stage production.

The pedigree pooch, who has lived with his Sutton owners since he was 12 weeks old, will play the heroine’s pet dog in the Nottingham leg of the UK tour.

Owners Lorraine and Martin Frow, of Kirkby Road, Sutton, said Horace will even get his own dressing room.

Lorraine, aged 48, said: “It is something he has never done before.

“I am told quite a few owners applied for the role for their dogs.

“I am told he will have his own dressing room, he is a star. I call him a little superstar.”

Horace will be performing at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday to Saturday, May 15 19, playing the role of Rufus.

The musical will star Rita Simons – best known for her role as Roxy Mitchell in BBC’s EastEnders – as Paulette Bonafonte.

It also features 2009 The X Factor finalist Lucie Jones as Elle Woods, and Bill Ward, from Emmerdale and Coronation Street, as Professor Callahan.

In his audition, Horace had to run across the stage to a member of the production team.

Lorraine was then told that he would be staring in the show.

She said: “He is basically happy to do stuff with strangers, they also wanted to see how he was on a lead and we showed them how he can high-five. He was a good boy.

“He is a lazy, easygoing, sleepy dog but then he is also a chunky playful thing.

“He loves to play with balls outside, he can be full of energy.

“I feel he’ll be fine – ever since I have had him I have taken him to work.

“There is not a day goes by where someone doesn’t stop me to greet him, he loves attention.”

Lorraine runs two businesses, All Occasions and Divine Designs, on Forest Street in Sutton.

The couple are also planning to open a pet crematorium.

Lorraine said: “It is a new thing to the town, and will be open on the 23rd of this month.”

When asked why she brought a bulldog she said: “I couldn’t tell you why I wanted a bulldog. I saw one one day and had to have one

“He took two years to find. Bulldogs have great characters.”