APPLICATIONS are flooding in for this year's search for a local star to grace the stage at The Regent theatre this Christmas.

The winner or winners of Stoke's Top Talent 2009, which is open to local entertainers of any age, will receive a three-month contract to appear alongside home-grown stage star Jonathan Wilkes in this year's Regent pantomime – Dick Whittington.

The winning act will also receive £1,000 from show sponsors The Sentinel and appear as the star guest performer at this year's Our Heroes celebrity awards night at the Moathouse Hotel, Festival Park, on September 22.

Among the first applicants is 17-year-old drama student Ryan Booth, of Hatherton near Nantwich.

Ryan, a student at South Cheshire College, has already starred in productions at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe.

He said: "My ambition lies in musical theatre – anything in front of a live audience, really.

"I saw last year's final and really enjoyed it. It's a great opportunity. I'm thinking of doing Mac The Knife as my audition piece."

Returning to the event for a second year is 15-year-old singer Jade Duggan, of Abbey Hulton, who made it through to the final 40 last year.

She said: "I really enjoyed myself and I learned a lot. My family have been really supportive and have encouraged me to enter again. This time I hope I will be better and can go even further."

This year's Top Talent competition begins with auditions at the Victoria Hall which take place on June 13 and 14, followed by 'callback' auditions at the same venue the following Sunday, June 21.

The contest is open to all non-professional performers whose acts are suitable for a family audience.

Event organisers are keen to stress that they are not simply looking for singers and dancers and are appealing for a wide variety of acts to apply – including comedians and magicians.

Applicants under 16 must have the permission of a parent/guardian and be accompanied by them at all auditions and performances.

All applicants must also be able to perform in the Regent panto, which runs from December 10 to January 10 as well as in rehearsals.