They're getting to like idea of stage success!

ASPIRING stage star Tessa Stannard had a very happy birthday in August when she won a role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The nine-year-old was hoping to repeat her success yesterday, when she was among more than 100 youngsters auditioning for The Regent Theatre's production of The King And I.

Open auditions for the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical were held at Newcastle Community High School, as the producers looked to find 28 talented children to play the King of Siam's sons and daughters.

Tessa, from Betley, was one of a number of auditionees who had already won parts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which is currently running at The Regent.

She said the experience of appearing in such a major production made her feel more confident about auditioning again.

Tessa said: "The day of the auditions for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was my birthday, so I was really happy and excited when I found out I'd got it. The show is really magical, and it's the biggest thing I've been in so far.

"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be in the audition, so hopefully I won't be too nervous today either."

Tessa's mum Sue Stannard added: "This is what Tessa has wanted to do for a few years now. She loves being on stage and she loves performing.

"She's already been to a summer school at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, and we're looking at her going there full-time. It will be Tessa's decision whether she wants to do this, but we're helping her and making sure she knows how strong-willed she'll have to be to succeed."

The production of The King And I, which features a number of famous songs, including Getting To Know You, will transfer to The Regent from the Gaeity Theatre on the Isle of Man in March.

While the original production's lavish sets, costumes and props will be used, an entirely new cast will be employed, and adult auditions for the ensemble took place last week.

Director and choreographer John Cumberlidge said they were looking for youngsters who could act as well as sing and dance.

The chosen 28 will be divided into two groups of 14, who will alternate over the six performances of the show.

He said: "It's really good to see so many kids turning up for the auditions, because we're looking to cast children with a range of ages and appearances. The variation in the King's children is part of the show's charm factor.

"This will be a massive production, and so it will be a great experience for the children to take part in."

Yanica Grech, aged nine, from Barlaston, was another auditionee who is appearing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

She said: " It was watching musicals on television that first got me interested in it. I've seen a bit of The King And I on television, and so I would really like to be in it."