A MONKSPATH dog will be heading along the yellow brick road as he takes on a leading role at The Rep’s Christmas show.
Teddy, the Cavapoo – a King Charles Cavalier and Poodle cross – is set to star as Toto in his quest for fame after his owner, Aleena Chauhan, saw an advert for auditions online.
After missing out on the first round of auditions Aleena was amazed when the producer’s called the 16-month-old dog to the second round where he dazzled the judges.
He was called back and was filmed doing all of his tricks with Aleena including giving her a kiss by standing on his two back legs.
Aleena said: “I was so over the moon when I was told Teddy had the role – I couldn’t contain my excitement. I was at work at the time and all my colleagues know how much of a dog mom I am, Teddy is all I talk about so I had to tell them first.
“I them went home and told my mum and sister.
“They were so happy for him and couldn’t believe it! I was just so happy and felt so proud of my little Teddy for getting such an iconic role as Toto.”
Teddy is currently in rehearsals for the show where he will help get Dorothy back to Kansas after a Tornado dropped the duo in the land of Oz where the only way back is by asking the great and powerful Wizard of Oz who lives at the end of the yellow brick road.
Along the way they are joined by Scarecrow, Lion and Tinman who all want a gift from the wizard but to get to Oz who try and help their new friends out as the Wicked Witch tries to stop them and get the all-important ruby slippers.
There are three dogs Teddy, Lulu who is also a Cavapoo and Rio who is a Havanese who will take on the role of Toto from November 24.
Aleena added: “Teddy laps up attention from everyone so I hope he will be ok on stage with hundreds of people watching him and doesn’t decide to run off into the audience.
“But at the same time, he will do anything for a bit of chicken so as long as there are treats around he will do as he’s told.
“My family and I are all just so proud of Teddy and can’t wait to see him shine in theatre this Christmas.
“He’s bought so much joy to our lives and to end the year with him playing Toto in the Wizard of Oz is just the most amazing feeling in the world.”
