EVERY dog has its day – and your pooch’s moment in the spotlight could be closer than you think.

Producers of hit musical Legally Blonde – which comes to Theatre Royal Brighton in June – are looking for four-legged thespians to audition for the role of bulldog Rufus.

The show is based on the 2001 film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon and has had long runs on Broadway and the West End.

There are two dogs in the cast, but while Bruiser the chihuahua will travel with the show producers are searching for a new Rufus in every city they visit.

Auditions will be held at the theatre on February 12.

Associate director David Barrett said that the wannabe actors do not necessarily need to be bulldogs.

He said: “Legally Blonde is a show all about not judging a book by its cover and the dogs are no different in this. Whereas Bruiser is the cute, tiny, adorable one, with Rufus we are looking for the total opposite.

“We are looking for a big, brutish dog that only its mother could love – preferably a bulldog but we are certainly open to options.”

In the film and musical Rufus belongs to Paulette Bonafonte, friend of Witherspoon’s character Elle Woods who owns Bruiser. Both women are obsessed with their pets and thoroughly pamper them. Mr Barrett said it was important for the canine hopefuls to act as naturally as possible.

He said: “We want the auditions to be as fun and relaxed as possible for the dogs and their owners, so it is important that what we ask of the dogs is merely an extension of their usual behaviour and not about performing for a panel.

“All they will be required to do is walk on a lead, sit and paw – just things they would do normally in everyday life.”

That said, the dogs are welcome to inject a little extra flair into their performance if they so desire. Mr Barrett added: “If they do have tricks they would like to show off we would be delighted to see them. But our number requirement is that the dogs come in and enjoy the experience.”

Legally Blonde is based around Elle Woods’ quest to attend Harvard Law School.

After being dumped by her boyfriend for someone more serious, Elle curtails her shopping habit and hits the library in an attempt to prove him wrong.

The musical version stars Lucie Jones and Rita Simons and is showing at the Theatre Royal from June 11 to 16.

To book your dog’s audition email legallyblondedogauditions@gmail.com