IT could be Christmas come early for young, budding performers from Dumbarton and the Vale.

Producers of “Nativity! The Musical” are on the look-out for children aged 9-12 star for their Scottish leg of the production’s 2018 UK tour.

The Musical is written and directed by the creator and director of the blockbuster film series, Debbie Isitt.

Debbie told the Reporter: “We are looking for characterful but disciplined children who can ‘act’ as snobby and superior and yet have a sense of fun and can give over the top performances if required.

“We need the children to have good movement ability - marching, basic choreography and have excellent posture.

“They should also be able to sing confidently, have basic acting ability and enjoy performing.”

Bright, young stars from across the area will have a chance to sparkle and shine as one of the children in the production.

Auditions for the Glasgow and Edinburgh runs of the show will be held in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 23.

Children will need to be available to play both the King’s Theatre in Glasgow, from Wednesday, November 7 to Sunday November 11 and the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, from Wednesday, November 28 until Sunday, December 2.

All children auditioning must be aged between nine and 12 on September 1, 2018, and be no more than 4 feet 7 inches in height.

Children must live within 45 miles of the venue and be available to perform the playing dates of the venue they are auditioning for.

To audition, children must be pre-registered with Keston and Keston, the regional casting directors via the iOS App ‘Keston Casting - downloadable’ which can be downloaded for free via the app store or registration can be completed via the website, www.kestonandkestoncasting.com.

All children who fall within the criteria above will be sent an invite with full information and the location for the audition.

The show, like the film, tells the story of teacher Mr Maddens and his crazy assistant Mr Poppy as they struggle to put on a memorable Nativity play at St Bernadette’s School, and features all the sing-along songs from the movie.