Yogi waits in the wings for his chance of stardom

HE might be more pooch-ini than Puccini – but that didn’t stop this loveable dog from Newbury winning a part in a leading Opera.
Yogi, an 11-year-old Lhasa Apsox Yorkie from Greenham, has been selected as understudy for the main star in the world renowned Puccini number, La Boheme - which will take place at Basingstoke’s Anvil Theatre this weekend.
International soloists have been selected from across the world to join the Chisinau National Opera but opera director and producer Ellen Kent wanted to look nearer to home to cast the role of Musetta’s pet dog.
Proud owner Bouwina German said: “I think it’s really nice because over the years I have done a lot of this with him and working hard training him and it’s nice to be chosen to do something like that. I’m very pleased.
“I saw the advert and could not resist sending his picture. I think he will be alright because he has had so many different experiences and he takes everything in his stride.”
Mrs German added that although Yogi had been to lots of dog shows and trips during his life, he had never been involved in an opera before.
Puccini’s powerful and emotional masterpiece tells the tragic tale of hopeless love between the doomed Mimi and penniless writer Rodolfo, and includes the famous arias Your Tiny Hand Is Frozen, They call Me Mimi and Musetta’s Waltz.
La Boheme is at The Anvil on Sunday February 16. See the Anvil Arts website or call the box office on 01256 844244 for more information and tickets.