Young girls flocked to Norwich today hoping to be part of an adventure in May as they auditioned for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival's production of Dining with Alice.

Six girls, ranging from six to 16, will be left grinning like Cheshire cats if they are selected to play Alice during the al fresco dinner party production by company Artichoke, at Elsing Hall, near Dereham.

More than 150 young girls turned up to auditions at The Garage studios in Norwich, where they took part in workshops today which will be followed by callbacks and auditions for adult parts tomorrow.

Six girls, of different ages and heights, will star in the show, and the chosen ones will be announced tomorrow. Artichoke director Nicky Webb said: 'We are really encouraged by how much enthusiasm there is for taking part in this project.

'There is a real buzz of excitement and some of the girls have come in Alice costumes.

'In Alice we are looking for a girl who likes performing. We are looking for that person who is really up for doing something different.

'It is a very inclusive project. It does not have to be someone who has had lots of performing of TV experience. We are looking for people who will really enjoy it.'

Eleanor Carter, 12, from Thorpe St Andrew, said: 'I love performing. I love the weirdness of the story and the Cheshire cat. 'I have never really performed anywhere very special before. It would be a good opportunity.'

Dining with Alice runs from May 12 to May 15 and May 18 to May 21 at Elsing Hall, near Dereham.

Book on 01603 766400, www.nnfestival.org.uk/nnf11 or at the Theatre Royal box office.

• NNF11 runs from May 6 to 21. You can book online at www.nnfestvial.org.uk/nnf11, by phone on 01603 766400 or at the Norwich Theatre Royal box office