Dreams realised for Bombay hopefuls

The show has taken more than £10m

Thousands of hopefuls are heading for London for a chance to sing and dance in one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most talked about shows.

People from across the country are expected to descend on Sadlers Wells theatre this weekend for the first round of auditions for Bombay Dreams.

Mr Webber launched the national search for new British Asian performing talent in last October and has been inundated with applications.

Finalists from the first round auditions will be given the opportunity to display their potential in a week-long professional workshop to be held in February.

It has been thrilling to watch London theatregoers embrace Bombay Dreams with such fervour and we have been delighted with the response to the show

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Actors, singers and dancers of a high enough standard will be offered further training and a full time role in the show.

A R Raman's Bombay Dreams is the first West End show to feature a cast that is 90% British Asian.

Since its premiere on 19 June 2002 at the Apollo Victoria theatre it has played to sell-out audiences.

So far, more than 350,000 people have seen the show, the booking period has been extended to October 2003 and the Box Office has taken over £10m since it opened.