CHILDREN beware - the witches of Southampton are coming to get you!

More than 35 women were auditioned at The Mayflower to play the parts of 12 bald witches in an adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Witches which is being brought to the theatre from London next month.

The production company has used local talent for the parts since it began touring in December - and, judging by the performances given by wannabe witches, Southampton has its fair share of gruesome characters.

Assistant director Emma Clayton said: "I was very impressed with Southampton's witches.

"Every time I go to a town I'm not sure what to expect and I wonder what people are going to be like.

"Most of them seemed to be gagging for the part and they all had a great sense of humour.

"A good witch is someone who has an underlying dislike for children and can flare their nostrils in order to sniff out small children."

Ros Bottiglieri, a 49-year-old hairdresser from Shirley, was successful at Wednesday's audition.

"My boss at work told me about the audition after he heard about it on the radio. He said I'd make a good witch and so did some of my clients," she said.

The Witches will be at The Mayflower from Tuesday, April 26 to Saturday, April 30.

For tickets and information call the box office on 023 8071 1811.