Charlie, the 18-year-old Donkey who will take to the stage in Carmen at the Regent Theatre on February 23.

VETERAN actor Charlie the donkey is set for his biggest role yet – treading the boards at Ipswich’s Regent Theatre.

Eighteen-year-old Charlie, already the star of several nativity plays and church services, stepped in after the director of opera Carmen put a call out for a donkey.

Charlie’s owner, Sue Field, even had to fill out an application form explaining his likes and dislikes and acting career to date.

“He is such a good donkey, he is independent, he is happy to go out and be on his own. I think he knows he is something of a superstar,” Mrs Field said.

“He always rises to the occasion and everyone who meets him gets huge pleasure from him. He is worth his weight in gold.”

She saw an article in the East Anglian Daily Times and its sister title the Ipswich Star urging someone to come forward to help.

Charlie, who has a walk-on part in two scenes in the performance a week today, will also be joined by Mrs Field, who will playing the role of a peasant.

Mrs Field owns a total of eight donkeys at her hire company’s – Rainbow Donkeys – base in Leavenheath.

The cast and crew are putting together a collection to raise money for a donkey welfare charity on the night.

Carmen will be performed by the Moldovan National Opera and the Moldovan National Philharmonic Orchestra at the Regent Theatre as part of a 74-date tour of the UK and Ireland. For tickets call 01473 433100.