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Hull therapy dog Hugo pawses volunteer work for another stint in the spotlight

Border Terrier Hugos acting services called on once more for a city show

[Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog Hugo back in the spotlight on the Hull stage]

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Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog Hugo back in the spotlight on the Hull stage(Image: hulltheatres.co.uk)

A canine cutie from Hull will be the saviour once again as he pawses his volunteer work to take centre stage at the opera.

Border Terrier Hugo, a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog who visits care homes and hospitals, will make his debut at Hull New Theatre, on Friday, January 31, at 7.30pm in Puccini's beautiful and romantic opera, La Bohme. In 2023, Hugo was cast in the same opera at Hull City Hall.

He now reprises his role as Muzettas dog in the 2025 show directed by Ellen Kent and featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv. Hugo, owned by Yvonne Batten, successfully answered an appeal four years ago to appear on stage with the famed production company and will now rejoin the cast at the theatre.

Hugos work normally sees him visiting care home residents and helping to make patients on the wards at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital feel better. He also volunteers for the Cinnamon Trust, a charity that supports elderly people with pets.

Yvonne said: The patients and staff love it when Hugo and I visit and it is very rewarding to see the pleasure it gives, especially to the elderly. He loves his work as a PAT dog and he loved being Muzettas dog two years ago and was delighted to be asked back this year to recreate his role at Hull New Theatre.

[Hull Border Terrier Hugo is a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog and visits care homes and hospitals]

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Hull Border Terrier Hugo is a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog and visits care homes and hospitals(Image: hulltheatres.co.uk)

Puccinis masterpiece is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. Set within the attics and backstreets of Bohemian Paris it reflects the art of the period and includes a brass band, snow effects, full choir, and orchestra and of course, Muzettas dog.

Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said: Hugo was brilliant the first time he appeared and did and amazing job. We couldnt wait to ask him back.

People say never work with children or animals, but I love to do both. The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit.

[Hull pet Hugo is reprising his role as Muzettas dog in the opera La Bohme at Hull New Theatre]

View 3 Images

Hull pet Hugo is reprising his role as Muzettas dog in the opera La Bohme at Hull New Theatre(Image: hulltheatres.co.uk)

Since then, weve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage, its always a huge success. Were a nation of animal lovers after all.

As well as La Bohme, Ellen Kent and the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv will also be performing La Traviata, on Thursday, January 30, and Madama Butterfly, on Saturday, February 1.

Tickets are on sale now. Book at the Hull City Hall Box Office, call 01482 300 306 or visit hulltheatres.co.uk

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