FOUR-year-old Benjamin Tang has made his stage debut while providing the "aah" factor for one of the world's most famous musicals.

The Whitefield cutie has no experience of drama school or modelling, but has been appearing two or three times a week in Miss Saigon at Manchester's Palace Theatre.

Benjamin does not have any lines to speak, but is on stage for about three-quarters of the musical.

His mother, Kimberley Tang, of Bilberry Close, said: "I had no idea what Benjamin would be doing because I could not attend rehearsals. So when I saw the show for the first time I was really surprised at the part he was playing.

"He seems to be on for an awfully long time. I am very proud of him, particularly the way he copes with appearing in front of such big audiences.

"He does seem to be enjoying it at the moment, but I do not think he realises how long it will be going on for. "The only problem is that I would love to see him every time on stage, but of course I cannot."

Theatre bosses are still searching for other youngsters from the area to share the spotlight with Benjamin.

No acting experience is necessary, but Joanne Hawes, who is in charge of recruiting and looking after youngsters in the show, said she was particularly looking for the "aah" factor.

She said: "Benjamin is one of three children appearing in Miss Saigon on a rota basis, but we would like two more.

"With this show we obviously have specific requirements. We are looking, of course, for an Oriental looking child, girl or boy, aged about four-years-old. They do not need to speak or sing, but we are looking for the aah factor."

Joanne explained: "At the start the youngster is hidden behind a curtain and when he or she appears the audience should immediately go aah.

"Acting experience is not necessary. The main thing is that they look right. With this role, youngsters can either do it or they can not.

"They are on stage for a long time, surrounded by a lot of people, with gun shots and all kinds of things going on around them. In addition, of course, they have to be happy to run into the arms of the actress playing the role of their mother."

There is no proper audition, Joanne simply talks to the youngsters and plays games with them. She said: "That loosely tells us whether they will be capable of doing the role or not.

"Benjamin was one of 16 children we saw and he has been terrific."

Anyone who feels their child fits the bill and would enjoy the role in Miss Saigon, which runs until June, should telephone Joanne on 01628 773048, or write to the Stagedoor, at the Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT.