SOME were dressed as ballroom dancers, others as low-life criminals, while others looked like punks.All were hoping for at least a tiny bit of big screen fame when a major film is shot in Yarmouth this summer.

SOME were dressed as ballroom dancers, others as low-life criminals, while others looked like punks.

All were hoping for at least a tiny bit of big screen fame when a major film is shot in Yarmouth this summer. Malice in Wonderland is a remake of the classic Lewis Carroll children's fantasy, but set against a backdrop of drugs and crime. It will star Mischa Barton, best known from the hit television series the OC, as well as Danny Dyer and possibly Bob Hoskins.

Producers were a little disappointed with the turnout at Yarmouth's Hippodrome yesterday, but were impressed with the talents of those who showed up. They need a database of around 500 people to appear as extras, in particular in a huge party scene which will include high-class party goers, criminals, and Marilyn Monroe and Madonna lookalikes.

Production manager John Watson said: “We could have easily used another 100 people, but they have been really interesting. We have had a few ballroom dancers and some amateur dramatics.

“We want characters. I saw a really short guy walking down the street today and I said did he want to come along? He said he would.

“You don't need experience, though anyone who has done amateur dramatics would be great. It is not really an audition, you don't need to bark like a dog or anything.”

Elizabeth Goram-Smith, 24, from Cawston, came dressed in a ballgown. She has already had some film parts and is one of the voices used in the Pukka Pies adverts on television at the moment. She said: “They were really nice and really enthusiastic. He said there was no reason why I shouldn't get a part.”

Salsa dancers Donna Haylock and Jody Hunter threw their gowns, make-up and jewellery on at the last minute after hearing about it yesterday morning. Mrs Haylock, 39, from Gorleston, said: “My mum saw it in the EDP and said: 'That will be right up your street.'”

Mrs Hunter, 38, said: “You see these X Factors all the time and then I saw that I could audition for this.”

Simon Pritchard, 40, a rock and roll artist from Norwich, has had film and television parts in the past. He was wearing a 1970s leather jacket from New York, patterned shirt and trousers with a lion design on them. He said: “I wear 1950s, 60s and 70s vintage clothing anyway and I thought the 70s pimp look might be appropriate for this. They seemed quite keen on the way I looked.”

There will be more castings on Saturday, time and venue to be confirmed.