A LITTLE PROGRESS
Shrek bosses to seek dwarf to play dwarf after 6ft actor row
A SIX-FOOT actor could be taking his final bow in a Shrek show after a call for his part to be played by a dwarf.
Producers will now look for a “short stature” performer to portray evil Lord Farquaad – famed for being “vertically challenged”.
Samuel Holmes, 32, has filled the role in the touring musical since last December, shuffling on his knees with fake mini-legs dangling in front of him.
But his performance angered at least one theatre-goer who said he was “appalled” that the role had not been given to a dwarf. Shrek the Musical chiefs said: “The cast will remain for the current tour, which ends in January, but we will explore casting an actor of short stature for a revival. Shrek celebrates difference and we regret anything other than this has been construed from the casting.”
The row blew up when ex-cop Bill Nicholson, 75, saw the show in Plymouth. He wrote: “Dwarfs are being frozen out by taller actors on a lower salary.
“What next! Snow White and The Seven Tall People!”