PRODUCERS of Steinbeck’s classic ‘Of Mice and Men’ which opens at the Everyman theatre in Cheltenham next month are searching for an elderly dog - no previous acting experience needed.

The successful canine will be on stage for just five minutes each performance and will be on a lead at all times.

Badger, who was lined up for the role, sadly died just before rehearsals began so now a dog is needed for the week the show is at the theatre, Tuesday, February 23 – Saturday,February 27.

A spokesperson from the Everyman Theatre said: “Most breeds and sizes will be considered, but he or she should ideally look relatively elderly and have the appearance of a ‘working’ dog, and must have a calm temperament. The dog will be on stage for around five minutes in total, alongside Dudley Sutton, playing ‘Candy’ and on a lead at all times.

“The successful dog and owner will be required 6-9pm Tuesday, and 7-9pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 2-3.30pm for the Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Expenses will be covered.”

The Touring Consortium Theatre Company and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s new tour of John Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice and Men tells the story of two migrant farm workers held together by a mutual dependence, a deep affection and an undying loyalty who go in search of new beginning in the hope of attaining their shared dream: of putting together enough money to buy a small piece of land and building a home.

No strangers to trouble, George and Lennie soon find themselves reeling from the fallout of an innocent misunderstanding which spirals out of control and leaves the two men, bound together by friendship, facing an earth-shattering climax.

  • Anyone with a dog suitable for the role (and available at these times) should contact Janice@touringconsortium.com or call her on 0844 5880 848.