A performer in the new silent comedy theatre show Charlie And Stan is in the dog house after inappropriate behaviour.
Dog Reggie Wyndham, who played Charlie Chaplin’s pet Scraps, has been sacked from the show after repeated bouts of badly timed barking and becoming over-friendly with his puppet understudy Shep.
The production said they took the “regretful decision” to replace Wyndham just before the show is due to open on July 17 at the Theatre Royal Bath.
Producer David Pugh, who has previously won two Tony awards, said: “Reggie Wyndham’s behaviour became unacceptable as, every time Stan Laurel is hit over the head with a frying pan, which is a lot, he barked.
“Reggie has become very protective of Jerone Marsh-Reid, the actor playing Stan Laurel.”
Wyndham had been in rehearsals for three weeks before opening night but repeated incidents left producers with no choice other than to replace him with Shep the puppet, whose tail had to be repaired.
Pugh added: “It is with great regret we have taken this decision, but Reggie as a showbusiness veteran should know better.
“Reggie has sat peacefully on the laps of Nigel Havers and Sheridan Smith, although he did once wee on Gary Barlow’s leg, but the continual barking at the frying pan and the incident with the understudy puppet couldn’t be tolerated.”
The silent comedy, written and directed by Paul Hunter, follows the story of the comedians Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel.
Danielle Bird stars as Chaplin and Marsh-Reid plays Laurel.
Nick Haverson will portray comedian Fred Karno and Sara Alexander is playing all the other parts, including Chaplin’s mother and the piano.