FELIXSTOWE: Show producers have begun a desperate search for a new bull terrier to appear on stage in Oliver! today after the current cast member was rushed into emergency surgery.

Stanley, the Staffordshire bull terrier due to play Bill Sikes’s dog, Bullseye, at the Spa Pavilion tonight, is seriously ill after emergency surgery on Monday.

Owner Craig Baxter, of Park Lane, Kirton, said: “Stanley was a silly boy and ate some bits of his rubber chew toy and they got lodged inside him.

“We took him to the vets on Saturday morning and they told us to keep any eye on him. But on Monday he was no better so we took him in and they admitted him straight away.

“He had an operation yesterday so they have kept him in the past few nights. He was in quite a bad way.”

But while the producers have wished Stanley a speedy recovery, they are desperately seeking a replacement dog for their debut performance tonight.

Director Julie Locke, of Longcroft, Felixstowe, said: “I know they say never work with children or animals, but we didn’t expect this to happen, although poor Stanley can’t help it.

“We are looking for a dog that is not too small. It has to be a ‘dangerous’ breed of dog like a Staffie or an English bull terrier – anything that looks mean but isn’t.

“And we need a dog that’s not fazed by loud noises and lights.”

n Anyone who thinks they can help can call Julie as soon as possible on 01394 211649.