George Dubya actor out of the running

In a day where George W. Bush dominates the headlines, the actor who plays him has also been thrust into the limelight.

Dean Kelly, the current star of The Dubya Trilogy at the New Players Theatre, has had to leave the production because of a serious family illness.

Andy Harrison, who played Dubya in The Madness of George Dubya during its successful run at the Arts Theatre in the West End last year, is to step into the breach. He is currently learning both sequels – A Weapons Inspector Calls and Guantanamo Baywatch – in order to be able to perform in Kelly’s place tonight.

A spokesperson for the production said: “Dean’s mother was taken seriously ill today, it is absolutely tragic. Everybody is heartsick over what he is going through and about losing him. However we are delighted to welcome Andy Harrison back to the production, he knows the part of Dubya very well and will bring his own magic. It is quite a task ahead of him though – this evening should be spectacular whatever happens.”

He could not confirm whether Kelly would be able to return before the show’s run concludes on November 20.