Wanted: short actors with hairy feet

London: Wanted: 20 diminutive actors who can sing. Hairy feet are a distinct advantage.

Producers of a musical version of The Lord of the Rings are looking for candidates to play the hobbit heroes in the epic fantasy based on JRR Tolkien's classic.

"The producers are looking for male and female actors and singers aged between 16-35 who must be under five feet seven inches (1.7 metres). Hairy toes and feet are a distinct advantage," a spokesman said on Tuesday.

The musical, which received its world premiere in Toronto but has been reworked after some damning reviews, is to open in London in June next year.