Acting seems to come natural to dog-actor Fuzzy who has debuted in a Shakespearean comedy standing out as the sole male member in an all-female cast.

The four-year-old canine actor is playing the part of Crab, a dog often offended by its owner Launce in MADC's rendition of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

"During the first rehearsal it was not easy because Fuzzy seemed to be a bit confused," fellow actress Isabelle Attard, who plays the part of Launce, said.

"I was shouting, as I do while I'm on stage, and the poor thing thought I was shouting at him and couldn't get what was going on. But the second time around he was much better and, by the third rehearsal, he mastered the part... He's a natural," she said.

Launce is the clownish servant of Proteus, one of the two gentlemen of Verona. As his master stresses him out, Launce transfers his frustration onto the poor Crab.

Fuzzy embraces the part and shrugs off the mean comments directed at him by just lying there on stage with utter indifference, much to the amusement of the public who quickly warm up to the four-legged actor.

Fuzzy's break into the acting world came about through contacts. His real owner, Marlies Diamantino, is good friends with Ms Attard who has known Fuzzy since he was a puppy.

Aware of the animal's good nature, Ms Attard suggested he take part in the play and both he and Ms Diamantino accepted.

Ms Diamantino explained that Fuzzy, a cross breed with an Alsatian dog, was born under a truck in a stable and she adopted him after Ms Attard told her about the litter.

"He's an absolute darling," she said adding that she was proud that her Fuzzy was probably the first dog to take part in a Shakespearean play in Malta.

Fuzzy too is proud of his accomplishments. In fact, in the play's programme, Fuzzy "says" that while glad to have been given a silent part to play... next time he might even say a few lines! The play is being staged at the MITP Courtyard in St Paul Street, Valletta until Sunday. The shows start at 8.30 p.m.