The Modern Mann

Actors with dwarfism rarely get cast in title roles, but in panto season there’s an obvious exception: the many major productions of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ staged across Britain. But what does the prevalence of this pantomime do to affect the lives of ordinary people with dwarfism, who aren’t performers? Activist and writer Eugene Grant, who has achondroplasia, believes if the first time most people see someone with dwarfism is on stage as a fairy-tale stereotype, it has a directly detrimental effect - as he explains to Olly in this insightful interview. Meanwhile, the moment has finally come: Ollie Peart presents the world premiere of ‘his’ Christmas single, ‘Sounds of Christmas’. He reveals the full list of podcasters taking part, details the extraordinary publishing rights, and explains his strategy to crack the UK Top 40. The single comes out on Friday, in support of Samuel’s Charity - and, as soon as it’s out, we’ll post a link on Twitter @themodernmann. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox