Nightclub bouncer Adam Macneill was the perfect fit to play the executioner in State Opera's Salome Adelaide nightclub bouncer Adam 'Tiny' MacNeill with girls Justine Ciavola, Jemma Buck, Hannah Rohrlach and Amelia Dawkins. Adam is starring in State Opera's upcoming production of Salome, as the Executioner. AS A city nightclub bouncer, Adam Macneill is used to cutting people off when they get out of line, but when he takes the stage in State Opera's production of Salome next week he will revel in a very different form of cutting - with an axe. The six foot 11 inch (210cm), 140kg bodybuilder affectionately known as "Tiny" will play the pivotal role of the executioner, who presents Salome with the severed head of prophet Jokanaan, or John the Baptist, in the opera's climactic scene. It will be the first time on stage for the 43 year old, who was cast in the non-singing role when producers saw a photo of his huge frame struggling to fit in a doorway. "They saw that picture and that was it," he said. My height is a blessing until I bang my head on doorways, or walk into ceiling fans. The heavy metal fan has been enjoying swapping his regular security uniform for his chain mail and leather costume. "One of my friends said I should have worn it to the Judas Priest concert I went to a few years ago," he laughed. I'm going to have to ask and see if they'll let me take it to Soundwave next year. And while he admits to having some first-time stage nerves, Macneill says he's not easily scared - by much. "Funnily enough I'm actually scared of heights," he laughed. Salome opens at the Festival Theatre on August 24. POINTER: It's a gory story. saweekend