“IT’S the best job in the world.”

That’s what Alastair Chrisholm says, he plays the fox, owl and the snake in Gruffalo.

He feels very lucky to do what he does in a story that will be brought to Parr Hall stage on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11.

“It is surreal,” said Alastair.

“Very rarely, there are days where you think ‘ah I’ve got to go to work’ because it’s not really work when you are messing around and telling a story that means so much to people.

“Recently we did a show with a group of children who were partially sighted or blind and they got to do a touch tour beforehand.

“The production was audio described and meeting them and seeing how excited they were brought it home that it is the best job in the world.

“I can’t think of another job where you get to mess around with your mates, meet new people, travel around the world, have a lovely time and people clap at the end of your job.

“I feel really lucky to do what I do.”

Alastair has gotten used to the efforts of playing multiple characters and sees the benefits it brings him.

The 44-year-old continued: “Whenever you start a new show, getting changed in time and changing between characters takes some getting used to.

“That has now become like clockwork unless you get your arm caught in a sleeve or something,” joked Alastair.

“I have very rarely played one character for a whole show in my career, I have often played multiple roles and I do enjoy that.

“It stretches your range as an actor and it gives you a playfulness on stage.”

Alastair, who describes the hour-long adaptation as a ‘nice storytelling show', says that he loves being a part of the shared experience in Gruffalo.

“All the classic parts of the book that kids and parents will know are there but with some extra bits.

“To be part of shared experience with families is lovely – it’s really special.

“There is something about the way the book is illustrated and written that connects with youngster's imagination.

“When me and my boy go to the theatre, I enjoy watching him get drawn into the world and sharing that experience together.”

Tickets can be found at https://parrhall.culturewarrington.org/whats-on/the-gruffalo/