THE festive season is generally a fraught time of year but Bradford actress - Lucy Bairstow - is used to juggling roles.

While many will be embroiled in present buying and preparations for entertaining on the big day, Lucy will be donning the guises of many characters in Crumble's Search for Christmas.

This charmingly endearing children's adventure is aimed at two to six year olds and it takes to the stage at the West Yorkshire Playhouse's Courtyard Theatre, during the time of year when many families are seeking feel-good entertainment to get them into the festive spirit while spending precious time together.

In the production, devised and directed by Robert Alan Evans (The Night Before Christmas, West Yorkshire Playhouse), Lucy, takes on the roles of Boo, a reindeer called Wendy, Margot the Owl and the Spirit of Winter.

As well as learning her lines Lucy has also had a role behind the scenes too, helping Robert devise the show.

"You just have to really know what you are doing. You can have fun and enjoy it.

"I am used to working hard when you have a show on and being very focused for that time and it's a real pleasure to do such a great show."

Lucy explains the show gives children an understanding of Christmas through the adventures of Crumble, a creature who, instead of hibernating for winter, sets out in search of Christmas.

She says it's about 'igniting the five year old in everybody.' "People laugh together and enjoy the story together as a family."

The 25-year-old's passion for the stage was prompted through watching her parents perform as members of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society in Haworth.

"I used to watch them when I was very small and at 18 I went to drama school in London."

After studying for three years at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Lucy began acting and devising theatre.

She also worked, and continues to be a movement director with spoken word artists in the Roundhouse in London.

Along with Jess Murrain, who she met while training, they set up Theatre With Legs after graduating in 2013. As well as devising shows, they also run and facilitate theatre workshops.

"I have a portfolio career, I wear all different kinds of hats," explains Lucy.

Her previous work with Robert Alan Evans prompted Lucy's involvement in 'Crumbles Search for Christmas.'

"I worked with Rob last year on a devised project called 'Little Boxes' about breaking down gender norms for children and it went on tour," says Lucy.

She says while she loves creating and writing she finds performing 'fun.'

Although based in London, Lucy often travels home to Baildon. "I miss Bradford, I miss the countryside and how calmer people seem to be up North.

"I miss curries in Bradford and the price of a pint!" she adds.

The cast of Crumbles Search for Christmas also includes Leeds born Riana Duce who trained at York University (The Jungle Book, Manchester Open Air Theatre) and Leeds born Emily Goldie who trained at Manchester School of Theatre (Romeo and Juliet, HOME).

It runs at the Courtyard Theatre from Saturday November 25 to Saturday 30 December. Visit wyp.org.uk or call 0113 213 7700.