Introducing...Chris Alexander

Chris is currently on the road with Martha and we sat down to discuss work, life and…Haribo

When did you first work with Catherine Wheels?
Hmm, 2016. It was on February 15th I remember as I received no Valentine’s cards the day before. So it was good to shake off the Valentine’s BLUE and start on WHITE. I had just come back from journeying through Eastern Europe.

What does your job involve?
Pretending to be someone or something (A creature at times and even a jar of jam). Playing. I think Alfonso Mucha said it well – “The person that can communicate his emotions to the soul of others is the Artist”. Or a jam jar.

What has been a Catherine Wheels highlight for you?
A ceilidh in China. Flinging and dancing with completely bewildered but also happy faces.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?
Its a gift, I feel. To move folk to laughter or tears…both even. To inspire, to create joy-bags of it. To have had the ability to do that to folk who don’t speak the same language, the chance to enjoy random moments with people from travelling with work, Scotland or otherwise. Giving someone a hug that you might never have otherwise met. And free Haribo.

What’s the best thing about working in theatre?
An audience. The live buzz. The tickle in your body before you step out.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to work as an actor?
Do you like money? Then do something else.

In all seriousness, as I don’t know who will read this besides my Mum, and she doesn’t want to act. I would say this – I knew I wanted to be an actor very early, it’s a life choice, it’s a job, but it feeds you both good and bad. If your gut tells you you want this, then you must absolutely try.

And always carry Haribo with you, actors like Haribo. If you can’t get Haribo, then for goodness sake get hold of some Maoam.

Can you tell us a Catherine Wheels secret?
Aye, the RED egg in White, its such a simple…..(spots Ian and Andy) is a really LOVELY red colour.

And finally, how would you describe Catherine Wheels in three words?
Storytellers. Biscuits. Passion.