THAT’S the thing about one man shows – you get to play all the parts, however tricky they may be.

In GaryTurner’s case, that means a six-year-old boy, the boy’s sister, two old ladies, a matador and even the bull itself.

“It was a challenge alright,” Gary says, “especially the bullfighting.”

The Colchester-based actor is talking about his latest show, Toro! Toro!, based on the book by Michael Morpurgo and adapted for the stage by Simon Reade.

Young Antonito lives an idyllic life on his parents’ cattle farm in southern Spain. But the peace is shattered when he realises that his favourite bull-calf, brave Paco, is destined to fight in the bullring.

Taking both their destinies into his own hands, and risking the lives and love of his family, Antonito hatches a daring plan. But it will take enormous courage – because this is 1936, and the drums of civil war are echoing across the Spanish plains.

Originally produced by Salisbury Playhouse and nominated for the TMA Award for Best Show for Young People, Toro! Toro! captures the passion and drama of rapidly growing up in the heat of war.

Toro! Toro! marks Gary’s one man show debut. Best known for playing Carlos Diaz in Emmerdale and the evil Nathan Blake in Hollyoaks – Let Loose, as well as several film roles, he is enjoying the experience of being back on the stage.

“It’s a great show,” he tells me, “and I’m delighted the producers have managed to find a theatre so close to my home, so that all my mates can come and see it.

“The show is aimed at families with children aged eight and upwards, but I’m toying with the idea of taking my five-year-old along.

“They’ve seen dad as Captain Hook in panto before, but then you’re allowed to shout out in those kind of productions.

“I suppose it might look a bit odd if they shout out ‘dad’, especially when I’m playing the bull.”

Toro! Toro!

Lakeside Theatre, Square 5, Essex University Sunday, 2pm.

01206 873261 www.lakesidetheatre.org.uk