FOR anyone who may think that actors on the whole have an easy life, then former Dr Who Sylvester McCoy will be only too happy to prove to them otherwise.

McCoy will come to the Lowry in Salford on Monday at the start of a six month run which will see him tour the country in a new version of Michael Frayn's popular farce Noises Off.

"You don't mind if I eat while we're talking'" says the livewire McCoy. "Only this is my lunch break and we're going straight back into rehearsals once I've finished this interview."

Noises off is an acutely observed romp featuring the on-stage and behind the scenes antics of a professional repertory company.

"It's an absolute joy to be in," says McCoy. "It's very hard work but we laugh all day. It's a bit like being in a high speed dance. In a way you do have to get 'match fit' for a production like this, it's a very physical production."

As petty jealousies and internal rumblings among the mythical theatre company surface, chaos threatens their latest production.

McCoy is only too well aware of how accurately observed the characters and situations are.

"Oh, I think any actor can recognise people they've worked with or similar situations thy themselves may have experience," he says. "But that's part of the fun."

Noises Off will tour the country and there is a possibility it may them move into the West End.

"I enjoy touring with a show, it's a good way of keeping everything fresh," says McCoy.

He's also glad to be opening the show in the North West.

"Audiences around the country do differ, but I think most actors will tell you those in the North tend to be more attuned to humour and less reserved than those in the South."

Appearing alongside McCoy will be a host of well know names including Cheryl Campbell, former EastEnder Paul Bradley and Philip Franks.

Noises Off at The Lowry, Salford Quays from Monday, February 10 to Saturday, February 15. Details from the box office on 0870 111 2000.