"At the age of 14 I was an amateur performer at the NKT theater school in Purmerend. At one point I thought; Yes! This is what I like. This is what I want to do something with." Ayal then followed the MBO course 'Art, Culture and Entertainment' and then the HBO acting course at the HKU in Utrecht. Together with actors such as Peter Bolhuis and Victor Low, he played in the stage version of Harry Mulisch's De Aanslag. He also played for a long time in Soldier of Orange, the musical. "Somehow I play more often in plays that deal with the Second World War," he said. Ayal has many examples of actors he learns from, but for Ayal, an example does not have to be famous at all. "I think you have to look for your own examples. Everyone has their own qualities and I think you should especially look for an example of someone who wants to make the world a little more beautiful or better and someone who is kind to others."

A sought-after actor for various roles in numerous fairy tales and family shows

In recent years, Ayal has also been a sought-after actor for various roles in numerous fairy tales and family shows. As a result, he now knows most fairy tales by heart as well. "I used to love listening and reading the 'Lekturama listening fairy tales' and when you had to turn the page you would hear 'PING'. Those voices of the actors, the stories but also that PING really had something magical for me. My aunt also took me to the movies as a child. I remember The Little Mermaid very well, especially how scary I found some scenes, such as the sea witch.... Not all Disney movies are instant fairy tales either, but Disney always brings great titles and stories! Several times I watched the Disney version of my hero: Robin Hood. Furthermore, I listened to Frank and Frey or Oliver & Co on a cassette tape."

Through all those roles in various fairy tale shows and as a play teacher at the NKT theater school, Ayal now has extensive experience playing for and with children. "Both are wonderful things to do, and the combination is perhaps the most fun. For me, a family performance is only successful if you can entertain adults and children! Of course, children do get distracted quicker. There has to be plenty to see during a performance and at some moments just a little more energy to keep their attention."

Those who are not strong must be smart

Hansel & Gretel is the adventurous story of a brother and sister who are abandoned by their parents. The actors are challenged to play and tell this world-famous fairy tale in just thirty minutes. Despite that speed, there are elements of the story that Ayal says should definitely not be missed. "That the strongest does not always win, after all, those who are not strong must be smart. But also that you should always be kind to your little brother or sister. I have a brother and a sister myself. And I also get lost regularly, especially when I'm on vacation. Unlike Hansel and Gretel, fortunately I have Google Maps so I usually find my way back pretty quickly. Still, getting lost can sometimes be very exciting, and also fun, as long as you're together. You sometimes discover very unexpected and beautiful things. But always watch out for mean witches...!"

Driving Home For Christmas

Two weeks of playing in a special place like Castle de Haar has something magical about it, although Ayal herself must not think of living in such a large castle. "A castle, palace or castle is an exciting and beautiful place for young and old, but visiting it or reading about it is enough for me. I prefer to live a little smaller. I hate to think of losing something and having to search all those rooms! Besides, I'm not very fond of dusting and vacuuming and you can do that all day when you live this big! I live with my own princess in a cozy little house, totally fine." There is not much time to enjoy the holidays at home. "With the holidays we are always extremely busy. Fortunately, we always find some time to eat together. Especially the atmosphere and the decorations are what I like most about Christmas." Very appropriately, Ayal then plays his favorite Chris Rea Christmas classic, "Driving Home For Christmas," during the Christmas dinner. But before that time comes, Ayal will mainly be driving towards Castle de Haar in the coming period, because the largest castle in our country will be his 'home' for the next few weeks.

Adventure, humor and familiar sing-along songs

'The Fairy Tales of the Hair' featuring the adventure of Hansel & Gretel is a comical storytelling performance full of adventure, humor and familiar sing-along songs. To be seen from December 25 (Christmas Day) through Sunday, January 6, and tickets are available at: www.kasteeldehaar.nl. A limited number of tickets are also available for the four special evening openings on Dec. 27, 28, 29 and 30. For those who can't wait until the Christmas vacations, follow all developments of not only the actors, but also Hansel & Gretel online via Facebook and Instagram.