Village halls and small spaces are about to resound to another season of touring work

FOR spring 2015, the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme has a wide-ranging programme of events on North Yorkshire doorsteps.

Bowjangles – On the Box takes a string quartet performance to a whole new dimension. Comedic musicians, Bowjangles perform a night of multi-dimensional entertainment with their TV parody On the Box! February 5 at Hamsterley Village Hall and February 7 at Cotherstone Village Hall.

Amsterdam is super-modern 21st Century play about one woman’s search for love. Part autobiography, part travelogue and part lyrical drama; at St. Thomas Church Hall, Stanhope on Feb 14.

For something a little different, an international cast with a thoughtful piece of physical theatre from Compagnie T-d’U - All the Things You Said You Never Said… One couple, four actors and a performance exploring two versions of reality. February 20 at The Witham, Barnard Castle.

Heritage Survival Band is an eight-piece Zimbabwean band who draw on modern influences with a bit of up-beat chimurenga songs with fast-beat sungura music, afro-jazz and the occasional popular reggae cover thrown in for good measure! February 28 at Frosterley Village Hall and March 7 at The Witham, Barnard Castle.

Award-winning Canadian musician and songwriter, Ian Sherwood mixes catchy melodies and heart-breaking stories with intricate guitar loops, saxophones and pop, rock and jazz grooves to create an energetic stage show. March 11 at Newbiggin in Teesdale Village Hall.

Lempen Puppet Theatre – The Fisherman and the Pearl is a comic, children’s show from Lempen Puppet Theatre told with puppetry, mask, storytelling and animation. April 9 at The Witham, Barnard Castle.

Theatre Newfoundland Labrador – With Cruel Times in Between comes to St Thomas Church Hall, Stanhope on April 17. This Canadian company of six performers gives a lyrical, moving and funny portrait of Newfoundland culture inspired by the writings of poet, Al Pittman.

Randy gods, psychotic giants and murderous elves face off in the show to end all shows – with the end of the world guaranteed. From the adventures of Thor to the outrageous pranks of Loki, every story from Norse mythology is packed into one unforgettable hour. Mixing comedy, music, electric drama and an unhealthy amount of cross-dressing, Noresome is Valhalla-va show from awarding-winning Temple Theatre. At Hamstereley Village Hall on April 30, and Frosterley Village Hall on May 1.

Set in 1955 and based on a true story, Miss Caledonia looks back at one young, optimistic farm gal and her dreams of escaping her rural Ontario life by winning the local pageant as a first step to becoming a movie star. Performed by Canadian comedy award winner, Melody Johnson to a live fiddle score. Barningham Village Hall on May 14.

  • For more information and ticket details contact the venue or visit highlightsnorth.co.uk