SHOWS by national and international production companies will tour village halls this spring.

Highlights Rural Touring Scheme has announced a new season of 16 performances that will appear at 11 community venues across Teesdale and Wear Valley until May.

A Shakespeare inspired double bill of plays, Finding the Will- Bard Heads, will be at Bowes and Gilmonby Parish Hall in Bowes on Friday, January 23, 7.30pm., tickets on 01833-628357.

Amsterdam by Chanje Kunda is part autobiography, part travelogue and part lyrical drama and will be at St Thomas Church Hall, Stanhope, on Saturday, February 14, 7.30pm, tickets on 01388-528673.

Comedic string quartet Bowjangles’ On the Box! is musical fun for all ages and will be at Hamsterley Village Hall, on Thursday February 5, tickets on 01388-488323; and Cotherstone Village Hall on Saturday, February 7, call 01833-650827.

The New Budapest Café Orchestra will be at St John’s School and Sixth Form College, in Bishop Auckland, on Thursday, February 26, 7pm, call 01388-603246.

The Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, will host physical theatre All the Things You Said You Never Said by Compagnie T-d’U on Friday, February 20, 8pm, bookings on 01833-631107.

Eight piece music powerhouse Heritage Survival Band will be at Frosterley Village Hall on Saturday, February 28, 7.30pm, bookings on 01388-526391.

Details of all shows, and tickets for most, can be found online at www.highlightsnorth.co.uk