TOURING theatre companies will be taking to the road to bring a programme of drama to local communities.

Nine venues have been included in the Elements Touring Scheme, which includes performances by Newcastle's Live Theatre, Tutti Frutti Theatre and Lempen Puppet Theatre.

Elements projects administrator Jessica Bell said: "This varied programme of drama events across the county ensures that communities can enjoy the experience of having great professional theatre on their doorsteps.

"The collaboration between Live Theatre and Elements on the Last Post, written by Julia Darling, is especially exciting, as it has been rehearsed and produced in County Durham and has involved a number of community groups."

Lempen Puppet Theatre performed The Last of the Trolls at Ouston Community Centre and at the Elite Hall, Crook, yesterday, and will be at Dawdon Community Centre on Saturday, at 7pm.

The Last Post will be performed at Roseberry Comprehensive School, Pelton, on April 15, at 7.30pm; Wood View Community Centre, Langley Park at 7.30pm on April 23; Sunnydale School, Shildon at 7.30pm on April 26; and Ferryhill Working Men's Club on April 30, at 7.30pm.

Elements is funded by Northern Arts, the National Lottery, Durham County Council, Durham City Arts and the district councils of Chester-le-Street, Derwentside, Easington, Teesdale, Sedgefield and Wear Valley