HIGHLIGHTS Rural Touring Scheme is back with a fantastic programme of high quality arts performances and creative experiences in village halls across Teesdale this spring.
There’s much to lift spirits and bring rural communities and families together with a season that’s full of theatre, dance, and live music performances and shows.
From a pre-apocalyptic theatrical pub quiz to a musical cabaret about a missing Scotch egg, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And following the success of last year’s creative workshops, there are two Creative Highlights sessions where people can try their hand at a creative craft.
“This year marks Highlights 25th birthday,” said Kate Lynch, director of the arts organisation. “As well as applauding our many past achievements, we wanted our spring season to be a real celebration as we look ahead to a brighter future.”
“We very much hope that the months ahead will be filled with lots of moments when rural communities can come together to share a fantastic live music performance, when families can laugh together at the mayhem of a funny show and new friendships can be made while learning a new creative skill.”
Theatre highlights include a fun production that puts the audience right at the centre of the drama. In Box of Tricks Theatre Company’s Last Quiz Night on Earth, the audience takes part in one final pub quiz alongside the locals of the The Four Horsemen pub as a giant asteroid races towards the Earth. In between quiz rounds, the appearance of unexpected guests ensures nothing is quite as it seems at Hamsterley Village Hall on Saturday, April 2, and Scarth Memorial Hall, Staindrop the following evening. The resilience of women, community spirit and shifting identities are explored in other theatre performances.
Miss Nobodies shines a light on the rowdy and resourceful women of Lancashire who galvanised their communities and left their mark on England’s social history. This warm-hearted and poignant new play is at Barningham Village Hall on Friday, March 25.
There’s a brand new, fast-paced production of Pinocchio from Norwich Puppet Theatre at Utass, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on Thursday, April 14, and Scarth Hall, in Staindrop, on Friday, April 15. The lively show features skillful puppetry, illusion, object theatre and a fantastic soundtrack in a fresh twist on the well-loved fairytale for young audiences and their grown-ups.
A wide variety of live music is on offer, including young North East kings of swing Rob Heron and Tom Cronin in a rare duo show with new music created during lockdown at Cotherstone Village Hall on Friday, May 20.
Award-winning Scottish songwriter and musician Elsa Jean McTaggart performs new Celtic fusion music, created during the pandemic in her remote home on the Isle of Harris, at Boldron Village Hall on Thursday, April 21.
There is a thrilling performance from Slanjayvah Dance with a fusion of feisty flamenco and contemporary Scottish step dance in 6 Feet, 3 Shoes at Mickleton Village Hall on Friday, May 13.
Two full day workshops led by artists are on offer with sessions in mini-textile landscapes and willow weaving. Visit www.highlightsnorth.co.uk
