Musical and theatre Cumbrian Highlights

Last updated 11:47, Thursday, 02 October 2008

COMEDY, drama, Celtic music, puppetry and a gang of “crazy Canadians” all help to make up this Autumn’s programme for the new Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.

More than 50 shows will be staged in 30 venues in Eden, South Lakes, rural Carlisle, and the North Pennines.

A genuine ‘highlight’ of this year’s Scheme will be the Northumbrian pipes of Kathryn and Peter Tickell at the People’s Hall at Sedbergh, on December 5.

There will also be traditional Celtic music and song from the acclaimed Tom McConville in Hallbankgate, Threlkeld and Nicholforest Village Hall in Penton and the return of The Polyjesters ( completely contagious and crazy Canadians) to Orton Market Hall and Ullswater Community College in November.

Drama and puppet performances include the award-winning NTC productions, Country Voices and These Things Do Happen at Appleby, Mungrisdale and Melmerby, Quondam Theatre’s The Last Waltz at Shap and Ivegill and Straw Headed Peter, a cautionary tale for the New Year at Cliburn, Alston and Appleby in January.

Alston is also hosting one of Highlight’s first ever foreign-language productions when Theatre sans Frontieres present La Pelota Magica in Spanish at the Town Hall on Thursday, October 9.

“We are committed to offering professional, entertaining and exciting events in local communities,” explained Barbara Slack, one of the Scheme’s two Directors.

The Scheme website www.highlightsnorth.co.uk has more details.