The scheme that takes shows to rural communities will be making its usual stops in Wark, Bardon Mill and Haltwhistle as it wends its way through the highways and byways of Northumberland.
One of the organisers, Esther Hingle, said: “Some of the UK’s finest small-scale touring companies are about to hit the rural roads of Northumberland to bring their latest shows to village hall audiences across the county.
“They are all partner venues with the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme and we are working together to bring great performances to small communities, keeping it live and local in the village.”
First stop in Tynedale is Wark Town Hall, on Thursday, September 29, and An Evening with the War Horse Songman .
Bob Fox played the role of Songman in The National Theatre’s award-winning production of War Horse and now he is taking audiences on a journey of his own, through the songs and stories that have been the highlights of his own 40 year career in the music industry.
Wark will also play host to the duo Mochara – namely Maurice Dickson on vocals, guitar, mandolin and bodhran, and Catherine Ashcroft on uilleann pipes and whistles – for an evening of contemporary and traditional folk songs on Thursday, November 10.
And on Sunday, December 4, it will be the turn of accordion maestro John Kirkpatrick and a concert entitled Carolling and Crumpets . Continuing his examination of England’s midwinter rituals, he will play a mix of festive songs that embrace everything from wassailing and wren hunting to stirring the embers of a roaring log fire.
Tickets for the above three events can be booked by ringing (01434) 230180.
Bardon Mill & Henshaw Village Hall meanwhile begin with the Launch Party, a play presented by the Farnham Maltings & Bucket Club, on Sunday, October 23.
Set in the 1970s, it follows the lives of twins Martha and Vi as one climbs a stellar career ladder in contrast to the other, who remains in their home town. The audience plays the role of the guests at a launch party in honour of Vi.
Pentabus Theatre will follow in their footsteps on Saturday, November 12, with Here I Belong , a charming, yet honest, portrayal of village life.
It reflects decades of village history as seen through the eyes of now elderly resident Elsie. As friends gather for her 90th birthday celebration in the village hall, her right to eschew a care home in favour of growing old in her own home is thrown into stark relief.
Tickets for both performances are available by ringing (01434) 344424.
The good burghers of Haltwhistle, by way of contrast, have opted for Capability Brown: The Eye-Catcher , on Friday, October 28.
Local actor John Cobb portrays Britain’s greatest landscape designer during his climb from northern obscurity to national prominence in 18th century England.
And then on Saturday, November 19, Canadian music duo James Hill, a ukulele player, and Anne Janelle, a cellist, arrive with their songbook packed brim full with the best of American folk, rock and pop.
Both performances will take place in Haltwhistle’s Holy Cross Church and tickets are available by ringing (01434) 320260.
Further information about all of the productions and about Highlights itself is available online at www.highlightsnorth.co.uk
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