AFTER stacking up three awards in a year, a performing arts company is once again planning to transform the Bellingham ring at Hexham and Northern Mart into a stage.

Morpeth-based November Club toured Northumberland last year with its rural musical production Beyond the End of the Road.

The musical, which is inspired by the stories of hill sheep farmers in rural Northumberland, went on to win the Achates Philanthropy Prize Corporate Award, Performance of the Year at the Journal Culture Awards in May 2018 and Touring Scheme Collaboration of the Year with Highlights Rural Touring at the National Rural Touring Awards in June 2018.

Thanks to the Achates win, November Club was awarded a £5,000 prize which has enabled them to clear out the sheep for one more weekend and bring the show back to Hexham and Northern Mart.

November Club’s artistic director Cinzia Hardy said: “We are thrilled to be recognised nationally for our work with the Achates Award and National Rural Touring Awards, bringing medium scale musical theatre to small villages across Northumberland.

“Beyond the End of the Road was very much the villages’ show as it was ours; we took the communities on a journey from the initial story gathering to participating in the final performance.

“The show resonated deeply with the communities we toured to and became a real celebration of the county and rural life.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be remounting the show this summer and we hope all those who missed out last year and those who want to enjoy it all over again, will join us in the Bellingham ring.”

With music and lyrics by Katie Doherty, and written by Laura Lindow, the show is performed by a professional cast of 10 actors and musicians.

The performances will take place in the Bellingham ring at the Hexham Auction Mart at 7.30pm on Saturday and 6.30pm on Sunday.