RURAL locations across Cheshire are preparing to play host to a programme of arts and entertainment from March.

Cheshire Rural Touring Arts (CRTA) has launched its spring season of high quality theatre, music, dance and events for residents and families.

This season has a Canadian bias with Theatre Newfoundland visiting and singer/songwriter Ian Sherwood along with Melody Johnson’s beautiful show ‘Miss Caledonia’.

Theatre lovers will enjoy The Foundry Group’s ‘Those Magnificent Men’ and ‘The Shape of Things to Come’ based on the novel by H.G Wells.

The Harmonettes follow the triumph of their last show with ‘Dorothy’s War’ music from the era of the First World War and their own brand of humour tied in with a drama based on the true story of journalist Dorothy Lawrence who disguised herself as a man in an attempt to report from the trenches.

‘Puppet Soup’, ‘When Trolls Try to Eat Your Goldfish’ and ‘Cake’ will be a fabulous outing for families and those who appreciate music will enjoy ’Berlin to Broadway’ and a Baroque musical ‘The Imperfect Pearl’.

The ‘Cutting Hedge’ performance this season is ‘The Last Supper’ – you are invited to a dinner party which has 39 seats and 13 people will be served the last supper of someone they have never met but are about to find out about.

Cllr Stuart Parker, Cheshire West and Chester Council's executive member for culture and economy, said: “We have a large rural population and I know that Cheshire Rural Touring Arts is highly valued.

“The venture has grown with its success, with artists giving high quality performances which are enjoyed by our residents in a number of different venues.

“If you have not been to a performance, I urge you to go along because you have been missing out on something special.”

CRTA is funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council and Arts Council England.

For more information cheshireruraltouringarts.co.uk