A TOURING performance charity which takes live entertainment into rural communities is predicting a record season for audiences.

The Highlights Rural Touring Scheme will put on dozens of shows in villages and schools across Cumbria this autumn, featuring what are being billed as ‘exciting, high quality’ performances.

Co-director Rosie Cross said: “Audience numbers keep growing, which shows there is an obvious need for the rural touring approach.

“The aim is to make high quality live entertainment and performance accessible and available for all ages – and thanks to Arts Council funding, we are able to offer free tickets to anyone under 26 who wants to see drama or dance locally.”

South Cumbria spots included on the touring calendar include Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Broughton-in-Furness, Staveley, Brigsteer and Bardsea.

Each has a volunteer promoter who works with Highlights to select the shows they would like to host from the menu.

The newest member of the network is John Francis at Bardsea Malt Kiln, which will have its first show in November.

And on December 16, the venue will feature Landermason, a group which mixes folk, jazz and classical music.

“If all goes well, I’m hoping we can host at least one show in spring 2010 and make this a regular event for Bardsea,” he said At Arnside, the autumn programme will see a production of A Christmas Carol on November 13.

“If past experience is anything to go by, we should have a full house,” said Sue Hayward, who has been the promoter for Arnside since 2006.

Elsewhere, Highlight performances include a version of Shakespeare’s Two Gentlement of Verona at Settlebeck High School, Sedbergh, and the Theatre of Widdershins latest show – The King’s Got Donkey Ears – at the Victory Hall in Broughton-in-Furness.

There are also ten venues in Eden where performances take place – the full programme is from tourist information centres and libraries, at www.highlights-north.co.uk or by calling 017683- 53954.