THIS can be a difficult time of year to find something to keep the whole family occupied and entertained.

This week, luckily, help is at hand from two leading theatre groups who are bringing their excellent shows to West Dorset for several dates.

Miracle Theatre, who are based in Cornwall, are regular visitors to Dorset, especially in the summer months when they perform shows in the county’s outdoor venues.

This month they are touring with their well-received winter production Frankenstein, which they are staging at Halstock village hall tonight and St Mary’s School, Puddletown tomorrow.

Set just after the Second World war, this adaptation of Mary Shelley’s horror tale blends music, mildly frightening scenes and comedy to provide an alternative panto for families.

Director Bill Scott said: “We wanted to do an alternative to panto that was suitable for all the family to see and have a fun night out.

“But we also wanted it to be different from traditional pantomime because there are so many of those about at this time of year.

“We thought the story of Frankenstein had a lot of potential for fun.

“We have taken it into comedy but it has also got a bit of gore and slightly frightening moments, nothing too strong, that children absolutely love.”

Miracle’s monster story is told with the visual flair of early cinema and the elegant charm of the post-war British musical as a silly, but tender, story of unrequited love, confused monsters and science gone mad.

To book tickets for Halstock Village Hall tonight, call 01935 83347; for Puddletown Middle School tomorrow, call 01305 261984. The shows start at 7.30pm.

*Also showing tonight is Forest Forge’s wonderful adaptation of Joan Aiken’s classic children’s story Midnight is a Place.

Inside the gloomy Midnight Court Lucas Bell and Anna-Marie Murgatroyd live under the stewardship of Sir Randolph, owner of Blastburn’s dangerous carpet factory.

When a mysterious fire forces them onto the icy streets they face danger at every turn.

Surviving in the snow can be a tricky business but Lucas and Anna-Marie’s friendship helps them discover what is needed to build a happy home and how a pie can change family history.

The show is brought to Dorset by Artsreach, whose spokeswoman Kerry Bartlett said: “Following the success of The Wolves of Willoughby Chase in 2010, Forest Forge revisits this classic tale by one of Britain's best-loved children’s authors, Joan Aiken.

“Join us as we return to Blastburn with a shadowy but uplifting family adventure, featuring original live music and all the features of a Forest Forge winter show.”

Midnight is a Place is at Litton Cheney Community hall, near Bridport, today at 7.30pm. Call 01308 482748 for tickets and full details.