A FUSION of play and cookery is steaming towards rural Dorset.

This new theatre show which is part play and part cookery demonstration is set to visit three Dorset venues this spring as part of the varied performance programme by Artsreach, the county's touring arts charity.

Father and son team, Abdul and Kamal, are having a particularly busy night in their restaurant. As they struggle to deal with all of the customers ‘out front’ and the staff in the kitchen, they also have to decide on the future of the curry house. Will Kamal carry on the family business, or is this the end?

Joining Abdul and Kamal on stage for each performance will be a local chef, offering a spicy cookery demonstration, food tasters and conversation with the cast.

Artsreach co-director Yvonne Gallimore said: “The Chef Show first toured in the rural north last spring and was a sell out success in those villages. Bringing it to Dorset is not only a brilliant way to give our audiences a great night out, but it also allows them learn a little about the people running food restaurants and businesses in their local communities.”

The tour starts in Cranborne (01725 517500) on Tuesday March 13, with a guest Chef from Hari Hari in Poole offering a taste of Sri Lanka. A chef from the Golden Bengal in Swanage stars in Langton Matravers (01929 423834) on Wednesday March 14. Finally, Bourton Village Hall (01747 840057) on Thursday March 15 March will feature a chef from Indigo Blue in Mere. All performances are at 7.30pm. See artsreach.co.uk