WITH half term here, children and families can look forward to some brilliant live theatre events taking place across Dorset through Artsreach, including a special tour of Tin Forest from Britain’s top puppet company PuppetCraft.

An old man lives in a dreary junkyard, full of other people’s broken and unwanted rubbish. He dreams that one day his life will be full of colour, energy and sound, and his wish is about to come true...

The wonderful family show is heading to Portesham village hall on Tuesday, October 25, Broadoak village hall on Thursday, October 27 and Cerne Abbas village hall on Friday, October 28.

Known for their exquisite combinations of beautifully crafted puppets and original music, this uplifting, humorous and touching show from PuppetCraft is no different.

Kerry Bartlett, Artsreach Co-Director, said: “We are excited to be able to bring this outstanding South West company to five of our venues in rural Dorset.

“Full of visual invention, puppetry and musical fun, look out for mechanical birds, a wind-up circus and exotic animals of all shapes and sizes!”

Although told without words, the show has a sound-scape of live music and sound effects that will delight children and adults alike.

Children can join PuppetCraft before the show and create their own animated sculpture from discarded materials, then perform in a junk-instrument orchestra. Places are limited, and so enquire when booking show tickets.

n Portesham village hall on Tuesday, October 25 at 5.30pm (01305 871925), Broadoak village hall on Thursday, October 27 at 4pm (01308 427418) and Cerne Abbas Village Hall on Friday October 28 at 2pm (01300 341332). See artsreach.co.uk for more information.

“We are thrilled to be taking the show on our first rural tour in recent years, to connect directly with audiences in such intimate settings, and to share our work with people that may not usually have the opportunity to see it.”

n Heads Will Roll is at the Bay Theatre, Weymouth College, on November 15. Call 01305 208 702 for tickets. It goes to Bridport Arts Centre on November 25. Call 01308 424 204 for tickets.

It then tours rural Dorset courtesy of Artsreach. It will be at West Stafford Village Hall on November 26. Call 01305 265282 or 01305 257490 for tickets. The play is at Toller Porcorum Village Hall on November 27. Call 01300 320373 for tickets.