A MOVING play about friendship is on tour throughout rural Dorset next week.

It tells the story of a man giving his dying best friend the send-off he wished for - a Viking burial.

Team Viking is a show stuffed with side-splitting anecdotes and even an actual Viking helmet!

Originally developed at the Vaults Festival where it won the Origins Award, this is the debut show from storyteller James Rowland.

Premiered at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe, it fast became the breakthrough hit of the festival, with five star reviews and runaway praise from audiences and critics alike. Now, as it continues to tour to great acclaim, the show heads to Dorset for three nights with Artsreach, including a performance at Nether Compton on Thursday, January 11.

Winner of the Vaults Festival Origins Award and a hit at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe, Team Viking now tours Dorset with Artsreach.

Featuring live music, side-splitting anecdotes and even an actual Viking helmet, James Rowland’s Team Viking – a comic ode to death and friendship – is produced by Tangram Theatre and Supporting Wall.

Five years ago, James’ best friend Tom was diagnosed with heart cancer and given three months to live. His last wish was to be given a full Viking burial. This is the story of how James gave his best friend the send-off he wanted.

Thanks to the Arts Council and local authority funding, plus the support of local solicitors Blanchards Bailey, this new theatre show will launch the brand new Artsreach spring performance programme, which sees more than 65 events take place in rural communities right across the county.

n You can see the show at Nether Compton near Sherborne on Thursday, January 11, (Call 01935 413220 for tickets) and Portland Royal Manor Theatre on Friday January 12 (Call 0333 666 3366). All performances are at 7.30pm.