AN ACCLAIMED adaptation of King Lear is heading to Dorset,

It will be calling into West Stafford near Dorchester on Friday, October 18 and two other rural communities.

Oddbodies' solo adaptation of the Shakespeare classic is described as 'inventive, irreverent, and highly accessible'.

The play is on tour in partnership with Artsreach, Dorset’s touring arts charity.

Armed with only a drum, a guitar, a knife and a chair, the tragic trajectory of Lear’s demise is presented to you from the point of view of his long suffering and ever-loyal fool. ‘The bastard Edmund’, haughty Goneril, poor deluded Gloucester, oily Oswald, sweet Cordelia, mad Tom – all the characters from this sad and sorry tale are brought to glorious life before your very eyes.

Blindness, betrayal, delusion, deceit, love, loyalty, lust and greed; it’s all here in this fast paced, funny, poignant and ultimately heart-breaking production.

Artsreach co-director Yvonne Gallimore said, “Audiences will remember Oddbodies as the company behind such memorable productions as Richard III and The Rakes Progress. This brand new show will feature all of Oddbodies’ trademark physical ingenuity and visual flair, and I’m certain will be a real highlight of the season.”

*See King Lear performed in Melbury Osmond (01935 83453) on Thursday October 17, West Stafford (01305 261984) on Friday October 18 and Child Okeford (01258 861621) on Saturday October 19. All performances start at 7.30pm. Oddbodies' Paul Morel will also lead a theatre workshop at Stour Connect, Sturminster Newton, on October 19 from 2pm to 4pm. Call 07814 876254 to book. Designed to develop skills in characterisation, devising and performance, and open to ages 16+ and all levels of experience, workshop places are discounted for those buying tickets to a performance. Full tour details, workshop information and tickets are available from www.artsreach.co.uk