TWO very different rural dramas are coming to entertain villagers at halls in Pinvin and Dumbleton.

A story with local significance, about changing horticultural practice, called Strawberry Fields, is coming to Pinvin on Tuesday and a Thomas Hardy favourite, The Mayor of Casterbridge, is being brought to life in Dumbleton next Saturday.

Strawberry Fields is coming with the Pentabus Theatre Company, members of which had the original idea for the play, written by Alecky Blythe.

The countryside is changing and strawberries are big business, explains Pentabus.

"With the new growing season about to get under way and a renewed controversy certain, Pentabus returns to Worcestershire with a play that is bang up to the minute," said a spokesperson.

"Strawberry Fields is unlike anything you have ever seen before - a dramatic documentary that is revealing, funny and deadly serious."

Dozens of people were interviewed for the work and asked about what they thought about modern developments, like polytunnel farming, and the use of migrant labour in the fields. Their responses have made the play.

The Mayor of Casterbridge takes audiences back in time in rural England and it is The Wessex Players who are bringing the show to Dumbleton.

A spokesman said: "This is a powerful and moving story of a proud and self-destructive man - and the three women in his life."

Strawberry Fields is on at Pinvin Memorial Hall on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 - call 01386 561409 for tickets.

The Mayor of Casterbridge comes to Dumbleton Village Hall in Dairy Lane on Saturday, April 29. Tickets are £6 (£5 concessions) and are available by calling 01386 881418 or 01386 881478.