YOUNGSTERS are being invited to take to the stage during half-term with a number of special events at local theatres.

At the Theatre Chipping Norton the week kicks off on with a dance workshop on Monday.

This promises to be an action packed session encouraging children to work out funky routines based on well-known chart music. Participants are invited to bring along their own CD's.

On Tuesday, there is a drama workshop for budding actors, involving the youngsters working together on drama games.

Wednesday, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, is for children aged 3 to 7 and gives them a chance to bring along the whole family to see Not Now, Bernard and other Monster Stories. Based on the widely read, well-loved David McKee books, using masks, puppets and possibly the biggest teddy in the world, it recaptures the magic and humour of the original stories.

From Thursday to Saturday, there's a chance to see two great films. Scooby-Doo (PG) is showing every day at 2.30pm and Crush (15) every day at 7.30pm.

Scooby Doo brings the cartoon characters to life on the big screen for an exciting adventure. While Crush is a romantic comedy set in the Cotswolds about the friendship of three forty something women.

Friday sees the end of the week capped off with an arts and crafts workshop to create amazing Hallowe'en lanterns for the youngsters to take home.

The hours for the days are 10am to 11.15am for 5 to 7-year-olds and 11.30am to 1.15pm for 8 to 11-year-olds.

For ticket prices and further details, contact the box office on 01608 642350.

A three-day workshop at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, will give 7 to 10-year-olds the chance to perform in public on the final day.

The course runs from Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 2pm, and costs £40.

More details are available from the theatre.

During the week the popular family show Annie, starring comedy legend Su Pollard, runs at the theatre from Tuesday to Saturday.

For more details and to book, call the box office on 01386 572573.