SOUTH Warwickshire villages will be staging a variety of touring shows over the coming months under the Live and Local umbrella.

The network brings performers and shows to smaller village venues that might not normally be able to host such events.

The Lempen (CORR) Puppet Theatre -- one to delight youngsters aged between five and 12 -- is bringing its show, The Last of the Trolls, to Oxhill village hall on March 15.

Audiences will be brought face-to-face with an unusual family who live in a coalmine in this show, featuring eye-popping table-top puppets and gentle storytelling.

Hatstand Opera takes some of the best bits of the great operas in its slick and witty Golden Moments From Opera production, packed with quick-fire costume changes, which will be performed at Wilmcote village hall on March 9. The village also hosts a visit from the band, The Brasshoppers on February 9.

E Nesbitt's classic tale, The Railway Children, is brought to life in a new production for all the family by New Perspectives Theatre Company at Preston-on-Stour Millennium Hall on February 1.

Comedy comes to the Wild West when the Inner State Theatre Company brings laughs aplenty to the stage at Ettington village hall on January 31. Set in the town of Deadloss, it offers audiences a chance to dust off their Stetsons and ride into town for a daft night of Western fun.

Further details on all shows are available from Live and Local on 01926 402173.