A BUMPER programme of theatre, music and storytelling will be heading to venues throughout Wyre Forest and the surrounding area.

It has been organised as part of the rural and community touring scheme, Shindig, which brings professional arts events to more than 4,500 people across Worcestershire each year.

The NTC Touring Theatre Company will perform Charles Dickens's Great Expectations at the Rose Theatre, Kidderminster on Friday, October 21 at 7.30pm.

Storyteller, Rod Burnett, from the children's puppet theatre, Storybox Theatre, will provide family entertainment with The Pea, the Bean and the Enormous Turnip at Areley Kings Village Hall, Stourport on Wednesday, November 2 at 7pm and at Little Witley Village Hall on Friday, November 4 at 7pm.

Hit songs by Frank Sinatra will be performed by Jo King at Little Witley Village Hall on Wednesday, November 30.

The Frankly Sinatra Show, which will feature favourites including New York, New York, and My Way, will start at 8pm.

-The Kremlinaires will treat audiences to their music, which has a Russian influence, at Trimpley Village Hall on Friday, November 25.

They will also perform at Areley Kings Village Hall on Friday, December 2 and at Clows Top Victory Hall on Saturday, December 3. All three shows start at 8pm.

Pianist, Daniel Smith, will perform with his blues band at Areley Kings Village Hall on Saturday, January 21 at 8pm and at Clows Top Victory Hall on Saturday, February 4 at 8pm.

Shindig is subsidised by Arts Council England and Wyre Forest District Council, as well as Worcestershire County Council and other district councils in the county. For further information and tickets, contact the venues.

Little Witley Village Hall can be contacted on 01886 888830 or 888834, The Rose Theatre on 01562 743745, Areley Kings Village Hall on 01299 826352 or 822160, Clows Top Victory Hall on 01299 832637, Trimpley Village Hall on 01299 861376 or 861446 and Cookley First School Hall on 01562 850397.