1 May 2026
Welcome to Friday Feature – our top picks of weekend events (and beyond) that showcase the very best in rural and small-scale touring.
With so much going on, NRTF wants to spotlight the latest hip happenings on b-road Britain.
This week we focus on dance in Dorchester, laughs across Lancashire and buzzing bees in East Sussex.
Many of these shows are on rural tours – so check out your local scheme to see if they are appearing at a village hall near you.
If you are interested in having your show featured drop deets to Dickie: press@nrtd.org.uk
NRTF spotlights hip happenings along B-road Britain
‘Eyes Down’ – by Just Some Theatre
Spot-On Lancashire presents: ‘Eyes Down’ with two dates this weekend.
It’s Bingo Night at The Stairway To Heaven Social Club, and ‘Mr Razzle Dazzle’ himself, Bertie Bingo, is ready for an evening of dabbers, Droopy Drawers… and death! As numbers roll in and tension mounts, a body is discovered—but whose number is up?
Eyes Down is a thrilling interactive comedy where the audience plays actual games of bingo for real prizes while a comedy thriller unfolds. From the team behind The Plot Thickens and The Killer Question, Just Some Theatre and writer David Payne bring this hilarious, high-stakes whodunit to UK audiences
This weekend at:
Friday 1 May at Glasson Dock Village Hall, Bodie Hill, Glasson Dock, LA2 0FE
Sunday 3 May at Morecambe Library.
‘Something Outta Nothing’ – O’Driscoll Collective
Rural Touring Dance Initiative presents ‘Something Outta Nothing’ – a playful, dance-theatre adventure
This playful, dance-theatre adventure combines Breakin’ with immersive audio storytelling to put you in the driver’s seat.
Grab a headset and join the journey of three friends as they hit the road in a rush to reach their own show. O’Driscoll Collective puts you in control, allowing you to switch between different musical genres via your audio headset.
Artsreach brings Something Outta Nothing at Dorchester Borough Gardens on Sat 9 May 6pm and the show is on tour rurally – Beaford Arts brings the show to Berrynarbor Easter Barton on Friday 15 May or you can catch it at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais, Swansea on Thursday 21 May.
‘Tidings for the Bees!’ – Judith Hope Puppet Maker
Applause Rural Touring invites audiences to discover the ancient tradition of ‘Telling the Bees’ in this charming, theatrical walkabout act.
Meet the costumed beekeepers, their beautiful bee puppets and the charming tower of beehives, travelling in a vintage pram. Whisper your news to the bees, then honour their service by adding decoration to the hives. The adorned hives form a beautiful sculpture which grows throughout the day. Puppet maker Judith Hope was commissioned by Applause to create this brand new work.
Experience Tidings for the Beers on Monday 4 May, 11.00am at a A Taste of Ticehurst, East Sussex. Free entry. And then on tour in May, June and autumn.
Kernow King
Carn to Cove presents a double bill with Kernow King and Myghtern Kernow, both otherwise known as Edward Rowe.
A first half of classic Kernow King gags that will guarantee you irreverent laughs at the sometimes ridiculous nature of being Cornish and/or living in Cornwall, no matter where you are from in the world.
The second half will be in the ancient Celtic language of what has somehow become our second language, Kernewek.
Do not fear! Whether you know some or no Kernewek, you will leave with a grin on your face and knowing what the Cornish word for prawn is.
This Saturday 2 May at Lamorna Village Hall and then dates throughout May.