Cheshire Rural Touring Arts Autumn 2026

Autumn 2026 sees the return of Cheshire Rural Touring Arts, with a superb selection of high-quality professional shows to enjoy right on your doorstep.

With theatre, music, dance, storytelling and family shows, there really is something for everyone. 

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future said:  

“Cheshire Rural Touring Arts,  is a brilliant asset to Cheshire. There’s no need to travel to Manchester and Liverpool, when there are great high-quality professional shows in your local village hall.

“A huge thank you to the volunteers who promote, select, and host shows in community venues for audiences across Cheshire to enjoy. Their hard work and hospitality are the heartbeat of Cheshire Rural Touring Arts.” 

Cheshire Rural Touring Arts is a partnership between Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council, supported by Arts Council England.

The Autumn 2026 shows include:

The Mersey Belles and Beaus

Fri 25 Sept 7pm - Macclesfield Library (performance space upstairs), SK10 1EE
Sat 26 Sept 7.30pm - Vicars Cross Community Centre, CH3 5LP
Sat 24 Oct 7.30pm - Siddington Village Hall, SK11 9JR

The Mersey Belles and Beaus bring vintage charm, dazzling harmonies and irresistible ukulele-fuelled fun to every stage. From timeless classics to fresh twists on modern favourites, this quality quartet guarantees a joyful, feel-good show that will leave audiences singing all the way home.

Suitability: All

Duane Forrest: TENDERLY True Life & Times of Nat King Cole

Fri 2 Oct 8pm – Great Budworth Parish Hall, CW9 6HL
Sat 3 Oct 7.30pm – Hoole Community Centre, CH2 3AP

Experience the unforgettable songs of Nat King Cole in this captivating solo show from internationally acclaimed, award-winning artist Duane Forrest. Blending soulful performance with powerful storytelling, ‘Tenderly’ is a must-see celebration of the life, legacy, and resilience of one of music’s greatest icons.

Suitability: Adults & Families (8+)

Ménestrel (Canadian): Songs of the Mayflower

Sat 17 Oct 7.30pm - Gawsworth Village Hall, SK11 9QY
Sun 18 Oct 3pm – Parkgate and Neston United Reformed Church, CH64 6UZ

Step into a world of beautiful melodies and timeless tales, as Ménestrel breathe new life into medieval music. This unique Canadian duo combine early music, folk traditions and exceptional musicianship, to create an enchanting live experience not to be missed.
Suitability: Adults (& anyone who likes early medieval music)

Black Liver: Rogues Gallery 

Fri 23 Oct 7.30pm – Bosley, St Mary Church, SK11 0NX
Sat 24 Oct 7.30pm – Tarvin Community Centre, CH3 8LY
Sun 25 Oct 7.30pm – Plumley Village Hall, WA16 0TR
Sun 22 Nov 6.30pm – Neston Town Hall, CH64 6TR
Sat 28 Nov 7.30pm – Kelsall Community Centre, CW6 0SB

BBC Radio 4 Sitcom Award winners Black Liver present ‘Rogues’ Gallery’, a rebellious tale inspired by a mysterious portrait and the remarkable women connected to it. With hidden histories, and plenty of laughs, this funny, sharp and engaging show blends comedy, music, and sketches to create a thought-provoking evening that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Suitability: Adults & 12+

Ri Ris Dance Academy: The Magic Stick

Sat 24 Oct 2pm – Theatre Porto, CH65 6QY
Sun 25 Oct 1pm – Hoole Community Centre, CH2 3AP

Magic, music and Bollywood-inspired dance collide in this enchanting family production from the world renowned Ri Ri’s Dance Academy. Follow Diya’s uplifting journey through the Utsav Festival of Kindness and discover how far a selfless act can go. This is feel-good family entertainment at its very best. 
Suitability: 6-12 years & families

Alisha McKenzie: Alicia’s Amazing Adventure

Fri 6 Nov 6pm – Tarvin Community Centre, CH3 8LY

With a little ancestral magic, and lots of help from the audience, Alicia journeys through time to uncover the remarkable stories of Britain’s first Black Britons. An uplifting, interactive family-show that makes learning history fun. An unforgettable adventure, perfect for curious minds age 7+.
Suitability: 7+ years & families.

Nic Collette: Mettle

Fri 6 Nov 7.30pm – Hoole Community Centre, CH2 3AP
Sat 7 Nov 2.30pm – Neston Royal British Legion, Chester Road, Neston, CH64 9PB
Sun 8 Nov 7.30pm – Audlem Scout and Guide Hall, CW3 0AL                                    

Award-winning actor Nicholas Collett brings his father’s extraordinary World War II story to life in ‘Mettle’. A moving, funny and deeply personal journey across oceans, battles and memories. Celebrated by audiences and critics alike, this unforgettable true story is a heartfelt tribute to those who served, loved and endured. Not to be missed.

Suitability: Adults

Casson & Friends: SHED STORIES

Fri 13 Nov 7.30pm - Goostrey Village Hall, CW4 8PE

Bandsaws, banter and bourbon biscuits take centre stage in ‘SHED STORIES’. Discover the laughter, camaraderie and resilience found inside Men’s Sheds across the UK. Blending humour, movement and true stories, it celebrates friendship, community and the power of connection over a well-earned cup of tea.

Suitability: Adults

Pipeline: George and The Drag Queen

Sun 22 Nov 7.30pm – The Five Villages Hall, CH1 6NT

George and The Drag Queen - Fete brought them together. A new play from Pipeline Theatre presents George and Maddy - a pair of wise-cracking oddballs, set in that bastion of Englishness: a St. John Ambulance gazebo in a village fete. Oh, and Usman - a Drag Queen. A provocative, darkly funny, but ultimately life-affirming theatrical journey. Trigger warning: Contains scenes of empathy and mutual understanding. 

Suitability: Adults & 14+

Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman: Celtic Christmas Strings

Sat 5 Dec 7.30pm – Tarvin Community Centre, CH3 8LY
Sun 6 Dec 7.30pm – Jodrell Bank Science Centre, SK11 9DL

Celebrate the season with the spellbinding sounds of Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman, two of the world’s finest acoustic musicians. Blending Irish tradition, festive favourites, jazz and bluegrass, this enchanting Christmas concert is full of warmth, virtuosity and seasonal magic that audiences across the world have fallen in love with.  

Suitability: Adults & 9+ years

Performance details and online booking is available on the CRTA website: 

www.cheshireruraltouringarts.org.uk

Tickets: 

www.ticketsource.co.uk/cheshireruraltouringarts