Cheshire libraries will host live arts events including theatre, children’s shows and magic this spring as part of a new scheme.

See It Live in Libraries will see five different shows shared between libraries across West Cheshire this spring - Lache Library, Neston Library, Winsford Library, Upton Library and Little Sutton Library.

The scheme will be run by Cheshire Rural Touring Arts and will be included in their already established programme of rural arts events beginning in March.

Opening the season will be Bardolph’s Box, a collaboration between Up the Road Theatre and Unity Theatre, Liverpool. The show, which is suitable for ages 8-11 and their families, will open the CRTA season on Thursday, March 3 in Neston Library at 6.30pm.

The show will then travel to Little Sutton Library on Friday, March 4 at 10.30am followed by Upton Library on Saturday, March 5 at 3pm.

Elsewhere, Winsford Library will host Chip Shop Chips on Saturday, March 12 at 7.30pm, a play that includes a fish supper for the audience, and Morgan and West will bring their Victorian magic act to Lache Library on April 23 at 7.30pm.

The new project is a partnership between CRTA and Spot On Rural Touring in Lancashire and is funded by Arts Council England as part of their strategic touring programme.

This three-year project builds on 20 years of work by CRTA and Spot On, working with volunteers across rural areas to host high quality arts events in communities where people live.

Arts Council award

CRTA and Spot On were awarded £203,602 in 2015 by Arts Council England over three years to deliver the project across Cheshire and Lancashire. The project is aimed at areas where the numbers of people enjoying arts and culture are low.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing, said: “We are extremely grateful for the Arts Council’s investment in this project.

“Libraries have so much potential as performance spaces and they are in the ideal locations for people to experience great art right on their doorstep. We’re very excited about the next three years.”

For any enquiries please contact Jen Henry by either emailing henrysmith@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or calling 01244 972835.

The full season of shows can be found at www.cheshireruraltouringarts.co.uk.