A RANGE of live family theatre is being taken across Dorset this half-term.

With tap-dancing mermaids, magical fairytales, world-class puppets and a pair of brand new wellies, four fantastic family productions will be touring across the county this October half-term with Artsreach.

Gather round for the Moon’s magical story about a tippetty-top tap dancer who he has been watching at night in Tess Bide’s The Tap Dancing Mermaid.

Full of stunning puppets and music to sing along to, the tap-dancing will make you want to stick 50ps to your shoes and join in. The play is recommended for those aged three and above.

The Tap Dancing Mermaid is at Cerne Abbas Village Hall on Monday, October 27 at 4pm. Call 01300 341332 for tickets. The next day, Tuesday, October 28, it’s at Sturminster Marshall Village Hall at 10.30am. Call 01258 857814 for tickets. It’s then at the Cecil Memorial Hall, Cranborne, on Tuesday, October 28 at 4pm. Call 01725 517883.

In Silly Boys – The Elves & The Shoemaker, three children wander through a dark forest, cold, hungry and lost. Stopping for a rest, they decide to share some of the weird and wonderful tales they heard along the way.

Using puppetry, live music and a giant dose of silliness, it’s the perfect treat for all the family. It’s recommended for those aged four and above.

The Elves & The Shoemaker is on Saturday, November 1 at 3pm at Winfrith Village Hall. Call 01305 852117. It is then on Sunday, November 2 at 3pm at Hazelbury Bryan Village Hall. Call 01258 817212.

O-region is presenting Stay Brave, Brian Gravy, on Saturday, November 1 from 5.30pm at Briantspuddle Village Hall. Call 01929 471819 for tickets.

It’s Brian Gravy’s 12th birthday and all he wants is for Mum and Dad (Mona and Hugo) to stop fighting. Oh, and maybe a pair of sensible shoes. Things get serious when, after a visit to a dubious expert, Brian’s parents decide to file for divorce... from him! This play is recommended for those aged seven and up.

Stay Brave, Brian Gravy is on Saturday, November 1 at 5.30pm at Briantspuddle Village Hall. Call 01929 471819 for tickets.

It’s on Sunday, November 2 at 4pm at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. Call 01258 475137 for tickets.

Finally, Horse + Bamboo presents Hansel & Gretel on Sunday, November 16 at Portesham Village Hall at 3.30pm. With music and film, puppets and masks, Horse + Bamboo have baked up a delicious treat of a show.

Hansel and Gretel promises to be a feast for the senses. This world famous theatre company returns to Artsreach for the first time in 18 years. Recommended for those aged five and over. Call 01305 871925 for tickets. See artsreach.co.uk for more details.