Since AVDC's Theatre in the Villages was launched in 1998, audiences have enjoyed hundreds of shows in venues such as community centres, schools, churches and village halls.

And the new season, running until December 5, will offer performances to suit all tastes.

Villages set to benefit from the touring productions include Turweston, Cuddesdon, Whaddon, Hardwick, Waddesdon, and East and Botolph Claydon.

A new adaptation of Bruce Chatwin's award-winning novel On the Black Hill will be performed this month, telling the extraordinary tale of twin brothers Lewis and Benjamin Jones and their isolated upland farm.
Accompanied by live music, the production features the AJTC theatre company and a cello score played live by Hattie Bennett. The show will visit John Bridle's Hall in Hardwick on October 20 and East and Botolph Claydon Village Hall on October 22.

A celebration of world music and dance, Boka Halat, will include songs in English, Latin American, Spanish and various west African languages. The show will be held in the Bernard Hall in Cuddington on October 18, starting at 7.30pm.

The comedy A Wilde Affair, performed by Michael Lunts and Susan Flannery, will portray two of Oscar Wilde's best loved characters – Miss Laetitia Prism and Canon Frederick Chasuble.

The show will visit Bishopstone, Wingrave and Weedon before coming to Turweston Village Hall on November 1. Doors open at 7.30pm.
The season concludes with puppet show Puck's Bottom and, in time for Christmas, The Snow Queen.

Based on A Midsummer Night's Dream, Puck's Bottom features hand-carved puppets and original music.

The show will be performed in Whaddon Jubilee Hall on November 20 and in Waddesdon Village Hall on November 28.

Proteus Theatre Company will perform an adaptation of The Snow Queen at Bernard Hall in Cuddington on December 3. Hans Christian Andersen's haunting tale is retold in Proteus' unique style, fusing film, circus and music.

For further details on the programme, ticket prices, access and start times, contact Aylesbury Vale District Council on 01296 585310.