This autumn Moray Council and NEAT (North East Arts Touring) will be presenting a feast of live performances of drama and dance for adults, young people and families.

Kicking off the season is Mull Theatre in their new production of Jekyll & Hyde. This original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's chilling tale, by Robert Paterson and Alasdair McCrone, explores scientific ethics, the limits of knowledge and the morals of freedom without consequences. Above all, it’s a horror story with all the best ingredients - dark nights, fog and a murderer walking the streets.  The production visits Elgin Town Hall on Thursday 7th October and starts at 7.30pm.  Tickets are £7.50 (£5.00 concession, £3 groups) and available from Elgin Library 01343 52600

A totally different experience is on offer when Catherine Wheels, in association with the Brunton Theatre, presents the award winning The Story of the Little Gentleman. The little gentleman is sad. The little gentleman is lonely. The little gentleman wants to find a friend…but nobody seems to like him. What can the little gentleman do? Just as he thinks his heart may break of loneliness, the little gentleman finds a wonderful friend who changes his life forever. The Story of the Little Gentleman featuring live music and an original score is a beautiful, funny and moving story about the power of friendship and is suitable for families and children 4 – 8 years.  The show can be seen at the Universal Hall, Findhorn on Saturday 23rd October at 7pm. Tickets are £3.50 and can be booked on 01309 690110

Freshmess visit Lossiemouth High School at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 26th October with a triple bill of new works.  Blending contemporary and traditional styles with high energy, urban hip-hop, Freshmess will excite young people interested in the current dance and music scene.  With choreography by Paul Joseph, Christine Devaney and Freshmess Artistic Director, Allan Irvine this is an event not to be missed.  Tickets are £5 (£4 concession, £2 schools) and available from Lossiemouth Community Centre 01343 815299 and Lossiemouth High School.

If you ever wondered how many uses you can put a broom to you’ll be surprised by the comic inventiveness of physical theatre group Plutôt la Vie and their new show, A Clean Sweep. Involving Brushes of all shapes and sizes, A Clean Sweep uses clowning, dance, object animation and visual storytelling. Two men survive in an anarchic world of brushes, doing anything but cleaning up. Ian Cameron and Tim Licata explore the most ordinary and make it . . . extraordinary. The show, which is suitable for all ages, can be seen at 7.30pm on Friday 26th November at the Universal Hall, Findhorn 01309 690110.  Tickets are £7.50 (£5 concession, £3 groups).

Rounding off the year at 7pm on Wednesday 15th December is Wee Stories production of The Emperor’s New Kilt, a Scottish adaptation of the Emperor’s New Clothes written by creators of Treasure Island and A Christmas Carol, Andy Cannon & Iain Johnstone.  The Laird of the Isle of Kiltie waits eagerly for the fine new tartan being created for his surprise Christmas present! The fabric is so amazing only those who are clever and worthy will be able to see it…. Wee Stories are delighted to offer this show specially for the festive season - a feast of comedy, music and storytelling for all the family. The performance can be seen at the Universal Hall, Findorn 01309 690110.  Tickets are £3.50.

For further details contact Moray Council, Arts Development on 01343 557146.