DARK Skies Festival, organised by the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, takes place until February 25, at various venues in the region. Events include a stargazing session with Kendal astronomer Stuart Atkinson, with tapas and mulled wine to follow; a dark sky print workshop with Helen Payton; a Star Bike Trail for kids as well as a women’s night cycle ride from Hawes.

Go to www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk for programme of events.

USING puppets and live music, Edward Lear's The Owl and the Pussycat is brought to life by Kitchen Zoo. The two unlikely friends live in a dull and dusty world, so imagine how shocked and surprised they are when a stupendous storm sweeps them out of the window - Splash! Soon, the pair are on a sea voyage to a curious land - but who will they meet? Which way should they go? And, what is a runcible spoon? This joyful adventure plays on Saturday (February 24, 11am & 1.30pm) at The Dukes.

Box office 01524-598500.

Tickets £7.20.

NINA - A Story about Me and Nina Simone, backed by a talented band, actress Josette Bushell-Mingo (Disney's The Lion King) mixes story and song as she draws together tales from the life of Nina Simone and her own extraordinary career. Nina was the consummate musical storyteller who used her remarkable talent to create a legacy of liberation, empowerment, and love through a fabulous body of work. Playing from Tuesday (February 27) to March 3, at 7.30pm, at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.

Box office 017687-74411.

Tickets £25, £22, £18, £10.

Credit: Andrew Ness Photography

AN ENCHANTING exhibition showing in the gallery at Rheged Visitor Centre, Penrith, called Peter Rabbit: Mischief & Mayhem jumps right out at you as Beatrix Potter's most famous literary character Peter Rabbit stars in this interactive exhibition. It tells the story of the creation of Peter Rabbit and includes original artworks and manuscripts which are rarely shown in public. Children will love the giant board game, playing shop and performing scenes from the Tales, such as helping Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle hang out the washing, or aid Mr McGregor to plant carrots in his garden!

The exhibition starts on Wednesday (February 28) until June 3. Opening times 10am-3pm.

Tickets £3.50.

A THRILLING adaptation by Nick Lane of Robert Louis Stevenson's Victorian horror story The Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde immerses you quickly in the myth and mystery of 19th century London's fog-bound streets where love, betrayal and murder lurk at every chilling twist and turn. Dr Henry Jekyll is a good man, he's close to a neurological discovery that will change not only the face of medical science forever but his good-self, too. Enter Mr Hyde! Gripping and thought-provoking, this is unmissable theatre performed by Blackeyed Theatre, plays on Monday (February 26, 7.30pm), at The Grand, Lancaster. Recommended age 11+ years.

Box office 01524-64695.

Tickets: £16; concessions £15; schools £10.

MONTANE Trail 10 Dalemain is a 10k trail running event that takes you from Dalemain Estate, near Ullswater through mostly private farmland with only a short road section. It is undulating and can get a bit muddy should the weather be went. The event takes place on Sunday (February 25) at 9.30am.

To register go to: www.info@trail26.com/ultratrail26/trail-10-dalemain.html.

Price £25.