TOPSY Turvy Theatre presents Christopher's Caterpillars tomorrow (Friday, August 17) at 11.30am & 2.30pm, at Penrith's Rheged Theatre. Christopher Nibble and Posie have been busy growing plants while taking care of their six hairy pet caterpillars. But when their crawly comrades disappear, they swap their trowels for magnifying glasses and turn into guinea pig detectives!

www.rheged.com.

Tickets: Adults £8; children £6.50; family (2 adults/2 children) £24.

HAWKSHEAD Show is to be held on Tuesday (August 21) set in the Vale of Esthwaite and famous for its founder members Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, the show promises a gaggle of horse classes ranging from miniatures to heavy horses, private driving and jumping classes. Also, there will be judging of a large variety of sheep along with dogs and cattle. The main ring attraction is Shaun Raywood's Dog Display Team - the dogs will demonstrate obedience and agility with, of course, a few bangs and crashes along the way. There will be more than 50 trade stands, horticultural and craft marquees as well as food galore. The venue is Hawkshead Hall Farm.

www.hawksheadshow.co.uk.

Admission: Adults £7; children £3. Car parking is free.

RUSLAND Horticultural Show & Sports takes place on Saturday (August 18) at Whitestock Meadow (LA12 8LB). The event began in 1871 when a group of farmers and gardeners came up with the idea of holding a small flower show and plant sale, it was a great success and so, the rest as they say, is history. This year's show comprises marquees brimming with horticultural, home produce, handicrafts and photography exhibits, plus children's competitions. Then there's sports featuring fell and track races and fun events, such as the obstacle race, egg & spoon race, cumulating into the popular tug 'o' war. Gates open at 11.30am and events start at 12.30pm.

www.ruslandshow.org.uk.

Admission: Adults £5; children (U16) £1.

Photo: Jean Woodhouse.

THE Adventures of Dr Doolittle by Hugh Lofting, and performed by outdoor theatre company Illyria, returns for a second time this year to Coniston's Brantwood on Tuesday (August 21, 7pm), to bring us this much-loved story. John Doolittle starts out as a human doctor but once he is taught by his wise old parrot, Polynesia, how to talk to animals he becomes the most celebrated veterinary doctor in England. The show is a funny, exciting and entertaining adventure, with a strong message about responsibility towards animals and the environment. This is an outdoor performance so please take your own seating.

Box office 015394-41396.

Tickets: Adults £12; children £8.50.

Photo: Illyria - cast of Dr Doolittle.

THE Lakeland Country Fair takes place on Sunday (August 19) from noon, at Torver, near Coniston. This typical Cumbrian show acts a showcase for traditional Cumbrian skills and activities. Along with Herdwick sheep on display there will be hand-clipping demos, Terrier show and racing, Lurcher & Whippet show, a family dog show as well as children’s sports, stick show, Foxhound show, horn-blowing competition as well as Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling. The Main Ring will feature a display by Silverband Falconry when a special flying display will take place mid-afternoon. As with all of the country shows there’s something for everyone. Great fun!

www.lakelandcountryfair.co.uk.

Admission: Adults £7; children £3. Car parking is free.

MAGIC Of The Musicals – nothing has the power to capture our hearts and imagination like the great West End and Broadway musicals. From ground-breaking shows like West Side Story and Oliver, to extravagant productions as Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, audiences across the world have been enchanted by the epic story lines, spectacular sets and unforgettable music. Acclaimed singers Rebecca Robinson, Jack Foley, and pianist Mark Heller star in the show bringing us amazing songs from musicals as stated above and many more. Playing on Saturday (August 18, 7.30pm), at The Platform, Morecambe.

Box office 01524-582803.

Tickets £17.