CULTURE year spreads itself out Southport way next week for a special showing of a 2008 commission.

Babul and The Blue Bear, a funky drama combining hip-hop, mask, street art and puppetry, will be presented at Southport Arts Centre in Lord Street, on Tuesday, October 7.

Dynamic Liverpool-based theatre company 20 Stories High created the new piece of theatre for Liverpool's status as Capital of Culture 2008, and the show will be presented in association with Contact and Horse and Bamboo theatre companies.

Babul and The Blue Bear explores the themes of cultural identity, divided loyalties, racial tension and a sense of belonging in a multi-cultural Britain.

Told from the perspective of Benny, a young mixed-race man growing up in a white family and surrounding community, the audience are taken through Benny's life in which he narrates to the audience using rhyme, spoken word and rap.

John Sprackland from the arts centre, said: “It’s fantastic to be getting some of the positive impact of Liverpool’s special year spreading out beyond the city.”

The show is suitable for ages 13-plus. Tickets are £8 /£6, from the box office on 01704 540011 or by logging onto www. seftonarts.co.uk