Marsden Room Theatre

The Marsden Room Theatre in Leyland is a modest 60-seat community venue that punches above its weight. It's the sort of place where you'll catch proper theatre - am-dram productions, touring shows, the occasional comedy night - in an intimate setting that beats fighting crowds at larger regional houses.

You're sat close enough to see the sweat on actors' brows, which can work brilliantly for character work and comedy, though staging options are limited by the space. Most shows run for short seasons, so you need to check what's on before you plan a trip. It's free or cheap entry for most events, though prices vary depending on the production.

Local families and theatre enthusiasts make up the bulk of the audience. It's not a destination in itself - you're not driving an hour to catch a show here - but if you're staying at Royal Umpire Caravan Park just down the road, and there's something decent on, it's worth an evening out. Better than sitting in the caravan playing cards.

Allow an hour or so for the show, plus a bit of poking around Leyland town centre beforehand if you fancy it. The theatre itself is unpretentious and friendly, the kind of place where the staff actually know the regulars. Worth checking their website or giving them a ring before you visit - shows aren't advertised widely, and the schedule's changeable.