Stories from the history of Purfleet-on-Thames will be unearthed in a special, free theatre show being performed on the streets of the town this summer.

Start Thurrock, an Arts Council England-funded Creative People and Places programme, is working with site-specific theatre experts Teatro Vivo to present The Myths of the Marshes.

In this family-friendly show, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Dracula author Bram Stoker—whose legendary tale has strong links to the area—needs your help to find inspiration for her next book.

Audience members will encounter ghostly dancers, rebellious sailors, foolish workers, and a singing queen—but a mysterious stranger is determined to stop the search.

Teatro Vivo has developed the show alongside Purfleet residents to create something that resonates with the local community.

This is Teatro Vivo's second Thurrock production, having previously performed the brilliant South Ockendon-based The Mystery of the Missing Markets last year.

Start Thurrock Creative Director Katie Beadle said: "We love working with Teatro Vivo and I know people from Purfleet will love this show.

"They are experts at creating theatre in unusual places, as we saw last year when they took over shops and stalls in South Ockendon.

"It is something which has been developed for people in Purfleet, by local people, and we can't wait for people to learn about stories from the town's past – some they'll already know, but others will be completely new to them."

Residents can also be part of the show, with Teatro Vivo looking for community performers of all ages to star in the production. There are also roles available behind-the-scenes and for local musicians.

Rehearsals are set to be held on Saturdays in May and June at St Stephen's Church in London Road.

Mark Stevenson, Artistic Director at Teatro Vivo said: "We have loved working with people in Thurrock over the last year and can't wait for people to see the Myths of the Marshes.

"To make this production truly incredible, we need as many people as possible to be in the show and to come and see it.

"You don't need any experience at all, just enthusiasm to get involved.

"I'd like to thank the groups and organisations who have helped make this show happen including the Purfleet Pantry and the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum."

For more details about getting involved visit https://www.startthurrock.org/whats-on/the-myths-of-the-marshes-workshops-and-rehearsals-2/

The shows are being held at 1pm and 4pm on Saturday, 28 June and Sunday, 29 June with audience members asked to meet at the Royal Hotel on Purfleet-on-Thames High Street.

 Tickets are free but should be reserved in advance via https://www.startthurrock.org/whats-on/the-myths-of-the-marshes-live-show/