A FREEinteractive theatre show starring and developed by people from the local community is coming to South Ockendon.

Start Thurrock, an Arts Council England funded Creative People and Places programme, are working with site specific theatre experts Teatro Vivo to present The Mystery of the Missing Market.

Set in and around the market and shops in Derwent Parade, audience members will need to travel around and help a hapless detective, and his talented sidekick, figure out who is stealing the stalls.

Roxie Curry, Executive Director at Start Thurrock, said: "It has been great to see this project come together.

"Teatro Vivo are experts at creating theatre in unusual places, and we are delighted to have been working with them to bring something really unique to the people of South Ockendon.

"Local residents have not only played a key role in the design of the production but will also star in the show. That spirit of co-creation is exactly what Start Thurrock is all about."

The relationship with Teatro Vivo began at the start of the year, when South Ockendon residents chose to work with them following an open call to artists and creative organisations from Start Thurrock.

The acclaimed theatre group then immediately set about speaking to people living in the area, to see what they thought of the place and what sort of performance they would like to see.

Workshops have been held to create a community cast for Mystery of the Missing Market, allowing people of all ages to get involved, and a large piece of the set is being built by local residents.

Mark Stevenson, Artistic Director at Teatro Vivo, said: "We've had an amazing time speaking to people in South Ockendon and developing The Mystery of the Missing Market.

"It is going to be something quite unique, and we need the audience to get involved and help us get to the bottom of what's going on!

"It has been great to have the local community on board and I am excited to see it come to life.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to speak with us, and local businesses for agreeing to let us use their shops for the show."

The shows are being held on Saturday, 26 October and Sunday, 27 October with audience members asked to meet at the Nisa on Derwent Parade. Shows times are 11am and 3pm on both days.

Tickets are free, and available from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mystery-of-the-missing-markets-tickets-1000087848677