A NEW drama featuring live onstage music and written by a Thurrock playwright will open at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch, this week

Written by Kenny Emson, The Disappearing Man tells a story about legacy and second chances.

Returning to the once-glittering Clacton-on-Sea, the leading Bazza Cadabra is ready for a final comeback, determined to reclaim the spotlight and prove he's still got what it takes 20 years after his prime.

But at the heart of his ambition is something far more fragile: his re-kindled relationship with his son. As Bazza faces a flashy young magician, a no-nonsense new manager and the family he left behind, their reunion sparks hope, rivalry, and the possibility of something extraordinary.

The script comes from the imagination of Stanford-le-Hope born Kenny.

His first taste of drama was at Gable Hall School and Palmer's College where he studied GCSE Drama and A Level Theatre studies.

His play White, set in Tilbury docks, won the Adopt a Playwright, Adrienne Benham and Mercury Playwriting awards.

It also led to him being selected for the BBC Writersroom 10 and Writers Academy, which saw him go on to write episodes of Eastenders, Doctors, Phoenix Rise and original dramas for Radio 3 and 4.

His theatre work centres on working class stories with many being set in his native Essex. He has been BAFTA nominated twice and is the current Literary Associate of The Mercury Theatre in Colchester.

The Disappearing Man will premiere at Queen's Theatre from Thursday (15 October) until 31 October, before weeklong runs at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford and Key Theatre Peterborough in November.

The play stars Debra Baker and Matt Bardock. Director Alex Thope said, "At the heart of Kenny Emson's epic story is a deeply human tale of love, ambition and sacrifice. I'm delighted to welcome Debra back to Queens and to introduce Matt to our audiences. Together, we'll uncover the people, passions and conflicts at the centre of this remarkable Essex story."

Ms Baker said: "I've long admired Kenny Emson's writing. Although we've never worked together before, I've seen his plays and have always loved how relatable they are.

"He writes with such honesty, humour and heart, and I especially appreciate seeing older working-class people represented so truthfully on stage."

Performance details:

15 – 31 October

Queen's Theatre Hornchurch, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT

Mon – Sat 7:30pm, Sat 2:30pm

Audio described performance 24 Oct 2:30pm (with a Touch Tour at 1:00pm), Captioned performance 28 Oct 7:30pm, BSL interpreted performance 22 Oct 7:30pm.

£30.70 – £14.70, Under 26s £10.00 | www.queens-theatre.co.uk | 01708 443333