A BOROUGH theatre group has decided to make a gesture to local people and offer free tickets to the opening night of their latest production this week.

Thurrock Courts Players will be staging the popular comedy 'A Bunch of Amateurs' at the Thameside Theatre in Grays on Thursday, Friday and Saturday this coming week (22 to 24 September) and have decided to make the opening night free.

A statement from the group says: "With everything that we are all going through lately, the cost of living crisis, concerns within local government and the nation in mourning for our Queen, we have decided to offer our show on Thursday, 22 September as a free performance. As a mark of respect for The Queen, a minute's silence will be held before the start of the show.

"We will be collecting donations as you leave the theatre, please pay what you can. We understand that our audiences are making difficult decisions right now, but don't forget you are the most important people in any theatre. We do it for you, and we need you in order to carry on.

"Free tickets still need to be booked via the online theatre ticket service.

"We hope this gesture will go somewhat towards raising the spirits of our local community and encourage you to continue to support us and theatre."