April 2025 Newsletter – Be part of a special production in Purfleet!

Be part of a special community production in Purfleet-on-Thames!

Purfleet people! We have an opportunity for you to be part of something really special…

Teatro Vivo have been working with local residents to create a special show based around the stories and history from the town.

The Myths of the Marshes will be performed outside in the streets of Purfleet-on-Thames on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29 – keep your eyes peeled for ticket details!

In this family friendly show the great-great-great granddaughter of Dracula author Bram Stoker needs your help to find inspiration for her next book. As you unearth stories around the local area, who knows what you might find: ghostly dancers, rebellious sailors, foolish workers or a singing queen. Just as long as a mysterious stranger doesn’t stop your search…

But, to make this show a spectacular success, we need you to get involved.

Teatro Vivo are looking for Community Performers of all ages to help create various parts of the show including writing songs, acting, singing and dancing. There are also opportunities to participate in behind-the-scenes roles too!

Free taster workshops are available for schools and community groups to help develop the show and encourage people to take part – please get in touch if you’re part of a group this would appeal to. The sessions will be led by choreographer Temujin Gill, who created the NHS dance piece at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, plus acclaimed music producer Grace Lambert!

For those who want to be even more involved, rehearsals will take place in May and June in the evenings and weekends.

No experience is necessary, and any access or mobility issues can be accommodated.

For more information or to sign up, email bid@teatrovivo.co.uk

Start applying for Creative Community Support!

Recently, our Creative Community Support programme has helped people hone their craft in drum & bass and jungle music with Mr Quest, and helped performers Amplify Their Talent with Rees The Flame’s workshop for performers.

If you’ve got an idea for something similar, or even if it is entirely different, but still in the creative space, we would love to hear from you. We might be able to help bring it to life.

The deadline is the end of this month, so don’t delay – you don’t need to be part of a large group, just have a great idea for the local area and the passion to make it happen!

Apply for Creative Community Support today!

Become a Super Fan!

We had a great time with some of our Start Thurrock Super Fans at Family Sundays at the Royal Ballet & Opera in London last month!

It was the perfect day to make some family memories at an iconic location.

We now have more than 100 Super Fans who have the opportunity to book onto exciting trips and receive other perks and prizes.

If you’d like to join the community – it is totally free! We’d love to welcome you!

Sign up to be a Start Thurrock Super Fan

Get involved with events from our partners

There are SO many brilliant events coming up across Thurrock from our friends and partners.

The national launch of Beach of Dreams, a UK-wide coastal arts festival presented by Kinetika, is on Saturday, May 3 at the London International Cruise Terminal at the Port of Tilbury.

Here, you’ll be able to see the Threads for Tomorrow commission unveiled. Created in partnership with T100, it showcases a powerful collaboration between designers and sewing groups, plus will feature a captivating performance involving more than 100 local people.

There will also be vibrant creative workshops, including a chance to meet our Start Thurrock team and shape our summer programme. Plus, there might be a special creative surprise you can get involved with, too!

More details can be found here.

We’re also thrilled to be supporting the second Thurrock Pride event on Saturday, June 14.

This day-long celebration has a packed schedule with lots of fun and entertainment for the whole community, culminating in a fun-filled party at the Thameside Complex. Read more on our website here.

And, don’t forget Arts Outburst’s Thurrock Get Creative Festival 2025! Stay up to date with their plans here for what is sure to be a jam-packed programme throughout May.