HUNDREDS of people across Thurrock have signed up to work with the Royal Opera House.

The wave of artistic enthusiasm has been fuelled by the Opera House's plans for a production workshop in Purfleet to create the stage sets for its shows.

As part of its programme, the world premiere of a new work, called Sun and Heir, will be staged at the London Cruise terminal, Tilbury, in July. All the sets, storylines, music and costumes are being created in collaboration with the Thurrock community under the supervision of of Opera House staff.

So far, students, primary school children, council workers, families, housing estate residents, young offenders and pensioners have all been involved.

Year 6 to 8 pupils from across Thurrock recently took part in a four-day theatre craft workshop at the Culver Centre, South Ockendon.

During the sessions, they made props for the production, including planets which will be used to represent a galaxy.

The production will also be an opportunity for residents to get on stage - even if they cannot sing or dance. Workshops will be held on Friday, April 25, from 5.30pm to 9pm, at the Thameside Theatre, Grays, and on the following day at the theatre, between 10am and 5pm.

Sun and Heir will be performed between Wednesday, July 2, and Saturday, July 5, with tickets ranging from £3 to £10.