Over the summer 2025, the Let’s Play THURROCK! project saw people aged 3-94 get involved in ARCADE – an interactive performance with dance ‘games’ thanks to a collaboration between dance company Casson & Friends and Applause Rural Touring.
The community dance initiative encouraged playful participation and helped connect 400 Thurrock residents of all ages to get active in their local area.
The project was one of 11 co-commissions as part of Creative Estuary, aimed at turning the Thames Estuary into a world-renowned cultural hub. The project was supported by Start Thurrock and commissioned by Creative Estuary and Applause Rural Touring.
ARCADE shows were held at local events including Beach of Dreams, Afro Food Fest and Tilbury Big Lunch. The games had a focus on play rather than competition and were designed to be inclusive for all abilities and ages to take part.
Each game was guided by the performers accompanied by a bouncy, electronic soundtrack, and included lots of teamwork and plenty of laughter. People could watch from the side, join in for a few minutes, or stay for the whole show.
Deputy Director at Applause, Sally Lampitt said: “What stands out about the work Tim and Casson & Friends make is that it’s always centered around people. At the heart it’s always playful, imaginative and it just brings joy”.
Participants from these events were then invited to come along and join the professional performers from Casson & Friends and local people at the Orsett Show in September.
Playing and taking part in creative activities have many positive effects on mental health, helping to reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve social connections within communities for both children and adults.
A 2024 report prepared for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport highlighted that: “The culture and heritage sectors…shape the fabric of our communities, and the creative works and performances they produce enrich our lives, offering not only joy and inspiration but also a sense of identity, belonging and shared history.”
One of the aims of Let’s Play THURROCK! was to challenge preconceptions around how public spaces can be used, and the project showed how towns and communities can be improved if people play together.
