A new play built from the experiences of Stockton and Tees Valley residents will put local people alongside professional performers at ARC this October.

World’s On Fire runs from 15 to 17 October and brings together theatre, original music, community performance and stories gathered from people and environmental groups across the area.

The production has been written and directed by Vici Wreford-Sinnott and is presented by Little Cog, Our Stomping Grounds and ARC Stockton. A newly formed World’s On Fire Choir is also part of the project, with original songs woven through the performance.

Rather than treating climate change and other large problems as something happening somewhere else, the project is interested in the smaller, local things people already do when life feels difficult. ARC says the work explores climate anxiety, isolation and disability discrimination, but also the and collective strength found in Stockton communities.

That local involvement has shaped the production from the start. Little Cog says real stories from residents are being woven into the piece, while Wreford-Sinnott has been working with local people and Tees Valley environmental groups as part of the development process.

Accessibility is unusually detailed too. ARC lists British Sign Language , stage captions, an audio-described introduction and a touch tour. People can ask for seats with additional space, use a quiet room and come and go during the performance if needed. A sound map is also due to be available closer to the shows.

The production is funded by Arts Council England and uses a large cast, choir and movement chorus. Composer and musical director David Pisaro, movement director Patricia Suarez and poet Kirsten Luckens are among the wider creative team.

Performances take place at 1pm on Thursday 15 October and 7pm on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October. Tickets are offered through ARC’s Pay What You Decide , which allows audiences to choose what to pay after seeing the performance.

The show is recommended for ages 12 and over, with under-16s accompanied by an adult. ARC is at Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL.

: ARC Stockton and Little Cog.