A THEATRICAL treasure hunt is being held in the stunning surroundings of Colchester’s Castle Park.

Forced to cancel its planned Castle Park Theatre show this year, Packing Shed Theatre Company has instead organised All The Park’s A Stage.

The unique event will see small audiences of up to ten people, all from within a social bubble, be sent off in the park with a map.

Following the trail they will discover ten performers located in eight secret locations around the park.

At each they will gain a clue which are used to solve puzzle at the end of the event - with prizes up for grabs.

Revellers can expect song, suspense, Shakespeare and much, much more.

Former Gazette entertainment reporter Neil D’Arcy-Jones runs Packing Shed Theatre Company.

He said: “We made the decision to postpone this year’s Castle Park show a few months ago.

“Entitled Little Star we were aiming to raise the bar considerably this year with tiered seating and a technically demanding light show but that meant a much longer run-in time to prepare and with the restrictions placed on us by Covid this just wasn’t going to be possible.

“However, when the Government announced open air theatre could take place we were inundated with calls from the public urging us to put a show on.

“So while we could not do Little Star, we thought it was important, not only for theatre audiences who have been missing out, but also the many professional creatives who are based in the area, to at least do something theatrical.

“That’s when we came up with the idea of a theatre treasure hunt with select smaller audiences going to each performance around the park.

“It’s a bit different but we believe it will deliver all the ingredients, and a little bit more, which people love about theatre. It will also showcase some of the incredible talent we are fortunate to have based here in our town.”

All The Park’s A Stage takes place on September 12 and 13 between 10am and 6pm.

Slots are available at half hour intervals between 10am and 4.30pm.

Each slot, for up to ten people, costs £50.

Each lasts one hour 45 minutes and is not suitable for under 11s.

Visit colchesterartscentre.com to book.