DARLINGTON will welcome back the renowned Jabberwocky Market theatrical festival this autumn.

In October, the town will once again play host to the large scale event, which aims to make theatre accessible to all with a programme of world-class events.

This year, the festival will build upon its reputation to become more socially conscious, aiming to work more with harder to reach groups.

Darlington-born producer Caroline Pearce hopes a series of beatboxing workshops linked to an upcoming performance will introduce children at a local school to the joys of theatre.

A highlight of Jabberwocky Market’s eclectic programme is DenMarked by beatboxer and performer Conrad Murray, whose autobiographical show explores life on a council estate.

Mr Murray, who performs as Rodium, will host the workshops at Darlington’s Stephenson Centre, which helps students failing to thrive in mainstream schools.

Ms Pearce said: “We’ve got a few interventions happening across the festival so that we can work with more people.

“The whole point of the festival is to take theatre to people who may not be able to access it easily.

“I believe theatre has the power to broaden horizons in a safe way, to raise aspirations and to help people to understand more about the world.

“The guy doing the beat boxing had a difficult upbringing and his show is about how he used beat boxing as a language to help him talk about the things that are really hard.

“He found a positive way to channel all of that and these workshops are a way of teaching them that what feels like art can help them to talk about issues and giving them a better way of dealing with them.”

Other highlights at the upcoming festival include The Trouble with Compassion - billed as a conversation about kindness – and Labels, “a funny, moving and honest story about migration, family and prejudice.”

The 56 is described as a powerful documentary piece about solidarity, strength and community inspired by the tragedy of a stadium fire.

Artist Rhiannon Armstrong will take to the streets of Darlington to offer help to passersby and is inviting anyone who meets her to allow her to assist them with tasks or errands.

Jabberwocky Market takes place across Darlington from Thursday, September 29 until Sunday, October 2.

For full listings and to book tickets, visit jabberwockymarket.org.uk.