DISABLED actors are heading to the Edinburgh Fringe to perform a specially-written murder mystery musical.

But Derwentside-based Snug (Special Needs Unity Group) will be showcasing the new production for local audiences.

The group, made up of able-bodied actors and people with learning disabilities, will perform at the Park View Community Theatre, Chester-le-Street, on Saturday at 7.15pm.

The production, Murder and Marmalade, was written by the group's chairman John Hails and includes songs from top musicals and a reworking of the Queen classic Bohemian Rhapsody.

The group has celebrity patrons including North-East actors Tim Healy, Denise Welch and Gina McKee.

A spokesman said: "The group was set up ten years ago to give opportunities to able-bodied actors and people with learning disabilities - over a third of the group have a severe learning disability.''