A MYSTERIOUS, “talking” orange bench has appeared on Hove seafront.

The bench, which has been installed opposite Marrocco’s in King’s Esplanade, has caused confusion among passers-by after it was first spotted.

One walker said he stopped at the bench to get a closer look and was “shocked” when he heard “voices” coming the backrest.

The Argus: The bench appeared on Hove seafront The bench appeared on Hove seafront

But it has now been confirmed that the bench was created by a theatre and performance group as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival.

Called Pier to Pier, the installation by Rapt Theatre plays audio interviews with people who live or work on the south coast.

The interviews are accompanied by music from the Pier to Pier Choir.

The Argus: The bench plays interviews with people who live and work on the South CoastThe bench plays interviews with people who live and work on the South Coast

Rapt Theatre is inviting audiences to visit the bench at ten locations across the 14 miles between Brighton and Worthing piers.

The bench travels every three days to a new site and will finish its tour on June 6.

Here is a full list of dates and locations for the Pier to Pier installation:

• Carat’s Café Bar in Basin Road, Southwick between 19-21st May

• Shoreham Port between 22-24th May

• Shoreham Promenade between 25th-27th May

• Mill Hill Nature Reserve, Shoreham between 25-27th May

• Perch, Lancing between 31st May – 2nd June

• CrabShack in Marine Parade, Worthing between 3-4th June

• Worthing Pier between 5-6th June