Huge crowds gathered outside the theatre to welcome the royal party to Havering. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by Deputy Lieutenant Air Commodore Brian Batt, the Mayor and Mayoress of Havering, Hornchurch MP John Cryer, Artistic Director Bob Carlton and Queen's Theatre Administrator Henrietta Duckworth whilst resident jazz band for 28 years, Pete Corrigan and the Band of Hope entertained the crowds.

Pete Corrigan and the Band of Hope

Before unveiling a plaque to mark their visit, the royal party enjoyed several performances hilighting the theatre's excellent work. The Queen’s Youth Theatre performed We're Off from Willy Russell’s Our Day Out and members of cut to the chase…, the theatre’s professional resident company, performed an extract from the Queen's Theatre production, The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Nobby Dimon.

Queen Elizabeth ll unveils the commemorative plaque

Artistic Director Bob Carlton said, “The Queen’s Theatre was founded in 1953, the same year that Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey, making her visit the perfect launch for the theatre’s 50th Anniversary celebrations."

Queen Elizabeth ll meeting patrons of the Queen's Theatre

As the cultural centre for the people of Havering, representatives from the many groups associated with the Queen's Theatre joined in with the celebrations, including the theatre’s resident company of actors, staff and artistic team, the theatre’s Council of Management, Youth Theatre, Q Club, Jump Start, Theatre Club, Community Players, Writers’ Group, regular audience members, sponsors and funders, local artists and community groups who regularly perform at the theatre.

Queen Elizabeth ll meeting members of the
Theatre in Education touring company in the foyer

Queen Elizabeth ll meeting members of cut to the chase...
on the main Theatre stage

Bob Carlton meets Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth ll meets the Havering community

Queen Elizabeth ll with community members

Queen Elizabeth ll being introduced to members of
the Community Company

Bob Carlton and Queen Elizabeth ll