News

Queen's Theatre Hornchurch is today announcing that after six very successful years‎, Douglas Rintoul is leaving the post of Artistic Director at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch, in mid May 2022, to take up the new leadership role at New Wolsey Ipswich. Before then, he will direct previously announced major revivals of 'All My Sons' and 'The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 - The Musical'. ‎Douglas Rintoul, Artistic Director, said: 'I've had the best time at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch. It is a special organisation that's deeply embedded in its communities, and I'm proud of what we've achieved. It's been an honour to work with our brilliant staff, trustees, partners and communities and to support our talented local artists. I've loved being able to make work that's not been seen only in Hornchurch but across the country and abroad and I can't wait to see what the organisation does next'. Mathew Russell, Executive Director, said: 'It's been a privilege to work closely with Doug over the last five years, and for us both to be part of such an extraordinary period of change: establishing programmes like Essex on Stage, Outer Limits and Havering Changing; reaching 45% new audiences; as founding Theatre partner with the National Theatre on Public Acts; in expanding our co-producing, touring and off-site work; transforming the building itself; and diversifying those we work with and reach. It was a shared highlight to see QTH recognised as London Theatre of the Year, the first Outer London borough theatre to be awarded this status.' Sara Thompson, Chair, said: 'On behalf of the board, staff and ‎stakeholders, we owe Doug a huge vote of thanks for his amazing efforts, boundless talent and dedication to the work of the charity, not only in helping to transform the theatre in so many ways, but in directing and overseeing such a string of award-winning productions enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. Like our artists and audiences, we will be very sad to see him leave, but proud that he's moving on to lead one of our closest partner theatres, meaning we can continue to collaborate into the future. We wish him the very best of success.'