News

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. After last year’s sell out run at the National Trusts’ Rainham Hall, the Queen’s Theatre is delighted to be bringing its magical festive treat ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas home to Hornchurch from 1 – 23 December. Based on the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore, this fully immersive show sees families enter the bedroom of a Christmas mad seven-year-old. Youngsters will help him finish decorating his room, turning it into the cosiest, Christmassy bedroom in the world! Join in the countdown to Christmas and discover which toy he finds in his patchwork quilt advent calendar, and don’t forget to listen out for the elf bells! This story about a child’s encounter with Santa Claus and his desperation to see him again is suitable for accompanied 3 – 7 year olds. Local actor Samuel Ward-Smith is returning to perform this joyful Christmas cracker of a production for the second year. Samuel Ward-Smith is a graduate from Mountview Academy and has a strong association with the Queen’s Theatre. He was a member of its youth theatre, QYouth for 8 years (2005 – 2013) and appeared in several of the Theatre’s pantomimes over the years, including starring as King Rat in Dick Whittington in 2013. He also completed an apprenticeship with the theatre before going to drama school. Written and directed by the Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul, this unique experience will get everyone, young and old, peering a little further into the sky this Christmas Eve. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas will be performed at the Queen’s Theatre in its new rehearsal space from 1 – 23 December. Tickets are £7.50 for all weekday performances and £10 at weekends. Performance times vary; please see the Theatre’s website. Families must arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled performance start time in the Theatre’s foyer. To book, call the Queen’s Theatre’s Box Office on 01708 443333 or click here.