News

Were you were one of the original members of QYouth with founder Terry Abbott and Lea Madlin in 1992? The Queen’s Theatre wants to hear from you! We're appealing to past members of our dynamic youth theatre, QYouth, to reunite for our 25^th anniversary. This July marks 25 years of our youth theatre, QYouth and to celebrate we're inviting former members to come back and reminisce in the memories of their time here as well as reconnect with old friends. We'll be capturing ‘The Big 25^th Moment’ in the form of a reunion photograph on Sunday 9 July at 5pm. The meeting point for the photograph is by the foyer stage. We're encouraging as many people as possible to return to the theatre and be part of this fantastic piece of history. Former members will also be able to leave their mark by writing about their memories and stories alongside a display of production photos over the last 25 years in the foyer. The Queen’s Theatre is celebrating QYouth’s 25 year anniversary by hosting a family fundraising gala over the weekend of 8 – 9 July. Families throughout Essex and East London are invited to join in the celebrations and can expect a range of fun games, stalls and workshops in the theatre’s foyer from 10am – 7.30pm on both days. A cast of over 120 young people from QYouth will be providing the entertainment, treating audiences to a world premiere of the family favourite, The Wind In The Willows. Performances start at 7pm on 8 & 9 July, with a 2pm matinee on 9 July. Over the last 25 years, our Youth Theatre has provided over 95,000 engagement opportunities for young people aged 7-18 in Havering. QYouth has grown from just 8 members in 1992 with founder Terry Abbott, to accommodating 150 young people every week across 7 groups. The QYouth programme offers young people opportunities in drama, dance and technical theatre, enabling them to develop their creativity in the arts, unlock potential, gain confidence and have fun through the power of theatre. Graduates of QYouth include Lloyd Warbey (Disney’s Art Attack), Gemma Salter (TV and West End performer) and Billy Irving who will be appearing in the upcoming UK tour of War Horse. Learning & Participation producer James Watson says, 'We want to celebrate these 25 incredible years with all those who have been a part of it, whether for a short period or as a long standing member. QYouth has been a remarkable springboard for so many young people, whether or not they have followed a performing arts route in later life, and we are excited to get back in touch with past members, and see where their journeys have taken them.' Come celebrate in style with live entertainment, catch up with old friends, share stories and be part of history in this fantastic fundraising event to support QYouth so it can continue to grow and enrich the lives of young people for another 25 years.