First phrase of QNew Transformation at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is underway

Developments are underway at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch as part of the Theatre’s QNew Transformation programme. The Theatre has been fundraising towards innovating the iconic building since September and is delighted the first phase of building improvements is underway. The Theatre’s new Rehearsal Space has now been installed with windows, a curtain rail and mirror curtains, cork boards, coat hooks and wifi, which have helped make the space more practical and stimulating for actors and creatives to work in. Daniel Haynes, a freelance Company Stage Manager who works regularly for the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch says, ‘The improvement works made to the new rehearsal space has allowed the room to feel bigger and more open, with the new windows allowing in natural light and fresh air. The addition of mirrors, curtains and pin boards allow the room to be more functional for directors, creatives and the acting company.’ These improvements wouldn’t have been possible without a generous donation from Gerry Byrne, Franchisee Owner of McDonalds Romford as well as contributions from the Theatre’s introduction of a 65p QNew Transformation fee. This came into effect on the Theatre’s 65th birthday, Friday 21 September. Since then, customers have already helped the Theatre raise a public contribution towards QNew of £31,522.90. Douglas Rintoul, Artistic Director at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch said, ‘We’d like to say a huge thank you to McDonalds Romford and to all our loyal customers for their generous support for this important QNew project. By investing into the building, this support will ensure we keep producing the very best work we can, whilst encouraging members of our community to take part or see some of our upcoming productions.’ QNew is an exciting programme of building improvements which will allow the Theatre to make high quality theatre in developed spaces, work with more young people and community groups, offer an increasingly comfortable experience to audiences, be more open and accessible to D/deaf and disabled people, and keep the Theatre alive as a safe and environmentally friendly community hub, well into the future. For more information about QNew click here. [caption id="attachment_6910" align="alignnone" width="444"]