News

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is delighted that its world premiere of Douglas Rintoul’s critically acclaimed new musical Love Letters, has received a nomination in the Off West End Theatre Awards. Assessors from The Offies (Off West End Theatre Awards) have nominated the show for New Musical. The OffWestEnd.com website, which champions London’s independent theatres, launched the annual awards – also known as The Offies – in 2010 to celebrate excellence in productions outside the West End. Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is one of over 80 participating venues across the capital. This brand new musical premiered at the Theatre in July and is written and directed by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul. This funny and popular working class love story includes hits from Essex’s very best, and songs ranging from 60s to today, artists featured are Alison Moyet, Billy Bragg, Billy Ocean, Blur, David Woodcock, Depeche Mode, Jessie J, Olly Murs, Sandie Shaw and The Tremeloes. Douglas Rintoul, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s Artistic Director, and the writer and director of Love Letters said: 'We're thrilled that our new musical has been nominated for an Offie. It's always a risk making something new, especially during these uncertain times, so it's a joy that the show is being enjoyed by our returning audiences and recognised by the industry in this way.' Glowing reviews include: ★★★★ ‘Warm and gentle humour keeps things lively and engaging. The production pulls at the heartstrings but is never overly sentimental. An enjoyable and entertaining experience’ LondonTheatre1 ★★★★ ‘The band’s playing is so brilliant, it’s likely many of the audience will be heading to iTunes after the show, keen to keep listening to Essex music’ Musical Theatre Review ‘Love Letters is the all-singing, all-dancing and all-Essex musical which the world didn’t even know it was missing’ Romford Recorder ‘If you’re a fan of films like ‘When Harry Met Sally’ or ‘The Last Letter from Your Lover’, ‘Love Letters’ may be the show you’ve been waiting for. With authentic characters and a fantastic soundtrack, this is not a show to be missed’ Polka Dot Pages ‘It’s a ‘good ole knees up’ night out to reminisce about the area many grew up in and share many memories with a selection of songs from some of Essex’s most successful singers’ London Theatre Reviews ‘The night was lots of fun and I really felt part of the show as we clap along and even found myself singing along to all of the well-known songs that originated in Essex’ Hornchurch Life ‘A jukebox musical full of fast paced fun. This is a show for everybody and will have you clapping in your seats’ The Havering Daily This production is a highlight of the Theatre’s Essex On Stage programme, made possible by the generous support of The Clothworkers’ Foundation. Love Letters runs until 21 August. For more information and tickets, click here or call the Box Office on 01708 443333.