The route is today announced for Final Farewell, a self-guided audio production that arrives at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in a blaze of glowing reviews. The dramatic audio experience, created by pioneering theatre company Tara, is presented on 23 - 24 September, as part of the Theatre’s Blueprint Festival.
The self-guided walking tour leads participants around the area immediately outside Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, starting at the theatre. The route takes in Queen’s Theatre Green, Langtons Gardens and Fielders Woodland and Wildlife Pond. The journey is expected to take 75 minutes.
As they walk, people will listen to four moving stories based on real-life accounts of loss during the pandemic. The original stories were collected and recreated by writer Sudha Bhuchar and directed by Tara’s Abdul Shayek, to present a deeply-felt experience of love and resilience. The stories are told by actors giving voice to Shahin, Baby Han, Ann and Oberon.
Theatre bible The Stage gave Final Farewell ★★★★ when it was presented at Greenwich + Docklands International Festival earlier this month,. The Stage noted: “The monologues are direct and heartfelt, a penetratingly strong reminder of all the pain still being felt by thousands in the aftermath of the pandemic. Final Farewell offers a balm to those mourning and for others yet to mourn.”
It was another ★★★★ review for Final Farewell from website ToDoList.London, which said: '
Final Farewell invites us to listen, learn and reflect – and succeeds in warming the heart – just make sure you have some tissues handy.'
Tara Theatre Company’s latest production Silence, also based on personal testimonies, this time from those living through the last days of the British Raj, finished its critically acclaimed run at the Donmar Warehouse this weekend (17 September), before dates at the company’s own theatre in SW18.
After a successful first week, Blueprint Festival of new ideas continues at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch for a second week of non-traditional forms of theatre to be performed in and around the recently Grade II-listed building. From the basement to the roof and the carpark, as well as the auditorium and foyer. There are immersive and devised pieces, staged play readings, a dramatic design-led production on a revolving cal set of 31 scenes in 31 minutes, Shakespeare on film and digital and musical innovation.
Final Farewell is playing 23 & 24 September throughout the day. Tickets cost £5, £3 concessions +65p QNext fee.
Click here to purchase tickets.
To see the whole route
click here
Festival Pass
(with the exception of Rice & Peas, The Story Is True For Most Of Us and Boost!)
Book 4 Blueprint events and get 50p off each ticket
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Add the events to your basket and the discount will apply automatically. Get 20% off food and drink at QBar and The Cafe by showing your festival pass.
