Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s QYouth presents: The Wind In The Willows
Over 180 young performers bring Kenneth Grahame’s timeless family favourite to life.
Created and performed by more than 180 local youth theatre members, The Wind in the Willows gets a rebellious punk twist in QYouth’s biennial full-scale production this July. In an ambitious new version of the treasured tale by Kenneth Grahame commissioned especially for QYouth, this fast-paced family favourite sees Toad, Ratty, Mole, Badger, and a host of other characters race along the riverbank in a musical adventure of boating, motor cars, and daring escapes.
Produced collaboratively with the young company alongside professional theatre-makers, backstage roles are taken on by 14 – 18-year-olds with an onstage cast of performers span ages 6 – 18, to bring the show to life in a hands-on experience that builds confidence, creativity and teamwork, whilst giving young people a genuine insight into how professional theatre is made. A heart-warming story of fun and friendship, with Weasels that have gone full punk, expect attitude, anarchy, and a whole lot of noise.
“A youth theatre which has nurtured hundreds of aspiring stars” – Romford Recorder
A cornerstone of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s youth and community programme, QYouth is a weekly age-based workshop programme for 6 to 18-year-olds, offering opportunities for local young people to be involved in all stages of productions, from performance to technical theatre training. Staged in the theatre’s main auditorium and produced to the same professional standard as the venue’s in-house productions, the biennial QYouth show is many young participant’s first opportunity to perform on a professional stage, work as part of a large-scale production and gain experience both onstage and behind the scenes.
Director of Communities at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, James Watson said:
“There’s something very special about seeing so many young people come together to tell a story like The Wind in the Willows. This new production is a bold and joyful celebration of what can be achieved when young people are placed at the heart of theatre-making, shaping the work with imagination, commitment and generosity.
Bringing together over 180 participants aged 6 – 18, the project showcases the incredible creativity, confidence and talent of young people from across our community. From children making their main stage debut to older members taking on backstage roles and leadership responsibilities, every young person has played an important part in creating something ambitious and truly their own. We’re also incredibly proud to be working alongside a brilliant network of local artists, whose care and expertise make work on this scale not only possible, but deeply meaningful.
This project reflects Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s long standing commitment to creating ambitious participatory work where young people are given the space, support and confidence to take ownership of the stage. We can’t wait for audiences to see the energy, imagination and sense of community they’ve brought to this production.”
Mel aged 17, who plays Chief Weasel said:
“This will be one of my last shows, and it’s a bit full circle for me. I used to read the book when I was younger and now I get to perform in the show with my friends. I really like the Sunday rehearsals on stage and seeing it all coming together. I think, ‘Wow, it’s actually happening.’ This show is nothing like any show I’ve seen or been a part of before. It’s helped develop my acting skills and especially learning acting through song which is a new skill for me. Backstage is so cool, especially the lighting and props. And the team are really inclusive and friendly.”
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is a vibrant producing theatre serving Outer East London and South Essex. With a catchment of over one million people, QTH is a vital cultural hub producing and presenting bold, engaging and entertaining work on stage and within local communities, alongside a year-round creative participation programme for people of all ages.
Audiences are guaranteed a warm welcome from this three-year winner of UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre, London Theatre of the Year 2020 (The Stage Awards) and 2023 finalist in eight Off West End Award categories for the public’s favourite venue. QTH welcomes over 106,000 audience members each year, with a further 30,700 taking part in their community participation activities.
Images below from QYouth’s production of The SpongeBob Musical in 2024.
