Accessible Archives - Queens Theatre

The Disappearing Man

Returning to the once-glittering Clacton-on-Sea, washed-up magician Bazza Cadabra is ready for a final comeback, determined to reclaim the spotlight and prove he’s still got what it takes 20 years on. But every trick has a price.

This comeback isn’t just about applause. At the heart of Bazza’s ambition is something far more fragile, his bond with his son. Bound by shared secrets, old tricks, and unfinished business, their reunion sparks hope, rivalry, and the possibility of something extraordinary. As Bazza faces a flashy young magician, a no-nonsense new manager, and the family he left behind, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur.

Packed with theatrical flair, live magic, and emotional punch, The Disappearing Man is a bold new drama about legacy, illusion, and second chances as one man risks everything for his last great trick.

Book tickets for our FREE pre-show Director’s Talk here.

Tour Dates
Blackpool Grand – 2 – 7 Nov
Yvonne Arnaud Guildford – 10 – 14 Nov
Key Theatre Peterborough – 17 – 21 Nov

About the Writer

Kenny Emson is a multi award winning writer for stage and screen. He co-created, co-wrote and was associate producer on the BBC’s murder mystery The Last Hours of Laura K which earned him a BAFTA nomination in Digital Creativity and a number of other prestigious television and VFX awards nominations. He adapted Agatha Christies The Coming of Mr Quin for digital media which was BAFTA CYMRU nominated for Best Game. He was selected for the BBC Writers Academy in 2011 and has gone on to write episodes of Doctors and EastEnders.

Oh Zeus!

For lovers of Fawlty Towers, Bottom, and The Play That Goes Wrong, Oh Zeus! is a riotous, all-out hilarious ride through Greek mythology.

When the stability of Olympus is threatened by the marriage of Zeus’ daughter Hebe to a mere mortal, the King of the Gods hatches a plan to derail the wedding. Three actors play 40 characters in this mythical farce through Ancient Greece, the Underworld, and back. Expect sensational physical comedy, outrageous jokes, fast paced chaos, and more togas than you can smash a plate at.

Adults only performance: Thu 8 Oct, 7.30pm

From one of the UK’s most loved comedy theatre companies and creators of Dracula: The Bloody Truth, King Arthur and Treasure Island, “you are promised a non-stop evening of entertainment from a company who have a bottomless pit of talent at their disposal”.

This show has been supported by Arts Council England. Recommended age 12+.

★★★★★ “Without a doubt one of the best comedic theatre performances we have seen in the last few years.” Exeposé on King Arthur
★★★★★ “Side – splittingly funny” Broadway World on Dracula: The Bloody Truth
★★★★★ “Frantic fun, chaotic comedy and very very slick.” British Theatre Guide on King Arthur

It Walks Around The House At Night

Following a sell-out UK tour, the award-winning ThickSkin present this chilling new play by Tim Foley (former Bruntwood Prize-winner).

A ThickSkin production supported by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

When an out-of-work actor takes a job playing a ghost at an old countryside manor, he expects nothing more than a few cheap scares. But as night after night unfolds, the role begins to blur with reality – and something far more sinister starts to emerge.

Part ghost story, part psychological thriller, It Walks Around The House At Night draws audiences into a world of creeping dread, unexpected twists and dark humour. A haunted house story for a new era, brought to life through inventive staging, immersive sound and bold visual effects.

ThickSkin, one of the UK’s most exciting touring companies, joins forces with Tim Foley (award-winning writer of Doctor Who audio dramas; Electric Rosary, Royal Exchange Theatre) to create this thrilling production. Directed by Neil Bettles (ThickSkin’s How Not To Drown, Disney’s Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Frantic Assembly’s The Unreturning), with sound design by Pete Malkin (Othello, National Theatre; The Encounter, Complicité– Tony Award winner) and lighting and video design by Joshua Pharo (Measure for Measure, RSC; Kenrex, The Other Palace).

PLEASE NOTE: NO LATECOMERS WILL BE ADMITTED. NO INTERVAL AND NO RE-ENTRY.

Book tickets for the free pre-show talk on 25 Sep here.

★★★★★ ‘An unforgettable spooky story.’ Theatre South East 

★★★★★ ‘a damned good scare’ Northern Arts Review 

Down Memory Lane – October 2026

A happy, nostalgic afternoon full of all your favourite melodies.

This hour-and-a-half-long performance includes a 20-minute break for a free cuppa and biscuit, served in the performance area for maximum convenience.

We understand that flexibility is very important for this performance. Please let us know if you have any requirements that we can assist you with.

Down Memory Lane – November 2026

A happy, nostalgic afternoon full of all your favourite melodies.

This hour-and-a-half-long performance includes a 20-minute break for a free cuppa and biscuit, served in the performance area for maximum convenience.

We understand that flexibility is very important for this performance. Please let us know if you have any requirements that we can assist you with.

Down Memory Lane – December 2026

A happy, nostalgic afternoon full of all your favourite melodies.

This hour-and-a-half-long performance includes a 20-minute break for a free cuppa and biscuit, served in the performance area for maximum convenience.

We understand that flexibility is very important for this performance. Please let us know if you have any requirements that we can assist you with.

Down Memory Lane – September 2026

A happy, nostalgic afternoon full of all your favourite melodies.

This hour-and-a-half-long performance includes a 20-minute break for a free cuppa and biscuit, served in the performance area for maximum convenience.

We understand that flexibility is very important for this performance. Please let us know if you have any requirements that we can assist you with.

Centre Stage Scratch Night

Join Havering Changing and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch for Centre Stage – a vibrant showcase of top Essex/East London deaf, disabled, and neuro-divergent talent!

Dive into our scratch night: a relaxed evening of fresh ideas, short works-in-progress, live feedback, food, music, performances, and community fun.

The line up of acts:

Jodie Mitchell

Award-winning Drag King, comedian, writer and podcaster Jodie Mitchell co-founded the queer women, trans, and non‑binary comedy collective The LOL Word, and writes and performs as their macho Glaswegian alter‑ego John Travulva with Pecs Drag Kings—winning an Off‑Broadway Award in 2020. They have appeared on Comedy Central Live and Channel 4’s Jokes Only A Lesbian Can Tell, and served as a writer on Season 3 of Netflix’s Sex Education.

Jo-Anne Cox

Jo-anne Cox is a creative performer/composer. As well as performing solo, she collaborates with artists and musicians, playing with bands and ensembles. She is a composer of seriously sensuous work for electric cello who loves cross-artform collaboration, audience interactive performance and sensory experiences. She draws audiences into her sonic worlds through her intimate and alluring performances.

Miss Jacqui

Miss Jacqui is a dynamic artist, celebrated for her powerful poetry and soulful music. As a Spoken Word Artist and Songwriter, she masterfully blends words and melodies into messages that are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Deaf Rave

Founder Troi “DJ Chinaman” Lee began with a vision to give Deaf, Hearing and Disabled Artists and performers a platform to display their love for music. Deaf Rave provides entertainment with music, sign song and visual performances to an all-inclusive audience, globally and across the UK.

Perfect Show for Rachel – Touch Tour

A touch tour is a hands-on pre-show experience where visually impaired audience members can feel the set, props, and costumes to get a sense of the show before it starts.

Robin Hood

String your bows and join us for some festive fun in the Forest of Havering, as Robin Hood hits the bullseye in a brand-new, laugh-out-loud panto adventure!

With his Merry Band beside him and the brilliant, brave Maid Marian leading the charge, our cheeky outlaw is ready to outwit the greedy Sheriff, with daring tricks, silly mishaps and plenty of audience mischief along the way!

Perfect for the whole family, this action-packed adventure is bursting with catchy songs, dazzling sets and costumes, and side-splitting panto fun. You’ll find heroes to cheer, villains to boo, and more surprises than you can shake an arrow at!

There’s only one way to find out… Oh yes there is!

So, gather your Merry Band of family and friends and book your tickets today!

Share the Magic of Panto – When booking your tickets, please consider purchasing an extra ticket for a child who may not otherwise be able to attend. Your generosity helps children supported by local charities, including Home-Start and Imago Young Carers Services, enjoy a truly magical panto experience. In the basket, you can donate a single ticket, a pair of tickets, a family ticket, or make a contribution towards a ticket, every gift helps create a day they’ll never forget.

★★★★★“The definition of perfect festive theatre for the whole family” – Sounds and Stage (Jack and the Beanstalk 2025)
★★★★★ “The greatest pantomime of them all”– Southend Theatre Scene (Cinderella 2024)
★★★★★ “A performance that the whole family adores”– The Usual Chaos (Dick Whittington 2023)

What to expect from our Panto – Panto is a fun, family-friendly theatre tradition in the UK, usually performed at Christmas. Based on fairy tales, it’s packed with comedy, music, and audience participation.

Key Features:

The Dame – A comedic, larger-than-life character played by a man in exaggerated female costume and makeup, bringing slapstick and cheeky humour.
Audience participation – Classic shout-outs like “It’s behind you!” and “Oh no it isn’t!” keep the crowd involved.
Slapstick & Wordplay – Silly physical comedy, messy scenes, and jokes for both kids and innuendo for adults.
Modern References – Pop culture jokes and improvisation make each show unique.
Larger-Than-Life Characters – Expect a hero, a villain to boo, and a comedy sidekick.
Live on stage music – We pride ourselves on our highly professional actor-musician casting for all roles, meaning all cast members play an instrument on stage (as well as act, sing, and dance)
New writing – Each panto is brand new for us, it’s the classic fairy tale with a local spin.