In the theatre foyer, you’ll discover an exhibition of artwork and writing inspired by nature walks and creative workshops. Step inside the auditorium, and instead of taking your seat in the stalls, you’ll join the performers on stage. Here, you and the actors sit together around a table for an intimate hour-long experience that blends acted scenes, video and music. Rather than following a single story, Dysbiosis unfolds like a collage, with each piece reflecting the diverse voices and backgrounds of its makers.
Expect a range of styles and tones: some moments are playful and humorous, while others are deeply moving or thought-provoking, tackling themes such as pollution and environmental change. Many pieces imagine the voices of plants, animals, or even stones, asking us to look at the world from new perspectives. With its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the performance invites gentle audience participation – perhaps sharing a hot drink or reading aloud – but only ever on your own terms. Dysbiosis is a truly collaborative, creative and immersive experience, bringing people and ideas together on stage and off.
Dysbiosis is a brand-new performance created by a group of writers, performers and creatives who have spent time at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch exploring how we see and experience nature. Alongside their own work, they’ve also collaborated with local Havering residents. The result is both a unique stage performance and a thought-provoking exhibition, each offering fresh perspectives on our relationship with the natural world.
A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre by the Lake production
Back in the 80s, Di, Viv and Rose are university housemates. Energetic and idealistic, they become friends – but where will life take them after that?
Filled with the iconic culture, fashion and music of the 80s, 90s and Noughties, Di and Viv and Rose follows these three women through the messy complexity of adulthood, in a must-see celebration of the power of lifelong friendship.
Candid and full of humour, Di, Viv and Rose talk about sex, ambition and love – sharing joyful moments, painful experiences, and some surprising secrets.
★★★★★ “The perfect show for a group of friends.”What’s Good to Do
★★★★ “A cracking night out at the theatre.” Northern Arts Review
★★★★ “You feel you have known these characters, thanks to the great performances.”North West End UK
Di and Viv and Rose is written by actor-writer Amelia Bullmore, best known for her portrayal of Steph Barnes in Coronation Street and more recently Riot Women (2025), Happy Valley (2016) and Scott & Bailey (2011). The original production of Di and Viv and Rose transferred to the West End after a sell-out run at Hampstead Theatre.
Don’t forget to attend our FREE Director’s Talk on Fri 17 Oct at 6.30pm – click here to book.
Four actors. Four Shakespeare shows. Endless possibilities.
You – the audience – decide everything, from the play to the performance style. Even which actor plays which part. This hilarious, unpredictable new show, featuring actors whose past experience includes the RSC, Bristol Old Vic, Cheltenham Everyman, Dubai and the West End promises an unforgettable evening of Shakespeare unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!
“Delightfully Daft”(The Stage) “A chaotic, ambitious, side-splittingly funny interactive Shakespearience”(Westhoff Reviews) “Though this be madness, yet there’s method in’t”(William Shakespeare)
Join us for a stranger than fiction night of true crime with ex-forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees who explores the world’s most shocking and unbelievable cases. Jennifer’s previous theatre tour, The Psychology of Serial Killers, was a huge hit with audiences, selling out across the UK and Ireland to rave reviews.
In this new show, Jennifer explores stories such as the serial killer who gained work in law enforcement whilst on the run – and ended up hunting himself; the female, balloon-carrying killer clown; serial killers on gameshows – how their appearances led to their identification, and many more stories.
A fascinating look at the strangest, but true crime stories, perfect for fans of true crime documentaries and podcasts.
“Riveting content, and extremely well delivered. 10/10” – audience review
Herbert grew up in the Metropol. The eerie old cinema was his playground and prison – a place where endless late-night horror films were his only window to the world.
Forbidden from leaving by his disturbed parents, Herbert hid in its shadows and gorged on its movies. But what lurked in the Metropol’s darkness? And how did he manage to escape?
Now Herbert’s back at the abandoned cinema, searching for answers to long-buried questions. But for him, and for you, the real horror has only just begun…
Inspired by classic theatre ghost stories and cinema’s greatest frights, Shock Horror is a chilling journey into a haunted past. Combining live performance and big-screen action, it’s full of shivers, shrieks and shocking revelations.
Because we love a good horror film, don’t we? Until we realise we’re all alone in the dark…
Age guidance 12+
★★★★★ ‘Brilliantly combining live performance, illusion and film’Theatre News ★★★★ ‘Spine-tingling’Reviews Hub
London, 1901. As the British Empire wages war in the name of a Queen whose health is failing, a series of mysterious events reveal s a crack in the high corridors of power.
A crack that threatens to destabilise monarchy, government and Empire. And at its centre, controlling the flow of information and influence, a shadowy figure plans a final deadly move. Drawn into the game and unsure who to trust, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves confronting figures from their past in a desperate race against time, aware that the most powerful person in the world could be in the pocket of one of the most corrupt.
But just how much is Holmes willing to sacrifice as he faces ‘checkmate’? A thrilling adventure based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty is a world premiere combining powerful performances, a haunting soundscape and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience.
“One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English theatre”The Stage
Get ready for a show that’s packed with musical hits, laughter, and a whole lot of drama!
“RTV: Razzamataz TV” will take you on a whistle-stop tour through the wild world of TV – from the zany fun of kids’ cartoons to the over-the-top drama of soap operas. Our talented young performers will bring your favourite TV moments to life.
Whether you’re a fan of cartoons, musicals or you crave that soapy suspense, “RTV” has it all! So tune in, sit back, and get ready for the ultimate TV-dinner show – something you’ll want to watch again and again.
Razzamataz Theatre School is a provider of performing arts education to young people.
An inspiring and exciting afternoon designed for those looking to network, develop their craft, and gain insight into the theatre industry. This free event offers exclusive access to a Page to Stage workshop, alongside Mini Matinees showcasing new writing by emerging creatives, and a special Creative Talk.
All three events will be BSL interpreted, as will the evening performance of Handbagged later that day.
2:00pm – 3:45pm: Mini Matinees
New writing by emerging creatives, performed on our foyer stage. Moira Buffini Writer’s Talk
Be the first to watch this exclusive screening of an interview with acclaimed playwright Moira Buffini, hosted by Alex Thorpe. They’ll explore what it takes to craft a fiercely comic play, dive into Moira’s journey as a playwright, and discuss everything Handbagged. 4:00pm – 5:30pm: Page to Stage Workshop
Removing the mystery of taking Handbagged from the Page to the Stage. This practical workshop provides insight into the director’s vision in creating some of the production’s most exciting moments. It is facilitated by Chani Merrell, who will be joined by members of the acting company and technical staff.
From rehearsal techniques and investigation with the actors and stage management, weaving in lighting, sound and music, this session unpacks the immense amount of talented people it takes to bring this epic and satirical production to life.
There will also be a chance for you to put your questions to the company.
Under 26? Why not book an £8 ticket for the evening production of Handbagged? Moira Buffini’s clever, funny, and charming comedy takes a fly-on-the-wall look at what might have happened when Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher came face-to-face in the privacy of the palace.
Over the course of a decade, did the Monarch and the Iron Lady ever find common ground, or did their stiff upper lips reign supreme?
This highly entertaining production is presented by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre Nation Partnerships.
Join us for Murder at the Allotment, an unforgettable evening of intrigue, suspense, and mystery! In a quiet village, the allotment is the place to be, bringing neighbours together in friendly rivalry. But this year, everything takes a dark turn when the Chair of the allotment society is discovered dead.
As the community reels from the shocking murder, long-buried secrets and simmering rivalries begin to surface. Who had a motive to kill? Was it a jealous competitor, a wronged friend, or someone hiding a far darker secret? With everyone under suspicion, it’s up to you to follow the clues, uncover hidden motives, and piece together the truth.
Prepare for a night filled with twists, turns, and plenty of surprises as you immerse yourself in this gripping Murder Mystery. Can you solve the case before the killer strikes again, or will the truth remain buried in the soil? Perfect for fans of mystery and suspense, Murder at the Allotment promises an evening of excitement and intrigue that will keep you guessing until the very end. Don’t miss your chance to play detective in this thrilling whodunnit!
This 90-minute practical workshop provides insight into the Director’s vision and decisions in creating some of the production’s most exciting moments. It is facilitated by Handbagged’s Associate Director, who will be joined by members of the acting company and technical staff.
From rehearsal techniques and investigation with the actors and stage management, weaving in lighting, sound and music, this session unpacks the immense amount of talented people it takes to bring this epic and satirical production to life.
There will also be a chance for you to put your questions to the company.
