A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, New Wolsey Theatre, Theatre by the Lake and Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg production. By Michael Frayn. Directed by Douglas Rintoul.
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring theatre company desperately trying to maintain their composure and regain any shred of credibility.
From their frantic last-minute rehearsals in Weston-Super-Mare to a disastrously silent performance in Ashton-under-Lyne, and a spectacularly calamitous final performance in Stockton-on-Tees, Noises Off promises an evening of non-stop laughter and mayhem as the doomed actors struggle to keep their performance together whilst everything around them quite literally falls apart.
Written by the multi-award-winning British novelist and playwright Michael Frayn, this is a new production of one of the most celebrated plays ever written.
Creative Directors will interview the production’s director and creative team. The Director’s Talk are ticketed but free to attend.
Whether you’ve already seen the show and are eager for more, or you’re yet to experience this razor-sharp political comedy, this is the perfect opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insight. Hear directly from the creative minds behind the production and discover how history and humour come together on stage.
Book your favourite seats early and take advantage of our Early Bird pricing until 5 May 2025.
Following the glittering success of Cinderella, this year, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to present the pantomime we’ve all BEAN waiting for with ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ performing from 19 November.
Join us for a GIANT adventure packed with gags galore, an original score, and sensational silliness – perfect for a festive family outing! Expect toe-tapping tunes, live music, dazzling costumes, magic beans, oodles of audience participation and larger-than-life characters in this unmissable magical pantomime adventure for all ages!
We’re proud to offer a range of accessible performances, welcoming everyone to come and enjoy the magic of panto.
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.
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.
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.
Bly, Essex. Angelic 9 year-old Flora and precocious 12 year-old Miles are the picture of innocence, rescuing injured birds and playing make-believe by the shady lake. But, as a new governess arrives at the manor to take care of them, disturbing secrets emerge from beneath the undulating waters. Questioning the truth behind the children’s stories, the governess finds it increasingly hard to tell reality from her nightmares – until she is forced to take action. Did you really see her? Or was it just a trick of the light? Henry James’ classic ghost story, chillingly reimagined by playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Her Naked Skin), is an enthralling mix of Halloween thriller and psychological mystery, drawing in both believers and sceptics alike. The play has been used as inspiration for West End classic The Woman in Black and adapted for Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor.
All children aged under 14 must be seated with an accompanying adult (18+) when watching a performance.
A Theatre Nation Partnerships production, produced by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. Moira Buffini’s clever and fiercely funny comedy is 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 a common ground, or did their stiff upper lips reign supreme?
This highly entertaining Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre Nation Partnerships production explores the intense relationship between two of history’s most revered female leaders, and the legacy they each left behind.
⭐⭐⭐⭐“Equally escapist and deeply grounded in reality”LondonTheatre1
⭐⭐⭐⭐“Hilariously entertaining”Southend Theatre Scene
⭐⭐⭐⭐“Handbagged is a great night at the theatre”ArtsHub
Keen to add to your theatre fix? Join us at one of the following FREE events!
Director’s Talk – Attend our Director’s Talk on Tue 18 Feb to get an insight into the making of Handbagged. Book your seat at our Book your space here.
Page to Stage – This 90-minute practical workshop provides insight into the Director’s vision and decisions in creating some of the production’s most exciting moments. Book your space here.
Theatre Lab – An inspiring and exciting afternoon designed for those looking to network, develop their craft, and gain insight into the theatre industry. Theatre Lab offers exclusive access to a Page to Stage workshop, alongside Mini Matinees showcasing new writing by emerging creatives, and a special Creative Talk.Book your space here.
See the full tour dates here: Handbagged tour details
All children aged under 14 must be seated with an accompanying adult (18+) when watching a performance.
