Author: Grace Coppin

Life today as a teenager can be painstakingly difficult, especially in a world where pressures of wearing the right clothes, having the right group of friends and listening to the right music are rife. And not forgetting the obsessions with instant messaging 24-7, taking daily selfies, experimenting with fun filters on Snapchat and documenting everyday life on Instagram.

This digital life of millennials is brilliantly captured in Abi, a fresh new play jointly commissioned by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Derby Theatre. This vibrant one-woman show explores how a fiery 15-year-old girl experiences modern society by delving into her realm of boys, family, partying, ambitions and social media, with wit and flair.

Abi plays at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 4 – 22 September and transfers to Derby Theatre from 29 September – 20 October. It is written by one of Britain’s most exciting new female writers, Atiha Sen Gupta. Her credits include the TV British teen drama series Skins, What Fatima Did, her debut play which premiered at the Hampstead Theatre to critical acclaim in 2009 and Counting Stars which played at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Playing Abi is Safiyya Ingar who has recently finished filming with the BBC in Stephen Poliakoff’s period drama Summer of Rockets. Her stage credits include LAVA (Nottingham Playhouse) and Growth UK Tour (Paines Plough).

Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director at Derby Theatre is directing Abi and said, ‘Atiha is one of the most exciting new playwrights in the country and I know Safiyya will deliver a powerhouse of a performance in this one woman show which explores the heartache of growing up.’

Abi was commissioned as a contemporary response to Mike Leigh’s classic comedy, Abigail’s Party, from an original idea by Sarah Brigham. Abi runs for approximately 45 minutes and can be seen as a stand-alone piece or as a companion piece directly before a performance Abigail’s Party  (4.30pm or 5.30pm) or after at 9.30pm at the Queen’s Theatre. Tickets for Abi are £12 but discounts are available for audiences wishing to see the two productions together. £8 tickets are available for Under 26s to any performance of Abi.

Audiences can book tickets for Abi by calling the Queen’s Theatre Box Office on 01708 443333 or online at https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/abi/  The production contains some strong language and has an age guidance of 14+.

Calling all local actors!

On Monday 17 September, our Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul will be hosting an open casting event for upcoming productions for local actors with an interest in the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

Actors should originate from or be based in Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge or South Essex and should have professional training or credits.

Please send a CV and a short paragraph or a video outlining your connection to the area to artistcallout@queens-theatre.co.uk with the subject header ‘Open Call Submission’ no later than Monday 10 September. Successful applicants will be given more details about what to prepare and a time slot on Monday 17 September. If you would prefer an evening meeting, please let us know.

If you have any questions please include them in your email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is one of more than 175 venues across the country competing to win the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre award in association with Smooth Radio. The theatre was thrilled to be crowned with this title in 2016 & 2017 and would be elated to win the award for the third year running.

Voting will be decided by an online public vote which opens from Tuesday 7 August and closes at 12 noon on Tuesday 18 September at uktheatre.org/vote

Every person that votes will be able to opt-in for the chance to win up to £250 in Theatre Tokens.

The 12 Regional and National winners of the vote will be announced late September. The overall winner of the award will be announced at the UK Theatre Awards on Sunday 14 October at London’s historic Guildhall. The UK Theatre Awards are supported by White Light, Q-Park, Theatre Tokens, John Good, Harbottle & Lewis and Integro in association with Chubb.

The UK Theatre Awards are the only nationwide awards to honour outstanding achievement in theatre throughout the UK. There are many aspects that help shape a person’s experience when visiting the Queen’s Theatre; from a friendly chat with Box Office staff and enjoying a delicious coffee in the café to feeling part of the local community. This public vote gives audiences the chance to celebrate their local theatre and all it does to welcome them.

On winning the award last year, Mathew Russell, Executive Director at the Queen’s Theatre said, ‘We are overjoyed to have retained our title as the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre in the East. Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to all the staff at the Queen’s Theatre, whose continuing dedication and professionalism has earned us this award. We’re making great developments to our rich programme of work, offering an increasingly diverse and affordable programme of quality entertainment all year round to appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.’

Audiences that have had a positive and memorable experience can vote for the Queen’s Theatre online at uktheatre.org/vote.

10 Minute Musicals are looking for fresh innovative voices who are willing to push boundaries and play with form; creatives with a passion for the continued development of their practice.

10 Minute Musicals want you to have an openness to play, to be willing to try new approaches to develop the skills which will enable collaboration on a larger scale.

You will need to commit to 3 workshop dates attached to the project, which will culminate in a sharing of your work at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

About:

10 Minute Musicals is an innovative development programme to support musical theatre professional in Wales and beyond. Leeway Productions are visiting the Queen’s Theatre for the first time having had a successful two years of collaborations elsewhere.

Organised and delivered by Leeway Productions in partnership with Wales Millennium Centre, this development project is held 3 times a year.

Angharad Lee, Artistic Director of Leeway Productions said: ‘10 Minute Musicals includes networking, development and examining of current practice and will provide the support artists need when evolving, progressing and advancing their writing skills for this genre. We encourage a continued conversation with creatives and believe that this creative development project is a great springboard towards casting a new light on how you usually work,‘ she added.

A writer and a composer will be chosen and paired and will develop a brand new 10 Minute Musical of their own.

Leeway Productions will provide mentorship support throughout the process and will support artists as they find their way through what could seem like a daunting task.

Timeline:

Workshops 1,2 and 3: These 3 workshops will happen at allocated dates throughout September.

Sharing of you work at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch: Tuesday 2 October | 8pm

How to apply?

Expressions of interest can be submitted as an individual artist and you will be matched with another artist OR as an existing writer/composer team. Please send a short example of your work along with a CV / Biography or a little about yourself and what you wish to gain from this opportunity to: artistcallout@queens-theatre.co.uk Applicants must register their interest by Wednesday 22 August. 

Please include your name, a contact email address and phone number. If you have any questions, these can also be sent to artistcallout@queens-theatre.co.uk

Were you disappointed not to receive our autumn season brochure in the post? Have you stopped receiving our weekly emails about upcoming shows? We miss you as well!

Due to the new GDPR law (General Data Protection Regulation) that was introduced in May, we’ve changed the way we contact you. To ensure you stay connected with us, you must update your data protection settings. If you don’t then we can’t send you our latest offers, our season brochures or information about our upcoming shows by post or email! It only takes a few minutes to let us know.

To do this you can either:

• Log into your online account with us and select ‘Data Protection’ (Click here for step-by-step instructions)
• Speak to a member of our Box Office team in person at the theatre or call 01708 443333

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has today announced its ensemble cast of actor-musicians for its UK regional premiere of the Tony-Award® winning musical ONCE. It will star Daniel Healy as Guy; he originally played Eamon and was also the understudy for Ronan Keating and Arthur Darvill as Guy in the West End production. ONCE runs at the Queen’s Theatre from 3 – 20 October.

Daniel Healy returns to the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch following his appearance in the 2015 production of Roll Over Beethoven. He will be joined by Rachel Dawson as Ex-Girlfriend (The Jungle Book, UK Tour) who is no stranger to the theatre. Her previous productions there include Shakers, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and The Young Ones. Playing Svejc is Lloyd Gorman (Sunny Afternoon, Harold Pinter Theatre) who appeared at the theatre last year in Worst Wedding Ever and Kate Robson-Stuart is playing Reza (Crazy For You, UK Tour). Her credits at the Queen’s Theatre include Camp Horror, Love, Lies and Lust and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

The cast also includes Sean Kingsley as Billy (Les Misérables, Queens/Palace Theatre); Emma Lucia as Girl (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, UK Tour); Samuel Martin as Bank Manager (The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s Globe); Caolan McCarthy as Eamon (The Plough and The Stars, National Theatre); Peter Mooney as Emcee (The Commitments, West End & UK Tour); Peter Peverley as Da (The Tempest, Northern Stage); Susannah van den Berg as Baruska (Sister Act, UK & International Tour) and James William-Pattison as Andrej (The Last Ship, UK Tour). Three girls who auditioned from the local community will complete the cast alternating as Ivanka, Girl’s young daughter.

ONCE tells the unforgettable story of a Dublin street musician and a funny Czech woman, drawn together by their shared love of music. This smash-hit romance musical, co-produced with the New Wolsey Theatre, opens in Ipswich on Thursday 6 September before transferring to Hornchurch. This production continues the flourishing partnership between the two theatres following recent successes including Rope, Worst Wedding Ever, The Ladykillers and Made in Dagenham.

The musical is based on the 2007 film of the same name by John Carney. Like the film, music and lyrics are by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and features the Academy Award-winning song Falling Slowly. The book for the musical is written by Enda Walsh. The production is directed by Peter Rowe, Artistic Director at the New Wolsey Theatre.

A Sign Language Interpreted Performance of ONCE will take place on Wednesday 17 October at 7.30pm in addition to a Dementia Friendly performance on Thursday 18 October at 1.30pm. Audio description is available at all performances.

ONCE runs at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 3 – 20 October. Tickets are £13.50 – £30, with £8 tickets available for Under 26s (Tue – Thu & previews). For more information about ONCE at the Queen’s Theatre call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/once 

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to be bringing Mike Leigh’s cult classic comedy Abigail’s Party home to its Essex roots from 30 August – 22 September.

Playing the socially awkward, aspirational hostess Beverly is Melanie Gutteridge. She is best known for her roles as PC Emma Keane in The Bill and Amy in Not Going Out. Her recent credits include the British-American horror film The Watcher in the Woods (directed by Melissa Joan Hart) and on stage in Roaring Trade at the Park Theatre.

She will be joined by Liam Bergin (Danny Mitchell in EastEnders), Amy Downham (Jen Gilmore in Hollyoaks), Susie Emmett (she performed opposite Richard E Grant in the film The Man Who Married Himself) and Christopher Staines (Hamlet, National Theatre) as Laurence.

According to Leigh, this delicious 70s comedy that cracks open social climbing suburbia was set in theoretical Romford and is notorious for its references to cheesy-pineapple and Demis Roussos. Made famous by the BBC Play for Today starring Alison Steadman, which was seen by 16 million viewers, audiences will not want to miss this great night out at the drinks party from hell!

This production is directed by the Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Rope, Made in Dagenham) and co-produced with Derby Theatre, Wiltshire Creative and Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg.

A Sign Language Interpreted Performance of Abigail’s Party will take place on Wednesday 19 September at 7.30pm in addition to a Dementia Friendly performance on Thursday 20 September at 1.30pm. Audio description is available at all performances.

Audiences can enjoy Abigail’s Party and two more Queen’s Theatre productions (Once and Haunting Julia) from just £45 (£15 per show) with a Jump the Q season ticket. £8 tickets are available for Under 26s (Tue – Thu & previews only).

The Queen’s Theatre and Derby Theatre have also commissioned a brand new play, Abi, which is a contemporary response to Abigail’s Party. Abi is part of Derby Theatre’s RETOLD series and is written by one of Britain’s most exciting new writers, Atiha Sen Gupta (Skins, Holby City). RETOLD is a series of new one-woman plays commissioned by Derby Theatre. It stars Safiyya Ingar (LAVA, Nottingham Playhouse; Growth UK Tour, Paines Plough) and is directed by Sarah Brigham, Derby Theatre’s Artistic Director. Abi runs at the Queen’s Theatre from 4 – 22 September.

Discounts are available for theatregoers who purchase tickets for Abigail’s Party and Abi together, or Abi and a Jump the Q season ticket.

For more information about Abigail’s Party or Abi at the Queen’s Theatre call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/  

Alexander Zeldin’s critically acclaimed play LOVE is being made into a film by the BBC and National Theatre, where the production premiered two years ago to sold-out audiences.

The film will star Nick Holder, Janet Etuk, Anna Calder-Marshall and Luke Clark, who all appeared in the original stage production. It will be executive produced by actor and director David Schwimmer (best known for playing Ross in Friends), Dixie Linder and Nick Marston for Cuba Pictures and Rufus Norris for the National Theatre, alongside Emma Cahusac for BBC Arts and Polly Stokes for BBC Films.

LOVE transfers to the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch this autumn from 25 – 27 October before touring to Theatre de l’Odeon and Comedie de Valence in France. The Queen’s Theatre is the only UK venue on the tour where audiences can see this engrossing drama performed live. The Queen’s Theatre is transforming its auditorium to create a truly unique and intimate experience like no other. Tickets are limited because of this, so audiences should book early to avoid disappointment!

This intimate story of family love shines the spotlight on ‘the dehumanising reality of being homeless’ (Financial Times) and was described as ‘The National Theatre’s play of the year’ by the Evening Standard in 2017. Alexander Zeldin’s previous work includes the critically acclaimed, ‘raw’ (Financial Times) and ‘unforgettable’ (The Times) production, Beyond Caring.

LOVE runs at the Queen’s Theatre from 25 – 27 October and tickets start at £19, with £8 tickets available for Under 26s. For more information and to book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/love/

From songs and stories to music and crafts, the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to present a variety of children’s entertainment this Summer Holiday.

Taking over the theatre’s main stage from Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 August is one of the cuddliest monsters ever to be seen on stage, The Gruffalo’s Child. Following last year’s sell out run of The Gruffalo, this magical, musical sequel returns with more songs, laughter and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups. The production is based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and tickets are £12.50. There will also be a Relaxed Performance of The Gruffalo’s Child on Thursday 9 August at 11am.

Fans of Little Mix will be able to sing and dance along to all of their favourite pop hits with the high-energy The Little Mix Experience on Sunday 22 July at 6pm. Tickets are £16 and the show is suitable for all ages.

For those that love getting creative there’s a range of jam-packed Create & Play Mornings from Monday 20 August to Friday 24 August. Themes include Purr-fect Pets, Alien Adventures, Jungle Drums, Beside the Seaside and Under the Sea. Little ones aged 4 – 6 years will be able to use their imagination and enjoy two hours of creative fun involving drama games, storytelling and craft activities. Workshops run from 10am – 12 noon and cost £10, and parents can book three sessions for the price of two.

There’s also a fantastic range of children’s entertainment on offer throughout October half term for families who want to book early. Highlights include a brand new puppet musical for children aged 2+ of the classic fairy tale The Elves and the Shoemaker (Saturday 20 October at 10.30am and 12 noon); a Musical Theatre Masterclass for those who love performing (Monday 22 October at 10am for 6-9 years and at 1pm for 10-14 years) and a Street Dance Masterclass taught by an industry professional (Tuesday 23 October at 10am for 6-9 years and 1pm for 10-14 years).

For more information and to book tickets for any of these shows or workshops call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or go online at https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/ 

 

What are we going to do about the performing arts in Havering and South Essex?

 

Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is inviting everyone in the local community who are engaged in the arts to come together to create a plan for a thriving arts scene in Havering.

This event is a free Satellite Devoted & Disgruntled Open Space event which will take place on Saturday 11 August from 5pm to 8.30pm in the foyer at the Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch.

Douglas Rintoul says, ‘I know that local artists are struggling to make work, that the arts are disappearing from schools and that Havering has the lowest number of Arts Council Grants for Arts applications of all the London boroughs. I also know that a healthy arts scene is vital to a healthy community, and now is the time to work together on this urgent issue. So, I’m inviting all those engaged and interested in the performing arts in our area to come together to create an action plan for a thriving performing arts community in the region.’

The event offers a place open to all to voice concerns, have a rant, discuss challenges, seek new connections, share experiences (or lack thereof), listen to and witness the conversation. Participants set the agenda; nothing is censored. Together, participants can map out a rich future for the performing arts in a changing region and turn the challenges into exciting possibilities.

Devoted & Disgruntled is a national ongoing conversation about the future of theatre, run by theatre company Improbable. Using Open Space Technology, it gives theatre and performing arts practitioners the space and time they need to create positive change.

D & D Satellite is free to attend, however tickets must be reserved by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333 or online at https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/dd-satellite/ as places are limited.