Author: Grace Coppin

Full casting has been announced for Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg’s co-production of Diane Samuels’ heart-felt drama Kindertransport produced in association with Selladoor Productions.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to announce that Suzan Sylvester has been cast as Faith’s mother Evelyn. She is best known for appearing in the BBC TV drama Cherished and crime thriller Murder on the Home Front. Other TV credits include Eastenders, Kingdom and London’s Burning.

Suzan won an Olivier Award for her performance of Catherine in A View From The Bridge at the Aldwych Theatre, directed by Alan Ayckbourn.

Suzan will be joined by Hannah Bristow as Faith, Leila Schaus as Eva, Catherine Janke as Helga, Jenny Lee as Lil and Matthew Brown as the Ratcatcher.

This production marks 80 years since the Kindertransport, which saw thousands of Jewish children ferried from Austria and Germany to safety in the UK. It is also 25 years since acclaimed playwright Diane Samuels wrote this extraordinary and haunting play.

The play tells the story of how nine-year-old Eva, a German Jewish girl, is sent to start a new life in Britain before the outbreak of World War Two on the Kindertransport. Over forty years later, she has changed her name to Evelyn. Evelyn, is forced to confront the truth when her daughter discovers old letters in the attic.

Kindertransport opens at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 8 – 24 March, plays at Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg from 27 – 31 March and then embarks on a UK tour to the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Richmond Theatre and Manchester Opera House.

This timely modern classic about a woman’s struggle to come to terms with her past is from the producers of last year’s acclaimed revival of The Crucible.

For more information about Kindertransport at the Queen’s Theatre visit https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/kindertransport/

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is delighted to announce this year’s panto extravaganza will be Jack and the Beanstalk. It will run from 28 November 2018 – 6 January 2019.

When Jack sells Daisy, his beloved family cow, for magic beans, he soon discovers they open up an unexpected world of thrilling adventure. Join Jack and dotty mum Dame Trott as they scale the Beanstalk, outwit Giant Bonecrunch and are reunited with Jill, the girl Jack loves.

Bought to you by the same team as last year’s record-breaking Beauty and the Beast and 2016’s Cinderella, this actor-musician version of the popular panto tale is peppered with pop hits from across the decades, bundles of audience participation and hilarious slapstick.

Tickets for this festive spectacular range from £12.50 to £29 and are on sale from Tuesday 23 January. The theatre is offering an ‘Early Bird’ 10% off discount if audiences book before 31 March (T&Cs apply).

The Queen’s Theatre is committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy the pleasure of live performance and has confirmed it will continue to provide four especially adapted shows of Jack and the Beanstalk. Tickets for a Relaxed Performance (Wednesday 2 January at 5.30pm) and a Dementia-Friendly Performance (Thursday 3 January at 1.30pm) are available to purchase alongside the theatre’s regular Signed (Thursday 3 Jan at 6.30pm) and Audio-Described (Friday 4 January at 1pm) performances.

For further details and to book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/jack-and-the-beanstalk-2/ 

To encourage more young people to experience professional theatre, the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is offering £8 tickets for Under 26s for all three of its in-house productions this season and beyond; Rope, Kindertransport and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

The Queen’s Theatre is passionate about making theatre accessible to everyone and believes that, by reducing the financial barrier, more under 26s can enjoy an evening at the theatre. The theatre hopes this will also encourage people to see theatre for the first time or to be more adventurous and see productions they might not be familiar with.

£8 tickets can be booked for the theatre’s upcoming production Patrick Hamilton’s chilling thriller Rope (15 February – 3 March). It will star James Sutton (Hollyoaks), Janet Amsden, Cara Chase, Sam Jenkins-Shaw, George Kemp, Fred Lancaster, Nico Pimparé and Phoebe Sparrow.

Also this season, young people can see Diane Samuels’ heart-warming drama Kindertransport (8 – 24 March) and the feel-good musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (27 April – 26 May) by Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott for just £8 per show.

For more information and to book tickets visit queens-theatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01708 443333.

Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actor James Sutton is playing Charles Granillo in Patrick Hamilton’s chilling thriller Rope. With rehearsals now underway, he shares what attracted him to this production and how it feels to be swapping TV for the stage.

1) What first attracted you to Patrick Hamilton’s play, Rope?
‘I remember watching Hitchcock’s film version years ago and thinking it was brilliant, really tense and atmospheric, it really stayed with me. So when the opportunity to be part of a new production came about, I didn’t take much convincing.’

2) You’re playing Charles Granillo. Tell us more about this character.
‘He’s quite highly strung and has a lot of reservations about the murder they’ve committed. He’s been seduced by Brandon and throughout the play is struggling to keep himself together. He’s also very handsome.’

3) What are you most looking forward to about working on this show?
‘Its been a long time since I’ve been involved in a proper rehearsal period, so I’d have to say that.’

4) You worked with Director Douglas Rintoul whilst at drama school. Tell me a bit more about the production you worked on together.
‘Douglas directed my first show at Drama school, As You Like It and it was one of the most important plays for me personally. I was a bag of insecurities and nerves throughout my training and to be thrown in at the deep end so early in my third year, tackling Shakespeare, and playing a romantic lead, gave me my confidence back at a time when I felt very unsure of myself as a performer. It was also an awful lot of fun and Douglas was brilliant with us.’

5) Who are your influences in the theatre world?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Shakespeare. I played smaller roles in open air productions when I was a teenager and I used to watch in awe. The professionals delivering the words with such grace and ease, it blew my mind. I also love new writing. There’s a lot of new playwrights and writers coming out of Liverpool, where I live, and the importance of some of that work and those new voices being heard, is huge.

6) You’ve had an extensive career in TV with many people knowing you from Hollyoaks and Emmerdale . Are you looking to pursue more theatre roles in the future?
‘I am. It’s where I started and it feels like home being on stage. I’ve been very lucky to have worked on some wonderful dramas and TV shows, but nothing beats a live audience.’

Rope runs at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 15 February – 3 March. For more information and tickets call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or click here.

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is delighted to announce that due to phenomenal demand, it is extending its run of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert by a week. This regional professional premiere of this glamorously feel-good musical by Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott will now play at the Queen’s Theatre from 27 April – 26 May. Booking for these additional dates is now on sale.

This uplifting and heart-warming tale has it all – outrageous costumes, flamboyant choreography and plenty of sass. It’s jam-packed with 70s, 80s and 90s dance floor favourites including I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, I Say A Little Prayer and Finally. So hop aboard the party bus; it’s time to feel fabulous!

For more information about Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or click here https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert/

Casting has been announced for the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich production of Patrick Hamilton’s gripping thriller, Rope.

James Sutton, who is best-known for playing John Paul McQueen in Hollyoaks a role he was thrice nominated for a British Soap Award and shortlisted for a National Television Award – and Ryan Lamb in Emmerdale, has been cast as Charles Granillo in this chilling play. He will be joined by Janet Amsden, Cara Chase, Sam Jenkins-Shaw, George Kemp, Fred Lancaster, Nico Pimparé and Phoebe Sparrow. It runs in Hornchurch from 15 February – 3 March.

Based on a 1920’s real-life case, this dark classic was filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1948 and remains to this day one of the most tightly coiled of thrillers. It will be directed by the Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul, who directed James Sutton in As You Like It at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

For more information about the forthcoming season at the Queen’s Theatre and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or click here https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/rope/

Did you experience the Kindertransport 80 years ago? Was your relative one of the thousands of children rescued through the Kindertransport before the outbreak of World War II? If so, and you’re local to Essex / East London, the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch wants to hear from you.

To mark the 80^th anniversary of the Kindertransport, the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is bringing this rich piece of history to the stage. It is estimated that 10,000 children were evacuated from Europe into the UK through the Kindertransport to escape the threat of World War II. The train came through Harwich to London Liverpool Street with many children being rehomed in Essex.

The theatre is reaching out to people in Essex and East London who experienced the Kindertransport or know of someone who had a connection with the rescue mission to get in touch. They will be able to share stories and memories and have the chance to connect with other individuals who have come forward.

To share your experience with the theatre please call Rachel as soon as possible on 01708 462376 or email rachel@queens-theatre.co.uk and she will be happy to answer any further questions.

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is co-producing Diane Samuels’ extraordinary and haunting play, Kindertransport, which she wrote 25 years ago, with Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg in association with Selladoor Productions. Kindertransport runs in Hornchurch from 8 – 24 March, plays at Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg from 27 – 31 March and then embarks on a UK tour to the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Richmond Theatre and Manchester Opera House.

To book tickets for Kindertransport at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/kindertransport/ 

Spring/Summer Jump the Q Season Tickets are on sale.

Enjoy ALL THREE of our in-house productions this autumn from just £14 per show. You’ll be able to get the best seats at the best prices with our Jump the Q season ticket, it’s the most cost-effective way for you to get your theatre fix in the coming months.

The season opens with the spine-tingling thriller, Rope. Running from 15 February – 3 March, this dark classic by Patrick Hamilton was filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1948 and is based on a 1920’s real-life case. It will be directed by our Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul and co-produced with New Wolsey Theatre. (Previous collaborations include Made in Dagenham, Worst Wedding Ever and The Ladykillers).  

Following this year’s acclaimed revival of The Crucible, the Queen’s Theatre is partnering with Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg again to produce Diane Samuels’ heart-warming classic Kindertransport in association with Selladoor Productions. Running from 8 – 24 March, it marks the 80^th anniversary of the Kindertransport and 25 years since the deeply moving and timely modern classic was written.

Finally, disco royalty rolls into town with the glamorous regional professional premiere of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical from 27 April – 19 May. This uplifting tale is written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott and directed by Douglas Rintoul. Based on the smash-hit movie, audiences are promised a highly entertaining new take on this iconic musical.

Theatregoers can enjoy all three of these productions with a cost-effective Jump the Q season ticket from £42 (£14 per show). The season ticket goes on sale from Saturday 11 November and individual tickets can be purchased from Tuesday 21 November. Offer ends on Sat 3 Mar.

For more information and to book your Jump the Q season ticket click here or phone our Box Office on 01708 443333.

Panto season is one of the most joyous and magical times of the year and no one should feel excluded from enjoying the wonders of Pantomime.

Following such positive feedback from providing a Relaxed Performance and a Dementia-Friendly performance at last year’s panto Cinderella, the Queen’s Theatre is delighted to be offering these two specially adapted performances again for this year’s festive extravaganza, Beauty and the Beast.

These adapted performances welcomes people of all ages who will benefit from a relaxed, quieter and supportive environment including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, a learning disability or Dementia.

The theatre welcomes those who may usually be prevented from visiting the theatre to attend these tailored performances. Relaxed performances provide a comfortable setting for audience members who might find it difficult to follow the usual conventions of theatre etiquette. By creating an informal environment it will enable patrons to just be themselves without the need for families or carers to worry about the effect it may have on others around them. It is assured that audience noise is permitted throughout the performance and individuals who may feel overwhelmed are free to leave to a ‘chill out’ area in the foyer and return when they feel ready at any point during the show. House lights will be kept on throughout the performances, extremely loud noises and flashing lights will be removed or reduced and additional staff will be on hand to provide extra assistance front of house.

The Relaxed Performance will take place on Tuesday 2 January at 5.30pm and the Dementia-Friendly Performance will take place on Wednesday 3 January at 1.30pm. Tickets for these Relaxed Performances are £12.50. To book tickets please call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or stop by in person to discuss your requirements.

Written by Andrew Pollard and directed by Martin Berry, Beauty and the Beast is packed with sparkling sets, colourful costumes, tunes that you all know, lots of laughter and tailored audience participation.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

 

Parents wanting to make the festive season even more magical for their little ones this year will not want to miss ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas from 6 – 23 December. Created by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Rainham Hall National Trust, this fully immersive show sees families enter the bedroom of a Christmas mad seven-year-old. Youngsters will help him finish decorating his room, turning it into the cosiest, Christmassy bedroom in the world! Join in the countdown to Christmas and discover which toy he finds in his patchwork quilt advent calendar, and don’t forget to listen out for the elf bells! It is performed at Rainham Hall’s charming, historic hayloft and is suitable for accompanied 3 – 7 year olds.

Based on the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore, local actor Samuel Ward-Smith will perform the story about a child’s encounter with Santa Claus and his desperation to see him again. Samuel Ward-Smith is a recent graduate from Mountview Academy and has a strong association with the Queen’s Theatre. He was a member of its youth theatre, QYouth for 8 years (2005 – 2013) and completed an apprenticeship with the theatre before going to drama school.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas takes inspiration from festive celebrations during the 1940s to coincide with Rainham Hall’s Remembering the Day Nursery exhibition. It celebrates the time when the Hall operated as a state-run wartime nursery for local children between 1943 and 1954.

Written and directed by the Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul, this unique experience will get everyone, young and old, peering a little further into the sky this Christmas Eve.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas will be performed at Rainham Hall’s historic hayloft from 6 – 23 December. Tickets are £7.50 for all weekday performances and £10 at weekends. Performances are at 11.30am and 1.30pm with an additional 3.30pm performance at weekends. To book, call the Queen’s Theatre’s Box Office on 01708 443333 or go online at https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/twas-night-christmas/