Author: Grace Coppin

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to announce its new season of superb comedy and thrilling drama to provide audiences with the very best in live entertainment.

The season opens with a British premiere of the farcical comedy A Fox On The Fairway, written by Ken Ludwig, one of America’s most performed playwrights. This hilarious romp about love, life and a man’s eternal love affair with… golf is filled with headlong humour, exuberant personalities and romantic entanglements. It runs from 25 August – 16 September.

The madcap comedy continues with The Ladykillers from 3 – 21 October. Celebrated television writer Graham Linehan (Father Ted, The IT Crowd) has adapted the Ealing classic which tells the story of how an old lady discovers the room she has let out to a string quintet is infact a hardened gang of criminals planning the great Kings Cross Train Robbery! The theatre is delighted to again be co-producing with New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich and Salisbury Playhouse on this humorous tale.

Finally, audiences will not want to miss the thrilling new adaptation of H.G.Wells’ iconic science-fiction novella, The Invisible Man. Filled with live music, illusion and adventure, this world premier arrives on the stage in this suspenseful escapade by award-winning theatre maker Clem Garritty. It runs from 27 October – 18 November.

Tickets for the theatre’s cost-effective jump the Q season ticket go on sale on 13 May. By purchasing this season ticket, theatregoers can enjoy all three in-house productions from just £14 per show. It’s the most affordable way for audiences to their get theatre fix this autumn!

A jump the Q season ticket provides savings of up to nearly 45% on the best seats for all three Queen’s Theatre shows. Choose between a super-flexible Premium ticket for £52 or a super-affordable Saver for just £42 for the whole season! Book by 16 September 2017.

Individual tickets for these three productions go on sale on 27 May. For further information about jump the Q and to book tickets, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit https://queens-theatre.co.uk/join-support/jump-the-q/

On Sunday 21 May, a feast of dance styles will come together as young people from across East London and Essex showcase their talents in the Queen’s Theatre’s annual dance festival, First Feat.

It is a fantastic festival of creativity enabling local dance groups aged 11 – 19 from different backgrounds with varying styles and interests to be united by a passion for dance.

Audiences will see 13 dynamic performances from Essex Dance Theatre, Hotsteps Dance, Apogee Stars Stage School, Lose Control, Beverly Marks Stage School, East London Youth Dance Company, Jam Company and the Queen’s Theatre’s very own youth dance company, QDance.

Now in its 19^th year, First Feat has been a major platform for celebrating local talent, involving thousands of young people over the years. Hosting this year’s event is choreographer and dancer for Boy Blue Entertainment, Tyrone Isaac-Stuart. He says, ‘You should come to First Feat and realise that it’s not impossible to want to dance. Be inspired, challenged and entertained. You’ll see some great performers and support dancers at all levels and abilities. Movement should reflect cultural diversity and seeing the youth perform (and their approach to dance) is really exciting. There are so many types of dance being showcased and it’s hard to find that variety being presented elsewhere. Opportunities and events like this don’t happen frequently enough in the dance world and certainly not at this level and quality – it’s a great performance space being shared by some fantastic groups.’

Young people aged 12 – 18 inspired by the event can develop their dance technique in a variety of styles by joining the theatre’s QDance company from September. For more information email learning@queens-theatre.co.uk

First Feat runs at the Queen’s Theatre on Sunday 21 May at 7pm. Tickets are £7.50 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333, in person at the theatre or online at https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/first-feat-2017/

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has launched a new ‘pay what you think it’s worth’ initiative for two specially commissioned plays by two of the UK’s most exciting emerging playwrights.

A talented cast from the renowned East 15 Acting School’s BA Acting course are set to stage a season of world premieres featuring two fantastic productions inspired by historical events. These brand new plays explore the current issues of sexuality, gender politics, migration and cultural identity and will be performed for the first time on the Queen’s Theatre’s stage.

The theatre is offering theatregoers an amazing opportunity to see two brand new pieces of work at no cost, but is asking for a donation to be made at the end of the performance which reflects what they thought of the piece.

Celebrated Camden writer Ché Walker’s (Royal Court and National Theatre) newly commissioned play, Anne Bonny and Mary Read takes its cue from the lives of the notorious 18th-century pirates and cross-dressing lesbian lovers. The cast of Anne Bonny and Mary Read will bring an epic historical canvas to life with burning modern questions.

Playwright Samantha Ellis (Arcola, Birmingham Rep, Hamstead Theatre) tells the extraordinary tale of Dom Marco Raphael, who was supposedly the only Jew in England at the time of Henry VIII, picking his way through a murky world of court intrigue, racism and prejudice. With scintillating wit and piercing compassion The Only Jew in England brings to life a world of music, glamour, flirtation and gripping political tension.

East 15 Acting School has produced actors, directors, theatre practitioners and technicians for the international stage, TV, film and radio including Alison Steadman (Pride and Prejudice, Gavin & Stacey) who has endorsed the drama school. She said,

‘As a graduate of East 15, I am delighted to say that it is one of the most innovative drama schools in the country. I attribute the training and opportunities I experienced here hugely to my success as an actress. With two of the country’s most exciting playwrights heralding these brand new productions, I encourage you to see these sensational pieces of quality theatre. It’s a chance for you to see the stars of tomorrow; I have no doubt they will go on to have a bright and long-lasting future.’

Other graduates of East 15 include Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners) Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Billy Elliot the Musical) and Ann Mitchell (Eastenders).

Anne Bonny and Mary Read runs at the Queen’s Theatre from 17 – 20 May and The Only Jew in England runs from 18 – 20 May. To reserve a seat call the Box Office on 01708 443333, visit in person at the theatre or online at:

https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/play-1/

https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/play-2/

(online reservations include a non-refundable £1 administration charge).

The Queen’s Theatre is delighted with the wonderful praise it has received for its refreshing take of Educating Rita which opened earlier this week.

Ros Philips’ production of this iconic, heart-warming two-handed play has received plenty of admiration from critics including four-star ratings.

West End Wilma’s four star review described the ‘delightfully exhilarating’ production as ‘funny, touching and uplifting’.

Phoenix FM applauded the ‘quality of the acting’ as being ‘simply superb’ and hailed the production as being  ‘a joy to experience’.

Here are some comments from other critics:

‘A lovely play that continues to ask questions about class and culture’ London Theatre 1

‘This straightforward, honest production still packs a punch’ Reviews Hub

‘The stage is a masterpiece’ Hornchurch Life

‘Captivating to watch’ Bedrock FM

The theatre spoke to audience members after the show, watch this video to see what they thought!

Educating Rita runs at the theatre until 13 May. For more information about this production and to book click here.

Local audiences had their first chance to sit onstage at last night’s opening performance of Educating Rita and were left hugely captivated by this immersive viewing experience.

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has extended its stage to create a truly unique and intimate setting for Willy Russell’s iconic two-handed play. This rare opportunity enables a limited number of theatregoers every night to lose themselves in a piece of terrific theatre by sitting alongside the actors on stage.

The theatre spoke to audience members after the show about their experience. Many were delighted to have been able to see the production in this way as it enhanced their overall enjoyment of the classic comedy. Here are some of their comments:

‘Sitting on the stage was quite unique because you felt you were immersed in the room with them; we were very, very close. It was nice to see the intimacy with the actors talking to each other. If you’ve got the chance, the best seats in the house are certainly on the stage.’

‘The seats on the stage made it feel a bit cosier, really good idea, really good addition.’

‘I had a great opportunity of being on the stage so I really got involved within the show and felt every emotion. It was a really beautiful play.’

‘Excellent production and sitting on the stage was surreal.’

‘I enjoyed being in the heart of the show on stage.’

Willy Russell’s hilarious yet moving comedy, Educating Rita follows the story of a hairdresser wanting to better herself with higher education. Frank becomes her assigned tutor, but grudgingly accepts the challenge. Slowly, Frank realises that his enthusiastic student has much to teach him too – making him question himself, his work and his very being in the process.

Educating Rita runs at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch until 13 May. Tickets are from £18 – £29 and under 26s can sit onstage for £5. To book call the Box Office on 01708 443333, visit the theatre in person or go online at queens-theatre.co.uk. Please note the production is suitable for people aged 12+ as it contains some strong language.

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is thrilled to be hosting four fantastic productions performed by youth theatre companies as part of the National Theatre’s annual Connections festival on 7 & 8 May. For just £5 theatregoers will be able to immerse themselves in two pieces of original theatre in one evening.

The National Theatre Connections festival is a celebration of young people, theatre-making and the importance of access to the arts. Each year 10 new plays are commissioned for young people to perform, bringing together some of the most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow.

On Sunday 7 May, audiences will see two thrilling productions, Zero For The Young Dudes! performed by Green Shoes and The School Film presented by Outloud Productions. Zero For the Young Dudes! is a dark and meaty play that follows inmates living in a bizarre summer camp, plotting a revolution. Whilst The School Film tells the story of young viewers absorbing the adventures of characters in a 1940s film, but all is not as it seems.

The drama continues on Monday 8 May with Ormiston Rivers Academy performing The Monstrum, a gothic melodrama about the terrifying onset of adolescence. Tomorrow’s Talent will set audiences laughing with Status Update, which is a funny story of the things teenagers learn, believe and have sussed out; everything from ridiculous myths to hard truths.

With 29 local festivals taking place across the country, the Queen’s Theatre is delighted to be partnering with the festival for the second year running and welcoming audiences to see an unforgettable feast of new writing.

The NT Connections Festival runs at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch on Sunday 7 May and Monday 8 May and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333, online at https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/nt-connections-festival-2017/ or in person from the theatre.

To encourage more young people to engage with live theatre, the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has launched a fantastic scheme that enables young people to see its next huge comedy, Educating Rita for just a fiver.

Theatregoers aged 25 and under will be able to fully immerse themselves in a theatrical experience unlike any other by sitting on stage for just £5 (reduced from up to £29). £5 doesn’t go very far these days, so for an evening’s entertainment it’s a bargain!

For the first time in Queen’s Theatre history, the stage will be extended into the auditorium to offer a truly unique and intimate setting. Every night audiences will be able to lose themselves in a piece of terrific theatre by sitting alongside the actors on stage. The comfort of this fantastic experience isn’t compromised as the onstage seating will be the same as those sitting in the stalls. This is a rare viewing experience not to be missed!

Willy Russell’s hilarious yet moving comedy, Educating Rita follows the story of a hairdresser wanting to better herself with higher education. Frank becomes her assigned tutor, but grudgingly accepts the challenge. Slowly, Frank realises that his enthusiastic student has much to teach him too – making him question himself, his work and his very being in the process.

Educating Rita runs at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 22 April – 13 May. To take advantage of this brilliant offer, under 26s should call the Box Office on 01708 443333 and quote ‘Under 26 offer’. Please note the production is suitable for people aged 12+ as it contains some strong language.

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is set to stage a refreshing take of Willy Russell’s classic comedy Educating Rita, with Rita being portrayed as an ‘Essex girl’, instead of being Liverpudlian. It runs at the theatre from 22 April – 13 May.

For the first time in Queen’s Theatre history, audiences will be able to get up close to the action as the theatre will be extending the stage into the auditorium to offer a truly unique and intimate setting. With limited seating on the stage, it’s a viewing experience not to be missed!

Playing the Whisky-loving Open University Professor Frank Bryant is Ruairi Conaghan. He has an expansive theatre career working in the West End and Off Broadway and performed alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet at The Barbican in 2015.

Danielle Flett is playing Rita, the street-smart gobby hairdresser that’s bursting with ambition. She was most recently seen performing alongside Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) in Jamie Lloyd’s 2016 West End production of Doctor Faustus and is currently filming for a role in the new BBC comedy series White Gold which stars Joe Thomas and James Buckley (The Inbetweeners).

Educating Rita is a hilarious yet moving story about a working-class hairdresser determined to better herself with higher education. Frank becomes her assigned tutor, but grudgingly accepts the challenge. Slowly, Frank realises that his enthusiastic student has much to teach him too – making him question himself, his work and his very being in the process.

Educating Rita runs at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 22 April – 13 May. Tickets are £12.50 – £29 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333, in person at the theatre or online at queens-theatre.co.uk. Please note the production is suitable for people aged 12+ as it contains some strong language.

Celebrations are in full flow at the Queen’s Theatre! Critics and audiences have been hugely impressed with Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall’s original comedy, Worst Wedding Ever which opened on 15 March.

The production displays a ‘wickedly joyful’ take on the hilarity and drama of weddings that all families can relate to. It’s had critics laughing from the start, here’s what they have been saying:

★★★★★

‘Brilliant authenticity’

Romford Recorder

★★★★

‘A sparkling and highly entertaining production’

London Theatre 1

★★★★

‘A funny affair’

Reviews Gate

‘A thoroughly entertaining feel good play’

Enquirer

‘Send out the invites, this is a wedding not to be missed’

Bedrock FM

‘Funny, poignant, and riotous’

Phoenix FM

‘The story of a dysfunctional family is easy to relate to’

Yellow Advertiser

‘A cracking show [that] will have you laughing most of the night’

Hornchurch Life

Read the full reviews here:

Worst Wedding Ever runs at the Queen’s Theatre until 1 April. So get the confetti ready, as it’s a wedding not to be missed.

For more information and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit:

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is overjoyed that its current co-production, Worst Wedding Ever, has received two nominations in the prestigious Off West End Theatre Awards.

Assessors from The Offies (Off West End Theatre Awards) have nominated Peter Hunter for Best Lighting Designer and James Button for Best Set Designer for their brilliant work on the hilarious new comedy, Worst Wedding Ever.

The OffWestEnd.com website, which champions London’s independent theatres, launched the annual awards – also known as The Offies – in 2010 to celebrate excellence in productions outside the West End. The Queen’s Theatre is part of more than 80 participating venues across the capital and a final shortlist will come out early next year.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch co-produced the revival of the ‘killingly funny’ (Daily Mail) hit comedy Worst Wedding Ever with Salisbury Playhouse and New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich. The show was penned by Broadchurch and Torchwood writer Chris Chibnall and the cast was led by Julia Hills (2point4 Children, Outnumbered).

Worst Wedding Ever runs at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch until 1 April. For more information about the show call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit queens-theatre.co.uk.