Author: Grace Coppin

Sleeping Beauty, this year’s annual pantomime at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, has received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. This week The Offies (Off West End Theatre Awards) have announced that Sleeping Beauty has been nominated for a ‘Best Panto’ award.

The Offies finalists will be announced in January 2023. Winners will be revealed at the award ceremony on 12 February 2023 at the Alexandra Palace Theatre.

The annual awards known as The Offies launched in 2010 to celebrate the excellence, innovation and ingenuity of independent theatres across London, outside the West End. For more information about The Offies and for the full list of finalists, visit offies.london

The Havering Daily and Southend Theatre Scene have both rated the show five stars saying it’s “a must watch… fit for any West End stage” and praised the cast for being “so versatile, and never for a moment put a foot wrong”.

Also commending the production for being family orientated and awarding the show four stars, Sardines Magazine said it’s “a real family panto… with something for all ages”. London Theatre 1 gave the production four stars and placed it “firmly in the realm of family fun”.  In Your Area said it’s “Really fun and perfect for families”. Hornchurch Life rated it as “Another fantastic show, which will appeal to all ages”.

Polka Dot Pages glowing verdict on Sleeping Beauty is: “Between the cleverly considered (and beautiful!) set and lighting design, the engaging storytelling of the book and the fantastically crafted musical numbers, Sleeping Beauty is a chuckle-inducing, toe-tapping, sing-along spectacular.”

Musical Theatre Musings concluded that “Everyone left having laughed throughout and this is exactly what panto season is all about.” 

Audiences have been applauding the pantomime as well. “Took our daughters to their first panto today and it was utterly wonderful. What a multi-talented cast in a brilliantly written show with fantastic original songs. Top quality panto magic. Well done to all cast, crew and theatre staff.” 

“Please pass on my huge congrats, one of the best we’ve ever seen. Lighting was phenomenal. Loved the 80s gaming and Jedi touches, strobes were magic. Dame and Fairy especially awesome. Everyone round us equally engaged and adoring it!”  

“5 stars! We went to see Sleeping Beauty. All the kids loved it. Very talented actors who can sing and play instructions as well. All very versatile. Well done to the cast. Had all the kids singing and shouting out. That’s how a panto should be.”

This fresh and funny Sleeping Beauty brings Panto bang up to date as the loveable but fumbling Fairy undoes an evil curse with a five-hundred-year sleep, taking us from Tudor times into the madcap future of 2057, where robots roam, and Princess Raury wakes up to a brave new world and an epic adventure!

The supremely talented actor-musician cast are: Ben Barrow plays Proppa, Footloose (UK & International Tour); Anna Fordham plays Princess Raury, Sunshine On Leith (Pitlochry Festival Theatre); Dominic Gee-Burch plays Super Nanny, Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ the Musical, (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), Jerome Lincoln plays Romford Prince, Whistle Down The Wind (The Watermill); Marta Miranda plays Prim, The Diary of Anne Frank (Guildford School of Acting); Laura Sillett plays Fairy Falalalalalalalala, Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK No.1 Tour), Alex Tomkins plays King ‘Enry, School of Rock (West End), and Hannah Woodward plays Vampira, The Wizard of Oz, (Hartlepool Borough Hall).

Sleeping Beauty is written by Andrew Pollard, directed by Caroline Leslie, with original music and lyrics by Tom Self, set and costume design by Dora Schweitzer, lighting design by Stephen Pemble, sound design by Leigh Davies and choreography by Lee Crowley. The Executive Producer is Mathew Russell.

There are still some tickets remaining for this fun-packed festive offering, but they’re selling fast so book now. Sleeping Beauty plays until 31 December. Tickets are £23 – £34.50 plus 65p QNext fee. To book, call 01708 443333 or visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk .

In January 2023, the National Theatre is touring a new production, Shut Up, I’m Dreaming, to 4 schools in Outer East London and South Essex in partnership with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. In collaboration with young people across the country, the production has been created by the acclaimed physical theatre company, The PappyShow, in response to workshops with over 100 secondary school students.

Directed by Kane Husbands, the production will visit a different school every day for 11 weeks across 11 areas in England as part of the NT’s largest ever schools tour. 12,000 young people in 55 schools across the country will have the opportunity to experience live theatre in their own school hall. In Outer East London and South Essex, the production will tour to Dagenham Park C of E School, Gaynes School, St Edward’s C of E Academy and Marshalls Park Academy from 9 – 13 January. School halls across the country will be transformed with a gigantic moveable climbing frame set.

In an innovative new collaboration with The PappyShow, residencies have been held with 100 students in three partner schools in Wakefield, Sunderland and Walsall to understand the experience of teenagers over the past few years and incorporate their voices into the piece. Shut Up, I’m Dreaming explores the hopes and dreams of young people in an uncertain world through an eclectic combination of movement, dance, music and audience participation.

The PappyShow is a physical theatre company which aims to platform marginalised identities and create diverse, joyful and collaborative productions rooted in the lived experience of their performers, bringing people together to move, dance, create moments of radical joy and share stories.

Kane Husbands, Director and Founder of The PappyShow said, “This new production, Shut Up, I’m Dreaming is a bright, brave response to our time. The research alone has been an incredible journey and we have been so inspired by how this next generation – our future change makers and leaders – have responded to us. At a time where we feel creativity is being removed from the curriculum, we believe taking performance and theatre directly to young people can inspire and make us dream of more, see things differently and connect us to our feelings. I hope we can inspire young people across the country to walk into and lead BIG Lives and to keep dreaming… their whole life.”

The cast includes Joseph Adelakun, Marc Benga, Jake Garvey, Lewis Griffin, Rachel-Leah Hosker, Rianna Kellman, Jeff D’Sangalang, Bianca Stephens, Molly Walker and Seda Yildiz.

The creative team includes set and costume designer Peter Butler, lighting designer Amy Mae, sound designer Roly Botha, composer Naomi Hammerton, songwriter Ty Lowe and assistant director Marc Benga.

The schools’ tour forms part of the National Theatre’s Theatre Nation Partnerships network to grow and sustain new audiences for live theatre and create more opportunities to engage in the arts.

 

 

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Octagon Theatre Bolton and the recently opened Shakespeare North Playhouse are delighted to co-produce the European premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s The Book of Will in 2023.

This fast-paced, funny and hilarious play opens at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 27 April to 13 May before transferring to the Octagon Theatre Bolton from 17 May to 3 June. And, to the new Shakespeare North Playhouse from 19 October to 11 November.

The King’s Men are getting the band back together. Their goal: to gather the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and save his words before they’re lost to history. Shakespeare has barely been dead for 3 years when a pirated Hamlet rip-off hits a stage near the Globe Theatre. His old acting troupe friends are livid. To save Will’s works for the ages, they hatch a near-impossible plan to collect his words on paper, setting them off on a bonkers race against time through London. Their hearts are on the line and those they love are counting on them – to maybe leave a legacy that will last forever… 

Lauren Gunderson is one of the USA’s most celebrated and widely performed playwrights, most recently writing the acclaimed adaptation of The Time Traveller’s Wife (Storyhouse, Chester).

This very special European and UK premiere production of The Book of Will coincides with the 400^th anniversary of the publishing of the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays in 1623 and will be directed by the Octagon’s Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham.

Further creatives and casting are to be announced. The date tickets go on sale for performances at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch will be announced shortly.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s annual pantomime is always a firm family favourite, and it is a pleasure to now be able to reveal the cast and creatives for the upcoming production of Sleeping Beauty, playing from 24 November – 31 December 2022.

Firstly, the Theatre are delighted to announce that this year’s dame, Super Nanny, will be played by returning audience-favourite, Dominic Gee-Burch. Dominic starred as Mr Lucas and Mr Scruton earlier this year in Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ the Musical. He was the infamous Björn Nastee in last year’s pantomime Aladdin, and part of the live skiffle band in One Man, Two Guvnors, co-produced by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (QTH) and Derby Theatre. Dominic’s first appearance in Hornchurch was five years ago as part of the company of Sell a Door’s Footloose the Musical.

Also returning this year, direct from the UK tour as the alternate lead of the hit West End musical School of Rock, is Alex Tomkins playing King ‘Enry. QTH audiences will remember Alex from the festive variety show Christmas Allsorts, as the loveable Buttons in Cinderella, and Eddie in the major revival of Made in Dagenham – produced by QTH and New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.

The final returning cast member is Laura Sillett as Fairy Falalalalalalalala. Laura stepped in to cover last year’s Christmas period, in the role of Princess Jasmine, in QTH’s production of Aladdin. Her other theatre credits include Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK No.1 Tour) and Hair! 50^th Anniversary (UK & International Tour).

There are some new faces joining as part of the supremely talented actor-musician cast too. Ben Barrow plays Proppa, Footloose (UK & International Tour); Anna Fordham plays Princess Raury, Sunshine On Leith (Pitlochry Festival Theatre); Jerome Lincoln plays Romford Prince, Whistle Down The Wind (The Watermill); Marta Miranda plays Prim, The Diary of Anne Frank (Guildford School of Acting); and Hannah Woodward plays Vampira, The Wizard of Oz, (Hartlepool Borough Hall).

Sleeping Beauty is written by Andrew Pollard, directed by Caroline Leslie, with original music and lyrics by Tom Self, set and costume design by Dora Schweitzer, lighting design by Stephen Pemble, and choreography by Lee Crowley. The executive producer is Mathew Russell.

Caroline Leslie, part of the Theatre’s Creative Leadership Team and Director of Sleeping Beauty says “As regular aficionados of QTH Pantos will know, Andrew Pollard (writer of Aladdin and Robin Hood to name a few) writes hilarious dialogue and loves to put his characters into ever more challenging and ridiculous situations. The crucial thing was to find a team of actor-musicians with the comic ability to make Andrew’s text zing and the playing skills to realise Composer Tom Self’s brilliant and lively original songs that give the show it’s totally unique character. We’re pleased as punch with our excellent cast!”

In a magical fairy kingdom, happy plans are underway for Princess Raury’s christening. But a bad fairy has been missed off the invite list and descends on the party casting a wicked curse. So, when 18-year-old Raury pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, and falls asleep for many years, it takes bravery and courage to wake up and face a very different world. But the bad fairy is up to more mischief, and Raury is soon setting off to the rescue, aided by her zany Nanny and family, to ensure true love can find its way…

Everyone can enjoy this festive treat with QTH offering several access performances; an audio described performance on Saturday 10 December at 2pm, a British Sign Language interpreted performance on Saturday 10 December at 6.30pm, a Dementia Friendly performance on Thursday 15 December at 1.30pm, and a Relaxed (SEN/Autism Friendly) performance on Thursday 15 December at 5.30pm. For the best experience when booking an access performance, speak to the theatre’s Box Office team on 01708 443333, or email boxoffice@queens-theatre.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty will be performed at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch 24 November – 31 December 2022. Tickets are £13 – £34 (plus 65p QNext Fee per ticket) with discounts for groups and schools. To book, click here.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch would like to thank their Principal Sponsor McDonalds Romford.

 

Do you, or someone you know, have a story or photo to share about playing football in an industrial women’s worker’s league? Or any connection to women’s football?

We’ve got exciting plans in the pipeline for 2023, and we’d love your help to start exploring them!

We’re working with writer Amanda Whittington (Kiss Me Quickstep) and Director Caroline Leslie (The Kitchen Sink, So Here We Are) to create a new show about women’s football in Essex in the 1920’s.

The show focuses on Sterling Athletic Ladies, AKA The Dagenham Invincibles, who worked for Sterling Telephone and Electrical Company. Sterling were one of the biggest clubs in their county and their great local rivals were Marconi Ladies from Chelmsford.

During WW1, women had been drafted into factory assembly lines – and, as a way of keeping fit, were encouraged to play sport. This led to the foundation of women’s amateur football leagues, and with the professional men’s leagues postponed during the war, women’s football became increasingly popular, until it was banned by the FA and female players sidelined for almost a century.

You’re invited to share your stories with writer Amanda at our drop in coffee afternoon on Wednesday 19 October, 2-4pm at the Theatre (tea and cake provided!). Alternatively, you can get in touch by either writing to us: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Billet Lane, RM11 1QT; drop us an email: learning@queens-theatre.co.uk or give us a call: 01708 462373.

Following a sell-out run during their recent Blueprint Festival, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch are delighted to announce that Mia Jerome’s Rice & Peas is going on tour, supported by Creative Estuary. The show will be touring to two community venues in South Essex from 11 – 15 October. Rice & Peas current tour across Havering, visiting four community venues as part of Havering Changing, has entirely sold out!

These tours build on the success of two previous Creative Estuary co-commissions, Tales from the Thames and Princess Essex. In 2021, Creative Estuary launched an initiative which aimed to showcase 60 miles of the North Kent and South Essex region as one of the UK’s most dynamic and creative areas in the whole of the UK. Vickie Donoghue’s Tales from the Thames toured to 10 community venues in unrepresented and underserved locations in South Essex, reaching over 300 people. Anne Odeke’s Princess Essex successfully toured to community venues in eight areas of South Essex.

Rice & Peas is the first major production for Blouse & Skirt! A three-course, three-act immersive dining experience inspired by Artistic Director, Mia’s, family history. Through each delicious West Indian course, audiences will be transported back to discover the heartache and courage it took so many to start a new life in Great Britain.

Grenada, 1948. Couple Figgy and Edith enjoy a meal the evening before Figgy boards The Empire Windrush – both blissfully unaware they will not see each other for two years. But, when Edith arrives in London two years later, she carries a secret that threatens to tear apart their dreams of the Motherland…

The delicious vegetarian set menu is prepared by Executive Chef, Jon Bentham (former head chef for Gary Rhodes) and Luke Circus as Senior Sous Chef. A vegan menu is also available.

The cast includes Nicole Dayes as Edith; JD Hunt as Marcus; Damian Lynch as Figgy; Khrystalle Moriah as Marion; and Daiyaan Simeon as Michael.

The creative team are Mia Jerome as writer, director and producer; Anne Odeke as dramaturg; and Wesley Laing as sound designer.

The Menu

Amuse Bouche: Callalloo Soup

Appetiser: Green Fig & Oil-Cornmeal Biscuit, Soused Green Fig Salad,

Coconut oil-carrots-onion-cucumber-lime-scotch bonnet-celery-tomatoes

Main Course: Oil Down – Rice and Peas, Mac and Cheese

Dessert: Grenada Spice Cake – Bitter Chocolate Mousse – Vanilla Seed Ice Cream, Grenada Spice Cake – Chocolate Mango Mousse – Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

★★★★★ “Mia Jerome’s ‘Rice and Peas’ sets the bar astronomically high for concept of immersive theatre and it will be an experience I will be pondering on for a while to come.” Alwaystimefortheatre.com

“A clever, meticulously thought-out experience with a great atmosphere established, I highly recommend!” Theatrefullstop.com

Tickets for Rice and Peas are £10. The price includes both the show and a 3-course meal. The show can be experienced at The Backstage Centre, Purfleet on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October at 1.30pm and 7.30pm. And, West Tilbury Village Hall on Friday 14 October and Saturday 15 October at 1.30pm and 7.30pm. For more details and to book, click here.