Category: Queen’s news

Corporate Champions are a new group of valued supporters with exclusive benefits and access to our award-winning productions, that directly supports our charitable work across our local community.

Whether you’re looking to reward your employees, connect with our audience, entertain your clients or show your commitment to the local community. With over 220,000 people visiting us each year, an incredible annual pantomime and a variety of touring and guest shows – Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is an exciting and ever-changing place to be. Your support will enable us to develop our learning and participation programme, grow our community engagement programmes and help our work become accessible.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch provides the following benefits to our Corporate Champions:

• Four complimentary tickets to each of our exclusive supporters’ evenings,which include buffet and drinks reception, the best seats in the house, and a chance to meet our senior team and actors from our shows. These evenings are a perfect opportunity for rewarding staff and entertaining clients.
• Thank you to your company on our website, programmes, brochure and front of house supporters’ wall.
• Discounted rate on future advertising opportunities including poster sites, leafleting and access to demographics within our audience.
• Use of the Learning Space for an exclusive function or pre-show reception.
• Advance notice and priority booking for our most popular shows

For further information, a bespoke opportunity or to join please contact Tom Lowe, Relationships Officer on 01708 462349 or email toml@queens-theatre.co.uk

Choreographer & Movement Director Sundeep Saini talks about her vision on choreographing the second Public Acts production, As You Like It and what she is most looking forward to working on. This musical adaption of William Shakespeare’s classic play will be performed by over 100 community members, professional actors and performance groups from across London.

Following triumphant performances of Pericles at the National Theatre in summer 2018, this is the second Public Acts production and will take over the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch stage from 24 – 27 August.

Public Acts is a nationwide initiative to create extraordinary acts of theatre and community.

Tell me a bit about your dance background. What first got you into dance? When did you decide you wanted to do it professionally?

I came to dance quite late; I started Disco Dancing when I was about 7 years old and went to a local Saturday Theatre school. It wasn’t until I was doing Joseph at the London Palladium with my school choir that I started to take it seriously after the Musical Director, Mike Dixon, came up to me and said he thought I was great. That was high praise for a 10 year old! I had never worn a pair of ballet shoes and didn’t know what a time step was (it’s a tap step!) but I danced at every opportunity from then on and choreographed for shows throughout secondary school. I studied Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies at University; I wanted a fully rounded understanding of theatre but it was the dance sessions (mostly contemporary) that were always the ones I most looked forward to. I choreographed and danced in as many productions as I could fit in between studying. I went to live in NYC for a year and took hundreds of classes and lived and breathed theatre and commercial dance. I always thought I wanted to be a dancer but the desire to have my own creative voice far outweighed my ambition to be on the stage. So I followed a career into choreography and movement direction.

Which projects have been your favourite to work on over the course of your career?

I have been fortunate to work on some very varied projects and a few that always stick in my mind are: Working as a dancer in India on Bollywood movies with a group of dancers that were bought over from the UK. My family originates in North India and it was wonderful that my career allowed me to see areas of India I hadn’t previously visited. It wasn’t an easy job, there were long hours in sometimes difficult conditions – due to heat and different working regulations, coupled with a language barrier and being a long way from home. I was there for 6 months and learnt a lot about the Indian film industry, choreographing dance for camera (which I knew very little about) and about myself. In complete contrast I recently got to choreograph a new musical, Grandma Saves the Day, at the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich. It combined two things I love: actor musicianship and 80’s music, it was a joy to work on!

How did you get involved with Public Acts?

I first heard about Public Acts when Douglas Rintoul, Artistic Director at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, approached me and asked if I would be interested in joining the team for As You Like It. I talked to people who had worked on Pericles last year and saw archive footage of the show and was blown away by the execution of the production and the scale of community involvement. After a conversation with Emily Lim, Public Acts Director for the National Theatre I knew it would be an incredibly exciting and rewarding project to be a part of.

What preparation have you undertaken for this project?

I have immersed myself in the script and music. Our production of As You Like It is a musical adaptation which has a wonderful score by Shaina Taub. I have spent a long time becoming familiar with its intricacies before starting to think about the choreography that will complement the narrative and highlight the complex characters Shakespeare has written us.

Most importantly, I have spent time with all 9 of the community partners, getting to know the participants who form our company. The production is about them more than anything else and so spending time with the community company has been vital prior to starting to create a movement vocabulary for them.

Can you tell me more about your vision for As You Like It? 

At its heart As You Like It is a celebration of Love and it is this that I hope to carry through the movement vocabulary of the piece.

What are you most looking forward to working on As You Like It?

Alongside the final production itself, I can’t wait to see the development of our company members throughout the rehearsal process.

What have you enjoyed most about working on this community theatre project so far?

Getting to know the community participants who are all such wonderful individuals has been incredibly rewarding.

Have you worked on such a large-scale production before? Choreographing over 120 people must be quite a challenge!

No! I have worked with 60/70 people on youth community projects but this is definitely the largest production I have done and I am thrilled that the National Theatre and the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch are entrusting it to me. There certainly will be challenges working with a company of over 120 people and the success of the choreography lies in being very prepared and knowing the show inside and out before rehearsals commence. I am also very lucky to have a team of incredible dance captains who have experience working on large scale projects and I will be taking their advice at every turn.

Why should people come and see As You Like It?

Our production is a wonderful adaptation with an original score of exciting music. It is a great opportunity to see a work of Shakespeare delivered on such a large scale and to support our talented community participants.

Have you worked with the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch or the National Theatre before? If so, on which productions? 

This is my first time working with the National Theatre and I am thrilled to have been asked to be part of the project. I have worked on two shows previously at the Queen’s Theatre, Beauty and the Beast and Jack and the Beanstalk.

As You Like It runs from 24 – 27 August at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. For more information about As You Like It, Public Acts and to book tickets click here.

On Friday 28 June, Fairlytes Singers hosted its feel-good Friday sing-a-long concert A Right Royal Sing Your Heart Out at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and announced their generous donation towards nurturing young talent at the Theatre.

Fairlytes Singers kindly donated £600 which will go towards the Theatre’s Youth Theatre and fund a young person for 10 terms on either its QSteps Programme (6 – 14 year olds) or Young Company Programme (14 – 18 year olds). These weekly workshops provide children with valuable experience in performance, technical and dance opportunities as well as help them develop creativity, skills and teamwork.

Fairlytes Singers sing for fun, health and fundraising causes. The group meet on Tuesdays in the Church Hall, of the Church of the Eternal High Priest on Brentwood Road, Romford, between 12 noon and 2.30pm. Singers of all abilities are welcome and there are no auditions. The group sing a wide repertoire of pop, rock and musical hits and the new term starts on 3 September.

If you would like to support the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and our wide range of work, please consider becoming a Queen’s Angel, further information on benefits can be found here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designer Hayley Grindle talks about her inspiration and vision for the second Public Acts production, As You Like It. This musical adaption of William Shakespeare’s classic play will be performed by over 100 community members, professional actors and performance groups from across London.

Following triumphant performances of Pericles at the National Theatre in summer 2018, this is the second Public Acts production and will take over the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch stage from 24 – 27 August.

Public Acts is a nationwide initiative to create extraordinary acts of theatre and community.

How did you get involved with Public Acts?

Through Douglas Rintoul, our director. We have been collaborators for about 16 years now so he introduced me to the project.

Can you tell me more about your design vision for As You Like It? What can we expect?

You can expect two worlds that feel very different, an environment that changes and surprises. One that feels dark and oppressive and one that should delight.

When you read the script, did you have an immediate response to it in terms of how you wanted the production to look visually?

I felt like I wanted to be able to transform the space with very little happening in terms of structure and huge set pieces; that the visual storytelling should be seamless and allow the company to be at the design’s centre.

How did you get from the first idea to the final design?

Lots of dreaming, charts, researching, sketching, building in the model; I tend to do a lot of this so I can get a feel for the space, going back to the script and working through the production and its tone with Doug. This process allows you to navigate your way through the story, keeping the story and the company at the heart of the design. The big question for this design was how to start the show, and how do we end up at a forest!

Did the company size impact your decisions in any way?

Yes! One of the first things I did was to put all the figures in the model that represent our company. They filled the stage! This really guided the design; the design is the company in a way. The set design needs to serve that idea.

What are you most looking forward to working on As You Like It?

The tech, I strangely love a tech! (Technical rehearsals) It is the time you get everyone involved with the project in the same room at the same time and you solve and create together. There is a huge energy to this week and I am excited to be sharing one with this company of people.

Why should people come and see As You Like It?

To see this extraordinary company! Their energy and vibrancy on stage I know will be uplifting and full of joy.

How did you first get interested in Set and Costume design?

I was lucky enough to meet a fantastic woman called Ruth Sabin when I was about 17. She was a costume wardrobe supervisor and introduced me to all kind of projects she worked on. It was through her that I was inspired and discovered that you could actually do this for a job.

Which projects / productions have been your favourite to work on over the course of your career?

This is a tricky one as each project offers something different. But I think Romeo and Juliet produced by Leeds Playhouse. The story, The Quarry stage, the energy of a large group of professional and young company of actors and our discoveries of the piece.

Have you worked with the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch or the National Theatre before? If so, on which productions?

Yes, I worked on Doug’s second show as Artistic Director Made In Dagenham and Iphigenia in Splott, a show produced by The Sherman, which had a run at The Shed, the National Theatre’s temporary Theatre in 2016. I am thrilled to be working with the National Theatre and Public Acts more directly though and of course to be back at the Queen’s Theatre alongside Doug.

As You Like It runs from 24 – 27 August at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. For more information about As You Like It, Public Acts and to book tickets click here.

People of Havering, are you guilty of having a pair of unloved or forgotten Stilettos tucked away at the back of your wardrobe? Dig them out and give them a stomping new lease of life at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch!

The Theatre is making a towering collection of Stilettos for its world premiere production Stiletto Beach and is in need of over a hundred unwanted heels. So whether you wore them once for a special occasion or have simply fallen out of love with them, bring your shoes along to the Queen’s Theatre and drop them off in the box in the foyer by Thursday 1 August. Don’t forget to write your name on the sole and be part of the show! Donators will also have the chance to share their memories of wearing the shoes, their views on what it means to be an Essex girl and their favourite thing about being from Essex when giving their shoes. These statements will contribute towards Stiletto Beach’s campaign on combating the ‘Essex Girl’ stereotype and celebrating strong Essex women.

Written by local playwright Sadie Hasler, Stiletto Beach is a funny, heart-warming and authentic new play about what it means to be an ‘Essex Girl’. The show runs at the Queen’s Theatre from 4 – 28 September as part of the Theatre’s Essex Girls and Boys season. For more information click here.

Following triumphant performances of Pericles at the National Theatre in summer 2018, the next Public Acts production of As You Like It starts rehearsals this week and will play from 24 – 27 August. Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s Artistic Director, Douglas Rintoul will direct this musical adaptation of the William Shakespeare classic.

Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind and niece Celia, escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, they find community and acceptance under the stars.

This UK premiere sees more than one hundred community members, professional actors, and performance groups from across London, come together for this magical tale of faithful friends, feuding families and lovers in disguise. The Public Acts community partners are: Body & Soul, Bromley by Bow Centre, Coram, DABD, The Faith & Belief Forum, HASWA (Havering Asian Social Welfare Association), Open Age, Queen’s Community Group and Thames Reach.

The cast of professional actors include Beth Hinton-Lever (Hadestown, National Theatre), Linford Johnson (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Park Theatre), Ebony Jonelle (Top Girls, National Theatre), Rohan Reckord (The Rat Pack, The Savoy) and Vedi Roy (Laila The Musical tour, Rifco Theatre Company/Watford Palace).The production will also feature several cameo groups who represent the cultural breadth of the city.

As You Like It is the second Public Acts production, the National Theatre’s new initiative to create extraordinary acts of theatre and community. The production forms part of a two-year partnership with community organisations who deliver visionary work in their communities, together with theatre partner Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

This version of As You Like It, adapted by Laurie Woolery and Shaina Taub, featuring music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, will be directed by the Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul, and will feature set and costume design by Hayley Grindle, musical director Yshani Perinpanayagam, choreographer and movement director Sundeep Saini, lighting designer Paul Anderson, sound designer Leigh Davies and assistant director Jules Tipton. The score is infectious, with sounds ranging from calypso to pop, Broadway musical to soul. Live captioning and live audio description will be available at all five performances.

Douglas Rintoul, Director of this production said, ‘Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is thrilled to be the first theatre partner working with the National Theatre on their excellent Public Acts programme. I can’t wait for our stage here in Outer East London to be the home for As You Like It. The project is transforming lives, communities and organisations (ours included) and we are immensely proud that Hornchurch will be at the heart of that this summer.’

Emily Lim, Director of Public Acts, said, ‘We have had a wonderful second year deepening our relationships with all our exceptional community partners and the brilliant Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. We can’t wait to bring everyone together to get started on rehearsals for our summer production. We are particularly excited to be working with a brand new creative team on this joyful, ambitious adaptation and to be welcoming lots of new community members to the company’.

Public Acts is inspired by Public Works, the Public Theater’s ground-breaking programme in New York and by the visionary participatory work of other theatres and artists across the UK.

Supported by Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Hertz, Mr & Mrs A Mosawi, Simon & Sue Ruddick and Garfield Weston Foundation.

The National Theatre’s Partner for Learning is Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

For more information about As You Like It click here.

A company of over 100 community members, professional actors and performance groups from across London will come together to perform a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It from 24 – 27 August.

Following triumphant performances of Pericles at the National Theatre in summer 2018, this is the second Public Acts production and will take over the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch stage.

Public Acts Director Emily Lim for the National Theatre talks about her involvement in this nationwide initiative to create extraordinary acts of theatre and community.

How did you first get involved with Public Acts?

I was part of the team who created the programme at the National Theatre two years ago. It’s been a brilliant experience so far putting lots of dreams into action! 

Did you have any experience in working in community theatre before?

Yes, I’ve spent most of my career to date working in community settings, exploring how theatre making can be a form of community building and activism. I’ve worked all over, both in the UK and internationally, in hospitals, schools, playgrounds, daycentres, and, of course, theatres. I’ve been very inspired by the work of companies like the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuala, Company Three, Slunglow, Rimini Protokoll, Commonwealth and the amazing Public Works programme in New York who have heavily influenced and supported the development of Public Acts – artists who show that participatory, inclusive work can be both artistically excellent and drive meaningful social change. 

What was your favourite moment from Pericles?

Such a hard question – there are too many to choose from! I’ll never forget the moment we first ran the show from start to finish as a whole company in rehearsals. The feeling was totally electric – everyone suddenly realising the fullness of what we’d made, understanding for the first time how everything pieced together, and everyone’s role within it. There were a lot of tears (the joyful, overwhelmed kind!). I also loved our first potluck lunch where everyone brought in food to share, a proper community feast and a really beautiful celebration of our commitment to one another as a company. 

How did you find working on such a large-scale production?

It’s the biggest thrill and the biggest privilege working with such a huge company of wonderful, giving, passionate people. It’s also, of course, exhausting, and there are too many spinning plates to keep count of, but that’s part of the fun! I always say that the logistics are inseparable from the art with this kind of work, and attention to detail is everything. We have to make sure every person in our company feels as cared for and as valued as possible, whether that means co-ordinating a surprise delivery of ice lollies half way through a very hot rehearsal (as happened last year when we ended up rehearsing through a heatwave…), or helping someone to work out their travel or childcare arrangements. It’s an enormous group effort – it doesn’t work if people aren’t willing to really come together, and we have an incredible team of people working day and night to make it all happen. 

How has the process been different working on As You Like It compared to Pericles last year?

We’re working on existing material this year, which means there’s been a very different development process compared to last year when we were commissioning an original piece. Laurie and Shaina’s adaptation of the original text is so fantastic, and there’s something really lovely about knowing all the songs off by heart before we get to rehearsals – I’m going to have to stop myself singing along! We’re also welcoming lots of new people to the company for the first time, which is wonderful. 

What are you most looking forward to on this production?

I think I’m probably most excited about rehearsals, and getting to spend the summer with our extraordinary community again. It’s a company of the most huge hearted and inspiring individuals; every time we’re together I come away feeling affirmed about life and more hopeful about the world. It sounds like an exaggeration but it’s true! 

What have you learnt through your experience with community theatre and Public Acts?

So much, I’m learning all the time. A few things that feel the most relevant at the moment are:

1) Two of the best and most binding things a group of people can do together are dance and eat. (Not at the same time – though maybe we should try that!?)

2) High expectations go a really, really long way – handled right, ambition can be one of the most empowering and dignifying forces.

3) Alot of the principles that make great theatre make great community: being open, being kind, being patient, being brave, listening hard, putting yourself second, and looking for the promise in any given situation and any person.

4) Long cycle rides home after rehearsals are the best way to decompress, unwind and process what on earth just happened!

5) Unity through radical joy. That’s one of the mantras from the Public Works team, and the one I try and hold onto tightest of all, in work and in life. Joy shouldn’t be radical, but often it is.

What’s next for Public Acts after As You Like It?

We’re so excited to be heading up to Doncaster next year in partnership with the brilliant Cast Theatre. We’re in the process of finalising which community partners we’ll be working with and are assembling an amazing creative team of artists to lead the production there in 2021. Work starts in earnest in September, we can’t wait! Beyond that we’re cooking up plans for what happens in the future, trying to learn as much as possible from these first two years and think about what the most impactful and exciting next steps for the programme can be, as a social and artistic movement.

As You Like It runs from 24 – 27 August at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. For more information about As You Like It, Public Acts and to book tickets click here.

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to present its variety of shows and workshops to keep children entertained during the summer holidays. From songs and stories to music and crafts, there’s something for kids big and small to enjoy.

Taking over the Theatre’s main stage from 30 July to 1 August is the ‘brilliantly inventive and engaging’ (The Stage) smash-hit production, We’re Going on A Bear Hunt direct from London’s West End. Families with little ones aged 3+ can join a group of fearless adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way. Be warned, the ending is not quite the same as the much-loved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. Tickets are £12.50 per person and £10 for groups of 10 (plus 65p QNew Transformation Fee). Performances take place at 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday 30 July; 10.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Wednesday 31 July and 1.30pm on Thursday 1 August. A relaxed performance is also available at 10.30am on Thursday 1 August. Bookings for the relaxed performance can only be made by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333 or in person at the Theatre.

Children aged 9 – 16 who love musicals have a wonderful opportunity to participate in Musical in a Week from Monday 5 – Friday 9 August. Youngsters will work with a director and musical director to produce a condensed version of a well-known musical and perform it at the Queen’s Theatre to family and friends. Places are £100 and the workshops run from 10am – 4pm daily.

For those that love getting creative there’s a range of jam-packed Create & Play Mornings from Tuesday 23 July to Wednesday 31 July. Themes include Surprising Superheroes (23 July), Puppet Pirates (24 July), Beside the Seaside (30 July) and Daring Dragons (31 July). 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.

Fans of Little Mix will be able to sing and dance along to all of their favourite pop hits with the high-energy tribute show We Love Little Mix on Saturday 17 August at 7pm. Tickets are £16 (plus 65p QNew Transformation fee) and the show is suitable for all ages.

For more information about the Queen’s Theatre visit queens-theatre.co.uk

This August, a company of over 100 community members, professional actors and performance groups from across London will come together to perform a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

Following triumphant performances of Pericles at the National Theatre in summer 2018, this is the second Public Acts production and will take over the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch stage from 24 – 27 August.

Public Acts is a nationwide initiative to create extraordinary acts of theatre and community. Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has spoken out about directing this inspirational production.

Public Acts is an extraordinary celebration of real London communities. How do you feel working on such an inspirational project and bringing everyone together?

For two years, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and the National Theatre have been working with nine inspirational social change organisations from right across London as part of the NT’s Public Acts programme,, including three close to the Queen’s Theatre. The tremendous positivity the project generates in individuals, the organisations, including the National Theatre and ourselves, has blown me away. None of us will be the same. It has opened minds and hearts and created a genuine sense of connectivity right across London.

How was the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch selected as the first theatre partner on Public Acts?

A couple of years back, the National Theatre came to the Queen’s Theatre and worked with some of our community members.  The NT was keen to reach out into Outer London so this combined our long history of community engagement. We’re a community hub and we engage over 12,000 people a year which meant we were the ideal partner. I’m very proud that the Theatre is the first theatre partner in this UK-wide project. 

After Pericles, how was As You Like It chosen as the next Public Acts production?

About 18 months ago Rufus Norris, the Artistic Director of the National Theatre and Emily Lim, Director of Public Acts, asked what the second year of the programme could look like. I had seen footage of the brilliant Public Works performances from the Public Theater in New York (NT Public Acts is the sister project to the Public Theater’s Public Works). They had made an excellent and contemporary adaptation of As You Like It. I said, let’s do that.  With our long history of innovative and popular musical adaptations of Shakespeare, it felt like the right fit. 

How do you feel about directing a cast of over 100 people? This surely has to be your biggest production to date!?

This is my most significant production! The great thing about this show is, it’s not about me. It’s exhilarating to be supporting such a talented, inspirational and energised company.  I can’t wait to start rehearsals. 

That’s a lot of people in one building! How has the planning and logistics process been to make this happen?

This project has been in the making for over 18 months. Our Learning & Participation team, as well as pretty much every other member of the staff in the Theatre and the National Theatre Public Acts team, has been working tirelessly to make this project happen. You should see the pile of paperwork that Mathew our Executive Director has on his desk – it could bring the whole office down.  You should also see the size of the spreadsheets!

What are you most looking forward to on this production?

Seeing the cast in action in performance. 

Has there been anything else like this in the Queen’s Theatre’s 65-year history?

We have a long history of community musicals, but we’ve never had an intergenerational community company this large and one made up of members from right across London before. It’s also our first partnership with the National Theatre!

What do you hope audiences will take away from the performance?

This is going to be the biggest and best theatre event of the summer – not just in Havering but in London. It’s unmissable. This will be one audiences will never forget. 

As You Like It runs from 24 – 27 August at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. For more information about As You Like It, Public Acts and to book tickets click here. 

On Thursday 12 June, the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch hosted their first Cake & A Cuppa Day in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and the Theatre. After being kindly match funded by Barclays Hornchurch, the event raised over £1,751.72, which will be equally shared between the two charities.

Members of the community enjoyed a range of delicious cupcakes, cakes and biscuits all generously donated by Queen’s Theatre staff, Havering Dementia Action Alliance and Tesco’s Roneo Corner. Fairlytes Singers entertained and got everyone dancing in the foyer with their memorable songs. Important information on support and care was provided by the Action Alliance, Alzheimer’s Society and Radfield Home Care.

Tom Lowe, Relationships Officer at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch said ‘Thank you to everyone involved making it such a wonderful first event for the whole community to participate and enjoy. The Theatre creates such a broad range of dementia friendly activities, it was great to work with Alzheimer’s Society.’

The Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity that campaigns for change, funds research to find a cure and supports people living with dementia today. Their wide range of support services ensures nobody has to face dementia alone. People with dementia have mentioned how difficult it is to find out who to turn to or where to go for information and support.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch aims to ensure a positive experience for everyone that comes to the Theatre – whether it is to see a show, use its café or participate in one of its many drama workshops or community projects. The Theatre creates numerous projects aimed at people with dementia to enable them to continue enjoying and participating in the arts.