‎Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch are delighted to be able to once again tour theatre productions directly into local schools. The touring productions include Princess Essex and the National Theatre’s Jekyll & Hyde as part of a nationwide tour.

Earlier this month, students of The Gateway Academy Tilbury, and St Edwards C of E Academy Romford, were able to experience a thought provoking new solo show written and performed by Anne Odeke. Princess Essex is based on the little-known, true story of Princess Dinubolu and is a funny and dynamic tale of the first black woman to ever enter a beauty pageant in the UK. It is a story which asks audiences to question why so much of black Essex history has been hidden, and what it means to be a ‘black Essex girl’.

The tour was a resounding hit with comments from students including “Anne used great technique when taking on multiple roles and I learnt unknown stories of Black-Essex History”, “I struggle to stay focused, but this play held my attention. I learnt the true story behind the play” and “I learnt more about local black history; I just wish the play was longer.” A teacher from Gateway Academy said that “Anne has lots of engaging talent and I loved the comedy script. I also enjoyed learning local historical facts.” 

At the end of the month the National Theatre (NT), in partnership with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, is to tour Evan Placey’s Jekyll & Hyde, a radical reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, to Gaynes School in Upminster, Robert Clack in Dagenham, Harris Academy Rainham, and Marshall’s Park Academy and St Edwards C of E Academy in Romford.

“As we rebuild our work with local schools through a new series of curriculum led partnerships, we are excited to be able to place high quality arts activities into young people’s everyday experiences. Partnerships with local artists such as Anne Odeke to uncover untold and important local stories are vital to celebrating diverse voices and identities. We are also thrilled to be continuing our extensive partnership with the National Theatre, bringing work of national significance into the borough and forming part of a national story of inspiring arts provisions in schools.” James Watson, Head of Learning & Participation at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

In a mash up of Victorian England and the modern day, the play explores how the repression of female voices is as prevalent in the 19th century as it is today. The cast includes Paksie Vernon, Lucy Elizabeth Thorburn, Huw Parmenter, Wesley Bozonga, Stuart Reid, Jasmeen James, Asha Kingsley and Russell Layton.

The production is designed by Amanda Stoodley with sound design by Ben Grant and lighting design by Joshua Pharo.

Evan Placey, Writer, says, “Jekyll & Hyde is an opportunity for young people to look at narratives they think they know well in radical new ways – asking questions about feminism and misogyny and how we bring about change. At a time when we need stories more than ever, and when it is conversely much more difficult for schools and young people to access live theatre, I am beyond thrilled that the National Theatre are bringing this play into schools and into the lives of young people who have been robbed of so much over the last couple years. Live theatre can be transformational, and every young person deserves the opportunity to engage with it.”

Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre said, “Touring live theatre directly into school halls is an essential part of the NT’s commitment to young people nationwide and so we’re delighted that with close support from our Theatre Nation Partners, Evan Placey’s reimagining of Jekyll & Hyde will be seen by over 10,500 young people in our first schools’ tour since 2019. We know access to the arts has a positive impact on the wellbeing and social development of young people and so as schools continue to face disruption and adapt to new ways of teaching, it’s more important than ever that we support creative learning as part of a broad education. The production explores pressing issues in today’s society and we hope it will spark discussion, encourage debate and create moments to bring together the school community again.”

Accompanied by a discussion with the cast and creative team, workshops and professional training for teachers, the play tackles urgent issues for teenagers including violence against women and the power of the internet in today’s society.

The schools’ tour forms part of the NT’s Theatre Nation Partnerships programme to grow and sustain new audiences for live theatre with support from our partner theatres: Theatre Royal Wakefield, Cast in Doncaster, Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Empire, The Wolverhampton Grand, The Lowry in Salford and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

The NT’s secondary schools touring is supported by The Mohn Westlake Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Hearn Foundation, The Ingram Trust, The Constance Travis Charitable Trust and The Dorset Foundation – in memory of Harry M Weinrebe.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to announce that the Essex on Stage Showcase, previously to perform at the 10^th anniversary VAULT Festival, will now be staged at London’s Bush Theatre, the internationally renowned home for new writing, from 11 – 23 April 2022.

The Essex on Stage Showcase will platform bold, ambitious, homegrown performances that celebrate and champion Essex and Outer East London artists, including the London premiere of new work by Kenny Emson and the debut solo show by Kristin Mcilquham – supported by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Matthew Schmolle Productions.

“Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is thrilled to be working with this exciting collection of extraordinary Essex artists, ‎the Bush Theatre and Matthew Schmolle Productions on this exciting next chapter for the much-celebrated Essex on Stage programme. This showcase will help demonstrate the rich array of original and authentic work emerging from the burgeoning Essex theatre sector. We couldn’t think of a better home than the Bush for sharing this work with a widening audience of theatregoers, old and new.” Mathew Russell, Executive Director, QTH

The line-up includes PRINCESS ESSEX, new work written and performed by Anne Odeke. Based on the little-known, true story of Princess Dinubolu, Princess Essex is the funny and dynamic tale of the first black woman to ever enter a beauty pageant in the UK. It is a story which asks us to question why so much of black Essex history has been hidden, and what it means to be a ‘black Essex girl’.

Nicola and Stacey Bland of Post-it Productions present their new comedy drama DAISY, a timely piece that explores female harassment and misogyny. This new play follows the story of two East End Sisters as they attempt to navigate their way through their part time job in a local Pub/ Restaurant. Through the sister’s eyes we see the comings and goings of regulars, drifters and lively locals and how these brief encounters of this everyday job affect the day to day lives of the girls, their family, and ultimately their future.

Awarded four stars by Broadway Baby at its debut on Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s ‘The Other Stage’ in 2019, I AM GAVRILO PRINCIP, a solo show “movingly written and performed with charm by Oliver Yellop” of Further Theatre, explores the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest unknowns. History has not been kind to Gavrilo Princip, not good enough for Heaven, not bad enough for Hell. This is not a story about the colossal impact of his actions or the greatness of an individual and the terrible majesty of war. His story is about the complications of wanting to change the world, of having the best intentions and getting the worst possible results.

As actor and writer Kristin approaches the big 4-0 she’s forced to confront, kicking and screaming, some of the unfinished business in her life and why she just can’t seem to tie up any of her loose ends. Kristin Mcilquham is an actor, writer and co-founder of Blue Gravy Productions. HEADCASE is a funny and moving true story about the aftermath of her father’s brain injury and the impact that’s had on their relationship, her life and, well, pretty much everything really.

TO HAVE & TO HOLD, a new play by published playwright, director and Havering local Michelle Payne, is a cleverly crafted two hander that, at its core, explores modern romance, dating and repairing a broken heart. It’s the day of her best friend’s wedding and as Maid of Honour she needs to make a speech. But where does she start, and how does she end it? Over the span of twelve years audiences follow Him & Her and the decisions that led them to where they are today – at separate weddings. This sharp and honest script explores the ever-growing threat of online grooming and the lasting implications on the parties involved.

The final production in the Essex on Stage Showcase is a play about youth work. THE SH*T presented by The Working Party Theatre Company, written by Kenny Emson, is an honest, unflinching examination of the relationship between those on the margins of society and the people employed to help them. In one of the thousands of forgotten youth centres across our country, Eric works for a single hour each week to break Daniel out of his spiral towards jail or the grave. But what happens when the work itself becomes a matter of life and death? This play was created in response to research and consultation with youth workers and young people in London and Leeds. Audiences join Eric and Daniel for a glimpse of their weekly support sessions in this dynamic new play.

Tickets for an Essex on Stage Showcase performance are £15, £10 students/under 26s. For more information and to book, visit www.bushtheatre.co.uk/whats-on.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (QTH) is today announcing its creative leadership team for the 2022/23 year, starting from 1 April 2022, with current Artistic Director, Douglas Rintoul, leaving to lead the New Wolsey Theatre in May.

Maisey Bawden and Danielle Kassaraté, founders of Mawa Theatre, the UK’s first all Black all Female Shakespeare Company, will be working together part time as Associate Director (Talent Development), overseeing all aspects of this growing programme and focusing on ensuring the support offered increasingly reaches more underrepresented and underserved creative practioners.

Graeae, the acclaimed and award-winning theatre company championing the best in Deaf and disabled talent, ‎will take on the role of Creative Associate. Their team of associate artists will support leadership in innovation at QTH, helping the venue discover and work with more Deaf and disabled artists from across its wide catchment area, as well as further exploring what digital practice might mean to QTH post pandemic.

Tim Jackson, director and choreographer, who is cho‎eographing Merrily We Roll Along at the New York Theater Workshop later this year, will direct the regional premiere of a co-production of an acclaimed musical this Autumn. Tim choreographed Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and New Wolsey Theatre’s celebrated revival of Made in Dagenham.

‎Caroline Leslie, who has an array of directing credits, and has most recently been Head of Acting at LAMDA and Director of landmark QTH productions So Here We Are and The Kitchen Sink, will direct this year’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Stef O’Driscoll, award-winning‎ director, previously Artistic Director of nabokov, now interim Artistic Director at the Gate Theatre, will direct at QTH for the first time. Stef will be working with Vicki Donoghue on developing the world premiere of Vicki’s new play about the Canvey Island floods of 1953, to be staged in Spring 2023.

All of the 22/23 creative leadership team will work closely with Mathew Russell, Executive Director, and the QTH team, to help further develop and deliver the charity’s ambitious ‎plans and will access the organisation and its resources to maximise this developmental opportunity for everyone involved.

“We’re excited to be announcing a 2022/23 creative leadership team that enables us to work with an array of talent and voices, some of whom are new to us, with others having been part of the success of the last five years. It’s an innovative opportunity to experiment with different forms of what creative leadership might mean to Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, to feed in the fantastic ideas of these colleagues at the heart of organisational change, and to play our part in supporting and developing more artists so they become even better equipped to lead fantastic 21st century producing theatres and theatre companies.” Mathew Russell, Executive Director, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

 “As individuals and as Mawa Theatre Company we have always been committed to making long lasting change within the industry. In 2020, in collaboration with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, the first Black Essex and Here panel discussions started to happen and since then QTH have been huge supporters and champions of our work and career development. We want to keep the momentum going creating more opportunities for local underrepresented artists. We are delighted to be joining the creative leadership team and excited to collaborate to continue the work we have already started.” Maisey Bawden and Danielle Kassaraté, Associate Director (Talent Development), QTH.

“Graeae are delighted to be working with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, a venue sharing the same ethos of inclusivity and commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Over the next year, our associate artists will be collaborating with QTH on a wide range of projects and allowing space and for their work to take centre stage.” Graeae Theatre Company, Creative Associate.

“I’m thrilled to become part of the creative leadership for such a forward-thinking, community-minded theatre. Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has long been one of my favourite venues to work at, with its passionate, caring staff and a discerning audience that grows in its diversity with each new season. The organisation has gone through such positive change in recent years, with inspiring development initiatives and outstanding engagement with the people of Havering, and I look forward to working alongside Mathew to play a part in this vital work. I’m equally delighted to be directing a zinger of a musical this autumn; full of great tunes, big laughs, and most importantly, a story which celebrates inclusivity, diversity and community – three core tenets of QTH.” Tim Jackson, Director of Autumn Musical, QTH.

“It’s a huge honour to be working as a Creative Associate with QTH this year, and especially on the Pantomime. It always offers a brilliant opportunity to celebrate theatre’s unique relationship with its audience, who literally shape the show. And it will be a joy to introduce a new and vital generation of theatre goers to the inventive, colourful, playful mayhem that is Panto”. Caroline Leslie, Director of Sleeping Beauty, QTH.

“I am thrilled to be working with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in this creative leadership role as I work alongside the brilliant playwright Vickie Donoghue developing and directing her new play. I have long admired QTH’s commitment to new writing by Essex writers for their local community and I can’t wait to deepen my engagement with the building, area and audiences” Stef O’Driscoll, Director of Spring 2023 world premiere, QTH.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to announce that Blouse & Skirt Theatre Company’s first major production, Rice & Peas, will be playing at Metal Culture, Southend-on-Sea 28 – 29 April 2022.

Rice & Peas is an immersive West Indian dining experience inspired by Mia Jerome’s (Blouse & Skirt Theatre Company’s Artistic Director) family history.

Grenada, 1948. Figgy and Edith enjoy a meal together the evening before Figgy boards The Empire Windrush to set sail for England, both of them blissfully unaware that they will not see each other again for two years. When Edith arrives in London, 1950, Figgy has been slaving away to prepare a special meal for them, but within her, Edith carries an explosive secret that threatens to tear apart their dreams of the Motherland.

With a menu designed by Executive Chef, Jon Bentham, (previously Head Chef for Gary Rhodes, and the man Tom Kerridge credits with teaching him how to cook) Rice & Peas allows audiences to share three delicious West Indian courses with this couple over the course of their life, and in doing so discover the heartache and courage it took so many to start a new life in Great Britain.

The menu includes Callaloo Soup with Spiced Creole Bread; Breadfruit & Sweet Potato Balls; Eggplant Curry with Quorn Dumplings; Crisp Roti Shell and Spiced Lime Pickle; Ground Provision Oil Down; Rice & Peas; Macaroni & Cheese; Chocolate Mousse with Grenada Spice Cake & Vanilla Ice Cream. (Menu may be subject to change).

Rice & Peas is written and directed by Mia Jerome. Essex born Artistic Director, Mia Jerome, is an actress, writer, director and dramaturg. She studied Creative Writing and Television at Kingston University and trained as an actress and theatre maker at Fourth Monkey Theatre Company. In 2021, Mia created Blouse & Skirt Theatre Company to celebrate stories, songs, performers and puppets from the African-Caribbean diaspora.

The production is part of Creative Estuary Co-commissions – the initiative which aims 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 – working on this occasion with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

Rice & Peas plays at Metal Culture, Chalkwell Hall, Southend-on-Sea 28 – 30 April 2022. Tickets cost £35 (+65p QNext fee). For more details and to book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or click here.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch are celebrating a second award nomination for their current revival of Arthur Miller’s moving and powerful landmark drama All My Sons, which closes on 5 March before transferring to the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich 8 – 12 March.

The Offies Nomination is for Lead Performance in A Play for David Hounslow in his role as Joe Keller and follows a recent nomination for Oliver Hembrough. nominated for Supporting Performance in a Play as his son, Chris Keller.

 “Gathering menace”  ★★★★ The Stage  “

“Intense and compelling performances” ★★★★ London Theatre 1

 “Douglas Rintoul’s production is devasting. I was profoundly moved” Shenton on Stage

David Hounslow who is best known for his roles in Coronation Street and Doctors said:

“Playing Joe is an absolute joy. He is a strong yet delusional man who is living a lie, a lie that he has convinced himself to be a truth.  He is a flawed but likeable character, audiences recognise his working-class origins – the self-made man, following the Capitalist dream and prepared to make a dreadful compromise to maintain his place. It is one of the greatest plays of the 20th Century, a cracking story that rattles along devastating some of the characters along the way. I am delighted with this nomination”

It’s 1947 and successful ‎businessman Joe Keller and his wife Kate are living the American dream in their idyllic suburban neighbourhood. Summer wedding plans are afoot for their son and his fiancée. Shadows of the war are slowly fading. But nothing‎ lasts forever. And a familiar visitor arrives to unbury secrets from the past, which will tear their lives apart…

This compelling masterpiece, based on a true story, established Arthur Miller (Death of a Salesman, The Crucible) as one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century.

All My Sons is directed by Douglas Rintoul (Macbeth, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), designed by Amy Jane Cook  (Jelly Fish, The National Theatre), with lighting design by Stephen Pemble (Neville’s Island, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), sound design by Helen Atkinson (Grief is the Thing with Feathers, The Barbican, St Ann’s Warehouse, US), accent coaching by Joel Trill (A Taste of Honey, Trafalgar Studios), and intimacy and fight direction by Haruka Kuroda (The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson, Park Theatre)

Director Douglas Rintoul says:

“We could not be more delighted that David has been recognised for his role in All My Sons, he brings such depth to the character of Joe who, although flawed, we can recognise as a man who is just doing what he has learned is the ‘right’ thing to do by society, and asks us all as an audience to look more deeply into the costs of the choices we are making”

“Against our contemporary context of division, post-truth, climate change and the pandemic, this play speaks to us more than ever, asking us to look at the values and beliefs we hold about our own lives and the world around us”

All My Sons closes on Saturday and then tours to New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. Book your tickets here.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is delighted to announce an Offies Award nomination for Oliver Hembrough for Supporting Performance in a Play in his role as Chris Keller in their current revival of Arthur Miller’s moving and powerful landmark drama All My Sons. Directed by Douglas Rintoul, All My Sons opened 10 February to critical acclaim and plays until 05 March at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch until transferring to the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich 08 – 12 March..

The Stage –  “Gathering menace”  ★★★★

London Theatre 1  – “Intense and compelling performances” ★★★★

Shenton on Stage – “Douglas Rintoul’s production is devastating. I was profoundly moved”

Recently seen in 80 Days Around The World on BBC One, Oliver plays Chris Keller alongside David Hounslow, Eve Matheson, David Bonnick Jr, Nathan Ives-Moiba, Natasha Lewis, Tilly-Mae Millbrook, Graeme Rooney and Kibong Tanji.

And said: “I am delighted by this nomination.  My role is a joy to play. He is a true believer in the good in people, even if that causes him to be blind to their failings. He holds up a light of honour and honesty but the world is constantly trying to put it out. He is honest, complicated and full-hearted. It’s a heart wrenching play about secrets and lies, family and the fallibility of human nature”.

It’s 1947 and successful ‎businessman Joe Keller and his wife Kate are living the American dream in their idyllic suburban neighbourhood. Summer wedding plans are afoot for their son and his fiancée. Shadows of the war are slowly fading. But nothing‎ lasts forever. And a familiar visitor arrives to unbury secrets from the past, which will tear their lives apart…

This compelling masterpiece, based on a true story, established Arthur Miller (Death of a Salesman, The Crucible) as one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century.

All My Sons is directed by Douglas Rintoul (Macbeth, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), designed by Amy Jane Cook  (Jelly Fish, The National Theatre), with lighting design by Stephen Pemble (Neville’s Island, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), sound design by Helen Atkinson (Grief is the Thing with Feathers, The Barbican, St Ann’s Warehouse, US), accent coaching by Joel Trill (A Taste of Honey, Trafalgar Studios), and intimacy and fight direction by Haruka Kuroda (The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson, Park Theatre).

Director Douglas Rintoul says:

“We are delighted that Oliver, a local artist residing in Thurrock, has been recognised for this award for his portrayal of Chris which is heart wrenching. He is our moral centrepiece in this drama which gives us insight into a family we can all still recognise over 70 years on”.  

“Against our contemporary context of division, post-truth, climate change and the pandemic, this play speaks to us more than ever, asking us to look at the values and beliefs we hold about our own lives and the world around us”  

Don’t miss your chance to book tickets, click here.

After such a difficult two years it is great to be participating in the Brentwood Half Marathon & Fun Run this year to raise vital funds for our Dementia Friendly shows and creating a new support network for families affected.

Dementia is one of the leading challenges facing older people and their families today and we understand the positive impact theatre can have on their lives. Theatre can relieve stress and loneliness, be stimulating and challenging and aid in their communication to carers and family members.

Everyone should be able to enjoy Theatre. Your donation will go towards our Dementia Friendly Shows, adapting our main house performances for those living with Dementia, and our foyer shows such as Down Memory Lane, connecting those living with dementia to the arts.

In this unprecedented time, we need your support now more then ever. If you are able to, please consider making a donation and supporting this brilliant work.

This year we have Doug (Artistic Director) & Dominic (Trustee) running the Half Marathon with Tom (Relationships Officer), Alison (Supporter), Sara (Trustee), Peter (Head of Customer Services & Facilities) & Bella (Front of House) running the Fun Run (5km).

You can donate to our cause by visiting our JustGiving page here or donate through our box office on 01708 443333. If you would like to find out more information on supporting us please email Tom Lowe at toml@queens-theatre.co.uk 

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to announce that Princess Essex will be going on tour to Essex community venues and audiences can see it for FREE.

Based on the little-known, true story of Princess Dinubolu, Princess Essex is the funny and dynamic tale of the first black woman to ever enter a beauty pageant in the UK.

Building on the success of last year’s community tour of Tales From The Thames, Princess Essex will now also tour to venues in Grays, Aveley, Basildon, Pitsea and West Tilbury. The production is part of Creative Estuary Co-commissions – the initiative which aims 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 – working on this occasion with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (QTH).

Princess Essex is written and performed by Anne Odeke. As a writer, Anne has recently represented Essex in Radio 4’s latest series United Kingdoms. She has also been commissioned by Storyhouse theatre in Chester, to write an adaptation of Little Women set in World War One which will play this coming summer at Grosvenor Park. As a performer, Anne has recently worked with the RSC, as well as Shakespeare’s Globe, the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Birmingham Rep & the Royal Lyceum.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex. 1908. Tired of life, black Essex girl Joanna, decides to take matters into her own hands and enter herself into one of the country’s most prestigious beauty pageants, disguised as a Senegalese Princess. A true story, that not only asks us to question the misconception of the Essex girl, but invites audience members to consider who are the gate keepers of history and why have so many incredible black stories been hidden.

The team behind the project include: Director – Robin Belfield (RSC), Assistant Director – Michelle Payne (Squad Goals), Designer – Gemma Compton (All my Sons, QTH), Lighting Designer – Ben Garcia (Museum of the Homeless), Sound Designer – Hattie North (Shuga Fixx vs the Illuminati), Technical Stage Manager – Jade Ayres (Peter Pan). The play has been created with public funding from Arts Council England.

The show is also in partnership with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, The Mercury Theatre Colchester and the South Essex African Caribbean Association (SEACA). The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport funds the Cultural Development Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.

Princess Essex will first open at The Mercury Theatre Colchester before it then tours South Essex from 26 February to 11 March. The venues and locations have been chosen as places where local people rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to see live theatre performed. Princess Essex will play at the Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch on 27 February. Tickets for the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch event will cost £10* and the March events will be FREE (ticket still required). To book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or book online at www.queens-theatre.co.uk

(*+65p QNext fee)

LISTINGS

Mercury Theatre, Colchester CO1 1PT – Saturday 19 February at 7.30pm – Tickets: £8 – https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/

The Balmoral Community Centre, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7AU – Date and time: Saturday 26 February at 7.30pm – Tickets: £10 (+65p QNext fee)

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, RM11 1QT – Date and time: Sunday 27 February at 7.30pm – Tickets: £10 (+65p QNext fee)

Tyrells Hall Working Men’s Club, Grays, RM17 6EY – Date and time: Tuesday 1 March at 7.30pm – Tickets: Free (ticket still required)

Aveley Community Hub, RM15 4BY – Date and time: Thursday 3 March at 7.30pm – Tickets: Free (ticket still required)

The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre, Basildon, SS13 3DU – Date and time: Saturday 5 March at 7.30pm – Tickets: Free (ticket still required)

Wat Tyler Centre, Pitsea, SS16 4UH – Date and time: Sunday 6 March at 2pm – Tickets: Free (ticket still required)

West Tilbury Village Hall, RM18 8UD – Date and time: Friday 11 March at 7.30pm – Tickets: Free (ticket still required)

Creative Estuary Co-commissions text:

Creative Estuary supports a wide range of cultural projects with new commissions for Estuary-based producers and artists, from activity for emerging cultural activists to large scale commissions with a diverse mix of partners. The Co-commissions raise widespread awareness of existing creative talent across the region and support creative practitioners and organisations to make and present new work. We are committed to engaging our local communities to contribute to their creative identity and will give artists, organisations and creative practitioners opportunities and support to help them realise their creative ambitions. The Co-commissions create opportunities for creative innovation and new cultural production – we want to capture imagination and provide opportunities for greater collaboration and knowledge sharing. For more information visit www.creativeestuary.com.

About Creative Estuary text:

CREATIVE ESTUARY has a vision to forge a new future founded on creative energy and innovation, along the length of the Thames Estuary. The project is supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and led by the University of Kent on behalf of a consortium of public sector and cultural organisations. They include the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), Kent and Essex County Councils, the Greater London Authority, 11 local authority areas represented by Greater North Kent Partnership and opportunity South Essex, South East Creative Economy Network (SECEN), University of Essex, Locate in Kent and cultural organisations Metal and Cement Fields. In early 2019 the University of Kent was awarded £4.3m from the DCMS Cultural Development Fund on behalf of the partners. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport funds the Cultural Development Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.

For more information about Creative Estuary, visit www.creativeestuary.com,  Twitter @creativeestuary / Linkedin / creative-estuary / Instagram @creativeestuary

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is overjoyed to announce Romford McDonalds as principal sponsor of this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. This sponsorship will play a vital role in creating an unforgettable show and help spread the festive fun throughout Havering.

Romford McDonald’s franchisee Gerry Byrne said, ‘It’s great to be supporting such a major part of our community and the excellent work the Theatre produces.’

Mathew Russell, Executive Director at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch said, ‘A massive thank you to Romford McDo‎nalds for supporting the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch pantomime for a third brilliant year. Pantomime is the highlight of the year for many thousands of members of our community. We have really enjoyed this partnership growing and look forward to working together to make the partnership shine throughout 2022!’

Returning from last year’s magical panto, Sleeping Beauty will be written by Andrew Pollard and feature original music by Tom Self. Both are back with us following last year’s hit show, Aladdin.
For over 65 years Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has been creating magical pantomimes. You can guarantee that all the family will all enjoy this festive staple, which mixes slap-stick entertainment with the sparkle of a West End show.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch announce casting for the 10^th anniversary production of Tom Wells award- winning, irresistibly funny and tender play, The Kitchen Sink (17 Mar – 2 Apr 2022).

Playing Martin is Ken Bradshaw (War Horse, The National Theatre), with Sally George as Kath (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Park Theatre), Dominic Jones as Billy (Growth, Paines Plough/UK Tour), Joseph Reed as Pete (The Nobodies, Chalk Line Theatre/UK Tour), and Matilda Tucker as Sophie (Dangerous Liaisons, Playground/STARZ).

Things aren’t going to plan for one Yorkshire family. Martin’s milk float is falling apart and something’s up with Kath’s sink. Billy’s trying to get into art school with a portrait of Dolly Parton. Sophie’s dreaming of her black belt whilst Pete, a local plumber, is quietly falling in love. Amidst the dramas and the dirty dishes, something has to give…

Playwright Tom Wells work includes: Big Big Sky (Hampstead Theatre, 2021); Stuff (National Theatre Connections Festival, 2019); Drip, with music composed by Matthew Robins (Boundless Theatre, 2017/8); Broken Biscuits (Live Theatre/Paines Plough UK tour, 2016); Folk (Birmingham Rep & tour, 2016); Jumpers for Goalposts (Watford Palace Theatre, 2013); The Kitchen Sink (Bush Theatre, 2011) and Me, As A Penguin (Arcola Theatre, 2010). He received critical acclaim for The Kitchen Sink winning the George Devine Award and the Most Promising Playwright Award at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

★★★★★ ‘Comic, poignant and utterly gripping’ – Evening Standard

‘I cannot recommend it too highly’– Charles Spencer – Daily Telegraph

The Kitchen Sink will be directed by Caroline Leslie (The Wipers Times, The Watermill Theatre, The Arts Theatre & UK Tour), designed by Zoë Hurwitz (We Anchor in Hope, The Bunker Theatre), with lighting design by Stephen Pemble (All My Sons, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch) and sound design and music composed by Jack Baxter (Yes So I Said Yes, The Finborough Theatre).

Director Caroline Leslie says: “The family in this awesomely funny play are a bit like the coastline they live on, under attack from erosion; not by the sea itself but by the collapse of local businesses and a lack of investment in what was once a thriving economy and popular tourist destination. Like the crumbling coast, the family has to work out what the changes are that it needs to make in order to survive. Full of pride, humour and tenderness, this timely play has deeper undercurrents that explore how we can feel stuck in our co-ordinates and what it takes to make a leap into unknown waters”.

“I think this play should really chime for our audiences. Tom Wells understands that everyone’s family can be brilliant, messy and a bit dysfunctional all at once, which makes the play instantly familiar, hilarious, and thought provoking. It’s a hopeful play for troubled times that looks at how we support and challenge each other in our chosen units, and the trials and often comic tribulations of what it is to go through life together in uncertain, changing and challenging times. It’s a real honour to be directing it for The Queen’s Theatre”.

Likened to the plays of Alan Bennett don’t miss this affectionate and sweet yet often hilarious portrait of working-class family life. To book your tickets and for more information about the Theatre visit queens-theatre.co.uk.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has joined over 100 theatres UK wide for a new campaign, for which The National Lottery is providing up to £2 million to subsidise over 150,000 tickets across the UK. During March, National Lottery players can get 2-for-1 theatre tickets for performances of The Kitchen Sink. Tickets are available to purchase via loveyourlocaltheatre.com

The theatre will also be providing an Audio Described performance (02 Apr) with Audio Description available via headset at every performance from 21 Mar, a Dementia Friendly performance (24 Mar) and a Relaxed Performance (26 Mar) for more details visit the website.