• Macbeth, co-production of a Shakespeare classic with Derby Theatre, followed by a national tour
• World premiere of Maggie May by award winning theatre, TV and radio writer Frances Poet, co-produced with Leeds Playhouse
• World premiere of a brand new musical by Douglas Rintoul, Love Letters, celebrating the very best of Essex, followed by a national tour

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has today announced its Spring 2020 season, which will include a revival of Shakespeare’s bloodiest thriller, Macbeth. The revival continues the Theatre’s tradition of quality, classic drama and will be directed by Douglas Rintoul, following his acclaimed productions of Much Ado About Nothing and UK tour of The Crucible. Most recently, Douglas has directed this Summer’s highlight musical adaptation of As You Like It; a European premiere in partnership with the National Theatre. This co-production with Derby Theatre follows successful collaborations on Abigail’s Party, Abi and One Man, Two Guvnors. The show will then go on a national tour, with the Theatre making its first visit to Perth Theatre, and returning to long-term partner New Wolsey Theatre. The production is in response to the feedback from a ‘Learning Lounge’, where local teachers made suggestions about which plays on the secondary school curriculum they would like to see performed. After the huge success of Spring 2019’s production of DNA by Dennis Kelly, which was attended by 39 schools coming from as far as Leeds, Macbeth has already secured thousands of bookings from 23 schools.

The Theatre teams up with Leeds Playhouse for the very first time to produce the world premiere of Maggie May. This heart-warming drama by award-winning theatre, TV and radio writer Frances Poet is a warm, humorous and uplifting story, infused with familiar music, all about enduring love.

Finally, a brand new musical written and directed by Douglas Rintoul, Love Letters, tells the story of an unposted love letter meant to be sent between a passionate young couple‎ dating, only to be delivered many years later. With a raft of brilliant songs from Essex’s very best‎, with hits ranging from the 60s to today, this funny and popular working class love story promises to be an uplifting night out for everyone proudly calling Essex their home. The production marks the next step in the Theatre’s Essex On Stage programme, going on to tour to Towngate Theatre in Basildon and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.

The season launch was delivered from the Theatre’s brand new QLearning Space, opening today, 24 October. This new space was created as part of the QNew project; a renovation of the Theatre’s iconic building for artists, participants and audiences alike. The QLearning Space is a new and energising dedicated space for the Theatre’s expanding range of learning and participatory work with young people and the local community, situated in the heart of the theatre and easily accessible to everyone. Further QNew developments include a new LED lighting system in the auditorium and foyer, which will help towards a 70% reduction in energy, and renovation of the old education room into the QArtist Space. This space will be dedicated to developing new theatre, and will be available to artists throughout the year for research and development, readings and sharings. This is an important step in increasing the support the Theatre can offer to emerging theatre companies and local talent and the ambitions recognised in the Outer Limits programme.

The QNew project has been made possible by contributions from Arts Council England, London Borough of Havering, Veolia Maintenance Trust, Ian McKellen On Stage, The Theatre Trust, Equity Charitable Trust, Tesco Bags of Help, McDonalds Romford, Fowler, Smith & Jones, Rotary Club of Brentwood á Becket and money raised from the QNew Transformation Fee.

Martin McDonagh’s (In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) The Beauty Queen of Leenane, co-produced by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Hull Truck Theatre, has opened to critical acclaim at Hull Truck Theatre on Tuesday 8 October. This is the second co-production between Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Hull Truck Theatre, after the landmark revival of The Hired Man in Spring 2019. This pitch-black comedy opened at Hull Truck Theatre on 8 October, and runs until 26 October. It then transfers to Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 30 October – 16 November.

‘This expert revival, directed by Mark Babych, is mesmerising from the moment you walk into the theatre right through to the haunting and horrifying conclusion: a lurid tale of sex, violence, physical and emotional abuse that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre’ – On Magazine

‘The warring nature of their relationship is brilliantly captured by Siobhan O’Kelly as Maureen and Maggie McCarthy as Mag’ – Hull Daily Mail

The play is directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Babych and he is assisted by Maureen Lennon (co-founder of Bellow Theatre and Associate Artist for Middle Child). The production features design by Sara Perks, lighting design by Jessica Addinall and sound design and composition by Adam McCready.

The cast includes Nicholas Boulton (Imperium, RSC and West End), Maggie McCarthy (Children of the Sun, National Theatre), Siobhan O’Kelly (All My Sons, Watermill Theatre) and Laurence Pybus (Death of a Salesman, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).

Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, says: ‘We are thrilled to be working with the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch again and I know that the company are really looking forward to sharing this wonderful story with audiences there after its run in Hull. The Hired Man was such a great experience for us that we jumped at the chance of working together on The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Our production and creative teams have been working closely together to ensure that audiences get the richest possible experience in both our theatres.’

This October sees the launch of Outer Limits Southend, a two-day festival celebrating Essex creatives. Featuring play-readings, theatre, poetry, storytelling, spoken word, music, panel discussions and talks, the festival takes place throughout the weekend at Metal in Chalkwell Hall on Saturday 12 October, and at The Railway Hotel on Sunday 13 October.

The festival runs from 12-11pm on Saturday 12 October and from 3-11pm on Sunday 13 October. Highlights of the festival include a panel discussion on Women Who Create Art, performances from Brigitte Aphrodite and Quiet Boy, and an intimate hometown session from musician Sam Duckworth of Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Following on from their immensely successful Essex Girls and Boys season, Outer Limits Southend is the latest step in the Theatre’s Essex On Stage programme. Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is reuniting with Sadie Hasler, co-Artistic Director of Old Trunk Theatre. Her play Stiletto Beach, was commissioned by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch as part of Essex On Stage, and had its world premiere at the Theatre in September.

Essex on Stage is an ambitious new two year programme led by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, championing positive notions of Essex, celebrating theatre made by working class people and raising aspirations for emerging artists from Essex and Outer East London. The programme has been made possible by the generous support of The Clothworkers’ Foundation.

Old Trunk Theatre is a two-woman theatrical operation. They are dedicated to creating strong roles for women, in plays about women, driven by women. Their first two-hander, Pramkicker, an unrelentingly sharp comedy about what it means to be a modern woman, published by Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, was invited to be part of the King’s Head Theatre‘s 40 year anniversary celebration of new writing.

Outer Limits Southend runs at Metal on Saturday 12 October and at The Railway Hotel on Sunday 13 October. Tickets are free, but booking in advance is recommended. Tickets can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333, in person at the theatre or by clicking here.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is delighted to announce that John Barr, who garnered rave reviews for his turn as Dame Dotty Trott in 2018’s Jack and the Beanstalk, will be returning for this year’s pantomime, Robin Hood. This heroic panto spectacular will be playing from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 5 January.

‘Barr is excellently cast. He is funny, innocently rude and endearing.’ The Reviews Hub on Jack and the Beanstalk

‘Dame Dotty Totty unquestionably stole the show with her witty banter.’ What’s Good To Do on Jack and the Beanstalk

John Barr returns as Nanny Fanny, Maid Marian’s hilarious nurse, and is sure to delight audiences and critics alike. He says ‘He’s Back!!! She’s back!!!  I’m just so thrilled to have been asked back to be ‘The Dame’ of The Queens Theatre Hornchurch Panto again, I had the best time last year. I truly love Panto and this Theatre holds a special place in my heart. And I’m so excited to start working with Doug Rintoul and Tom Self on this years Panto ‘Robin Hood’

Written by Andrew Pollard and directed by Douglas Rintoul (the Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director), this swashbuckling actor-musician panto is twanging to the beats of pop hits from across the decades, traditional audience participation and laugh out loud family silliness.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has also confirmed it will be providing two adapted shows on Thursday 2 January, a Dementia-Friendly performance at 1.30pm and a Relaxed Performance at 5.30pm (for people who would benefit from a quieter environment including those with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders or a learning disability), as well as an Audio-Described performance on Saturday 4 January at 2pm.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch would like to thank its principal sponsor for the 2019 pantomime, Romford McDonalds, as well as show sponsor FRP Advisory and media partner Time 107.FM

For further details and to book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit queens-theatre.co.uk.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has updated its auditorium lighting in a bid to be more environmentally friendly, and to increase the visibility for audiences pre and post show in the auditorium. This is the most recent development in the Theatre’s QNew programme, which celebrates the Theatre’s 65^th Birthday with a refreshing facelift for artists, participants and audiences alike.

The Theatre has upgraded its auditorium lighting system to use LED lights, giving its audiences the benefit of an improved theatrical experience. By converting its current incandescent bulbs to LED lights, the Theatre estimates it will reduce total CO2 emissions by 7.5 tonnes annually. The upgrade is funded by contributions from the Theatre’s introduction of a 65p QNew Transformation fee on the Theatre’s 65th birthday, Friday 21 September 2018. Customers have already helped the Theatre raise a public contribution towards QNew of £65,230.50

Christine Piper, Head of Production at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, says: ‘Over the summer we changed the lights in the auditorium over to energy-efficient LED lights. As well as saving on electricity it has also allowed us to get a brighter, more even coverage of lighting over the seats and gangways.’

QNew is an exciting programme of building improvements which will allow the Theatre to make high quality theatre in developed spaces, work with more young people and community groups, offer an increasingly comfortable experience to audiences, be more open and accessible to D/deaf and disabled people, and keep the Theatre alive as a safe and environmentally friendly community hub, well into the future.

From songs and stories to music and crafts, the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is excited to present a variety of children’s entertainment this October half-term!

Taking over the theatre’s main stage on 22 and 23 October is the most delightful tale of friendship and bravery ever to be seen on stage, Tabby McTat! This magical, musical show has songs, laughter and a heart-warming tale of friendship for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups. The production is based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and tickets are £13 (plus 65p QNew Transformation Fee).

Fans of String-a-long-a-Puppet’s puppet shows such as Hansel and Gretel can sing along with the swashbuckling adventure The Pirate Squad & the Search for Mermaid’s Lagoon, on 19 October at 10.30am and 12pm. This original puppet show packed with audience participation and catchy songs, and suitable for ages 2+. Tickets are £5 for children and £10 for adults.

We also have the delightful Back In Time For Breakfast on 26 October at 11.30am. This wonderful show features playful puppetry, interactive sets, imaginative storytelling and much more! It is suitable for ages 3+ and tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for a child, with £25 family tickets (2 adults, 2 children).

For the budding scientists there’s the fabulous Bubble Science Show on 24 October at 1pm. This wonderous sixty-minute show combines breath-taking artistry, surprising science, plenty of audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks.

For those that love getting creative there’s a range of jam-packed Create & Play Mornings on Thursday 24 October and Friday 25 October. Themes include Mischevious Monsters and Ghostly Ghouls. 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.

Highlights also include a Musical Theatre Masterclass for those who love performing (Wednesday 23 October at 10am for 6-9 years and at 1pm for 10-14 years) and a Street Dance Masterclass taught by an industry professional (Tuesday 22 October at 10am for 6-9 years and 1pm for 10-14 years).

For more information and to book tickets for any of these shows or workshops call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or book online.

We are at last able to announce the line-up for our Scratch Night, taking place on Tue 1 Oct.

Come see, discuss and feedback on the developing work of local artists, playwrights and performers.

Washed Up

by Miranda Wilkie

Lei, an up-and-coming playwright, and her girlfriend, Kay, brave a storm of social media outrage when Lei is accused of plagiarising another writer. Kay is forced to examine their relationship when she suddenly begins to see Lei for who she really is, while Lei scrambles to save her career above all else. Set across a week, Washed Up, follows the couple through the ebb and flow of a modern scandal. It dissects the intricacies of ‘cancel culture’, identity politics and public shaming, and the toll they all take on a relationship.

Instagram: @miranda.co.uk

The Life Changing Magic of Selling a Lamp

by Kate Austen – No Fixed Address

The Life Changing Magic of Selling a Lamp is a play about finding meaningful connection in the modern world and discovering this in the least expected of places; from accidental drunken voice-noting to communal tables at Wagamamas and accessing God in Ikea.

We live in a society where you can interact with Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, emails and entertainment all at once. We have fast-paced connection at our fingertips but how often do we really make a meaningful connection where we feel understood and valued?

Through the fog of all the many voices, two performers declutter their minds and experience the power of female friendship.

The play evolved out of a series of real voice notes that Georgina and Kate sent to each other and so is partly verbatim.

https://nofixedaddresstheatre.com/ @FixdNo

From the Ashes

by Claire Jared – Mad Stallion Productions

Edward and George are taking Kirsty, Edward’s wife and George’s dear old friend, on a final farewell tour of her old stomping grounds. Well, what remains of her anyway. As in, her actual remains!

This poignant and heartwarming story follows Edward and George’s journey to lay their beloved Kirsty’s soul to rest in some rather unusual places.

Written by Andrew Sharpe, My name is Cathy and Meet me at the Nightingale, this succinct, short play is a witty, dark comedy which reminds us that no matter how dark the circumstances in life, there will always be humour.

@Madstallionpro        @JaredClaire              @LauraSociety

http://clairejared.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/madstallionpro/

http://madstallion.co.uk

Squad Goals

by Michelle Payne – Caspa Arts

It’s summer and everyone has World Cup fever, but not in the usual way. The Lionesses are tearing up pitches and making a name for the female game. Lexi, who has never been taken seriously, inspires a group of school leavers to redefine the game in her hometown in Essex.

Twitter / Facebook / Instagram – caspaarts

Tom Brooks

by Tom Brooks

I’m in the process of writing, recording and producing an album of 10 original songs – of which I have selected 3-4 songs from my upcoming album to perform as unplugged acoustic renditions. I’ve been composing material since 2013 – forming a band “Santa Fe Samplers” in 2014, and performing originals and covers at The Hermit, Fairkytes Live, charity events at the Essex Arms and the Havering Show. I draw from an eclectic mix of music genres, but my overarching style is rock – my strongest influences being Nirvana, Biffy Clyro and Foo Fighters.

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQSk6lDe-kZqIh_Xg8PoxlA

I just want to get to work

by Adenike Ojo

Sophie is pressured at work, which is only aggravated by her horrendous journey into work.  She results to Yoga and daily affirmations to help her anxiety.

As an audience we are privy to the unwritten bus stop rule which is sacredly guarded, intimate conversations, characters we may have encountered on our daily commute, such as “the early morning dozer”, “the MUA with a steady hand”, “the immovable passenger”, etc.

The slights which we would ordinarily let go of, ignore or fail to comment upon (to prevent rocking the boat or the train being delayed) are faced head-on, directed to individuals we share a confined space with for a short period of time and will possibly never see again.

Although set in Harold Wood, exploring the shift and change in characters if the setting was in Africa, India, France or a subway in the US would be an adventure.

This October sees the premiere of Love Unspoken from Spare Tyre, producers of The Garden. The final production in a trilogy conceived and directed by Arti Prashar (Fellow at the Centre of Contemporary Theatre at Birkbeck University and Winston Churchill Fellow in Dementia, Ageing and Spirituality), developed in collaboration with people living with dementias and their carers from South Asian communities. Arti has worked extensively with Havering Asian Social Welfare Association (HASWA) to develop this new piece aiming to challenge the stigma for those living with dementia and their carers.

Following the success of 2017’s The Garden, which played to much acclaim at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and toured to several care homes around London and Essex, Love Unspoken is a visually stunning, dynamic piece. Pushing the boundaries of theatre, the show explores love and the journeys it takes. The show navigates love stories and poetry through dance, movement, sound and light, punctuated by moments of lucidity.

“A multi-sensory depiction of the seasons, the performance uses digital projection, music and non-verbal communication to connect with individuals whose powers of self-expression have been affected by their condition.” The Stage on The Garden, 2017

The piece will be designed by Magdalena Rubalcalva, with sound design by Tayo Akinbode, who also performs in the production. Paul Falconer, Head of Sound at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is the sound engineer, and Stephen Pemble, Head of Lighting at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is the lighting designer.

Spare Tyre is a participatory theatre company working to engage with those least involved in the arts.

Havering Asian Social Welfare Association (HASWA) exists to improve the wellbeing of Asians and the wider community in Havering, by tackling isolation, connecting people and services, promoting mental and physical well-being, personal development and creating a sense of belonging through raising cultural awareness.

Love Unspoken runs at the Queen’s Theatre from 2 – 5 October. Tickets are £10 (plus 65p QNew Transformation fee), bookers are entitled to a free carer’s ticket per person, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333, in person at the theatre or by clicking here.