May 2024 - What's On Newsletter - Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

what’s on

Autumn/Winter Season

in store from August 2024 to March 2025.

series of misunderstandings and dysfunction,

view relationships through reality TV, dating apps and magazine shows, Alan Ayckbourn’s 1977, Olivier Award-winning Comedy, asks the question: what happens when the honeymoon period is over? What really happens behind

, RSC) directs his inaugural production as QTH’s Co-Creative Director.

A Place for Me? by Anne Odeke (Princess Essex) is a family play with songs that celebrate the Windrush Community and their connection with Essex. HMT Windrush docked at Tilbury in 1948. For many arriving from the Commonwealth both then and for many years after, their first touch of English soil was 'Essex soil'. A celebratory story told through the eyes of Phyllis who arrives in Essex from Essex,

Jamaica (yes, really!), audiences will be invited to join this ten-year-old girl on her brave journey to the Motherland.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is the classic ghost story, chillingly reimagined by playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Her Naked Skin). Set in Bly, Essex, Angelic 9 year-old Flora and precocious 12 year-old Miles are the picture of innocence, rescuing injured birds and playing make-believe by the shady lake. But, as a new governess arrives at the manor to take care of them, disturbing secrets emerge from beneath the turbulent waters. The inspiration for West End classic The Woman in Black and Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Turn of the Screw is an enthralling mix of Halloween thriller and psychological mystery, drawing in both believers and sceptics alike. Did you really see her? Or was it just a trick of the light? Expect to be sensationally spine-tingled.

We’re delighted to welcome Anna Marsland (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Associate Director, National Theatre touring) who directs her first main stage show for QTH, having worked with us as an artist at Blueprint 2023.

Cinderella, written by Andrew Pollard (Robin Hood for CBeebies), music by Tom Self (Sleeping Beauty at QTH), is this year’s hot ticket to having a ball at our classic family panto. Cinderella dreams of a glamorous life far removed from the everyday grind of primping and preening her vain stepsisters, and an invitation to the Prince’s royal ball is just the ticket! But the Wicked Stepmother has other plans for Cinders, confiscating her ticket to the party of the decade… Fear not, for her Fairy Godmother arrives in the nick of time, ready to weave her magic and transform Cinderella’s fortunes! But can she sashay away from the sensational soirée before the clock strikes midnight and her riches turn back to rags once more…?

This much-loved traditional pantomime reunites the writer-composer team behind last year’s smash-hit production Dick Whittington Kate Lovell (Frostiana at Blueprint 2022) directs her debut main stage show for QTH. Bursting with glitz, glitter and glamour, it’ll be the most magical event of the year!

Handbagged by Moira Buffini delves into 11 years of weekly, behind-closed-doors meetings, where the destiny of a nation is shaped. Moira Buffini’s clever, funny and charming political comedy unlocks the palace door, imagining the untold conversations of two of history’s most powerful women, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II. Ronald Reagan, Denis Thatcher and an ensemble of familiar faces add to the biting satire and sharp humour as the gloves come off and personalities clash.

25 years later, with both women now gone, their shadows still loom large, as this Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre Nation Partnerships production, explores the legacy of this divisive premiership, leaving audiences to question what they truly know about those who decide our nation’s destiny. Alex Thorpe directs.

Blueprint created by artists with innovative new ideas for live performance, curated by the QTH Creative Directors. Our award-winning Blueprint Festival returns in Spring 2025: one week where artists are invited to take over the whole of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, inside and out, to showcase new and innovative ideas in live performance. Past years have seen feasts on our roof top, an other-worldly exploration to our basement and costume store, wrestling in the foyer and an immersive frost fair experience…what is in store for 2025 will be revealed later in the year. For local artists, look out for information on how to be a part of Blueprint 2025 by emailing outerlimits@ queens-theatre.co.uk to join the Outer Limits network.

Alongside our homegrown work, we’ll be presenting our usual chocolate box of evenings from visiting companies with all your favourites in live music, family shows, comedy and other one-night treats.

We’re thrilled to be sharing our first season of work as Co-Creative Directors at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and even more excited to welcome you through the doors to enjoy. We know that there’ll be something for everyone, so get booking for your best-loved nights out and perhaps throw in a ticket to something new for you and be pleasantly surprised.

With warm wishes, Kate, Alex and Aisling

SAVE MONEY WITH A JUMP THE Q SEASON TICKET!

Three great nights out for less than the price of a West End seat.

See Bedroom Farce, The Turn of the Screw and Handbagged from just £17 a show.

Saver Jump the Q Season Ticket | £51** Tue to Thu performances, previews, and Sat matinees. Upgrade to our Premium Jump the Q Season Ticket | £58**

Get all the performances above AND Fri and Sat evening performances.

** A QNext fee will apply to each season ticket purchased. £2.10 for three shows.

Book by Saturday 21 September 2024

T&C’s apply. For more information and to book, visit queens-theatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01708 443333.

Bedroom Farce

A Comedy

By Alan Ayckbourn

You mean to tell me while I’m – giving you my all –you’re lying there thinking about floorboards?

Set over the course of one evening, through a series of misunderstandings and dysfunction we witness four married couples play out their day-to-day relationships across three very busy bedrooms.

In a world where we view relationships through reality TV, dating apps and magazine shows, Alan Ayckbourn’s 1977, Olivier Award-winning Comedy, asks the question, what happens when the honeymoon period is over? What really happens behind closed bedroom doors?

Alex Thorpe (The Comedy of Errors, RSC) directs his inaugural production as QTH’s Co-Creative Director.

Writer Alan Ayckbourn

Director Alex Thorpe

Producer Francesca Clark

3 – 26 Oct 2024

The Turn of the Screw

By Henry James

Adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz

'You believe me, don’t you?’

Bly, Essex. Angelic 9 year-old Flora and precocious 12 yearold Miles are the picture of innocence, rescuing injured birds and playing make-believe by the shady lake. But, as a new governess arrives at the manor to take care of them, disturbing secrets emerge from beneath the undulating waters. Questioning the truth behind the children’s stories, the governess finds it increasingly hard to tell reality from her nightmares - until she is forced to take action.

The inspiration for the West End classic, The Woman in Black and Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor, Henry James’ classic ghost story, chillingly reimagined by playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Her Naked Skin), is an enthralling mix of Halloween thriller and psychological mystery.

Writer Henry James Adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz

Director Anna Marsland Producer Anita Singh

A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch production

A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch production

NEW SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT

A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Havering Changing co-production

A Theatre Nation Partnerships production, produced by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

Handbagged A Place For Me?

By Anne Odeke

It's 1950. Did you know that there is an Essex in Jamaica? (Yes, really!) and...did you know that 10 year old, Jamaican native Phyllis loves nothing more than Essex? It's her favourite thing in the entire world!

So imagine how Phyllis feels when she discovers that her Uncle Edmund (her second most favourite thing in the world) boarded a ship called HMT Empire Windrush in 1948 and now lives in a place called Essex in England! (What are the chances?!) And so Phyllis, along with her best friend Mony (he's a mongoose - FYI) jump aboard a ship to discover the sights, sounds, and tastes of glorious Tilbury.

A Place for Me? is a family play that tells the story of the Windrush community through the eyes of a child. It's a tribute to all that the community brought and continues to bring to Essex.

Touring to community venues in Harold Hill, Orchard Village, Rainham, and Romford with Havering Changing.

By Moira Buffini

11 years of weekly, behind-closed-doors meetings, where the destiny of a nation is shaped.

Moira Buffini’s clever, funny and charming political comedy unlocks the palace door, imagining the untold conversations of two of history’s most powerful women, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II.

Ronald Reagan, Denis Thatcher and an ensemble of familiar faces add to the biting satire and sharp humour as the gloves come off and personalities clash.

25 years later, with both women now gone, their shadows still loom large, as this Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre Nation Partnerships production explores the legacy of this divisive premiership, leaving audiences to question what they truly know about those who decide our nation’s destiny.

Writer Moira Buffini

Director Alex Thorpe

Producer Francesca Clark

Writer Anne Odeke

Rebecca Scroggs

4 – 9

2024

A Rifco Theatre Company, Watford Palace Theatre and HOME Manchester co-production

Frankie Goes to Bollywood

Concept and Book by Pravesh Kumar

Songs and Music by Niraj Chag

Songs and Lyrics by Tasha Taylor Johnson

From the makers of Britain’s Got Bhangra and Happy Birthday Sunita comes the world premiere of a new British musical

Get ready to be swept away into the dazzling world of Bollywood!

Rifco’s most ambitious musical yet, Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a breathtakingly colourful journey of romance, epic songs, and spectacular dance – inspired by real stories of British women caught in the spotlight of the biggest film industry in the world.

Frankie never wanted to be a star, and after a chance encounter with a director, she finds herself transported to the ruthless world of Bollywood. As she climbs the sparkling staircase of stardom, Frankie must confront what she is willing to do for fame and fortune. Can she stay in the Bollywood family and still be true to herself? Amidst the heroes and villains, ornate costumes and sweeping sets, get ready for this tale of being British in Bollywood.

Concept and Book Pravesh Kumar

Songs and Music Niraj Chag

Songs and Lyrics Tasha Taylor Johnson

Associate Director of Rifco Ameet Chana

Tickets: from £19.50* | Under 26s £8

Discounts are available at some performances

Dates: 4 – 9 Jun 2024

Matinees: Thu 6, Sat 8, & Sun 9 Jun | 2.30pm

For the best experience booking an access performance, call 01708 443333 or email boxoffice@queens-theatre.co.uk

*+70p QNext fee

21 Nov 2024 –4 Jan 2025

FAMILY EVENTS

A Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch pantomime

Cinderella

Written by Andrew Pollard

Original music and lyrics by Tom Self

You shall go to the ball, as the classic panto family favourite Cinderella makes a grand entrance!

Bursting with all the glitz and glamour that you’ve come to expect from a Hornchurch panto – it’ll be the most magical event of the year!

Cinderella dreams of a glamorous life far removed from the everyday grind of primping and preening her vain stepsisters, and an invitation to the Prince’s royal ball is just the ticket! But the Wicked Stepmother has other plans for Cinders, confiscating her ticket to the party of the decade…

1 - 3 Aug 2024

A QYouth production

The SpongeBob Musical

Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg Book by Kyle Jarrow

QYouth present an irresistible all-singing, all-dancing, under sea adventure!

When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world.

This hilarious modern musical performed by over 180 youth theatre members aged 6 – 18 is sure to make a splash with audiences young and young at heart!

This amateur production of THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

©2019 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Created by Stephen Hillenburg.

Original

QTH

Producer Anita Singh

For details on ticket prices, and accessible performances, please visit our website

Dates: 21 Nov 2024 – 4 Jan 2025 Touch Tour: Sat 7 Dec | 12 noon

Audio Description: Sat 7 Dec | 2pm

British Sign Language: Sat 7 Dec | 6.30pm

Dementia Friendly: Thu 19 Dec | 1.30pm

Relaxed (SEN Friendly): Thu 19 Dec | 5.30pm For the best experience booking an access performance, call 01708 443333 or email boxoffice@queens-theatre.co.uk *+70p QNext fee

Original

by

Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I.

Dates: 1 – 3 Aug 2024

Tickets: £16* | Under 18s £9.50

Written by Andrew Pollard

music and lyrics by Tom Self

Directed by Kate Lovell

Lead Kate Lovell

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the children’s animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg

Written by Kyle Jarrow

Conceived by Tina Landau

songs

Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco,

Additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton

Additional music by Tom Kitt

Director Lauren Bracewell, Yiga Gaolou, Tom Mangan, Jules Tipton, James Watson

Musical Director Andrew Linham

Choreographer Shanise Garner

Fri 31 May 12.30pm | 3.30pm

GUEST SHOWS

Fireman Sam Live

It's up to Fireman Sam to save the day Norman wants to go on an adventure to impress his friends, so when two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains. Now it’s up to Fireman Sam to save the day and ensure everyone is safe on their camping adventure!

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun 7.30pm

£17.50* £16.50*

The Habbit Factory – Our Story

Celebrating our charity's 20th birthday. We invite you to relive our most beloved performances and events, offering a glimpse into the magic that has shaped the organisation. Supported by Blue Tees and special guests, expect nostalgia and laughter as we showcase our ups and downs over the past two decades.

Wed 12 Jun

7pm

Tickets: £12*

Legally Blonde The Musical

New City College Ardleigh Green Campus proudly presents their production of Legally Blonde Jr. Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Book by Heather Hach. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Fri 31 May 7.30pm

Woman Who Gave No F***s

The Other Stage

Stand-up storytellers slam down no-holds-barred tales to make you want to rip up the rule book and riot! We’ve gone digging for lost and forgotten women we think you’ll love. From Irish pirate queens and naughty pig-wife belly goddesses to sword-wielding nemeses, we bring you gob-smacking myths and legends of females outgunning adversity.

Mon 10 Jun 7.30pm

Lipstick On Your Collar

Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn’t touch the floor. Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax – you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s! Auditorium

Thu 13 Jun 7.30pm

Tickets: 10*

£5* conc.

Cloudbusting

The music of Kate Bush

This spectacular new show offers a fresh ‘take’ on tracks that first appeared on The Red Shoes album – including classic hits such as Wuthering Heights, Babooshka, Hounds of Love and Running Up That Hill – the worldwide No.1 hit single.

GUEST SHOWS

Fri 14 Jun 7.30pm

Sun 16 Jun 10am | 2pm | 6pm

It's a Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens

The definitive Neil Diamond tribute. From the West End, this internationally acclaimed production celebrates the musical icon. From the hits he penned during his time in the Brill Building to the countless live concerts. This is the only show starring the extraordinary FISHER STEVENS, undeniably one of the BEST impersonators you will ever see!

Mon 17 Jun 7.30pm

Tickets: £16.35*

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Auditorium

A critically acclaimed show about two young boys from Queens, New York who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. This is a moving and powerful concert featuring Mrs Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, Scarborough Fair, The Boxer, The Sound Of Silence and many more.

‘This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!’

Proudly presented by Razzamataz Theatre Schools

A showcase of the wonderfully talented students in their annual production. A fabulous show filled with all of your musical favourites. Step into the world of Razzamataz and experience their take on classic musicals & commercial bops to get you out of your seat and boogie.

Wed 17 Jul 7.30pm Thu 11 Jul –Sat 13 Jul 2.30pm | 7.30pm

Tickets: £22*

£24*

£28*

A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Twelfth Night

The Other Stage

A Shakespeare Double Bill. Experience the hilarity of two of the Bard’s best comedies condensed into short, side-splitting shows. In a mere 40 minutes each, they distil the essence of Shakespeare’s masterpieces into uproarious performances. Prepare for an unforgettable night of laughter and with a British Seaside Twist!

Tickets: £16* £12*

Auditorium

Presented by Havering Music Makers

Step right up and prepare to be dazzled by the spectacle of Barnum! This electrifying musical extravaganza chronicles the life of the legendary showman, P.T. Barnum, in a whirlwind of song, dance, and spectacle.

Tickets:

£1

Communities

Our vibrant Communities programme offers opportunities for all ages all year round both at the theatre and across the community, enabling people to express themselves and their stories through the arts. Read on for a taste of what we're currently up to…

Summer School – Play In A Week

Mon 12 Aug – Fri 16 Aug, 10am – 3.30pm £125 per person

Looking for something to keep you busy during the summer holidays? Why not join us for a fun week of drama, games and acting where you will create your own ‘Play in a Week’ to perform to family and friends. Play in a Week is perfect for ages 7 – 13 years.

UDC - Dementia Choir

Are you living with Dementia? Do you care for somebody living with Dementia? Do you both enjoy music and singing? Upminster Dementia Choir meets every other Thursday in the Learning Space, 10am - 11.30am, with tea and coffee provided. Only £2 per person.

Email upminsterdementiachoir@gmail.com or call Gillian on 01708 641317 for more information.

Memory Café

Did you know we host a memory café here at the theatre every other Thursday? If you, or someone you know is living with Dementia, or is a carer to someone who is, why not drop by for a slice of cake! Supported by Charles S French Charitable Trust, the café is a relaxed, informal and free dropin, providing support for people with Dementia and their carers. There's no need to book, just turn up.

Our next two cafes are 23 May and 6 Jun, both 10.30am12 noon, in the Foyer.

Baby Sensory

We host 8 very popular Baby Sensory sessions every week on Tuesday and Friday mornings. These award-winning development classes are designed for babies and their parents. Explore stimulation techniques, sensory experiences to encourage learning, and activities for language development that can be easily repeated at home.

To book email brentwood@babysensory.co.uk or call Shelley on 07930 877009

Music Bugs

Join us on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for awardwinning infant development sessions where parents are welcome to join. Join us for noisy nursery rhyme fun with percussion, puppets, hobby horses, floaty scarves, pom-poms, parachutes, bubble machines and lots more fun!

To book email romford@musicbugs.co.uk or call Sarah on 07517 199869

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on any of our Communities activities please contact us by calling 01708 462373, emailing communities@queens-theatre.co.uk, or visiting queens-theatre.co.uk

Communities is supported by

Spotlight on... The Box Office

The Box Office team's days are packed with a whirlwind of activities, from welcoming audience members to managing ticket sales and everything in between.

A typical day kicks off with the arrival of the Box Office Manager at 7am. The first tasks are to ensure the ticket system is functioning smoothly and address any overnight issues. Once everything is up and running, it’s time to add new shows to the system and answer the many emails that have come in the day before, or through the night. With messages pouring in from staff, audiences, and other theatre companies, it's crucial to stay on top of all communications. Following that, the day's performances are reviewed to anticipate any special requests or any accessibility requirements for attendees. Ensuring that specific seating is ready and hearing headsets or loops are charged and on the front desk before the audience arrives.

At 9am, the Deputy Box Office Manager arrives, and a staff meeting ensues to outline priorities for the day. This is also the time to update the system with new memberships such as Queen’s Angels, or Queen’s Theatre Club. These are memberships for patrons who want to support our work by making monthly donations. The building doors open shortly after granting

access to members of morning clubs such as Musical Theatre Dance Workout, Upminster Dementia Café, Baby Sensory, and Music Bugs. The building is suddenly filled with a mix of visitors.

Just before 10am, the morning Box Office staff arrive. The once-quiet office quickly transforms into a hive of activity as phones start ringing with eager callers booking tickets for upcoming shows. Between assisting callers and people booking at the counter, the team also manage deliveries for the different departments, enquiries from touring company staff members, people arriving for meetings, or actors arriving for auditions. Box Office is the first point of call for most visitors and acts as a reception to the building as well as a ticket sales point.

Over the years strong bonds have been created between Box Office staff and their many regular visitors, enjoying conversations about shows they have seen, workshops they have attended, making suggestions of what they might like to book for, and sometimes just chatting about life in general. Staff have sometimes called to check in on a regular if they haven’t shown up for a few days, ensuring their well-being. One of their favourite monthly events is Down Memory Lane, a show for those with dementia and their carers. Many close relationships have been forged between the attendees and performers, and it is wonderful to see the smiles and joy they experience during the 2 hour performance.

Of course, no day at the Box Office passes without a few challenges, whether it's technical glitches or delayed shows. Remaining composed under pressure is paramount, and the team tackle each obstacle head-on, ensuring a smooth experience for all patrons.

As the day unfolds, the pace at the Box Office changes. Quiet moments provide opportunities to catch up on administrative tasks, but as evening approaches, it is time to gear up for that night's show.

At 3pm, the evening staff arrive. They are quickly ready to welcome audiences, address booking inquiries, and guide newcomers through the building. On special event nights, such as Opening Nights, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement as tickets are prepared, along with the voucher and lanyards for the invited guests, and setting up the Guest and Press table at the entrance.

As the audience settles into their seats and the Box Office team wraps up for the night, they eagerly anticipate what tomorrow will bring, ready to face whatever challenges and joys the day may hold.

Visiting Us

How To Book

Tickets can be purchased 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through queens-theatre.co.uk. You can also purchase tickets from the Box Office in person or by phone on 01708 443333

Payments can be made by Debit and Credit Cards or by Society of London Theatre Tokens. Please note that we are cash free

Concessions are available for those aged over 60 and under 26, customers with access requirements or on income support (for select shows). Companion tickets are also available. We also offer group discounts and school discounts (for select shows).

Please visit queens-theatre.co.uk/your-theatre/ planning-your-visit for further details.

Access

Access tickets if you identify as disabled and Companion tickets for additional support during your visit are available. (Some exceptions or limitations may apply).

• The main auditorium entrance is on ground level. There are four wheelchair spaces and 20 seats with level access.

• Accessible toilets & baby changing facilities on the ground level and a lift down to the Learning Space and toilets.

• Audio Described performances and Touch Tours to assist visually impaired customers.

• British Sign Language Interpreted to assist D/deaf customers.

• Hearing system to assist hard-of-hearing customers.

• Relaxed Performances and Dementia Friendly Performances.

Support Us

Support our work through regular donations helping us to invest in our community, nurture artistic talent and make theatre accessible by becoming a Queen’s Angel. Queen’s Angels donate from £60 annually or £5 a month and receive benefits that include a monthly newsletter and priority booking.

You can also help to support us and raise vital funds by becoming a member of the Queen’s Theatre Club. Queen’s Theatre Club members pay an annual fee of £20 and receive benefits that include a monthly newsletter and coffee mornings.

For a full list of benefits, or other ways to support us please visit: queens-theatre.co.uk/support-us

QCafé & QBar

QCafé: Fancy a bite to eat? Choose from a selection of light lunches, snacks, sweet treats, hot and cold drinks.

QBar: Relax in our Bar area and treat yourself to a pre-show or interval drink. You’ll find a great selection of drinks, including flavoured gins, and local wines and beers.

For more information and our opening times, please visit queens-theatre.co.uk/about-us/food_drink