Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch unveils 2023 summer and autumn season 

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has unveiled its 2023 summer and autumn season. 

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has just announced its highly anticipated lineup for the Summer and Autumn 2023 season, promising a diverse and ambitious programme of productions. With a focus on innovation, community engagement, and the spotlighting of local stories, the theatre aims to captivate audiences with a series of world premieres, timely commissions, and unique partnerships.

One of the highlights of the Autumn 2023 season is the world premiere of New Beginning, a collaboration between Variable Matter, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Directed and designed by the award-winning artist David Shearing, this production will explore the impacts of climate change through the use of innovative digital technology. It will be created with the involvement of 100 young people.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has commissioned two plays from leading female playwrights. The Invincibles, written by Amanda Whittington, is inspired by the story of the greatest women’s football team of World War One. The play will celebrate the journey of the Lionesses during the World Cup, with rehearsals taking place in real time as the tournament unfolds this summer. 

Additionally, Killing Jack by Sadie Hasler delves into the dark world of Victorian Whitechapel, shining a spotlight on women while reflecting on the ongoing challenges they face in society. The productions will be directed by James Grieve and Caroline Leslie, respectively.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is also forging a new partnership with Havering Changing, a programme dedicated to promoting culture in underserved areas. Through this collaboration, the theatre will support the world premiere of Fiesta, a play written and directed by Joe Lichtenstein in conjunction with the people of Orchard Village, a former housing estate for Ford Factory workers. 

This summer, audiences can see Inked, a theatrical piece based on the real stories of Havering residents with tattoos or the artists who created them. Directed by Lucy Pitman-Wallace and written by Paul Dodgson, this production will tour various community venues.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, together with Havering Changing, will join forces with Spare Tyre to support the world premiere of On the Beach. This interactive sensory experience is specifically designed for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. The production will tour community and care settings in Havering, following a week-long residence at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

Also featured in the Summer and Autumn 2023 season is A Different Class by Kenny Emson, an exploration of mental health, masculinity, and working-class culture. Directed by Bethany Pitts and set against the backdrop of Southend, this world premiere staging will tour community settings, bringing the important themes of the play to diverse audiences.

Adding an extra element of sportsmanship to the theatrical lineup, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch will welcome the New Wolsey Theatre’s production of The Red Lion, a locker room drama by Patrick Marber, expertly directed by Douglas Rintoul.

Finally, following the tremendous success of last year’s Sleeping Beauty, which received the Off West End 2023 Best Pantomime award, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch will present Dick Whittington as its Christmas pantomime. It is directed by Vik Sivalingam and designed by Kate Lias.