Hornchurch theatre to make legendary director’s dream reality
Comedy double act Harold and Leroy will be leading a Hornchurch history tour at the event. Picture: Queen's Theatre - Credit: Archant
The dream of a legendary theatre director to bring art and science to the masses is to be realised on Saturday.
The Queen’s Theatre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch, is to take part in the nationwide Fun Palace project – an idea conceived by the late iconic director Joan Littlewood.
The project, which is being rolled out in honour of Joan’s 100th birthday, will see free song, dance and poetry workshops for people of all ages.
Joan’s idea was to create “universities of the street” and “laboratories of fun”, where people could come and learn about art and science.
The director, who worked on productions including The Alchemist and Richard II at the Theatre Royal in Stratford, was not able to see the vision of her Fun Palace realised, but the Hornchurch theatre will see it come to fruition.
You may also want to watch:
Queen’s education and outreach manager Patrick O’Sullivan, of Romford, said: “Fun Palaces is a programme that brings our communities together across the country to deliver, teach and explore with each other.
“We hope as many people of all ages come and grab this golden opportunity to enjoy a whole day of fun for free.”
Most Read
- 1 Chronically ill Romford man's fight for diagnosis after being told problem is psychological
- 2 Action promised over 'lorry parking forcing children to walk in busy road'
- 3 'Lovely service': Initial impressions of Kem Cetinay's restaurant Array
- 4 Lower Thames Crossing: How would Upminster be affected?
- 5 'He was petrified': Rainham mother calls for more action on bullying
- 6 Romford ‘best in region’ chef shares his cooking tip and favourite dish
- 7 'Unexplained' Collier Row death 'not believed to be suspicious'
- 8 Covid stats show cases rising across east London boroughs
- 9 Daniel Laskos stabbing: Teens charged with murder to face court
- 10 Hornchurch gym sees 'growing trend' of members post-lockdown
The October 4 event kicks off with the fun filled Hornchurch Hidden History Tour led by comedy double act Harold and Leroy.
Patrick, 33, added: “It’s all about community members sharing their skills – it’s made for the people by the people and I really like that idea.”
Other Fun Palace workshops will include a computer games-making class, the Havering Selfie Wall project and the Havering Speaks Challenge - where people can speak on camera about why they love the borough.
“I think the good thing about it is that it’s not a theatre-led project, I think what’s exciting is that the people that are coming into the building are offering their expertise in areas that wouldn’t usually be shared at the theatre.”
Go to queens-theatre.co.uk for more information.
Read more:
Broadway comes to Hornchurch’s Queen Theatre
Sooty and Sweep to take stage at Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch
Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch granted vital Arts Council funding
