Queen’s Theatre had an evening to remember as it walked away from this year’s The Offies (Off West End Theatre Awards) with several gongs.
The ceremony was held on Sunday (February 12) at Alexandra Palace, with 700 guests in attendance at the annual event celebrating the best in London’s independent theatres.
This year, Queen’s was nominated in two categories; best panto, for its rendition of Sleeping Beauty; and supporting performance in a play, with Oliver Hembrough receiving the nod for his role in Arthur Miller’s drama All My Sons.
Not only did Queen’s win both of those awards, earlier in the evening it had already picked up wins for most comfortable theatre as part of the People’s Vote Award, as well as the best online info and booking.
Sarah Soliman, head of marketing and press, and Peter Thorne, head of customer services and facilities, were in the room to collect the latter two awards, with Mathew Russell, executive director at Queen’s Theatre, saying: “It’s fabulous to see our venue and team recognised in this way.”
Tom Self, who wrote the music and lyrics for the panto, said following the win: “It really is a celebration of the entire workforce at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch and its continuing efforts to produce an original pantomime each year.
“I want to thank Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Off West End and the wonderfully supportive audiences at Queen’s for continuing to support and believe in this work.”
Douglas Rintoul, who directed All My Sons, said he is “so thrilled” at the show’s success, and that it is “well deserved”.
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And just to add to its its collection, Queen’s also won the OneOff Award for Blueprint Festival 2022, which was announced during the first half of the evening.
One of the show’s creators, David Shearing, said: “It has been amazing to be part of the conception of Blueprint Festival. A platform designed to open up Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch spaces and invest in local talent. Honoured to be part of this.”
Reflecting on the collection of awards, Mr Russell described it as “an extraordinary day for Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch”, adding he is “so very proud of everyone involved”.
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