The theatre has announced plans to mark the 25th anniversary of its youth theatre QYouth with a family fundraising weekend on the 8th and the 9th July. 

This anniversary weekend is an opportunity for the theatre and the local community to come together and celebrate the success of QYouth as well as to help raise money so the company can continue to support and nurture young people for the next 25 years.

The theatre invites audiences from Essex and East London to come and join the celebrations and can expect a wide variety of expect a range of fun games, stalls and workshops in the theatre’s foyer from 10am – 7.30pm on both days. This fundraising weekend will also include a free exhibition celebrating QYouth’s history which will be held in the cafe.

In terms of entertainment, a cast of over 120 young people from the theatre’s QYouth will be providing the entertainment, treating audiences to a world premiere of the family favourite, The Wind in the Willows. This production has been specially adapted by James Watson and Andrew Linham to mark this milestone. Performances are at 7pm on 8 & 9 July, with an additional 2pm show on 9 July and tickets are £14. This production is sponsored by East Thames and supported by the Queen’s Theatre’s very own Theatre Club.

The theatre’s Learning & Participation Producer James Watson says, ‘This weekend is set to celebrate all that QYouth has become, with a large cast ensemble show celebrating the full breadth of our current membership, whilst allowing past members, parents and potential members of the future to join in the fun with our celebratory events, fundraising activities and reminiscent opportunities.’

Throughout its 25 year history, the youth company has  provided over 95,000 engagement opportunities for young people aged 7-18 in Havering. The QYouth programme offers young people opportunities in drama, dance and technical theatre, enabling them to develop their creativity in the arts, unlock potential, gain confidence and have fun through the power of theatre.