Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has announced its autumn 2026 season, featuring new drama, comedy, family theatre and the return of its much-loved annual pantomime.
The season includes the premiere of a new play with live magic, major touring productions and a festive show rooted in local stories made for the people of Havering.
Opening the season is The Disappearing Man by Essex playwright Kenny Emson, running from 15 to 31 October.
Produced in collaboration with new writing company HighTide and directed by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Co-Creative Director Alex Thorpe, the new drama follows washed-up magician Bazza Cadabra as he returns to Clacton-on-Sea hoping for a final comeback and a chance to reconnect with his son.
The production will premiere in the theatre’s main house ahead of a national tour to Blackpool Grand Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford and Key Theatre Peterborough.
A second premiere comes from award-winning company ThickSkin with It Walks Around the House at Night, running from 24 to 27 September.
Written by former Bruntwood Prize-winner Tim Foley, the haunted house play follows an out-of-work actor whose job playing a ghost begins to blur dangerously into reality.
Comedy arrives with Le Navet Bete’s Oh Zeus! from 7 to 10 October.
The farcical production sees three actors play 40 characters in a fast-paced retelling of Greek myths, combining physical comedy, multi-rolling and outrageous humour.
Family audiences can also enjoy a stage adaptation of The Tiger Who Came to Tea from 25 to 27 August.
Based on the classic story by Judith Kerr, the production features songs, magic and theatrical chaos aimed at younger audiences.
Returning for the festive season is Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s flagship pantomime Robin Hood, running from 18 November to 2 January.
Set in the Forest of Havering, the production continues the theatre’s tradition of creating locally resonant pantomimes made for and about local families.
Alex Thorpe said, “Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, and our autumn season is a celebration of that. We are delighted to welcome Kenny Emson back to Essex, staging his play about magic, ambition, hope and rivalry on our main stage before touring nationally.”
“We are passionate about sharing the most exciting touring theatre from across the UK with audiences throughout the borough. Having been captivated by La Navet Bete nearly 20 years ago and long-time admirers of ThickSkin since their inception, we are thrilled to present Oh Zeus! and It Walks Around the House at Night, two bold and imaginative stories that are sure to inspire our adventurous audiences.”
Kenny Emson said, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring The Disappearing Man to Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. As an Essex writer, it means everything to share a piece that reflects where I’m from but also challenges expectations. This isn’t just another working-class sad play— it’s a story of magic, wonder, and the unseen lives that exist just beneath the surface. It’s Essex as I know it: complex, surprising, and always full of humour.”
Titiola Dawudu said, “It has been such a great experience working with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch on Kenny Emson’s new play The Disappearing Man. It feels like a genuinely values-led collaboration, where everyone is aligned in wanting to make the best work possible. HighTide worked with Kenny on Rust in 2019, so it’s a wonderful moment for us to be working with him again.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
