Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has unveiled its Spring 2026 season, featuring a bold mix of in-house productions, touring shows, and initiatives to support emerging talent.
Leading the programme is the World Premiere of Caroline: A New Musical (6 – 16 May), the first production from the East Anglian Touring Consortium. Written by Vikki Stone and inspired by the story of pirate radio station Radio Caroline, the musical will feature actor-musicians and a soundtrack of 60s rock and pop hits.
Directed by Alex Thorpe and Douglas Rintoul, Caroline: A New Musical will tour East Anglia, aiming to spotlight local talent and reach regional audiences.
Joe Orton’s outrageous comedy Loot (19 Feb – 7 March) returns in a revival directed by Bethany Pitts. The dark farce follows a bank robbery gone wrong, with secrets hidden in coffins and a cascade of lies.
This production marks Pitts’ first time directing on a mid-scale stage, reflecting the theatre’s commitment to artist development.
QYouth’s large-scale production of The Wind in the Willows (30 July – 1 Aug) will feature over 180 youth theatre members. Adapted by James Watson and Andrew Linham, the musical adventure reimagines the classic tale with punk Weasels and daring escapes.
Touring highlights include Perfect Show For Rachel (5 – 7 Feb) by Zoo Co Theatre and Improbable, where Rachel, a learning-disabled theatre-lover, commands each performance from her throne and tech desk.
Rifco Theatre’s Frankie Goes To Bollywood (26 – 30 May) returns with Bollywood glamour and a story exploring identity and ambition in Indian cinema.
For younger audiences, Zog: Live on Stage (31 March – 2 April) brings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved story to life. There’s A Monster In Your Show (9 – 10 April), based on Tom Fletcher’s book series, offers an interactive musical adventure.
The festive season will feature Robin Hood (18 Nov – 3 Jan), a locally resonant pantomime set in the Forest of Havering, with Maid Marian and Robin Hood outwitting the greedy Sheriff.
The revitalised Outer Limits programme will support emerging and mid-career artists through workshops and mentoring. Sessions will be led by industry professionals including Rebecca Latham, Hannah Miller, and Hannah Joss.
Local playwright Kelly Jones has been awarded the Peter Shaffer Commission to develop a new play for the 2027 season, supported by The Sir Peter Shaffer Charitable Foundation.
Acting Chief Executive James Watson said, “We’re so proud to be announcing a new season that captures the spirit of everything Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is about: bold, entertaining and high-quality theatre made right here for our community. This programme brings together exciting new partnerships, acclaimed and emerging artists, and a vibrant mix of much-loved and brand-new stories. It reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and championing creativity across our region.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
