<strong>September</strong>in the Rainin rehearsal
educationnewsand outreachHarold Hill comes alive with the sound of music!<strong>The</strong> best of local acting talent filled the Queen’s <strong>The</strong>atrestage in the Community Play 2008.Over 50 members of the local community sang and danced theirhearts out in Harry from the Hill, written by Queen’s <strong>The</strong>atre NewWriting Award winner Kath Sayer, between 30 July and 2 <strong>August</strong>.<strong>The</strong> play celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Harold Hill estateby combining its post-war history with the touching tale of anadopted boy, Harry, in search of his birth mother.Harry, played by the talented Jacob Portsmouth, is the adoptedson of wealthy Primrose Hill couple Deidre (Wendi Sheard) andPeter (Barry Kirk). But one day, he seeks out his real mum Lisa(Susan Purkiss), who lives in Harold Hill.By meeting his new family, Harry not only learns more abouthimself and what he wants in life but also his birthplace. HaroldHill’s social and political history – from its original purpose tohouse East End slum dwellers to the community’s skiffle bands -is cleverly told using a fancy dress barbecue celebrating theestate’s 60th anniversary.Polished dance routines and catchy music, written by theQueen’s Musical Director Carol Sloman, added to the magic ofthe production.Directed by award-winning actress and director Marcia Carr, thecast and the Queen’s professional artistic and production teamrehearsed hard for three months to ensure the show would be aresounding success.<strong>The</strong> production also gained critical acclaim from local reviewers.Mary Redman, of the Havering Gazette, said: “Kath Sayer hasdone a good job, posing questions and coming up with aninteresting look at net curtain society and a more open one.”Graham Whitmore, of the Barking and Dagenham Post, added:“<strong>The</strong> Community Players dug deep into the reservoirs of theirparticular talents to provide fine entertainment.”Summer School fun at the Queen’sPoetry, lipstick and a dodgy doctor were all part of the funin a series of Summer School workshops for youngstersat the Queen’s <strong>The</strong>atre.Budding actors, from seven-year-olds to teenagers, took part inthe Mini Summer School and Page to Stage workshops. Bothweek-long courses, held earlier this month, culminated inshowcases of work in the foyer.Mini Summer School was themed on the fascinating subject ofchildren’s dreams, and headed by Marcia Carr, pupils played anarray of colourful games and learned to recite poetry, designcolourful costumes and apply theatrical make-up.Page to Stage, led by the Queen’s new Education ManagerPatrick O’Sullivan, was based on Christopher Marlowe’sintriguing tale Dr Faustus, about a man who sells his soul to thedevil. Using physical and vocal theatrical techniques, Patrickguided students through a modern interpretation of the 17thcentury play.He said: “<strong>The</strong> Summer Workshops really give children somethingcreative and constructive to do during the holiday season right hereon their doorstep. It also helps develop their theatrical skills andprovide opportunities for social interaction and confidence-building.”photos: Richard WalkerPeggy Bennett, Amelia Dunnand Lesley DunnWendi Sheard,Jacob Portsmouthand Susan PurkissYoungsters having fun at the Mini Summer SchoolFor more information on all Education and Outreach activities at the Queen’s,visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk/educationeducation and outreach news box office 01708 443333