News

MORE than £9,000 was gathered in aid of the Queen’s Theatre Development Fund at the Queen’s Charity Gala Dinner Dance held at De Rougemont Manor in Brentwood on Saturday 22 October.

Havering Mayor Cllr Melvin Wallace and Alex Armstrong, Chairman of the Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry, were among the guests, who also included Queen’s Theatre staff, management, trustees, sponsors, loyal supporters, as well as members of local businesses.

The black-tie event, organised by Queen’s Theatre board members Christine Smith and Chris Dixon, laid on a sumptuous four-course gourmet meal followed by an auction, where stunning prizes included: a holiday in Cyprus, helicopter flights, Family Guy signed memorabilia, drinks in the West Ham United Legends Lounge, Box tickets at Tottenham Hotspur, a portrait by iconic artist Banksy and a magnum of champagne.

Guests also enjoyed a magic display before dancing the night away to musical entertainment from local band Eden’s Gallery, featuring members of the Queen’s professional ensemble of actor-musicians, cut to the chase….

As a registered charity, the Queen’s must constantly raise additional money to fund its wide-reaching programme of entertainment as well as its education and outreach activities. The funds will help keep ticket prices affordable for everyone, produce a great variety of top quality theatre productions and continue the Queen’s extensive Education and Outreach programme, which works with more than 8,000 people annually on a huge range of projects.

Queen’s Administrative Director Thom Stanbury said: “It was a fantastic night. We had wonderful guests, great entertainment, singing and dancing, and we raised much-needed funds for a cause we are passionate about. Roll on next year.”

The event follows the success of last year's fundraiser for the Queen's Development Fund held at Upminster's Top Meadow Golf Club, which raised £2,000.

For more details about supporting the Queen’s, call 01708 462349, email development@queens-theatre.co.uk or click here.