Queens Theatre (i)

The Queens was converted from a disused cinema in Station Lane. Built in 1913, it was used during World War II, first as a depot for medical supplies, and later for storage of furniture from bombed buildings. In 1950, it was compulsorily purchased by Hornchurch Urban District Council and converted to a theatre. In 1953 the Hornchurch Theatre Trust Ltd was formed to run the building.

The appearance was that of an early cinema: facade in three bays, the centre with steps up to two pairs of wooden, leaded glass doors, with small canopy and semi-circular mullioned window above. The two outer bays had flat tops. This was modernised and rendered, removing any decoration, and extended at one side for a square arched entrance to a car park, with administration offices above. The name Queens Theatre appeared over the entrance.

The foyer (original) was small with two staircases either side which led to the bar, converted from the projection box. The auditorium had a barrel-vault ceiling (probably splayed) with a square proscenium set in an ante-proscenium, and seated 379 in one tier. Dressing-room space and a workshop were added. It ran with success as a repertory theatre in 1964. A new theatre was built in 1975, on a different site, and the first Queens was demolished in 1976.