Residents can get the chance to see the community musical Lighting Up The Lane for a second time as part of the 60th annniversary of the Queen’s Theatre.

A special concert version of the all singing, all dancing show will be performed at the Queen’s Theatre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch on Friday August 23.

The musical, which is an uplifting story about the birth of the theatre, boasts a 60 strong cast from aged eight to 69.

On the steps of a silent cinema, a theatre is born... Georgie, Maggie and the gang loved playing on the steps outside the silent cinema in Station Lane, acting out the golden Holly-wood moments of the ’30s.

But when “The Talkies” came to town, the old cinema shut down and soon everyone’s peace was shattered by the war.

Follow the heart-warming journey of our two young sweethearts as they overcome tragedy and betrayal to defend their childhood dreams, rally against demolition and fight for Hornchurch’s first ever theatre.

The new concert version of the play follows on from the success of last year’s show.

Hornchurch resident, Lesley Dunn, who will be performing for a second time in the show, said: “You can’t Imagine the excitement when a letter dropped on my doorstep inviting me to perform in the concert version of Lighting Up The Lane at the Queens Theatre Hornchurch.

“It will be great for us to see everyone again, after spending three months together last year we made some great friendships and now I just can’t wait for us to be ‘Lighting up the stage’ again.”

Tickets cost £10 and £8 for concessions from the box office on 01708 443333. See next week’s Recorder for Lesley’s diary about how the rehearsals are going.