Design A Dame: Calling All Young Designers-Your Costume Could Be On Stage This Christmas!

By Ruth Kettle-Frisby – Guest Writer and Community Activist

Ruth is passionate about fostering positive change within the local community and regularly contributes insights and stories to The Havering Daily.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is CALLING ALL YOUNG DESIGNERS: YOUR COSTUME COULD BE ON STAGE THIS CHRISTMAS! 

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch launches an exciting Design a Dame Competition for this year’s heavily anticipated panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Entrants aged up to 18 are invited to design an original costume for Dame Trott in the style of none other than our own Romford Market. 

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate Romford Market in any way you choose. Its stalls, traders, fruit and veg, signage, colours, energy, and everyday magic.

Unleash your creativity and go bold as brass – let’s face it, Dame Trott is no shrinking violet! She is larger than life and LOVES an accessory, so don’t forget a wig, hat, or headpiece to complete the look.

And the prize? 

The winning design will be:

• professionally created and worn on stage in the production’s opening scene this Christmas.

The winner will be:

• invited to an exclusive behind the scenes experience

• given FOUR FREE TICKETS to the Press Night performance of Jack and the Beanstalk on Saturday 22 November 2025 at 5.30pm – complete with FREE DRINK and ICE CREAM for EACH guest… 

• … and a goody bag! Phew! 

Deadline for submissions:

Submissions must be received by 5pm on Friday 18 July 2025, and can be submitted:

• By email to competitions@queens-theatre.co.uk (subject line: Design a Dame Entry)

• Or by hand to Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Box Office

Each entry must include:

• The entrant’s full name and age

• A parent or guardian’s name and contact details (email or phone number)

• Optional: a short written description of the design

For templates and further information, please visit Queen’s Theatre website:

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