‘1 in 1000’ Is A Triumph Of Radically Inclusive Storytelling And Another Breathtaking Performance By The Habbit Factory.

2nd July 20262nd July 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments min read

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.

1 in 1000 by The Habbit Factory – performed at Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch in June – was not only an extraordinary tale of adventure, belonging and meaning; but an ambitious collaborative achievement that was nothing short of a masterclass in inclusive theatre.

This titan of a musical was written and performed by a phenomenal all-child cast of 160 young people; supported by 31 ‘Blue Tee’ volunteers; and scripted by none other than The Habbit Factory CEO, Lee Giles himself. An artistic director made of lesser stuff than Lee wouldn’t have attempted such a feat. Logistically, the sheer scale of the production was something to behold – one can only imagine the work that went into this meticulously designed undertaking.

1 in 1000 is a triumph of radically inclusive storytelling in the arts. Yet another breathtaking Habbit Factory example of what can be achieved on a shoestring budget with the creative vision, care and will to achieve something that far exceeds the sum of its many, many parts; in quality as well as vast quantity. 1 in 1000 is the real deal: inclusive theatre at its absolute best; a feast rich in innovative culture and person-centred opportunity.

Every element – playful and touching dialogue; person-centred music and movement; stunningly imaginative set, prop and costume design; and their trademark cameo blend of iconic 80s hits (think Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Salt-N-Pepper) with contemporary pop and rock favourites – ensured that 1 in 1000 lived up to its name in a truly unforgettable performance.

Visually captivating, with iridescent jellyfish umbrellas dripping with sparkling tendrils, each and every young performer dazzled in full costume. I loved the charming and witty use of familiar orange recycling bags billowing away as highly effective puffer fish costumes, effortlessly grounding the musical in Havering.

Children of all abilities in the ensemble brought the musical to life with their infectious energy, and some really powerful vocals were showcased, including a starfish singing ‘Fame’, some electrifying eels with magnificent stage presence, and an unmistakably gravelly New York-Italian pinstriped codfather with his loanshark sidekick.

Each and every young performer was wonderful on the night, with multiple children playing the same characters. This was a truly inspired way to thoughtfully and meaningfully include every young person on their own terms – including disabled and neurodivergent children – for whom space and breaks are as important as direct participation.

Lee’s trademark dry, down-to-earth and wryly cheeky grasp of humour is relentless, with no opportunity missed for side-splitting fun. As always with The Habbit Factory, the hilarious and moving narrative is far, far richer than meets the eye: while meditation classes are punctuated by the distinctive fart sounds of a puffer fish deflating, society’s alienating neoliberal structures are gently and unpretentiously satirised.

The unseen omniscient, tongue-in-cheek narrator provided the skeleton that held the structure together with minimal, perfectly-timed interventions. Repetition was used to great effect, and individual actor supporters were present to meet access needs and to ensure that expressive inclusivity was centered; not tired theatrical conventions.

I didn’t know that broadly for every 1000 sea turtles hatched, only 1 survives; and a steady flow of aquatic facts are seamlessly weaved through a liberal sprinkling of fishy puns for

non-stop entertainment. Without really realising it for chuckling away and singing along, the audience received quite an education. Highlights included the plight of the socially ostracised single seahorse dad on a male maternity unit…and the big guns coming out in the form of an epic social metaphor from an octopus on ‘quantum fishing’: even at a subatomic level energy, motion and probability are intertwined. Easily the best physics lesson I’ve ever had!

Remarkably, just as children with differing abilities were given meaningful opportunities to shine; different learning styles, needs and ways of processing experiences in the world were validated. The entire performance – above and beyond its considerable artistic credentials – nurtured in young people an understanding of the virtues of calmness, collaboration, and emotional regulation. It’s frankly gobsmacking just how much systemic SEND slack is being picked up by The Habbit Factory in this hope-filled, multifaceted, generous-of-spirit experience that will keep inspiring children (and, hopefully, educators and facilitators) well beyond the performances themselves.

Against the broader backdrop of division and social atomisation, art is the antidote to politicised division. Just as Hatch the sea turtle found her thread of hope in our interconnectedness, The Habbit Factory is uplifting talented Havering children – from all backgrounds and abilities – with community belonging and invaluable cultural opportunities.