By Eleanor Davies
In recent years community spirit hasn’t been quite the same as in previous generations. Street parties and even knowing your next door neighbours name are alien to most people.
So, what better way of getting the community together again than a community play!
That is something of a speciality for Dave Ross who has written many in his 28 years of working at The Queens Theatre, Hornchurch.
“It’s a chance to write about real things and it’s a challenge with the amount of people you have to work with and incorporate into the show,” says Dave.
And his next one to hit the stage, Down the River and up the Road, is extra special to the 65-year-old from Hornchurch.
“I very much drew on my experiences growing up in Plaistow in the East End,” he explains. ”There’s two aspects to the play, one being Irish immigration, and the other mods vs rockers.
“It’s a story about two boys one cockney, one Irish and they become friends however something happens which spoils that,” he adds.
Having grown up in London, being involved in the first publicised case of mods vs rockers and working on the Docks for many years, Dave’s new play offers a unique insight into what life then was really like.
“I teamed up with Gerry Sweeney, who is Irish, to put the play together and that’s where the Irish aspect comes from,” he continues.“We embellished certain things to make a proper story of it but it’s all singing all dancing and a good story. It really has everything, action, romance, aggression and two hours of excellent entertainment.”
The play is also a brilliant opportunity for everyone of all ages to realise their dream of being on stage, even if they aren’t professional actors, singers or dancers.
“When you do a community play it is open to everyone,” he enthuses. “We have a professional production team but the auditions are open to every one from seven right through to 75!
“It also broadens the audience as people who might not have gone to the theatre will go and see their mum, dad, sister, cousin or granddad perform!” says Dave.
So get into the community spirit and head to the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch! Down the River and up the Road runs from 28 to 31 July. Call the Box Office on: 01708 443333.