Joan Littlewood sculpture to be unveiled on Sunday

The eagerly awaited sculpture of the legendary theatre director Joan Littlewood will be revealed this Sunday, 4th October, after a huge fundraising campaign. International artist Philip Jackson, CVO DL MA FRBS, has been commissioned to create the bronze sculpture, which will be placed in Theatre Square – close to Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Murray Melvin and Barbara Windsor, who have both worked with Joan Littlewood in the early stages of their careers, have been key in raising the profile of the public fundraising campaign.

Philip Jackson is a sculptor with an outstanding international reputation. His artworks include the National Memorial Sculpture to HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in The Mall, London; The Bomber Command Memorial Sculpture in Green Park, London; the Champions sculpture of Sir Bobby Moore at Upton Park; the sculpture of Sir Alex Ferguson, for Manchester United FC; and recently Gandhi in Parliament Square.

Kerry Michael, Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East said: “The sculpture of Joan Littlewood will be a permanent reminder of her great contribution not just to British Theatre, but to World Theatre. We are proud of our history at Theatre Royal Stratford East and this is the perfect way to celebrate it.” 

Murray Melvin said: “I’m delighted that in Joan Littlewood’s birthday month of October – and in her Centenary Year – a sculpture by Philip Jackson will be unveiled in Theatre Square in recognition of her great contribution to the community of Stratford and theatre.”

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Programme of the day’s events

11am Unveiling in Theatre Square, in front of Theatre Royal Stratford East
Taking part in the ceremony include, Kerry Michael, Artistic Director, Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, former Theatre Workshop Company members Murray Melvin and Barbara Windsor, poet Caroline Bird and East London Brass. The sculpture will be unveiled by 15 year old Alex Jarrett, who is a member of Theatre Royal Stratford East’s Young People’s Work and resident of Newham.

12pm A celebratory tea party in Gerry’s Kitchen, Gerry Raffles Square

2pm A complimentary screening of Sparrows Can’t Sing at Stratford Picturehouse
Tickets for the film, directed by Joan Littlewood, are available in person from The Picturehouse box office.

5pm A Joan Jamboree, on stage at Theatre Royal Stratford East
Eclectic entertainment and fun (and maybe some rude bits), inspired by the spirit of Joan Littlewood. With Gwyneth Herbert and her Band, East London Brass, Upbeat Choir, Ian Sullivan (socialist magician) and Rhythm of Men.

Tickets (£10-£22.50) are on sale at www.stratfordeast.com with proceeds going to support the theatre’s work with young people.

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