April 2024 • Vision RCL

Step into the realm of magic and wonder as Redbridge Creates Theatre Company proudly presents Disney’s timeless classic, Beauty and the Beast. Prepare to be transported into a world where love transcends all boundaries, and where the beauty of the human spirit shines brighter than any curse.

Adapted from the beloved Academy Award-winning animated film, this enchanting stage production features all the unforgettable melodies crafted by the genius duo Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, complemented by new compositions from Menken himself alongside the lyrical prowess of Tim Rice. With its original Broadway run spanning over thirteen years and garnering nine Tony Award nominations, including the prestigious Best Musical category, this theatrical masterpiece promises an experience like no other.

At the heart of the story lies Belle, a spirited young woman navigating life in a quaint provincial town, and the Beast, a once-handsome prince ensnared in the spell of an enchantress. Their fate intertwines in a tale of redemption, as the Beast embarks on a journey to discover the true meaning of love. Time ticks away relentlessly, as the curse looms over him and his household, threatening to seal their fate in eternal despair.

Redbridge Creates Theatre Company’s rendition of Beauty and the Beast promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its spellbinding performances, dazzling costumes, and stunning set design. Whether you’re revisiting this beloved tale or experiencing it for the first time, prepare to be swept away on a magical journey filled with laughter, tears, and ultimately, the transformative power of love.

Join us as we unlock the gates to a world of enchantment and embark on an unforgettable journey with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Kenneth More Theatre from Friday 28 June to Sunday 30 June

All authorised performance materials are supplied by MTI. For more information visit the MTI Shows website.

During the May Bank Holidays our leisure centres, libraries and other facilities will have different opening hours. Please see the opening hours listed below, or for more information please visit our individual centre pages.
Find out more about your local sport and leisure centre
Find out more about your local library
Find out more about theatre

For more information on our May Half Term Holiday activities view the Children’s Events page.

Parks & Open Spaces

All of our parks and open spaces remain open as usual.

Theatre & Heritage

Libraries

Sport & Leisure

Fullwell Cross Library will temporarily close for refurbishment from Sunday 5 May until Summer 2024. This is to enable refurbishment works to take place throughout the children’s and adults lending libraries.

The library has been awarded £380,000 from the Library Improvement Fund for an ambitious transformation programme for Fullwell Cross library, the borough’s second largest library.

The funding will support essential upgrades to the library which includes vital repairs, renovations, and an enhanced digital offer.

During the closure period, customers can visit any of our other libraries to return, borrow or reserve books.

The closest open libraries are:

  • Gants Hill Library, 490 Cranbrook Rd, IG2 6LA
  • Hainault Library, 100 Manford Way, IG7 4DD

Renewals and reservations can also be made online or on the mylibrary app.

The virtual library is available 24/7 by visiting our Online Resources page.

The library halls will remain open until further notice and will be refurbished later in the year.

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder said:

“Together with Redbridge Council, we’re shaping a brighter, more dynamic future for Fullwell Cross Library and our community. As we temporarily close our doors for refurbishment at Fullwell Cross Library, we pave the way for an ambitious development project of this much-loved library. During this period customers can use any of our neighbouring libraries or take advantage of our virtual library.”

Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture, said:

“We’re very excited to start work as part of our £380,000 investment programme, which will deliver significant improvements to this much-loved community facility in the heart of Barkingside.
The funding will be vital in helping to create a more modern and flexible library at Fullwell Cross. It will offer a range of new activities while still respecting and celebrating the heritage of this iconic building.
When the library reopens this summer, it will offer users a far more contemporary, comfortable, and enriching experience that embraces the digital age.
While these works are ongoing, people are more than welcome to use our other libraries nearby, including Hainault and Gants Hill.”

For further updates on the Fullwell Cross Library renovation project visiting the Fullwell Cross Library page.

About the Funding

The project is one of 43 successful library projects being funded through the libraries improvement strand of the Government’s Cultural Investment Fund, administered by Arts Council England – the national development agency for creativity and culture.

The £20.5 million Libraries Improvement Fund transforms public library services in England by helping them upgrade their buildings and improve their digital infrastructure, so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them.

This is the third round of the fund, with 52 projects already benefiting from around £10 million of funding in previous rounds.

The Redbridge London Youth Games U13s boys and girls cricket teams showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship during the recent qualifiers, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

On Sunday 25 February, the Redbridge U13s boys cricket team demonstrated their skills at the cricket qualifier held at Harrow Leisure Centre. Winning an impressive five out of six games, they clinched the top spot in their group, securing a well-deserved progression to the finals. The final showdown on Sunday 24 March saw them narrowly miss out on the gold medal, displaying exemplary skills and teamwork to come away with silver medals, marking a commendable achievement for the team.

Meanwhile, on Sunday 3 March, the Redbridge U13s girls cricket team took the field at the qualifier held at UEL Sports Dock. Their stellar performance included 3 victories and a draw, propelling them to the top of their group and securing a spot in the finals. Despite facing tough competition on Sunday 24 March, where they battled through three close games, they narrowly missed out on medals, finishing in 5th place. Additionally, the U15s Girls team also competed fiercely on the same day, winning five out of six matches and clinching silver medals after a closely contested final.

The success of these talented young cricketers wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of their coaches and volunteers. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Jon, Chris, Amit, and Mitel from Wanstead Cricket Club, as well as Peter Simpson from Woodford Green CC, who generously volunteered their time and expertise to coach and manage all three teams through trials, training, and the competition.

The Redbridge youth cricket teams have undoubtedly made their mark in the London Youth Games, demonstrating not only their skill on the field but also their commitment to sportsmanship and teamwork. As they continue to hone their abilities and strive for excellence, they serve as inspiring role models for aspiring cricketers across the region.

For more information on Team Redbridge or if you are interesting in competing please email Active Redbridge.