In our regular series on monuments around the Borough, Julia Omari discovers the story behind the celebrated sculpture outside Stratford’s Theatre Royal.

The statue of Joan Littlewood at the Theatre Royal Stratford — Littlewood at the Theatre Royal Stratford. Photo: Julia Omari

Renowned theatre director Joan Littlewood was born in South London on 6 October 1914, but it was here in East London that she became internationally known.

Joan trained as an actress in Manchester, joined a theatre company and took part in many productions in the North of England.

She then relocated with the Theatre Workshop Company to the rundown Theatre Royal Stratford, where she became its Director.

Joan opened the door for working class people to access the stage and have a voice in productions that reflect working class roots. She also created a space where young people could study acting; before Joan both demographics had largely been ignored. The results of Joan’s work earned her the titles Mother of Modern Theatre and Founder of Modern Young People’s Theatre. It was while she was based in Stratford that she was nominated for Best Director of a Musical for the play Oh, What a Lovely War!

Towards the end of the 1960s the Theatre Royal Stratford was listed for demolition but was saved after a public campaign led by Joan Littlewood’s then long-term partner, theatre manager Gerry Raffles. During this campaign a well known photo of Joan was taken, showing her sitting upon world war two rubble in front of the theatre.

Joan Littlewood retired from the Theatre Royal in 1975 after the sudden death of Gerry Raffles. She died aged 87 in 2002. Joan Littlewood left behind a legacy of famous actors who flourished under her guidance. The theatre still provides acting classes for young people.

In memory of her work the Newham Council and the Theatre Royal Stratford commissioned artist Philip Jackson to sculpt a bronze, life-size model of Joan sitting as she did in the photo, to be placed permanently in front of the theatre. It was unveiled on 4 October 2015, attendees included the late Barbara Windsor, Ian McKellen and many other actors Joan Littlewood had worked with.

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