This campaign is run by committee members representing Thurrock's many groups in the arts, culture and heritage. Our aim is simple.
Welcome to the Official Page for the campaign to Save the Thameside complex, Incorporating the Theatre, Central Library and Thurrock Museum
This group and campaign is managed by committee members representing Thurrock's arts, culture and heritage. SAVE THE THAMESIDE COMPLEX and everything it represents.
Operating as usual
We all know our favourite place in Thurrock the Thameside Complex xx why not show Thurrock Council by getting the youth of the borough to create some art of the Thameside and all it represents xx paintings, drawings even models xx let’s show them how much it means to the us and how important it is to keep it for future generations xx Let your voices be heard.
Save YOUR Thameside is not a political group. Our campaign is to fight the ruling party’s decision to close YOUR Thameside. Please see below the BBC coverage which mentions the theatre and complex. We must stop the council closing or selling off the Thameside and keep our Arts and Culture Hub at the heart of our community for future generations. Don’t let them take everything that the people of Thurrock already own away. Please share share share and ask people to Follow our page to support and keep upto date with our campaign - Thank you
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ess*x-64028633
Thurrock Council is ceasing spending on all but essential services due to its £469m debt.
In our Christmas countdown don’t forget to keep your amazing Beauty and the Beast at the Thameside Panto pictures coming in.
Share the Joy!
Panto Perfection! In the lead up to Christmas we would like to celebrate the importance of our amazing Beauty and the Beast Panto at the Thameside Theatre. Have you booked your tickets yet to this fantastic family event? Have you been already? If so why not share your festive experience with us. Send us any pics of your visit and we will share them with our followers.
Panto is always great fun for all the family, but more importantly it’s often a child’s first introduction to Theatre and the arts. Something which can spark their imagination and lead to a life time of engagement with arts and culture. Our Panto which offers not only relaxed and schools performances offers reasonably priced tickets for every part of our community. Another vital reason why we must Save YOUR Thameside for future generations. Don’t let Thurrock Council close or sell YOUR Thameside to fill mismanaged holes in their budget. Please share and encourage your friends and family to Follow our page to support our campaign.
If you haven’t been to Panto yet click on the link below to book now and support our only professional theatre.
thameside.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173631631
Last but by no means least a big shout out to our other fantastic stall holders at Russell Brand Community event last week. Marci came along to support the event and not only run the meditation workshops but also ran her stall Meditation with Marcella and Vedic Virture. Peter Still Osteopath offered free osteo check ups and offered advice on drug free pain relief. We also had friends from Inclusion Thurrock who offer a gateway to access talking therapies. Of course we had Thurrock Adult Education College, Steven from Friends of Ess*x and London Homeless charity whose work is never more vital than right now. Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions and Riverside Community brilliant groups who offer important services and support to every part of our community. So many great conversations with Thurrock residents about mental health and well-being.
Research shows arts and culture has a positive effect on wellbeing, people having a safe place to come together and talk which is everything the Thameside complex represents.
Please Follow and Like our page to support our campaign against Thurrock Council closing the Thameside Complexout
Of course on Monday we also had our brilliant local youth groups along to support the event to Save YOUR Thameside event. The Thameside Complex has always been a special place to the young people of Thurrock offering a nurturing, safe environment to perform, have fun and learn skills which will last them a lifetime. A massive thank you to Funky Feet a performance group set up for young adults with disabilities, mental health and other special needs. Also the Thameside Young Producers who run out of the theatre and offer young people performance opportunities and learning stage craft both on and off stage and regularly raise money for local charities. Of course we had our local Scouts along who presented Russell with his Entertainers Badge! It is vital we save the Thameside Complex for future generations so they can continue to enjoy these and many more opportunities
JTD of Performing Arts,Thameside Young Producers
Please follow our Save Your Thameside page to show your support for our campaign.
On Monday we were also joined by local authors Leigh Hosy-Pickett with his book Up in Smoke, Andrea Ince with Happy Inside Out and the amazing Darren Garwood and his son Jackson with his books Jackson Superhero. Fantastic local authors talking to residents of Thurrock, uplifting, passionate, happy stories. Thank you so much for your brilliant support of our campaign to Save your Thameside for future generations of our community.
Please Follow our Save YOUR Thameside page to show your support of our campaign to stop Thurrock Council closing or selling the Thameside Complex - Thank You
Big shout out to some of the amazing community groups who came along to support Russell Brand event on Monday. The Thameside Complex represents a myriad of things to the people of Thurrock, it’s a safe place for many. We were delighted that Reach Out for Mental Health and Claire's Trans Talks were given the opportunity to come along and share with the local residents, lots of interesting and important engagement which exactly what YOUR Thameside represents . Please Follow and Like our Save YOUR Thameside page to show your support for our campaign
A massive thank you to everyone who came along and supported Russell Brand Community event at the Thameside Complex on Monday. We are so grateful to all who reached out to us with offers of support to help with our campaign. It was a pleasure to see YOUR Thameside come alight with over 450 people, laughing, talking and having a great time. Such a positive day for our community
If you know a local company, business or group that would like to support our campaign or if you would like to find out more about supporting Save YOUR Thameside please DM us, thank you
Another report from Mondays excellent Community Event by Russell Brand at the Thameside Theatre. We can’t thank Russell Brand enough for his support, passion and continued hard work for our campaign to Save YOUR Thameside for the people of Thurrock and future generations ### you are gentleman and a scholar.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3517168141848475&id=111757290293717
More coverage on BBC News tonight of the excellent Russell Brand Community event at the Thameside Complex yesterday.
Thank you doesn’t even come close to how we feel about the amazing support we have received from Russell Brand xx
Thurrock Council listen to the people of Thurrock!
Great coverage of Russell Brand Community event yesterday at the Thameside complex by Simon Dedman from the BBC
https://fb.watch/heV-HtkdRJ/
Thank you everyone who came and supported us today . When we first started our campaign to save the thameside , I don't think we imagined it would be as successful as it has been . Russel you are a star . And you and your team definitely put on a brilliant day . It was an amazing time that helped spread the word . A massive round of applause needs to go out to all the staff at the thameside . The event would not have been as good as it was without all your hard work .
Detour down to the thameside
Todays the day, there will be a limited number of tickets available on the door today from 12.30pm on a first come first served basis xx don’t miss it xx
Limited number of tickets available on the door from 12.30pm on a first come first served basis xx don’t miss this ###
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=688901905940265&id=100044613841373
Tonights ITV coverage
Coverage on tonights BBC London News
Campaign leaders Sam and Neil being interviewed by BBC and ITV news crews outside the Thameside today. Hopefully they will be featured on tonights regional news bulletins.
don’t let them take YOUR Thameside Complex
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ess*x-63780100
The funding gap is about three times Thurrock Council's annual budget.
Come on let’s do this
https://fb.watch/h5N4r0mtlg/
A big thank you for the fantastic support from Lakeside Shopping Centre for our campaign to Save YOUR Thameside and Russell Brand Community event on the 5th December. Get your tickets now
https://lakeside-shopping.com/news/lakeside-are-proud-to-support-thameside-theatre
As you know long time supporter of our campaign Russell Brand promised to come and put on an event at the Thameside and now he’s delivering. We are super pleased to announce ‘Community’ supporting the Save YOUR Thameside campaign and Stay Free Foundation, will take place on the 5th December. A...
Brilliant Black Friday offer below, get your £10 tickets now to see Russell Brand at the Thameside Theatre !Tickets are limited so get booking
Please share share share xx
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=684667153030407&id=100044613841373
For a limited period use code HOMETOWN for £10 tickets to enjoy the days events - take part in yoga, workshops and meditations. No access to main theatre but you won't miss a thing! ALL main theatre performances can be viewed via screening rooms around the building.
https://bit.ly/save-your-thameside-tickets
Choose: Access All Areas excluding Theatre.
Use Code: HOMETOWN
All profits and proceeds go to Stay Free Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/100044613841373/posts/684667153030407/?extid=0&d=n
For a limited period use code HOMETOWN for £10 tickets to enjoy the days events - take part in yoga, workshops and meditations. No access to main theatre but you won't miss a thing! ALL main theatre performances can be viewed via screening rooms around the building.
https://bit.ly/save-your-thameside-tickets
Choose: Access All Areas excluding Theatre.
Use Code: HOMETOWN
All profits and proceeds go to Stay Free Foundation
Leigh Pickett or as he’s known now Leigh Hosy-Pickett is originally from Grays. A life-long friend of Russell, third generation FBU firefighter, opponent of the status quo, mental health advocate, speaker, campaigner, conversationalist and author of ‘Up In Smoke - Stories from a Life on Fire’. In his twenty five years as a firefighter he has seen it all. He’s battled infernos and pulled people from the wreckage of twisted metal, but the closest he ever came to death was at the hands of a confused hen do. In his book he tells the funniest, most eye-opening and moving stories from a life lived amongst the smoke. From blazes involving s*x toys, to navigating cannabis farm security measures, his book is brilliantly warm and entertaining and celebrates the everyday heroism of our Fire Service. It is also a clear-eyed and honest record of the many sacrifices made in the line of duty and the consequences of that heroism.
Don’t forget to book your tickets less than two weeks to go!
https://www.facebook.com/100044613841373/posts/677859620377827/?extid=0&d=n
Save YOUR Thameside needs your support.
Can you make it to Grays on 5th December to show your support
Get your tickets https://bit.ly/save-your-thameside-tickets
Fantastic to see on TV this morning. Brilliant song by talented Thurrock locals launched last month with the Thameside Theatre.
Watch the video here
https://youtu.be/7cch411MLtI
Community matters
It was fab to see the super talented Thomas Aldridge on This Morning today. Thomas is a great supporter of our campaign and produced the video below to show just how important the Thameside has been to starting his love of the arts, his career and to the residents of Thurrock.
A wonderful memory from earlier this year, which reminded me what a fantastic place the Thameside Complex is. Your professional theatre at the heart of our community. A wonderful safe nurturing environment for every part of our community where dreams really do come true x
https://twitter.com/rustyrockets/status/1592863891662348288?t=3j8Q3oJAy5zYtu65-p8xSw&s=19
“Join ME in at Thameside Theatre for a day of LIVE performances to support campaign 📅 5th December 🎟️ Get your tickets https://t.co/auoDEWkHzY *x”
Jackson superhero talks about thameside
The Thameside theatre has always been a massive part of Thurrock and I’m sure most of Thurrocks residents have visited it at some point in their lives, I know me and my family have visited many times. I remember using the library and the local museum, which is very educational and highlights and educates us all on our local history. But my biggest memory of the Thameside is watching many pantomimes and plays with my school friend Claire. Our childhood was special because of the thameside and it should remain special for the brilliant people of Thurrock to use.
Hope that’s ok 👌
Thank you Russell for this amazing event and your support of our campaign.
Tickets are selling fast so book yours now. Please share share share ### let’s save YOUR Thameside Complex for future generations of Thurrock
Help me save my hometown theatre, Thameside Theatre - I'm hosting an event with some great people as we demonstrate the importance of arts and theatre in communities.
Join me for a day of community projects, theatre groups, conversations, comedy, meditation, yoga, poetry and more!
Get your tickets! https://bit.ly/rb-live-dates
Orsett Road
Grays
RM175DX
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What a great memory in the many events the Thameside has been part of . A definite piece of Thurrock history . #savethethameside
Anybody passing the Thameside will be impressed by its big bold frontage - but unfortunately not so impressed when they try to get in. Save YOUR Thameside group have been assured by officers and councillors that the front doors will be kept open BUT THEY ARE STILL LOCKED. Is this lack of communication, dirty tricks, or just incompetence? What do you think?
Over the weekend the Thameside Young Producers held 2 shows where they invited over 300 students from local groups to perform - tickets sold out in a matter of days. On Saturday they had a very important guest, Kennedy Mercer who was born with SMA but this doesn’t stop her living her life to the full. It has always been her dream to perform on stage and there should be no limitations to that. Thanks to TYP, the theatre staff and Shaun Crisp who produced this video, her dream came true. #treatSMA was the chosen charity for the evening. Kennedy received a standing ovation after the video was shown and rightly so, she really was the star of the show. This is why the Thameside Complex is such an important hub at the centre of our community it’s for everyone. #treatSMA #kennedymercer7 #savethethameside #thamesideyoungproducers Please Like and share, and ask you councillor to vote to keep YOUR Thameside open for future generations
50 Golden Years At the Thameside As we share memories from the last 50 years at the Thameside we have received another great video sent to us from TOP’s they produce 2 shows a year at the Thameside and have done for many years. Thanks for sharing and for offering the people of Thurrock such a wide array of productions to attend and take part in. Save YOUR Thameside
Absolutely fantastic . Let's not make it the last #savethethameside
Author Sue Wilsher was so kind in responding to one of our committee members when we asked her to tell everyone why she wants to save the Thameside complex. For her the library represents an incredible research asset, something the community needs to keep. Thank you Sue, your support is much appreciated. #savethethameside
Is so lovely seeing families and friends enjoying this years Pantomime Cinderella at The Thameside Complex. As our wonderful dame says in this short clip hopefully we will see you all again next year! Remember it’s YOUR Thameside: together we can keep it open and secure it for generations to come! If you haven't bought a ticket yet, then get yourself down to the Thameside and Support this wonderful venue
It’s suicide awareness week, for many the arts can be a safe haven and can help with mental health issues, but it’s not always enough. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, please reach out: www.Samaritans.org And if you’re interested in learning how to help people, visit www.letstalkaboutsuicideessex.co.uk. We want the Thameside to be here for everyone (We do not hold the rights to this music)
We reached out to Russell Brand and let him know that the Thameside complex is under threat of closure and he was amazingly generous and left this fantastic message for his 2.7 million instagram followers. Thank you Russell your support is so very appreciated. #savethethameside
The fight continues! The Thameside complex isn't safe yet, so while we continue as a community to fight for the future of the complex take a look at this remarkable film by a young, Thurrock based filmmaker of the most recent protest. #savethethameside
Cllr. John Kent speaking last night at our protest to save the Thameside complex. We're glad to have an ally like Cllr. Kent. Thank you to all who came last night.
3 days left until our Save YOUR Thameside peaceful protest This is our 5th video giving you more information about how important the Thameside Complex is to the residents of Thurrock. Please like and share and please join us on the 24th Nov at 5pm outside the South Essex College #savethethameside
4 days left in the countdown to our peaceful protest xx 4th in our series of information videos in the lead up to our Save YOUR Thameside peaceful protest which is at 5pm on Wednesday the 24th November outside the South Essex College in Grays xx please support our protest and campaign to save YOUR Thameside Complex #savethethameside please Like and Share Thank you
5 days till protest and can we have 4 minutes of your time please’ 3rd of our videos leading up to our peaceful Save YOUR Thameside Protest which takes place at 5pm on the 24th November outside South Essex College. Please come along and support our campaign to say ‘No’ to the closure of the Thameside Complex
6 days till protest and 2nd in our videos explaining why we are protesting next week to Save YOUR Thameside #savethethameside Please like and share and please join us at 5pm on the 24th November outside the South Essex College in Grays Thank you
In the lead up to our Save YOUR Thameside Peaceful Protest on the 24th November we will be posting daily videos giving you more information on our important campaign to stop the closure 7 days till protest
Neil Speight at the protest in September
There's more to a theatre than just a space where people can act, sing and dance. There are people that make decisions at Thurock Council who believe that shows can go on in village halls. Join our campaign today and help convince them of their error before its too late and the Thameside Complex is closed for good.
"Theatre for sale?" No thanks says Mr. Bumble #savethethameside
The one and only Phil Davis, professional actor and Grays alumni lends his support to our campaign. Please help us keep the complex open, write to your councillor today, even if you have already, write again. We need you, #savethethameside
Our kids deserve to perform in a REAL theatre, help us keep that dream alive #savethethameside
With a cast of over 40 actors, you need a lot of props! Luckily the Thameside has enough room for all of them, unlike... Any other venue . If only the councillors knew/cared about that #savethethameside
Put on a show in a hall? Not if you want to hear it! The Thameside theatre has been built with sound in mind, it has all the tech to create worlds and to transport the audience. An amp in a hall is no match for the sound design you can create at the Thameside. #savethethameside
'Line of sight' is vital for the audience having a good experience, theatres have raked seating so everyone can see the stage and the Thameside has an abundance of wheelchair seating. Village halls, are flat, creating a poorer experience for almost all the audience. Please share let's get the word out #savethethameside
'Nancy' gives us a tour backstage at Oliver, we can't put on shows like this in anything other than a proper theatre. TOPS On Stage #savethethameside
A theatre is more than just a stage and chairs. It's everything behind the scenes that allows you to put on the best show possible. Including large, spacious dressing rooms and facilities. #savethethameside
Thurrock Council think it's possible to put on a professional standard show in a village hall. There's so much more to it than they understand or care to understand, help us save the Thameside theatre and complex. #savethethameside
West-End actor ben Tyler got his love of theatre and acting at the Thameside!shows Included calamity Jane and fiddler on the roof . We need it to stay open for future generations of kids who deserve the same chance. #savethethameside
The Thameside complex is still under threat of closure, please help us keep it open. Share and like our page, write to your councillors today, or it will be lost forever. #savethethameside
Dartford College of Physical Education Alumni
Dartford KENTUpminster Tithe Barn Museum of Nostalgia
Upminster RM141Friends of the Guildhall Museums
High Street, Rochester