Queen's Theatre Hornchurch's First British Asian Dance Student Returns to his Roots with Confessions of a Cockney Temple Dancer

Creative visionary, director, choreographer and creative collaborator Shane Shambhu was one of the first British Asian dance students to perform at the Queen's Theatre 22 years ago. He makes a welcome return to Hornchurch with his dynamic one-man show, Confessions of a Cockney Temple Dancer on Sunday 23 July.

East Ham dancer Shane Shambhu shares his unique life experience of growing up in London, speaking two languages and living within the cultural mix of the East End. His story is familiar to all those who have moved cities, migrated from other countries and offers a breath-taking perspective in today's political climate.

Combining expressive movement, humour and captivating story-telling, Confessions of a Cockney Temple Dancer takes audiences on Shambhu's incredible journey as he reveals how he overcame obstacles to live his dream - to perform Indian dance and stories in a way that could speak to everyone. His playful switch of characters, now female compere, now student, now grandfather, now guru, carries the audience with the performer, which is both comic and moving.

This entertaining and inspiring show will mesmerise audiences with compelling dance, video projections and live interaction with a twist of stand-up comedy.

'It was impossible not to be engrossed by Shambhu's quick-fire shape-shifting, precise-yet-passionate choreography' Croydon Citizen

'There is no doubt for the audience of his skill as a dancer' Pulse Magazine

Shane has an extensive performance career spanning, dance, theatre, opera, music, mime, mask, circus, film, radio, literature, visual arts and poetry. His productions explore perceptions of race, languages and identities and constantly defy any categorisation. He is currently Complicite Associate, Associate of Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex and receiving regular support from Regent's University, London. Shane was mentored by Alistair Spalding CEO, Sadler's Wells as part of the Dance UK Future Leader Mentoring Scheme, 2013.

Confessions of a Cockney Temple Dancer comes to the Queen's Theatre Hornchurch on Sunday 23 July at 7.45pm. Tickets are just £9 (£7 concs) and can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333, in person at the theatre or online at queens-theatre.co.uk.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Original Score - Top 3

1. The Rescues , The Rescues - The Lost Boys

41.7% of votes

2. Jim Barne, Kit Buchan - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

28.2% of votes

3. Cinco Paul - Schmigadoon!

22.8% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats