Skip to main content
School of the Arts

TaPRA 2026

Queen Mary University of London, 2–4 September 2026

TaPRA 2026
  1. School of the Arts
  2. Research
  3. Department Research
  4. Drama
  5. Drama Research Areas
  6. TaPRA 2026 Conference
  7. Social Programme

Social Programme

A lively programme of events, performances and shared meals will run alongside this year’s conference, creating plenty of opportunities to meet other delegates, explore the local area and experience more of the wider programme.

From receptions and parties to performances and tours, these gatherings offer space to continue conversations beyond the scheduled panels, make new connections and enjoy TaPRA 2026 together in a more informal setting.

Postgraduate and Early Career Researcher Events

Several events for postgraduate students and early career researchers will take place throughout the conference.

PGR Welcome Drinks

When: Tuesday 1 September, from 8:15PM

Where:  The Castle (44 Commercial Road, E1 1LN)

Join us from for informal drinks before the conference officially starts, organised by TaPRA PGR and ECR Reps. The pub is a 5-minute walk from Whitechapel Gallery, so it is easy for attendees of 'How to Build a Body' to get there after the performance. It's a great chance to meet other PGRs and conference attendees, particularly if it’s your first time at TaPRA. Everyone is welcome!

 

PGR Lunch

When: Wednesday 2 September, 12:00PM–1:00PM

Where: Pick up a to-go lunch from the ArtsOne foyer

Grab some lunch and join other PGRs on Wednesday lunchtime for a relaxed gathering. We'll have lunch bags ready to pick up from the Arts One foyer, so you can eat together and get to know other PGRs. We’ll eat outside by the canal if the weather permits, or a designated room on campus.

 

PGR/ECR Workshop

When: Thursday 3 September, 5:30PM–6:30PM

Where:  The Pinter Studio (ArtsOne)

Come along for our PGR/ECR workshop. We will be building on the theme of outrageousness following our PGR Conference earlier in the year. Open to all PGRs and ECRs. Arrive early/on time to make sure you get a space!

Drinks Reception and TaPRA Awards (2 September)

When: Wednesday 2 September, 5:00PM–6:30PM

Where: The Great Hall (Queen Mary University of London)

Welcome drinks for all delegates will be served at the close of the conference’s first day, on 2 September, in the spectacular setting of the historic Great Hall.

The reception will also be a chance to celebrate outstanding research across the field, with the announcement of the 2026 TaPRA Awards.

And the evening doesn’t stop there: the conference performance programme will get underway during the reception, launching an exciting night of performances and screenings.

Conference Dinner (3 September)

Please note: Booking for the Conference Dinner (£50/£55) closed on 10 August, and all tickets are now sold out.  

When: Thursday 3 September, 6:30PM–10:00PM

Where: The Octagon (Queen Mary University of London)

The annual conference dinner will taked place this year in QMUL’s Octagon—the last surviving building of the historic People’s Palace.

The evening will include a welcome drink, starter, main course and dessert, alongside light entertainment and plenty of time to catch up with colleagues, continue conversations from the conference, and celebrate together. A cash bar will also be available throughout the evening.

If you have any questions about the dinner, please contact tapra2026@qmul.ac.uk.

Conference Party (3 September)

Please note the change of location, due to capacity.

When: Wednesday 3 September, 9:00PM–1:00AM

Location: Drapers Bar and Kitchen (On campus: 17 Godward square, London E1 4FZ)

Head to Drapers Bar and Kitchen for the TaPRA 2026 conference party. This much-loved on-campus venue will be taken over exclusively by TaPRA from 9:00 PM until late.

Entry is free for all delegates. And help us shape the soundtrack: is there a song you’d love to dance to? Add your pick to the TaPRA 2026 Conference Party playlist!

Local Walking Tours (3 September)

When: Thursday 3 September, 1:00PM–3:00PM

Where: The Great Hall (Queen Mary University of London)

As a conference extra, join one of two walking tours exploring the local area around Queen Mary University of London. Both are free and run during the first open session. Space is strictly limited so reserve a spot early.

The Banglatown Walking Tour

The Banglatown Walking Tour is hosted by the Swadhinata Trust and is aimed at anyone interested in Bengali migration and settlement in London's East End. This walk will look at the impacts of the British Empire on the migrant histories of London. Participants will learn about the Bengali community’s history, heritage, cultural practices and the tour will provide examples of the value of multiculturalism and the tensions it creates.
 
The Swadhinata Trust is a London based secular Bengali community group that works to promote Bengali history and heritage. It has been operating since November 2000, offering seminars, workshops, exhibitions and educational literature to young Bengali people in schools, colleges, youth clubs and community centres across the United Kingdom. The Trust is one of six arts and heritage organisations based on Queen Mary’s campus.

Reserve your place on this tour here.

Dr Barnardo’s East End Walking Tour

Discover the history of the East End that inspired Thomas Barnardo: When Thomas Barnardo left his native Dublin for London’s East End in 1866, he was intending to train as a doctor and join the China Inland Mission.  But he was so moved by the poverty in his new neighbourhood, and how that impacted children, that he resolved to help.  Join Alastair Owens, Professor of Historical Geography at Queen Mary University of London, to learn about Barnardo’s life and work in east London. We will explore the education initiatives, children’s homes, coffee houses, training facilities and other ventures through which he transformed young people’s lives – radical work which resonates 150 years later.    

Reserve your place on this tour here.

Back to top