Spitalfields turns out for theatrical street party for Polly Hope

Revellers came dressed in theatrical costume for a street party in London’s East End in memory of sculptor, writer and Globe Theatre designer Polly Hope.

Polly, who died in December aged 80, was a founder-member of the Spitalfields Society which organised the shindig by 250 residents and friends who packed Princelet Street, in the heart of her old neighbourhood.

“This party is a tribute to Polly who was a much-loved figure in the community,” said organiser David Donoghue. “She did a great deal of design work for Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and was a tireless supporter of the Spitalfields Society.”

The party was just two minutes from Polly’s home which was a converted cottage brewery next to the Pride of Spitalfields pub off Brick Lane.

Polly had multi-talents which included writing opera librettos, while her husband Theo Crosby was the architect for the new Globe theatre on the Southbank 20 years ago, built to the original Elizabethan open-top wooden design.

The couple were among the first artisans moving into Spitalfields in the 1960s.

Among the revellers on Saturday was a new resident to Spitalfields, the actor and film star Jonathan Price, who arrived in white suit and hat.

Adding a splash of colour was left to the landlady of the nearby Golden Hart, Sandra Esqulant, resplendent in the red, white and blue of the Union flag.

The revellers were told to come dressed in theatrical style—and that they did.