Hansel & Gretel – May 2024

Sat 18 May 2024 at The Sydenham Centre
Show(s) at 2pm & 3.30pm
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes, suitable for all the family.

Any unsold tickets will be available on the day on a 'pay what you can' basis from 30mins before each show.

Tickets: Standard price £10 adults, £5 children aged 3+
Pay a little more £12 adults, £6 children aged 3+
Pay a little less £8 adults, £4 children aged 3+
Under 3s FREE as usual

Spontaneous Productions, in association with Kirkdale Bookshop, presents:

About the Show

TWO EXTRA PERFORMANCES TO RAISE FUNDS AND HELP KEEP SPONTANEOUS MAKING ITS MAGIC!

Click to view some of the exciting artwork in the show

Two extra performances on Sat 18 May at 2pm and 3.30pm [performances last approx 45mins]
PLEASE NOTE WE EXPECT THESE PERFORMANCES TO BE VERY POPULAR SO ADVANCE BOOKING RECOMMENDED

Any unsold tickets will be available on the door from 30mins before show start time, on a ‘pay what you can’ basis. To get the best seats, please arrive early!

Our first family show for 2024 – and our 29th original show for families since 2017 – was a brand new musical version of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. As one of our best-received productions for some years, we are delighted to be bringing it back for TWO EXTRA PERFORMANCES – raising funds for Spontaneous to keep making its magic. So even if you saw the show before, why not come along and see it again? Or tell your friends – it’s not to be missed!

When Hansel and Gretel are left behind in the woods by their forgetful parents they must learn to fend for themselves. But when they discover a marvellous House made of sweets and its mysterious owner Wilma Wonky, things take a very strange turn…

With the help of Wilma’s talking cat Kitty can they escape Wilma’s clutches and be reunited with their parents? And will they be able to straighten out Wilma Wonky once and for all?

Show images by Mark Drinkwater

Featuring all the usual Spontaneous magic – and lots of surprises – we are joined by a brand new song-writing team James Boston and Tom Nugent, who between them have created a wonderful psychedelic 60s & 70s style soundtrack. With fabulous costumes as usual by Jackie Poulett, choreography by Valentina Pakou and special video effects and animation by Joe Kaufman of Red Kite Films, this highly entertaining show is not to be missed!

Our cast is headed by two very familiar faces: Paul-D Stephenson – in his 10th production for Spontaneous – is Hansel, and as Gretel there’s Jyo Miarkali – seen last year as Aladdin and the Boy Who Cried Wolf – who gets to play a girl at last! Joining our family is newcomer Francesca Anderson as the wicked Wilma Wonky. Plus there are special guest appearances on video by William Hastings and Megan Madaleine as Hansel & Gretel’s Mum and Dad.

The Credits

  • Adapted from the classic fairy tale by Jonathan Kaufman and Jane Walker
  • Original songs and music by James Boston (lyrics) and Tom Nugent (music)
  • Produced and directed by Jonathan Kaufman
  • Assistant director and choreographer – Valentina Pakou
  • Video effects and animation – Joe Kaufman
  • Scenic design and props – Annika Francis
  • Costume designer & associate producer – Jackie Poulett
  • AI Imagery – Penelope Else
  • Graffiti art – James Tichner
  • Graphic design – Jan Warren
  • Photography – Mark Drinkwater

Book Tickets

Tickets may be bought online or on the door. Online booking closes 30 minutes before start time.
More on how to book

Saturday 18 May

2pm
3.30pm

The Cast

FRANCESCA ANDERSON as Wilma Wonky
JYO MIARKALI as Gretel
PAUL-D STEPHENSON as Hansel
Guest appearances on video:
WILLIAM HASTINGS as Dad
MEGAN MADALEINE as Mum

The Audience Reviews

What audiences have said about the show so far (a few of dozens):

  • What a great show! Amongst a very strong crop over the years I would say that was one of the best. Funny, brilliant staging and great songs. The family all really enjoyed it. (Darren Bird, by email)
  • Slick – nice multi-media
  • Brilliant introduction for local children to theatre
  • I’m 73 and I came with my 45 year old daughter – WE HAD THE BEST TIME!
  • We love the show!!! We live nearby and it’s wonderful to see a local performance!
  • Entertaining and interactive fun!
  • Such a sweet version of H&G!
  • Great tunes!
  • Really engaging, fun & good for all ages
  • The best ever!
  • Wonderful as always!
  • Amazing, great songs
  • A lovely family show

The Sponsors