About the Show
Join the world’s smallest superhero in this magical, musical adventure!
Think you know the story of Thumbelina – the tiny little girl born in a flower? Well, think again!
After being transformed into a tiny superhero by magical pollen, Thumbelina must learn to use her superpowers and confront the villainous Spider-Queen who is menacing the forest. With the help of faithful sidekick Buzz-Bee by her side, can Thumbelina save the day?
Photos from previous Family shows, by Mark Drinkwater
Sydenham-based theatre company Spontaneous Productions kicks off its Spring Season 2026 in style, with a brand new, musical version of the beloved fairy tale Thumbelina – as you’ve never seen her before!
For families with children of all ages – and adults too – featuring songs and music familiar to lovers of superhero franchises both recent and not so recent, and packed with jokes, action and fabulous video effects and animation sequences, it’s not to be missed!
As we expect big crowds, please book in advance if you can, and arrive early to ensure we can seat everyone as quickly as possible. Thank you!
The Credits
- Adapted by DARREN BIRD and JONATHAN KAUFMAN from the classic story by HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN
- Produced and directed by JONATHAN KAUFMAN
- Associate producer and costume designer JACKIE POULETT
- Songs and musical arrangements by JAMES BOSTON
- Choreographer and assistant director ANNA GUZAK
- Special video effects and animation by JOE KAUFMAN of RED KITE FILMS
- Scenic artists ALEXIA CARRASCO LOPEZ, STEVE MULFORD, HELENA SMITH, LUCY TANN, JAMES TITCHNER, MIA TOFIL
- Technician LUKE FOSTEN
- Graphic design JAN WARREN
- Photography MARK DRINKWATER
Book Tickets
Online: click the button below, which will take you to the date/time choices and then to the Stripe checkout.
In person: tickets may also be available on the door, from 30 mins before advertised show time (subject to availability). These will all be ‘pay what you can afford.’
Note: Kirkdale Bookshop is unable to provide tickets for this show.
Note: we have just re-coded the website so there may still be myriad formatting tweaks to be made, and the extensive back-catalogue of events is yet to be integrated. It’s on its way!
Sydenham Centre
Time & Place
WEEKENDS 7-29 March, TWO SHOWS DAILY at 2:30pm and 4pm, approx 45 minutes long. Suitable for all the family.
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 always. || OR: Pay what you can afford’ on the door (cash or card).
Venue: Upstairs at the Sydenham Centre, 44a Sydenham Rd, London SE26 5QX (map below)
The Cast
KATE BARRY as the Spider-Queen
SHARITAH BOULTON as Thumbelina
MARLON-OLIVER HARRIS as Buzz-Bee
Plus special guest performances on video by
HJALMAR NORDÉN as Hans Christian Andersen
and PAUL-D STEPHENSON as Nick Furry
The Audience Reviews
What audiences said about previous family theatre shows:
- “Thanks for making your productions so child friendly”
- “We came and we loved it. Perfectly pitched for our 5 year olds. Thank you so much!”
- “Really lovely, great acting and funny! Kids & adults loved it ”
- “Thankyou, this is such a wonderful and affordable way for families to access theatre shows!”
- “What a great show. Lovely use of the music, great chases and lots of fun. A very clever adaptation! Santa at the end was a lovely surprise! Put us in the Christmas mood!”
- “Well done! Amazing costumes!!”
- “The show was brilliant and great acting! So much fun for Christmas”
- “‘I loved everything’ – Patrick, aged 4”
- “Fantastic & kids loved it. Great value for money”
- “Excellent as always”
The Sponsors
Time & Place
WEEKENDS 7-29 March, TWO SHOWS DAILY at 2:30pm and 4pm, approx 45 minutes long. Suitable for all the family.
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 always. || OR: Pay what you can afford’ on the door (cash or card).
Venue: Upstairs at the Sydenham Centre, 44a Sydenham Rd, London SE26 5QX (map below)
About the Show
Join the world’s smallest superhero in this magical, musical adventure!
Think you know the story of Thumbelina – the tiny little girl born in a flower? Well, think again!
After being transformed into a tiny superhero by magical pollen, Thumbelina must learn to use her superpowers and confront the villainous Spider-Queen who is menacing the forest. With the help of faithful sidekick Buzz-Bee by her side, can Thumbelina save the day?
Photos from previous Family shows, by Mark Drinkwater
The Cast
KATE BARRY as the Spider-Queen
SHARITAH BOULTON as Thumbelina
MARLON-OLIVER HARRIS as Buzz-Bee
Plus special guest performances on video by
HJALMAR NORDÉN as Hans Christian Andersen
and PAUL-D STEPHENSON as Nick Furry
Sydenham-based theatre company Spontaneous Productions kicks off its Spring Season 2026 in style, with a brand new, musical version of the beloved fairy tale Thumbelina – as you’ve never seen her before!
For families with children of all ages – and adults too – featuring songs and music familiar to lovers of superhero franchises both recent and not so recent, and packed with jokes, action and fabulous video effects and animation sequences, it’s not to be missed!
As we expect big crowds, please book in advance if you can, and arrive early to ensure we can seat everyone as quickly as possible. Thank you!
Book Tickets
Online: click the button below, which will take you to the date/time choices and then to the Stripe checkout.
In person: tickets may also be available on the door, from 30 mins before advertised show time (subject to availability). These will all be ‘pay what you can afford.’
Note: Kirkdale Bookshop is unable to provide tickets for this show.
Note: we have just re-coded the website so there may still be myriad formatting tweaks to be made, and the extensive back-catalogue of events is yet to be integrated. It’s on its way!
The Credits
- Adapted by DARREN BIRD and JONATHAN KAUFMAN from the classic story by HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN
- Produced and directed by JONATHAN KAUFMAN
- Associate producer and costume designer JACKIE POULETT
- Songs and musical arrangements by JAMES BOSTON
- Choreographer and assistant director ANNA GUZAK
- Special video effects and animation by JOE KAUFMAN of RED KITE FILMS
- Scenic artists ALEXIA CARRASCO LOPEZ, STEVE MULFORD, HELENA SMITH, LUCY TANN, JAMES TITCHNER, MIA TOFIL
- Technician LUKE FOSTEN
- Graphic design JAN WARREN
- Photography MARK DRINKWATER
The Audience Reviews
What audiences said about previous family theatre shows:
- “Thanks for making your productions so child friendly”
- “We came and we loved it. Perfectly pitched for our 5 year olds. Thank you so much!”
- “Really lovely, great acting and funny! Kids & adults loved it ”
- “Thankyou, this is such a wonderful and affordable way for families to access theatre shows!”
- “What a great show. Lovely use of the music, great chases and lots of fun. A very clever adaptation! Santa at the end was a lovely surprise! Put us in the Christmas mood!”
- “Well done! Amazing costumes!!”
- “The show was brilliant and great acting! So much fun for Christmas”
- “‘I loved everything’ – Patrick, aged 4”
- “Fantastic & kids loved it. Great value for money”
- “Excellent as always”
Sydenham Centre
The Sponsors