A Dreamland Sideshow Christmas show relaunches the Tom Thumb Theatre in Cliftonville.

by Peter Barnett

THE dormant Tom Thumb Theatre in Cliftonville was glittering like a Christmas tree when it reopened for business on Thursday December 10.

The theatre's Jessica Jordan-Wrench said: "My family and I purchased the theatre at auction in April, as we were determined to save the historic building - one of the smallest in the world - from property developers.

"We are programming a season of events that we hope will place the Tom Thumb firmly back at the heart of the community, and have launched with our Christmas show called A Dreamland Sideshow Christmas."

In the story Dreamland amusement park may be dormant, but one Dreamland sideshow is thriving - sort of. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Sven Jolly, the ever-canny impresario, has forced a holiday theme onto his sideshow to raise sales.

Now his band of awe-inducing curiosities must attempt to bring Christmas to Margate. Featuring Meredith the Margate Mermaid, George the Werefox, The Fortune Teller, and the amazing, microscopic Tom Thumb, this is a holiday show with a twisted twist.

Jessica added: "Offering a fresh take on seasonal entertainment, the company have drawn inspiration from Dreamland, the work of JMW Turner, the stunning Kent coastline and stories provided verbatim by the Margate community.

"Spinning a yarn that weaves together the memories of Margate's senior citizens, the dreams of its children and everything in between, the new Tom Thumb Theatre is proud to present an innovative and imaginative production. It is part promenade; part fair; part circus; and all theatrical delight."

The show runs at the venue on Eastern Esplanade from December 10 to December 30 with no shows on Mondays or from December 24-26. Performances are 7.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with matinees at 1.30pm on Wednesdays and 3.30pm on Saturday and Sundays.

Produced by Jessica Jordan-Wrench (who also stars) and Sian Haestier, the cast includes Nicholas Thompson, Duncan Wilkins, and Frankie Jordan.

Tickets are £9.50, with £7.50 concessions. Special family tickets and other offers are available. Telephone 01843 221 791 or go towww.wegottickets.comortickets@tomthumbtheatre.co.ukfor further information.