Thumbelina

by Speedwell Dance

Two performers are photographed against a stage backdrop of tall paper flowers and grass. On the left, one performer, dressed as a toad, is on all fours and up close to the other performer, as if inspecting her. The second performer, playing Thumbelina, is intimidated, and is cowering with their back towards the toad.
David Lindsay (2023) Thumbelina, Speedwell Dance.

About Thumbelina

A beautiful, moving, and magical afternoon for both of us

Audience Feedback

An enchanting tale of a miniature girl finding her place in the big wide world.

Brought to life through live music, dance and song, Thumbelina is helped by the audience to escape from a hungry toad, build a shelter from sticks and through their play, give her the strength to carry on and make it safely home.

A gentle and playful performance with the beauty of the natural world at its heart.

For children aged 3-8 and their grown-ups.

This show is touring as part of the Rural Touring Dance Initiative, a national project which supports dance artists and rural promoters to make great dance performance events happen in rural spaces.

About Speedwell Dance

Speedwell Dance are a children’s dance company based in Leeds. They create memorable and enjoyable performance and participation for children and families.

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Cast And Creatives

Director: Rachel Dean
Performed by and created in collaboration with: Katy Hewison, Rachel Dean, Aine Reynolds, Oliver Dover, Zoe Katsilerou
Composer: Oliver Dover
Designer: Ruth Piggott

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Image gallery

Production Images

  • A performer is photographed giving a thumbs-up; behind them are large paper flowers and grass.
  • Two performers are photographed surrounded by a group a small kids wearing hi vis vests. The performer on the left is holding a long stick, aimed at head-height. At the end of the stick is a swallow, which the second performer is holding above their head, as if guiding its flight.
  • Two performers and a group of children are sat around a pile of sticks. They all have their arms outstretched as if feeling the warmth of an imaginary fire from the pile of sticks.
  • A performer is crouched and playing the clarinet to an inquisitive child in a hi-vis vest.

ThumbelinaTrailer