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Published 10 April 2025
We are delighted to share details of this original play about the life of Sir Ernest Shackleton....
Arguably Sydenham’s most famous former resident, antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton was one of Edwardian society’s leading figures. Now Sydenham’s acclaimed theatre company Spontaneous Productions is staging performances of its original play about the life of this most extraordinary man, in the beautiful setting of St Bart’s Church, next door to the Shackleton family home on Westwood Hill.
Written by creative director Jonathan Kaufman and script consultant Jane Walker, with additional scenes written by members of its ScriptHub workshops, Shackleton’s incredible story will be told from multiple viewpoints:
From the epic adventure of the Endurance (1914-16) and the rescue of his crew from Elephant Island, to the epic voyage he and a handful of his men made crossing to South Georgia in a rowing boat; from his troubled marriage, to his valiant attempts to raise funds - no aspect of Shackleton’s life will remain unexplored. [Innovatively staged, laced with humour and action, and featuring regular Spontaneous performers, this promises to be the must see event in Sydenham this Easter!
Ticket prices: Standard price £20, Pay a little more £25, Pay a little less £15, Concession price for under 18s £10
*Please note performances are suitable for adults and older children. Some scenes may require parental guidance. Parents are advised to bring children at their own discretion. The show lasts approx 2 hours inc interval. To book a school party please email jonathan@sptheatre.co.uk
Audience comments and reviews from previous productions:
“Spontaneous Productions is the National Theatre of SE26. Always surprising, always impressive, always entertaining.’ Matthew Sweet, author and broadcaster
“That was wonderful! Amazing! A brilliant illustration of her life, superb direction” (Carl Packman, review of Eleanor Marx: The Jewess of Jews Walk)
“A fascinating life, beautifully told! Well done Spontaneous Productions!” (audience comment Eye of Day: The Mata Hari Story)
“It was amazing to see such inspiring and original work from new local writers…cleverly crafted very imaginative drama and comedy, which made for a highly entertaining evening.” (audience comment 600 Seconds ‘scratch night’)
About the cast:
Producer/director/co-writer Jonathan Kaufman says ‘We are thrilled to assemble such a great cast for one of our most ambitious productions yet. Frequent visitors to our performances will recognise many of the regular actor we enjoy working with, including William Hastings, appearing in his 24th show with us. And we’re delighted West End performer Robert Maskell returns to reprise his role as Dr Henry Shackleton (Ernest’s father) as well as the older Shackleton. Robert appeared as Dr Henry in my sister Lucy Kaufman’s play Eleanor Marx: The Jewess of Jews Walk in 2018, another famous former resident of Sydenham.’
He adds: ‘And we’re delighted that St Bart’s Church can once again host one of our events, since we’ve become regular fixtures there every December with our popular Christmas shows. St Bart’s Church sits right next door to Shackleton’s family home, so it’s very special to be performing in a place he would have known very well.’
6 performances ONLY: 7.30pm, Fri 25 April, Sat 26 April, Sun 27 April
Fri 2 May, Sat 3 May, Sun 4 May 2025
St Bartholomew’s Church, 4 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6QR
Suitable for adults and older children*
