Hans Christian Andersen’s magical tale Thumbelina begins a month residency at the Charles Cryer Theatre this week, with cast and crew promising an enchanting evening for children and parents alike.

The story of the little girl ‘no bigger than your thumb’ puts the spotlight on frog queens, spider’s webs and fairies as the adventure takes to the stage.

And Brigid Lohrey, who takes on a host of roles in the production, reckons kids are in for a real treat.

She says: “It is very much a family show, full of music and colour.

“It is a beautiful story, with lots of different characters and is a real adventure.

“The sets are gorgeous, with some wonderful animation, and the costumes are dazzling.

“A lot of companies do not really cater for the younger age group, so we are eager to give them something to remember.”

In the Wings Productions are the company heading to Carshalton, having wowed audiences with their versions of The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid and more over recent years.

And Lohrey admits the intimate venue is the perfect spot for a bit of Christmas revelry.

She adds: “It is a beautiful little theatre and everyone in the audience can see exactly what is going on.

“Even better, we can see all of them.

“We have a lot of audience participation in the show and it is fabulous to be able to see all of the faces.

“It is a wonderful show for Christmas and a very different audience than you get the rest of the year.

“But for a show like this that is perfect as the kids’ enthusiasm is infectious and that rubs off on the cast.”

Charles Cryer Theatre, December 5-31, various times, £8/£9, 020 8770 6990