ENDURANCE: The Ernest Shackleton story

What drives a man to the ends of the Earth?
And why would so many choose to follow him?

Spontaneous Productions proudly presents its original play about the life of Sir Ernest Shackleton—Antarctic explorer, Edwardian society leader, and arguably Sydenham’s most famous former resident.

Set in the stunning St Bart’s Church, next door to the Shackleton family home on Westwood Hill, this innovative production tells Shackleton’s incredible story from multiple perspectives.

From the harrowing adventure of the Endurance expedition (1914–1916) and the daring rescue of his crew from Elephant Island, to the astonishing voyage across treacherous seas to South Georgia in a rowing boat; from his troubled marriage to his relentless efforts to fund his expeditions—no aspect of Shackleton’s extraordinary life will remain untold.

Written by creative director Jonathan Kaufman and script consultant Jane Walker, with additional scenes crafted by members of ScriptHub workshops, the play is laced with humour, action, and brought to life by regular Spontaneous performers. This promises to be the must-see event in Sydenham this Easter!

6 performances ONLY:

• 7:30 pm, Fri 25 April, Sat 26 April, Sun 27 April
• Fri 2 May, Sat 3 May, Sun 4 May 2025

Special guest on Saturday 3rd May:
Mensun Bound, Director of Exploration on the two expeditions to the Weddell Sea that led to the rediscovery of The Endurance in March 2022. Mensun will join a post-show Q&A session and sign copies of his Sunday Times best-seller, The Ship Beneath the Ice, chronicling the quest to find the wreck.

Venue:
St Bartholomew’s Church, 4 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6QR

Ticket prices:

• Standard price: £20
• Pay a little more: £25
• Pay a little less: £15
• Under 18s: £10

Suitable for adults and older children. Some scenes may require parental guidance. Duration: Approx. 2 hours, including an interval.

Book online:http://spontaneousproductions.co.uk/endurance

For school party bookings, email: jonathan@sptheatre.co.uk

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.’

KATE BARRY, OLIVER BYNG, WILLIAM HASTINGS, ROBERT MASKELL, JODYANNE RICHARDSON and RAMIAH SMITH