The county’s smallest theatre only has room for 45 people but is considered by many to be a little jewel in the town.

Rather than well-known TV comedians, you’re more likely to find up-and-coming talent trying out new material at the 130-year-old former coach house in Cliftonville, Margate.

While the setting might be small, an enthusiastic new impresario has told KentOnline of the big future she is planning for the venue in Eastern Esplanade, a stone’s throw from the seafront.

Producer and director Allyson Morgan-Jones has entered the stage as the new custodian, with a short lease and first refusal to buy the theatre, albeit within a limited time frame.

She brings considerable experience to the Tom Thumb, having previously run the Astor Theatre in Deal and Morgan’s Vintage Dance Hall and Coffee Lounge on Margate seafront.

But she admits it will be challenging and hopes supporters and volunteers will get behind her to make the Tom Thumb a success, describing it as a “race against time”.

“We have to hit the ground running and get bums on seats,” the mum-of-three said.

The venue is a mix of Japanese and Alpine architecture, with a quirky interior of flocked wallpaper and 45 velvet seats.

It was first rescued from dereliction in 1984 by actress Sarah Parr-Byrne and her theatrical agent mother, Lesley.

They completely restored the building and converted it into a venue with the look and feel of a Victorian playhouse.

For the past eight years, the Tom Thumb has been run by owners Sara and Alex Ratcliffe.

But they recently announced they were stepping away from managing it.

Ms Morgan-Jones said: “I aim to continue the great work of my predecessors but I am under no illusion of the challenge and responsibility I’m undertaking with this important Margate landmark.”

So far, the project has involved planning, budgeting, and presenting information to convince lenders that the Tom Thumb could be a going concern.

She is now drawing up a programme of live theatre, comedy, magic, music, cabaret, poetry, and film, including screening ‘golden oldies’.

The cinema classics set to be shown at the venue in the coming weeks include A Star Is Born with Judy Garland, The King and I and High Society.

“The mission now is to make the space busy, as quickly as possible and persuade the local community to support its future,” Ms Morgan-Jones said.

“My intention is to invite artists who evoke imaginations, demonstrate creativity, show inclusiveness, and perhaps most importantly, incite joy and a sense of community.

“So I'm excited to see who comes forward and what opportunities can happen.”

Ms Morgan-Jones says it’s a family affair with her two sons and daughter pitching in to help.

“It’s a bit of a race against time and running a theatre is a tough business as the best of times….”

But she also needs volunteers, sympathetic to the theatre, with skills - like an electrician, carpenter and plumber.

She also hopes someone with experience of making applications for grant funding will offer their services.

“The theatre is looking a bit tired and it needs a spruce up so we have a bit to do,” she said.

“I would also like to encourage supporters to become patrons - even a couple of pounds a week can go a long way if we get enough of them.”

As well as its small auditorium and stage, the theatre has a cocktail bar upstairs and will be available for functions, including weddings, stag dos and corporate events.

Ms Morgan-Jones has a five-year lease but reckons she has 18 months to demonstrate the theatre can be a success.

“It’s a bit of a race against time and running a theatre is a tough business at the best of times,” she said.

“But the Tom Thumb is a Margate landmark and can have a great future as a community asset.”

Anyone interested in supporting the theatre should visit www.tomthumbtheatre.co.uk