show
The Maskers' Studio Theatre

13th - 18rd May 2024

at 7:30pm.

Recommended for ages 14+

'Playing, fantasising, tragedy, and
the loss of childhood innocence.'

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The Reviews

Childhood games lead to tragedy in Potter’s tale of youthful exuberance, bravado and cruelty.

Dennis Potter’s contribution to ‘Play for Today’ is the story of seven children playing, one summers afternoon, in the Forest of Dean during WWII. First aired in 1979, this short piece will give you plenty to think about.

The children are playing at being adults and their cruelty and aggressions mirror adult interactions, exacerbated by the times, with tragic consequences. What makes it more interesting is that the children are all played by adults. Willie plays at aeroplanes, bully Peter struts, fair minded John looks after his brother Raymond, dressed as a cowboy and attempting headstands. Angela plays at being mother whilst the cruel Audrey teases the terrified, lonely, and abused Donald.

They fight, argue, run from a POW, stone squirrels out of trees and gang up on Donald, who plays a dangerous game of pyromania.

Do they get captured by the POW?
Does Raymond manage a headstand?
Do the squirrels manage to escape?
Can Donald be stopped?

Director & Cast

The Director of this production is Ian Wilson
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John is played by tba
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Peter is played by tba
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Willie is played by tba
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Raymond is played by tba
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Angela is played by tba
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Audrey is played by tba
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Donald is played by tba
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Creative Team

Production Manager
Hazel Burrows
Stage Manager
tba
Set Design
Adam Taussik
Set Construction
tba
Set Painting
tba
Set Dressing
tba
Lighting Design
tba
Lighting Assistant
tba
Sound Design
tba
Lighting & Sound Operators
tba
Wardrobe & Costumes
tba
Properties
tba
Rehearsal Prompt
tba
Show Photography
tba
Poster Design
Clive Weeks

Ticket Information

Tickets £14

No concessions

Customers are requested to arrive promptly as late comers cannot be admitted.

On arrival at the Masker’s Studio

  • Please give your name (or the name the tickets were booked under) to our Box Office receptionist, and they will confirm your booking.
  • If you have pre-ordered a programme you will be given it on arrival. Programmes will also be available for purchase from a FOH member.
  • For the safety of all our audience members and staff are still operating some Covid risk reduction actions.  Please use the hand sanitising stations on arrival.  We will also be increasing the fresh air circulating throughout the venue.
  • Wearing of face coverings is optional.
  • Our bar will be open for purchases of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  We would encourage you to pre-order your interval drinks, to assist our bar staff and reduce crowding at the bar.
  • We are now able to take, and prefer, card payments but can also take cash.

During your visit

  • A stairlift and disabled toilet facilities are available.
  • Hand sanitiser will be available for your use at various points around the theatre building.
  • We have installed an extra extractor fan to vent studio air to the outside pulling fresh air in from the other side of the building.
  • Where possible windows will also remain open.  This may make the venue cooler than you are used to, so please be prepared.
  • Enhanced cleaning will take place throughout the venue before, and after the performance.
  • The taking of photographs or videos whilst the show is on is not permitted.

Exiting the building/event at the end of the performance

  • When leaving, please do not crowd the stairwell and allow everyone to leave easily and quickly.
  • As you go down the alleyway, please take extra care and keep to the marked footpath as the road is very uneven.
  • Please take any rubbish with you or leave it in the bins provided.

What if I have specific access needs?

  • The stair chair lift is available and our FOH staff will assist you should you need to use it.
  • Any other requirements may be discussed with our Box Office manager in advance of your arrival.

What happens if a show is cancelled?

  • If we are required to cancel a performance, we will offer you tickets for an alternative performance.

Poster, Flyer & Programme


Programme
Available after the performance

For the Maskers

Technical Manager:- Jamie McCarthy;   Lighting Consultant:- Clive Weeks;   Sound Consultant:- Jamie McCarthy;   Marketing Team:- Angela Stansbridge, Clive Weeks, Robert Osborne, Meri Mackney, Paul Baker;   Front of House & Box Office Manager:- Chris Baker;   Photographer:- Clive Weeks;   Bar Manager:- Meri Mackney
 
 
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Shirley's own LOCAL theatre!

Maskers Theatre Company
Off Emsworth Road
Shirley
Southampton
SO15 3LX

Registered Charity 900067

Established 1968

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Our postal address is: Maskers Theatre Company, Unit 1, Off Emsworth Road, Shirley, Southampton, SO15 3LX

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Other local theatre events

Some of our performance venues:
Maskers Studio Theatre
The Berry Theatre
Townhill Park House

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