show
The Maskers' Studio Theatre

9th - 14th December 2024

at 7:30pm.

Telephone bookings 0333 666 3366

'Start Christmas with the Maskers!'

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The Reviews

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9 December 2024

As the frosty air bites and twinkling lights brighten darkened streets, local theatre groups are warming hearts with charming anthology shows that celebrate the season. Blending vignettes, poems, witty jokes, and carefully chosen excerpts, these performances evoke the joy and whimsy of the holidays. Accompanied by the comforting aroma of mulled wine and the sweetness of mince pies, these intimate productions create a festive atmosphere where laughter and nostalgia are delivered in the style of a rehearsed reading. It’s theatre at its most convivial, offering a little something for everyone to savour. Certainly, it is a long-standing tradition at the Maskers Theatre who are performing their ‘Winter Sparkles’ anthology show all this week at their Studio Theatre.

The conceit that the Director, Meri Mackney, merrily supported by Musical Director, Peter Liddard on the Yamaha, introduce is to have a bunch of performers turn up at a barn as there has been confusion over rehearsal dates and a venue. This gives the cast a simple, effective way to interact and play out the chosen anthology pieces in the first half. A great deal of effort has been made to be inclusive, and to play to each performer’s strengths.  I appreciate the research that went into some of the more unusual pieces like ’The Lament of the Ostrich’ as well as some interesting factoids on the precise date of Christmas (a hearty Dawn Gatrell); Molly McDade, was in toe-tapping form in the musical numbers and Handel’s Messiah (Sue Dasher) gave an unusual spin of seeing a concert ‘oop North’. Katy DeHavilland was a jolly centre of attention bringing energy throughout and Daniel Chopra tells a good Christmas joke (groans).

It wasn’t all festive as there seems to have been a few items about, well, ‘winter’ and how cold it was, which may have been in the forefront of the company’s mind given the show’s raffle has something to do with replacing a broken boiler. Unless that was also a joke, as it was warm in the small inviting, cabaret set venue, as the 30 or so pieces played out. Someone is definitely a Thomas Hardy fan, but if I am allowed a couple of favourites, I think it was Jill Desborough’s ‘The Midnight Skaters’ which was perfect in a Roger McGough way and ‘Talking Turkey’ read by Bandy Smith which was a super reminder of Benjamin Zephaniah’s talent. Of course, the pull of Christmas is never far away, and the first half ends with Claire Britton leading the company in a resounding ‘Meet me in St Louis’ Christmas number followed by an energized Scrooge from Brian Stansbridge where Turkey also pops up (naturally).  ‘Thank you very much’, he sings.

After the mince pie and mulled wine included in the price of the ticket, the conceit continues with the cast forced into putting on yet another nativity play which, by tradition, with limited resources, and only having an afternoon to work it out is something of an intended comedic mess. Given there’s a lot of audience participation in this show which mostly involves singing please do come with a voice. This is particularly important with the carols in the second half. They take on a whole new lease of life as some barmy set pieces and costume changes make for a fun free-wheeling adaptation done in good spirit. Hark the Herald Angels sing! (Oh, he’s singing again).

I think good spirit is what this shows is about and thank you to all the production team for putting this together and for offering a welcome space to enjoy the build up to Christmas. Winter Sparkles’ runs until the 14 December. Taken for what it is, I had a lot of fun, and there is enough variety here for everyone. If you are seeking out some unfettered and casual Christmas cheer you will find it here!

- Darren Funnell

Winter Sparkles will make the perfect start to your Christmas!

Join members of the company for this delightful evening and enjoy a mince pie and glass of mulled wine or fruit punch (included in the ticket price), whilst watching the show.
This year’s Christmas Anthology is a fun, sometimes light-hearted, sometimes nostalgic, sometimes poignant, mixture of songs, poems, prose and a short play written around the theme of Winter and Christmas, as we join a varied group of villagers having to plan a Christmas event for their community with only a draughty barn as a venue. It features items old and new, some well-loved classics and some pieces written specifically for Maskers – including the finale, Maskers’ Nativity, where things may not go quite as planned.

Director & Cast

The Directors

The Director of this production is Meri Mackney
Meri has been a Masker for more years than she cares to remember and has been involved with many shows both on and off-stage. She most recently appeared in Murder in the Studio and The Merry Wives of Windsor, and her last production was Jane Eyre, which she adapted and directed. She has been a regular performer in the Christmas Shows and thinks this is the third Christmas Show that she has directed. When she isn’t in/directing the show (and sometimes when she is!) she will be found in the bar serving mulled wine and mince pies.

Assistant Director of this production is Jenni Prior
Jenni joined Maskers in November 2023 for Almost Maine, and has a long history of acting, directing and backstage roles before Maskers. She was the joint director of Murder in the Studio and is looking forward to being involved in her first Maskers’ Christmas Show.

Musical Director for this production is Peter Liddiard
Peter has been a member of Maskers for nearly 40 years, during which time he has been involved with various aspects of Maskers’ productions, including acting, producing and set design & construction. However, this is his first outing as Musical Director, and he hopes people will forgive the odd “bum” note. Peter was also a member of A Motley Crew Theatre Company and has been a very active member of the Chesil Theatre in Winchester for nearly 50 years.

The Performers

Clare Britton
Clare is comparatively new to Maskers. She did the costume design for Agatha Christie's Murder in The Studio and played Devanika in Murder in the Citizens’ Jury. Theatre has been very much in her life starting with classical ballet and gaining qualifications in Theatre Makeup, Wig Making and Management. She has been a sound design technician and directed in community theatre. Some of her favourite roles include Adele in Die Fledermaus, Thelma in Pack of Lies, Conrade in Much Ado About Nothing, Mary in Flint Street Nativity, Winsome in Bombshells and Alison in Searching. Clare is enjoying being in something a little more light-hearted.

Daniel Chopra
This is Daniel’s fourth play with Maskers, having previously been in The Three Musketeers, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and most recently, Murder in the Citizens’ Jury. Daniel joined Blue Apple theatre company in Winchester in 2017 and appeared in many plays with them before joining Maskers. For Blue Apple, his appearances include: The Wizard of Oz, The Tempest, The Railway Children, Much Ado about Nothing, Frankenstein, A White Christmas, Pinocchio and Macbeth. Blue Apple supports performers with learning differences to develop and present high-quality productions. Daniel has cerebellar ataxia.

Sue Dashper
During Sue’s time in Maskers, she has been involved in a variety of productions including: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Out of Focus, Contractions and Metamorphosis in the Studio and Sitting Pretty and An Italian Straw Hat at the Nuffield Theatre. Sue has appeared in many open-air productions including: Much Ado About Nothing, Don Quixote, Around the World in Eighty Days, The Jungle Book, Anne Boleyn, Treasure Island, Twelfth Night and Jane Eyre.

Jill Desborough
Jill has been involved with many shows in a variety of roles, both on and off stage. Acting credits have included: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sharks in the Custard, Much Ado About Nothing, Christmas with the Cratchits, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Almost, Maine and, most recently, Murder in the Studio. Jill always enjoys performing in the Christmas shows.

Dawn Gatrell
Dawn previously performed in pantos at The Bent Brief pub and in The Shadow Factory, which premiered at the Nuffield City Theatre. Dawn joined Maskers in August 2022 and has since appeared in a variety of productions: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Gormenghast, Time and Tide, Almost, Maine, Cash on Delivery and, most recently, Murder in the Studio. She’s looking forward to spreading some festive cheer in Maskers’ sparkly Christmas production.

Katy de Haviland
Having acted in the Midlands as a child, Katy studied Drama and Performing Arts at college before joining her local theatre company. After a 20-year break, she joined Maskers last May and has since played Elvira in Blithe Spirit, Susan in Murder in the Studio and Naomi in a brand-new production of Murder In The Citizen's Jury. She's now looking forward to being part of something very different with the Christmas show!

Molly McDade
Molly’s most recent roles with Maskers Theatre were Florrie in Murder in the Studio, Prunesquallor in Gormenghast, and Martha in Christmas with the Cratchits. Molly has been part of Maskers since 2014. Apart from appearing in various Maskers' productions, including The Jungle Book, A Bunch of Amateurs and Around the World in Eighty Days, she is also a member of Southampton Operatic Society and has appeared in Legally Blonde and Crazy for You at MAST Studios. She is enjoying the comedy and music in this festive production.

Bandy Smith
This is Bandy’s third show with Maskers, having previously been in a couple of pantomimes with another company, He was Bob Cratchit in Christmas with the Cratchits, and he played a police officer in Sorry! Wrong Chimney! As well as doing shows, he also helps out behind the bar and with catering at our summer show.

Brian Stansbridge
Brian has been a member of Maskers for fifty years and during that time has performed in many, many productions. His most recent performances have included Time & Tide and Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Brian is also a regular Director for the Maskers. In recent times, he has directed Much Ado About Nothing, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Servant of Two Masters, The Comedy of Errors and The Man in The Iron Mask, as well as several Christmas productions at the Makers Studio in Shirley. He directed our recent open-air production of Romeo and Juliet. When not busy with Maskers and grandparent duties, Brian sings and plays guitar and keyboard in a covers band, which he absolutely loves. We guess that performing is just part of his DNA.

Creative Team

Production Manager
Abi Linnartz
Stage Manager
Emily Smith
Set Design
Clive Weeks
Set Construction
Tuesday Team
Set Painting
Pete & Hazel Burrows and several other Maskers
Set Dressing
Angela Stansbridge
Lighting Design
Clive Weeks
Lighting Assistant
Kathryn Salmon
Sound Design
Jamie McCarthy
Lighting & Sound Operators
Robert Osborne & Ashley Martin
Wardrobe & Costumes
Meri Mackney & Company
Properties
Lucy Lockyer, Angela Stansbridge, & Meri Mackney
Show Photography
Angela Stansbridge, Jenni Prior, Emily Smith, Clive Weeks
Poster Design
Clive Weeks
from an idea by Anna Hussey

Ticket Information

Tickets £15

No concessions

Ticket price includes a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine, or fruit punch.

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

For the Maskers

Technical Manager:- Jamie McCarthy;   Lighting Consultant:- Clive Weeks;   Sound Consultant:- Jamie McCarthy;   Marketing Team:- Jenni Prior, Angela Stansbridge, Tash Priddle, Clive Weeks, Robert Osborne, Meri Mackney, Paul Baker;   Front of House Manager:- James Lawson;   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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