show
The Maskers' Studio Theatre

15th - 20th September 2025

at 7:30pm.

'A passionate tragedy of love and greed.'

A torrid clandestine love affair

First published a hundred years ago, ‘Desire Under the Elms’ has not lost any of its power. It is a passionate love story by one of America’s most gifted writers. The play caused a scandal when it was first performed, with its treatment of incest, vengeance and alcoholism, but now it is considered a classic of twentieth century American drama.
When old farmer Ephraim Cabot brings home his new young bride Abbie following his wife’s death, his three boys treat her with disdain - especially the youngest, Eben, who despises her deeply for taking his mother’s place. But when his feelings for Abbie turn to lust, family relations are pushed to their very limits. And beyond.
A story of greed, yearning and murder, edged with echoes of Ancient Greek tragedy within a New England farming family.

Can Eben and Abbie keep their incestuous love secret?

Director & Cast

The Director of this production is Jez Minns
...

Ephraim Cabot, a farmer is played by Duncan Randall
...

Simeon Cabot, his eldest son / Sheriff is played by Matthew Meehan
...

Peter Cabot, his second son / Deputy is played by Iain Shaw
...

Eben Cabot, his youngest son is played by Neil Forster
...

Abbie Cabot, Ephraim's new wife is played by Kate de Haviland
...

Creative Team

Production Manager
Meri Mackney
Stage Manager
Donald Coe
Set Design
Jez Minns & Clive Weeks
Set Construction
Tuesday Team
Set Painting
tba
Lighting Design
Emily Smith
Sound Design
Jamie McCarthy
Lighting & Sound Operators
tba
Wardrobe & Costumes
Lucy Lockyer & Sheana Carrington
Properties & Set Dressing
Maria McKay & Gill Buchanan
Rehearsal Prompt
tba
Show Photography
tba
Poster Design
Nataliia Prymak & Clive Weeks

Ticket Information

Tickets £15

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

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

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