The Breath of Life - Maskers Theatre Company

The Maskers' Studio Theatre

21^st - 26^th September 2026

at 7:30pm.
Doors open at 7pm

Book Now!

Telephone bookings 0333 666 3366

Book early - tickets £13:50 until 10th August!

This amateur production of “The Breath of Life” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.

Contains some strong language. Recommended for ages 12+

Warning: This production has some slight flickering lights

“Confronting the past can be painful.
Better to let sleeping dogs lie?”

When a woman knocks on your door to confront you about your long term affair with her husband, how do you react? With apology, anger, fear, hostility, or amusement? It is probably a mixture of all these and more. And the aggrieved wife — what is she trying to achieve? Is it understanding, an apology, or revenge?

Set in a flat in Ventnor, the story unfolds over an afternoon, evening, night, and the following morning, as these two mature women play a tense game of cat and mouse. They circle each other like prize fighters, each trying to land the first blow without being hurt themselves.

“The Breath of Life” by David Hare — originally performed by Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith — showcases one of our finest playwrights at work. Hare blends moments of comedy with dark soul searching effortlessly; a master at work.

Is this the end, or a beginning?

Director & Cast

The Director of this production is Ken Hann
Ken joined the Maskers in 1969. He was cast as a servant named Vermin. Plenty of aging lines and a bald pate were required. Looking in the mirror now he could play it without any make-up at all!
There followed many roles over the years; Pierre in War and Peace, the dresser in The Dresser and many fops and vicars. Having finished working, Ken soon realised he missed telling people what to do. The obvious answer was to start directing. Since then, he has directed four Shakespeare plays, Restoration Comedy, Greek Tragedy and Chekov at a variety of venues including The Nuffield Theatre, The Maskers Studio, Open Air and touring.
He is looking forward to this new challenge, directing a play written by one of our finest living dramatists.

Madeleine Palmer is played by Abi Linnartz
Abi was last seen on stage in Absurd Person Singular in May 2025 and is delighted to be working with Maria for this fabulous piece of drama! Abi has been a member of Maskers since 2022 and has worked on The Three Musketeers, Gormenghast and Romeo and Juliet. Past credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Servant of Two Masters, A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, Antony and Cleopatra, The Saga of Ken and Sandra, The Bible (Abridged), The Last Secret, Sweet Panic, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, and Mapp and Lucia (Titchfield Festival Theatre), The Field Street Monologues (Rusty Bucket Productions),). She is also a regular actor for immersive events company, Murdered for Money. Directing credits include Two Gentlemen of Verona (Titchfield Festival Theatre) and Eleemosynary (Maskers Theatre).

Frances Beale is played by Maria Head
...

Creative Team

Production Manager
Christine Baker

Assistant to the Director
Graham Buchanan

Stage Manager
Angie Barks

Set Design
Clive Weeks & Ken Hann

Set Construction
Clive Weeks, Martyn Welch, Martin Caveney, Brian Stansbridge, Kevin Butler, William Baggs

Set Painting
tba

Lighting Design
Tony Lawther

Sound Design
tba

Lighting & Sound Operators
tba

Wardrobe & Costumes
tba

Properties & Set Dressing
tba

Show Photography
tba

Poster Design
Ken Hann & Clive Weeks

Ticket Information

Tickets £16.50

No concessions

Customers are requested to arrive promptly as late comers cannot be admitted. PLEASE NOTE: Doors do not open until 30 minutes before performancee

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

A4 Poster

Flyer

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; Photographers:- Clive Weeks, Donald Coe, Ian Wilson; Bar Manager:- Meri Mackney