show
The Maskers' Studio Theatre

21st - 26th 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 someone knocks on the door of your flat in Ventnor to ask about the relationship you have had with her husband for many years, how do you respond? With an apology, anger, fear, hostility, amusement? Probably a mixture of all these and more.
And the aggrieved wife, what is she trying to achieve?
Understanding, an apology or revenge?

Over the space of an afternoon, evening, night and next morning these two mature women act out a game of cat and mouse. Circling each other like two prize fighters trying to land the first blow without being hurt themselves.

Breath of Life is by one of our finest playwrights. He blends moments of comedy with dark soul searching effortlessly. A master at work.

Can they find some “closure” or is there no way back?

Director & Cast

The Director of this production is Ken Hann
...
Madeleine Palmer is played by Abi Linnartz
...
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
 
 
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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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