Maskers Theatre Company 
Maskers Studio, Shirley, Southampton
David A Putley 
8 December 2025
This is a very suitable classy Christmas Present from Maskers, deftly directed by Philip De Grouchy with musical director Juliette Ribi, the latter performing beautifully ambient non intrusive music under the monologues, and singing herself too.
Take five performers and give them some duly themed items to read and you have the perfect prescription in these currently wet and soggy times.
Angela Raistrick, Jill Desborough, Sue Dashper, Graham Buchanan and Ken Hannah worked so well together, moving effortlessly between pieces.
Each had a standout: the carol Adore Him, Christmas at Sea, Grandpa’s Chair, Joseph’s letter, Christmas at Bethlehem Arms, Christmas Dinner and Roles. Suitable ensemble pieces were also suitably well delivered, especially Slouching Towards Bethlehem.
Diction and pace were excellent throughout and the pieces were very well chosen with some excellent ensemble singing too, especially the Wassailing song which we really do not hear enough. Some light-hearted and some laugh out loud moments moved the show along, the set up for each following item being very well thought out and choreographed. Good to hear all new renditions.
A festive set and the usual high excellence in lighting and sound have the whole evening of Christmas wrapped up.
A very good prelude and recommended.
