Maskers Theatre Company 
Maskers Studio, Shirley, Southampton 
Darren Funnell 
9 December 2024
Winter Sparkles – Maskers Theatre Company
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, Meir Mackey, 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!
