About us
On 25th July 1968 a group of a dozen actors, actresses and technicians (all of whom shared a 'professional' approach to their chosen hobby) made the momentous decision to become The Maskers Theatre Company, prodded, so the minutes record, by the woodcut which was to become our logo. The membership is now over a hundred and fifty, some 250 or so productions later, the Company maintains its well earned reputation as the leading, most active and successful in amateur theatre company in the Southampton area.
Established for 39 years , Maskers currently has over 150 members and Friends. Founder members are still active as are their children and even grandchildren. The company is now a Registered Charity and owns its own rehearsal and studio/workshop premises funded by the members and a National Lottery grant awarded in 1994. We consistently produce a full annual programme of productions and events. Our principal venues are: - Hamptworth Lodge, Nr Romsey in July and the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton in January or February; we also stage productions in our studio as well as seasonal performances in various locations in Hampshire including the superb mediaeval Tudor Merchants' Hall in Southampton.
The Maskers has its own premises - a studio/workshop acquired and converted with lottery funding in 1994 - where equipment and wardrobe are stored. Since then, our activities, both technical and social, have flourished Most rehearsals take place there and we present "studio productions" for the enjoyment of members and their guests. There is also a comfortable bar area where members and guests can relax and enjoy a drink with friends and where smaller meetings and social events take place.
Galloping horses, cannons, diving off bridges and
buildings, spectacular fireworks, boats on the river, grand balls, staged
battles, swashbuckling and all manner of lighting and effects – we have always
invested 100% in our open-air productions to ensure that not only are we
challenged but that our audiences are treated to a truly memorable evening’s
entertainment. Along with our careful attention to costumes our performances are
and have often been reviewed as being of a professional standard; all of this is
enhanced by the beautiful setting in which we are privileged to perform.
Over the years we have
performed in various locations around the grounds according to the artistic
needs of each production.
Part of our continued success is the ensemble feel of our productions which not only makes for a professionally tight performance but also generates a sense of energy and a feel-good factor which is always appreciated and noted by our audiences. We are also nominated regularly in the local awards competition and have won several awards for our outdoor productions. Since the Daily Echo Curtain Call Awards were inaugurated in 1999, Maskers have been awarded Best Actress and Best Director for Lysistrata; Best Actor and Best Director for The Hypochondriac.
Located on the Southampton University campus, the Nuffield Theatre is one of the country’s leading regional theatres for pre-West-End shows/touring productions under the auspices of artistic director, Patrick Sandford. We nestle in alongside these and the famous faces. It is always a pleasure to work at the Nuffield it is a thriving theatre which, having undergone refurbishments in recent years, has become even more attractive to theatre goers. There is a very active youth theatre education scheme here as well.
Our membership is very broad, embracing all age groups, including people who have retired from full-time occupations. The Maskers extend a warm welcome to people from every part of society and from all ethnic groups. The studio has a stair lift for people with limited mobility. The Maskers see themselves as something more than just another amateur theatre club. We provide a range of advantages and opportunities to members, depending on their needs, and play an important part in the local community.
Our membership page gives more details but, in short, we aim to be a company where making friends and having some fun are a major focus, where we can all enjoy that buzz from being associated with high quality productions of a professional standard, where it is a pleasure to be involved, not a chore, and where people's capabilities are actively developed. We are very proud of the fact that some of our existing and former members experience with the maskers has been a springboard to studying and performing as professionals. If you are interested in becoming a member of the maskers, please see our Join Us page