Eleemosynary - Maskers Theatre Company

The Maskers' Studio Theatre

27^th April - 2^nd May 2026

at 7:30pm.
Doors open at 7pm

2 for 1 offer!
Available Monday night only

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Telephone bookings 0333 666 3366

'A story of mothers, daughters,
and the language of reconciliation'

The Reviews

Scene1+

27 April 2026

Well, for once in my reviewing life I am flumoxed. That is F L U M O X E D. The reason? I came to this play completely blind to content, author, cast or subject matter and I am so glad I did. So, I am a little loathed to destroy that for any other attendees. I will quote from the programme and you may then understand my dilemma.

The play functions as a direct need to be in control of a play’s meaning. By refusing to give us a hint about what to expect, this play is asserting itself from the start. “Don’t think you know what I am about” the title seems to say. “I will tell you in my own good time.” And it so packs a punch in all aspects of performance. A grandmother, daughter and granddaughter’s relationships are tested and explored in this lively written piece, first presented in 1985. Not that is dated in any way, as the relationship conflicts are universal and unrestrictive to era.

Directed, I would almost say choreographed, to perfection by Abi Linnartz, places our ladies in a book strewn labyrinth of gauze triangle tents. Our ladies emerge and hide within them allowing for (the usual) high standard of lighting and sound Maskers produce to come to the fore.

The acting by all three performers was off the scale. Almost underplayed, the relationships are so intimate in touch, humour and final denouement. Dawn Gatrell, Kate Grund-Garcia and Harley Harding are so emersed in their characters it is pure joy to watch. You really feel what they are portraying, be it cookie, bohemian, confusion, fear and loss. And the humorous one-liners are so well placed alongside the pathos of longing to be loved. They work so well together. How they learnt all those lines is amazing in itself.

The team have excelled themselves in this production. If you have a ticket, you are in for a treat. If not, there are a few seats left I am told but I suspect word of mouth will sell those quickly. Highly recommended. Impressive: that is I M P R E S S I V E.

- David A Putley

Audience Comments

"Saw this last night. It was extraordinary. Fantastic acting, direction and experience. A must see." - C.P.

"I never knew this theatre was here. The play was amazing." - anon

"Fantastic production. I didn’t know what to expect but it was brilliant." - C.W.

"We really enjoyed Eleemosynary – fantastic actors and loved the set." - A.S.

"Great perforamnces from 3 actors. I was amazed how good it was." - M.M.

"There's something about the Westbrook women. We have this expectation of ourselves. To be extraordinary."

'Eleemosynary' examines the very delicate relationship of three women: a grandmother, Dorothea, who has sought to exert her independence through strong willed eccentric behavior, Artie, her daughter, who has run from her overpowering mother, and Echo, Artie's daughter, who is incredibly smart and equally sensitive.

After Dorothea (who has raised Echo into her teens) suffers a stroke, Echo is forced to reestablish contact with her mother through extended phone conversations, during which real issues are skirted and the talk is mostly about the precocious Echo's unparalleled success in a national spelling bee.

In the end, Artie and Echo need to come to accept their mutual need and summon the courage to build a life together, despite the terror this holds after so many difficult years of estrangement.

Will they succeed?

Director & Cast

The Director of this production is Abi Linnartz
Abi has appeared for Maskers in Absurd Person Singular and Gormenghast at the Studio and stage-managed Copenhagen, as well as portraying the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet and Aramis in The Three Musketeers at Townhill Park House. Abi has also performed with a variety of drama companies throughout the area such as Southampton University Players, RAODS and with Titchfield Festival Theatre, where she also directed The Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Great Barn. This is her first time directing for Maskers and she is very excited to be exploring this fascinating play with her extremely talented cast.

Dorothea - A woman of some means is played by Dawn Gatrell
Dawn previously performed in pantos and in The Shadow Factory, which premiered at the Nuffield City Theatre. Dawn joined Maskers in August 2022 and has since appeared in a variety of productions: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Gormenghast, Time and Tide, Almost, Maine, Cash on Delivery, Murder in the Studio, and Winter Sparkles. She’s looking forward to giving full rein to her free-spirited character, Dorothea, in Eleemosynary.

Artemis "Artie" - her daughter is played by Kate Grundy-Garcia
Kate has been a Masker on and off for about 35 years and more recently has played Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Ruth Condomine in Blithe Spirit, and, most recently, Jane in Alan Ayckbourn’s 1970s farce, Absurd Person Singular.
She is now playing a role which is her most challenging yet; a 7-year-old, a teenager and the mother of a 24-year-old, all rolled into one, in this sensitive and thought-provoking play.

Echo - grandaughter is played by Harley Harding
Harley first discovered her love for performing through a variety of local youth theatre groups and has been passionate about the stage from a young age. Harley went on to study Acting at university, where she developed her skills and deepened her appreciation for all aspects of performance. Previous roles include Ariel in The Tempest, Roland in Constellations and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. Harley is thrilled to be stepping into her second production with the Maskers, after joining us last year for Supernatural Secrets. In Eleemosynary, she looks forward to exploring the complexities of a richly layered and challenging character.

Creative Team

Production Manager
Duncan Randall

Stage Manager
Donald Coe

Set Design
Abi Linnartz & Clive Weeks

Set Construction
Clive Weeks, Duncan Randall, Jill Desborough, Donald Coe

Lighting Design
Clive Weeks

Sound Design
Jamie McCarthy

Lighting & Sound Operators
Max Margereson, Daniel Dick, & Maria McKay

Wardrobe & Costumes
The Cast

Properties & Set Dressing
Lucy Lockyer & The Cast

Rehearsal Prompt
Donald Coe

Show Photography
Donald Coe, Ian Wilson

Poster Design
Abi Linnartz & 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 7pm!

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

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

Image Gallery

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