TIDINGS of comfort and joy will be spread in abundance when a Southampton drama group holds its annual festive anthology.

Maskers Theatre Company will be launching a six-day extravaganza of sketches, poems, songs and merriment ushering in the holiday season.

This year’s offering, titled Christmas is a-Comin’ – A Gallimaufry of Seasonal Sweetmeats and Savouries! is directed by Philip de Grouchy and includes original items written by the show’s cast and mingled with a variety of well-loved pieces.

It is being staged at the Maskers Studio Theatre, Emsworth Road, Shirley, at 7.30pm from Monday, December 8 to Saturday, December 13.

Tickets cost £8 and include a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

See maskers.org.uk to book.