Your health and safety is the most important thing
The safety and well-being of our audiences and staff (most of whom are volunteers) is our top priority. We worked extremely hard in July and early August 2020 to introduce thorough precautions and adjustments to the way we work, so that we were able to reopen confidently, comfortably and safely for everyone.
We ran 4 “test screenings” in July 2020, when we accommodated a full house in our auditorium (of socially-distanced seating). We were delighted to re-open our Picturehouse on 14th August 2020 – the first cinema in Trafford to do so – and we are confident that we provide the safest cinema environment possible.
Note: Under Tier 2 (High) and Tier 3 (Very High) Government restrictions, Trafford still permits cinemas and theatres to open, and people to visit – as long as you stay within your own social bubble when on the premises. We believe our COVID-19 precautions are as safe as possible, and so we intend to continue to stay open, for you and the local community.
Here’s everything you need to know about the measures we’ve introduced. If you want to know more, contact our Theatre Management Team via e-mail to admin@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk
Planning Your Visit
- As with our own team, we remind you to stay at home if you have a cough, cold, are feeling unwell or are showing any of the coronavirus symptoms listed by the NHS, if you have you come into contact with anyone who is unwell, or if it has been less than two weeks since you have started to feel better.
- Audiences are required to wear masks in our building, so please remember to bring one with you.
- Please book in advance, online or by phoning the Box Office on 0161 928 1677. Tickets may not always be available on the door.
- All payment transactions in-house will be contactless.
- To keep contact to a minimum, you can either print tickets at home or download them to your mobile phone to show to our Front of House staff.
- Please be aware that we will store your contact details, in case they are needed by Track and Trace in line with government guidelines.
- Screenings will start at the time advertised. Please arrive no earlier than one hour before each screening, but arrive in good time to allow us to seat you safely and in comfort. The auditorium will be open one hour before each advertised start time.
- Bar Update: In accordance with government announcements on 23rd October 2020, please note that our bar is not allowed to open. We are planning alternative methods of providing you with refreshments.
In The Building
- The theatre is operating a 2m social distancing regime for queuing and seating. This means new visible floor markings and reduced but safe capacity in the auditorium.
- Our updated seating plan limits the seats that you can choose. Together with the one-way system, this means that audience members don’t have to pass by each other to get to their seats and have easy access in and out of their row.
- We’ve installed multiple hand-sanitiser stations for our audience and staff. You must use these when entering our building and you must adhere to the NHS rules on handwashing.
- All our staff and volunteers wear either face-masks or work behind protective screens, as appropriate, to protect everyone else in the building.
- Toilet access are one-in/one-out to ensure that there is plenty of room.
- We are carrying out extra deep-cleaning practices as well as our regular cleaning routines – particularly on any high contact surfaces. You can be guaranteed that when you enter the building for each performance, it is as clean as we can make it.
- We are operating a one-way system throughout the building. Entrance is up the ramp via the “Altrincham side” door. Your exit will be different to the way you came in. (Those who have difficulty using steps will be permitted to use step-free access at all times.)
- Sign-In Update: In accordance with government announcements at the end of September 2020, note that you will be asked to sign in on arrival. The simplest way to do this is by using the NHS COVID-19 app, which we encourage you to download and install before visiting us. You can also sign in using good old-fashioned pen and paper.
- The kiosk is open before all screenings.
- In accordance with government announcements on 23rd October 2020, our bar is not allowed to open.
Altrincham Garrick Staff
- All of the Garrick staff (most of whom are unpaid volunteers) have received COVID-19 specific training and are happy to help you safely in any way that we can.
- Our Front of House Manager will be on hand to address any queries during your visit, whilst Front of House staff sit in attendance in the auditorium during every screening.
If you have any questions ahead of booking, please email admin@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk or check the FAQs below.
We look forward to seeing you at the Altrincham Garrick, so that we can celebrate great cinema and great theatrical screenings with you again. We know it’ll seem a little different than before with these guidelines in place – it feels like that for us too – but we’re committed to making sure that your experience is enjoyable and safe for you and our team. By working together, we can support the Garrick, keep the arts strong in Altrincham and enjoy fantastic entertainment.
Thank you for all of your cooperation and support!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you asking us to wear masks?
Like the legislation on masks in shops and indoor spaces, it’s an extra step that the government had mandated to ensure the safety and comfort of both you in the audience and our team at the Garrick.
What is being done to keep the auditorium and building well-ventilated?
We are doing all that we can to keep the building well-ventilated. In particular, note that a large powerful air-extraction system in the auditorium ensures that there is a constant air-flow from ground level up to the ceiling, and air is continually being replaced by fresh air from outside. (Well, as fresh as the air ever gets in Altrincham, anyway !)
When can we book tickets?
You can book your tickets online now (and this is the recommended way of booking). Our Box Office is also open for bookings, on 0161-928-1677 between 11:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday.
How do I find my seat?
Your ticket will have your seat and row number on it. A Front of House team-member will help show you where in the auditorium it is. Seats at the back half of the auditorium are accessed from the foyer up the steps and into the back of the auditorium. Seats in the front half, including for those with reduced mobility, are accessed step-free from the foyer via the side-door into the auditorium.
Are the toilets open?
Our toilets are open to audiences and staff. These are cleaned regularly and operate on a one in/one out policy. Please make sure you visit the toilet before going to your seat. While we don’t intend to prevent you visiting the toilet during the performance, we would prefer you not to do so – to let everyone follow social distancing guidelines.
Will the kiosk be open ?
The kiosk will be open only before the screening (not during or after it). The range of goodies may be limited and only contactless card payments can be taken. Please make sure that you buy all snacks and drinks before going to your seat.
Will the bar be open ?
In accordance with government announcements on 23rd October 2020, our bar is not allowed to open.
Whom can I speak to in the building if I have any queries whilst I am there?
The Front of House Manager or his Deputy will be on hand for every screening.
Are there likely to be changes to these safety measures or procedures?
We will follow all guidelines from local and national government, the NHS and the UK Cinema Association, and may change our procedures appropriately. However, please be assured that the safety of everyone in the building is our priority, and changes will only be made if it is safe to do so.
