The Shell Seekers is the gripping story of Penelope Keeling's family and the passion and heartbreak that have held them together for three generations. It is a story of love, courage and determination and also of the Shell Seekers itself, a painting which threatens to tear the Keeling family apart. Rosamunde Pilcher's 1987 novel has a strong autobiographical element which secured her an international reputation. The play has been adapted by Terence Brady and Charlotte Bingham previously renowned for such successes as Pig in the Middle, Take Three Girls, Upstairs Downstairs, No Honestly! And Nanny. The Shell Seekers is an engrossing tale that will appeal to all ages. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shellc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shellk.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shellg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shellf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shella.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shellj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shellb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shelll.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shellh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shelld.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shelli.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shelle.jpg|"] CAST

Penelope	Carol Carr
Olivia	Sarat Parker-Broughton
Nancy	Pam Nolan
Noel	Barry Spencer
Lawrence	Geoff Noar
George	Nick Sample
Penny/Antonia	Ashley Foster
Richard/Danus	Edward Prophet
Roy Brookner	Martin Oldfield
Ellen	Christine Perry

---

Sale & Altrincham Messenger's review by Rick Bowen Seek and you shall find a theatrical gem at Altrincham Garrick THERE'S a certain snobbery surrounding "women's novels", a view that they're not worth taking seriously in the cultural grand scheme of things. Anyone who sees 'The Shell Seekers' at Altrincham Garrick will come out feeling such an opinion is ill founded as there are some marvellous lines to enjoy in this engrossing and uplifting theatrical journey. Based on the novel by Rosamunde Pilcher, 'The Shell Seekers' tells the story of Penelope, a beacon of decency who is looking back on her life and loves. When she's not being plagued by her selfish and grasping grown up children. By far the most obnoxious is Nancy, expertly played by Pam Nolan. This horrendous woman treats her husband like she treats her dog. A strong cast led by Carole Carr as the saintly Penelope ensure that emotionally, there's no place to hide for the audience and director Angie Wetherill has obviously nurtured this production with tender, loving care. Moving and warmly funny, The Shell Seekers is an absolute gem and a rewarding experience for both sexes. A must see. Star Rating ★★★★

---