Margaret Norris

A well-known local artist from Bowden, Margaret joined the Garrick in the 1975/76 season. Her first set design was for The Liver Birds in 1975; Carla Lane, the writer, attended the first rehearsal. 

She then started her long connection with the annual pantomime as scenic artist for The Wizard of Oz in January 1976. Unbelievably, she was then heavily involved designing every single pantomime until her last full involvement with Aladdin in 2019.

Throughout her long career at the Garrick, she was the scenic artist for every mainstage show, as well as designing many notable productions such as Blithe Spirit, A View from the Bridge, Plaza Suite, A Man for All Seasons, The Dresser, Stepping Out, When We Are Married, Crown Matrimonial, and Around the World in 80 Days --- to name but a few!

Outside the Garrick, she was a prominent member of The Altrincham Society of Artists and was well known for her vibrant and colourful floral paintings. She won multiple, prestigious awards locally such as the Betty Day Cup and the Basil Morrison Rose Bowl. In 2019, she was made a Freeman of Altrincham, following her production of a mammoth painting to mark the 700th Anniversary of Altrincham's Charter, which now forms part of Trafford Council's Art Collection. 

For over 40 years, Margaret was an invaluable fixture at the Garrick, wearing her paint speckled slacks with a paint brush in one hand and an excitable dog in the other. Her talent, wit, warmth and vast experience was appreciated greatly by everyone connected with the Garrick.