Outside Edge at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Outside Edge Ran Invalid Date - Dec 11, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Conscientious Roger has trouble enough getting together a cricket team to play against British Railways Maintenance Division Yeading East Cricket Club without the troubles between husbands and wives, husbands and girlfriends, husbands and ex-wives. Even his own ever-loyal and long-suffering wife Miriam finally rebels when Roger's peccadillo in Dorking is discovered The 'Oh, such a perfect day' comes to a fitting conclusion when ... The play was memorably produced on television with Paul Eddington, Prunella Scales and Maureen Lipman and subsequently spawned a TV series with Brenda Blethyn, Josie Laurence and Tim Spall. CAST Bill Platt as Roger Helen Cowan as Miriam Peter de la Wyche as Bob Dave Midgley as Dennis Ros Greenwood as Maggie Trevor McKie as Kevin Beverley Stuart-Cole as Ginnie Matthew Foster as Alex Paula Taylor as Sharon Lighting -?Fred Issac-Dixon Sound Design -?Trevor McKie Sound Operation -?Steve Williamson ? Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Octopia - Half Term Drama Workshop (FRIDAY) at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Holiday Club for 6-18 years - All welcome! Activities & Events Octopia - Half Term Drama Workshop (FRIDAY) Holiday Club for 6-18 years - All welcome! Ran Oct 30, 2026 Age guidance 6 - 18 years Venue Rehearsal Room Running time 6 hours per day - 10am to 4pm Tickets Price Range £35 per day or £30 per day if book all 5 days in same transaction Description Octopia - October Half-Term: 26th - 30th October 2026 Looking for something to keep your kids entertained this October half term? Then sign them up to join us for Octopia Drama Club this Half Term – Fun, Creativity & Confidence! Each day is packed with theatrical adventures - music, movement, monologues, and more! Our GAPA Holiday Workshops inspire participants to explore their creative side while promoting teamwork in a safe and friendly environment . Students will learn drama skills, gain confidence, and most importantly, have fun! Workshop Details: 🎭 Open to students aged 6 – 18 🕙 Daily sessions: 10.00am – 4.00pm 💷 £35 per day OR book all five days and save £25! (You can sign up to half-term holidays for a day or for the full week) 📅 Dates: Monday 26th – Friday 30th October Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning N/A Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

The Beauty Queen of Leenane at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. The Irish Studio Season: A dark, comedic, thriller Garrick Production The Beauty Queen of Leenane The Irish Studio Season: A dark, comedic, thriller Ran Oct 1, 2024 - Oct 6, 2024 Age guidance 16+ Venue Altrincham Garrick Studio Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £12.50 - £14.50 Description Written by Martin McDonagh Directed by Mark Goggins “Sometimes I dream… of anything! Of anything. Other than this.” In the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, Maureen Folan – a plain, lonely woman, tied to her manipulative and ageing mother, Mag – comes alive at her first and possibly last prospect of a new life. But Mag has other ideas; and her interference sets in motion a train of events that leads inexorably towards the play’s breathtaking conclusion. The Beauty Queen of Leenane is one of playwright Martin McDonagh’s (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Lieutenant of Inishmore) finest achievements. Winner of four Tony Awards on Broadway and nominated for an Olivier Award, the play conjures up the unbearable tension and loneliness of an isolated existence. A dark, comedic, thriller. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning This production includes scenes of violence, cruelty and strong language. The production also contains sexual references and themes of loneliness, abuse and mental health. Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

39 Steps at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production 39 Steps Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The 39 Steps is a farce adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock. The play's concept calls for the entirety of the 1935 adventure film The 39 Steps to be performed nearly verbatim onstage, but with a cast of four. One actor plays the hero, Richard Hannay, an actress plays the three women with whom he has romantic entanglements, and two other actors play every other character in the show: heroes, villains, men, women, children and even the occasional inanimate object. This often requires lightning fast quick changes and occasionally for them to play multiple characters at once. Thus the film's serious spy story is played mainly for laughs, and the script is full of allusions to (and puns on the titles of) other Alfred Hitchcock films, including Rear Window, Psycho and North by Northwest. CAST Richard Hannay Sean Duvall Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret Stephanie Niland Clown Barry Spencer Clown Scott Ransome Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

The Children's Hour at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production The Children's Hour Ran Invalid Date - Jul 30, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Best friends Karen Wright and Martha Dobie are headmistresses at a successful private school for girls in New England. Mary Tilford, a spiteful, angry child, is caught in a lie and punished. In retaliation she tells her grandmother, a matriarch in the town, that Martha was "jealous" of Karen's relationship with Dr. Joe Cardin, and tells her that Martha's Aunt Lily thought those feelings were "unnatural". Grandma believes her and pulls Mary out of school. The word quickly spreads and within days Karen and Martha are faced with empty classrooms. Joe is fired from the hospital for siding with the teachers. Karen and Martha sue for slander in a case that makes national headlines with terrible ramifications and consequences. CAST Mrs. Lily Mortar Jacqueline Wheble Helen Burton Anna Gravett Evelyn Munn Bella Haynes Rosalie Wells Grace Garside Lois Fisher Orlagh Ementon-Shaw Catherine Emily Waldie Peggy Rogers Eleanor Bacon Mary Tilford Erica Pickard (AWARD) Mrs Amelia Tilford Sandra Thomas Karen Wright Lisa Wood Martha Dobie Ali Davenport Dr. Joseph Cardin Sean Duvall Agatha Margaret Le Review by Julia Taylor for remotegoat Vindictive Schoolgirl attacks teachers' reputation Since Lillian Hellman's play the Children's Hour first appeared on Broadway in 1934, we have become accustomed to its subject, Lesbianism. Yet the idea of a wicked 14-year-old girl spreading lies about her teachers still shocks. That girl is Mary a pupil at a New England boarding school for girls whose accusation of an unnatural relationship between the school's founders is backed by her grandmother (Sandra Thomas) turned out in some outstanding costumes. You feel sympathy with the teachers and tainted by Mary's cold-blooded cruelty just to avenge the punishment she is given for a minor offence. Aged only 16 and a member of the Garrick Academy of Performing Arts, Erika Pickard plays the role of Mary, the vindictive adolescent. This apparently sweet slip of a girl turns out to be a bullying, blackmailing, lying monster. Erika's performance marks her out for a bright future on the stage. Lisa Wood as Karen and Ali Davenport as Martha portray eloquently the teachers' lasting friendship through the thick and thin of losing both vocation and reputation but, towards the end, it dawns on us that one of them is, if only in her head, guilty of the love which, in those days, dare not speak its name. There are 13 actors in this moving play. All of them are good and speak with unswerving New England accents. The heartbreaking conclusion underlines the truth of Shakespeare's famous line "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." NODA Review by Kevin Proctor 'The Children's Hour', the first of Lillian Hellman's plays has sturdy dramatic strengths though is rarely produced today. I'd suspect that Arthur Miller must have learnt from this piece when writing The Crucible' as, like that play, it concerns frenzy amongst teenage girls with an unpleasant leader among them who brings catastrophe down on the heads of adults. But witchcraft isn't the charge brought against innocent characters here, but lesbianism, making the play exceptionally daring for the 1930's. Although 'The Children's Hour' enjoyed big success in New York, it was banned from the British stage until as late as 1960. When it premiered on Broadway in 1934, it shocked audiences with its bold and (of that time) shocking subject. It ran for nearly 700 performances and ultimately launched Lillian Hellman's career. Although the subject of this piece has far less impact for a modern theatre goer, given the right Cast and Director, 'The Children's Hour' can still move with its righteous outrage and its powerful accusation of irresponsible actions. As always at the Garrick, this production offered an impeccable set and a collection of costumes which would match those of any professional company. Leading the cast is Erika Pickard as the vile and scandalous schoolgirl, Mary. Erika's performance was immaculate, she gave chilling glares and delivered a very intelligent and worthy performance, should Erika desire a career in this craft, she?s certainly got the foundations firmly in place to become an outstanding actress! Making her debut with the Altrincham Garrick company is Lisa Wood as Karen who, in her first scene gave a slightly stringent performance but ultimately warmed up and, when most crucial, delivered some precious moments in the final scenes. Sean Duvall played the school Doctor and fiance of Karen with charm and capability though I feel that a character as invariable as this didn't particularly suit him. Sean was mistakenly making every effort to inject flair, significance and excitement into his character with big gestures and animated reactions when really, just playing him as the straight (pardon the pun), ordinary man that Dr Cardin is, would have given an accurate and intended result for this character. Strong support was given by Grace Garside as Rosalie, Sandra Thomas as Amelia and Jacqueline Wheble as Mrs. Mortar. The ensemble of school girls set the scene well, I was surprised we didn't see more of them due to the level of development in each of the girls characters for such a short time on stage which is highly notable. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Corrie! at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Corrie! Ran Invalid Date - May 13, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description World Amateur Premier The first and most iconic TV soap began in December 1960. This play covers the period from that first episode and for 50 more years. Do you remember the legendary rows between Elsie Tanner and Ena Sharples, Hilda Ogden's 'murial' and Gail's many husbands? They are all here alongside the Ken, Deidre and Mike Baldwin affair and there is Alan Bradley's demise under a Blackpool tram plus Richard Hillman's fatal car crash into the canal. Humour, excitement and tragedy are all part of this wonderful celebration of 50 years of Corrie! CAST Martin Oldfield Janet Slade Beverley Stuart-Cole Val Watkinson Adele Higson Graham Simmonds Charlie Gallagher Ruth Metcalfe Sam Evans Laura Therese Carmel Price Andy Withers Andrew Higson James Merrington Sarah Kirk Kim Armston Michael Gallagher Josh Bluer Lottie Warburton Eddie Beasley Natalie Hinchliffe Adam Rogers REVIEW by Nicky Lambert for North West End Coronation Street is a national institution, set in the fictional area of Weatherfield in Salford – and if you don’t know that, then you must have been hiding under a rock (or a cobble) for the past 60 years. “Corrie” is a play featuring characters from 1960-2010. Written by Jonathan Harvey, himself a Coronation Street writer with over 200 episodes to his credit, it promises to be a celebration of the first 50 years, featuring many familiar and much loved characters. Tonight was the World Amateur Premiere and it was surprising and disappointing to see the very low attendance on opening night – at a rough estimate, I think were less than 60 people in tonight’s audience. I wasn’t really sure what to expect and I have to say I found the premise quite odd to start off with. There is a narrator (Martin Oldfield) who also doubles as St Peter at the pearly gates and the opening scene is him debating with Blanche Hunt (Deirdre’s mother) whether she can get into heaven or not. It was all a little surreal. Elsie Tanner (Beverley Stuart-Cole) then appears under a street lamp and says a few words about the street itself, then the play begins in earnest and that most archetypal of stern, northern women, Ena Sharples (Val Watkinson – who also played Vera Duckworth absolutely superbly), makes her presence known in a scene from the very first episode of Coronation Street. The play is a compilation of vignettes really. We are literally hurled down the cobbles as numerous iconic scenes are recreated, including the confrontation between Ken, Mike and Deirdre when Mike and Deirdre’s affair came to light and also the demise of Alan Bradley under a Blackpool tram! Some of the scenes worked very well and were absolutely hilarious but I do think this play will only hit the mark for those who have watched Coronation Street over the years and are familiar with the characters and storylines. There is a lot of humour in some of the linking narrative and asides by the characters which will be lost on people who aren’t fans. A lot of the interlinking humour relies on the audience already having knowledge of the storylines otherwise it probably wouldn’t make sense or be that funny on a standalone basis. As someone who watched Coronation Street through the 70s, 80s and 90s, I found the asides absolutely hilarious. A lot of the scenes crammed in potted versions of various storylines and the pace was sometimes frenzied and a little chaotic but once you realise this is how it’s going to be, you really get into it. By contrast, however, I found a couple of the scenes in Act 2 to be overlong and I was surprised they had been chosen over others. Most of the actors played various roles tonight to great effect. The nuances of the characters were, on the whole, captured perfectly. Many of them were instantly recognisable even if they didn’t look like them. Beverley Stuart-Cole as Elsie Tanner and Bet Lynch caught the essence of these two man-eaters perfectly. Her Elsie Tanner was particularly impressive and realistic. Andrew Higson’s Ken Barlow was eerily similar and as for Eddie Beasley’s Roy Cropper, well, he absolutely nailed the part, right down to the shopping bag which he never let out of his clutches! I think my favourites, however, were Michael Gallagher as the sinister and homicidal pantomime baddie, Richard Hillman and also Charlie Gallagher as Hilda. Hilda had one of the best lines of all time and Charlie paid tribute to it superbly: after Stan has kissed her and asks “what’s that lipstick taste of?”, Hilda replies “woman, Stanley. Woman!” The set was imaginatively done using railway arches to great effect with the actors appearing out of them on sliding scenery and the infamous tram crash from December 2010 was recreated in such a way that it got the loudest laugh of the night but no spoilers here, you’ll have to go and see it! By the end we have gone full circle and are back with Blanche and St Peter to round it all off. It might be grim up north but it’s also laugh-at-yourself hilarious at times and to sum up, I would say that this is a warm and affectionate tribute which doesn’t take itself seriously and is a wonderful trip down a cobbled memory lane . Star Rating: ★★★★ REVIEW by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck All your favourite soap characters are here in Jonathan Harvey’s love letter to Weaterfield, as are some of the story lines that helped turn the show into a much loved TV institution. While I’ve not watched the programme on a regular basis since I was a student - more years ago than I can remember - I really loved spending time with its lovable clown figures like Jack and Vera Duckworth (pictured being played here). It is fair to say that none of today’s characters have the same mystique as Elsie Tanner, who always looked so out of place on those world famous cobbles. It’s as if she’s just stepped out of one of those old black and white films they used to show on soggy Saturday afternoons when I was a kid. Harvey takes a largely lighthearted look at the famous plot lines but managed to add a dash of poignancy too, such as the scene in which we find Hilda Ogden mourning her late husband, Stan. Oh yes, the mural provides the backdrop of course. We also see Rita’s dodgy beau Alan Bradley meet his end when he’s hit by a tram in Blackpool. Guiding us through proceedings is Martin Oldfield. While some of the actors are more successful than others when it comes to capturing the mannerisms and look of the Coronation Street characters, I’m sure I’ve not the only one who relished an opportunity to escape the long running farce that is British politics at the moment. By ‘eck, this is great fun. Star Rating: ★★★★ REVIEW by John Kristof for Number 9 reviews ‘A national institution’, northern soap opera Coronation Street approaches its celebration of 60 years on our TV screens; in our living rooms; in our lives; and in our hearts, and many characters have duly earned the title of ‘national treasure’. To mark the golden milestone of 50 years, back in 2010, long-standing scriptwriter for the show, Jonathan Harvey, penned Corrie!, the play looking back on a period of 2,000 thousand storylines, 37 births, 115 deaths, 86 marriages and countless iconic and memorable characters, emulating and mirroring normality and real life. The comedic play, written as a string of scenes from the serial drama, premiered at The Lowry in Salford Quays in August 2010 and a musical of similar style followed, written by a co-writer, entitled ‘Street of Dreams’ - it opened for the only time at Manchester Arena for a surprisingly short run and was matched by an almost unheard album called ‘Rogues, Angels, Heroes & Fools’ which also featured iconic characters and scenes. Another institution is that of the arts, particularly theatre, and those within a society or company could indeed be local heroes and treasurers. That is true for one Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, who/which plays host to the play for its World Amateur Premiere! With stalwarts of the theatre’s own society, newcomers and those who have performed there as members of both theatre itself and the various societies who have used it as a receiving house, the cast - doubling up on some parts - of 22 are brilliant at portraying a whole selection of characters, aided by wigs, accents and carefully matched mannerisms. It really is a joy to behold. Directed by seasoned performer himself, Bill Platt, we are treated to narrator Martin Oldfield guiding us through the scenes, starting with the unforgettable “battleaxe”, Blanche Hunt (played by Janet Slade) at the pearly gates of Heaven, with Oldfield as St Peter. With reference to her renowned presence at the funerals of strangers, often for the free buffet, and attendance at the court trials of murderers, complete with a packed lunch, her portrayal is the first of many perfect replications of the originals. We also experience the reminiscence of {apologises for some of the missing pieces} Ena Sharples (Val Watkinson), Elsie Tanner (Beverley Stuart-Cole), Gail Potter/Tilsley/Platt/Hillman/etc. (Kim Armston), Brian Tilsley and Denis Tanner (Sam Evans), Sarah-Lou Platt (Lottie Warburton), Martin Platt (James Merrington), Ken Barlow (Andrew Higson) and Deidre Rashid/Barlow (Sarah Kirk), Valerie Barlow, Ray Langton (Jame Merrington), Raquel (Kim Armston), Mike Baldwin (Graham Simmonds), Audrey Roberts, Ivy Tilsley and Rita Littlewood/Tanner/Fairclough (Carmel Price), Len Fairclough (Andy Withers) and Alan Bradley/Richard Hillman (Michael Gallagher), Hilda Ogden (Charlie Gallagher) and Stan (Andy Withers), Jack and Vera Duckworth (Andy Withers and Val Watkinson), Minnie Caldwell (Graham Simmonds), Martha Longhurst (Adele Higson), Roy (Eddie Beasley) and Hayley Cropper, Hylda Baker, Annie Walker (Ruth Metcalfe), Peter Barlow (Sam Evans), Tracy Barlow, Steve McDonald (Adam Rogers) and one-time wife Karen and Shelley Unwin (both Beverley Stuart-Cole), florist Lucy (Laura Therese), Becky Grainger/McDonald (Kim Arnston), Eileen Grimshaw (Ruth Metcalfe) and sons Jason (Adam Rogers) and Todd (Charlie Gallagher), and even Fred Elliott and son Ashley Peacock, wife Maxine, Emily Bishop, Tony Gordon (Andy Withers), Carla and Michelle Connor, as well as the only reference to the John Stape/Colin Fishwick fraud saga, Gail’s many husbands and lovers - we forgot boat-sailing fraudster Joe - and Peter’s son Simon and his many love triangles, Tracy’s daughter Amy and her tricking Roy and Hayley into paying to look after her before admitting her biological father s Steve McDonald, Hayley’s ‘coming out’ to Roy as transgender, the Sally-Kevin/Molly-Tyrone hoo-har, as well as Ken and canal boat/barge owner/writer, Martha. {Sorry I have omitted Josh Bluer and Laura Therese and the actress playing Hayley} The clever use of the well-though out and constructed set for scene changes via rolling platforms through archways was slick and effective, contributing to the comedy at times. These depicted the famous living rooms, Blackpool (including tram), a Metrolink tram that derailed off the viaduct, the florist, corner shop and, of course, The Rovers Return, among other nostalgic event settings. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Jack and the Beanstalk Ran Invalid Date - Jun 2, 2014 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The Garrick has built up a reputation over the years for its sell out traditional family pantomime, and this year will be no exception with plenty of laughs, songs and audience participation in this GIANT of a favourite adventure packed story. Jack, the cow, the beans, the stalk and a glamorous wedding are all here in this wonderful new version of the popular tale. [gallery columns="7" type="rectangular" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_9957.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_5039.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_9606.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_9782.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_9576.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_9738.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_0140.jpg|"] CAST FAIRY SWEET PEA, A VERY GOOD FAIRY INDEED - Helen Lawrence DAME TROTT, A POOR WIDOW - Steve Swift JACK, HER SON - Kirsty Podlaski SIMPLE SIMON, HER OTHER SON - Adam Gonet KING HERBERT OF MERRY HALE - Jonathan White PRINCESS ROSE, HIS DAUGHTER - Megan Johnstone IVOR BOGEY, A VERY UNPLEASANT MAN - Max George Fone DAISY THE COW - Herself GIANT BLUNDERBORE - Himself CHORUS OF VILLAGERS, MILKMAIDS, SCARECROWS, VEGETABLES, GIANT?S SLAVES & WEDDING GUESTS Choreography ALEXANDRA HOWARTH Costume Design GARRICK WARDROBE Preview in the Messenger Altrincham Garrick keeps it in the family with its pantomime Let us entertain you - Kirsty Podlaski as Jack and Adam Gonet as Simple Simon They're as much a part of Christmas as turkey and cringeworthy cracker jokes, snoring, over fed adults and festive repeats on TV. As children's presents get more expensive and more sophisticated, they still love a trip to the panto. While the grown ups can get away with not acting their age - just for one night. Altrincham Garrick's offering this year is Jack and The Beanstalk, which sees Kirsty Podlaski and Adam Gonet playing two of the lead roles, Jack and Simple Simon. Kirsty described Jack as the "hero" of the piece and Adam said he'll be on a mission to make 'em laugh as "the pantomime comic." When you go to these shows it seems like chaos on stage but in reality, the 'chaos' unfolding before your eyes is planned and executed with military precision. What's the secret of being a good panto performer? Kirsty said: "I think the secret of being a good panto performer is really understanding your place in the panto. For my particular role, I really do have to become that character, push the storyline, remain somewhat serious." Adam added: "The comic characters have to be able to communicate with (and handle) an audience, ad-lib where necessary, and ensure that the high levels of pace and energy required throughout never drop." Many actors, amateur and professional, say that children are often the harshest critics. Is panto still thought of as children's theatre? Adam said: "Pantomime is primarily associated with children's theatre, yes, however you have to remember that there are just as many adults and teens at the shows as there are young kids. It is very much a family show. The traditional family-friendly panto the Garrick puts on is very much aimed at and suitable for the whole family. I think that is the secret to its success." Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

A short obituary of Ian Crownshaw, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Ian Crownshaw Ian was Head of Lighting for several seasons in the 1980s and 90s. The first play he worked on was Joking Apart by Alan Ayckbourn, in 1981. Highly committed to the Garrick, he built up a departmental team, was keen on installing new tech into the theatre, designed some sets, and acted as an ASM occasionally. He was also heavily involved with Alistair Donkin's Gilbert and Sullivan Society, one of the annual visiting societies to the theatre. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Barbara Fraser, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Barbara Fraser Barbara is best known at the Garrick for her role as Bookkeeper in the 1980s and 90s, when she kept a tight grip on the budgets and expenditure of Department Heads. It was not unusual to receive a late-night phone call asking for an explanation why a particular purchase had been made. Her fun side came out in her regular performances in the Old Time Music Halls in the 1970s and 80s (see photo), and she occasionally took small roles in plays. Barbara also took a full part in social activities and worked in the coffee bar. Back to In Memoriam page

RELAXED PERFORMANCE of Goldilocks & The Three Bears at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. A rip-ROARing Panto FUR all the Family! Garrick Production RELAXED PERFORMANCE of Goldilocks & The Three Bears A rip-ROARing Panto FUR all the Family! Ran Dec 13, 2025 Age guidance 3+ Venue Main House Running time Tickets Price Range £15 - £19 Description WHAT IS A RELAXED PERFORMANCE? If you are a parent, guardian, or work with people with learning or sensory disabilities – such as those on the autism spectrum – you’ll know how difficult it can sometimes be for them to attend regular theatre performances; loud noises, lighting effects and large crowds can make stage shows overwhelming. At Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, we believe that everyone should be able to experience the magic and wonder of live theatre, and our Relaxed Performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears will provide the same fantastical Pantomime but with an atmosphere and attitude in the auditorium that makes everyone feel comfortable and safe. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR RELAXED PERFORMANCE: At a Relaxed Performed, you are free to: - Come and go from the auditorium as you wish, even during the show - Express yourself as loudly as you like, or with physical movement, without judgement - Access the Theatre and auditorium early. You’ll also notice that we will reduce the sound and lighting to lessen sensory overload, and no pyrotechnics or loud bangs will appear in the performance. Reviews Stage Struck - Rick Bowen "...a cast who made it their mission to ensure the kids, even the big ones, left the theatre with a smile on their faces." Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

The Turn of the Screw at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production The Turn of the Screw Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Based on Henry James' tour de force, The Turn of the Screw is an atmospheric story set in 1875 of two orphaned children apparently haunted by the ghosts of a pair of servants who wish them ill. Miss Grey, a young governess, arrives at Bly to take care of them, but soon begins to see strange figures - a man and a young woman. Are they the ghosts of Quint and Miss Jessel, the former valet and governess at Bly? Only Miss Grey seems to see the ghosts. Is she a hopeless neurotic who hallucinates the figures of Peter Quint and Miss Jessel? Or is she a plucky young woman battling to save her charges from destruction and damnation? CAST Holly Salmon as Flora Ros Greenwood as Miss Grey Adam Lewis as Miles Joan Hughes as Mrs Grose Bryn Thomas as Mr Crimond Jon White as Peter Quint Ros George as Miss Jessel Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Last of the Summer Wine at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Last of the Summer Wine Ran Invalid Date - Jun 20, 2016 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description In this new stage adaptation of the timeless television series, Foggy, Clegg and Compo are reunited for one last adventure. Foggy has designs on winning the affections of Constance, Nora Batty's niece and the long-suffering fiance of the hapless Gifford Bewmont. With the help of Clegg, Foggy invites the ladies around for an evening's entertainment but the duo are unaware that a mysterious flasher is stalking the local community. Gifford has pledged to apprehend the flasher and has mounted all-night patrols in the village. While awaiting the arrival of the ladies, Foggy is dismayed when Compo turns up unannounced and who proceeds to wreak havoc on Foggy's careful preparations as Gifford's efforts to capture the flasher lead to mistaken identities and even more chaos. When the flasher is eventually unmasked it turns out his intentions are benign but not before our heros are nearly undone by the enveloping madness. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9347.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9312.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9295.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9248.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9207.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9134.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9056.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9026.jpg|"] Photos by Vishal Sharma CAST Clegg - John Westbrook Foggy - Aidan Kielty Compo - Barry Spencer Nora - Christine Perry Constance - Paula Keen Gifford - Bryn Thomas Flasher - Sean Duvall Review by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger THOSE much loved characters from Last of the Summer Wine, Foggy, Compo and Clegg - are brought to life on the Garrick stage by Aidan Kielty, Barry Spencer and John Westbrook. Television is, after all, only two dimensional whereas live theatre is three dimensional. So, creator, Roy Clarke, has made his characters larger than life. Foggy,that former military man, decides he'd like some female company and invites Nora Batty (Christine Perry) and her niece, Constance, (Paula Keen) for tea at Cleggy's. Before he knows it he's engaged to Constance, much to the consternation, not only of Foggy himself, but of her long term boyfriend, Gifford, the bobby (Bryn Thomas). Both men's faces are classic! These three are all true to type and funny but Barry Spencer's Compo is the nearest to his TV counterpart. There's a hilarious scene when he gets his hand stuck in Nora's bra! Add a flasher and the plot thickens. That role goes to Sean Duvall who in his twin mackintoshes looks every inch the part as he measures inches with his mechanical inside leg detector. He turns out to be a different sort of flasher. You'll never guess how. The women are equally good. I especially like Christine Perry's bossy Nora Batty. The Garrick have re-enacted TV programmes successfully before and have done this difficult task well once more - thanks to the excellent direction of John Chidgey and Rani Jackson. Star rating ★★★★ Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck SOME of the jokes in this stage adaptation of the much loved TV comedy are just plain daft. But in a world that seems suffocated by seriousness, what's wrong with that? The central characters, Foggy, Clegg and the sartorially challenged Compo are old enough to know better. Acting your age can, however, get rather boring. This production has evidently been lovingly nurtured by director John Chidgey and his right hand woman Rani Jackson, so it captures the wacky warmth of the original. While at the same time not attempting to be a carbon copy. Aidan Kielty, John Westbrook and Barry Spencer put their own stamp on the roles of Foggy, Clegg and Compo. However, there are times when John's delivery makes him sound remarkably like Peter Sallis, who played Clegg on TV. I always thought of Clegg as the more cerebral, more refined of the three. Love is in the air for Foggy, who has set his cap at Constance, played by Paula Keen. Foggy obviously likes a challenge, as she's related to the battle axe par excellence, Nora Batty (Christine Perry). You just know his plan is set to backfire when Foggy invites the duo to his house for tea. For me, the performance of the evening comes from Bryn Thomas as Gifford, the local bobby. This is a great role for Bryn who is especially funny when his character has had far too much of the falling down water.Last Of The Summer Wine only occasionally tickles my funny bone. That said, I have to take my hat off to all concerned for a job well done. Or should that be my flat cap? Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

It Could Be Any One of Us at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production It Could Be Any One of Us Ran Invalid Date - Dec 11, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A second play this season by popular Alan Ayckbourn, but this one we just could not resist. A homage to Agatha Christie, with extra surprises for good measure. A clever pastiche of the traditional country house murder. A thunderstorm. A family of failures - a detective who has never solved a case, a writer who has not been published, a composer whose compositions have never been performed, a dysfunctional teenager, wrangling over a bequest. All this and more make this a thriller not to be missed. CAST David Reynolds as Mortimer Chalke Janet Slade as Jocelyn Polegate Mike Shaw as Brinton Chalke Becky Wright as Amy Polegate Brian Stoner as Norris Honeywell Ros Greenwood as Wendy Windwood Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

The Good Life at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Comedy stage play, based on the hugely popular sitcom Garrick Production The Good Life Comedy stage play, based on the hugely popular sitcom Ran Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026 Age guidance 10+ Venue Main House Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £13 - £18 Description When Tom and Barbara Good decide to exchange the pressures of the rat race for an alternative, more sustainable way of living, they set about turning their suburban home in Surbiton into a model of self-sufficiency. They grow their own fruit and veg, keep livestock in the garden, make their own clothes, and even generate their own electricity from manure. It's the good life for them – but not for Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, who live next door, and are desperately trying to maintain the Surbiton status quo. Jeremy Sams' stage play, based on the hugely popular sitcom by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, reunites the well-loved characters (not forgetting Geraldine the goat) as they get themselves into and out of scrapes – some old, some new, all hilarious. Tapping into issues that resonate now more than ever, The Good Life is a witty reimagining of a television classic, with a wellyful of laughs that's sure to delight audiences everywhere. Reviews "... this is another example of the high-quality productions that have become synonymous with the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse." – Max Eden, North West End UK Read the full review HERE "You're sure to enjoy this slice of suburban silliness." – Rick Bowen, Stage Struck Read the full review HERE "Finally, a special mention should go to Geraldine the goat.... Her presence added an unexpected but highly amusing layer to the production and consistently drew audience attention." – Kathryn Gorton, Number 9 Read the full review HERE Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning This production contains mild language and adult themes. Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

GamePlan at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production GamePlan Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description To quote Ayckbourn himself, "I think if I've contributed anything to the sum of modern playwriting it has been to encourage comedy and drama to exist together as in days of old". GamePlan certainly does this. Set in a luxury apartment overlooking the Thames the plot concerns Sorrel Saxon's endeavours to boost the family income after the departure of her father leaving the family in substantial debt. Her unconventional approach to making money is aided and abetted to hysterical effect by her best friend and "maid" Kelly Butcher. Fun for all. CAST Sarat Broughton as Lynette Saxon Jacqueline Hardy as Sorrel Saxon Sarah Roberts as Kelly Martin Oldfield as Leo Mark Edgar as Dan Endicott Hugh Everett as Troy Tracy Burns as Grace Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

A short obituary of Phil Lynch, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Phil Lynch Phil Lynch was a past Chairman of the Society. He and his wife Val joined the Garrick in the early 1980s and Phil took part in a number of plays, as well as helping to run the theatre, until they left to move back to the South of England. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Roger Metcalfe, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Roger Metcalfe Without the work that Roger did for the Garrick at the time, the major redevelopment of 1999 would probably not have happened. His immense support for that endeavour mustn't overshadow his many acting roles between the mid 1970s and the mid 2000s, and many patrons at the time will never forget his stage appearances. He was very able portraying the establishment figure that many comedies poke fun at, and equally well as the towering stage presence and brooding intensity that many dramas require. Roger served on the Executive Committee and on the Board of Trustees, and it was his role handling Press and Public Relations in 1998 and 1999 that contributed so much to the redevelopment at the end of that century. Back to In Memoriam page

When We Are Married at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production When We Are Married Ran Oct 8, 2007 - Oct 13, 2007 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The hilarious tale of three middle-aged Yorkshire couples (pillars of the community) who are celebrating their joint silver weddings. In the midst of the celebrations arrives the chapel organist with some very disturbing news concerning the validity of their marriages. An evening of home-truths, recriminations and mayhem ensues. Reviews Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen Till death do us part Isn't it funny, how your memory plays tricks on you. I arrived at Altrincham Garrick expecting not to enjoy 'When We Are Married' and left feeling well and truly entertained. Even though I've seen the play several times I thought, for some reason, that it was old hat. And yet, although society's rules have changed, it's remarkable how fresh and sprightly Priestley's dialogue still sounds today. He certainly has a way with words, does our JB. Three couples, all pillars of the Yorkshire community in which they live, have their lives turned upside down when they discover, to their horror, that their marriage certificates aren't worth the paper they're written on. Throw into the comedy mix a newspaper photographer whose world is permanently out of focus as a result of his penchant for the booze and a hard as nails housekeeper who's out to line her own pockets and you have the recipe for an evening of good, clean fun. You could take granny to see this, as there's nothing to offend. Maureen Casket's production zips along and the director makes sure her cast, one of the strongest ensembles seen at the Garrick this season, doesn't waste a word of Priestley's often witty script. Geoff Noar treats us to a brilliant piece of character acting as the pie eyed photographer Henry Ormonroyd and Julie Broadbent is really good as Ruby the maid. It's probably unfair to single out individuals because, to borrow a phrase from the world of sport, this is a great team performance. What I liked about this play is that the characters are real people and not shallow, plumy voiced, middle class twits getting their knickers in a twist over their potential loss of face. Indeed, had Priestley set the piece among the chattering classes it probably would have been a complete turn off. These are people who have pulled themselves up by their own boot straps and got on in life. Margaret Norris has designed a sumptuous set - a perfect backdrop for a perfect evening in the theatre. When We Are Married may have received its world premiere in the 1930's, but there's no sign of any wrinkles in this production. Enjoy. Star Rating ★★★★ M.E.N.'s Review by Julia Taylor I HAVE never, as a journalist, come across a photographer who got drunk on duty. But who can blame Henry Ormonroyd for having one too many in this classic comedy at the Garrick Theatre. After all, he has to snap three anxious couples who, after 25 years together, discover they are not legally married! Even when squiffy, Henry is a philosopher. If God had intended men to wear collars he would have put collar studs in their necks!?, he announces in his slurred way. Geoff Noar is an inspired choice for this part - character parts are his forte. J.B.Priestley's comedy was first performed in 1938 at the Manchester Opera House, six years after the Garrick opened, yet, even now when there is no longer a taboo about "living in sin", people still enjoy seeing the pompous floored. Indeed, the audience on Monday night liked it more than most. Their applause at the end was deafening. The dilemma of the three respectable couples is conveyed with well observed Yorkshire accents. They contrast with the 'lah-di-dah' voice of Gerald Forbes, (Nick Curror) the church organist who breaks the news that they are not technically wed. The hosts of the joint silver wedding party are Alderman Helliwell and his society wife, Maria (Alison Davis). How proudly David Gonet's Helliwell flaunts his local eminence and how amusing both verbally and facially is his reaction to his downfall. The other two couples, the Parkers and the Soppitts, appear to be enjoying married bliss but, when the ties are apparently cut, they express their real feelings. Mike Shaw's Councillor Albert Parker is selfish, conceited, and above all 'stingy' treating his long-suffering wife Annie (Margaret Leslie) with contempt. She appears unconcerned but, my, how she changes when released from wedlock. The situation is reversed with the Soppitts. It is the husband, Herbert, (Bill Platt) who is downtrodden and his wife, Clara (Janet Slade) who has the upper hand. Bill and Janet give first class performances when Herbert finds his voice and Clara is placed under his newly found firm thumb. The play brims with gentle humour particularly when Dawn Flint's raunchy Lottie upsets the apple cart even further. I like the way Priestley plans the stage appearances of the men, women and couples at different times enabling us to understand their motives. The ending, like the final bars of a symphony reaches a well-rounded crescendo and Henry Ormonroyd finally gets his explosive photo! Star Rating ★★★★ Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Puss in Boots at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Puss in Boots Ran Invalid Date - Jan 9, 2014 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description We all remember the Three Musketeers, Athos, Porthos & Aramis (always reminds me of an aftershave that one) and of course everyone?s hero D?Artagnan; well here they are again in this fabulous pantomime. Full of sword fights, wonderful songs and gags this show just races on to its happy conclusion. The Musketeers get up to all sorts of tricks in their quest to see right triumph over wrong ably assisted by the amazing Puss in Boots. Expect wonderful costumes, great dance routines and of course loads of audience participation in this truly traditional pantomime. Every year our panto is a sell out so don?t wait to book your tickets and possibly miss out, book now as soon as the Box Office opens; you won?t be disappointed. ? Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

The Manchester Man at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production The Manchester Man Ran Oct 9, 2000 - Oct 14, 2000 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Based on an original novel by Mrs G. Linnaeus-Banks, the narrative features well-known characters and events in Manchester's history. Encompassing events leading up to the Peterloo Massacre this is an ensemble piece with lovely tuneful music and lots of drama. The story begins in 1799 when the infant Jabez is found, Moses-like, on the banks of the Irwell and is adopted by Bess. With Joshua Brookes the local parson looking out for him, Jabez begins to make his way in the world. An unmissable event. CAST Jabez Clegg: Tom Pinnock/Wayne Holt Bessie Clegg: Nina Williamson Thomas Hulme: Dez Renshaw Matthew Cooper: Richard Frost Parson Joshua Brookes: Dean Sumner Augusta Ashton: Dawn Flint Mr Ashton: Hugh Wolfson Mrs Ashton: Sandie McGuire Ellen Chadwick: Sarah Goodier/Victoria Bennett/Cyanne Holt Mr Chadwick: Frank Boylan Mrs Chadwick: Helen Ellis Laurence Aspinall: Andrew Higson Mrs Aspinall: Marina Anderson Kit Townley: Joe Douglas Ben Travis: Hugh Everett Additional Characters played by: Victoria Bennett Hannah Bowley Julie Broadbent Jill Chamberlain Laura Corcoran Lorraine Dallas Alison Eastham Nick Eastham Kathryn Goggins Natalie Goodier Rebecca Haden Vicki Jones Simon Kennedy Jane Lewis Dave McGuire Mike Nicholson Sid Robbins Peter Roberts Bernie Taylor Amy Warhurst Lisa Woodhead Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

A short obituary of Gerry Turnock, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Gerry Turnock Bar Manager from the late 1980s to the 2010s, Gerry's humour was outwardly very dry and wry. Underneath was a genuine warmth and real supportiveness ... especially when City were playing well or he'd been successful on the golf course. Back to In Memoriam page

Jerusalem at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Jerusalem Ran Invalid Date - Apr 11, 2017 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Extraordinary play that breaks every single rule in the book Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem set on St. George's Day in a Wiltshire village, has been described as an instant modern classic, a hymn to both the old England of folk tales and rural mystery and a lament for the housing estates and petty officialdom that are screwing it up. It is a defiant celebration of freedom, yet at the same time one feels an undoubted sympathy for any proud householder who finds himself living near a man like Rooster Byron. Rooster is a charismatic gypsy character, loved and admired by many, despised by a few and a thorn in the side of the local authority. A brand new production of a Tony and Olivier Award winning play. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1774-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1814-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1854-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1922-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2040-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2120-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2241-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2278-Small.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Phaedra - Zoe Cummins-White Ms Fawcett - Lindsey Barker Mr Parsons - David Lemberg Johnny 'Rooster' Byron - Scott Ransome Ginger - Mark Butt Professor - Steve Searcy Lee - Adam Rogers Davey - Tim Cooper Pea - Isabelle Greensmith Tanya - Laura Crow Wesley - Matthew Banwell Dawn - Ali Davenport Marky - Sebastian Ross Troy Whitworth - David Lemberg Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck I have been reviewing at this theatre for more than 20 years and in that time I've had the privilege of seeing some truly great performances. But I can't remember the last time a performance actually brought me to my feet. That said, actors of the calibre of Scott Ransome don't come along very often, do they. He plays Johnny "Rooster" Byron, a charmless, amoral waster who refuses to live by society's rules quite brilliantly. He expertly tackles the sort of character who'd sell his own grandmother if e thought he'd gain from the transaction but, despite his many faults its hard not to be captivated by this larger than life low life. For the local young people, for "local young people" read waifs and strays, he's like the Pied Piper, his shabby caravan a Mecca for drug using party animals. But his drug and booze fuelled existence is under threat, by developers desperate to get their hands on the land he lives on. Byron is one of the most fascinating characters in contemporary drama for me and Ransome gives him the five star treatment when it comes to bringing Jez Butterworth's classic creation yo life. However, it would be wrong to refer to John Cunningham's perfectly observed production as the Scott Ransome Show. A strong ensemble also plays it's part in making this trip to the other side of the social tracks a truly memorable one. I really liked Matthew Banwell as the rule bending landlord Wesley and the always watchable Mark Butt as Ginger, who dreams of being a celebrity DJ one day. I hope this play, a masterpiece in so many ways, gets the houses it deserves and people are brave enough to see beyond the strong language. Some of Butterworth's dialogue is superb. Star rating ★★★ ★★ Review by Julia Taylor for The Messenger The Garrick's powerful, dark drama is not for the faint hearted THE Garrick's latest production is Jez Butterworth's controversial Jerusalem, a dark, adult comedy. The Garrick is brave to put on such a controversial play which is like a breath of fresh air. The central figure, Johnny 'Rooster' Byron is played uninhibitedly by Scott Ransome. He?s a wastrel and modern day Pied Piper, an alcoholic, drug dealing teller of tales. Rooster is threatened with eviction from his Gypsy-style caravan and curses Kennet and Avon Council. It's the annual St George's Day Flintlock Fair and his 10-year-old son (Sebastian Ross) wants his father to take him but, in his usual antagonistic fashion, he refuses to do so. Scott, an utterly believable tough cookie, looks down on Wesley, the publican (Matthew Banwell), who has to wear morris dance gear in order to re-enact an old custom. Rooster almost becomes a folk hero since eccentric losers and kids who he rescues from unpleasant fates, adore him. Scott's performance is one of the most powerful, emotional acting displays I've seen in a long time.Then there is the sadistic stepfather of Phaedra (Zoe Cummins-White), the May Queen. He is played outstandingly by David Lemberg. Ginger, an old friend, who mixes in the same motley circle and sticks by Rooster is another great character.It?s hard to believe that this ruffian is the same Mark Butt who was Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall. Well done, Mark.They all contribute to a host of colourful village characters but the most colourful has to be Rooster. The set is designed by Trevor McKie and John Cunningham who also imaginatively directs the play. It illustrates Rooster's caravan home, and the scattered scruffy furniture outside in Rooster's wood. Star rating ★★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Calendar Girls at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Calendar Girls Ran Sep 3, 2012 - Sep 8, 2012 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description When Annie’s husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Women’s Institute members, Cora, Celia, Ruth and Jessie, to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame. CAST Cora - Carole Carr Chris - Beverley Stuart-Cole Annie - Janet Slade Jessie - Ruth Metcalfe Celia - Mandy White Ruth - Victoria Johnson Marie - Julie Cunningham Brenda Hulse - Helen Cowan John - Stephen Moss Rod - John Westbrook Lady Cravenshire - Maureen Casket Lawrence - Greg Holt Elaine - Francesca Rabar Liam - Stephen Moss by Tim Frith directed by Alan Rothwell Reviews NODA Review Author: Kevin Proctor The Calendar Girls by Tim Firth: A compelling story of hope, determination, friendship ….and considerably bigger buns! A true story based on a group of WI members in Yorkshire who were the originators of the nude charity calendar idea in the mid 1990’s, this daring idea has been copied many times since, but some would say never bettered. The Calendar Girls film grossed more than £60m at the box office worldwide, while the play – which Firth adapted from his film script – has taken more than £21m in ticket sales alone. Certainly, as far as the Altrincham Garrick’s presentation of this play is concerned, it’s a careful mixture of nimble acting skills and canny casting in this story which, while it deals with the dreaded big “C”, is humorous and ultimately uplifting. At the centre of the strong ensemble cast is Beverley Stuart-Cole, who relishes her role as Chris and drives the calendar project with head girl levels of determination. Beverley exceled in her WI conference speech at the beginning of Act 2, which received a heart-warming and well deserved applause from the audience. The cast of game actresses worked well as a unit and generated a natural rapport with delightful performances all round radiating a sense of warmth. Annie - the recent widow played by Janet Slade - encourages the ladies to think outside their frocks! Her subtle struggle to remain upbeat through her grief was beautifully portrayed which I imagine could easily be lost amongst Firth's loftier characters and comic one liners, but Janet kept us all in line reminding us where the heart of this play truly lies. The photography shoot / nude scene was handled with comic bravado, portrayed not too dissimilar to a silent comedy routine, milking any discomfort the audience (or even the cast) may have about such unseemly revelations! This, and rightly so, was the play's highlight, the enactment was fulfilling and delivered a mix of emotions from fear to accomplishment, laughter to surprise, undoubtedly the peak to the play as I’m sure was intended during its original creation. Congratulations to all on a profound kick off to your 2012/13 season! Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

A short obituary of Derek Killeen, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Derek Killeen Derek became Artistic Director of the Garrick in 1979 and, during his three-year tenure, he also became Theatre Administrator in 1980. His directorial credits include Charley's Aunt , Abigail's Party , When We Are Married , The Merchant of Venice , and The Importance of Being Earnest . Prior to joining the Garrick, he worked in the Drama Department at Bristol University and as Production Manager at Liverpool Playhouse. Later in his career, after leaving the Garrick, he became the Artistic Director of the Peterborough Key Theatre from 1992- 2001, where he used his Garrick experience to the full by starting a Drama School and introducing Musical Theatre. Derek died in 2004. Back to In Memoriam page

Rising Damp at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Rising Damp Ran Invalid Date - Feb 7, 2014 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Rupert Rigsby is the moth-eaten landlord of a seedy lodging house in a nameless northern town. Among his tenants are Alan, Philip and Ruth. Alan and Philip provide the focus for Rigsby's many prejudices, while Ruth is his main object of desire. [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rising-Damp-1.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rising-Damp-2.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Rising-Damp-3.jpg|"] [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risinga.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingk.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/risingl.jpg|"] CAST Rigsby Tony Turner Alan Andrew Higson Philip Jason Cole Ruth Julie Cunningham Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen Rising to the challenge I have had a rubbish week, the commute from hell followed by the indignity of slipping on ice outside my son's school. Luckily he didn't see me end up on my backside, so I'm still, in his eyes, a cool dad. So, I went to the theatre on Tuesday night searching for a pick me up - no pun intended - and found it in Altrincham Garrick's production of Eric Chappell's sublime comedy, Rising Damp. A script containing some drop dead brilliant one liners is complemented by some fine acting from the strongest ensemble to grace the Barrington Road playhouse this season. The four strong cast have a look of their TV alter egos but what is really important, what is really impressive is the comic timing displayed by Tony Turner (Rigsby), Andrew Higson (Alan), Jason Cole (Philip) and Julie Cunningham who plays the breathy flirt, Miss Jones. The scene in which Rigsby tries to seduce the sultry spinster is comedy gold and even a bloke sat near me who had spent most of the evening with a face like a busted shoe, started laughing. The whole production is a testament to the considerable skills of director Bill Platt who obviously has a natural gift for comedy. Rising Damp was, for me, just what the doctor ordered as Trafford shivers its way into December. You simply must not miss this laugh out loud production. This is the best play of the season so far and the late, great Leonard Rossiter, who immortalised the miserly Rigsby on the small screen, would have been proud of all concerned. Star Rating ★★★★ ★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

See How They Run at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production See How They Run Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Set in the idyllic village of Merton-cum-Middlewick, where the village inhabitants are preparing themselves for the imminent threat of Nazi invasion. Resident nosey-parker and spinster, Miss Skillon, becomes convinced that her beloved vicar's actress wife is having an affair and attempts to expose her. Add an escaped German prisoner of war, a handsome actor, the visiting Bishop of Lax, a rotund locum priest and some meddling neighbours and you have all the ingredients for a classic British comedy. CAST Bishop of Lax Steve Williamson Rev. Arthur Humphrey Bill Platt Penelope Toop Laura Chandler Intruder/Man Graham Simmonds Lance-Corporal Clive Winton Trevor McKie Miss Skillon Victoria Johnson Rev. Lionel Toop David Leathlean Ida Erica Pickard Sergeant Towers Brian Howlett Review by Sale & Altrincham Messenger by Rick Bowen A Triumph Farces tend to leave me cold but See How They Run, Altrincham Garrick's latest production, is in a different class. With its slick wit and well drawn characters, Philip King's breathless comedy is a hoot from beginning to end. It's just what we need in these days of doom and gloom and if Celia Bonner's expertly staged production doesn't make you laugh, you must have had a sense of humour bypass. A country vicarage, quintessentially English, turns into a madhouse populated by a battered and bruised cleric, the village battleaxe who has been plied with booze and an escaped German prisoner of war, to name just three. This is, for me, one of the best comedies the Garrick has ever put on, with the cast displaying a sense of timing that the professionals would admire. Singling out individual performances for praise seems unfair as there aren't any bad ones. But David Leathlean is perfect as the Reverend Lionel Toop, an old school clergyman who'd be in heaven when offered tea and cucumber sandwiches. Laura Chandler is excellent as his actress wife Penelope and there's a really strong chemistry between her and Trevor McKie, who plays her former acting buddy, Lance-Corporal Clive Winton. Steve Williamson really does look like a man at the end of his tether as the stressed to the hilt Bishop of Lax. Great fun, a triumph.Star Rating ★★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Altrincham Garrick Show Choir presents - Choral Cinema: Music from the Movies at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Join us for an uplifting evening filled with iconic songs featured in films we know and love Garrick Production Altrincham Garrick Show Choir presents - Choral Cinema: Music from the Movies Join us for an uplifting evening filled with iconic songs featured in films we know and love Ran Jan 14, 2026 Age guidance Venue Main House Running time Tickets Price Range £12 Description 🎬 Altrincham Garrick Show Choir presents: Choral Cinema – Music from the Movies with special guests Northenden Choir Get ready for a feel-good night at the Garrick as our fabulous Show Choir brings the magic of the movies to life! Also featuring the wonderful Northenden Choir. Join us for an uplifting evening filled with iconic songs from beloved films, powerful choral harmonies and unforgettable melodies, performed live on stage. An evening of iconic songs featured in films we know and love. This is the perfect night out for film lovers, music fans, and anyone who enjoys a great night at the theatre. 🎟️ Book now and let the music move you! Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Dick Whittington & his Wonderful Cat at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Dick Whittington & his Wonderful Cat Ran Invalid Date - Aug 14, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A traditional family pantomime brought to you by the same team as the successful 'Snow White' last year......This panto offers you immense pleasure as you watch your children/grandchildren laugh, shout and really get involved in the story of Dick Whittington and his wonderful cat. They will meet marvellous characters such as Spirit of the Bells, Captain Cockles and Mussells, his mate. They will boo and hiss King Rat: Marvel at the antics of Tommy the cat and be entranced by the magical set and special effects. CAST Spirit of the Bells Maureen Casket King Rat Mike Shaw Captain Cockles Dave Jones Mr. Mussels Sean Gonet Alderman Fitzwarren Fred Yeomans Alice Fitzwarren Francesca Rabar Sarah the Cook Mark Edgar Idle Jack Adam Gonet Dick Whittington Jackie Wheble Tommy the Cat Grace Garside The Sultan of Morrocco Craig Barratt Chorus Craig Barratt Sian Smith Tom Green-Fuller Hannah Williams Chris Mawson Eleanor Bacon Tom Roche Alice Preece Alex Day Cloe Smith Jacob Holder Erika Pickard Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

All the Little Lights at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. The Studio 2023/2024 Season - A Series of All Female Plays. Garrick Production All the Little Lights The Studio 2023/2024 Season - A Series of All Female Plays. Ran Apr 23, 2024 - Apr 28, 2024 Age guidance 14+ Venue Studio Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £12 - £14 Description “I know you want what everyone else wants. A family. A home. But you’ll never have it. Cos of what’s inside you.” In a world where nobody wants you, what would you do to survive? Joanne and Lisa were like sisters. Then Lisa left. Now they're back together for one last birthday party by the railway tracks. But can they salvage their friendship, or will ghosts from the past haunt them forever? Poignant, moving and darkly funny, All the Little Lights is the searing story of young girls slipping through the cracks in society, desperately searching for friendship, family and themselves. Reviews Rick Bowen from StageStruck - 4 Stars THE first thing I have to say about this play, the emotional equivalent of being hit by a train, is don’t be fooled by its cosy sounding title, with images of suburban cosiness. It couldn’t be further from the truth in Jane Upton’s remarkable piece of writing that’s both funny and painfully evocative. Joanne and Lisa, who had an almost sisterly bond until they separated, ache for a better life even though the spectre of sexual exxploitation lurks in the background and threatens to crush their dreams. Amy, described as being like a baby by the formidable and feisty Joanne is simply looking for somewhere to belong.. As the three girls there’s an unsettling authenticity to their performances with Georgina Brame, Natalia Leaper and Isabel Stuart-Cole deserving a far bigger audience than the one that trickled into the Lauriston on opening night. While Upton’s play is a very difficult watch in places, theatre is at its best when it gives a voice to the voiceless and humanises issues like child abuse. Director Meg Brassington, so, so funny in the lead role in the Garrick’s production of the Vicar of Dibley, proves she’s equally at home with the serious stuff and I also liked her very convincing litter strewn set which formed the girls’ hillside sanctuary. It was a brave decision for the Garrick to stage such a challenging play which deserves to do very brisk business at its box office. Star rating **** Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning This production contains extremely strong adult language and talks about sexual exploitation and the abuse of minors. Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

La Cage Aux Folles at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production La Cage Aux Folles Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description It's back by huge public demand for the seventh time. This has to be the most popular show in the Garrick's long history. The incredible blend of glitz and glamour is interwoven with the touching love story of Georges and Albin. Show stopping numbers are performed by the sensational line-up of the high stepping he or she Cagelles, parading in their fabulous costumes. Although this is an extended run we are expecting that demand for tickets will be immense so please book early; you won't regret it. CAST Allan Taylor as Georges 'Les Cagelles' David Leathlean as Chantal Andrew Jones as Monique Brian Howlett as Dermah Andrew Higson as Nicole Mike Shaw as Hanna Stuart Harrison as Mercedes April Millar as Bitelle Marina Anderson as Lo Singh Michael Gadsby as Odette Laura Chandler as Angelique Tony Savage as Phaedra Mandy White as Clo Clo Jonathan White as Frances Gary Collins as Jacob Terry Chandler as Albin Jason Coman as Jean Michel Jenny Panton as Anne David Richardson as Renaud Patsy Roberts as Madame Renaud Roger Metcalfe as Edouard Dindon Jane Marsh as Marie Dindon Angela Wetherill as Jacqueline St Tropez Townspeople Stephanie Hawthorn as Paulette Julie Broadbent as Collette Ian Fensome as Etienne David Walton as Tabarro John Dickson as Hercule Bill Renshaw as Pepe Kathy Johnson as Babette Anne Chandler as Simone May Hulse as Yvette Rehearsal Photos [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cagea.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cageh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cagei.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cageb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cageg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cagee.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/caged.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cagej.jpg|"] Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

A Murder Has Been Arranged at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production A Murder Has Been Arranged Ran Invalid Date - Jun 29, 2018 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A UNIQUE THRILLER AND GHOST STORY Is this a thriller or a ghost story? It is a seat gripping drama with a murder and its consequences. There are many people involved in the production which takes place in a supposedly haunted theatre. There have been several mysterious deaths in the theatre in the past. A party on stage reveals a missing relative, an untimely death and a ghost like figure. This is a superb play from Emlyn Williams, definitely not to be missed! This Production is proudly sponsored by CAST Miss Groze – Fiona Primrose Mrs. Wragg - Christine Perry Jimmy North - Chris Wagstaffe Beatrice Jasper - Chloe Malandra Mrs. Arthur - Caroline Knight Sir. Charles Jasper - David Baxendale Maurice Mullins - Anthony Morris A Woman - Mandy White Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Altrincham Garrick Show Choir Presents at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Altrincham Garrick Show Choir Presents Ran Invalid Date - Jun 6, 2022 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description We are delighted to bring you Altrincham Garrick Show Choir's first Main Stage Concert 'The Music of Broadway'. Packed with show stopping songs from some of the very best smash hit musicals. From Frozen to Les Miserables, Chess to Hairspray, West Side Story, Dear Evan Hansen and much more. The evening will also be host to two professional guest soloists and a 4 piece band to compliment the Choir . Come and enjoy and celebrate all things musical! Guaranteed to have you leaving the Theatre on a musical high. It'll be absolutely Wicked to miss it! Our reasonably priced bar will be open before, during the interval and after the show. Free car park for customers and in easy walking distance of Altrincham and local tram and train stations. So what are you waiting for? BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW! Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Goodnight Mr Tom at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production Goodnight Mr Tom Ran Invalid Date - Apr 11, 2017 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Famous, heart-warming, drama at its best One of the most uplifting stories ever written, Michelle Magorian's stunning Goodnight Mister Tom is brought gloriously to life in this stage adaptation by David Wood . Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows sad young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley. All seems perfect until William is devastatingly summoned by his mother back to London. Goodnight Mister Tom is a tale of two broken souls at very different ends of the age scale that celebrates the value of love and proves that friendship knows no barriers. This production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3120.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3012.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2965.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3514.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3348.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3308.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3257.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3185.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Zach- Henry Thorman William Beech - Benoit Normand Ginnie- Kitty McGoff Carrie - Olivia Streeter Sammy/Puppeteer - Frances Hartill Mrs Beech - Caroline Knight George Fletcher - Paddy McGoff Tom Oakley - Bryan Higgins Mrs Fletcher/Nursing Sister - Rose Higgins Billeting Officer/Miss Thorne/Glad - Ruth Metcalfe Annie Hartridge - Mollie Rowley Nurses/Ensemble - Hannah Weiner Miss Miller/Nurses/Ensemble - Holly Gibson Charlie Ruddles/David Hartridge/Mr Stelton/ Vicar/London Ticket Colletor/Policeman - Gino Scrigna Dr Little/Mr Miller/ARP Warden London - David Baxendale Evacuee/ensemble - Paddy McGoff Review by Julia Taylor for The Messenger Love Story really pulls at the heart strings FEW plays pull at the heart strings as much as the Garrick's latest production, Good Night, Mister Tom. It is a demonstration of love between two people of different generations and very moving. This play is set at the start of the Second World War and features an evacuee from the London docks who is billeted with a grumpy old man in a rural village. It illustrates the power of love. In the case of Tom Oakley gone for forty years since his wife died and never awakened for William Beech, the deprived young evacuee. Although all the cast are good, including five other children, the production's success rests predominantly on the shoulders of two people Bryan Higgins as Mr Tom and 12-year-old Benoit Normand, who attends St Bede's school, as William. Bryan brings out the qualities of an old man who has kept his heart of gold hidden for too long. Benoit portrays well, a battered and bruised boy who has had religion pushed down his throat under threat of beating. His unhinged mother even packs a Bible and a belt to take away. Benoit makes his character slowly open up as he responds to the kindness and care he is offered. Bryan's Mr Tom begins to take on parental responsibilities even kidnapping him when his mother takes him back. I like Caroline Knight as the gone to the winds mother, Henry Thorman as Zach, William?s theatrical type best friend and young Frances Hartill. who manipulates Sammy, the puppet sheepdog throughout. This show, ideal for older children, is as thought-provoking as it is charming. The atmosphere is enhanced by appropriate background music, lighting and sound reproduction. Star rating ★★★ ★ Review for North West End by Tony Bellamy-Hibbert Altrincham Garrick Playhouse transformed to become the Devon village of Little Weirwold the home of Tom Oakley back in September 1939. This play has been adapted by David Wood from Michelle Magorian?s wonderful novel. This amateur production is wonderfully directed by Andrew Close and designed by Margaret Norris. Lighting is in the hands of Stuart Kilburn with sound provided by James Merrington. The first character we meet is the Billeting Officer played by Ruth Metcalfe who has been acting at the Garrick for many years. As she marches the evacuees around the village and to the home of Tom Oakley. Tom Oakley is superbly played by the NODA nominated Bryan Higgins, and he is left with little William Beech. Benoit Normand (12 years old who attends St Bede?s College) portrays William brilliantly and with great emotion when required. Tom has a collie dog called Sammy who was made by freelance puppeteer Jamie Marks (for further information about Jamie visit http://jamaniace.wixsite.com/jm-puppets ) and is skilfully brought to life by 11 year old Frances Hartill. Charlie Ruddles the local air raid warden is played by Gino Scrigna, with Rose Higgins playing the bubbly Mrs Fletcher. William is teased by village children Carrie (11-year-old Olivia Streeter from Sale), Ginnie (11 year old Kitty McGoff from Altrincham) and George Fletcher (10-year-old George McGoff) all three are stars in the making, handling appearing on stage with aplomb. The other evacuee that we meet is Zach (brilliantly played by Henry Thorman who is in his first year at St Bede?s College) who is a very confident lad who makes the audience chuckle along. Doctor Little is played by David Baxendale who is in his third production at the Garrick David also takes the role of Mr Miller, who runs the post office along with his daughter Miss Miller (Holly Gibson who has been involved in local drama groups from the age of 4). School teacher Mrs Annie Hartridge is wonderfully played by Mollie Rowley (a junior doctor away from acting, this is her first production at the Garrick). The other characters we meet in the 2nd half are William?s mother the terrible Mrs Beech played beautifully by Caroline Knight and the Social Worker played by Hannah Weiner. The play is well put together and condenses the film down without losing the essence of the story. The set changes are relatively smooth with a little bit of visible movement of the scenery, but this is to be expected from an amateur production who don?t have the vast budgets to build robust back drops. The acting especially from the young characters is very good and the emotion comes out between Mister Tom and William. Tonight, saw a packed audience and I am sure there were a few tears shed or if not a few quivering lips with the emotion shown. I would recommend this emotionally charged play to all age groups from 8+ especially if you like the book or movie. The costumes and scenery take you back in time adding to the experience. I have no hesitation in awarding 4 stars based on my experience this evening. North West End Star rating ★★★ ★ Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck ONLY the heartless would fail to be touched by this one, a heart-warming tale faithfully adapted for the stage by David Wood. An elderly widower re-discovers his appetite for life after a young and vulnerable evacuee is sent to live with him in his idyllic Devon village. William, the little lad in question, is nursing the physical and psychological scars of abuse at the hands of a mentally ill mother fixated on religion. Gradually, an unlikely bond builds between William and Tom Oakley, his new carer who actually cares for him, and this is expertly played out by Bryan Higgins (Tom) and Benoit Normand (William). Higgins has a deep seated affection for this delight of a role and it's plain for all to see. I also challenge anyone not to warm to Henry Thorman's Zach, a character as loud as the jumper he wears. At the other end of the spectrum we have Caroline Knight, positively hateful as William's crackpot of a parent, a woman who'd make most puritans seem like party animals. This is the ideal opportunity for parents to introduce older children to the theatre. While Goodnight Mister Tom doesn't gloss over the human tragedy of war, we are reminded that even in this chocolate box Devon village the residents aren't immune from it, this play touches on the subject in such a way that won't give the kids nightmares. So, I heartily recommend parents buy tickets for this as an Easter holiday treat for their youngsters. Director Andrew Close serves up a production that tugs the heart strings without seeming to try. Star rating ★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Join us during the half term holidays for a day or for the full week to enjoy theatrical fun: combining music, movement, monologues and much much more! The Academy Groups and Classes Altrincham Garrick Playhouse is the beating heart of the community. A theatre, cinema, youth academy and community creative social place for all to enjoy. GAPA Saturday Group School Holiday Courses Speech & Drama/ LAMDA Classes School Holiday Courses Half term and Easter Holiday Clubs Octopia - October Half-Term (5 days) : 26th - 30th October 2026 Febtastic - February Half-Term (5 days) : 15th – 19th February 2027 Easter Eggstravaganza (5 days) : 5th - 9th April 2027 Juneboree (4 days) : 1st - 4th June 2027 Join us during the holidays to enjoy theatrical fun: combining music, movement, monologues and much much more! (Nb: You can sign up to half- term holidays for a day or for the full week.) GAPA’s half-term workshops encourage the participants to explore their creative side and promote teamwork, in a safe and friendly environment. Our aim is to deliver exciting drama workshops for students aged 6-18, where they can learn drama skills, gain confidence and above all have fun. Classes run 10am - 4pm and cost £35 per day, or book the full 5 days and receive a £25 discount. Summer Holiday Courses Summer School Week 1 (full 5 days) : 26th July - 30th July 2027 Summer School Week 2 (full 5 days) : 2nd - 6th August 2027 Sign up for the full week, 10am - 4pm. Cost £185 per week. For more information please contact our box office on boxoffice@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk Subscribe to our Mailing List

A short obituary of Stevie Salem (née Holt), from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Stevie Salem (née Holt) Stevie was a firm Garrick audience favourite for over 20 years, appearing in over thirty shows in a leading role. Her first play at the theatre was in Birds on a Wing , in 1972. Her other main credits include Crown Matrimonial , Private Lives , Play it Again Sam , After the Ball , Blithe Spirit (when she played Elvira), California Suite , Having a Ball , A Taste of Honey , See How They Run (in which she played Penelope Toop), and Steel Magnolias . Her final performance on the Garrick stage was in Last Tango in Whitby in 1993. Stevie also appeared in musicals such as Marie and Annie , as well as several Old Time Music Halls. Backstage, she regularly worked as an ASM. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Liam Sammon, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Liam Sammon Liam was a well-known local estate agent. He joined the Garrick in the early 1990s and was already an established leading man on the local amateur operatic circuit. He took part in many musicals including one of the Garrick's smash hit productions of La Cage Aux Folles as George, the night club owner. He also often appeared on-stage with Christine Adams , who later became his wife : a true Garrick romance. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Anne Chandler, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Anne Chandler Anne was part of a hugely talented family who contributed much to the Garrick, including husband, Terry, and daughter, Laura. She had a wonderful singing voice and, apart from appearing regularly in Garrick musicals, she was also a member of several local choirs and musical societies. Her credits included appearing in Mame , Cabaret , A Little Night Music , La Cage Aux Folles , and Acorn Antiques, the Musical . She also took a full part in the social life of the Garrick, performing in several fund-raising cabarets - and she became a regular behind the bar pulling pints along with Janet Slade and Elaine Saville - a formidable, yet fun, trio. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Peter Jackson, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Peter Jackson Peter was Head of Workshop throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Apprenticed for 7 years from the age of 14, he became a Master Joiner working in the domestic and commercial fields. After joining the Garrick, he worked on over 400 mainstage and studio shows building and helping to design sets and making props plus working, and collaborating, with stage crew, designers and directors. He was much appreciated by all of them for his expert knowledge. He also was involved with helping to put on the one-night shows performed by visiting professional acts. Outside the Garrick, he took a keen interest in country sports and activities. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Eric Bradshaw, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Eric Bradshaw Eric had an association with the Garrick for over 60 years. He, his wife Dallas and their son Stephen contributed huge amounts of time and effort to the success of the theatre. Eric's chief role was working on hundreds of productions as a member of the Front of House team ... we have no evidence that he ever appeared on stage. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Greta Donahue, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Greta Donahue Greta was a true Garrick all-rounder, undertaking numerous roles from the 1960s onwards into the 90s. She first performed on the Garrick stage in The Marriage Go Round in 1967 and followed that, shortly afterwards in the same year, by directing When We Are Married . In the 1970s, she acted in Oliver , The Wizard of Oz , and as Maria Helliwell in When We Are Married , as well as many others. She continued directing plays, such as A Curious Savage , ...and a Little Love Besides , and A Woman of No Importance . She also worked in the Wardrobe, acted as an occasional ASM, and choreographed the STAGE 2 production of Godspell . However, Greta's best-known role was as the Director of the Drama School (the precursor to GAPA) throughout the 1980s into the 90s. She produced Senior Drama School shows such as Free as Air in 1989 and Our Day Out by Willy Russell in 1990. When she retired from the Drama School, she was made a worthy Honorary Life Member for all her many contributions to the life of the theatre. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Jim O'Gara, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Jim O'Gara Jim was a delightful and highly skilled actor who played many leading roles in the 1980s and 90s, especially in Alan Aykbourn plays such as Bedroom Farce and Season's Greetings . These were often directed by Alan Rothwell, a professional director who himself was well known for playing David Barlow in the early years of Coronation Street . Jim's natural and easy style of acting was highly appreciated by audiences, and his comic timing and hilarious facial expressions were priceless. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Rita Howard, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Rita Howard Rita was a fine dramatic actress who joined the Garrick in the 1960's, but she also occasionally played comedy roles such as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit . With her strong and powerful personality, she later became actively involved in the day-to-day running of the theatre, serving on the Executive Committee for many years. She was also a leading member of the Play Selection and Casting Committee. Rita's overall contribution to the continued success of the Garrick cannot be underestimated. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Geoff Hinde, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Geoff Hinde Geoff was a very versatile actor with a wonderful sense of humour, who acted in dozens of plays at the Garrick. A youth actor, his first senior mainstage show was in A Midsummer Night's Dream in 1982. In Chicago , in 1987, he was memorably cast in the babies' chorus dressed in bonnet and nappy, a real challenge for him being a non-dancer. 1988 was a busy year for Geoff, with him first taking part in Pack of Lies , then appearing in a Garrick production at the Edinburgh Fringe and finally appearing in Night and Day , being described by critic Rick Bowen as "the slimy, sycophantic Wagner, played perfectly by Geoff Hinde". In 1990, he played the Stage Manager in the Garrick’s Northern Amateur Premiere production of La Cage Aux Folles and, in 1999, he was to be found running around Dunham Massey stable courtyard in a nightshirt as Mr Thwackum in Tom Jones . His final performance for the Garrick was in 2003 in The Hollow, playing the bluff country squire in full tweeds. Geoff was also associated with other local amateur societies such as The Club Theatre (now The Altrincham Little Theatre) where he was actor, stage manager and lighting technician; Cheadle Players; and Wilmslow Green Room taking part in productions at Gawsworth Hall. In addition to his massive involvement with theatre, and outside his job as computer software training manager, he was a talented musician and a member of Timperley Hockey Club for over 40 years both as a player, where his nickname was appropriately The Red Shadow with his theatrical background, and then later as Vice- President. Geoff also enthusiastically took part in all the social and fund-raising efforts at the Garrick, and he was wonderful company in the bar with his great sense of humour and ready smile. He always had a twinkle in his eye. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Charles Foster, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Charles Foster Charles was an outstanding Garrick actor in the 1960s and early 70s, appearing in numerous productions including The Crucible , Much Ado About Nothing , Wait Until Dark , and Say Who You Are . From the 1970s into the 90s, with his unmistakable voice, he became one of the most recognisable faces on Granada Television as an on-screen continuity announcer. He also provided the voice over on shows such as Judge Rinder , Catchphrase and The Krypton Factor , and he had acting roles in Coronation Street , Emmerdale and Crown Court . In 2009, Charles was asked to play Sergeant Wilson in the Garrick's memorable production of Dad's Army alongside Allan Taylor's Captain Mainwaring - the last roles played by both these acting stalwarts on the Garrick stage. Charles is pictured as Sergeant Wilson from that production. Back to In Memoriam page

A short obituary of Jan Maddox, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Jan Maddox Jan had been associated with the Garrick all her life, mainly supporting events on the social side of things at the theatre. She was often seen selling Christmas Draw tickets or serving up hot food at the many after-show parties over the years. Jan's maiden name was Byrom - she was part of the family that played such an important part in the formation of the Society and (in time) the theatre itself. All the meetings and rehearsals in the early days took place in her Great Grandfather's premises, known as Byrom's Buildings on Kingsway in Altrincham. Jan's Grandfather was a founder member and remained involved throughout his life and, naturally, introduced her to the theatre. Jan is sadly missed by all her many friends and family, and particularly so by all of at the Garrick. Back to In Memoriam page

A Murder is Announced at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production A Murder is Announced Ran Feb 5, 2001 - Feb 10, 2001 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description An intriguing whodunnit from the masterly pen of perhaps the world's best-known crime writer, the "Duchess of Death" as she has been called. Generous and caring Letitia Blacklock provides shelter for an assorted cast of misfits and life is proceeding uneventfully until the announcement in the local rag that a murder will tame place, in their very home, that evening at six-thirty pm. Who is the victim and who the perpetrator of this dastardly crime? All will be revealed at the end of the play. CAST Sarat Broughton as Julia Simmons Jane Marsh as Letitia Blacklock Mollie Woodbine as Dora Brunner Hugh Everett as Patrick Simmons Juliette Wilson as Mitzi Ann McKenna as Miss Marple Lisa Barker as Phillipa Haymes Margaret Booth as Mrs Swettenham Matthew Foster as Edmund Swettenham Dave Midgley as Rudi Scherz Mike Shaw as Inspector Crtaddock Colin Bowles as Sergeant Mellors Directed by Helen Parry Designer: Mike Stocks Sound Design: Dave Healey Sound Operation: Chris Wetherill Lighting Design: Mike North Lighting Operation: Charlotte Scullard Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

It Runs in the Family at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production It Runs in the Family Ran Invalid Date - Apr 11, 2017 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Hilarious comedy from the Master of Farce If you are a leading surgeon in London's most prestigious hospital and you are delivering the 'Lecture of the Year' to a hundred of the world's leading physicians, the last thing you want is a distraught mistress from 20 years ago turning up. Well Dr. Mortimer can cope with that, but when the erstwhile mistress says that the result of their past union was a baby boy, he is more than gobsmacked. And when the ex-mistress then tells him that the baby boy, now a strapping sixteen-year old, is waiting outside to be introduced, there is only one course of action... send for faithful friend, Dr. Bonney. Typical Cooney complications ensue involving a police sergeant, Dr. Mortimer's wife, a severe hospital matron and Dr. Bonney's mother, although why Dr. Bonney has to impersonate both matron and Al Jolson is too complicated to explain here. This production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2629.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2648.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2654.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2682.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2713.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2719.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2775.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2819.jpg|"] Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Dr. David Mortimore - Jonathan Black Rosemary Mortimore - Claire Mather Dr. Mike Connolly - Andrew Higson Dr. Hubert Bonney - Mike Shaw Sister - Adele Higson Matron - Jill Ratcliffe Jane Tate - Lise Banks Leslie - Oliver Knowles Sir Willoughby Drake - David Reynolds Police Sergeant - Paul Wilson Bill - Graham Simmonds Mother - Janet Slade Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck They say laughter is the best medicine and I received an unexpected dose while watching this hospital based farce from the undisputed king of the genre, Ray Cooney. I say unexpected because farces usually leave me cold and while some of the jokes are dead on delivery this is a fun, frantic and perfectly paced evening's theatre. Dr David Mortimore's past catches up with him when an old flame turns up at his hospital with the sort of Christmas present he wasn't expecting in the shape of the son he's never met. Leslie is the archetypal angry young man, desperate to find his real dad. Mortimore, on the other hand, is desperate to keep his true identity a secret and his hapless colleague Dr Robert Bonney ends up covering for him. Throw a batty old boy into the comedy mix in the shape of Bill (Graham Simmonds) and you have the recipe for laughs. Bill has keen eye for the ladies and a raging libido to boot and Simmonds relishes and shines in the same way Jonathan Black enjoys the incurable schemer Dr David Mortimore. Mike Shaw rises to the many challenges playing Bonney throw up. This is a real test of his verbal and visual comic skills. Nobody looses their trousers in this play, just their dignity. All in fun of course and you're sure to enjoy the later scenes involving a decidedly "under the weather" Matron, played by an excellent Jill Ratcliffe. Director Alan Clements certainly gets the best out of cast who give the distinct impression they would happily stay on stage all night. While I wouldn't go as far as to call myself a convert, this entertaining production has made me look at farces in a whole new light. Great escapism - go and wallow in the silliness. Star rating ★★★ Review by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger WHAT better setting could you have for a farce than a hospital? Ray Cooney's It Runs in the Family at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse with its twists and turns and exaggerated characters is set in such a place. The leading physician, Dr David Mortimer, is regarded as a pillar of society. But is he? Suffice it to say he is one of the leading fib tellers, Jonathan Black captures his situation well and is especially amusing when he prepares for an important lecture. His sidekick is Dr Hubert Bonney, played with appropriate eccentricity by Mike Shaw. He comes to the rescue when Dr Mortimer?s former mistress, Jane Tate (Lise Banks) turns up to tell that someone from his past is waiting to see him. To add to the deception, Dr Mortimer's wife, Rosemary, a forthright Claire Mather, is there and has to be kept in ignorance of the truth. Graham Simmonds does well as Bill, a patient who gets caught up in the tangled web of deceit. The youngest cast member, Oliver Knowles, plays the son perpetually searching for someone. I am impressed with the fast pace maintained throughout, a credit to director Alan Clements. As the action gets faster and faster and more complicated you realise the hours of practice that have gone into making it such a success. Mix in some cross dressing and you have the perfect recipe. Star rating ★★★ ★ Review from NORTH WEST END Written by "farceur par excellence", Ray Cooney, 'It Runs In The Family' is a superb British farce, full of miscommunication, misunderstandings and mishaps. I'm not usually a fan of farce as I generally find it very frustrating but tonight's performance at The Altrincham Garrick had me chuckling and laughing out loud virtually all evening. A perfect antidote to a grey Monday! The plot is intricate but actually not too difficult to follow although it is obviously quite ludicrous which is what makes it so funny. Without revealing any spoilers, the basic premise is that Dr David Mortimore is preparing to give a very important lecture which could possibly put him in line for a knighthood. Along comes a past lover from nineteen years ago plus her eighteen year old son... Throw in a vicar with piles and gout, a confused Policeman and a non-existent dog called Les and you have all the makings of a perfect evening! The stars of tonight's show for me were Dr David Mortimore (Jonathan Black) and Dr Hubert Bonney (Mike Shaw). Their performance is the bedrock for this production.?? They have perfect comic timing, great expression and they both look great in blonde wigs. Dr Bonney is the perfect stooge to Dr Mortimore's 'straight man' and the two of them together are comedy gold. Hold on to your sides when Dr Bonney has a case of mistaken identity with Matron and look out for his coy yet seductive rendition of 'Falling In Love Again'. This was one of the high points of the evening and showcased Mike Shaw's versatility. He is clearly very at ease in a comedy role and he carries it off perfectly. The comedy is well paced with excellent timing. Jonathan Black plays his role as slightly caddish Dr Mortimore with suave ease, whilst Mike Shaw's fraught and frantic Dr Bonney is hilarious and totally entertaining. Much of the farce emanates from Dr Mortimore who is concocting one (ridiculous) lie after another and everything spirals into a chaotic yet superbly entertaining and well drawn together comedy. There is a comedy gem in nearly every line and just when you think things can't get any more ridiculous... As with most farces, there is an element of physical comedy which is well directed and acted without being too over the top the window scene had the audience almost crying with laughter and it was extremely well executed by everyone and with excellent attention to detail. Director, Alan Clements, has done a wonderful job, it would be easy for some of the scenes to descend into overacted chaos but they don't and it was clear to see that much work has gone into ensuring that this show retains all of its excellent humour without becoming too slapstick. The set is excellent, you are in no doubt straight away that the play is set in a hospital and there was good use of the stage and the various doors and windows. Credit to Juliet Jones, the set designer, as this is one of the more robust and well constructed sets that I've seen. There were a few fluffs and just one or two moments when I wasn't sure whether a couple of lines had been forgotten, I am sure this was nothing more than first night nerves and it didn't detract from the enjoyment at all. The proof of the success of this production was demonstrated by the audience reaction tonight, there was barely a moment when people weren't laughing. Congratulations to all involved, it was a thoroughly entertaining and hilarious evening. Reviewer: Nicky Lambert. Star rating ★★★ ★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

The Secret Garden at the Altrincham Garrick Theatre. Garrick Production The Secret Garden Ran Invalid Date - Jun 21, 2016 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The magical musical based on the classic children's book Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved victorian classic, The Secret Garden, blossoms anew in this enchanting musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon. When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a cholera outbreak in India, she is sent to live with her uncle, hermit Archibald Craven, who lives in an imposing, secluded manor on the British heath. Inside the haunting house upon the hill, Mary finds a reclusive, long-suffering collection of souls. Since her aunt Lily's death, Mary's uncle has pushed away his surviving loved ones, leaving his bedridden son, Colin, alone. Sickly Colin, hidden away in the depths of the manner, bears the guilt of his mother's death on his crippled shoulders. When Mary discovers her Aunt Lily's hidden garden, locked shut and overgrown with vines, stubborn Mary is determined to revive the beauty that once was. Surrounded by spirits from the past, who both warn and welcome her, determined Mary begins to peel away the layers of sadness that cover the house and the garden, showing us the power that one small girl can have when she wants things to grow.? The production is proudly sponsored by Allen Mills Howard & Company [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_2635.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_2772.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_2804.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_2813.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_2431.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_2578.jpg|"] PHOTOGRAPHS by Vishal Sharma CAST Lily (Dreamer) - Sasha Carrillo de Albornoz Mary Lennox - Alice Cross Mrs Medlock - Ros Greenwood Dr Neville Craven - Chris Wagstaff Martha - Lara Hancox Archibald Craven - Joshua Lloyd Ben Weatherstaff - Dave Richardson Dickon - David Beeby Colin Craven - Theo Hill Mrs Winthrop - Christine Perry Rose Lennox (Dreamer) - Pippa Greenhalgh Captain Albert Lennox (Dreamer) - Sam Berrie Alice (Dreamer) - Lauren Whiteley Lieutenant Wright (Dreamer) - Tim Hotham Lieutenant Shaw (Dreamer) - Jackson Hayes Major Holmes (Dreamer) - Josh Crook Claire Holmes (Dreamer) - Ella Kirk Ensemble of Dreamers - Liam Dodd, Rose Wilson, Aidan Burgess, Tabitha Hughes, Matthew Spilsbury, Brendan Cunningham, Danny McCarrick Review by R ick Bowen for Stagestruck The Secret Garden is a vocal and visual treat, a production that doesn't tear at the heart strings. It plucks them out completely. Prepare to be moved, deeply moved. It also reminds us that this theatre is more than capable of matching the artistic output of Manchester's professional venues. You wouldn't expect anything less really, when you look at the creative team behind it. Director Joe Meighan, designer Barry Purves and musical director Mark Goggins. All three are incapable of putting a theatrical foot wrong. And what about little Alice Cross, a bright, engaging bundle of energy as the orphaned Mary Lennox, sent to live in her uncle's rambling old house after the untimely death of her parents. The house is a monument to decay and her uncle Archie, consumed by grief, has stopped living. He simply exists, and Joshua Lloyd is outstanding in the role. He has a terrific stage presence, a quality shared by Alice who has a professional career ahead of her should she wish to follow that particular path. While roaming the corridors of her bleak new home Alice meets and strikes up an unlikely friendship with Colin (Theo Hill), seemingly a sickly child too weak to go out and play. There are some memorable verbal spats between the two. For me the best songs are in act one, some of the numbers so emotionally intense I felt both emotionally drained and yet strangely uplifted by the time the interval came. Brace yourselves for a memorable ending, full of colour and spectacle. Do not miss this. Star rating ★★★★★ Review by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger Altrincham Garrick's The Secret Garden can melt the hardest of hearts The Secret Garden, at the Garrick Playhouse, can reduce the hardest of hearts to jelly because it's all about the best side of human nature. With book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1911 tale, it tells of Mary Lennox, orphaned in India and sent to live with her reclusive uncle, widower Archibald Craven (Joshua Lloyd). There, she not only discovers Colin, a lonely child invalid, but a secret garden once cultivated by her late aunt She brings it to life which helps to heal inner wounds both she and Colin share. The music is by composer, Lucy Simon and performed by an orchestra directed by Mark Goggins. Without exception, every singer has great musicality but it is Joshua Lloyd who stands out. His voice is positively operatic. The remarkable thing is that this production is led by children. In particular, eight-year-old Alice Cross who plays young Mary. She sings and interacts with a poise beyond her years. On stage most of the time, you can hear her every word. Eleven-year-old Theo Hill plays Colin, who believes he will die before he grows up. Rugged country boy Dickon is 21-year-old David Beeby. I also single out Sasha Carrillo de Albornoz as Colin's spirit-like mother, Lily, and Pippa Greenhalgh who appears as Mary's late mother, Rose. This show owes much to the imaginative direction of Joe Meighan. Star rating ★★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

A short obituary of Sir Fergus Montgomery, from the Altrincham Garrick Society. Previous Next Sir Fergus Montgomery Sir Fergus Montgomery, our President for over 30 years, was held in great esteem and affection by all of us. He worked tirelessly to ensure that our efforts to fund the refurbishment of the Garrick (in 1999) were successful. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude, as without him the Garrick would not be the jewel it is today. His love of the theatre was immense and his encouragement was an inspiration. Back to In Memoriam page

We are always looking for new talent (of any age) to work in all areas of the theatre – no experience is necessary as you will be given full training by our qualified staff. Get Involved Garrick Merchandise Show your love for theatre and support the Garrick by marketing it wherever you go. Garrick-branded T-shirt Garrick-branded Polo shirt Garrick-branded sweatshirt Garrick-branded hooded fleece Order directly from the supplier Delivered straight to your door No mark-up – all merch helps spread the word about our theatre! Visit the Merchandise Shop Don’t forget : Garrick Mugs, Water Bottles, and Tote Bags, as well as music sheets for the Choir and scripts of past productions, are also available to purchase directly at the Box Office. Grab your merch, wear it proud, and help market YOUR theatre! Join our mailing list Subscribe