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< Back La Voix ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 7 April 2021 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Return of The UK's Funniest Red Head! Global Superstar La Voix’s show has become a phenomenon in many towns and cities around the world. 2021 sees La Voix’s most glamorous show yet taking the UK by storm. La Voix has packed it by the case load and is heading to Altrincham with her incredible musicians for an unforgettable evening! Expect side splitting comedy, huge vocals, mesmerising impressions of the worlds biggest divas and buckets full of energy. “WEAR THICK PANTS BECAUSE YOU’LL WET YOURSELF LAUGHING” Jennifer Saunders La Voix’s shows truly are not to be missed! With her hilarious brand new show, new songs and even more gorgeous dresses, this is the MUST SEE show of the year! This show provides fans and first timers, a truly unique evening of entertainment in the company of a true legend and guarantees to bring the audience to their feet with this evening of music and laughter! ***** (5star) 'Go and see a legend in the making’ West End Wilma “La Voix’s impersonations are surpassed only by her own cheekily entertaining personality. A genuine one-off!” Sir Ian McKellen ‘When I grown up I wanna be La Voix!' Dawn French Please subscribe if you would like our regular FREE Garrick Newsletter, as well as all the Garrick Production & Membership News together with the latest Special Offers [inbound_button font_size="20" color="#c8232b" text_color="#ffffff" icon="thumbs-o-up" url="http://altrinchamgarrick.hosted.phplist.com/lists/?p=subscribe " width="" target="_blank"] Click HERE to Subscribe[/inbound_button]

< Back Paul Young ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 27 May 2022 He’s been a major star for four decades. Paul Young broke into the big time 40 years ago when No Parlez went to number one and spawned iconic hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home). More success followed with the number one album The Secret Of Association and the worldwide hit Everytime You Go Away, not forgetting an appearance at Live Aid and more. Paul sustained that success – while having fun in his tex-mex band, Los Pacaminos. Now, on the 40th anniversary of No Parlez, he’s releasing a remarkable new record and publishing his extraordinary memoir; both called Behind The Lens. He’s touring the UK, too, where he’ll meet fans, sing hits and tell stories about his incredible career. It’s time to revel in the classic hits and learn the stories behind them as Paul steps out from Behind The Lens. 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!

< Back September Tide ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Downes, Elsie Purcell, Allison Smart, Brian Sykes, Constance D

< Back CHATROOM - A One Act Play ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 31 March 2021 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Altrincham Garrick Playhouse are proud supporters of PAPYRUS with our production of Chatroom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A chilling, blackly comic tale of manipulation, cyberbullying and adolescent insecurity. In a quiet corner of the internet, a group of bored, restless teenagers spend their time deconstructing children's literature and the messages in modern pop music. But when a new member joins to share his depression and thoughts of suicide, the conversation takes a darker turn. A powerful depiction of modern-day isolation and the dangerous power of technology, Enda Walsh's play Chatroom formed part of the National Theatre's 2005 Connections season, an annual festival of new plays for youth theatres and schools. It received its first professional production in the Cottesloe auditorium of the National Theatre, London, in March 2006. Performed by The Garrick Ensemble; a company of 18 - 30 year old aspiring actors from Greater Manchester and Cheshire who perform one production each year as part of the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse Main House Season. The Garrick Ensemble aims to make theatre that is fresh, innovative and exciting. See the very best of local, up and coming talent before they move forward in the next stages of their careers in the Arts. **This play contains strong language and deals with topics including depression and suicide.** Running Time: Approx. 75 Minutes (No Interval) This amateur production of “Chatroom” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk Download the programme for the week's performance. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK. The national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour. HOPELINEUK is the charity’s confidential helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone who is concerned about a young person who may be struggling with life. HOPELINEUK is staffed by trained professionals, offering a telephone, text and email service. For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org StageStruck - Rick Bowen I STILL haven’t worked it out. Whenever I go to review a production of a play or a show with a small audience it invariably falls into the outstanding category. Chatroom is no exception. For me, live theatre and TV drama is always at its best when shining a light on difficult issues and dragging the audience or the viewer into a darker world, a world you’re relieved to escape when you leave the theatre or turn off the TV. However shocked you feel it can also be an enlightening experience as this evening in the company of the Internet generation is. It’s oh so tempting to envy teenagers as they’re largely free of responsibilities and live to just enjoy themselves. That’s a myth of course. Just ask Jim, the central character in Enda Walsh’s deeply unsettling but ultimately hopeful play. Pining for a dad who suddenly and mysteriously went AWOL and nursing the psychological and physical scars of a difficult home life, this troubled teen is contemplating suicide. Walsh’s brilliant script doesn’t dilute the difficult nature of this difficult topic while at the same time refusing to sensationalise it. Rather he tells this absorbing tale with quiet compassion and you find yourself caring deeply about Jim, forever the outcast.. A young and dynamic cast more than do justice to this exceptional piece of work, expertly brought to the stage by Joe Meighan, the Garrick’s young and dynamic artistic director. Highly recommended. Star rating -**** North West End - Lou Steggals What would you imagine to be on the agenda for teenagers chatting online? Rating current romantic crushes? How mean mum and dad are for not letting them out past 10? Whether the fat German kid would be more likely to win Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory over Charlie Bucket might not feature on your list, but it is the first vignette of conversation we’re presented with as we join our six teen stars of Enda Walsh’s one-act play Chatroom. Described as a chilling, blackly comic tale, Chatroom looks at themes of online manipulation, cyberbullying and teenage depression, as relatively innocent conversations dissecting children’s literature and pop music are punctured by the arrival of Jim, a young man struggling with suicidal thoughts. This show marks the first production by the Garrick’s newly-formed, in-house ensemble which aims to give aspiring 18 – 30 year old actors from Greater Manchester the opportunity to deliver one show a year as part of the Garrick’s wider season. The cast consisted of Elyas Meekcoms (Jim), Olivia Brindley (Laura), Luke Robinson (William), Lizzie Lomas (Eva), Luke Bicknell (Jack) and Holly Gibson (Emily). Given the sensitive subject matter of the play, director Joseph Meighan has been blessed with a very strong and talented cast, with the young actors showing a maturity and artistic skill beyond their years. Aided by a smart set, and lighting design from James Merrington that highlights the sense of isolation, and clever touches with props (one teen swigs Red Bull, another, Capri Sun), each performer creates a distinctive character and there isn’t a weak link among them as they either seek to either goad or support Jim through his depression. It is exceptionally done and, in an age where youth mental health has been badly impacted by the pandemic, is a timely reflection of the dangers of isolation and peer influence, both good and bad. If anything lets this show down just a bit, it’s the musical interludes where, instead of snippets of music, we have entire pop songs that start to drag and risk killing the pace of the piece, especially as the accompanying movement is very repetitive. Also, despite some of the cultural references being updated, this does feel like a play of when it was written (early 2000s). Chatrooms have given way to social media and the absence of this from the script lessens the sense of timelessness. If Walsh were to revisit his script for the post-coronavirus age it could give the show a whole new potency. Nevertheless, the strength of performances still allows us to follow along a sadly familiar path where angst and insecurity can lead to cruelty, despite cries of ‘Be Kind’ from the well meaning, building to a palpably tense ‘will he, wont he’ finale. The cast and crew are to be commended for delivering a powerful reminder of how easy it can be to fall prey to faceless internet trolls, whilst providing a thread of hope that there are also those willing to listen when we are at our most vulnerable. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the issues raised in this play please visit papyrus-uk.org for further advice and support. North West End UK Rating: ★★★★ Photographs: Martin Ogden

< Back NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE - Much Ado About Nothing ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 13 July 2022 Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd ) and John Heffernan (Dracula ) lead the cast in Shakespeare’s romcom of sun, sea and mistaken identity. The legendary family-run Hotel Messina on the Italian Riviera has been visited by artists, celebrities and royalty. But when the owner’s daughter weds a dashing young soldier, not all guests are in the mood for love. A string of scandalous deceptions soon surround not only the young couple, but also the adamantly single Beatrice and Benedick. Following the award-winning success of National Theatre Live’s Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night and Antony and Cleopatra , director Simon Godwin returns with this irresistible comedy, broadcast live from the National Theatre stage.

< Back Great Day ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Billcliff, Lillian Bluck, Brenda Carter, Harold Green, Joyce Guthrie, Lila M Heap, Marjorie Hobbs, Olive Nellie Lee, Edna Gordon Pearce, Rosemary Stockdale, Leslie

< Back Night Must Fall ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Cartwright, Eric A Hollway, Frank Iredale, Emmie Matthews, Marion Thwaite Pearce, Tom Smith, Margaret Sykes, Constance D West, Carrie

< Back The Road to Rome ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Coventry, Betty Hankins, J Hill, Arthur P Jones, Arthur C Jones, T L Kewell, H Kewell, J E Kirton, C H Landon, W Eric Mansbridge, Ivy Montgomery, A L Nixon, Walter S Pennington, Muriel Pye, George H Ross, Donald A Slinn, Ella Spencer, Ralph Winn, Rex Wilkinson, John

< Back Alty Fringe: ABBA Revival ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 October 2020 Award winning ABBA tribute band ‘Revival’ have recently been voted the UK’s official number 1 ABBA tribute act by the Agents' Association of Great Britain. Revival’s renowned ABBA stage show has proved a hit time and time again in the UK and the world over, wowing audiences from Europe to the Middle East ... and recently the band has been invited to perform a 5-day tour in ABBA’s homeland of Sweden. The show includes faithful choreography, spectacular and authentic costumes, stunning production and - most importantly - excellent musicianship. ABBA Revival takes their audience on a musical journey back to the heady pop-tastic disco days when ABBA ruled the dance floor! This show is part of the Alty Fringe 2021 - socially distanced and safe for all! The theatre has extensive COVID-19 safety measures in place, including a redesigned socially distanced auditorium, contactless tickets, regular deep cleans after each performance, timed entry slots, hand sanitiser stations around the theatre ... and much more. The Alty Fringe is proud to be appearing at the Altrincham Garrick from 12 March to 28 March 2021 . #altyfringe

< Back It Runs in the Family ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 11 April 2017 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 ★★★ ★

< Back On Approval ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 July 2014 CAST Bramwell, Madge Bullivant, Erick Lucius, Esme Mendelsohn, Maurice T

< Back One Man, Two Guvnors ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 18 August 2015 'One of the greatest ever comedy hits, this award winning play originally produced for The National Theatre by Richard Bean has been seen worldwide.?A magnificent farce of disguise and intrigue. Set in the racy resort of Brighton in the swinging 1960's, the hapless Francis Henshall becomes employed by two men, Roscoe Crabbe, a gangster and Stanley Stubbers, and upper class rogue. Francis needs to keep these two men from meeting to conceal the fact that he is working for someone else. But Roscoe is not all that he seems to be- he is actually Rachel Crabbe in disguise , her twin brother Roscoe having been killed by her lover. Freely adapted from the original classic, The Servant of Two Masters, the audience play their part in the hilariously chaotic chain of events coming to a rousing conclusion. Originally starring James Corden, the Garrick is especially thrilled to present this great comedy . [gallery type="rectangular" columns="7" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_9045.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_8991.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_8973.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_8951.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_8869.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_8828.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DSC_8676.jpg|"] CAST CHARLIE (The Duck) CLENCH - Martin Oldfield PAULINE CLENCH - Charlotte Jobling HARRY DANGLE - Andrew Higson ALAN DANGLE - Callum Anderson DOLLY - Laura Chandler LLOYD Mac BOATENG - John Westbrook RACHAEL/ROSCOE CRABBE - Steph Niland STANLEY STUBBERS - Daniel Ferguson FRANCIS HENSHALL - Barry Spencer GARY BALDI - Bill Platt ALFIE - BRIAN HOWLETT ENSEMBLE - Sandy McGuire, Margaret Kenyon, Sylvia Hay, Adele Higson, Jent Slade, Stuart Slade, Paul Lawrie-Clarkeson SKIFFEL GROUP - Michael, Dave O'Keefe, Rick Sarko Review by Remotegoat.com by Juila Taylor In blissful ignorance I take my usual front row seat to review the Garrick's production of One Man Two Guvnors. It's a big mistake for I spend the first Act quivering in my boots lest I be picked by the actors for some fiendish interaction. At the interval, sighing with relief, I grab an ice-cream to cool me down. It is the woman next to me - a Christine Paterson from Timperley - who gets it - and I laugh at her misfortune along with everyone else. I'm hoping she is a stooge and am pretty sure she was because she mysteriously disappeared during the interval. Not so, the two blokes who precede her. They looked decidedly troubled when they are dragged on stage to move some suitcases. Set in 1963, One Man Two Guvnors is an adaptation by Richard Bean of a much older comedy, by Carlo Goldoni but when it is set is irrelevant for the dilemmas enacted are timeless. It is lead actor, Barry Spencer playing Francis Henshall who brings down the house but he doesn't overshadow other clowns in smaller parts. Francis is the chump who spends most of the evening running round in circles to please his two bosses putting fathomless energy into his performance. The bosses are ex public school boy, Stanley Stubbers (Daniel Ferguson) an upper class buffoon with a far back voice who happens to be a murderer and Rachel Crabbe (Steph Niland) who spends her time pretending to be her deceased brother, one of Stubbers victims. In one of the funniest scenes, Ferguson's Francis attempts to serve food and wine simultaneously to his masters who are in different rooms. Despite the hard work that has obviously gone into this show, on Tuesday night, the audience are unresponsive which I feel is probably due to the script rather than any poor acting. People I spoke to were hesitant in their remarks about the production. Nevertheless, there are lots of amusing moments in One Man, Two Guvnors which are the perfect antedote to poor November weather. The on stage skiffle group made up of Michael Clark, percussion, Dave O'Keefe, Guitar and Vocals and Rick Sarko, Double Bass, goes down well. Star Rating ★★★

< Back Honk Jr ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 30 May 2014 Honk! is a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling, incorporating a message of tolerance. The book and lyrics are by Anthony Drewe and music is by George Stiles (of the British songwriting duo Stiles and Drewe). The musical is set in the countryside and features Ugly ? a cygnet (who is mistaken as an ugly duckling upon falling into his mother's nest) who is rejected by everyone but Ida (his mother), a sly tomcat who only befriends him out of hunger, and several other barnyard characters. He is brown and stubby and his brothers are nice white ducklings with yellow beaks. The junior version of Honk! that we are doing has been made for younger audiences but follows the same story. Honk! Jr. A slightly trimmed down version of the original British musical. We will be performing three versions of the show in June. Wednesday 25th June (15-18 Groups) Friday 27th (12-16 Groups) Saturday 28th (8-11 Groups & 5-8 Group) Tickets available from our Box Office

< Back A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 This show could not be more different from A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC by the same composer/lyricist. Set in ancient Rome it feaures slaves, virgins, a buyer and seller of the flesh of beautiful women, elderly citizens with an eye for the ladies, and harridan wives - all played very seriously of course. This show played with such success with Frankie Howerd as the leading slave that the TV series UP POMPEII was a spin-off from it.Featuring possibly the best opening of any musical "Comedy Tonight", other great numbers are "Everybody ought to have a maid", "I'm lovely, absolutely lovely" and many more. A great end-of-season romp. ?

< Back I Remember Mama ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Abbott, Amy Allman, William Angell, Jocelyn Armitage, Graham Barratt, Norman Bayliss Tony Carden, Michael Clephan, Gay Davenport, Alfred Ely, Michael D Fiddes, Kay Gluck, Brenda Plinge, Walter Sculfer, Kathleen Snape, Joyce Tomlinson, Doris (Dorrie) Warrington, Betty Wilson, Joy Greenwood

< Back Tom, Dick and Harry ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 7 February 2014 Three brothers, three problems. One brother is in the final stages of adopting a baby. One has just returned from a trip abroad smuggling brandy and cigarettes, also two stowaway refugees who sneaked into his van. The third brother has embarked on a plan involving body parts. Mayhem ensues. [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tomc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tome.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tomf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tomh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tomg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/toml.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tomd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tomj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tomi.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/tomk.jpg|"] CAST Tom Kerwood Graham Simmons Linda Kerwood Kathryn Worthington Dick Kerwood Mike Shaw Harry Kerwood Brian Howlett Katrina Melissa Ward Andreas Gary Collins Constable Downs lan Fensome Mrs. Potter Sandy McGuire Boris David Black Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen Garrick Farce does what it says on the tin FANS of farces will love every minute of 'Tom, Dick and Harry', Altrincham Garrick's latest production. Unfortunately for the theatre, I don't fall into that category and found certain parts of the play a real endurance test. Also, it's portrayal of foreigners belongs in the 1970's rather than the 21st century. That said, Maureen Casket has assembled a great cast whose comedy timing is absolutely spot on. Particularly impressive is Graham Simmonds as the hapless Tom, a man whose plans to adopt a child are thrown into serious doubt by the shady antics of his wide boy brother Dick and a hair brained scheme hatched by the zaniest of the three siblings, Harry. Brian Howlett, who plays Harry, puts in the performance of the evening as the daft Harry and he put me in mind of the great Norman Wisdom in terms of the way he moves about the stage. Both men have a natural aptitude for comedy and the director certainly brings this out. Mike Shaw is eminently watchable as Dick, the type of bloke who would sell his own granny if the price was right, but I couldn't help feeling writers Ray and Michael Cooney could have done more with a character whose comic potential is never fully realised. Not my cup of tea - but if you like farces or go to the theatre purely to be entertained, this light hearted caper ticks all the boxes. Barry Fletcher's set provides an appealing backdrop for the ensuing chaos.

< Back As Long and They're Happy ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Caldwell, Pamela Corness, Ian Harris, Frank Hopkinson, Isobel Maybury, Donald Sykes, Constance D

< Back The Man with a Load of Mischief ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 July 2014 CAST Bramwell, Madge Brown, Sydney A Gow, Ronald Lucius, Esme Wilson, Tom

< Back Aladdin ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 7 February 2014 What a treat we have in store for you this year with another great Traditional Pantomime for all the family to enjoy. Be whisked away on a magic carpet to China to meet up with those hilarious characters Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey and of course Aladdin himself. Join them in a fun pact Christmas spectacular with dazzling costumes, great songs, gags galore and all the fun of this super show.Don't wait, book now, last year's pantomime was the tenth year in a row to completely sell out with hundreds turned away, don't be one of them. CAST Aladdin Edward Prophet Abanazar Mike Shaw Widow Twankey David Gonet Wishee Washee Adam Gonet Abu Sean Gonet Hakim Stuart Bilson Empress of Persia Maureen Casket Princess Jasmine Hannah Pond Slave of the Ring Mandy White Genie of the Lamp Martin Creevy Story Teller Mark Rowlands Company Anna Aslanova, Tom Marsh, Tiffany Armitage, Josie Bacon, Jamie Boughen, Ellen Tufft, Hannah Mohamed, Chris Mawson, Gabriella Scott, Megan Royle, Alice Connelly, Felicity Jones, Imogen Jones

< Back The Shape of Things ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 30 July 2019 Funny, intriguing, unsettling and, at times, creepy. It centres on the relationships of four young people and how these change, taking a sardonic look at our preoccupation with surface appearances. What is the relationship between morality and art – what is it acceptable to do in the name of art? When does provocation in art become attention seeking – or worse? Contains very adult language and explicit sexual references. This season's productions in our Lauriston STUDIO have been sponsored by FIVE STAR REVIEW - Rick Bowen at StageStruck NOVEMBER 10, 2021 IF there was such a thing as a degree in emotional cruelty and how to be a control freak, the cold and scheming arts student Evelyn is sure to walk away with first class honours. And the way in which she turns her doting lapdog boyfriend Adam from bumbling dweeb to fashion conscious cool dude is deeply, deeply disturbing when her real motivation for doing so emerges near the end of Neil La Bute’s exceptional and thought provoking play. Like probably the majority of the audience, I was repulsed and yet fascinated by and drawn to Evelyn, mainly in the hope she would pay for her actions. Altrincham Garrick’s intimate Lauriston Studio is the perfect setting for this wonderful piece which is a feast for the intellect while at the same time, not being smugly intellectual. The play covers everything from society’s obsession with physical perfection to love and relationships, minus the slushy stuff. Love hurts, the old saying goes. But after sitting through this I’m certain it should I’m sure you agree, come with a Government health warning. I had a chance meeting with director Geoff Holman at the theatre’s box office recently and he waxed lyrical about his very gifted young cast. Sam Evans as Adam, Annie Rogers as Evelyn, Sophie Cain as Jenny and Daniel Molnar as Philip give performances of a professional standard, thanks to both their considerable talent and that of Holman, who I’ve always rated as a very capable occupant of the director’s chair. All four actors are engaging and believable and I hope for very selfish reasons they don’t plump for a career on the professional stage. Make sure you don’t miss this, the Garrick’s best production of the season so far. Photos by Martin Ogden. Star rating - ***** [gallery columns="4" size="medium" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG-9488.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG-9497.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG-9490.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG-9491.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG-9492.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG-9495-1.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG-9494.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG-9493.jpg|" orderby="rand"]

< Back And so ad infinitum ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Alexander, Tom Campbell, Gwynne Cartwright, Eric A Cavanagh, Cliff Cherry, Helen Cookson, Harold Courtney, Donald Coventry, Philip Croft, H J A Daniels, R W Dean, Harry Entwistle, Dorothy B Finlay, George Fletcher, Joan Hall, Irene Howat, Robert (Bob) A Hulme, Irene James, Barbara Jones, D Justice, Margery Kauffman, M H Lonsdale, Masie Moss, N Nicholson, Vera Osborne, Edgar Pennington, Doreen Percival-Kaye, Julia Powell Jones, Beatrice Ruse, Marjorie T Seymour, P Smith, Margaret Thompson, P Weston, D Wolstenholme, N Wood, Joan

< Back The Love of 4 Colonels ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Arnoll, Sidonie Billcliff, Arthur Caldwell, Pamela Poppleton, Howard Steadman, Irene Taylor, Pegeen

< Back Escapade ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Arnoll, Sidonie Greir, Alma Howat, Robert (Bob) A Hughes, Edward D Pearson, Jean Roberts, A E Tudor Whiteside, Edith

< Back They Refuse to be Resurrected ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Billcliff, Arthur Edward, Margaret Gooby, Roy Haken, Bessie Jones, Noel F Landon, W Eric Riley, Pearl Royle, Kathleen Wallis, Catherine A Wood, Ivy

< Back The First Mrs Fraser ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Clegg, Alma Harris, Frank Richardson, George Stott, Kenneth Sykes, Constance D Wilson, George E Zochonis, Isabel

< Back Behind the Curtain For A Cause - In support of Paint Altrincham Blue ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 October 2023 BEHIND THE CURTAIN FOR A CAUSE Altrincham Garrick Playhouse is providing three backstage tours of the Theatre in support of 'Paint Altrincham Blue for Prostate Cancer'. All proceeds from the ticket sales of these tours will go directly to this Charity. There will be three individual tours all on Friday 10th November at: 10.30am 12.30pm 2.30pm Each tour will last approximately 1 hour, following which there will be refreshments in the bar and the chance to meet our Artistic Director. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that Altrincham Garrick Playhouse is over 90 years old and as such, some of the areas on the tour can only be accessed via steps. Tickets are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

< Back People ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 June 2018 BENNETT AT HIS BEST, PROVOCATIVE AND ENTERTAINING A stately mansion that is wanted for purchase by the National Trust, a couple of eccentric inhabitants who would like to move the whole building to another county. A scheming sister who is in talks with the National Trust is close to a deal when a film company happens along wanting to use the site for a porn movie! Typical Alan Bennett characterisations make this an evening of pure joy as the complications of the plot are revealed. This Production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_6286.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/People_130.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_6308.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_6259.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_6224.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_6139.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_0787.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_0434.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Dorothy Stacpoole - Celia Bonner June Stacpoole - Melanie Davy Iris - Janet Slade Bevan - Adam Green Ralph Lumsden - Rob Clyne The Bishop - Geoff Holman Mr Theodore - Richard Sails Bruce - Nick Lowe Louise - Lindsey Barker Nigel - Sam Evans Les - Edward Beesley Colin - Ben Hanley Brit - Lara Hancox Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck Alan Bennett make us question the way we as a country handle our heritage in this sparkling, thought provoking and very classy comedy. Dorothy and June Stacpoole live in a decaying stately home in south Yorkshire and the place has become nothing more than a financial millstone around their necks. The siblings are very different. Dorothy, a former model, pines for her former life of glamour and good times. June, on the other hand, is every inch the quintessential English clergywoman, with the stereotype even extending to her sensible skirt. June wants to sell the house to the National Trust, much to the disgust of Dorothy, who is outraged at the prospect of them and their home being turned into objects of curiosity, the type of curiosity usually reserved for museum pieces. As Dorothy and June, Celia Bonner and Melanie Davy are an unadulterated delight and there’s nothing to choose between them and real life sisters. Janet Slade may be a petite lady but when it comes to comedy roles she’s a huge talent and displays her considerable talents yet again as Dorothy’s “companion” Iris. In this role she’s an absolute hoot. When Dorothy meets an old flame they hatch a cunning plan to provide what she believes will save her and her sister having to sell their country pile. Now I won’t spoil things for anyone who hasn’t seen this play. But rest assured, this production is a high water mark for the Garrick and the dynamic young director Joseph Meighan. Once again, he and the Garrick have struck gold. Fabulously funny. Star rating ★★★ ★★ Review by Johanna Hassouna-Smith for Number 9 The Garrick’s season of plays seem to go from strength to strength with each of my visits and offers their audiences a wide variety of entertainment from musicals and pantomime, to Agatha Christie and classic plays. The audience is largely comprised of an aging population from the surrounding south Manchester suburbs to those who travel in from the Cheshire set and the selection of productions on offer are usually chosen to suit this demographic. This was the opening night of the show and it was a huge sell-out. Now I wouldn’t call myself a Bennett connoisseur, but I know he’s a classic British playwright and that his success is down to his imaginative creation of characters which epitomise the British; whether that be the class system, our values or just our downright old-fashioned obstinance as a nation. So, was the success of this production’s ticket sales down to Bennett’s reputation or was it the company’s prowess? I’d like to think it was both. However, it would be remiss of me not mention that this production carries a ‘not suitable for children’ warning before you enter the auditorium. Having ignored this notice as I wandered past it unwittingly, it came as quite a shock when, in the first 5 minutes, we were faced with a man wearing nothing but a cowboy hat. Needless to say that after this moment I was on board and so were the other cackling audience members, who had clearly done their homework before watching this hilarious series of events unfold! The play pokes fun at the Thatcherite English tradition of privatising the country’s assets, whether that be to the highest bidders, or under the ‘protection’ of the cultural backbone of Britain: the Church of England and the National Trust. The argument is embodied in the opinions of two sisters who own the stately home: Dorothy and June Stacpoole. Our eccentric heroine Dorothy, played by the incredibly talented Celia Bonner, wants to do anything to keep people out of the beautiful house and to just live in it with her equally eccentric ‘companion’, Iris (played by Janet Slade). Her sister June is climbing the ranks of the Church of England hierarchy and despite being the ‘Godly’ sister, epitomises all the money grabbing aspects of the church. With a hugely entertaining characterisation and brilliantly witty script, Celia Bonner makes everything around her shine with a flamboyant creation of Dorothy which is filled with naughty sassiness, yet a sense of pathos which really tugs on the heartstrings. The story is so cleverly written that Dorothy’s decision to hire out the house to a pornographic movie production rather than sell out completely to the National Trust, seems like a more morally justifiable solution to their financial issues. One of the things I love about the Garrick is that I often find myself pondering the question ‘Is this a professional or amateur production?’ What a great question to be asking when you know the answer is amateur! Their ability to recreate this level of professionalism must be commended on so many levels as there is a real team effort in every production and this one, directed by the talented Joseph Meighan was no exception. It is clear to see in the quality of the work that the director has not only had drama training but is incredibly creative as he doesn’t miss a beat with this high energy production of Bennett’s work. The entire cast deliver two hours of brilliance which doesn’t falter in entertainment with each and every one of them is deserving of a mention. The design of the production led by Lesley McKie is also a truly professional quality with a huge backdrop of a stately home complete with rotating changeovers. They really do reproduce quality which professionals would be proud of. Without wanting to give too much away, my favourite scene in the entire show was down to the lighting design, which evoked the contrasting environments of an English stately home with a film production, gleefully juxtaposed on stage at the same time. It was so clever and had the audience wincing in their seats as we watched a pornographic scene being filmed! Without a doubt, one of the most memorable moments of theatrical genius that I won’t forget for a long time and, judging from the howling audience, they won’t either! Bennett’s ‘People’ delivers on every level: it is sharp, witty and poignant all in one go. I had such a great evening of entertainment and laughed until I almost cried. If you can grab yourself a ticket, you really ought to. Star rating ★★★ ★★

< Back The Admirable Crichton ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Clarkson, Norma Eaton, Margo Elliott, Margaret Fowler, Joan Gregory, Kathleen Howson, Ray Jackson, Devil Johnston, Robert Jones, Sulaned Kanaar, Ben Pratt, Graham Ellis Stockton, Reg Talbot, Ernest K

< Back Rather Ancient, Ultra Modern ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Buzza, Pamela Dickinson, Margaret Gale, Peter Sculfer, June Wood, Barrie

< Back SARAH MILLICAN: WORK IN PROGRESS ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 20 July 2023 Ahead of her upcoming tour, Sarah Millican pops in to try out loads of new stuff. She will bring jokes, if you bring laughs. It’ll be rough and ready and very very fun. Running Time: Approx. 2hrs including support act and interval Age recommendation: Not suitable for under 16s

< Back The Steamie ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 First presented in Glasgow, subsequently at the greenwich Theatre, London and then adapted for TV this comedy became a deserved classic. The Garrick are offering you the chance to spend Hogmanay (sometime in the 1950s) with Doreen, Magrit, Dolly and the wonderful Mrs Culfeathers, to say nothing of the easily manipulated Andy the odd-job man. Set in an old Glasgow steamie we listen in on the women's chatter and the gossip. We share their hopes and fears; their dreams, laughter and tears complete with wonderful songs and above all - the enigma that is Galloway's mince. CAST Matthew Goddard as Andy Steph Hawthorn as Doreen Janet Slade as Magrit Val Bacon as Mrs Culfeathers Jeryl Whitelock as Dolly

< Back Bette and Joan ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 18 August 2015 Fasten your seat belts it's going to be a bumpy night! Legendary screen rivals Bette Davies and Joan Crawford have been feuding in public and in the full gaze of the adoring press for thirty years, but now these two Hollywood stars have both reached rock bottom in their once illustrious careers. It's the 1960s and public tastes have changed- even the old film studios are in trouble and the public wants youth and new excitement. But a new film is in the making offering Bette and Joan two equally iconic parts. They both desperately need the leading roles to revive their film careers. Join Bette and Joan during the filming of the hugely successful "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" when sharing a dressing room brings the tensions, tantrums and bitching to boiling point. The film propelled them both back to stardom, but will they ever talk to each other again!? This is a wickedly funny night at the the theatre

< Back 90's Live ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 14 March 2023 It’s time for 90s Live! Get ready as we spice up your life, taking you back for good and hit you one more time with the ultimate 90s party night out! Our talented cast will have you reaching for the stars as we throw it back to you, for one night only, live on stage, as we celebrate the 1990s. The music of a generation brought to life with fantastic vocals, genius costumes and of course; all the dance moves you know and love, and don’t worry if you have forgotten, we’ll remind you! From Take That to Oasis, Spice Girls to Supergrass - get ready for this non-stop 90’s extravaganza as we set you free and pump up the jam with songs by, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, The Vengaboys, Bryan Adams, Boyzone, Shania Twain, Aqua, Lou Bega, Eternal, B*witched, Wet Wet Wet, Ace of Base, 2 Unlimited, S Club 7, Gina G, Pulp, Blur, Shampoo and many more. There will be no valley too deep, no mountain too high, so come on Barbie let’s go party and join us for 90s Live! Featuring non-stop hits, including: Let Me Entertain You, Hit Me Baby One More Time, Reach For The Stars, Saturday Night, Stay, All That She Wants, Mysterious Girl, No Limit, Mambo No 5, Angels, Park Life, Sit Down, Common People, Wonderwall, Rhythm is a Dancer and scores more. Touring the nation. Tickets on sale now! 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!

< Back The Anniversary ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 9 January 2014 This well-known black comedy centres around dear old Mum, a woman whose concern for her sons leads her to a possessiveness that is ? like her ? thoroughly evil. ?Mum glories in destroying anything that is good and kind and pure: for, not being able to enjoy such feelings herself, she is damned if anyone else will. And yet, like the Devil, she has undeniable charm?. Mum is the head of the family building firm and insists that her sons work to standards that are too low to even be called jerry-built! As the family comes together to celebrate her wedding anniversary (regardless of the fact that Dad is long deceased), revolt is in the air and the women in her sons? lives decide to tackle Mum and her long ascendancy head on. CAST Angela Wetherill as Mother Andrew Higson as Tom Bryn Thomas as Terry Mark Edgar as Henry Paula Keen as Shirley Beverley Stuart-Cole as Karen [gallery columns="6" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryk.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversarye.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryq.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryp.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryr.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryn.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryo.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryi.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversaryl.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversarym.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/anniversarya.jpg|"]

< Back Up and Coming ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 11 April 2017 Riotous political farce from the writer of 'Rising Damp' Philip Conway, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House is attending a party conference. But, tipped to be the new party leader, his campaign for power is in serious danger of collapse. Visits from rivals, fellow conspirators and the all-too-attentive Vicky coincide keeping Philip on his toes; the world's press is in the lobby; there are threats of assassination; students are rioting outside the hotel: an uncomfortable evening is the result! Who will get his - or her - just deserts? This production is proudly sponsored by FMS [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1299.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1423.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1466.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1554.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1007.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1087.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1113.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_1210.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Higgs - Martin Oldfield The Rt. Hon. Philip Conway MP (Pip) - David Beddy Vicky - Joanne Buxton Lorna Fiske - Rachel Perrin The Rt. Hon. George Reynolds MP - Matthew Foster Lionel Berryman MP - Mark Edgar-Clarkson The Rt. Hon. John Henderson MP - David Reynolds Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck DAVID Beddy is a highly accomplished actor whose equally at home with both serious and comedic roles, and his portrayal of ambitious politician Philip Conway is a delight from start to finish. Pip as he's more affectionately known, has one eye on the to job. But he lacks the sort of ruthlessness that keeps the character eminently likeable in Eric Chappell's briliantly observed political comedy/farce. You get the distinct impression Pip's plans could unravel at any moment, which makes it impossible not to warm to an MP who is anything but a natural born orator. Give Beddy the chance to work alongside Martin Oldfield as Pip's personal bodyguard Higgs, a fully paid up member of the call it as he sees it brigade and Joanne Buxton as the seductive Vicky and you have the recipe for pure comedy gold. When it comes to Oldfield I firmly believe he doesn't have a bad performance in him and Joanne Buxton as Vicky expertly assumes a variety of different personas as she sweeps into Pip's hotel room. Who can forget Mark Edgar-Clarkson as Lionel Berryman MP, a serial lush with a very dubious sense of morality. Like me you probably know Eric Chappell more for his brilliant 70's sitcom Rising Damp featuring that giant of British comedy, Leonard Rossitter. But Mark Jephcott's perfectly paced production has certainly whetted my appetite when it comes to seeing more of his plays. Great fun - just what we need on these freezing late winter nights. Review by Julia Taylor for The Messenger Politics helps spice up bedroom farce at Altrincham Garrick BEDROOM farces often have more spice when there's a political element to them. An example is Eric Chappell's somewhat wordy comedy, Up and Coming, Altrincham Garrick Playhouse?s current production. It concerns the struggles of Deputy Prime Minister Pip Conway, an alcoholic with an eye on becoming PM. His weak spot is women. In that role, David Beddy is pursued by two former lover, Vicky and secretary, Lorna Fiske. Pip is, of course, married and such dalliances go against the grain for a man with political ambition. David?s face reflects all. Joanne Buxton's Vicky oozes sexiness as she lays not just herself but her motives bare. Rachel Perrin's Lorna is also besotted by Pip but her approach is totally different. One of the funniest scenes is when both ladies end up in bed, not with Pip but with the one-eyed Lionel Berryman, MP (charismatic Mark Edgar-Clarkson) causing the ever so Prime Ministeral David Reynolds with his sarcastic wit, to complain that the chandelier in his room below is rattling! It's lovely to see Garrick stalwarts such as Martin Oldfield as the amusing special branch officer, Higgs, and David Reynolds as the Rt Hon. John Henderson, MP, strutting the boards again so professionally along with newly returned Matthew Foster as the Rt Hon. George Reynolds MP.Thanks to the set designers Trevor McKie, Paula Keen and Mark Jephcott and their team the two roomed set has doors, through which the cast can appear and disappear or, where necessary, hide in their conference hotel. Star rating ★★★ 'Up & Coming' projecting the right image thanks to local firm Keyteq Local AV equipment hire firm Keyteq answered the call from the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse recently who needed a powerful projector to deliver their staging plans for their production of the political comedy farce ?Up & Coming? written by 'Rising Damp' author Eric Chappell. The play which opened this week and runs until Saturday 3rd March is set in a seaside location. The play's director Mark Jephcott explains, We like to surprise and entertain our audiences here at the Garrick with great set design and for this production of 'Up & Coming' we wanted to bring an idea of the plays location to life. To do this we needed to project giant images behind the main set construction which required an especially powerful projector. Thankfully, Keyteq were able to provide one at a budget we could afford and the result is spectacular. I'm sure that our audiences will love it. The play is a clever combination of a 'Yes Minister' style of comedy a smash TV hit at the time the play was written in 1989 and fast paced political farce. Philip Conway, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the house is attending a party conference. Tipped to be the new party leader, his campaign for power is in danger of collapse. Visits from rivals, fellow conspirators and the all-too-attentive Vicky keep Philip on his toes. What's more, the world's press is in the lobby, there are threats of assassination and students are rioting outside the hotel. Jo Johnson, a Director at Keyteq Altrincham said, 'We are delighted to help out our local theatre. Over the years we have built our business on providing a wide range of event services to suit all budgets and we think the Garrick's set design concept which now incorporates the use of one of our projectors is fantastic'

< Back The Distaff Side ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Bullivant, R A Courtney, Donald Davenport, Alfred Hall, Margaret Matthews, Marion Thwaite Pennington, Wyn Riley, Pearl Smith, J B Smith, Rosetta H Wilson, Kathleen Woods, Lily V

< Back Dream Girls - Picturehouse Screening ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 April 2021 All You’ve Got To Do Is Dream! Deena (Beyoncé Knowles), Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) form a music trio called the 'Dreamettes'. When ambitious manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx) spots the act at a talent show, he offers them a chance of a lifetime, to be backup singers for a national star (Eddie Murphy). Curtis takes creative control of the group and eventually pushes them into their own shot in the spotlight as 'The Dreams'. That spotlight, however, begins to narrow in on Deena, finally pushing the less attractive Effie out altogether. Although 'The Dreams' become a crossover phenomenon, they soon realise that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined. Twenty-five years after first bringing Broadway audiences to their feet, the Tony Award-Winning Musical sensation "Dreamgirls" came to the big screen and, again, won many awards including the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Hudson) and Best Picture. The bar will be open before and after the show. Come and join us in a friendly, informal and Covid-19 safe atmosphere, to take advantage of sensational screening facilities as well as our low prices and a free car park.

< Back Brassed Off ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 In existence for a hundred years, Grimley Colliery Brass Band is as old as the mine. Set during the miners' strike of the 80s the miners are deciding whether to fight to keep the pit open. The only hope is for the men to enter the band into the national competition. They believe they have no hope until Gloria appears carrying her flugelhorn. At first mocked for being a woman, she soon becomes the only chance for the band to win. As Danny, the band's leader,continues to exhort them to continue to the national competition, frictions and pressures are all too evident. But whose side is Gloria actually on?

< Back Real Diamond - The Neil Diamond Tribute Show ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 27 July 2013 UNFORTUNATELY DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES OUT OF OUR CONTROL, THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED - ANYONE WHO HAS ALREADY PURCHASED TICKETS WILL BE FULLY REFUNDED.

< Back The Crying Cafe ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 8 December 2022 Imagine somewhere we could all be audibly bawling, sharing our troubles, sharing a table, sat at a Crying Café. Inspired by Dominic Berry’s poem ‘The Crying Café’, this will be an evening of poems to make us cry – whether with sadness, laughter or joy. Hosted by Dominic and Garrick regular Ali Davenport, the hope is to create a special gathering that will uplift and connect us in the winter months. Dominic and Ali will be performing their own poetry. There are also a number of slots for participants to share a poem that means something to them. This might be their own or other’s work – whatever pulls at the heartstrings. These will be arranged in advance of the evening. If interested, send one poem to Ali at ali.davenport@talktalk.net, along with your reasons for choosing it. Ali can also be contacted through her website: https://www.soulsurvivalguide.co/contact On the night, selected poems can be shared in whatever way is comfortable, whether that’s sitting reading at a table or giving a full-blown performance. It can also be read on your behalf. Dominic and Ali are keen to stress that this is poetry not therapy: ‘It’s about being human and that means it’s okay to cry. We hope you will join us - but don’t forget the tissues!’ The bar will be open afterwards if you want to stay and natter. Dominic’s new poetry book – ‘Yes Life’ – can be bought on the night for £10. There will also be a collection for a mental health charity.

< Back Love Actually (Film Screening) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 24 August 2021 Nine intertwined stories examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects us all: love. Among the characters explored are David (Hugh Grant), the handsome newly elected British prime minister who falls for a young junior staffer (Martine McCutcheon), Sarah (Laura Linney), a graphic designer whose devotion to her mentally ill brother complicates her love life, and Harry (Alan Rickman), a married man tempted by his attractive new secretary. Our reasonably priced bar will be open before and after the screening. 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!

< Back The Lady In The Van ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ 4 October 2021 to 9 October 2021 Directed by Carole Carr It is said that charity begins at home. For Alan Bennett, it began at the bottom of his drive with a yellow custard van inhabited by an irascible eccentric who refused to budge. The Lady in the Van is the true story of Miss Shepherd, an offbeat woman of uncertain origins, who “temporarily” parked her broken-down van in writer Alan Bennett’s London driveway, and proceeded to live there for the next 15 years. Miss Shepherd’s stay may have been a blight on Bennett’s front garden, but it eventually allowed him to unravel the fascinating story of her life – for which we are all eternally indebted. LAD13.jpg LAD11.jpg LAD12.jpg LAD9.jpg

< Back Iron ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 10 February 2014 osie is visiting her mother Fay for the first time in 15 years. She's never walked into a prison before. Fay is serving life for murder. ?Iron? is an intense psychological drama in which a mother and daughter try to break through the barriers of time, memory and punishment which separate them. But between them lies the fact of murder. A murder Josie cannot remember and Fay has always tried to forget. Uncovering the memories they share is more dangerous than either of them can imagine. CAST Ros Greenwood as Fay Melissa Ward as Josie Steve Williamson as Guard 1 Kate Picker as Guard 2 ASM - Ken Currah Prompt - Audrey Hughes [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/irona.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ironb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/irone.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ironc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/irond.jpg|"] Photographer: Martin Oldfield

< Back Season's Greetings ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 11 April 2017 A Superb Ayckbourn comedy - one of his best! A riotous Christmas farce from Alan Ayckbourn. When family and friends get together at Neville and Belinda's house to celebrate Christmas what could go wrong? Plenty as we find out when Bernard produces his excruciatingly bad puppet show and has a row with Harvey. A young stranger, Clive, suddenly becomes romantically involved with Belinda even though it is Belinda's sister, Rachel, who has brought him to the party. There is a shooting the next day, a case of mistaken identity, before normality is resumed at the house. This production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6774-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6599-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6529-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6481-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6416-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6401-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6382-Small.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6248-Small.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST BERNARD - BILL PLATT BELINDA - VICTORIA EVANS NEVILLE - BARRY SPENCER HARVEY - GARY COLLINS RACHEL - VICTORIA JOHNSON CLIVE - PETER RUDDICK EDDIE - DAN FERGUSON PATTY - APRIL WALKER PHYLLIS - TRACY BURNS [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/JS1_13181.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/JS1_13021.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/js1_1220-copy1.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/JS1_10971.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/JS1_13751.jpg|"] Rehearsal Photographs by Jacob Samuel Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck Everyone knows there are two images of Christmas. There's the fluffy one the advertisers try to sell us, all chunky jumpers and beaming smiles. Then there's that notorious party pooper called reality. For many, it's the season to be sniping at each other. But I doubt anyone's Yuletide is as colourful or as memorable as this one, vividly and at times hilariously captured by the prolific playwright Alan Ayckbourn and a cast expertly led by director John Chidgey, who manages to make everyone feel invited to the at times chaotic seasonal celebrations. Let's just say a typical family gathering, a gathering that will be repeated thousands of times up and down the land in a month's time, turns out to be far from typical. Ayckbourn writes about a world I don't live in. But thanks to Chidgey and his charges I felt totally immersed in it. This is a major comedy triumph for this theatre, with each performance characterised by impeccable comic timing. I particularly enjoyed Bill Platt as the hopeless puppeteer and equally clueless medic Bernard, Victoria Evans as the flirty Belinda and Peter Ruddick as the only eligible guest, Clive. Gary Collins ensures you wouldn't want to meet the barking Harvey on a dark night. That said, I don't like singling out individual performances because there aren't any weak ones, with the company gelling quite brilliantly. Make sure you don't miss this early Christmas present from the Garrick - with plenty of ho, ho, ho. Star rating ★★★★★ Review by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger CHRISTMAS should be a time of peace and good will. In Alan Ayckbourn's play, Season?s Greetings, written in 1980, well directed by John Chidgey and performed at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, this is not the case. The family and friends of Neville and Belinda Bunker have gathered for three days of Yuletide celebration. Sadly, familiarity breeds contempt. Neville's inebriated sister, Phyllis (Tracy Burns) and her puppet-obsessed husband, Bernard (Bill Platt) are there as he prepares for his annual show. In one of the funniest scenes, it turns out to be a disaster yet indicates Bill Platt's versatility. Among the guests is Clive (Peter Ruddick) whom Belinda finds irresistibly attractive because he writes. Neville's uncle, Harvey, is a security guard who takes his job so seriously that he carries a knife strapped to his calf. Played outstandingly by Gary Collins, he works his evil wherever he can. On one amusing occasion, a couple embracing under the Christmas tree are halted by the sound of a mechanical toy. The protagonists, Neville and Belinda, are portrayed well by Barry Spencer and Victoria Evans. Belinda obviously has no time for her husband. At the end, they are the last on stage. This play is not easy since it involves many different moves and complicated relationships. Well done Dan Ferguson who stepped in at short notice to play Eddie. Star rating ★★★ ★

< Back Captain Carvello ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Carter, Harold Downs, James Miller, Tony Plested, James Turner, Marion

< Back Paul Young's Los Pacaminos ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 30 July 2019 Los Pacaminos features Paul Young, Drew Barfield, Mark Pinder, Steve Greetham, Jamie Moses and Melvin Duffy (UK's premier pedal steel player). One of the UK's most popular Live touring bands, Los Pacaminos play the very best in Tex Mex Border music from The Texas Tornadoes and Ry Cooder to Los Lobos and even Roy Orbsion. This is a Tequila fuelled Tex Mex party night, as each venue becomes the perfect cantina setting for a great night's rocking with the cactus sharp, tequila filled, stetson wearing, magnificent 6, Los Pacaminos!!!

< Back Our Town By Thornton Wilder ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 November 2022 Love and marriage, birth and death. Seen from a distance they’re just the rhythm of everyday life: but when you’re caught up in the middle and they are happening to you, they are the whole world. As the sun rises on another ordinary day, the townsfolk of Grover's Corners go about their business: newspapers are delivered; people go to work; gardens are tended to. And a boy and girl fall in love. But as life's events unfold and a community comes together, one question remains: "do any human beings ever realise life as they live it? Every, every minute?". Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning small- town epic of human existence remains as theatrically fresh and as topical as ever; it explores what it means to live and the bonds that unite us all. Age Guidance: 12+ Warning: This production contains references to suicide, childbirth, depression, death and alcoholism. Please note that this is a 3 act play with two 15 minute intervals (approximately 2hours 40 mins included intervals). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Free Car Parking. Cosy Bar. Great Prices. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

< Back Bronte ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 June 2018 A PLAY VIVIDLY EVOKING THE LIVES OF THE BRONTES Three actresses, in modern dress, are discussing the Brontes and their work. As they don their costumes, they assume the identities of Charlotte, Emily and Anne. A revealing story, which moves back and forth in time, it attempts to show the difficulties the writers had in their private and literary lives. Some of the characters from their novels also appear occasionally to add to the mystique of the family. Their poor health lead to the untimely deaths of the sisters and their brother, Branwell, who also features in this modern yet historical drama. This Production is proudly sponsored by [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1478.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1499.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_2084.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1960.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1872.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1851.jpg|"] CAST Patrick, Rochester & Helgen - Andrew Higson Charlotte - Parissa Zamanpour Anne - Portia Dodds Emily - Amy Harris Branwell, Heathcliffe - Anthony Morris Bertha, Cathy - Marcella Hazel Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck CHARLOTTE, Emily and Anne Bronte dream pf literary fame, three disarmingly decent Yorkshire lasses living with their clergyman father on the cusp of the bleak but beautiful moors. It’s impossible not to warm to them, thanks to the engaging and heart-felt performances given by Parissa Zamanpour, Amy-Lou Harris and Portia Dodds. When tragedy strikes, you will, unless you have a heart of stone, feel like you’ve undergone a bereavement. For these are performances full of warmth and intensity that give you no option but to care and care deeply about what happens to them. They feel like our very own siblings. Add a jealous, drunken brother who shares his sisters’ desire to have his writings published and you have the recipe for an evening of theatre that’s totally compelling and at times, deeply moving. Anthony Morris is perfect as this tortured soul, staggering about the stage in a haze of booze fuelled self-pity. We also are treated to extracts from the string of classics that proved to be the Bronte sisters legacy, my favourite being the scene from Jane Eyre in which Jane confronts the now blind Mr Rochester, expertly played by Andrew Higson, whose equally at home as the Bronte’s clergyman father, Patrick. Marcella Haze also impresses in the roles of Cathy and Bertha. nThe success of this rich and captivating production ultimately rests with its director/designer Barry Purves who serves up something that wouldn’t look out of place on a professional stage. His set is starkly atmospheric and the opening of Polly Teale’s piece breathtaking. Which begs the question why were there empty seats on Tuesday night? It was a travesty and my only hope is the box office will be doing very brisk business once word gets out as to just how good Bronte is. Brilliant - another major triumph for Altrincham Garrick. Star rating ★★★★★ Review by Julia Taylor for MessengerNewspapers THE success of The Garrick’s Bronte by Polly Teale s down to the smooth blending of fact with fiction and moving effortlessly through time. It’s about the creativity of the Bronte siblings and their relationship with each other. In this case they are not the gentle sisters usually portrayed but are full of melodramatic passion which goes for their brother, too. Their books were written at a time when women writers were frowned upon yet the sisters light the spark of genius. This is the time when brother Branwell returns home in disgrace after a passionate affair with his employer’s wife, and turns to the bottle. Charlotte and Emily write of fictional characters such as Bertha Rochester and Cathy Earnshaw who return to haunt them. These are the most difficult scenes in a difficult play to make convincing but Marcella Haze who plays them both, succeeds perfectly. The two leading novelists are played by Parissa Zamanpour as Charlotte and Amy-Lou Harris as Emily who convey well the differences in their characters. We also learn more about Anne Bronte who acts as peacemaker between her two warring sisters. She is played by Portia Dodds whose portrayal of her final illness and last visit to the seaside is sad. Andrew Higson is authoritative as Patrick Bronte, whose role reflects the patriarchal society in which they live, as well as three other characters. The roles of Branwell, Heathcliff and Arthur Huntingdon go to Anthony Morris whose passionate portrayal of the inebriated Branwell is unforgettable. Geoff Scullard’s lighting is exceptional especially when creating the effect of burning pages. This play could easily become confusing but director, Barry Purvis ensures that it never does. Star rating ★★★ ★ Review by Johanna Hassouna-Smith for Number 9 Polly Teale’s Bronte is based loosely on the lives of the famous Bronte sisters: Charlotte, Emily and Anne. Set in the small Yorkshire village of Hawarth in the 19th century, where the girls’ imaginations grow to become literary giants of their time, despite their secluded life with their father (the village pastor) and their over privileged brother, Branwell. The story tells their life of poverty as they struggle to become writers in a world dominated by male literary scholars and one where they have never been allowed to travel outside of their small village to explore the world. Teale’s depiction of the three sisters is cleverly told by cross-cutting between the real world of the sisters' lives and that of their famed characters. We see how the real life events helped to create the characters such as Charlotte’s time working as a nanny, being instrumental in her creation of the character of Jane Eyre. That said, there is a sense of the story jumping around in time and fiction a little too much as there are moments in the production which are difficult to place in the chronology of the story and can become rather confusing for the audience. I have to confess to that I am a novice to a Bronte novel, although I have seen Jane Eyre on stage, so this production was always going to teach me something. However, this wasn’t the reason for my confusion: the dialogue often refers to events which happen two scenes later and there was very little change in costume, setting or lights to give the audience some sense that time had lapsed or moved backwards. This must not be seen as a critique of the direction but the playwright as the actual script itself dictates so many changes in time and without written stage direction of changes in lighting states nor costume. I would have been interested to see how Teale herself directed it for Shared Experience Theatre Company when she first published the play in 2005. I think director, Barry Purves did a sterling job on this production and mustn’t be blamed for a sometimes cumbersome and confusing script. With a cast of only six, the performers had a really tough job as the dialogue was full of monologues and scenes dominated by the three quarrelsome sisters: Emily played by Amy-Lou Harris, Charlotte played by Parissa Zamanpour and Anne, by Portia Dodds. These three actresses proved their stage presence with commendable portrayals of the threesome. Zamanpour’s depiction of the passionate Charlotte was powerful and showed a bitter resentment toward the male dominated world she desperately wanted to break into. This was particularly apparent toward her brother Branwell, who was given all of the family’s wealth to make it big in London but squandered it on a frivolous lifestyle of alcohol and fancy goods. Branwell, played by Anthony Morris played a very good ‘drunk’ and his physicality of the role had the audience entertained and at other times gasping in horror that he may land on the laps of the front row audience! Although the middle sister Emily had a clear talent for writing, her gentle personality prevented her from wanting the fame of being known as a writer. In this role, Amy-Lou Harris had a sense of pathos for the character which was very easy to empathise with as the gentler, soft spoken sister. The youngest and lesser known of the Bronte sisters, Anne was depicted by Portia Dodds with a youthful innocence and charm, often lifting the lengthy script’s pace with her energy. All three performers had a wonderful rapport with one another and had the audience captivated throughout. Undoubtedly the most successful part of this production was the design. Everything was beautiful to watch. Even the stage laid bare before the house lights went down was full of the mystery of the West Yorkshire Moors, with a projected sky on the backcloth and an imposing tree stump on a raised level, centre stage. The atmosphere was ready to beckon Cathy and Heathcliffe at any moment as it looked and felt like a scene Wuthering Heights. The set design reference to books strewn across the stage created a contemporary air to the production and the opening scene of pages raining down on the actresses as they dressed themselves as the three sisters was absolutely stunning. The entire design team (of whom the list is understandably long), must be commended on all aspects of the design as this was what gave this production its professional quality. I must confess that I love the Altrincham Garrick Theatre and the quality of their productions never lets me down. From the brilliant direction and design team to the wonderful performers, this production did not disappoint and was the professional standard I have come to expect from recent shows.

< Back Man and the Moment ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 An intriguingly comic tale of an organised re-union between bank robber Vic Parks and Douglas Beechey, the timid bank cashier who sixteen years previously "had a go" and foiled Vic's attempts to rob his bank. Set in the flash Costa del Crime home of Vic - now a Media Personality and celebrity - TV producer Jill Rillington is making a documentary on the lines of "Where are they now?". What happens when they meet? And is Douglas inspired to "have another go" and become Man of the Moment once again? Master manipulator Alan Ayckbourn entertains us yet again. CAST Bryn Thomas as Vic Parks Dave Midgeley as Douglas Beechey Janet Slade as Jill Rillington Marina Anderson as Trudy Parks Dina Casket-Stewart as Cindy Parks Toby Rothwell as Kenny Collins Amy Gerraghan as Sharon Griffin Bill Renshaw as Ruy Julie Broadbent as Marta Ben Rothwell as Ashley Barnes Rehearsal photos [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/manmomentj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/manmomenti.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/manmomente.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/manmomentd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/manmomentc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/manmomentb.jpg|"] A special THANK YOU to WORLD OF WATER, TIMPERLEY for the swimming pool

< Back Jonathon ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Downs, James Ladyman, Oliver Lee, Kay Nicholls, John