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< 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

< Back Paddington (2014 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 September 2020 The accident-prone bear arrives from Peru at Paddington Station, needing a home and marmalade sandwiches. The Brown family duly oblige and their lives are never the same. Paddington himself is beautifully realised by computer technology, and voiced by Ben Wishaw. This film was a huge, joyous hit and a sequel was made almost instantly. This film features a brief cameo by the bear’s writer and creator, Michael Bond, who sadly died in 2017 in London and is buried, appropriately, in Paddington Cemetery. This screening will (as always) be introduced by Barry Purves with informed trivia, anecdotes and some background of the production. 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 free car park.

< Back West Side Story ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 24 July 2013 Arguably the best musical ever written, this breath-taking show, which features music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, transports Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to the turbulent streets of the Upper West Side in 1950's New York as two star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, find themselves caught between the rival street gangs - the 'Jets' and the 'Sharks'. Saving the best until last we end the Garrick's historic 100th season in true style - West Side Story will be our biggest production ever with a huge orchestra, dynamic creative team and cast making it an unmissable event in the Garrick's history. We know demand will be huge so we've added a matinee performance. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/West-Side-Story-5.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/West-Side-Story-2.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/West-Side-Story-1.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/West-Side-Story-8.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/West-Side-Story-6.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/West-Side-Story-3.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/West-Side-Story-4.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/West-Side-Story-7.jpg|"] CAST LIST Tony - James Duffy Riff - Josh Mosiuk Action - Rhys Nuttall Baby John - Karl Kramer Velma - Emily Barnett Graziella - Jasmine McGovern Anybody's - Rachel Mayon Bernardo - Danny Lawton Maria - Emily Carter Anita - Laura Chandler Consuela - Jennifer O'Neill Officer Krupke - Jon White Franchesca - Lucy Girdlestone Rosalia - Jessica Heaps Clarice - Georgina Brame Snow Boy - Matthew Roughley A-Rab - Michael Gardiner Doc - Paul Wilson Det. Shrank - Craig Richardson Diesel - Nick Parry Pepe - Jack McCann Chino - .Bradley Judge Ensemble - Bobbi Gordon Ensemble - Becci Cooper-Bagnall Musical Director - Mark Goggins Choreographer - Lorna Sales ASMs - Carol Gibson and Anne O'Reilly Review from The Messenger by Rick Bowen When James Duffy and Emily Carter sang in West Side Story the Altrincham Garrick auditorium was full of magic. I can't remember the last time I felt so excited by the performances of two leads and whoever decided to cast them as the young lovers Tony and Maria in West Side Story made a truly inspired choice. Emily in particular has a voice so pure listening to it will make you go weak at the knees and if these two don't make a career out of musical theatre it will be a cruel travesty. It may be the Garrick's centenary season but this is very much the company's present to us. West Side Story may seem like it has been around forever, but the production team and a cast dripping with talent and oozing energy will make audiences feel they're watching a world premiere. The sumptuous Bernstein/Sondheim score is as timeless as it is brilliant and it is impossible to name the best songs for the simple reason it is completely devoid of weak numbers. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, the show sees Shakespeare's feuding families swapped for street gangs and Craig Richardson is particularly good as Det Shrank, the hard boiled cop trying to keep the peace. Add some exciting and stylish choreography and you have a production that you simply can't afford to miss. Go and pack the place - to the rafters. Stunning. Star Rating ★★★★★ Review from Remotegote by Julia Taylor The Garrick's centenary season comes to an end with one of the best productions of West Side Story I've seen. The energetic young cast convey a roller coaster of emotion. It's not just the leads, Tony, an all-American boy and Maria from Costa Rica who show feeling. The singers and dancers also give their all. We long for James Duffy?s Tony and Emily Carter?s Maria to be happy but, like Romeo and Juliet on whom the story is based, their romance reaches a tragic conclusion. I can't praise these two enough. Their duet One hand, One heart gives you goose pimples and tells you that, despite their differences, their feelings are sincere flashing like lightening between them. James's voice crackles with emotion as he sings Maria with such expression. The gang leaders, Bernardo of the Latino Sharks and Riff from the American Jets, put over with a combination of toughness and vulnerability by Danny Lawton and Josh Mosiuk face a heartbreaking fate. Yet this musical is not all doom and gloom. There are happy moments such as when Maria's friend, Anita (Laura Chandler) sings America accompanied by the girls in the chorus. I Feel Pretty, the light-hearted song led by Emily's Maria temporarily eases the tension and is lovely to listen to. The boys are especially good in the well-choreographed fight scenes and they, too, sing well. Although this show was premiered in 1957, gang and knife culture persists even today and racism still bubbles beneath the surface. It was good to see young people in the audience to whom I?m sure, the tragedy and the moral behind it, hit home. Star Rating ★★★★ NODA Review by Kevin Proctor The Altrincham Garrick not only wraps up their 2013/14 season, but closes their first century with one heck of a punch! West Side Story is often labelled by industry marvels themselves as the greatest musical of our time, so what other show would mark such an occasion for this group! Last year, I cannot have been the only one who questioned the sanity of the Garrick's trustees when this season was announced; they certainly know how to set a challenge - but more to the point, they know their team could deliver this wonderful curtain call to the first hundred years whilst also setting the bar for the next. This musical is just as iconic as it is demanding; much of the story unfolds through dance, beginning with the rival gangs' territory tussle during the Prologue. As one of the industries most celebrated score fills the playhouse, the soaring music is matched by gravity-defying feats of strength and agility. Adam Whittle had been given the honour to direct this milestone production, Adam relished the moody and intense moments beautifully and I wholeheartedly agree with the decisions he had made to convey this telling. The only moment which raised a baffling question to his choices was at the end of act one, the piece would have continued its strength if Riff and Bernardo had remained on stage as we progressed into the interval - staying their till the tabs came in, it may seem minor but witnessing them both get up after they had been killed broke the make believe which could so easily have been avoided. Mark Goggins and his orchestra exceeded all of my hopes and expectations, this genius score was delivered with triumph, the vocals of the soloists and ensemble cast were solid, delightful and exciting - particularly the 'America' harmonies and the 'Tonight' Quintet. A rousing score perfectly presented. I must congratulate the sound department, this is the first time the music has sounded and felt live with the players being channelled through from the studio, I appreciate that such a set-up is not as straight forward as it may seem, however, the sound was clear and I could certainly feel the excitement one should with live musicians (which I cannot deny, I was worried for). I was delighted that the reoccurring problem had been addressed and rectified for this production which certainly enhanced the experience. I did feel slight sympathy for the three Shark men during the quintet as their lack of numbers was massively exposed against the quantity of Jets - they didn't seem to stand much of a chance as they prepared themselves for the rumble, up until this point I hadn't noticed just how few of them there were as they'd been disguised very effectively until this point. You cannot attempt West Side Story without fierce choreography, Lorna Sales had worked the cast extremely well to execute the physicality associated with this show, not only is this production a challenge, it's made even more difficult when you have non dancers amongst the cast - Lorna?s clever creativity demonstrated skill in accommodating the mix of abilities without making it blatant, she concentrated on telling the story through movement without over indulging on over complicated choreography for the sake of showing off which didn't go unnoticed - a fantastic job - exact, visual, skillful and drilled. James Duffy shone as the conflicted Romeo of the show, Tony - capturing his sensitivity perfectly and hitting the top notes effortlessly in 'Something's Coming' and 'Maria', but harbouring enough blind passion and rage for the devastating conclusion of the first half. Emily Carter captured the heartbreak and longing of the show's plot in her portrayal as Maria - and I'll admit to chocking back a tear when she collapsed over Tony in the finale, overwhelmed by a grief that I knew was coming but still felt unprepared for. But that's not to say that this production doesn't have its lighter moments, too. One of my many highlights to this show was 'Gee Officer Krupkie' which was terrifically done and deserved the cheer and appreciation that it got. The male ensemble certainly injected the strength and power into this production, resulting in them owning the show. Josh Mosiuk as Riff was the stand out performance amongst the supporting ensemble who exposed his talents as a terrific all-rounder. It?s very enjoyable and rare to see such a strong group of young guys in this game. Laura Chandler was a wonderfully sassy and passionate Anita, the playful and celebratory 'America' contrasted with the ardent 'A Boy Like That', both were superb - a quality performance from Laura! Every aspect of this production was given extra attention throughout the departments which ultimately paid off to make this show one to remember and was undoubtedly the peak of the season! Many congratulations to all for an outstanding production. A message received at the Box Office for WEST SIDE STORY Along with the general comments of praise we often receive following a Garrick production, we took a telephone call from a lady wanting to book seats for West Side Story on the recommendation of a friend who had been to see it the previous evening. She told us that her friend had said they were no longer going to book city centre theatre tickets at the Palace Theatre, Opera House etc....as they didn't see any reason for travelling all the way into Manchester and paying inflated ticket prices to see shows when they could come to the Garrick, a local theatre, to view equally professionally productions. We think this is praise indeed for the Garrick and for all those involved with the production of West Side Story!!

< Back Love! Valour! Compassion! ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 20 May 2022 Winner of the 1995 Tony Award for Best Play, Love! Valour! Compassion! is a mammoth exploration into life, love and loss at the end of the millennium. As hilarious as it is heart-breaking, Terrence McNally’s seminal work captures the zeitgeist of 90s America and forces the question - when reality hits home, who and what is most important to us? Beautifully written, Love! Valour! Compassion! gathers together eight gay men at the upstate New York summer house of a celebrated dancer-choreographer who fears he is losing his creativity… and possibly his lover. Infidelity, flirtations, soul-searching, AIDS, truth-telling, and skinny-dipping mix monumental questions about life and death. To experience Love! Valour! Compassion! is to join in a dance of life. Warning: This production contains nudity, strong language and racially offensive language. It was written, set and originally performed in the mid 90s and the text reflects the social and cultural context of the time. Age Guidance: 16 + ---------- 4 Star REVIEW - Rick Bowen at StageStruck DON’T be fooled by the first half of this multi-award winning play, which largely seems preoccupied with the trivial, as we spend three landmark American holidays in a lakeside holiday home with a group of gay friends. This idyllic place is owned by Gregory, a New York choreographer hopelessly devoted to his partner Bobby, vulnerable but not held back as a result of his blindness. While Terrence Mc Nally’s expertly crafted play, set in the States in the mid 90s, takes a more serious turn after the interval, there are some moments of comedy gold to enjoy with one of the pals, Buzz, treating us to some classic one liners and a personal philosophy that is to put it mildly, unique. Then there’s the spectre of AIDS, the wicked and cruel disease that dulls the characters pursuit of unbridled hedonism. Buzz may be the most entertaining of Mc Nally’s characters - all of human life is here - but by far the most fascinating is Ramon who epitomises that well worn old saying about still waters running deep. I found the way he toys with Bobby quietly cruel and deeply unsettling. A tight knit cast create a convincing cameraderie thanks to the expert and astute direction of Barry Purves, a leading creative who never puts a foot wrong when it comes to making top class theatre. Mike Jenkinson-Deakin, Paul Cudby, Patrick O’Brien, Glenn Jenkinson-Deakin, Rhys Nuttall, Mackauley Reece and Jay Hollows invest so much into their roles emotionally you couldn’t begrudge them a post performance drink or two. For me, it’s Hollows who gives the performance of the night as Ramon as I found this character intriguing. The Garrick is staging this piece as part of its LGBTQ+ season and it was pleasing to see a different kind of audience at the Garrick’s wonderful Lauriston Studio. But I do hope this play is seen by as many theatregoers as possible. A fabulous script, fabulous performances. A must see. Love Valour Compassion is suitable for over 16s only and contains brief nudity and racially offensive language. Until February 5. The box office is on 0161 928 1677 or altrinchamgarrick.co.uk. Star rating - **** Photos taken by Martin Ogden. This season's productions in our Lauriston STUDIO have been sponsored by

< Back Chinese New Year Extravaganza 2020 ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 21 June 2017 Chinese New Year Extravaganza 2020 Mark the fresh beginning and welcome the Year of the Rat (the first in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac) at the Garrick Playhouse this Chinese New Year as Jinlong Culture & Performing Arts brings a spectacular line-up of Chinese acrobatics, music and dance to Altrincham! With exciting programmes including skilled jugglers, mesmerising magic, illuminating Dragon Dance, live instruments and more, Chinese New Year Extravaganza showcases a dazzling array of performances full of colour, amazement and fun. Not forgetting the cheerful lions and the playful pandas, this family-friendly show is the perfect entertainment for all to enjoy! Do Not Miss it!

< Back Witness for the Prosecution ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Ablewhite, Stanley Eaton, Margo Milne, Sheila Poppleton, Howard Steadman, Irene Talbot, Ernest K Thompson, Jean Wise, Ian Yuille, George

< Back 39 Steps ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2013 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

< Back The Thrill of Love ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 2 June 2014 Another SOLD OUT production in the Lauriston STUDIO (Scroll down for the latest review) [wpdevart_youtube]0K2n9QQ4qKE[/wpdevart_youtube] Ruth Ellis was famously the last woman to be hanged in Britain, convicted for the cold blooded killing of her unfaithful lover.?But who was the real woman behind the headlines and the events that drove her to kill.?This sensational new play is by Amanda Whittington who also wrote the hugely popular ?Be My baby? Online there are very few seats remaining for this production, so don't forget, our next production on our Main Stage is our Youth Production of ?'The Phantom of the Opera ' ?- Monday 13th to Friday 17th April. To be followed by' Stepping Out ' and our final Main Stage production of the season '42nd Street ' [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-011.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-02.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-03.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-04.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-05.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-06.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-07.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-08.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-09.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-10.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-11.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Thrill-of-Love-12.jpg|"] We have a brilliant play with an equally brilliant cast to give our audience members a night to remember for a long time. CAST? (Left to Right) Vickie Martin - Rachel Isbister Ruth Ellis - Kate Millington Jack Gale - Scott Ransome Sylvia Shaw - Beverley Stuart Cole Doris Judd - Ali Davenport [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-01.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-02.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-03.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-04.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-05.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-06.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-07.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-08.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-09.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-10.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-11.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Thrill-of-Love-12.jpg|"] Director, Carole Carr - 'This is an exciting and powerful play about Ruth Ellis the last woman to be hanged in England. I have a brilliant cast and we are enjoying rehearsals very much as it is an exceptional play!' If you would like to have the latest Garrick News from this website e-mailed to you directly, then please subscribe to our News 'blog' on the?front page ? and be sure of not missing any of our latest announcements - or maybe join our?Facebook ?or?Twitter ?pages as well.

< Back Ross & Rachel ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 September 2021 Ross & Rachel . You know the ones. Will they? Won’t they? On. Off. On again. Off again. On a break. Vegas. Emma. “I got off the plane”... Ross & Rachel tells the mind-bending, heart-breaking story of what happens when a couple that was always meant to be together, gets together. And stays together. James Fritz’s play isn’t about Ross Geller and Rachel Green, the ultimate Friends-turned-lovers. But it’s not - not about them. A dark and uncompromising play that explores romance, expectation and mortality, and the idea of ‘happy-ever-after’ – sold to us by rom-coms and sitcoms, whether it’s Ross and Rachel or Romeo and Juliet – and how this affects our real-life relationships. No one told them life was gonna be this way... Suitability: 14+. Contains strong language and scenes that some may find disturbing. This season's productions in our Lauriston STUDIO have been sponsored by 4 STAR REVIEW - Rick Bowen Theatre review blog — Stagestruck ONE lady in the audience she was in tears by the time Fiona Primrose was bowing to the audience at the end of the evening. While this deeply unusual piece of theatre didn’t have me reaching for my handkerchief, it certainly takes us on an emotional journey. Ross and Rachel isn’t a case of love hurts. More a case of it should come with a Government health warning. This engrossing single hander may be inspired by the off and on romance of their namesakes from the TV show Friends, but that’s where the comparisons well and truly end. If you turn up to the Lauriston expect a night of cosy camaraderie and witty jokes that were a hallmark of the hugely popular 90’s sitcom, you’ll be disappointed. This is an evening of raw emotion, from jealousy to devotion or rather taking devotion to whole new depths. Fiona Primrose plays both characters and her gender swapping is as effortless as it is engaging. While in character she has a few sips of wine but she certainly deserves a glass or two of the real thing afterwards for putting so much into roles that are anything but carbon copies of their small screen namesakes. How frustrating then, for both her and her director Carole Carr, for there to be just 12 of us in Altrincham Garrick’s fabulous little studio space on Wednesday night to watch a play she’s evidently nurtured with so much love and care. But I’ve often found that to be the case as a reviewer, with certain people shying away from plays and shows they’re not quite sure of. Ross and Rachel is very different, absorbing to the point of being hypnotic and well worth the ticket money. Enjoy this piece of top quality, brilliantly acted theatre. Until May 22. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - **** Photo - Martin Ogden

< Back Mother Goose ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 January 1970 The Altrincham Garrick team is very proud to offer to you our Festive Show for 2020/21 a pocket-sized pantomime for all the family: MOTHER GOOSE Booking Now! The Garrick is very well-known for its marvellous pantomimes. Due to COVID-19, we could not stage Peter Pan this season, as we had planned. So, instead, we are delighted to be able to bring this One-Act Pantomime to the stage. It's "COVID-19 safe" and features socially-distanced seating - but it still provides all the usual Garrick Panto fun! Full details of the Garrick's COVID-19 safety features are here. Note that there is limited seating, so ensure you book your tickets soon.

< Back A Cradle of Willow ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Grant, Emma Greir, Alma Grimshaw, Harold Hughes, Edward D Lightowler, Ronnie R Martin, Cynthia Morrison, Elspeth Richardson, Amy Royle, Dudley Sculfer, Kathleen Turner, Marion

< Back The Marquise ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Billcliff, Arthur Davenport, Alfred Hall, Irene Osborne, Edgar Robinson, Dorothy A Scott, R J F Wolstenholme, Rosemary

< Back Annie Jr ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 10 December 2018 Annie Junior is based on the popular comic strip and is the youth version of the hit Broadway show. Annie Junior tells of a feisty depression-era orphan determined to find her parents who abandoned her on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage. The orphanage, inhabited by Annie and her orphan friends, is run by the cruel, scheming Miss Hannigan who, with her brother Rooster, plots to take advantage of Annie’s good fortune when she finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Annie Junior is a fantastic show, full of family favourites, and features the students of the Garrick Academy of Performing Arts, aged five to sixteen - plus a real, live dog, performing Annie favourites, including Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life and Easy Street. A fun-filled show for all the family! Wednesday 26th at 7.30pm - 12-16 age group Thursday 27th at 7.30pm - 12-16 age group Friday 28th at 7.30pm - 12-16 age group Saturday 29th at 2.00pm - 5-8 and 8-11 age groups Saturday 29th at 7.30pm - 12-16 age group Sunday 30th at 2.00pm - 5-8 and 8-11 age groups

< Back The Dresser ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 7 August 2013 Postponed from last season. This wonderfully affectionate and compassionate play about the theatre not only captures the ambiguous relationship between the star "Sir" and the dresser "Norman", it also shows the sentiment, bitchiness and comradeship of the backstage world of the touring theatre.Enduring tatty digs and nightmare train journeys required devotion and dedication. It is the character of the Dresser who epitomises these ideals and perpetuates the myth. Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay starred in the film CAST Terry Chandler as Sir Nick Johnson as Norman Mary Wright as Her Ladyship Pat Williamson as Madge Hugh Everett as Mr Oxenby Peter de la Wyche as Geoffrey Thornton Becky Wright as Irene Knights, Lords etc played by Frank Boylan, Ken Curragh, Brian Stoner

< Back Lonesome Like ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 July 2014 CAST Irving, Ella Kirton, C H Lawley, Mollie Mounfield, Frank

< Back Les Liaisons Dangereuses ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 This intriguing comedy of sexual manners and manipulation is set in pre-Revolutionary France with sumptuous settings and costumes. It charts the seduction of the young, voluptuous and willing Cecile and the pure yet passionate Mme de Tourvel by Le Vicomte de Valmont, proud of his reputation as a seducer. Sharing his cynicism and encouraging his enterprises is his former mistress, La Marquise de Merteuil. But she has an ulterior motive. All ends in tragedy and Valmont and Tourval are destroyed by their passion. This promises to be a stunning and gripping production.

< Back To Live in Peace ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Fletcher, Alfred Harris, Frank John, Laurie Jones, John Glynn Kamberian, Tahouhi Pearce, Tom Plested, James Snape, Joyce Wiltshire, H John

< Back Babe (1995 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 31 August 2020 We are thrilled to be able to present one of the most perfect of family films, about the misfit pig, Babe, who thinks he’s a sheep dog. Full of gloriously eccentric characters, both animal and human, it also features a great music score and ravishing scenery. The film review web-site Rotten Tomatoes describes it as "The rare family-friendly feature with a heart as big as its special effects budget, Babe offers timeless entertainment for viewers of all ages". That’ll do, Pig, that’ll do. This screening will (as always) be introduced by Barry Purves with informed trivia, anecdotes and some background of the production. Our kiosk will be open for you to buy those naughty treats before the film starts. 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 free car park.

< Back Toy Story (1995 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 September 2020 25 years ago, this film changed everything in the world of animation. Not only was it the first completely computer-animated feature, but it is also a superb story of friendship and devotion, full of brilliantly realised characters, and a feast of nostalgia for the toys of our childhood. We’ve all wondered what our toys did when we turned our backs. Come and enjoy this masterpiece on the big screen. This screening will (as always) be introduced by Barry Purves with informed trivia, anecdotes and some background of the production. 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 free car park.

< Back A Man for All Seasons ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 7 February 2014 Robert Bolt's well known story of Sir Thomas More, one time friend and councillor of Henry VIII, and his clash with the king over his divorce from Katherine of Aragon, leading to More's downfall and execution. [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mana.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mand.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mane.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mang.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mani.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mank.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manl.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manm.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mann.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mano.jpg|"] CAST The Common Man Bill Platt Sir Thomas More David Reynolds Master Richard Rich Nick Curror The Duke of Norfolk Victor Hassan Lady Alice More Sandra Thomas Lady Margaret More Jacqueline Wheble Cardinal Wolsey Tony Broughton Thomas Cromwell John Keen Signor Chapuys Stephen Moss Chapuys's Attendant Oliver Marsh William Roper Neeraj Pathak King Henry VIII Jon White A Woman Linda Panton Thomas Cranmer John Westbrook Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen Garrick does Bolt classic proud ALTRINCHAM Garrick's latest production should have 'made in Trafford' stamped all over it. Written by Sale born Robert Bolt, 'A Man For All Seasons' is an intriguing and inspiring piece about a man who lived and ultimately died for his principles. The man in question was one Thomas More, a disarmingly decent person who had the courage to oppose King Henry VIII's plans to divorce in his quest for a son and heir. While this seminal play doesn't fall into the light entertainment category - you must be prepared to listen hard - it isn't a dry history lesson either. Bolt succeeds in portraying the characters in a way that engages the audience and the scene in which More meets his family in his prison cell brings a lump to the throat. David Reynolds is terrific as More and gives a truly mesmerising performance that makes you hang on his every word. On the other side of the coin we have Bill Platt who brings us some much needed light relief as The Common Man, a cynical and humorous commentator on the events that unfold around him. Director Celia Bonner has made sure an ambitious play is accessible and enjoyable and Barry Purves's set, with its chequered floor, put me in mind of a giant board game. But for those involved in the 'game' the consequences are ultimately deadly. Robert Bolt left us in 1995 but I think he would have been well pleased with the Garrick's staging of one of his most famous plays. Who knows, maybe he was watching. Nice thought, isn't it? Star Rating ★★★★

< Back Ambrose Applejohn's Adventure ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Bonsier, Frederick H Brewer, Brian B Brown, Sydney A Chapman, Laurie Coombs, J Davenport, Alfred Dunn, Frederick Hibbert, Sydney Lightowler, Madge Lightowler, Ronnie R Matthias, Mary Osborne, Edgar Starkey, A Stewart, J Alan Warhurst, W Kenneth Warrington, Betty White, Elliot Wiltshire, H John Wood, Wyn

< Back Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 20 June 2016 The Tony award winning Broadway Musical One of the darkest musicals ever written, Sweeney Todd: A Musical Thriller is the unsettling tale of a barber who returns home to London after fifteen years of exile to take revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life. When revenge eludes him, Sweeney swears vengeance on the entire human race, murdering as many people as he can, while his business associate Mrs. Lovett bakes the bodies into meat pies and sells them to the unsuspecting public. Perhaps composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim's most perfect score, Sweeney Todd is lush, operatic, and full of soaring beauty, pitch-black comedy and stunning terror. It's one of the signal achievements of the American musical theatre of the last fifty years, and it's the high water mark of Sondheim's six remarkable collaborations with director Harold Prince. The production was proudly sponsored by Myerson Solicitors [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSCF1412.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC_7821.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC_7875.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC_7307.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC_7715.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC_7445.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC_7595.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DSC_7360.jpg|"] CAST Sweeney Todd - Wayne Holt Mrs Lovett - Laura Chandler Anthony Hope - Chris Wagstaff Joanna - Sara Grace Nelson Tobias Ragg - Joe Maxwell Dillon Judge Turpin - Paul Wilson The Beadle - Aidan Burgess Beggar woman - Charlie Welsh Adolfo Pirelli - Jackson Hayes Jonas Fogg - Josh Crook Bird seller - Cameron Hall People of London, Clara Frier, Ros Greenwood, Cyanne Holt, Rachel Gerring, Lauren Whitely, Abbie Martland, Emily Shelton, Kitty West, Claire Garrett, Josh Crook, Josh Smith, Chris Shepherd, Cameron Hall, George Lowe, Jack Gibby REVIEW by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck THE two leads in this fabulous musical certainly come up with a business plan with a difference and as distasteful as it is, the audience can't help laughing, albeit uncomfortably at times. It's impossible not to have a giggle, to be seduced by the show's jet black humour. How sad then, that a production of this quality played to a half empty theatre on Monday night. Frustrating for all concerned, particularly for former executive producer Paul Kerrryson who makes a welcome return to direct with distinction Sondheim's macabre masterpiece. They should re-christen Kerryson Mr Musicals, for it's a theatrical genre in which he consistently excels. Musicals live or die by their leads and in Wayne Holt and Laura Chandler, who play Todd and pie shop owner Mrs Loveitt respectively, the Garrick have a dream duo. Wayne gives the audience the creeps even when exchanging pleasantries with his customers and the "demon barber" is a truly imposing and intimidating figure. The scene I particularly enjoyed is the one in which Mrs L tries to bring out the romantic in the vengeful Todd. Holt and Chandler play this to perfection and for me, this is Laura's finest hour on the Garrick stage. She's a real credit to her late dad Terry, whose acting gave me decades of pleasure at this particular playhouse. If you aren't a convert, it may take time to warm to Sondheim's genius, as the music can be difficult, the lyrical wordplay intricate. Once converted, there's no going back and singers like Chris Wagstaff, who plays the lovesick Anthony, and Sara Grace Nelson, who plays the apple of his eye, Joanna, are sure to boost the legion of Sondheim fans. On stage they are mesmerising, and Sara Grace has a voice so pure it's sure to set many a bottom lip quivering. It did mine. A major musical triumph, that simply must not be missed. Magnificent. Star rating ★★★★★ REVIEW by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger Gruesome murders as the Garrick delivers another five star production NEVER has murder been more gruesome than in the Garrick's musical, Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. To use a pun, the cast make mincemeat of Sondheim's difficult, strident music and the professional direction of Paul Kerryson, ensures the playhouse maintains its reputation for good musicals. Sweeney Todd, played forcefully by Wayne Holt, really is a demon. He's a menacing presence but can win you over with his deep baritone voice. Let him shave you at your peril for you will end up travelling dead down a brilliantly contrived shute, to the baker's shop below. You'll become the main ingredient of one of the comical Mrs Lovett's delicious pies. When Laura Chandler sings The Worst Pies in London, it adds spice to her concoctions. A third employee is kitchen assistant, Tobias Ragg. Joseph Dillon, 16, who has a lovely voice, plays him as naive and almost driven mad by what he sees in the business-like death factory around him. The murdering starts because Sweeney wants to avenge Paul Wilson's unfeeling and lecherous Judge Turpin who wrongfully exiled him. Worse still, Turpin?s the guardian of Joanna, Sweeney's daughter. It is Sara Grace Nelson who, as Joanna, sings one of the show's most beautiful songs, Green Finch and Linnett Bird. The Mark Goggins orchestra are good but, occasionally, overpower the singers. Despite this, it's another five star production for the Garrick. Star rating ★★★★★ REVIEW by Mark Dee for North West End Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is very difficult to 'get in to'; he doesn't make it easy for either the listener or the singer; but if it's right it is extremely rewarding and a total joy. Sweeney Todd is one of the more difficult Sondheim scores, and therefore potentially one of the most rewarding too; and has become, since the recent film, one of his better known Musicals too. It tells the gruesome and dark story of Benjamin Barker, a barber who was transported for life simply because he opposed a local Judge deciding to have his wicked way with his beautiful young wife, Lucy. Unbeknownst to Barker, Lucy falls pregnant and the child, christened Joanna is brought up by the Judge as his ward. 15 years pass since Benjamin Barker set foot in London but now arrives back with his First Mate, Anthony, and as he revisits the barber's shop he used to own, a plot hatches to wreak revenge on the Judge, and so under the assumed name of Sweeney Todd, enlists the help of Pie Shop owner, Mrs. Lovett, (or is it she who enlists him to give her business a boost....) and the rest, as they say, is history! Altrincham Garrick brought this bloodthirsty legend to life assembling a 'dream team' of Paul Kerryson and Mark Goggins. Former Artistic Director of Altrincham's Garrick, Kerryson made a welcome return to direct what he does best, Musicals. Whilst Mark Goggins' strict and firm baton waving ensured that musically everything was completely sound. Wayne Holt gave a very dour and unsmiling interpretation of Todd, even in the lighter scenes (A Little Priest/By The Sea) he was still very broody and 'dangerous'. Not the conventional interpretation, but it certainly worked for him and his deep baritone voice and strong stance worked very much in his favour. Mrs. Lovett (Laura Chandler) and Beggar Woman (Charlie Welsh) were both excellent too, but both were sadly too young for these roles in comparison with Todd. Chris Wagstaff gave a plaintive and stolid performance as love-sick Anthony, and the object of his desires, Joanna was Sara Grace Nelson, who had the sweetest high soprano register I think I have ever heard. The stand out performance for me though was undoubtedly Joseph Dillon, who aged only 16, {and reminding me of myself when I was his age a little too!}, gave a wonderful performance as Tobias Ragg. With a strong supporting cast and even stronger chorus, this makes for a rather macabre but highly entertaining evening out. The show runs a little long, coming down at 10:20pm, but stick with it; Sondheim needs to be listened carefully to, otherwise you will miss many of the oh so clever lyrics and in this production Goggins has taken the songs just a tad slower to accommodate for this. It's worth it! It has been quite a while since Manchester has been treated to Sweeney Todd's cold-blooded throat slitting, and it may well be a long time before the next; So catch it while you have the chance, by seeing it performed by one of Greater Manchester's premier amateur theatre companies.

< Back Boston Marriage ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 10 February 2014 Anna and Claire are two scheming "women of fashion" who live together on the fringes of society. Anna has just become the mistress of a wealthy man, from whom she has received an enormous emerald. Claire, meanwhile, is infatuated with a young girl and wants to enlist the jealous Anna's help for an assignation. As the two women exchange barbs and taunt their hapless maid, Claire's inamorata arrives and sets off a crisis that puts both the valuable emerald and the women's future at risk. Mamet brings his trademark tart dialogue and impeccable plotting, spiced with Wildean wit, to this wickedly funny comedy.

< Back Hysteria ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 10 February 2014 When Sigmund Freud meets Salvador Dali two of the world's greatest and most eccentric minds collide. This outrageous comedy finds Freud in his quiet suburb of Hampstead where he hopes to spend his last days in peace. When Salvador Dali appears along with an attractive young student of Freud's work, all hell breaks loose. Why is Freud burning his latest publication? Why is Dali berating him? Why is there a semi-naked woman in his closet? Why is he close to hysteria? CAST Richard Sails as Freud Claire Brookes as Jessica David Gonet as Yahuda Matthew Stead as Dali Ensemble - Adam Gonet, Sarah Leigh ASM - Adam Gonet Prompt - Stella Sails [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/hysteriaa.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/hysteriab.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/hysteriac.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/hysteriad.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/hysteriae.jpg|"] Photographer: Martin Oldfield

< Back Stepping Out ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 Stepping Out, which enjoyed a successful West End run at the Duke of York's theatre, is a warm and very funny play about the lives, laughs and loves of a group of women (and one man) attending a weekly tap-dance class in a dingy North London church hall. There is ex-professional dancer Mavis, who runs the class; cheerfully overweight Sylvia; Andy, a plain do-gooder with no confidence; Maxine, attractive, sharp and very shrewd; fat, plain Lynne; Rose and Geoffrey, the lone male. As the play progresses, the class's dancing improves to such an extent that by the climax, a grand charity show performance, they have been transformed into triumphant tappers, worthy of any chorus line. Voted Comedy of the Year by the Evening Standards Drama Awards in 1984. CAST Mandy White as Mavis Lesley Donohue as Mrs Fraser Summer Darcy as Lynne Dawn Flint as Dorothy Nikki Smith as Maxine Marina Anderson as Andy Mike Shaw as Geoffrey Laura Chandler as Sylvia Destiny Thomas as Rose Margaret Leslie as Vera Neeraj Pathak as Stage Manager

< Back Back to The Future (1985 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 September 2020 For those of you who did not manage to see the curtailed stage musical at the Opera House this year, here is the original time-travelling, mind-boggling exhilarating adventure in all of its special effects glory on our big screen. This screening will (as always) be introduced by Barry Purves with informed trivia, anecdotes and some background of the production. 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 free car park.

< Back Nightmare ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 11 April 2017 A classic whodunit, 'Midsomer Murders' style Marion Bishop, an elderly writer of romantic novels, is dying. Katherine Willis, kind soul from the nearby village, looks after Marion in a most caring way while coping with her disabled brother of twenty. When Katherine takes leave to attend her cousin's wedding in Scotland. Laura, an experienced nurse from London comes to take care of the failing writer, on the recommendation of the local doctor. A series of mysterious phone calls and the appearance of Raymond, Marion's rapacious nephew, set off a nightmare situation which becomes increasingly complicated when Katherine's brother is found murdered in a ditch. Deceit, suspicion, blackmail and incrimination are subtly woven into a web of crime which is completed by a dramatic confrontation scene just before an ingenious twist brings a surprising close [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3777.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3745.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3968.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3901.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3842.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3803.jpg|"] CAST MARION BISHOP - PAT WILLIAMSON RAYMOND BISHOP - PETER BRASSINGTON KATHERINE WILLIS - MEG ROYLE MICHAEL WILLIS - LIAM DODD DR ANDREW THORNE - HUGH EVERETT LAURA VINNECOMBE - BEVERLEY STUART-COLE DORIS MEACHAM - PAULA KEEN Rehearsal Photos [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-7.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-2-e1507061994980.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-10-e1507062034842.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-9-e1507062055379.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-5-e1507062140532.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-3.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-6-e1507062110754.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-8-e1507062074744.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-4-e1507062014152.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Nightmare-1.jpg|"] Review by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger ALTRINCHAM Garrick Playhouse's production of Nightmare, a suspense thriller by Norman Robbins, was full of red herrings and with an unexpected ending. It features Marion Bishop, an elderly writer. Played by Pat Williamson, cancer has robbed Marion of her health so, despite being well off, she needs carers. Pat encourages us to like her character despite an apparent grumpiness. Our affection is possibly misplaced? Her main carer is Katherine Willis (played warm heartedly by Meg Royle) who has a brother, Michael, with learning difficulties. Liam Dodd who has the difficult task of playing him, rises to the challenge and, although his character cannot speak, conveys his feelings with body language. Well done Liam. When Katherine goes on holiday, her place is taken by nurse Laura (Beverley Stuart-Cole) on the say so of the local doctor (Hugh Everett) a beneficiary of Marion's will. There is more to these two than meets the eye. One of the red herrings could be Marion's nephew played by a sinister Peter Brassington who is thuggishly different from the other gentile characters. It's a fascinating play rendered even more fascinating at the end. Star rating ★★★ ★ Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck MARION Bishop is a wealthy romantic novelist and a string of schemers descend upon her house, desperate to get their hands on her money. By far the most interesting is her quietly intimidating and grudge fuelled nephew Raymond - perfectly played by Peter Brassington. Raymond is completely obnoxious and Brassington, one of the Garrick's most consistently impressive actors, ensures we hate him every second he's on stage. It sounds like the recipe for an evening of heart thumping tense theatre but there were only two occasions when I felt genuinely spooked by what was unfolding on stage. The play lacks pace and some of the dialogue is downright clumpy. A real shame, as Pat Williamson delivers a fine performance as Marion, a knowing, wise old bird who has no intention of lying down and playing the victim. I also liked Liam Dodd as Michael, very convincing as a young man with special needs. Although Raymond refers to him in far more disparaging terms. Nightmare certainly isn't the worst production you'll ever see in the hands of the more than able director Carole Carr. I just feel a cast as good as this, which also includes Hugh Everett as Dr Andrew Thorne, deserves much better material than this eminently forgettable Norman Robbins script. Star rating ★★★

< Back A Doll's House ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Ainsworth, Marguerite Baker, Rosina Birch, Gwen Farebrother, Arthur F Miller, Robert Richardson, Amy Williams, Anne

< Back CANCELLED - Blackkklansman 2018 (Film Screening) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 4 August 2021 UNFORTUNATELY, THIS SCREENING IS CANCELLED. Ron Stallworth is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. The detective soon recruits a more seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman, into the undercover investigation of a lifetime. Together, they team up to take down the extremist hate group as the organisation aims to sanitise its rhetoric to appeal to the mainstream. 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 Doctor in the House ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Irving, Irene Preston, Penny Robbie, Christopher Stockton, Reg

< Back The Annual Jumble Sale ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Bramwell, Madge Francis, W M Martin, Rita Willis, Joan

< Back Sugar Daddies ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 7 February 2014 The latest funny and moving comedy from the nation?s favourite playwright. Val first enters as ?Father Christmas? having just played the role at a children?s party. Leaving the party in full regalia he is knocked down but fortunately not hurt by a hit-and-run driver. He is rescued by Sasha, a kind and unsophisticated girl who shares a flat with her sister who has ?boyfriend trouble?. To show his gratitude Val attempts to help them both but his understanding of the modern girl is sadly lacking and his efforts are doomed to failure. A timely warning about the dangers of role-playing and pretence. CAST Sarah Roberts as Sasha Geoff Noar as Val Caroline Hickey as Chloe Bill Platt as Ashley Carole Carr as Charmaine [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sugardaddiesb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sugardaddiesi.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sugardaddiesm.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sugardaddiesf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sugardaddieso.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sugardaddiesc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sugardaddiesg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sugardaddiesn.jpg|"]

< Back GAPA Student End of Year Showcase ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 19 August 2015 An opportunity for every student to have their individual moment in the spotlight. Devised with the students and directed by the staff this is a fantastic way to round off another fantastic year at GAPA.

< Back Mother of Men ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Farebrother, Arthur F Matthias, Mary Royse, Mary W Snape, Joyce Tomlinson, Doris (Dorrie) Warhurst, W Kenneth Wheelwright, Stewart

< Back Drowning On Dry Land ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 7 February 2014 A witty and topical play, which explores our obsession with celebrity status and the ordinary person who desperately tries to get their 15 minutes of fame. The play also demonstrates how celebrity status can be lost as quickly as it is obtained and how ruthless and fickle the media can be. However, one man's downfall inevitably leads to someone elses gain. Alan Ayckbourn's recent play reflects our obsession with celebrity culture today. CAST Charlie Conrad Simon Royce Linzi Ellison Beverley Stuart-Cole Jason Ratcliffe David Beddy Hugo de Prescourt Martin Oldfield Gale Gilchrist Kathryn Worthington Marsha Bates Natalie Horne Simeon Diggs Steve Williamson Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen The price of fame DROWNING On Dry Land is full of characters you wouldn't cross the road to avoid - you'd cross a continent. They really are a horrible bunch and when the leading man falls off his celebrity perch you greet his demise with a mere shrug of the shoulders. It?s almost as if they?re engaged in some sort of contest to see who can be the most objectionable, from the gushing, back stabbing TV personality Gale Gilchrist to the hard faced Linzi Ellison. While I wouldn't describe the piece as vintage Alan Ayckbourn - the ending is particularly weak - there are some great lines and priceless scenarios to enjoy. He's a clever beggar, that Ayckbourn. Altrincham Garrick's latest production features a strong ensemble cast and the pick of the performances come from Simon Royce as the famous failure Charlie Conrad, Kathryn Worthington as the horrendous Gale Gilchrist and Natalie Horne as the mousy children's entertainer Marsha Bates. Her poor face was a picture as Conrad's smug and smarmy lawyer Hugo de Prescourt tied her up in knots over her allegation against Conrad, a man with all the personality of a tailor's dummy. Ms Horne consistently impresses me whenever I see her at the Garrick and this is a beautifully pitched piece of character acting. In an age in which non entities become celebrities after winning lame brained reality TV shows, 'Drowning On Dry Land' couldn't be any more topical. While it isn't in the same league as Ayckbourn classics like 'Woman In Mind' or 'Absurd Person Singular', this play is hugely enjoyable and highly entertaining and I couldn't resist a satisfied smile when Conrad's world collapses around him. God forbid anything like that should happen to Jade Goody. Star Rating ★★★ M.E.N.'s Review by Julia Taylor HOW often has a child responded to the question "What do you want to be?" with the answer, "I want to be famous". This surely stems from the current penchant for reality TV and the worship of celebrities. How many "stars" can you think of who aren't particularly good? In his 66th play, Drowning on Dry Land, Alan Ayckbourn places his magnifying glass on this aspect of modern life. He does it through a character called Charlie Conrad who becomes famous by accident because he is no good at anything. Like all those who go up, he has only one way to go and that is down, despite and, possibly because of, his agent (David Beddy) and media people who egg him on, not least of them, Gale Gilchrist (Kathryn Worthington). The irony is that his wife, Linzi, a TV presenter, is good at what she does but doesn't receive the same acclaim. Needless to say with a subject like Charlie who is as dim as they come, the play has the audience rocking with laughter. Not only is the dialogue funny but it also contains plenty of down to earth slapstick comedy. Most of this comes from a clown the couple hire to entertain their children. She has a crush on Charlie but when she asks for his autograph, all hell is let loose and it is not the clown who takes the tumble! Natalie Horne switches well from shy Marsha to confident Mr Chortles, the clown. The play is set in a folly well contrived by Juliet Jones and that, has a hidden message in its staircase which never goes to the top, but ends where it began. The irony is obvious. The Garrick are lucky to have a large number of talented people who can successfully take on lead parts. In this play we have Simon Royce who brings the not very bright Arthur to life and Beverley Stuart-Cole who turns his wife, Linzi, into something akin to Victoria Beckham. But what stands out about the Barrington Road theatre is that those who take on smaller parts are consistently good, too. In this case, I liked Martin Oldfield?s Hugo, who captures the clipped formality and stance of a lawyer who rescues Charlie when he is caught in flagrante with his children;s entertainer in front of a journalist. The usual Garrick professionalism prevails and there is just the tiniest twist at the end. Star Rating ★★★★

< Back Hassan ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 July 2014 CAST Bonson, John P Brierley, Norman Briggs, Harry Brown, Sydney Coventry, Betty Dean, P De Lange, Adela Donaldson, W Dykes, Tom Evans, Mainwaring Hill, Arthur P Hill, J Albert Isaacs, Sadie King, D W Kirton, C H Lees, H N Matthews, Marion Thwaite Norwood, W Palmer, Jack A Scholefield, Pearce Shawcross, S Smith, Dan Staff, E W Thompson, Fred Thompson, Freda Walsh, Katie Wilson, Tom Winn, Rex Wood, Kathleen Wilkinson, John Fielding, Edward H

< Back Entertaining Angels ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2013 As a vicar's wife, Grace has spent a lifetime on her best behaviour. Now, after the death of her husband Bardolph, she can enjoy the new-found freedom of being able to do and say exactly what she wants. But the return of her eccentric missionary sister, Ruth, together with some disturbing revelations forces Grace to confront the truth of her marriage. Set in a lush vicarage garden complete with real grass, plants and a stream with running water, the play is filled with sharp-edged comedy and probing wit.

< Back English Touring Opera Live on Stage - Performance 4 ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 19 October 2020 LYRIC SOLITUDE - performance 4 of 4 English Touring Opera are thrilled to return to live performance this Autumn, with a programme focusing on the voice of the individual in isolation, on the power of song, and of poetry - with responses to that power in dance, image and drama.  The Garrick is delighted to host ETO's 4 separate performances over this weekend. Sunday's matinee is the final musical event of the three days, and features the following: La Voix Humaine (Poulenc) A Waterbird Talk (Argento) Total duration 90 mins La Voix Humaine (Poulenc) Poulenc’s final opera, written for the extraordinary soprano Denise Duval, is based on Jean Cocteau’s play. The opera (45 minutes) is the last conversation between a young woman and her lover, who is abandoning her. Through her little lies, and his thunderous lies, the truth of their relationship becomes clear. It is an overwhelming account of love and love’s ending. Soprano Paula Sides is ‘the human voice’, partnered by Sergey Rybin on the piano and directed by James Conway. (Note: La Voix Humaine is also being performed on Saturday afternoon .) A Waterbird Talk (Argento) In the course of an illustrated lecture on the mating habits of water fowl, an ornithologist (baritone Julien van Mellaerts) describes his oppressive marriage. Each song-like section of the drama describes a different species, and onto each he projects his own feelings – to the evident concern of his wife in the audience, whose bird-like coughs interrupt his lyric digressions. Light hearted and melancholy in equal measure, it is an ideal complement to La Voix Humaine . Susan Bickley, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished mezzo-sopranos of her generation, makes her directorial debut, and the pianist is Ella O’Neill. Sung in English. Adapted by Dominick Argento from On the Harmfulness of Tobacco by Anton Chekov and The Birds of America by J. J. Audobon. A contemporary opera, premiered in 1977. The bar will be open before and after the show. Come and join us in a friendly, informal and Covid-19 safe atmosphere, to witness this unique fusion of music, dance, image and drama ... as well as to avail yourself of our low bar prices and free car park ! ETO's Lyric Solitude at the Garrick We are hosting 4 performances from English Touring Opera over the weekend: Friday 20 November at 19:30: Tippett, Britten and Shostakovich Saturday 21 November at 15:00: La Voix Humaine , by Poulenc Saturday 21 November at 19:30: more from Britten, Shostakovich and Poulenc Sunday 22 November at 15:00: Two short operas, by Poulenc and Argento (this performance) - includes La Voix Humaine Note: apart from La Voix Humaine being performed twice, all other pieces are being performed just once only.

< Back Kafka's Dick ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 It is 1919 and the tubercular Kafka insists that best friend Max burn all his writings after his death. Max, of course, goes on to publish Kafka's work and also writes Kafka's biography - thereby setting the ball rolling on the subsequent Kafka hysteria. We are transported to present day and the sitting room of Sydney, a Kafka-besotted insurance agent who is working on his "definitive" article on Kafka for the Journal of Insurance Studies, while his sexually frustrated wife, Linda, stares morosely out of the window and his elderly father is reading up on current affairs in his effort to convince social workers and family that he isn't gaga. If you have enjoyed Bennett on the small (or large) screen, this will give you greater insight into one of our finest contemporary (and Northern) writers. It is well worth the while and yes, the title means what you think. Poor Kafka, overendowed with paranoia, underendowed with ... CAST Mark Butt as Kafka Trevor McKie as Brod Caroline Hickey as Linda Allan Taylor as Father David Beddy as Sydney Martin Oldfield as Hermann K

< Back Land of My Fathers ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Billcliff, Arthur Billcliff, Lillian Brown, Sydney A Chapman, Laurie Cookson, Harold Courtney, Donald Gaskill, Philip A Hanson, Gwen Howat, Robert (Bob) A Osborne, Edgar Rix, S M Rourke, Norah J Ruse, Marjorie T Willan, John P

< Back Calender Girls ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 July 2013 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 NODA Review by 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 90'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 Beverly Stuart-Cole, who relishes her role as Chris and drives the calendar project with head girl levels of determination, Beverly excelled 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 which was 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 plays 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.

< Back Acorn Antiques the Musical ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 July 2013 A musical version of the very successful TV series based in the busy antiques shop in Manchesterford. Wrinkly tights, coconut macaroons, eye shadow and Mrs Overall's home-made sherry are all (visibly) waiting in the wings !! CAST Mrs Overall Caroline Hickey Miss Babs Laura Chandler Mr Clifford David Jones Miss Berta Vicki Stott (AWARD) Tony Andrew Higson Bonnie Sarah Taylor Mimi Clare Muldoon Hugh Ryan Clarke Christine & Evelyn Steph Niland Mrs Willaighly April Millar Minchin's Dad David Leathlean Mr Finlay Gary Jones Mr Watkins Brian Howlett Derek Bill Platt Postman Andrew Higson Miss Cuff Anne Chandler Miss Wellbeloved Julie Broadbent Bev Adele Higson Mimi April Millar Debra Clare Muldoon As Himself John O'Brian Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen Priceless - Acorn Antiques at Altrincham Garrick CAN anybody tell me just what actors have to do to get a standing ovation these days? If any production deserves one it's Acorn Antiques - The Musical, Altrincham Garrick's final show of the season. This is wall-to-wall perfection, from the expert comic timing and slick dance routines to the company's full blooded performance of Victoria Wood's crowd pleaser of a score, which has some occasionally naughty lyrics. Caroline Hickey is a scream as Mrs Overall, the doddery old tea lady who looks like she's about to spill her tea tray at any given second. Caroline is an exceptional character actress and Julie Walters herself, who immortalised this role, would have been proud of her achievement. Vicki Stott, who plays Miss Berta, has a singing voice to die for and there's a real chemistry between her and Laura Chandler, who plays her seemingly prim and proper business partner, Miss Babs. I say prim and proper but the mask slips very easily whenever an eligible bachelor enters their shop and Laura conveys both facets of this character quite superbly. There is a semi-serious theme running through the show with Wood lamenting the changing face of the high street, but if you go to see this show, set in an incurably old-fashioned antiques shop, you're sure to remember it for the genuinely laugh out loud funny jokes. This is a triumph for all concerned - make sure those box office phones are ringing off the wall. Star Rating ★★★★★ Messenger News By Rick Bowen ALTRINCHAM Garrick has received a special message of support for its next production - from a comedy icon. The theatre is staging Acorn Antiques - The Musical and its writer, Victoria Wood, has emailed the theatre and expressed her delight over the society's decision to stage the show. It's set in an antiques shop in the fictional English town of Manchesterford and started life as a TV programme sending up soap operas. The shop is run by Miss Berta and Miss Babs who are less than ably assisted by Mrs Overall, their elderly tea lady. In the email, the Bury-born star said: 'I'm so happy that Acorn Antiques the Musical! is getting another outing. I hope you all enjoy this simple tale of corporate greed, amnesia and macaroons. Although I never played my original part, Miss Berta, on stage, I did do two shows a week as Mrs Overall in the original West End production, when Julie Walters found herself having to go to Bingo. And it was very lovely to don the pinny and the marigolds, even for so brief a time. When I heard that Miss Babs and Miss Berta were coming back to tread the boards, I could do no more than echo Mrs Overall's famous remark 'Ooh I am pleased!.' 12:00pm Thursday 16th May 2013 in News By Rick Bowen NODA Review by Kevin Proctor The plot of Acorn Antiques (The Musical) is pure comic fantasy; set on a high street in Manchesterford where the shopkeepers, with hardly any rent to pay and no need to make a profit, can open their doors each day without a single worry of customers actually buying anything, one of these shops is of course 'Acorn Antiques' run by sisters Miss Babs (Laura Chandler), Miss Berta (Vicki Stott) and with the help of elderly tea lady Mrs O (Caroline Hickey). This production, like many of the more modern musicals, was high energy and ran at a quick pace though I felt the show would have benefited if the pace had been more relaxed. Many of Victoria Woods gags need to be 'milked' but with the speed of this show, there simply wasn't time to linger and relish in the moments which were gone and lost before we had chance to enjoy them. Unquestionably, the strength of this show lied with the three sisters; Bab's, Berta & Bonnie and of course the bonkers Mrs 'mummy' Overall! each of these leading ladies brought their own original qualities to the table. Vicki Stott effortlessly owned the stage and gave us a first-rate performance of the slightly dim but rosy Miss Berta with an outstanding delivery of 'Remind Him'. The role of Miss Babs was tackled head on by Laura Chandler who delivered star quality throughout, yes, ideally her role is more suited to an older actress though the angle which she'd cleverly approached Miss Babs' objectives were believably adapted to suit her age. The long lost Bonnie was powerfully portrayed by Sarah Taylor who freight trained her way through a remarkable performance, making a firm and inspiring impression in this production. And now - for the part which everyone came to see - Caroline Hickey had the strain of rendering one of Victoria Woods most recognisable characters; Mrs Overall. The success of this production relies heavily on the impersonation of this character and Caroline had her down to a tee! The voice, scrunched up face, the famous walk were all so accurate it added to the comedy. The only shame is the lack of scope to add to the part to make it your own as this can be nothing other than a direct imitation, never-the-less, Caroline expertly fitted the bill and certainly didn't fail to have tears of laughter running throughout the Garrick's auditorium. The band played in a room behind the stage and the sound was channelled through to the auditorium which unfortunately lost the sense of a live band, some of the players could not be heard as clear as others and the sound, in general, was too low. This seems to be a continuing problem which I find to be quite irritating as I (as I?m sure others do) want to enjoy the music. The biggest part of my frustration is knowing that the band was of a high quality and not being able to experience it to the full degree. The comedy sketches of which this musical is based translates very well onto the stage with the inclusion of some satire references to popular stage shows such as 'Les Mis', 'Hello Dolly!' and 'A Chorus Line' which were recognisable and well received. This show has a large cast and I can't deny that parts (particularly the full company numbers) seemed under rehearsed, some members of the ensemble didn't know the words to company numbers and the movement was not as crisp as I'd have liked, however, with the nature of this show and it's comedy style you could argue that this was intentional, if this is so; more needed to be made of it, but in all honesty I'm not sure it was. We got strong support who all added to the fun and giggles, particular stand outs were the two pitiful adolescents (Claire Muldoon & Ryan Clarke), neighbouring shop keepers (Stephanie Niland & David Leathlean) and not forgetting the gays (Bill Platt & Brian Howlett). The set looked good (maybe a little too good as I really wanted to see it wobble!) and I enjoyed some quirky effects in particular the video appearance of 'Dad' which had me chuckling! It was so nice to see a large turnout! Musicals are a definite guarantee to bringing in the crowds at the Garrick which is fortunate as we?re being treated to three of them next season! Can't wait.

< Back The Town that Would have a Pageant ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Barnes, Barbara Billcliff, Lillian Birch, Gwen Blackhurst, Ernest Corness, Ian Garrick, Daisy Lightowler, Madge Pearse, Bette Plested, James Royle, Dudley Turner, Marion Wakefield, Robert Winning, Joyce Winstanley, Marjorie Worswick, Joan

< Back Misalliance ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 July 2014 CAST Bramwell, Madge Lowe, Edgar M Matthews, Walter R Smith, Bertram E Warburton, George A Wilson, Tom Woffington, J J Gee, Mary H

< Back The Sunshine Boys ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 Set in the two-room drab and run-down apartment in New York City on upper Broadway, this comedy concerns the love/hate relationship between two old Vaudeville comedians (long since retired). Willie Clark, the more curmudgeonly of the two - in whose apartment the play is set - is still trying to eke out a living by doing voice-overs, but is too unpredictable to be hired more than once. The offer to revive the act THE SUNSHINE BOYS for a television variety show special brings out the best and worst in Lewis and Clark and proves that winding back the clock is just too much to ask - despite the tempting fee. A very special film was made some years ago with Walter Matthau and George Burns. ?

< Back Snow White ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 10 June 2015 Book your tickets for our traditional festive show! - The Christmas show at the Garrick is a regular favorite for ALL family the - be warned...this show is sure to SELL OUT again this year. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_2467.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_1870.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_2457.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_2374.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_2136.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_2063.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_2007.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_1965.jpg|"] CAST Fairy Moonbeam (A Very Good Fairy) - HELEN LAWRENCE Alfresco (The Lord Chamberlain) - CHARLIE COOK Queen Belladonna (The Ruler of Rutania) - ROS GREENWOOD Dame Daffy Dumpling (The Royal Cook) - PHIL EDWARDS Muddles (The Court Jester) - DAN ELLIS Princess Snow White - CHRISTINA WILLIAMS Prince William - ALEXANDRA HOWARTH Valdesco (The Princes Valet) - SARAH GASKELL The Royal Hunters - David Reynolds, Bill Pratt, Dan Ferguson, Dave Midgley The Voice of the Mirror - Himself DWARFS - Lara Cannon, Ruby Harney, Tom Langford, Finn McCarthy, Lucy Potts. Mia Simpson, Isabelle Tiernan, Libby Tiernan DANCERS - India Connor Blow, Amelia Fay, Elizabeth Fraser, Aimee Gaskell, Louise Gaskell, Georgia Geupel, Rebecca Hanley, Lydia Horsefield, Olivia Isherwood, Ella Murphy, Lily O?Dwyer, Sofia Simpson. Musical Director - PETER ENGLAND Choreographer - ALEXANDRA HOWARTH REVIEW by Julia Taylor for Messenger 'A Snow White for children at the Garrick' SNOW WHITE, written and directed by Alan Clements, is one of the best Garrick pantos I have seen. Well, it has to be really, because your reviewer sitting quietly two rows from the front ended up almost becoming a star of the show. Singled out when I say I am from The Messenger, Phil Edwards as Dame Daffy Dumpling gets the audience to cheer me every time he comes on. Of course, the real star in the comedy department is Phil, himself, who along with Dan Ellis as Muddles, the court jester, has the kids shouting the house down.?Every time Muddles appears the kids shout ?water your Milly, the name of his pet plant, which magically grows each time they call. Ros Greenwood, a Garrick stalwart who I've enjoyed many times, excels as the ever so wicked Queen Belladonna. Dressed in black and silver, she says 'I hate children' with such venom, the boos nearly crack the walls. And that is the beauty of this show. It involves the kids all the time and they love it. What's more, it isn't too long for them. In her first panto lead, Christina Williams plays well the beautiful Cinderella-like Princess Snow White suffering at the hands of her wicked step mother, the Queen. The dwarves, all played by children, perform well. I asked Katey aged nine from 12th Altrincham brownies what she thought of the show. The pupil of Altrincham Church of England school, said: I like the dancing especially in the wood when Snow White is frozen. It is also funny... Star Rating ★★★★ ★ NORTH WEST END STAGE - REVIEW by Mark Dee It must be at least 20 years since I last set foot in the Garrick Theatre in Altrincham, and today the building is almost unrecognisable. It now looks and feels like a small-scale touring venue, but is better equipped than most, especially technically. I'm almost certain there wasn't a Studio Theatre last time I was there, and they certainly didn't have the LX and FX capacities that were on display yesterday in the main theatre. Needless to say I was suitably impressed. And now, after having watched my first show there in such a long time, I can, if I use this show as a benchmark, quite easily see why so many of the Garrick's actors and production staff are nominated for and receive so many awards. The show in question was Snow White; the Altrincham Garrick's pantomime, and what a splendid way to finish the year. With live music (unseen below the stage), an LX / FX plot to rival any professional show, a lovely set and some great acting, what was there not to enjoy about the show? Well, the answer to that question is, not a lot! In truth, it really was a very good and enjoyable show, but it was missing, to my mind at least, one ingredient - fabulous dance routines. Yes, I saw that you had a small chorus of youngsters who acted very well and moved their way through some of the numbers, I just felt that as I was sitting watching what was on every other level a very professionally produced show, it lacked a chorus of dancers who were capable of doing much more exciting and difficult routines. That being said, if the chorus girls on stage were capable of this, it begs the question as to why they didn't. Otherwise, this panto was pretty damn good. The star of the show last night was..... wait for it..... the costumes!! Well, no of course they weren't, but the costumes were unbelievably good. Does one of your members own a Costumiers?! I am not joking when I say that so far this season, on both professional and amateur stage, those were the best costumes I have encountered. And what was even more amazing was that they just kept on coming in an endless supply. I loved all the Dames outfits, and the stunning purple and silvers for the finale were magical. As you probably can imagine, over the years I have seen and acted in many pantomimes; far too many to even think about trying to count, and so I thought therefore that I had seen everything there was to see on that front. The Garrick's production yesterday proved me wrong - showing me that you can indeed show an old dog new tricks! Among other things, I have never before seen the song sheet voting done by asking the MD, nor have I ever witnessed a show where so many children are brought up on stage to participate in it, losing count around 80! And whilst we're on the subject of the song sheet, I don't ever remember hearing one which tells the audience the evil character in the panto {in this instance Snow White's step mother, Queen Belladonna} isn't really that bad! I won't give away the last trick up your sleeves, but I've never experienced that before either; although if I'd have looked up at the rig I might have had a clue! Queen Belladonna {Ros Greenwood} made the absolute most of her evil role. With great make-up and costume, she really enjoyed being evil and the audience enjoyed booing her. Her transformation into old crippled woman was superbly done. Phil Edwards as Dame Daffy Dumplings pitched his cheek and banter just right, working well with the audience, especially Christine! (Round of applause for Christine!!) The youngest member of the principals was Dan Ellis, playing Muddles. The way he reacted and interacted with both cast members and audience was unique. His style, slightly acerbic and slightly camp, suiting perhaps a Dame better, but too young and too energetic to be anything other than his present role. It took me a little time before I latched on to his wavelength but once I did, his cutting asides to the audience and his never keeping still not even for one second, actually worked in his favour. I am not going to mention all the cast, but I am going to say that the seven dwarfs; (quickly taking Spellcheck off!) Bizzy, Dizzy, Jizzy, Izzy, Quizzie, Tizzy and Whizzy {Finn McCarthy, Lara Cannon, Tom Langford, Mia Simpson, Isabelle Tiernan, Libby Tiernan and Lucy Potts} were great. A massive thumbs up to all of you! The directing was very solid by Alan Clements, and, opting most wisely for a very traditional family version of this well-known story, he managed to bring out the best in all the cast, finding some lovely moments between principals and / or chorus. Everyone worked so well together, and all were so obviously enjoying themselves, and this shone through. He even produced a truly brilliant UV routine, and the "If I Weren't In Pantomime" song and routine, using the older girl members of the chorus was inspired and excellent Snow White continues its run at Altrincham Garrick until 3 January, so there is still a little time to catch it and bring some festive cheer to the "after-the-25th-blues"! Looking at their 2016 season, I am feeling very excited. There are some really interesting productions on their way, and since this panto has set the bar already really quite high for me, I am now very much looking forward to watching their new year's offerings.