Garrick Production Alice in Wonderland Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Alexander, Tom Balshaw, Sheila Brown, Sydney A Garner, Margaret Gaskill, Philip A Gooby, Kathleen Harris, Betty Hooper, Alfred Litherland, Cyril L Matley, Henry (Harry) Medcalf, Kathleen Muir, W B Osborne, Edgar Pearce, Tom Percival-Kaye, Julia Ross, Jean Stevens, Catherine Wilson, Kathleen Woodhead, Freda Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Producers (Postponed) Ran Invalid Date - Aug 19, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure Update In line with Government instructions we are classed as a non-essential business and no member of staff is able to continue working at the theatre until Government restrictions ease. Please be assured that the vast majority of events have been postponed and not cancelled so therefore all tickets remain valid. Once we are able to operate again we will be in touch with you with details of the rescheduled dates. You can then transfer your current tickets to the new date, however if you are unable to transfer to the new date or don’t wish to have your ticket transferred to another production you will be given a full refund. You will not lose any money. This is an unprecedented event for our venue, and we thank you for your continued support and loyalty. Best wishes Your Garrick Playhouse Team. A New Mel Brooks Musical Broadway producer Max Bialystock is desperate to get to the top of his profession again after a string of flops, and he finds an unlikely ally in mousy accountant Leo Bloom, who hypothesises that one could make far more money with a flop of a show than with a hit. Together, the two set out to produce the worst musical ever to hit Broadway, with the worst script, the worst director, and the worst cast they can find! The scheme is simple - they will raise two million dollars to finance the show, and then take the money and head to Rio when the show inevitably closes after just one performance. A perfect plan…what could possibly go wrong? Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Man who pays the Piper Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Briggs, Harry Bullivant, R A Carrington, Jean Cutler, James E Edward, Margaret Fisher, Kathleen A Haken, Bessie Michaelis, Winifred Riley, Pearl Shaw, A Keble Talbot, Ernest K Waide, W L Woods, Lily V Whitehead, Gerald Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Ran Invalid Date - Jun 20, 2016 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description 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. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Taming of the Shrew Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Alexander, Tom Bradshaw, James H Brown, Sydney A Chorley, J W A Courtney, Donald Fletcher, Joan Gregory, Mary P Hall, Rene Hartley, Robert Haycock, John Hooper, Alfred Hughes, Geoffrey Iredale, W R Jackson, P M James, Barbara Justice, Margery Litherland, Cyril L Lowe, Joan Osborne, Edgar Roberts, Eunice Robinson, Dorothy A Rourke, Norah J Ruse, Marjorie T Salisbury, W Shepherd, J E Trigg, L R Wilson, E R Wood, Joan Wood, R Craig Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Murder of Harlequin Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Cavanagh, Cliff Courtney, Donald Daniels, Marion Gaskill, Philip A Monkhouse, Mary H Pearce, Tom Ruse, Ernest J Wood, Kathleen Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Marigold Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Alexander, Tom Bramwell, Madge Cavanagh, Cliff Courtney, Donald Coventry, Betty Edwards, Kathleen Haycock, John Hooper, Alfred Iredale, W R Kendrick, Doris Walker, Lilian B Wrigley, Kenneth Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production A View From the Bridge Ran Invalid Date - Jun 29, 2018 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description ONE OF THE GREATEST PLAYS OF THE 20th CENTURY An Arthur Miller classic centred around the home of a longshoreman, his wife and orphaned niece. Their lives are changed forever when they shelter two illegal immigrant cousins. A powerful tale of love, violent opposition to a relationship and the ultimate climax ending in tragedy. Not to be missed! This Production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8054.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8058.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8186.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8218.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8261.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8451.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8654.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8698.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Louis/2nd Immigration Officer - Gino Scrigna Mike/Tony/1st Immigration Officer - Nick Lowe Alfieri - Nick Sample Eddie- Matthew Banwell Catherine - Charlotte Jobling Beatrice - Caroline Knight Marco - Jack Hawkins Rodolpho - Charlie Gallagher [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/watsonpictures-40-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/watsonpictures-37-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/watsonpictures-34-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/watsonpictures-30-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/watsonpictures-27-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/watsonpictures-14-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/watsonpictures-10-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/watsonpictures-3-Medium.jpg|"] Rehearsal photographs by Robert Watson Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck THERE are two interviews I would have killed for during my time as a reporter. One is Nelson Mandela, who never came to Trafford, sadly, the next is the American theatrical giant known as Arthur Miller, whose masterpiece A View From The Bridge is being stunningly revived by Altrincham Garrick. Pure magic flowed from that great man’s typewriter keys and not a word of his sublime dialogue is wasted by director Mark Butt and a cast who evidently share his deep seated affection for the great man’s work. I can’t say I find Miller’s plays an easy watch and I always feel emotionally drained after watching them. But I feel like I’m living - no dramatist affects quite as deeply as AM, God rest his soul.On the face of it, Eddie is a hard working soul who looks out with an almost fatherly devotion for his niece, Catherine. But Eddie has a darker side and I was completely captivated by the way in which Matthew Branwell bought this to the fore, helped in no doubt by Mark’s skilful direction. This leads to some heated exchanges between him and Catherine, a young woman starting to find her voice and expertly portrayed by Charlotte Jobling.The tension is ratcheted up in Eddie’s household with the arrival of Marco and the charismatic Rodolpho, the latter persuading Catherine there’s a more exciting life beyond the claustrophobic four walls Eddie would willingly keep her in. Charlie Gallagher excels as Rodolpho and this young actor is so disarmingly likeable you’re sure to be silently cheering him on as he locks horns with the hot tempered Eddie.The consistently impressive Nick Sample delivers yet again as the seasoned lawyer Alfieri, watching mainly from the edge of the stage as tragedy, that reminded me so much of something from a Shakespeare play, unfolds. I also liked the production’s effective and atmospheric use of music, to make this a truly memorable night out. An unmissable production. Star Rating ★★★★★ Review by Paul Wilcox for North West End Last night, a packed Altrincham Garrick audience was transported to the working class New York district of Red Hook just after WWII, and invited to sit in judgement on the life of Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman who betrays his ideals, family and community for a misguided idea of love. Arthur Miller wrote 'A View From The Bridge' in 1955 at the height of the McCarthy Communist witch-hunts in the United States, and this piece is soaked through with the notion of maintaining loyalty to your friends in the face of a state that is out to persecute you. Any deviation from this Sicilian code of 'Omerta' is dealt with harshly in this society, where street justice prevails over the rule of law. We are guided into this claustrophobic community by Alfieri (Nick Sample) the local lawyer, who acts as Greek chorus and is present on stage throughout as a witness to the events unfolding in the Carbone household. Eddie (Matthew Banwell) and Beatrice (Caroline Knight) act as surrogate parents to their 17 year old niece Catherine (Charlotte Jobling), following the death of her mother. The close parental relationship between Eddie and Catherine is in danger of tipping into something less wholesome, and Eddie struggles to contain these feelings becoming ever more suffocating in his treatment of Catherine. Following the arrival of two illegal immigrants into the family home to stay, Catherine falls in love with Rodolpho (Charlie Gallagher) and they plan to marry, forcing Eddie into a decision which has irrevocable consequences for all the family. The central performance of Banwell shows the early doting nature of Carbones' relationship with Catherine beautifully, their soft conversation illustrating the innocent closeness of the early scenes. However, the character then needs to progress more into the man who cannot understand his feelings and lashes out angrily at everyone around him, and there this portrayal was less convincing, confusing the audience with his true motivation. When Eddie kisses Rodolpho as a way of undermining his masculinity in front of his niece, the audience should be conflicted as to whether he is attracted to him or not, this nuance is missing and therefore an important layer of his character is not fully explored. Knight plays Beatrice with a convincing 'Noo Yawk' drawl throughout, but again the motivation of the character needed to be realised, her sexual frustration with Carbone should be more palpable, as should her anger at her niece and husband. The innocent dreamer Rodolpho, excited for his new life in America, is brought to life by Gallagher with a suitable naive charm, although the variation in volume and heavy accent he employed, made some of the dialogue difficult to understand. Dark menace is added by Jack Hawkins as Marco, ultimately betrayed by Eddie to the authorities and forced into a murderous act of revenge. A strong performance by Jobling as Catherine emphasised the innocence of the character, bewildered as to the change in Eddie. A more 'Lolita' like interpretation of the role has been employed in the past, but her confusion is well represented here as she struggles to escape the oppressive attention of Eddie. Director Mark Butt employs the cast on a one set stage throughout which neatly represents the small nature of the world which the Carbone family inhabit. I felt that the naturalistic style of delivery required in Miller was a little stilted with some overlong pauses throughout, but I think that the pace and flow of the piece will pick up throughout the rest of the production run. Excellent usage of period music evokes the place and setting as well as acting as a subliminal commentary on events. In his role as Greek chorus Alfieri acts as the bridge between the two societies, old Sicily and modern America, hence the duality of the title. He pronounces his judgement on the events at the conclusion by saying that Eddie 'allowed himself to be wholly known', this flaw leading to his ultimate downfall in the tradition of Greek tragedy. Whilst this production partly realises this ambition, for me it remained a volcano which constantly rumbled without ever erupting into life. Star Rating ★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

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

Garrick Production City of Ships Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Billcliff, Arthur Bramwell, Madge Davenport, Alfred Godby, Jack Iredale, Emmie Matley, Henry (Harry) Norbury, Hazel Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Martine Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Bramwell, Madge Cherry, Helen Coventry, Betty Jennings, Dennis Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Three Fur Coats Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Bramwell, Madge Brierley, Norman Briggs, Harry Hill, Arthur P Jones, Arthur C Lucius, Esme Mendelsohn, Maurice T Settle, Minnie Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Distaff Side Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Bullivant, R A Courtney, Donald Davenport, Alfred Hall, Margaret Matthews, Marion Thwaite Pennington, Wyn Riley, Pearl Smith, J B Smith, Rosetta H Wilson, Kathleen Woods, Lily V Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Night Must Fall Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Cartwright, Eric A Hollway, Frank Iredale, Emmie Matthews, Marion Thwaite Pearce, Tom Smith, Margaret Sykes, Constance D West, Carrie Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Two into One Ran Invalid Date - Aug 18, 2015 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description "There's far too much sex in this hotel and I'm not having any of it!" Following the Garrick's hugely successful Run For Your Wife by Ray Cooney, we now bring Cooney's vintage farce Two Into One to the stage. If you enjoy your farce, you will have a ball at this delicious web of intrigue and joyous sexual mayhem. Considered by some to be his most successful comedy ever, this deliriously manic farce has been described as " a hilarious orgy of door slamming". With ingredients like a Tory junior minister, extra marital nookie, suspicious hotel managers and a corridor prowling lady Labour MP you have a recipe for panic, preposterous disguises and side splitting mistaken identity. If you enjoy crazy mad cap comedy this is definitely a popular hit not to be missed! [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC_6504.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC_6267.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC_6417.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC_6430.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC_6165.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC_6005.jpg|"] CAST The Rt. Hon. Richard Willey MP - Jonathan Black Pamela Willey - Mandy White Receptionist - Carol Gibson Manager - Phil Edwards Waiter - Dan Ellis Lily Chatterton MP - Christine Perry George Pigden - Mike Shaw Maria, the Chambermaid - Anna Haddad Jennifer Bristow - Sarah Roberts Edward - Tom Oliver Review by Julia Taylor - Altrincham Messenger RAY Cooney's farce, Two into One, at the Garrick Playhouse, is a credit to director, Alan Clements.It's about Richard Willey, a junior minister in Margaret Thatcher's government, who plans an assignation with a secretary in a hotel, complete with revolving stage and realistic lift, expertly designed by Trevor McKie. Unknown to Willey, his wife, Pamela, is smitten by his parliamentary private secretary, George Pigdon. The straight-laced hotel manager, played amusingly by Phil Edwards, frowns on the goings on, declaring with innocent aplomb: ?There's far too much sex in this hotel and I;m not having any of it. Double entendres like this abound. Doors open and close as embarrassed miscreants hastily try to cover their tracks, Farce may appear easy but it requires much skill. Utterly at home with the genre is Jonathan Black as Willey. His suave, snake in the grass manner is perfect as he tries to wriggle his way out of preposterous situations. The long suffering George is illustrated well by Mike Shaw who can also dance. Often near-naked, you can practically hear his blood pressure rise as he attempts to lie himself out of tricky moments. Mandy White is delightful as the frustrated wife, and Sarah Roberts is a sultry temptress of a secretary. I like the unexpected appearances of Dan Ellis, as the Chinese waiter. Star Rating ★★★★★ Review by North West End by Mark Dee There can be few things more iconic in the recent history of British theatre than The Whitehall Farce, and those expert exponents of this genre, with Ray Cooney being right at the top of the pile. Fallen somewhat out of favour at the moment, this style of farce - trousers down and more tea vicar - has probably had its day. It's appeal is only to reminisce times gone by when actors like Sir Brian Rix would grace the stage and you would see more people in lingerie on hotel corridors than you would in a brothel. Comedy has moved on. Younger people - in fact more than likely anyone under forty - will never have heard of Cooney, Rix or The Whitehall Farce, and if last night's audience is anything to judge by, then once the current pensioners stop going to the theatre, they will die a natural death. I am not saying that I don't like them or that they shouldn't be performed, no. I am simply saying that they will become products of their time and museum curios to be replaced by current farces and absurdist comedy. This style of farce requires both actor and audience to accept that grown men can hide behind a newspaper or wear a pair of sunglasses and not be recognised, their behaviour can be completely OTT and inappropriate and it not appear in the slightest odd, and conversations cannot be overheard even if standing next to them. These 'conventions' are the backbone of this particular style of farce - and Cooney was the master. Two Into One tells the story of a politician and his wife staying the night at a hotel in their constituency. The husband has arranged to have a romantic dalliance with a married secretary from another department, and asks his PPS to arrange it for him. Of course thing go from bad to worse and then to complete anarchy as every time someone tries to right a wrong they only compound the issue in true farce style. The time is 1984, and Thatcher is on her 'throne', and there is a big pornography bill going to be debated in the House. The set design for this production was a good idea. I liked the idea. Sadly it really didn't work too well in practice. The first thing to note was that despite my attending on the second night of the run, flats were visible in the wings: actors could be seen waiting for their entrance behind black curtains and through the door behind the set on the revolve; the exits from the hotel reception stage left were left uncovered and so we could see them step off the set and onto the stage floor and disappear and meet in the black curtain and beyond; a door that should have been able to be locked clearly wasn't or couldn't; and it was possible to see actors in one bathroom from the other bathroom. Using the theatre's revolve the adjoining bedrooms did work quite well, and using stage hands in brown smocks to move the set and sweep the stage also worked well. Sadly though, it was just a little too insubstantial and the exits weren't covered. The acting in general was of the high standard that one has come to expect from The Garrick. Jonathan Black was the MP who was ready to risk everything for a couple of hours of lust with a younger and sexier model than his wife, and played that extremely tricky balance of keeping it real and hamming it up really rather well. I liked his body language and his mannerisms, and he carried, even when all the odds and fates were most definitely against him, an air of optimism to the end. His wife, Mandy White, again playing that tricky balance between realism and surrealism with seeming ease, and certainly not afraid to throw caution to the wind. The star of this particular production though was without doubt Mike Shaw's delightful interpretation of George Pigdon. His physicality and comic timing were just a joy. Obviously a seasoned actor who understands this genre, he was able to squeeze every last morsel of nuance from his lines and his character but still managing to remain real and believable. If we are not able to empathise with Pigdon, then the play doesn't work. We were with him all the way. Superb. These three protagonists were supported by several others who came in and out in true farce style - just appearing without warning and developing the plot. Of these, Christine Perry, playing Lily Chatterton, was my favourite. Her Yorkshire accent was lovely, and her bustling with indignation and mock prudery just right. The one thing that really irritated me though was sadly the part of the waiter, played here by Dan Ellis. To be fair, it wasn't really his fault. However, the script kept referring to him as Chinese and much of the humour of him being Chinese would have worked and would have been funny if he had indeed have been Chinese. However, Ellis was clearly NOT Chinese, nor did he act Chinese, despite speaking in a broken pigeon English. This is 1984 remember and taking the Mickey out of silly accents and national stereotypes was allowed. No-one had invented the word 'racist' yet. The directing, (Alan Clements), surprisingly was a little sluggish. It took a while to warm up, and Clements found little humour and pace in the exposition, only really getting into third gear once the cast went to the bedrooms. I felt the pace could have been lifted throughout generally; there were really quite a few too-long pauses without action or indeed waiting for the action. The worst example of this was the 'slippy floor' scene where the waiter is left standing on one side of the stage holding Edward Bristow's walking stick. We all know that something is going to happen because it is so obviously a set up, but it all takes far too long to affect and for so little a pay-off. His work on character, characterisation and their development was very good, but the pace just simply wasn't frenetic enough.Saying that though, this is still a very good and enjoyable play, conventionally and traditionally presented, and the themes of this play - politics and sex scandals - are just as relevant today as ever. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Parnell Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Barker, Winifred Bloor, R F Bramwell, Madge Chapman, Laurie Cherry, Helen Courtney, Donald Davenport, Alfred Edwards, Kathleen Falkner, Robert Harrington, W J Harris, Frank Howat, Robert (Bob) A Kauffman, M H Osborne, Edgar Rix, S M Southern, Lena Thomas, F Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Madness of George III Ran Invalid Date - Jun 9, 2015 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Alan Bennett's award winning play is a terrific mix of terror, comedy and tragedy. This is the true story of a king's perceived eccentric behaviour and declining mental state and equally declining relationship with his son and heir which threatens the institution of the monarchy itself. Political intrigues and attempts to reverse the state of the king's insanity desperately try to fend off the Princes's attempts to seize the throne. The insatiable fascination with the royal family and their domestic problems continues to the present day. The original National Theatre production was so successful both in London and New York, that it was also made into an enduringly popular film. Alan Bennett is one of the worlds best loved playwrights whose many credits include The History Boys, The Lady in the Van ?and Talking Heads. [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5776.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5650.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5577.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5544.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5424.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_5867.jpg|" orderby="rand"] CAST Nick Sample - King George Sarat Broughton - Queen Charlotte Peter Brassington - George, Prince of Wales Tom Oliver - Frederick, Duke of York Megan Royle - Lady Pembroke/Margaret Nicholson Steven Finney - William Pitt Steve Williamson - Lord Thurlow, the Lord Chancellor Ewan Henderson - Dundas Dan Lockett - Charles Fox Simon Liversidge - Richard Brinsley Sheridan Martin Oldfield - Dr Willis Dave Midgley - Sir George Baker Dave Richardson - Dr Richard Warren Bryan Higgins - Sir Lucas Pepys/Sir Boothby Skrymshir Anthony Morris - Fitzroy Lewis Kirk - Greville Leon McKenna - Papandiek Alex Hewitt - Fortnum/Ramsden Chris Simmons - Braun RICK BOWEN'S Review NickSample's performance in The Madness of George III represents a high water mark for both Altrincham Garrick but for amateur theatre in general. We share ever second of the monarch's mental and physical torment as he embarks on a heart breaking battle against an illness that mystifies both the medics, his family and his courtiers. But he's also a master of the put down and Sample is equally accomplished when it comes to putting across the lighter elements of Alan Bennett's sublime script. I also like the way this superb play humanises the royals an there are some touching, tender scenes to enjoy between King George and Queen Charlotte, so well played by Sarat Broughton. They come across as, shock horror, real people, warts and all. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a dry and highbrow piece of theatre. There are plenty of laughs to be had at the expense of the establishment and the king's outbursts of irreverence. The most difficult scenes involve a medical treatment that verges on sadism, scenes that, even after watching the film version starring the mighty Nigel Hawthorne, make my stomach turn over. Director Celia Bonner has a major triumph on here hands here. Steven Finney impresses yet again and I really liked Peter Brassington as the scheming stuffed shirt, George, Prince of Wales. The ever watchable Martin Oldfield is perfect in the role of Dr Francis Willis. It would be a travesty if The Madness of George III doesn't play to packed houses and anyone who refuses to go should be sent to the Tower. Star Rating ★★★★★ MESSENGER REVIEW - by Julia Taylor The Madness of George III is too good to be missed. Like old King Coal, George III is a merry old soul affectionately calling his wife, delightfully played by Sarat Broughton, Mrs King. That is until he contracts Porphyria which slowly drives him mad. It all happens at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse in Celia Bonner's unforgettable production of Alan Bennett's play - one of their best. In their eighteenth century ignorance, doctors inflict ineffective and tortuous remedies upon the poor King. Yet he is sane when he loses the American colonies , an event which concerns him so much he won?t talk about it. There is a scheming opposition party plot to make vain George, the eldest of many children, Prince Regent. Nick Sample's performance is one that will go down in the Garrick's history as special. Indeed, he shows true genius. He makes the monarch his own, illustrating the King's pleasant side as well as reacting with heart rending shrieks to the terror and pain inflicted on him after slowly going mad. It means being burnt, purged and laced in a straight jacket by his tormenting doctors. In outstanding dramatic moments, he stutters, mutters obscenities, swears, talks incessantly, and falls to the ground, groaning. The only doctor with common sense is Dr Francis Willis, played in another exceptional performance, by Garrick veteran, Martin Oldfield. Others worthy of mention are Peter Brassington as son, George, Steven Finney as William Pitt, and Meg Royle as Lady Pembroke who gently rebuffs the King's lustful advances. The elaborate eighteenth century costumes, themed in black and white, are a credit to Mike Shaw and his team. Star Rating ★★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production And so ad infinitum Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Alexander, Tom Campbell, Gwynne Cartwright, Eric A Cavanagh, Cliff Cherry, Helen Cookson, Harold Courtney, Donald Coventry, Philip Croft, H J A Daniels, R W Dean, Harry Entwistle, Dorothy B Finlay, George Fletcher, Joan Hall, Irene Howat, Robert (Bob) A Hulme, Irene James, Barbara Jones, D Justice, Margery Kauffman, M H Lonsdale, Masie Moss, N Nicholson, Vera Osborne, Edgar Pennington, Doreen Percival-Kaye, Julia Powell Jones, Beatrice Ruse, Marjorie T Seymour, P Smith, Margaret Thompson, P Weston, D Wolstenholme, N Wood, Joan Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Lest We Forget Ran Invalid Date - Oct 3, 2018 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A Special Commemorative Celebration marking the end of World War One, 100 years ago, on the 11th November 1918 Proceeds going to The British Legion Poppy Appeal The concert will feature at least 20 well know Garrick performers in memory of 'The Fallen' especially the 29 who gave their lives from the 'bravest little street in England' Chapel Street - Altrincham, appropriately set on the set of 'Blackadder ' Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Sunset Boulevard Ran Invalid Date - Aug 18, 2015 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Following the sell out success of the Garrick's spectacular production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom Of the Opera, we present Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic world wide success, Sunset Boulevard. We are in the glamorous world of Hollywood, where Norma Desmond, a faded star of the silent screen is living alone with her memories in her crumbling mansion on Sunset Boulevard Enter the handsome young writer, Joe Gillis who is fascinated by her past glories. Can he create her glorious comeback to the screen? This award winning musical will sweep you away with the romance, jealousies and excitement of Hollywood. Packed with Andrew Lloyd Webbers's stunning music which includes the show stopping "With One Look" as Norma says the immortal words, "and now Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close up!". Be sure not to miss out on yet another Garrick musical success. [gallery type="rectangular" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DSC_2249.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DSC_8171.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DSC_8242.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DSC_8266.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DSC_8389.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DSC_8434.jpg|" orderby="rand"] CAST Joe Gillis - Steven Finney Artie Green - Tim Wood Betty Shaeffer - Natalie Bennett Sheldrake - David Leathlean Max Von Mayerling - David Gill Norma Desmond - Vicki Clarkson Manfred - John Mulholland Cecil B DeMille - Alan Lowe Company Di Boyer, Amy Brown, Joanne Buxton, Holly Cooper, Rob Dutton, Georgina Goodchild, Pete Grimshaw, Sam Hey, Vicki Harrison, Steven Mercer, David Richardson, Lauren Robinson, Richard Ross, Debbie Norris Orchestra Violin: Bianca Blezard, Julia Taylor, Viola: Ewart Hodge, Cello: Rachel Shakespeare, Acoustic/Electric Bass: Josh Cavanagh-Brierley, Keyboards, John Barry, Simon Pickup, Mark White, Piccolo/Flute/Alto Flute: Kathryn Dunphy, Flute/Clarinet/Tenor Sax: Kath Small, Alto Sax/Clarinet/Bass Clarinet: Dan White, Trumpet: Tony Armitstead, Horn: Mike Arnold, Trombone: Matthew Corrigan, Guitar: Sam Quinn, Percussion: Michael Clark Musical Director - Simon Murray Choreographer - Debbie Norris Set Designer - Barry Fletcher Lighting Design/Operator - Geoff Scullard Sound Design/Operator - Colin Woods/Christine Mills/Ari Levy Costume Design - Garrick Wardrobe Company Stage Manager - Mark McEwan DSM - Val Watkinson ASM's - Susan Duffy & Alastir Duffy Stage Crew - Adam Hooper Review by Rick Bowen - Altrincham Messenger 'Sunset Boulevard - musical movie magic at Altrincham Garrick' Sunset Boulevard takes us back to the golden age of cinema when people worshipped the ground movie stars walked on. Hollywood, an exciting place where dreams could become reality and hopes could be dashed in equal measure. Altrincham Garrick's fabulous production left me wondering why this show isn't performed more often. The score is a non stop delight, frequently having the feel of an old school film score. Rehearsals must have been a pleasure from start to finish for director Neil Coe, lucky enough to work with the likes of principals like Steven Finney, Vicki Clarkson and Natalie Bennett, who should be plying their musical trade on a professional stage. Luckily for us, they aren't and the end result is an evening of pure magic in a theatre that just can't stop raising standards. Finney plays Joe Gillis, a screenwriter who falls under the spell of a faded star of the silent screen Norma Desmond. Desmond, brilliantly played by Vicki Clarkson, is desperate to make a comeback and is the expert when it comes to playing the vulnerable victim, shunned by the industry she still loves. When they sing on their own they're incredible, together they're sensational. Like these two Bennett is outstanding as Betty Shaeffer, the young script writer who dreams of making a name for herself in the movies. All three could sing the phone book and it would be worth paying good money to hear them.It would be easy to be catty about Lloyd Webber's musical style, which can lack subtlety sometimes, but this is his best work for me, an honour I'd previously given to Evita. So, how frustrating it was to see some empty seats on opening night because this is a major musical triumph for Altrincham Garrick. Packed houses for the rest of the run are the least the theatre deserves. Magnificent and magical. Star Rating ★★★★ ★ Remotegoat.com Review by Julia Taylor Altrincham Garrick could not have chosen a better show than Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard for their first musical of the year. Lloyd Webber's score played by an on stage orchestra is captivating and I am surprised so few people know of this show. The original book and lyrics are by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. Based on the 1950 film of the same name, its stage premier was in 1993. It's about Norma Desmond, a silent movie actress of a certain age whose career takes a dive when talkies arrive. Rather than retire she employs young Joe Gillis to work on her screenplay and, thus, deliver a comeback. She uses her womanly wiles to ensnare him as her toy boy.?But it is not to be. Despite the desperate attempts by Norma to keep him in her clutches, he falls for the much younger Betty Schaeffer. Vicki Clarkson, who plays the seemingly confident Norma, with panache, belts out her most famous numbers - With One Look and As if We Never said Goodbye charismatically. Yet Clarkson illustrates a woman with ingrained sadness. You suspect that the disillusioned star is losing her mind as she becomes more and more dependant on Joe. The higher you rise, the lower you fall and this one time star feels the pressure. This comes to a head in the final, tragic scene. Clarkson fills this major role brilliantly but equally important is the part of Joe. Steven Finney is an exceptionally good leading man. Finney comes into his own as he, too, has a lovely voice. His clear vocals spell out the narrative clearly but, more important, is what he doesn't say. Even when he kisses the former star, you know he feels pity rather than love for her and his expression spells out a bird caught in a gilded cage. His true love is 22-year-old effervescent Betty Schaeffer (Natalie Bennett) The attentive butler trying to shelter her from reality is played by David Gill who conveys strangeness about his character that puts you on your guard. He conveys in song his affection for Norma. The Garrick's costume and set designers add much to the musical's success. And, of course, no musical can be a hit without an excellent supporting orchestra which we have. Star Rating ★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Cathedral Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Chapman, Laurie Cottam, Joan Davenport, Alfred Falkner, Robert Hall, Irene Harris, Frank Howat, Robert (Bob) A Iredale, W R Marshall, Stewart K Matthews, Marion Thwaite Medcalf, M Osborne, Edgar Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Death Takes a Holiday Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Churm, V Ida Crompton, E Cutler, James E De Prez, Raymond Fleeson, Margery Fullerton, Irene Galloway, E L C Haycock, John Mendelsohn, Maurice T Ruse, Ernest J Smith, J B Wood, Kathleen Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Absurd Person Singular Ran Invalid Date - Jun 29, 2018 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A COMEDY CHRISTMAS CRACKER Alan Ayckbourn at his best. One of his earlier plays concerning three couples and three kitchens on three different Christmas Eves. Evenings of behind the scenes disasters culminate in wild comedy as one of he couples advances to material prosperity and independence. A Christmas you wouldn't want in your own home but hilarious entertainment in the theatre! This Production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="7" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_3901.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_3998.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_4032.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_3888.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_4109.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_4115.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_4119.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CA ST Sidney - Graham Simmonds Jane - Ros Greenwood Ronald - Simon Garland Marion - Laura Chandler Geoffrey - Matthew Foster Eva - Kim Armston Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck WE’RE in suburbia and Marion is raving about Jane’s brave new kitchen. She’s been invited to a Christmas Eve drinks party hosted by Jane and her ambitious husband, Sidney. Welcome to the world of Alan Ayckbourn. A world in which the men are invariably heartless and uncaring, often oblivious or completely detached from the plight of their wives. This play, first performed in 1972, shows its age, particularly in the way the men and women interact with each other. It’s set in three flats over three consecutive Christmas Eves and festive jollity is in short supply. Especially in the second act, in which poor Eva takes centre stage while being completely ignored by those who think they’re helping her by engaging in trivial pursuits - and I’m not referring to the popular board game. This play doesn’t really develop for me to the extent I would like it to but, that said, director Kathy Searcy’s well conceived production perfectly captures the spirit, the light and dark that’s a trademark of this celebrated and respected writer’s work. You can forgive the fact that the first act is rather repetitive, for the cast of Graham Simmonds (Sidney), Ros Greenwood (Jane), Simon Garland (Ronald), Laura Chandler (Marion) and Matthew Foster (Geoffrey) work hard to bring their characters to life. There’s also an impressive debut from Kim Armstom to enjoy. The second act will have you laughing while at the same time feeling guilty at what you’re laughing at, as Eva teeters on the brink. Star rating ★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

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

Garrick Production The Lady in the Van (Postponed) Ran Invalid Date - Aug 19, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure Update In line with Government instructions we are classed as a non-essential business and no member of staff is able to continue working at the theatre until Government restrictions ease. Please be assured that the vast majority of events have been postponed and not cancelled so therefore all tickets remain valid. Once we are able to operate again we will be in touch with you with details of the rescheduled dates. You can then transfer your current tickets to the new date, however if you are unable to transfer to the new date or don’t wish to have your ticket transferred to another production you will be given a full refund. You will not lose any money. This is an unprecedented event for our venue, and we thank you for your continued support and loyalty. Best wishes Your Garrick Playhouse Team. Adapted from Alan Bennett’s own short story, this play is based on his real-life experience with an elderly homeless old woman living in his front garden for fifteen years. Miss Shepherd's stay of fifteen years might have been a blight on Bennett's front garden but it eventually allowed him to unravel the fascinating story of her life - for which we are all eternally indebted to him. It is said that charity begins at home. For Alan Bennett it began at the bottom of his drive with a custard yellow van inhabited by an irascible eccentric who refused to budge. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Zeal of Thy Plan Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Cueplan, G Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production What Every Woman Knows Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Abbott, Amy Billcliff, Arthur Davenport, Alfred Edwards, Kathleen Hall, Irene Hooper, Alfred Mansbridge, Brenda Matthews, Marion Thwaite Ruse, Ernest J Wrigley, Kenneth Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Queer Cattle Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Brierley, Norman Courtney, Donald Fullerton, Irene Matthews, Marion Thwaite Robinson, Dorothy A White, Leo Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Jonah and the Whale Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Angell, Laura Billcliff, Arthur Blackburn, Lydia Blore, Noreen Bond, Mary Burton Ruth Cary, C W E Coventry A F Cummings, Amy Duncan, E D Fullerton, Irene Gow, Ronald Haken, Bessie Marsh, Russell Matley, Henry (Harry) Mendelsohn, Maurice T Pennington, Muriel Waddington, R H Wood, Pamela Whitehead, Gerald Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Boyd's Shop Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Abbott, Amy Billcliff, Arthur Bond, George F Bramwell, Madge Chapman, Laurie Hall, Irene Iredale, Emmie Leadstone, Irene Osborne, Edgar Rourke, Norah J Willan, John P Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Gallows Glorious Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Billcliff, Arthur Blackden, W L Briggs, Harry Bullivant, R A Crabb, Joan Cutler, James E Galloway, E L C Gow, Ronald Haken, Bessie Jones, Noel F Landon, Henry Mason, Edward Norman, A Osborne, Edgar Waddington, R R Waide, W L Winn, Rex Wood, Ivy Wilkinson, John Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Much Ado About Nothing Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Baskerville, Neil Bateman, Brian Blackden, W L Carrington, Jean Coventry, Betty Cummings, Amy De Prez, W R Duncan, Peter Fisher, Kathleen A Gooby, Roy Gow, Ronald Hill, Arthur P Kent, Norman Landon, W Eric Mason, Edward Mason, Edith A Mendelsohn, Maurice T Osborne, Edgar Palmer, Jack A Pye, George H Ross, Donald A Shaw, A Keble Wallis, Tom Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Cock Robin Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Bankes, Eric Courtney, Donald Gooby, Kathleen Iredale, W R Osborne, Edgar Robinson, Doreen Smith, J B Smith, Rosetta H White, Leo Zorian, Satinig Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Skin Deep Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Bramwell, Madge Gatley, Edith Lawley, Mollie Palmer, Jack A Settle, Minnie Stevens, Catherine Welsh, Malcolm Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production CATS Ran Invalid Date - Jun 29, 2018 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The multi award winning musical featuring the well known characters of Grizabella, Run Tum Tugger, Old Deuteronomy, Mister Mistoffeles and many many more of the alley cats invite you into their domain to celebrate the lives of the Jellicle cats. Midnight. Not a sound from the pavement and then suddenly an explosion of music and lights. Fabulous entertainment. This Production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="2" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_2119.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_2085.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1605.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1538.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1467.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1415.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1210.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_1140.jpg|"] REVIEW by North West End Of all Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals; Cats is a firm favourite with most musical theatre fans and this latest production at Altrincham Garrick is something not to be missed, saving the best for the finale in their season. Cats was first performed in 1981 and has been delighting fans around the world ever since, being the sixth longest running musical in the West End’s history. The musical is based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T S Eliot and features the well-known characters of Grizabella, Run Tum Tugger, Old Deuteronomy, Mister Mistoffeles and more of the Jellicle alley cats. The Altrincham Garrick’s production is categorically not amateur, this is a show which has been delivered to international standards - everything from costume and set to cast and those all-important vocals; it’s truly outstanding and all members of the cast and crew should be commended highly. Firstly the staging is very clever by Stephen Bradshaw; featuring rooftops and chimneys maximising the space on stage to its full potential and once the cast take to the stage striding through the audience in the overture - you’re struck by how intricate and stunning the costumes are - Mike Shaw has done a stellar job indeed. But the biggest attribute to this production is the cast, I guarantee you will be in awe within the first 10 minutes if not sooner. Old Duteronomy played by Wayne Holt has great presence, Rum Tum Tugger is played by Kevin Senduwala and has just the right amount of swagger. Bethan Jackson is entertaining as Jennyanny Dots with buckets of energy and Abby Walton and Caitlin Medcalfe as Rumpleteazer and Mungojerry have a playful chemistry on stage which is infectious. I can go on; Greg James as Munkustrap is a perfect casting and James Glasgow plays Macavity with just the right amount of mystery. The routines are sublime and when you’re sat in the third row; it simply blows you away - the sheer talent on stage. The vocals are all note perfect throughout the evening but I must say Vicky Clarkson’s rendition of Memory as Grizabella will leave the hairs standing on the back of your neck, it’s outstanding. The vocals are accompanied by a live orchestra under the baton of Mark Goggins which gives this production even more authenticity. You don’t get productions to this standard very often, take advantage of such an entertaining production in the area; I strongly recommend getting your tickets, I may go again, and again before the weeks out. Cats directed and choreographed by Deborah Kate Norris continues at the Altricham Garrick until the 25th May with limited availability on Friday and Saturday. Verdict: Musical theatre at its very best, a dynamic cast & creative team sure to entertain! Reviewer: Max Eden Star rating ★★★ ★★ REVIEW BY RICK BOWEN (STAGESTRUCK) THE curtain comes down on an outstanding season at the Garrick, with a magical production that’s sure to live for long in the Memory of audiences who see it. Sorry, I couldn’t resist that one. Memory is the best song in the show by a mile and becomes a thing of beauty when sun by singers as gifted as Vicky Clarkson and Neve Finnigan, who play Grizabella and Jemima respectively. It made me forget the weaknesses in Lloyd Weber’s score which are sporadic but still there. Based on TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, it’s a major triumph for choreographer Deborah Kate Norris, who, along with her assistant Val Watkinson, has helped create a feast for the senses, served up by a vibrant and exciting, largely young company. When it comes to the dance routines, the cast are highly versatile, whether they’re performing slinky, sensual, at times balletic routines or mesmerising tap numbers in this celebration of all things feline. Judging by the standards achieved in this show, which has the consistently impressive Mark Goggins as its musical director, the future of amateur musical theatre in this area looks very bright indeed. Mark Goggins simply doesn’t have it in his DNA to preside over a bad show. The magical element of the evening is enhanced by a rooftop set designed by Stephen Bradshaw. It was also pleasing to see children in the audience - I can’t think of a better way to introduce them to an art form that has yet to lose its power over me, 30 years and several hundred reviews later. When word gets out as to just how breathtakingly brilliant this show is I expect tickets to be snapped up. So book now to avoid disappointment. Make sure you don’t miss this evening of unforgettable musical escapism. Star rating ★★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Bees on the Boat Deck Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Abbott, Amy Brierley, Norman Brown, Sydney A Chapman, Laurie Courtney, Donald Cutler, James E Hill, Arthur P Larsen, Nora Osborne, Edgar Pearce, Tom Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Lady Precious Stream Ran Mar 11, 1935 - Mar 18, 1935 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A traditional Chinese play in Four Acts by S. I. Hsiung Cast and Character List Alexander, Tom W. - Wang Attendant Bankes, Erik - Soldier, Hsieh's Attendant Bateman, Brian - Suitor, Soldier, Hsieh's Attendant Birch, Lloyd - Hsieh Ping-Kuei, their Gardener Birch, Rose - Lady Precious Stream's Maid Bramwell, Madge - Madam Wang, of the Chen Family, his Wife Brierley, Norman - Kiang Hai Briggs, Harry - Su, The Dragon General, their Eldest Son-in-law Bullivant, Erick - His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs Clark, Muriel - Maid to HRH Coventry, Betty - Precious Stream, their Third Daughter De Lange, Adela - Maid to HRH De Prez, Raymond - Suitor Fletcher, Joan - Lady Precious Stream's Maid Fullerton, Irene - HRH, the Princess of the Western Regions Gibbon, E P - Old Man Gooby, Roy - Ma Ta Hughes, Geoffrey - Driver, Tavist Priest, Soldier James, Barbara - Maid to HRH Justice, Margery - Madam's Main Kaye, Gilbert L - Soldier, Messenger Kirton, C H - Suitor Larsen, Nora - Silver Stream, their Second Daughter, Wei's Wife Matley, Henry (Harry) - Executioner Matthews, Walter R - Honourable Reader Mendelsohn, Maurice T - His Excellency Wang Yun, the Prime Minister Nield, G - Suitor, General Mu Osborne, Edgar - Warden Pennington, Muriel - Madam's Maid Pye, George H - Property Man Roberts, Eunice - Lady Precious Stream's Maid Shepherd, J E - Wang Attendant Thompson, Brenda - Lady Precious Stream's Maid Tootill, W. W. - Wei, The Tiger General, their Second Son-in-law Wilson, Kathleen - Golden Stream, their Eldest Daughter, Su's Wife Wood, Ivy - Maid to HRH Wilkinson, John - Property Man The play produced by Liang Pao-Lu According to the conventions of the Chinese Stage, all characters enter from the right and exit by the left Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Behind the Beyond Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description De Prez, W R Mond, R Parchment, Doris L Pennington, Muriel Raymond, D Rice, Effie Talbot, Ernest A Vernon, Arthur Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Will and The Way Ran Jan 1, 1920 - Jan 1, 1920 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description By Walter R Matthews CAST Gorman, Dora Gorman, Philip?Norris Hough, B G Llewellyn, Helen M Lowe, Edgar M Matthews, Marion Thwaite Nixon, Walter S Owen, Gwen Winn, Rex Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Dick Whittington and his Wonderful Cat Ran Invalid Date - Jun 20, 2016 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The rags to riches story of Dick Whittington and his loyal friend Tommy the Cat is a panto extravaganza that's purrfect for the whole family. Dick is off to London to seek his fortune... ...but he needs your help! Come cheer and sing along for our hero and his lovable sidekick, as they travel to exciting lands and magical worlds. Will our hero defeat the evil King Rat? Will he win the hand of the beautiful Alice? And will he make his fortune and become Lord Mayor of London? With the help of everyone's favourites, Dame Sarah the Cook, and Idle Jack, together with a host of exciting characters, and a sprinkling of fairy dust from The Spirit of the Bells, everything is set to be alright in the end! Everything you have come to expect from traditional family pantomime at The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9417.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9480.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9580.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9600.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9660.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9728.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9901.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9969.jpg|"] Photos by Vishal Sharma CAST Spirit of the Bells - Helen Lawrence King Rat - Mike Shaw Captain Cockles - Ewan Henderson Mr Mussels - Howard Yaffe Alderman Fitzwarren - Ivor Farley Alice Fitzwarren - Claire Louise Garrett Dick Whittington - Meg Royle Tommy the Cat - Daisy Brocklehurst Sarah the Cook - Phil Edwards Idle Jack - Peter Brassington The Sultana of Morocco - Helen Lawrence Dancers / Chorus of Citizens / Spirits / Rats / Nubians etc. Ella Murphy, Rose Morris, Amelia Fay, Georgia Geupel, India Connor-Blow, Sophia Simpson, Sophie Lefton, Lydia Horsefield, Lily Odwyer, Emilia Law, Florence Gray, Lauren Cooke Review by Rick Bowen for STAGESTRUCK THE foyer was buzzing with excitement before we went in to watch this fun filled family pantomime, the mood heightened by a small army of enthusiastic children, eager to enjoy their festive treat. And yes, both they and the big kids weren't disappointed, as this perfectly paced production, with its perfect comedy timing, left everyone feeling well and truly entertained. That's praise indeed from yours truly, who, when it comes to pantos, is usually less than enthusiastic. For me, this is the best panto I've seen at this theatre, with everything falling perfectly into place. Who can resist the tale of an underdog, as our hero Dick Whittington (a suitably likeable Meg Royle) travelling a long and difficult road determined to achieve his dreams and get his girl. This theatre has a youth group. However, it must have been a great learning curve, particularly for the younger actors, to work with Phil Edwards, who plays the show's larger than life Dame, Sarah the Cook. A seasoned panto performer, Phil really makes the role his own, winning everybody over and swanning around the stage in frocks as loud as the children's boos, hisses and singing. He's ably assisted by his hapless and hopeless son Idle Jack, a Christmas present of a role for Peter Brassington. If I have a minor quibble I thought the cast were more comfortable acting than they were singing, but that in no way diminishes the enjoyment of the audience who were very appreciative when I saw the show. Writer/director Alan Clements shows its perfectly possible to wear with distinction "two hats," which should be paper and coloured at this time of year. If you want to escape the repeats on Christmas TV or just fancy a good night out, Dick Whittington and his Wonderful Cat is for you. Star rating ★★★★ Review by Julia Taylor for SALE AND ALTRINCHAM MESSENGER FROM the opening scene featuring the citizens of London, the Garrick's Panto warms the hearts of young and old. There are no smutty jokes though it's full of fun as it tells the tale of Dick Whittington and his wonderful Cat as he seeks his fortune in London. The script is written by Alan Clements who also directs it. He's a master of the art of panto and the cast soon has the kids at the matinee performance shouting 'He's Behind You.' They love every minute and shout their heads off every time a gorilla appears. Dick Whittington is played by a thigh slapping Meg Royle with a gorgeous voice. Her girlfriend, Alice, (Clare Louise Garrett) sings equally well and their duet sends shivers down your spine. No microphones needed here! Phil Edwards returns as the Dame singling out someone called Nigel sitting on the front row for special taunting. Nigel is a great sport. Phil and Peter Brassington's Idol Jack keep the kids amused. Mike Shaw, who plays the baddy, King Rat, gets his just deserts at the end from Daisy Brocklehurst's clever cat and, throughout, from the booing, jeering kids. In contrast, the scene representing fish and sea creatures apparently swimming across the stage is haunting. The dancing, too, is second to none. From the hornpipe to gentle ballet movements, they are a joy to watch. Mike Shaw and his team of helpers must be congratulated on the colourful costumes. This is panto at its best. Star rating ★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense Ran Invalid Date - Aug 19, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description An Award Winning Comedy This winner of the Olivier Award for New Comedy in 2014 sees Bertie Wooster struggling with how to explain a particularly frightful weekend at Totleigh Towers, involving an eighteenth century cow creamer, saucy romantic shenanigans, and much heroic derring do! A play is the answer and soon the stage is peopled with a dozen gloriously eccentric characters such as Gussie Fink Nottle, the fierce Aunt Dahlia, Stiffy Bing, and the beautiful Madeline Bassett, all gallantly played by just Wooster, Aunt Dahlia's butler Seppings and Jeeves himself, who against all odds, endeavours to bring order to the escalating chaos. Expect an outrageously inventive evening of fast paced comedy, dramatic car chases, heinous heists, swooning lovelies, and the odd, very odd, newt impersonation. *** Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck *** HAND on heart I have to say these chalk and cheese comedy creations passed me by when Fry and Laurie played them on TV. I got the joke of course. Jeeves, the buttoned up, deadpan butler forever cleaning up his master’s mess, a social superior with very little between his ears. Barry Purves’ energetic production barely draws breath and is beautifully and brilliantly played against the backdrop of one of his trademark, ingenious sets. Jamie Sloan delivers a performance of real star quality as the deliciously dim toff Bertie Wooster, ably supported by Andrew Higson and Graham Simmonds. Higson is perfect as Jeeves, the sensible and dependable butler but, along with comedy natural Simmonds, plays a plethora of other roles of both sexes and without a single costume change. But it was Sloan’s comic timing that really caught my eye in a frantic, madcap piece that places huge demands on a very hard working, three strong cast. Verbally and visually, Sloan was simply born to be funny. Why have I not mentioned the plot? Simply because it’s largely irrelevant. Although there is a frequent mention of something called a cow creamer. Answers on a postcard, please. An onstage band provides the ideal musical backing for an evening of theatre that does exactly what it says on the tin. This really is perfect nonsense. But a much needed antidote to a world that’s far too serious at times. Spiffing good fun. Star rating - 3/5 Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Peep Show Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Courtney, Donald Coventry, Betty Cramer, Anne Croft, H J A Daniels, Marion Daniels, R W Falkner, Robert Hall, Irene Kauffman, M H Matthews, Marion Thwaite Pennington, Muriel Roberts, Eunice Robinson, Dorothy A Zorian, Satinig Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Wolf Hall Ran Invalid Date - Apr 11, 2017 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Epic, unmissable, historical drama - huge television hit. England, 1527. The court of Henry VIII is in upheaval as the King rages over his lack of a male heir. But when Henry's anger turns to passion for the alluring Anne Boleyn, the Pope refuses to grant him an annulment from his wife, Katherine of Aragon. Into the fray steps Thomas Cromwell, a shrewd and ambitious politician, who realizes that the man who gets Anne into Henry's bed will win the favour of the Crown. Using charm, deception and wit, Cromwell will climb the thorny ladder of power and bring the King what he most desires. This production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_5307.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_5486.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_5502.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_5529.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_5160.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_5216.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_5233.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_5288.jpg|"] Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Stephen Gardiner Secretary to Cardinal Wolsey, later Bishop of Winchester - Simon Garland Thomas Cromwell An ambitious commoner in Cardinal Wolsey's household - Mark Butt Cardinal Thomas Wolsey The Lord Chancellor - Geoff Holman Mark Smeaton His Lutenist - Ben Hanley Rafe Sadler A young gentleman - Cromwell's ward and secretary - Chris Wagstaff Elizabeth (Liz) Cromwell Thomas Cromwell's wife - Sarat Broughton Christophe A French boy and thief - Cromwell's manservant - Paul Butcher Thomas More later Lord Chancellor - David Baxendale Sir Thomas Boleyn Anne's father, later The Earl of Wiltshire - Paul Wilson George Boleyn Anne's brother, later Lord Rochford - Sam Hey Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford Wife of George Boleyn - Sarat Broughton Harry Percy A young lord later Earl of Northumberland - Anthony Morris King Henry VIII King of England for the last 20 years - Sean Duvall Anne BoleynLady-in-waiting to Queen Katharine - later the Queen - Lara Hancox Katharine of Aragon The Queen. Henry's first wife - Emily Duffy Eustace Chapuys Imperial Ambassador to the court of King Henry - Simon Garland Gregory Cromwell Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cromwell - Oliver Knowles The Duke of Suffolk Charles Brandon, the King's friend and brother-in-law - Jonathan Black Thomas Wyatt A young poet, friend to King Henry - Luke Robinson The Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard, England's premier nobleman, Anne Boleyn's uncle - Matthew Banwell Sir Henry Norris The King's Groom of the Stool - David Baxendale Sir William Brereton A gentleman of the King's Chamber - Dave Richardson Mary Boleyn Anne's sister, King Henry's mistress - Sara Nelson Jane Seymour Lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn - Elizabeth Lomas Archbishop William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury - Geoff Holman Thomas Cranmer Anne's Chaplain later Archbishop of Canterbury - Paul Wilson Francis Weston One of the King's gentlemen - Paul Butcher Princess Mary Daughter of King Henry VIII and Queen Katharine - Elizabeth Lomas An Ambassador from France - Ben Hanley Ensemble - Margaret Armstrong. Holly Gibson, Pippa Greenhalgh, Alan Lomas, Ruth Metcalfe, Scott Ransome,Dave Richardson, Sue Richardson, Rose Wilson Servants, Dancers, Lords, Ladies, Guards, Plunderers, Attendants etc. all played by members of the Company. Altrincham Garrick Playhouse's Wolf Hall production is a masterpiece Review by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger The familiar characters of Elizabethan times come to life in Mike Poulton?s adaptation of Hilary Mantel?s Wolf Hall, directed by Nick Sample at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse this week. Overwhelmed with lust for Anne Boleyn and longing for a son, he appeals for help from the scheming Thomas Cromwell who, in return for power, gets him the divorce from Katherine of Aragon that he desires. Henry VIII is played by a tempestuous Sean Duvall whilst Mark Butt gets into the mindset of Thomas Cromwell so well you can almost hear his scheming whispers to the King. Mark is on stage most of the time and he gives an outstanding performance. Cromwell remains loyal to Cardinal Wolsey (Geoff Holman), a man he respects even when the Cardinal falls from grace. Lara Hanco's Anne Boleyn is almost as bad as Cromwell, when she conceals a secret marriage to Harry Percy (Anthony Morris). The King?s former wife, played exactly right by Emily Duffy, continues to call Anne ;a concubine' and fears, rightly, for her own daughter, Mary. The King is ruthless with those who disagree with him. In one case he shows mercy by substituting decapitation for being hung, drawn and quartered. The costume department deserves praise for a shimmering array of costumes. Henry VIII's is a fur endorsed masterpiece. The Elizabethan dancing is the icing on the cake. Star rating ★★★ ★★ Review by Rick Bowen for StageStruck THE costumes in this production are stunning and richly deserving of the heartfelt applause that greeted their first appearance on Monday night. Mike Shaw and his wardrobe team have been working their magic at this theatre for decades and their latest creations have to rank among the best I've seen at this theatre, the cast resplendent in their Tudor finery. But there's plenty more to admire in this very watchable adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novel, skilfully adapted for the stage by Mike Poulton. Most notably Mark Butt who is never offstage as Thomas Cromwell. I also really enjoyed Geoff Holman as Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, with Geoff putting in the sort of performance tat left me asking one question - why doesn't he do more at the Garrick? The play is a living, breathing and completely absorbing history lesson with King Henry VIII (Sean Duvall) fighting the Catholic church to get the divorce that will allow him to marry Ann Boleyn played by an at times frighteningly feisty Lara Hancox. At three hours including an interval this sounds like a marathon but for me the time flew. While Nick Sample's production has one or two flaws it a fascinating tale well told. I hope potential audiences aren't put off by the subject matter which is never dry or boring and there's even a dash of humour to keep the audience amused. A history lesson with jokes. Whatever next. Enjoy. Star rating ★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Annie Ran Invalid Date - Jun 21, 2016 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Based on Little Orphan Annie, the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide sensation. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the beloved show features a wonderful score written by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, including the Broadway smash hit, 'Tomorrow'. With a perfect combination of street-smarts and optimism, Annie warms the hearts of the audience as we witness her rise from next-to-nothing in New York City. She is determined to find her parents, who left her at the orphanage years ago. Though things don't quite work out the way she has planned, she does manage to thwart the plans of the evil Miss Hannigan and find a new family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and her lovable pooch, Sandy. The production is proudly sponsored by The Greenhouse Vegetarian Restaurant [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Annie_2791.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Annie_1111.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Annie_0551.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Annie_0201.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Annie_468.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Annie_427.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Annie_338.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Annie_310.jpg|"] Photographs by Vishal Sharma CAST The Child Company Annie - Caitlin Reeves Duffy - Chloe Radford July - Olivia Streeter Kate - Anna Peart Molly - Alice Cross Pepper - Daisy Higgins Tessie - Chloe Sudworth Orphans: Rosy O'Connor, Nicole Astbury, Ellen Thomas- Anderson, Jemima Kloss, Eva Briggs, Pippa Banford, Lily Pearson, Sophie Whittingham, Grace Dougall The Adult Company Miss. Hannigan - Laura Aremia Oliver Warbucks - Richard Sails Grace Farrell - Sasha Carrillo de Albornoz Rooster Hannigan/ Hooverville Man - Sam Berrie Lily St. Regis/ Hooverville Woman - Claire Garrett Hooverville Man/ Fred McCracken and Wacky/Dog Catcher/ Cordell Hull/ Servant/ New York Citizen - Chris Wagstaff Bert Healy/ Hooverville Man/Assistant Dog Catcher/ Louis Howe/Servant/ New York Citizen - Danny McCarrick Annette/ Star To Be/ Connie/ Hooverville Woman - Hannah Cound Bundles McCloskey/ Harold Ickes/ Hooverville Man/ Servant/ New York Citizen - Brendan Cunningham Mrs. Greer/ Sophie/ Jimmy Johnson/ New York Citizen - Samantha O'Connor Drake/ Henry Morgenthau/ Eddie/ Sound Effects Man/ New York Citizen - Joshua Crook President FD Roosevelt/ LT Ward/ Announcer/Servant/ New York Citizen - Dave Midgley Francis Perkins/ Mrs Pugh/ Hooverville Woman/New York Citizen - Sarah Reilly Ronnie/ Hooverville Woman/ New York Citizen - Rachel Gerring Bonnie/ Usherette/ Hooverville Woman/ Servant - Kitty West Cecille/ Hooverville Woman/ New York Citizen/Politician - Susan Mowat Apple Seller/ Justice Brandeis/ Kaltenborn Voice/ Politician/ Servant/ New York Citizen - Dave Richardson Hooverville-ites/ Servants/ New York Citizens - Rebecca Hanley, Lottie Warburton, Niamh Green, Lauren Whiteley, Ian Daubeney REVIEW by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger The Garrick's production of Annie is full of warmth THE Garrick Playhouse is full of excitement as people wait to see their favourite musical and the theatre's last production of the year, Annie. The story about the orphan who rises from rags to riches is full of warmth and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The director, Joseph Meighan, his superb adult cast and a host of little girls, not to mention a dog, win round the audience immediately. The dog, the younger brother of the original dog who was ill, took his bow, or should I say bow-wow, by launching himself off the stage practically into my husband?s lap! The choice of 12-year-old Caitlin Reeves as Annie is inspired. She is naively optimistic about finding her parents and keeps the other kids happy, especially nine-year-old Alice Cross who plays little Molly who misses her mummy. Caitlin can dance, and sing songs like Tomorrow with perfect diction and feeling. Her saviour, Oliver Warbucks, is played by charismatic Richard Sails. His attraction to his PA Grace Farrell (Sasha Carrillo de Albornoz), when they dance, is clear. All these lovely people would be boring if there wasn't a wicked one. That comes from child hating, self-loving, gin swilling Miss Hannigan. She?s a witch in the hands of Laura Aremia who adds humour to the role. Both the adult and junior choruses sing well and, thanks to choreographer, Alexandra Howarth, are well positioned, excellent dancers, too. Star Rating ★★★★ REVIEW by Nicky Lambert for North West End Most people are familiar with the story of 'Annie', the well known tale of an orphan girl who runs away from the orphanage run by the awful Miss Hannigan and is subsequently adopted by a billionaire. In all honesty, it's never appealed to me but I left the Altrincham Garrick Theatre tonight on an absolute show high. This production has a professional edge from start to finish. The ensemble pieces are absolutely wonderful and perfectly executed so that they create a very pure musical theatre sound. I would say they are up there with some of the best I have ever seen. "It's The Hard Knock Life" is the first that we see and it really sets the tone – the girls are fierce and angry and it's really exciting to watch. Miss Hannigan, played so expertly by Laura Aremia, is the Social Services nightmare who runs the orphanage and she's the pantomime baddie that I sneakily really liked (is that so wrong?!) Miss Hannigan is no stranger to the gin bottle, so is therefore inebriated most of the time and Laura played this absolutely perfectly: it's very easy to overdo drunken acting but she absolutely got it right and it was hilarious. I loved the way she just had absolute contempt for everyone and she even carried this through to the curtain call, telling the audience to "shut up". Brilliant! In the current West End production of 'Annie', this part is played by Miranda Hart and I can't imagine she could do a better job than Laura! The relationship between Oliver Warbucks (Richard Sails) and Annie (Caitlin Reeves) is absolutely charming and they have superb chemistry. I particularly liked "I Don't Need Anything But You" which he sings to Annie and which is very touching. They are so good together and perfectly matched. Caitlin has a beautiful singing voice and it was a pleasure to listen to her. Richard's portrayal of the kindly billionaire was really lovely to watch and their scenes together were very sweet. I do have to give a special mention to Alice Cross who played "Molly" and who executed an astounding hands-free cartwheel which was precariously near the drop to the orchestra pit! Alice is an extremely talented performer who is quite captivating to watch and I look forward to seeing her in future productions. I would also like to congratulate Sasha Carrillo de Albornoz for her totally credible performance as Grace, everything about her performance was excellent and she has an amazing singing voice. However, the show-stealer is Sandy – Annie's dog – who, although he wasn't in many scenes, certainly stole all of them...by barking at the audience and taking a flying leap off the stage at the end into the front row! The cast handled his excitement admirably and he was a favourite with the audience who loved his participation. I'm sure all this was opening night excitement and by Saturday, he'll be taking it all in his stride and probably signing autographs. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this entertaining and heart-warming production. The ensemble are particularly strong – the stand out performer for me being Brendan Cunningham who, as my theatre companion remarked "really gives value for money" with his completely rounded performance comprising great facial expressions and total immersion in the choreography. I loved the scene with the Presidential aides where he jumps on the table and sings, it was pure entertainment! The costumes, lighting and sets were wonderful. I did like the use of the jigsaw piece motif – keep your eye open as one by one, the missing jigsaw pieces appear as we draw near to the end of the story, a very nice touch indeed. This really is a musical theatre treat and one that should not be missed. Star Rating ★★★★★ REVIEW by Nigel Carr for Hale and Altrincham Life Annie played by Caitlin Reeves, the eponymous red headed central character is a child in the Hudson Street Orphanage where she has been since 1922 The musical opens to slides depicting the Great Depression following the Wall Street crash in 1929. Hooverville, the homeless persons village that grew up in Central Park, New York was a shanty town constructed of cardboard, tar paper, glass, wood, tin and whatever other materials people could find. It’s 1933 and President Herbert Hoover has just been replaced by F D Roosevelt. The play opens with the all the children making the most of life in the cramped dormitory faux kowtowing to the evil Miss Hannigan, the conniving, gin swilling supervisor. Miss Hannigan (Laura Aremia) & Grace (Sasha Carrillo De Albonoz) The plot follows Annie’s escape from the Orphanage and her planned adoption by Oliver Warbucks, the billionaire industrialist owner of a number of factories, who doesn’t seem to have fared too badly in the crash. Friends with the president and a host of other famous politicians and sportsmen, (‘how’d you like to meet Babe Ruth ? – Annie, erm?’). He is played by Richard Sails, who brings warmth and gravitas to the boy from the wrong side of town made good. The children’s singing is completely professional and hugely entertaining. From the opening It’s a Hard Knock Life and the highlight You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile, with accompanying dance routine and acrobatics. Special mention must be made of Caitlin who never misses a beat and Sasha Carrillo de Albornoz as Warbucks’ PA Grace, whose incredible range and tone is on the scale of a young Julie Andrews. Frankly all of the children deserve a special mention as they were just so enchanting and entertaining! Laura Aremia’s portrayal of the drunken Miss Hannigan is hilarious – she staggers around the stage, managing an almost calamitous curtsy to the wheelchair bound president. Annie (Caitlin Reeves) & President FD Roosevelt (Dave Midgely) With song after familiar song including Tomorrow and Easy Street, spot on American accents and a hyperactive shaggy Dulux dog, the musical went down a storm. The audience was on its feet at the end in a well deserved standing ovation. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Importance of Being Earnest Ran Invalid Date - Feb 7, 2014 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description This classic comedy of manners is the story of two couples struggle to find love in a conflict of deception and false identities. Jack takes on the identity of Ernest to capture the heart of Gwendolyn. Algernon becomes Ernest because he is in love with Cecily. Through a series of hilarious situations the characters all learn the importance of being earnest with each other. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnesta.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnesth.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnesti.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earneste.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestk.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestl.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestm.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestn.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnesto.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/earnestp.jpg|"] CAST John Keen as John Worthing JP Phil Duncan as Algernon Moncrieff Hugh Everett as Rev Canon Chasuble Nick Curror as Merriman Brian Howlett as Lane Alison Davis as Lady Bracknell Paula Keen as Hon Gwendolen Fairfax Sinead Parker as Cecily Cardew Jo Freeman as Miss Prism Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Julia Taylor Full of charm One of the most famous lines in the history of British theatre consists of just two words - "a handbag!" They are spoken in Oscar Wilde's comedy, 'The Importance of Being Earnest' at the Garrick this week. You can often judge the quality of a play by the way these words are spoken. They are uttered when Lady Bracknell discovers that her prospective son-in-law, Jack, was found as a baby in a handbag at a railway station. The words first became famous when Dame Edith Evans spoke them in the 1952 film. In this version, Alison Davis's booming, throaty, upper-class voice make her the ideal person for the overpowering part. She gets the intonation of those two words right even though they are nothing like Dame Edith's. The rest of the cast successfully capture the style and feel of the upper-class in-crowd who are constantly trying to be other people instead of being true to themselves. The play is so full of charm that it doesn't really matter that it has a flimsy plot and light weight characters. The storyline hangs on a thread. Jack becomes Ernest to capture the heart of Gwendolyn and Algernon also becomes Ernest because of his love for Cecily. The dialogue is pure, late nineteenth century banter full of irresistible one liners. I am so glad director, Barry Purves sticks to Wilde's script as used at the premier at the St. James Theatre, London, in 1895. I have seen versions of this play where it has been updated and, as a consequence, completely ruined. Phil Duncan is an ever so far back Algernon Moncrieff. His switch to becoming Ernest, the imaginary brother of Jack Worthing, (the one found in the handbag) is doubly amusing. Jack becomes the pivot around whom everyone else revolves thanks to a sterling performance by John Keen. Paula Keen and Sinead Parker as Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew sail through the amusingly indignant repartee that results when they mistakenly believe they are both engaged to the same man (naturally called Ernest!). There is even a fracas with a knife - if only a cake knife! Thanks not just to the cast but to the costume department, the Garrick successfully capture frivolity, snobbishness and humour amid the cucumber sandwiches and the audience love it. Star Rating ★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Around the World in 80 Days Ran Invalid Date - Jun 29, 2018 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A WONDERFUL ROMP FOR ALL AGES A crazy caper involving lots of adventures plus journeys on many different types of transport. There is even an elephant involved! Can Phileas Fogg win his bet to go around the world in 80 days or will he lose his life's fortune? Plenty of laughs as you accompany Fogg and Passepartout on their manic trip around the globe. This Production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATW80DAYS_021.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATW80DAYS_032.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATW80DAYS_074.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATW80DAYS_076.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATW80DAYS_104.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATW80DAYS_228.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATW80DAYS_260.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATW80DAYS_276.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Mrs. Aouda - Laura Crow Phileas Fogg - Jamie Sloan Passepartout - Tim Cooper Inspector Fix - Mark Jephcott Ensemble 1 - Emily Duffy Ensemble 2 - Liam Dood Ensemble 3 - Ali Davenport Ensemble 4 - Arthur Hulse Non-Speaking Porter - Edward Beasley Non-Speaking Porter - Ben Hanley Review by Julia Taylor for The Messenger A timeless adventure THE Garrick Playhouse succeed in taking us around the world in two hours when they present Laura Eason’s version of the Jules Verne classic, Around the World in 80 Days. This remarkable, fast-paced production is a fun adventure. With just six cast members playing over 100 characters, simply by swapping clothes and props, they achieve a feat as impressive as the fantastical voyage itself. The leading character is Jamie Sloan’s Phileas Fogg, who takes a bet from the Reform Club’s whist section, to circumnavigate the globe in record time. His modes of transport include trains, a ship, a sleigh and even an elephant. All are created simply and effectively, often by the versatile use of suitcases. Jamie illustrates a well-heeled gentleman with a stiff upper lip. He has, until his adventure, been set in his ways. But travel changes his attitude, if only slightly. But Phileas Fogg would be helpless without his faithful valet, Passepartout, brought to life by an acrobatic Tim Cooper. An ideal choice to play a former circus performer, his physical contortions are fascinating. As Fogg’s comic sidekick, he puts keeps the audience constantly amused by rescuing his boss from a series of unfortunate situations. Mark Jephcott is impressive as the wily Inspector Fix, who uses every trick to delay the pair of mavericks in his relentless pursuit to arrest Fogg. Laura Crow is also delightful as the beautiful Indian woman who joins them on their adventure after they dramatically rescue her from a funeral pyre. Even the music is appropriate and this is just one of the many threads drawn together by director Celia Bonner. This is a show which the whole family will enjoy. Star Rating ★★★★ Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck It's two relative newcomers who light up the Garrick stage in this engaging, vibrant and gloriously tongue in cheek adaptation of this globe trotting classic. They are Jamie Sloan, a perfect piece of casting as Phileas Fogg, a buttoned up quintessential English toff and Tim Cooper as his valet, PassePartout. They made their respective debuts at this theatre in 2016 and 2018 respectively and together they make such an engaging double act I for one hope they work together again, very soon. Sloan had me totally convinced as Fogg, a stickler for routine who takes up the offer of a daunting bet, while Cooper combines a boundless energy with a sense of comic timing that is, quite simply, exemplary. It was pleasing to see so many children in the audience for a production that can be enjoyed by all the family, a phrase that in my experience has often been shorthand for mindless and moronic entertainment. But Director Celia Bonner’s production is perfectly paced and includes a very clever use of props to denote the various exotic locations Fogg and his trusty sidekick find themselves in. But this is far from the Sloan and Cooper show, with the entire company providing a real antidote to these dark early autumn night. Hot on the heels of Fogg and PassePartout is old school policeman Inspector Fix, perfectly played by the always watchable Mark Jephcott. Fix believes Fogg is a criminal on the run and he inevitably ends up embroiled in the duo’s increasingly exotic adventures. Light entertainment at its best - make sure you book for this fantastic theatrical journey. Star Rating ★★★★ Review by Brian Madden for North West End Around the World in 80 Days is a rather new play, only first published in 2013. However, the book on which the play is based on was originally published in 1873. It tells the story of Phileas Fogg (Jamie Sloan) who bets his fellow card players £20,000 that he can make it around the world in 80 days. To a person living in today’s world travelling around the world in 80 days may seem very easy, however one needs to remember this story is set in 1872 - years before the first flight took off. So instead Fogg makes his way around the world travelling by train, boat and even hitches a ride on an elephant. While watching the show it appeared as if we were going on a journey that are historic to British people for one reason or another. We visit some of former colonies; India, New York and Hong Kong. Even though the story is set over 100 years ago, it was nice to add some modern touches to this production, most notably the inclusion of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from the movie Titanic while the cast were on one of their boats. All of the cast did well in their respective roles, Sloan never strayed from his English gent ways. However, a special mention has to go to Ben Hanley who played the role of a Porter. You could tell he was absolutely loving it. It was really nice to see someone who didn’t having a speaking role to make as much of the role as he could. The turnout was fantastic as ever at the Altrincham Garrick. They audience received the show really well - they clapped along and got involved when they were told to. I’m sure the audience helped put the actor’s nerves at ease. Margaret Norris did a great job on designing the set. I was not expecting to see such an elaborate set. The rustic staircase and map really helped set the tone and era for the piece. There was a moment when the cast asked a member of the audience to join them on stage to help control the boat in choppy waters. This was absolutely hilarious. However, the actors carried on with their dialogue while the audience were still in stitches watching a grown man pretend to hold down a table on-board a ship. I for one was so wrapped up in what the man was doing I missed all the dialogue - I even whispered to my friend “I hope they didn’t say anything important because I wasn’t listening”. On a couple of occasions I felt the narrative was moving too fast and we didn’t get a true representation of each area visited. The visit to India was great and we got a true sense of the Indian culture, but I feel like none of the other visits came close to that in terms of exploring the locality. Around the World in 80 Days in a very fast moving show and this ensemble certainly did make the most of it. I did get lost a few moments on the way, however on the whole it was very enjoyable. Star Rating: ★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Things I Know to be True Ran Invalid Date - Jun 29, 2018 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A BEAUTIFULLY TOUCHING, FUNNY AND BOLD PLAY... NOT TO BE MISSED Andrew Bovell has written about how families can struggle to love and how also members of even the strongest of families can easily hurt those who are the closest to them. The play poses these questions - "What do generations owe to each other?" "Can the 'sacrifice now live later' ethos of our parents ever find a happy meeting point with the 'live now' approach of the millennials? Most of all this play looks at the tightness of ties that bind families and how we must face our parents? imperfections as a part of facing our own. The Garrick is delighted to be staging this beautiful play and bringing it alive for our audiences to absorb and enjoy. This Production is proudly sponsored by [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_9359.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_9568.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_9596.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8609.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8807.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_8934.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_9284.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC_9291.jpg|"] Production Photographs by Vish Sharma CAST Bob - Charlie Tomlinson Fran - Brigid Hemingway Pip - Holly Boland Mark - Alexander Mike Thompson Ben - Anthony Morris Rosie - Megan Relph Rehearsal Photographs [gallery columns="6" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2827-Medium-e1554794401718.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2820-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2857-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2871-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2851-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2869-Medium-e1554794440943.jpg|"] Director's Note: Many congratulations to actor Anthony Morris who ran the Manchester Marathon in just over 4 hours then came on to rehearsals for Things I Know To Be True - only to be chased round and then thrown to the floor by his Father in the play Charlie Tomlinson. What a Star - Anthony we are all so proud of you! Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck THE words “family strife” take on a whole new meaning in this modern day classic, Altrincham Garrick’s production of the season. Andrew Bovell writes in a way that’s sure to affect those who see this piece very deply. Bovell’s writing is thoughtful, thought provoking, touching and warmly funny and the cast give performances of a professional standard, thanks to expert direction from Carole Carr. Poor Rosie (Megan Relph) returns home early from a backpacking trip to Europe after having her heart broken by a Spanish confidence trickster and who would blame here if she packed her bags and did a runner to escape the unfolding turmoil in her family home. It’s a home presided over by her doting but suffocating dad Bob, played by the always watchable Charlie Tomlinson and her mum Fran, one of the most fascinating female characters I’ve ever encountered in contemporary theatre, brilliantly portrayed here by Brigid Hemmingway. Bob is a dethroned patriarch and Fran is a woman who speaks her mind, but nothing can prepare them for the shocks that come courtesy of their other three grown up kids, Pip, Mark and Ben. This piece , while it shouldn’t be dismissed as an angst fest is hard on the emotions at times but it makes you feel like you’re actually living. Add a gorgeous set from Juliet Jones, some equally lovely and tender music and you have the complete theatre package. Hopefully the remaining seats will be snapped up because productions as good as this deserve packed houses. Go and send the box office phones into meltdown, for this is flawlessly brilliant. Star rating ★★★ ★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Romeo and Juliet Ran Invalid Date - Jun 20, 2016 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description In a world of music, fame and money, Shakespeare's classic play about love is brought to life in a brand new telling. The Montague and Capulet families are embroiled in a long-running feud and the hatred seems to be impossible to shift. When Romeo, a Montague, attends a Capulet ball in disguise, he falls in love with the beautiful Juliet, and she returns the love. A secret marriage takes place between the two young lovers, but happiness and harmony are not quite in reach as circumstances and fate continue to keep them apart. Perhaps one of the most famous plays of all time will be brought to the main stage in 2016, marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_6494.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSCF0817.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSCF0704.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_6651.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_6829.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_6882.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_7069.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_7110.jpg|"] CAST Friar Laurence - Mark Butt Juliet Capulet - Becky Myers Romeo Montague - Haroun Al Jeddal Nurse - Beverley Stuart-Cole Lady Capulet - Sarah Roberts Lord Capulet - Geoff Holman Lord Montague - Steve Williamson Lady Montague - Sandy McGuire Prince Escalus - John Westbrook Count Paris - Harry Jackson Mercutio - Tom Oliver Tybalt - Jackson Hayes Benvolio - James London Sampson - Kathryn Morris Gregory - Ben Hanley Balthazar - Emily Sibley Abram - Aidan Burgess Chorus - Barry Purves Chorus of singers, musicians and fighters, Tabitha Hughes, Rebecca Hanley, Ella Kirk, Tara Kitson, Sam Hey, Lara Hancox, Matthew Spilsbury, Simon Liversidge, Olivia Newhouse, Jack Gibson, Michael Twigg, Daniel McDwyer, Chis Wagstaff ASM - Sue Berry [gallery columns="6" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3759.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3764.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3763.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3762.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3770.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3769.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3768.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3767.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3765.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3766.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3761.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3771.jpg|"] REVIEW by Julia Taylor for Altrincham and Sale Messenger Romeo and Juliet production leaps to life at Altrincham Garrick I HAVE never seen a Shakespeare play move an audience so much as Joe Meighan's production of Romeo and Juliet at Altrincham Garrick. Joe has used imagination to create a play that, while sticking to Shakespeare's immortal words, uses modern dress, and a moral to make this play, presented 400 years after Shakespeare's death, leap to life. Set at the millennium, the Montagues and Capulets run rival record companies. The striking feature is the fight scenes. We have a huge battle at the start which is nothing compared with the stag-like conflicts between Tybalt (Jackson Hayes) and Mercutio (Tom Oliver) who dies. In revenge, Romeo kills Tybalt in another violent fight. These fights are graphic, disturbing, full of anger and, at times, even clumsy but they are realistic. Added to this, the 23-year-old director has introduced music including a remarkable unaccompanied harmony. Juliet was originally 13 but Joe has realistically upped her age to 16. Rebecca Myers, who plays her, is only 17. She gives a passionate performance as she and 17-year-old Haroun Al Jeddal illustrate how life?s strongest emotion, love, can overcome body and mind. The part of Juliet's nurse is interesting, made more so by Beverley Stuart-Cole. Deeply caring of Juliet, she adds ripples of humour. Mark Butt's Friar Laurence is played well as a wise mediator. The surprise ending makes you realise that attitudes, unchanged since the sixteenth century, need changing. Star rating ★★★★★ Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck DYNAMIC young director Joseph Meighan returns to the Trafford stage with a Romeo and Juliet for the Internet generation. But despair not - oldies like me certainly didn't feel excluded from a production with a soundtrack of pop songs. If I have a criticism I think the opening fight scene was a little over done, descending into comedy by the end. This is, after all, a play about two rival. feuding families who hate the bones of each other. JM is a very promising talent and the fact that Romeo and Juliet are close to the age they're meant to be gives the classic teen love story added authenticity. The two leads struggle to keep a lid on their emotions when Cupid's arrow strikes. Haroun Al Jeddal's Romeo is very much "one of the boys" and his performance is sure to strike a chord with the teenagers in the theatre - there were nearly 100 in the auditorium on Monday night - and those of us who can just about remember what it felt like to be young. With Rebecca Myers (Juliet) there are some memorable scenes to enjoy and the duo perfectly capture the awkwardness and emotional highs of young love. After seeing this production I really hope we see more of Geoff Holman on the Garrick stage for, as Juliet's tyrant of a father Lord Capulet, he is outstanding. The scene in which he rips into his daughter is quite frightening, as she dares to go against his marital decree. Don't be a stranger Geoff - you have a very strong stage presence. Any production that features Barry Purves as its designer is always something to write home about and he delivers yet again with a set that's a positive visual treat. What the purists will make of this I don't know and don't really care as live theatre is forever evolving. It's also a welcome return to Mark Butt whose Friar Laurence seems to have converted to Buddhism. Looking like he's dropped off a 60's album cover, Mark gives a very credible performance as a character full of eloquent authority - Star rating ★★★ Review by Mark Dee for North West End I suppose that one must come to accept that modern adaptations, reworkings and updatings of Shakespeare are not only acceptable but preferable to both modern actors and audiences. My personal feeling towards this is that if the work is to be changed to bring it more 'up-to-date', then don't just change the setting and the costumes, but the language also needs to change too... in other words, do as Shakespeare himself did with most of his plays... find a good story already in existence, and then write your own version. West Side Story is a classic example. A contemporary Musical set in New York using original dialogue and song. All too often do I see a modern interpretation of a Shakespeare play to find that the spoken word is at odds with action and costume. And so whilst the themes of Shakespeare's plays way well be timeless, the setting and language certainly are not. I am very happy to report then that despite my misgivings, Joseph Meighan's reworking and adapting of possibly Shakespeare's most famous play, and certainly his most universal, works really quite well indeed. And in a year that marks the 400th anniversary of the death of the great man himself, and with countless Shakespeare productions happening throughout the year, productions of his work this year especially need to have something different about them to make them stand out. This did, and did. I feel certain that I do not need to tell anyone the storyline, do I? However tonight's setting was Fair Verona, a nightclub, a short while before the 2000 Millennium chimes, and we could be very 'artsy' and say that perhaps the chimes of the new year were also the tragic death knells for our ill-fated protagonists. Although once the prologue had been spoken and the action moved away from the rather BGT-style opening, the Fair Verona sign should have been moved since we never returned to this nightclub again. The set was both excellent and constrictive at one and the same time. Consisting of a raised triangular dais centre stage upon which majority of the acting for each scene took place and two walls angled outwards either side at the same angle as the lengths of the triangle and lit with magentas and reds with occasional green light tubes appearing it was non-naturalistic and ultra-modern. Doors, windows, cabinets etc all were cleverly 'hidden' within these two wall flats and were operated seamlessly and quietly every time. The problem with Shakespeare's plays in general is that there are many scenes, often very short scenes, and this can be a director's and designer's nightmare. Here. however, director Joseph Meighan had chosen to incorporate into his cast a 'chorus' of young actors and actresses to sing some songs at opportune moments throughout the play, and it was these performers who also acted very much like background artists on a film set, filling out the scenes as necessary, and also bringing on and taking off the items of set and design for each scene. The scene changes were swift, but after a while became very predictable and I suppose more obvious too because of this. Before I turn to the main acting, I have mentioned the singing chorus so let me stay with them for a while. What a fantastic idea, and despite my conservatism and traditionalist values when it comes to The Bard, I have to admit to really enjoying this aspect of the adaptation. Starting with a Boy Band wowing the partygoers, to singing some beautiful complimentary songs (all from the chosen period of 1999 / 2000) throughout. The candlelit sung vigil at the tomb of Juliet was simply breathtaking. In general, the acting was of a high standard, and Meighan used a mostly young cast. It was a high-energy production and really quite 'raw'. There was lots of shouting and fighting....yes, lots of fighting, and the fight scenes were extremely well directed. For me there were certainly some stand-out performances in this very large and well chosen cast. Not only that but some highly original interpretations too. In the order they appear in the programme..... Mark Butt's Friar Lawrence was as original an interpretation as I have seen. A weed-smoking Buddhist! However, I think he made the right choices in playing this character very seriously and angst-ridden and I enjoyed the candidness and simplicity of this character who can all too often be seen as a comedy role. The programme next credits Beverley Stuart-Cole as the Nurse. Although in this reworking perhaps calling her a governess might have been more appropriate). Again, a unique interpretation, full of fun, sincerity, love, and indeed humanity. Stuart-Cole found both humour and gravitas in her role and it was one of the most enjoyable interpretations of Nurse I have ever seen. Next comes Rebecca Myers, playing a young teenage girl in love to a Tee. Her Juliet was giddy, naive, bouncy and immature when it should have been, and mature, tragic-heroic, and serene when it should have been; and goodness knows how many emotions she had to portray in between. A notoriously difficult role for any actress, since the part requires a maturity of acting prowess not normally available in the age of the character, and within the space of only 2 hours has to go through every emotion known to man. Shakespeare didn't write many truly great female roles, but when he did, boy, oh boy, he made them extremely difficult for the actress! Again, a most sensible and enjoyable interpretation. Juliet's love rivals were played by a love-sick and tormented but at times rather phlegmatic Harroun Al Jeddal (Romeo) and Harry Jackson (Paris), with a rather enigmatic and brazen interpretation of Mercutio by Tom Oliver. There were also a couple of odd choices too. I was uncertain as to why Lady Capulet (Sarah Roberts) was the only one with a southern accent when all the rest of the cast were most obviously northern. The part of Chorus (Barry Purves) also needed some highlighting. From an excellent beginning using his 'power' to freeze the action and for him to speak and explain the story, to him wandering about the set, lurking and silent. This 'presence' as not just a commentator but manipulator [in a smaller but similar way as the Emcee is in the Musical Cabaret] was a nice idea but underdeveloped and perhaps went unnoticed or uncomprehended by most. Perhaps a more obvious way of doing this might be to morph this role with Prince Escalus? (Just a thought..!) Joseph Meighan's directing was consistent and tight, and although I found a couple of his choices a little odd, they worked in context and with his utilisation of such a large and majority youthful cast did a wonderful job of making this story relevant and enjoyable, appealing greatly this evening to a capacity audience filled in the main with a whole group of A-level students from a local high school who are studying this text for their A levels. Modernising Shakespeare I guess is a little like Marmite - you either love it or you hate it - and as a traditionalist at heart I always find it very difficult to appraise modern interpretations. However this evening's offering was accessible to all - mostly! Maybe it was just first night nerves, but the beginning dialogues were rushed and quiet, and this naturalistic way of speaking Shakespeare is at odds with the declamatory and poetic writing style. With some simple but effective lighting, and a 'rough-diamond' feel to the whole show, this is one of the best modern reworkings I have seen in a long while, and although the older generation of audience members may not find much in this 'Godfather'-esque modernisation, it certainly appealed greatly to the younger generations, and, since it is a very long time since the Garrick's season included any Shakespeare (GAPA notwithstanding), it was a very welcome addition to their season and will undoubtedly prove to be a huge success. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Oliver! Ran Invalid Date - Jun 2, 2014 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The Garrick is thrilled to offer another treat for the Christmas season! Lionel Bart's brilliant adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist has enjoyed sell out runs since its London premiere in 1960 and the award winning screen version in 1967. The famous story of orphan Oliver and his sometimes frightening journey to London where he encounters the dubious friendship of the artful dodger, Fagin and Bill Sykes is packed with favourite songs including, 'Food, glorious food', 'Consider Yourself', 'I'd Do Anything' and the classic, 'As long as he needs me'. This new version will bring the Victorian streets of London to life again and is sure to leave you asking for more! [gallery columns="5" type="rectangular" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Oliver-2.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Oliver-01.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0393.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0227.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_5362.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0488.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0479.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0456.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0424.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0323.jpg|"] Messenger Review by Rick Bowen More like this please - a triumphant Oliver! at Altrincham Garrick One to watch - Nathan Ng as Oliver I can remember as a child being absolutely petrified of the Bill Sykes character in the big screen version of Oliver! A tribute, of course, to the considerable acting skills of the late Oliver Reed, who was far more than just a headline making hell raiser. Likewise, Charlie Tomlinson oozes menace as the notorious baddie in Altrincham Garrick's triumphant production of Lionel Bart's classic show. The directing team, the dream team, that brought us Gypsy earlier in the season have been re-united for a musical that deserves far more than the empty seats that greeted me on opening night.?No excuses - the TV isn't that inspiring and the weather not that bad. I studied in Sheffield where the climatic conditions we currently find ourselves in would have been considered balmy. Well no, but you get the gist. Nathan Ng strikes the balance between being suitably cherubic and endearingly feisty as Oliver and he's sharing the plum role with Michael Gaughan. I hope you like a challenge Michael, as Nathan also has one of the purest singing voices I've ever heard. You'll be biting your bottom lip during the beautiful number, Where Is Love For me, that's not the best song in the show. Who Will Buy? during which Oliver is serenaded by an assortment of street vendors congregating below his bedroom window, is my personal favourite, beginning as it does with a haunting solo. Doubling up seems to be the order of the order of the day here, with Stephanie Niland sharing the role of Nancy, Bill Sikes' long suffering but bafflingly loyal girlfriend. Her rendition of As Long As He Needs Me, in which this ultimately good sort tries to put the case for her devotion, is one of the high points of the show. Star Rating ★★★★ Remotegoat Review An Oliver to be remembered - A show to make you forget your post Christmas credit card bill, Oliver! simply must not be missed. The whole cast shine. You start to feel hungry even before Nathan Ng's Oliver asks for more. Just the sound of 17 boys voices singing Food, Glorious Food with such gusto starts your tummy rumbling. Your appetite is whetted in a different way by the quality of this Dickens' tale performed by a fantastic cast who are a delight. Young Nathan does wonderfully well in the title role and we are on his side as he faces hardship at the work house, from his undertaker boss, and in the hands of his counterpart, the Artful Dodger, a cunning but likeable Rob Dutton. These two young actors are so impressive, it is hard to realise they are only 12 and 16 respectively. Despite the jollity of the dancing (choreographed by director, David Needham) and songs like Nancy's Oom-Pah-Pah, this show has it's sadder moments. The one that stays with you is Nancy's murder by lover, Bill Sykes. Her loyalty to this evil man is hard to understand and you conclude the only answer is that she loves him. Charlie Tomlinson's despicable Bill makes scoundrel Fagin, look like an angel. Stephanie Niland sings As Long as He Needs Me both poignantly and beautifully, illustrating well her attraction to this bastard. The quality of Stephanie's voice is as good as any professional. Although Fagin is a criminal who uses children to pick pocket for him, Steven Finney projects him as an old man who is genuinely fond of them and acts like a father figure. His rendering of Reviewing the Situation is particularly expressive. A word in praise of the ten-strong orchestra led by Steven Mercer. They are the perfect accompaniment to the many catchy numbers but also add atmosphere. For instance, when Oliver is arrested, the violinist, Rachael Drury, creates an element of surprise and dismay by making a discordant screeching sound on her instrument. Some roles are interchangeable over the course of the production. Other well known Garrick names take over on other nights and because I know them, I can give assurance they will be equally as good as those involved on the first night. The Production Supervisor is Paul Kerryson, the Garrick's new Executive Producer. If, under his guidance, this show is an indication of what is to come, we are in for exciting times. Oliver is one of the best musicals I have seen at this excellent theatre although I have seen many other good ones as well. Preview in the Messenger A show to leave audiences wanting more at Altrincham Garrick Planning mischief - Steven Finney as Fagin and his gang in rehearsal First publishedTuesday 13 January 2015 by Rick Bowen ALTRINCHAM Garrick turns to a giant of musical theatre for its next production, in the shape of the Lionel Bart classic, Oliver! Immortalised on the big screen in a famous movie starring Ron Moody as the slippery petty criminal Fagin and Oliver Reed as the genuinely scary Bill Sykes, Oliver! is crammed with showstoppers that are certain to please theatregoers of all ages. Memorable numbers include Food, Glorious Food sung by Oliver and his fellow orphans and As Long As He Needs Me, performed by Sykes' long suffering but unbelievably loyal partner, Nancy. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Nelson Touch Ran Invalid Date - Aug 12, 2019 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Bradshaw, James H Courtney, Donald Field, Charles W Gooby, Kathleen Hughes, Geoffrey Kaye, Gilbert L Wood, Joan White, Leo Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster