Garrick Production Kindertransport Altrincham Garrick STUDIO 2025/26 Season - A Series of Manc Plays Ran Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026 Age guidance 12+ Venue STUDIO Theatre Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £13 - £15 Description Written by Diane Samuels Directed by Celia Bonner Between 1939 until the outbreak of World War II, nearly 10,000 Jewish children were taken from their families in Nazi-occupied Germany and sent to live with foster families in Britain. Diane Samuels’ seminal play, Kindertransport , imagines the fate of one such child. Nine-year-old Eva is taken from her home in Germany and sent to Manchester to live with the Miller family. At first, she clashes with her foster mother, Lil, but slowly a bond of trust forms between them. After she learns that her parents have failed to escape Germany, the Millers become her family, and a new identity begins to form. After the war is over, she changes her name to Evelyn and acquires British citizenship. Over thirty years later, her now grown-up daughter, Faith stumbles across some old letters in their attic and Evelyn is forced to confront her traumatic past… Samuels deftly weaves together Evelyn’s past and present as she explores the devastating impact of the Holocaust on three generations. Now widely considered a modern classic, Kindertransport has been read and studied all over the world. Age Guidance: 12+ PLEASE NOTE - The performance on Sunday 25th January starts at the earlier time of 7pm to allow for a post show Q&A session with the Holocaust Centre North. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning This production contains themes of child separation, racism, anti-Semitism, War, the Holocaust and the Nazi-regime, and trauma. Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Private Lives Ran Invalid Date - Feb 7, 2014 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Private Lives is a sparkling, stylish and sophisticated comedy by Noel Coward. An overwhelming success when it was first produced in 1930, Private Lives remains hugely popular today, consistently entertaining audiences as its themes of love and jealousy never date. The destructive actions of Elyot, Amanda, Sybil and Victor continue to resonate with audiences today [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatea.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privateb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatec.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privated.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatee.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatef.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privateg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privateh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatei.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatej.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatek.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatel.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privatem.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privaten.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/privateo.jpg|"] CAST Amanda Prynne Stephanie Niland Victor Prynne David Leathlean Elyot Chase John Keen Sibyl Chase Paula Keen Louise (the maid) Victoria Johnson Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production It's A Wonderful Life A joyful story of love, hope and community based on the critically acclaimed Christmas film Ran Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025 Age guidance Venue Main House Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £14 - £19 Description “You want the moon? Just say the word, and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down” Christmas Eve, 1946, Bedford Falls. Down-on-his-luck banker George Bailey feels life has passed him by, and he's at the end of his rope… But when George's guardian angel pays him a visit, he's amazed to discover what life in his beloved town would be like without him. Maybe it's a wonderful life, after all? Based on the critically acclaimed Frank Capra movie, which is arguably the most popular Christmas film of all time, Mary Elliott Nelson's reimagining is a joyful story of love, hope and community. A perfect way to begin the Festive period! Adapted for the Stage by: Mary Ellott Nelson Director: Barry Purves Reviews Rick Bowen - Stage Struck "While I knew exactly what was coming in act two... I felt as moved as always. This is a tribute in no small part to director Barry Purves and Jonathan Higgs who shines as George, a character who is just as angelic as the wonderfully named Clarissa Oddbody..." "Pete Grimshaw’s atmospheric music for a production that will move all who see it..." "Not to be missed" Star rating – 4.5 out of 5 Read the full review HERE Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning This production contains themes of intense financial crisis and suicide, as well as discussions of hopelessness and feeling lost, suggestions of violence, alcohol abuse and distressing arguments. Ultimately, the production is a positive and uplifting navigation through a difficult time in the main characters life journey. Age Guidance: 10+ Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

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

Garrick Production Middle Date range Tickets £13 - £15 Age guidance Venue Garrick Studio Trigger warning Find out more Book now Running time TBC Group bookings Find out more Accessibility Find out more Written by David Eldridge Directed by Lou Kershaw Every relationship reaches a crossroad some time. As dawn breaks, Maggie is heating some milk and Gary wonders what she’s doing out of bed. Maybe it’s time for an honest conversation – but how much honesty can this marriage take? Their unhappiness, questions about the direction of their lives, their years together, and what they actually still want from life. It is all about to come out. Is this the beginning of the end, or is it just the middle? Middle is a truthful, moving and funny portrait of a forty-something couple whose marriage hangs in the balance, with all the beauty, awkwardness and honesty of real life. This is the second of three plays by David Eldridge. Beginning, Middle, and most recently, End make up a fascinating trilogy exploring love and relationships. End has just recently finished a successful, sell-out run at the National Theatre. This production is part of the Garrick Studio 26/27 Season - A Season of Connection: stories that bind us, break us, and bring us back together. Garrick Production Book Tickets Wed 15 Oct Last few left 00:00 Show more times Trailer Reviews Gallery Friends of the Garrick Become a Friend of the Garrick! You can buy discounted tickets and support your local theatre. Become a Friend Now Join our mailing list Subscribe

Garrick Production Closer Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description "What's so great about the truth? Try lying for a change - it's the currency of the world". "A Man and a Woman have one important thing in common at the start of a romance. They are both in love with him". Two of the many quotes concerning this play, which is a drama of the game of sexuality and infidelity written by one of our most illustrious new playwrights, Patrick Marber, who served his apprenticeship writing for television, haveing written amongst others AFTER MISS JULIE starring Kathy Burke and Phil Daniels. He has co-written and appeared in the comedy programmes THE DAY TODAY, THE PAUL CALF VIDEO DIARY, KNOWING ME, KNOWING ... WITH ALAN PARTRIDGE and THREE FIGHTS, TWO WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL. CLOSER is his second play after DEALER'S CHOICE and like the latter also won the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy (amongst many others). PLEASE BE WARNED, THIS IS DEFINITELY ADULT THEATRE AND WILL NOT SUIT EVERYONE'S TASTE CAST Pam Nolan as Anna Beverley Stuart-Cole as Alice Bryn Thomas as Larry John Keen as Dan ? Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

We are always looking for actors of all agesto appear in our productions. No previous experience is necessary, simply sign up here to be auditioned. Get Involved Auditions Come and act in one of the 18 productions that the Altrincham Garrick Society produces each season ! Please refer to the Garrick Actor’s Guide for all information about auditioning for acting roles in our 2025/2026 Season at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse. Download the Actor's Guide for the 2026-2027 Season In addition, each production has a dedicated audition pack, which will be uploaded to our website about 4 weeks before the auditions, and which will include information about what to prepare, character descriptions and more. Note that the Altrincham Garrick is a non-professional organisation, meaning that actors are not paid. If you have any questions about the casting process, please email casting@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk Auditions for Upcoming Productions Auditions for JULIUS CAESAR- Altrincham Garrick Playhouse AUDITIONS FOR "JULIUS CAESAR " - Altrincham Garrick Playhouse The Audition Date for this production is Tuesday 3rd November The Rehearsal Start Date for this production is Sunday 10th January The Production Dates for this production are 22nd - 27th February 2027 There is also be a MIDNIGHT MATINEE on 27th February 2027. The performance will begin at 11.59pm and play into the early hours of the morning. Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Joseph Meighan “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” Shakespeare’s greatest thriller about political chaos, power struggles and friendship betrayals. Julius Caesar has become a tyrant. Cassius sees the threat. Brutus is torn by loyalty. Together, they conspire to kill Caesar. When Cassius and Brutus murder Caesar in full public view on the Ides of March, they think they have heralded a new political age. Instead, chaos erupts, a civil war begins and these traitorous actions threaten the very stability of Rome. In this striking reimagining of Shakespeare’s famed political thriller, director Joseph Meighan and The Garrick Ensemble bring the story of Julius Caesar’s assassination, and its aftermath, into a world that bears an uncanny resemblance to our own. A Caesar for our time. Content Warning: this production contains depictions of war, murder, self-harm and suicide, violence, stage blood, weapons including guns and knives, and loud noises. JULIUS CAESAR will be performed by THE GARRICK ENSEMBLE. The Garrick Ensemble is a company of aspiring actors in their 20s and 30s from Greater Manchester and Cheshire who perform one production each year as part of the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse Main House Season. The Garrick Ensemble aims to make theatre that is fresh, innovative and exciting. See the very best of local, up and coming talent before they move forward in the next stages of their careers in the Arts. We are a diverse theatre and we welcome auditionees of all ages (over the age of 18) and all genders, ethnicities, sexualities, disabilities and races, to enrich the work of the production. For more information, please check out our Audition Pack below! Download the "JULIUS CAESAR" Audition Pack Auditions for Upcoming Productions Auditions for CLUDEO- Altrincham Garrick Playhouse AUDITIONS FOR "CLUEDO " - Altrincham Garrick Playhouse The Audition Date for this production is Tuesday 6th October The Rehearsal Start Date for this production is Sunday 13th December The Production Dates for this production are 1st - 7th February 2027 Written by Sandy Rustin Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture and the Hasbro Board Game Directed by Nick Sample The hilarious whodunnit play! It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well . . . dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Cluedo is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist. Murder and blackmail are on the menu! We are a diverse theatre and we welcome auditionees of all ages (over the age of 18) and all genders, ethnicities, sexualities, disabilities and races, to enrich the work of the production. Rehearsals : Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7.30pm – 10pm, and every Sunday 2pm – 5.30pm Click on our AUDITION PACK below for more information! Download the "CLUEDO" Audition Pack All in-house Garrick productions are cast by auditions. Once you’ve read all the information in the relevant audition pack, and if you wish to audition, then please email casting@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk with the name of the production in the Subject field, and include your name and contact number. By emailing, you will have registered for an audition. To sign up to our Actor’s Mailing List (to receive regular updates about upcoming auditions) please email casting@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk . Auditions are confirmed and announced here on this page. Auditions are also announced on our own Facebook page and Twitter Feed: https://www.facebook.com/AltrinchamGarrick/ https://twitter.com/AltrinchamG Join our mailing list Subscribe

Garrick Production CANCELLED - Present Laughter By Noel Coward Ran Invalid Date - Nov 1, 2021 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Unfortunately, our production of “Present Laughter” by Noel Coward has had to be cancelled due to an illness within the cast. The illness is not related to Covid-19 and this does not affect any other production. If you have already booked tickets to see this production, we are terribly sorry to disappoint you as we know you will have been looking forward to your visit. Our Box Office staff will be contacting everyone to advise you of your options. Please do not contact us, we will contact you as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. Best wishes, Sarah Reilly (Operations Director) & Joseph Meighan (Artistic Director) Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Escape to a world of pure imagination with our October Musical Ran Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 2, 2025 Age guidance 6+ Venue Main House Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £19 - £25 Description Escape to a world of pure imagination with ROALD DAHL’S Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical . The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory… but only to a lucky few. Charlie Bucket, an imaginative boy with a knack for making something out of nothing, dreams of acquiring a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory and can’t believe his luck when it actually happens! Fellow contest winners: Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee, and Augustus Gloop, have no idea what they're getting themselves into, as they each learn valuable lessons from Mr. Wonka. Nobody leaves the same way that they arrived… Discover a magical world full of amazement, innovation, sugary treats, and, of course, Oompa-Loompas! Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score from the multi awarding-winning songwriters of Hairspray (Music by Marc Shaiman with Lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman and a Book by David Greig), blended with songs from the 1971 motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," “The Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination” (Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley). Every ticket is GOLDEN, so book yours today! Reviews North West End UK - 5 Stars! “The Garrick’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is quite simply, pure escapism and is a must for all ages… With a well-deserved standing ovation, this show is a must for any musical theatre lover.” - Angela Kelly Read the full review by NORTH WEST END CLICK HERE NUMBER 9. "...the Garrick's production is just flawless and superb. ...utterly brilliant from start to finish." - Alastair Zyggu Read the full review by NUMBER9 CLICK HERE Stage Struck "...eye popping, spellbinding and uplifting production of Roald Dahl’s timeless classic." "If you add a score that’s as delicious as one of Wonka’s chocolate bars its fair to say the Garrick has a huge musical hit on its hands." - Rick Bowen Read the full review by STAGE STRUCK CLICK HERE Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning This production contains flashing lights and smoke effects. Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Prescription For Murder Ran Invalid Date - Aug 14, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Set in the sleepy town of Bere Knighton, Dr Richard Forth leads a chaotic life, juggling his hectic work schedule, his friendship with his ex-girlfriend and tending to his wife Barbara's constant ailments. Events become more sinister when a stranger calls claiming to have known Richard's second fiancee - a woman who Richard insists doesn't exist. As Barbara's health worsens the plot thickens. An exciting thriller guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production The Memory of Water Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description This bittersweet, highly entertaining comedy concerns the lives of three sisters reunited for their mother's funeral. We listen to their quarrels over arrrangements, their mixed memories of their very feminine working class mother and sympathise with them over their unsatisfactory men. Shelagh Stevenson skilfully charts the joy and pain of family relationships with great insight and humour. CAST Sarat Broughton as Mary Tracy Burns as Teresa Caroline Hickey as Catherine Mark Edgar as Frank Alex Wilson as Mike Val Watkinson as Vi Rehearsal Photos [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwaterj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwaterf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwaterg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwaterd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwaterb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwaterh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwateri.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwatera.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwaterc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/memwatere.jpg|"] 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

Previous Next Derek Cleal Derek is pictured in character in A Month of Sundays by Bob Larbey (writer of the TV comedy The Good Life ). He was a versatile actor who appeared in many plays in the 1990's. Derek especially enjoyed playing comedy roles, which he excelled at, such as Colonel Von Strohm in 'Allo 'Allo . Back to In Memoriam page

Garrick Production Pomona Altrincham Garrick STUDIO 2025/26 Season - A Series of Manc Plays Ran Mar 24, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026 Age guidance 16+ Venue STUDIO Theatre Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £13 - £15 Description Written by Alastair McDowall Directed by Mark Goggins Step into the haunting depths of Manchester’s underbelly, where evil lurks and danger is around every corner. Welcome to Pomona —a place where dreams are overshadowed by darkness. Join Ollie on her desperate quest to find her sister, who has mysteriously vanished. As she navigates this treacherous world, she encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, each hiding secrets that twist reality in unexpected ways. In Pomona , nothing is as it seems. Here at the centre of everything, journeys end and nightmares are born. Age Guidance: 16+ Warning: this production strong and offensive language, and contains scenes that some audience members may find disturbing including violence, blood, kidnapping, death, forced pregnancy, human trafficking, and references to pornographic content, sexism, sexual assault, suicide, and abuse. Reviews Paul Wilcox - North West End UK “An unsettling, intellectually rich and unexpectedly beautiful production — and one that lingers long after the final moment.” “That Altrincham Garrick has chosen to stage such a challenging and unconventional work is notable in itself. That it does so with such clarity, confidence and imaginative flair is genuinely impressive.” Read the full review HERE Rick Bowen - Stagestruck "I’ve seen numerous musicals directed by Mark Goggins and productions of this quality remind me of just how multi-talented he is." Read the full review HERE Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Warning: this production strong and offensive language, and contains scenes that some audience members may find disturbing including violence, blood, kidnapping, death, forced pregnancy, human trafficking, and references to pornographic content, sexism, sexual assault, suicide, and abus Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Beautiful: The Carole King Musical A Musical telling the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom. Ran Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025 Age guidance 12+ Venue Main House Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £17 - 20 Description Directed by Joseph Meighan Musical Direction by Mark Goggins Book by Douglas McGrath Words and Music by Gerry Goffin & Carole King and Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil Before she was hit-maker Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. Telling the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began — and takes you on the ride of a lifetime! Along the way, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation, with countless classics such as "You've Got a Friend", "One Fine Day", "So Far Away", "Take Good Care of My Baby", "Up on the Roof", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", “The Loco-Motion”, “It’s Too Late”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow", and “(You Make Me Feel like a) Natural Woman", this Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you'll never forget. Reviews Rick Bowen at Stage Struck - 5 Stars “This season has, for me, been the company’s best to date and I plead with you not to miss this high class evening of musical theatre.” Read the full review at StageStruck: CLICK HERE Harry Alty at North West End UK - 5 Stars “This production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a masterclass in the power of local theatre, taking the audience from this theatre in Altrincham to the heights of Carnegie Hall.” Read the full (glowing!) review by North West End: CLICK HERE Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning This production contains flashing lights and smoke effects. 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 The Silver Box (1921) Ran Jan 4, 1921 - Jan 4, 1921 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description By John Galsworthy CAST Bonson, John P Brierley, Norman Calderbank, Arthur Crabb, W Dykes, Tom Gow, Ronald Higson, Nellie J Hill, Arthur P Jones, Eric Jones, Trissie Mason, Edward Matthews, Marion Thwaite Nixon, Walter S Owen, Tom Pye, George H Slinn, Ella Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Rutherford and Son Ran Invalid Date - Jun 21, 2016 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The Powerful Edwardian Northern Classic The play takes place in an industrial town in the north of England, a few years before the First World War. Mr. Rutherford is a widower, but his house is far from empty: also living there are his spinster sister and his three grown children, Janet, John and Richard, along with John's wife and their new baby. Rutherford owns a glass factory which was founded by his father, and which is one of the largest businesses in the town. The house has an oppressive atmosphere to it, partly because of the winter settling in, but more because of the fear that Rutherford inspires in his family. The business has gone through tough times recently he has had to take out a large loan from the bank and only someone with Rutherford's single-minded determination could have persevered as he has. In the face of the dominance that Rutherford wields over his family (no less than his factory), Janet has turned sullen and the two sons have become passive and ineffectual. But all three have hopes for the future. The play comes to a climax when he is confronted by a family mutiny which threatens to destroy the family as well as the factory. [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9101.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9077.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_3454.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_3410.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_3402.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_3324.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_9115.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_3200.jpg|"] CAST Rutherford - Richard Sails Ann - Mags Johnston Janet - Ali Davenport John - John Keen Richard - Scott Ransome Martin - David Baxendale Mary - Parissa Zamanpour Mrs Henderson - Julie Cunningham Review by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger Powerful scenes and fine displays in Rutherford and Son This week, The Garrick presents Rutherford and Son, a play first seen in 1912 and, unusually for the times, written by a woman, Gita Sowerby. One wonders if it is a little slow moving and long for modern audiences ? the second half in itself lasts an hour and a half ? yet it reflects human nature well. The strained atmosphere in the Rutherford household is captured from the start in the gloomy home where industrialist Rutherford lives with his adult family. You can feel the pent up resentment for their tyrannical father whose only love is his glass making factory which he plans to leave to at least one of them, though none are interested. From his first grand entrance, Rutherford, played by a charismatic Richard Sails, dominates his family. He has educated them well but has never considered its effect upon them. One by one he lights the blue touch paper as each of his children explode verbally. There are powerful scenes when he confronts them. Richard, John and Janet played by Scott Ransome, John Keen and Ali Davenport give fine displays of acting as their true feelings for their father emerge. Outstanding performances also come from Mags Johnston as the grumpy aunt and David Baxendale as faithful factory manager, Martin. Parissa Zamanpour, who plays daughter-in-law, Mary, becomes the only one who can handle Rutherford and her efforts lead to the unusual ending. Star rating ★★★ Review by Rick Bowen for Stagestruck IMAGINE if you can, life as a sloth and that'll give you the idea of the pace of act one. Thankfully, this old school "right northern" play about a well-off family led by a factory owner splutters into life by act two. But the only way is up, to quote a line from a certain pop song. In act two we're treated to some memorable, at times impassioned confrontations between Rutherford, the patriarch from hell, and his two sons. John dreams of bettering himself for the sake of his infant son, while Richard is a man of the cloth, whose career aspirations are met with indifference by his indifferent dad, a man who eats, sleeps and breathes business. Richard Sails (Rutherford), John Keen (John) and Scott Ransome (Richard) play these scenes with the perfect amount of heat. However, the play's most sympathetic characters are Martin, who has served his master man and boy and Rutherford's feisty daughter Janet, a likeable 30 something terrified of being left on the shelf. David Baxendale and Ali Davenport make sure there's no escaping their anguish when they're so unjustly treated. I imagine this 100 year old was considered quite daring when it was first performed, as Rutherford's most worthy adversary comes from an unexpected source. But this play feels its age and I left the theatre wondering what a cast and a director as talented as these could have done with a play that has something to say to a 21st century audience. Star rating ★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Habeas Corpus Ran Invalid Date - Feb 4, 2014 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description A gorgeously vulgar farce that is a celebration of sex and the human body. A satirical merry-go-round in the home of the WICKSTEED family, where all the characters move in and out through a maze of mistaken identities and sexual encounters. As Dr. Wicksteed says ?HE WHOSE LUST LASTS LASTS LONGER?. Just the right medicine for those dark January nights. CAST Geoff Holman as Dr Arthur Wicksteed Alison Davis as Muriel Wicksteed Mark Butt as Dennis Wicksteed Caroline Hickey as Constance Wicksteed Leila Glancy as Mrs Swabb Alex Wilson as Cannon Throbbing Sonia Dykstra as Lady Rumpers Nikki Smith as Hon Felicity Rumpers Mark Edgar as Mr Shanks Brian Stoner as Sir Percy Shorter David Leathlean as Mr Purdue [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasa.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habease.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasm.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasl.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeask.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasi.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeash.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasn.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeaso.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasp.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasq.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeasr.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeass.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/habeast.jpg|"] Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Disney's FROZEN Date range Tickets £20 - £22 Age guidance Recommended 6+ Strictly No Under 4's Venue Main House Trigger warning Find out more Book now Running time TBC Group bookings Find out more Accessibility Find out more For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by snowstorm at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse! In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. Full of magic, humour, and a stunning music, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love. Directed by Joseph Meighan Garrick Production Book Tickets Wed 15 Oct Last few left 00:00 Show more times Trailer Reviews Gallery Friends of the Garrick Become a Friend of the Garrick! You can buy discounted tickets and support your local theatre. Become a Friend Now Join our mailing list Subscribe

Previous Next Pat Williamson Pat was a Headmistress at a large infant school in Manchester who joined the Garrick in 1983. Remembered for her warm and friendly personality, she was a hugely talented actress playing a wide variety of roles on the Garrick stage, starting with Miriam in Outside Edge and finishing with Lady Tressilian in Towards Zero in 2019. In comedic roles, which she excelled at, she was often cast as "a batty old lady" (her words) such as Miss Skillen in See How They Run , Miss Whitchurch in The Happiest Days of Your Life , the inebriated Mrs McGee in Corpse , Mrs Verrinder-Gedge in Glorious and, of course, Letticia Cropley in The Vicar of Dibley . She also took on many serious roles, such as Mrs Birling in An Inspector Calls , George in The Killing of Sister George , Hesther Salomon in Equus , Madge in The Dresser , and Marion Bishop in Nightmare (for which she won a NODA Best Actress award). In pantomime, she played the Wicked Witch in Mother Goose and an air-guitar playing Fairy Godmother in Cinderella . Off stage, she freely gave her time volunteering as a Front of House usher and sewing on sequins in wardrobe, and she never missed a social event. She was also involved with Cheadle Players, and the Altrincham Little Theatre for whom she won the GMDF Best Actress award playing in Stevie and she took part in a radio play on Radio Manchester. In short: Pat was a memorable actress on stage and played an integral part in the success of the Garrick for over 40 years. Back to In Memoriam page

Activities & Events LEVEL 1: Movers/Beginners Musical Theatre Dance Classes Date range Tickets Monthly Block Bookings of either £30 or £40 Age guidance 17+ Venue Annexe Trigger warning Find out more Book now Running time 1 hour per session Group bookings Find out more Accessibility Find out more Get Ready to Move, Dance & Have Fun! Join our Musical Theatre Dance Classes at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse ! Whether you're a complete beginner, returning to dance, or looking to build your confidence and skills, these friendly, energetic classes are perfect for anyone aged 17+ who loves musical theatre and wants to dance in a fun, supportive environment. Monthly Booking Classes are booked and paid for monthly . The number of classes each month varies depending on the schedule. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place! September–December schedule September: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd (no class on 29th) October: 6th, 13th, 20th (no class on 27th) November: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th December: 1st, 8th, 15th 3-week block = £30 4-week block = £40 Level 1: Movers/Beginners (5.15-6.15pm) Perfect for those new to musical theatre dance. This class moves at a slower pace with a focus on exploring movement and building confidence, rather than technical detail. Develop strength, balance, coordination, and choreography retention while having fun dancing to your favourite show tunes. An OPEN CLASS is also available which Classes led by Louise Pettitt Louise trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, graduating with a degree in dance and the performing arts. She holds a Master’s Degree in Creative Practice and Education and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Her professional theatre credits include Cats (UK, Italy, Portugal Tours), Beauty and the Beast understudy Belle (UK Tour), Starlight Express understudy Pearl (Bochum, Germany), Verve (UK Tour), Aura Dance Company (UK), and Cinemagique (Costa Cruises). Television and recording credits include Casualty 1909 (BBC), Nightmare in Suburbia (Nine Lives Media), Holland’s Meat Pies Commercial (MTP), and Starlight Express New Songs (Universal Music). Louise has choreographed numerous shows and musicals for leading vocational dance and performing arts colleges, including Move it , Sadler’s Wells Making Moves , Rambert Elements , Chicago (Waterside Arts), A Chorus Line , Guys and Dolls , The Phantom of the Opera , and Scrooge! The Musical . She has held prestigious roles as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader at leading Higher Education institutions. Her choreography for Altrincham Garrick Playhouse includes A Chorus Line , Beautiful , Merrily We Roll Along , Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , The Sound of Music , and Priscilla Queen of the Desert . Improvers and Intermediate/Advanced classes are also available to book. So whether you’re taking your first dance steps or looking to brush up your skills, there’s a place for you at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse Musical Theatre Dance Classes . Come move, dance, and discover your rhythm ! Activities & Events Book Tickets Wed 15 Oct Last few left 00:00 Show more times Trailer Reviews Gallery Friends of the Garrick Become a Friend of the Garrick! You can buy discounted tickets and support your local theatre. Become a Friend Now Join our mailing list Subscribe

Garrick Production Separate Tables Ran Invalid Date - Feb 7, 2014 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Separate Tables was a West End and Broadway success and then adapted by Rattigan and John Gay into a major Hollywood film. The play, or rather two plays, reveals the personal trials of a group of distinct people, all of whom reside at the Hotel Beauregard in Bournemouth, England. Major Pollock is a garrulous man who speaks of nothing but his stellar war record. Sybil Railton-Bell, the meek, introverted daughter of the high-minded Mrs. Railton-Bell, has developed a great affection for him, much to her mother?s displeasure. Another resident is writer and former Labour politician John Malcolm, whose estranged ex-wife, a beautiful, but vain and self-centered former fashion model arrives unexpectedly at the hotel. The scene is set for Rattigan's masterpiece of theatre to unfold. [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/separatea.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/separatei.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/separateb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/separatee.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/separatef.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/separateh.jpg|"] CAST Miss Cooper Sarat Broughton Mrs Railton Bell Carole Carr Miss Meacham Sandra Thomas Lady Matheson Maureen Casket Mr Fowler Frank Boylan Jean Tanner Lucy Parkinson Charles Stratton Phil Duncan Doreen Siobhan Morgan Mabel Victoria Johnson John Malcolm David Reynolds Major Pollock David Reynolds Anne Shankland Ros Greenwood Sybil Railton Bell Ros Greenwood Sale & Altrincham Messenger's review by Lynsey Roberts A play with issues Separate Tables is certainly an issues based tale. From loneliness to the creation of well-constructed facades and the discrepancy between rumour and reality Terence Rattigan did not pull any punches when disecting human nature. And while he may have written his now well travelled play in the late 50's, its messages served to be equally applicable when brought out on the stage of the Garrick Theatre tonight. Set in the Fawlty Towers-esque Beauregard Private Hotel in Bournemouth, 'Separate Tables' concentrates on the lives and interactions of a number of long term residents. As the play's title suggests, the eclectic bunch largely choose to dine alone but the relationships are, it is gradually revealed, far more complicated and interconnected. David Reynolds deserves particular mention for his turns as both the not-what-he-seems Major Pollock and the drunk-with-a-back-story John Malcolm. Carole Carr's gossip queen Mrs Railton Bell and Maureen Casket's timid Lady Matheson also make for good characters. Admittedly it is not the fastest moving of performances and there are the occasional lulls but it does pick up pace and interest as it goes along. And then there are the sets. All I will say is they received their own gasps and wows from the audience. I'd hate to ruin the surprise! Star Rating ★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

The Altrincham Garrick is delighted to make our mainstage auditorium, our studio theatre and other rooms available for hire. We al;so hire out props, costume and theatrical weaponry. Garrick Hire Hire the theatre, hire from the theatre The Garrick offers a comprehensive hire service. The Altrincham Garrick is delighted to make our main stage auditorium, our studio theatre and other rooms available for hire to local organisations and to professional companies. In addition, we have a huge range of theatrical props, costumes, weaponry and theatrical equipment available for hire . We welcome enquiries of all sorts. Please fill in our online form , ring us on 0161 928 1677 or send us an e-mail, to hire@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk . Hire Form Join our mailing list Subscribe

Garrick Production The Pope Date range Tickets £13 - £15 Age guidance 12+ Venue Garrick Studio Trigger warning Find out more Book now Running time TBC Group bookings Find out more Accessibility Find out more Written by Anthony McCarten Directed by John Cunningham In February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI stunned the world by resigning, the first Pope in 700 years to do so. What drove this arch-conservative to break with sacred tradition and cede the way for Cardinal Bergoglio – a one time tango club bouncer, football loving reformer with the common touch – to become Pope Francis, one of most powerful men on earth? In this fascinating, gripping and often funny story of two very different men, Pope Benedict and Cardinal Bergoglio grapple with their complex pasts and uncertain futures. From coming of age under dictatorships in Germany and Argentina, to the scandal of sexual abuse by the clergy, The Pope shines a light into one of the world’s most secretive institutions. At its heart lies a timeless question: in moments of crisis, should we follow the rules or our conscience? An intimate story, inspired by true events, of one of the most dramatic transitions of power in the last 2,000 years. This 2019 play by Anthony McCarten (4 time Oscar and Golden Globe Winner, Double BAFTA Winning Screenwriter of The Theory of Everything, Darkest Hour and Bohemian Rhapsody) was also produced as a major Netflix film in the same year, renamed The Two Popes, starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. This production is part of the Garrick Studio 26/27 Season - A Season of Connection: Stories that bind us, break us, and bring us back together. Age Guidance: 12+ Content Warning: this production contains discussions connected to the Catholic Church child abuse scandals. Garrick Production Book Tickets Wed 15 Oct Last few left 00:00 Show more times Trailer Reviews Gallery Friends of the Garrick Become a Friend of the Garrick! You can buy discounted tickets and support your local theatre. Become a Friend Now Join our mailing list Subscribe

We are always looking for new talent (of any age) to work in all areas of the theatre – no experience is necessary as you will be given full training by our qualified staff. Support the Garrick Financially Donate once, or set up a monthly donation The Altrincham Garrick is a registered charity, and we receive no public funding from any other organisation, or from our regional or local council. We value any and all support you can provide. Far too verbose, and I would like to put in a pie chart showing where our income comes from, and another one showing what we spend it on. At the Altrincham Garrick, we pride ourselves on offering unforgettable performances in a space where everyone feels comfortable and cared for. We do this as a registered charity, and we receive no public funding from any other organisation, or from our regional or local council. Our income comes mainly from the tickets that our audience buys, with smaller contributions from elsewhere in the Garrick (for example: from our GAPA education programme, and from daytime rental of the Car Park). The building dates from 1933, with ever-increasing operational and production costs. Our energy bills are high (productions use a lot of electricity; our bills are sometimes over £3,000 per month) and we have a small number of dedicated staff whom we pay. Our programme of building improvements is currently aimed at reducing winter heating bills. However, maintenance and urgent repairs take precedence, and this can often cost 10s of thousands of pounds per year. On top of all this, we have to continue investing in the equipment that a theatre needs, to keep on presenting productions of the high quality that our audiences deserve. Two major infrastructure projects are currently urgently required.Our roof is in very poor condition and needs a major overhaul. We also need to find money to install air-conditioning in the main auditorium. The Garrick aims to do all the above while still maintaining our low ticket prices. Occasional increases are unavoidable, but our goal is to make sure that theatre is available to all in the community, at a price that they can afford. We exist today due to the generosity and support of local people and businesses. We are very grateful to those who not only pay to see a show, but who also buy a drink in the bar, buy a programme, and indulge in sweets or an ice-cream from our kiosk. We need you and the local community to support us, so we can continue doing what we do so well. Business sponsorships are also very welcome, click here for more. Please donate now what you can, and please also add a donation to your ticket purchases. One Time Donation Custom Donation Amount Select a Preset Amount £100 £250 £1,000 £100 is small but generous, because ... every little counts it will pay for one day's use of new system once it's in place £250 is even more generous, because ... it pays for the lights on one of our panto performances £1000 is absolutely tip-top, because ... it gets us one twentieth towards our Phase 1 target Recognition Name I would like this donation to be anonymous I would like to dedicate this donation to someone Add to Basket Monthly Donations Select a Monthly Donation Amount £10 £25 £50 £100 £200 £1,000 Add to Basket Want to speak with someone before making your gift? Our team would love to hear from you. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you explore the giving option that’s right for you. admin@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk 0161-928-1677 For businesses: Sponsorship Opportunities Join our mailing list Subscribe

Garrick Production Are You Being Served? Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description The staff of Grace Brothers department store prepare for a sale of German merchandise before departing en masse for a staff holiday; their destination - a one star hotel on the Costa Plonka, Spain. Will the tropical heat, Spanish crumpet, giant woof'n'poofs and randy revolutionaries prove too much for our happy band? Not a bit of it. With the aid of a nun's habit, a bowler hat and Mrs Slocombe's Union Jack knickers they survive the holiday with everything intact - but their modesty. Adapted for the stage by its original creators - this show will delight fans everywhere. CAST Terry Chandler as Mr Grainger Geoff Noar as Mr Mash & Don Bernardo Brian Tickle as Mr Rumbold John Dickson as Mr Lucas Beverley Stuart-Cole as Miss Brahms Roger Metcalfe as Captain Peacock Patsy Rowlands as Mrs Slocombe Brian Howlett as Mr Humphries John Newton as Mr Grace Kathy Johnson as Lady Customer & Taeresa Eric Vogel as Male Customer & Cesar Adele Higson as Nurse & Conchita Reheasal Photos [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/servedb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/servedc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/servedd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/servede.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/serveda.jpg|"] Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production James and the Giant Peach Date range Tickets £14 - £19.50 Age guidance Age Guidance: 4+ This is a family show without age restrictions - only guidance - but we just ask that you make sure you and whoever you bring along will be comfortable sitting through the show (it's approximately 2 hours long with a 20 minute interval) and don't mind singing, shouting and movement, flashing lights and loud sound effects and a couple of nasty aunts. Unfortunately, if you have to leave during the show, you may not be able to come back in. And all children must be accompanied at all times. Venue Main House Trigger warning Find out more Book now Running time TBC Group bookings Find out more Accessibility Find out more The perfect Easter theatrical treat for the young… and young at heart! Written by Roald Dahl Adapted for the Stage by David Wood Directed by Meg Brassington This Roald Dahl classic is packed full of humour and ridiculousness for all ages. James lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, the most revolting Aunts in England. They make him work and slave and never let him play with other children - his life is lonely and sad. Then one day he meets a mystical old man who gives him a bag that contains the strongest magic the world has ever known. When James accidentally spills the bag near an old peach tree, the most incredible things start to happen and James embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with the most amazing group of characters you could ever meet! In this delightful stage adaptation, Roald Dahl’s classic tale is faithfully told by James himself, along with the insect characters – Miss Spider, Old-Green-Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird, and Earthworm. Prepare to be taken on a journey of crazy characters, creative costumes and colourful storytelling for the whole Family to enjoy! Age Guidance: 4+ This is a family show without age restrictions - only guidance - but we just ask that you make sure you and whoever you bring along will be comfortable sitting through the show (it's approximately 2 hours long with a 20 minute interval) and don't mind singing, shouting and movement, flashing lights and loud sound effects and a couple of nasty aunts. Unfortunately, if you have to leave during the show, you may not be able to come back in. And all children must be accompanied at all times. Performance Schedule: Thursday 25th March - 7.30pm Saturday 27th March - 1.30pm and 5.30pm (Easter Saturday) Monday 29th March - 6pm (Easter Monday) Tuesday 30th March - 7.30pm Wednesday 31st March - 7.30pm Thursday 1st April - 7.30pm Friday 2nd April - 7.30pm Saturday 3rd April - 1.30pm and 5.30pm Sunday 4th April - 1.30pm and 5.30pm Garrick Production Book Tickets Wed 15 Oct Last few left 00:00 Show more times Trailer Reviews Gallery Friends of the Garrick Become a Friend of the Garrick! You can buy discounted tickets and support your local theatre. Become a Friend Now Join our mailing list Subscribe

Garrick Production A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description This show could not be more different from A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC by the same composer/lyricist. Set in ancient Rome it feaures slaves, virgins, a buyer and seller of the flesh of beautiful women, elderly citizens with an eye for the ladies, and harridan wives - all played very seriously of course. This show played with such success with Frankie Howerd as the leading slave that the TV series UP POMPEII was a spin-off from it.Featuring possibly the best opening of any musical "Comedy Tonight", other great numbers are "Everybody ought to have a maid", "I'm lovely, absolutely lovely" and many more. A great end-of-season romp. ? Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Di and Viv and Rose The Studio 2023/2024 Season - A Series of All Female Plays. Ran Jun 4, 2024 - Jun 9, 2024 Age guidance 14+ Venue Studio Running time TBC Tickets Price Range £12 - £14 Description “How do you want to live here? I mean we could come and go and lead separate lives. Or we could really live together. What do you think?” Three women are thrown together in their late teens. They are very different people but it isn’t long before they are living in each other’s pockets. Life is a blast and together they can do anything. But life also has unexpected plans for them... A funny, moving and surprising story of friendship’s impact on life, and life’s impact on friendship. Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Fawlty Towers Ran Invalid Date - Aug 14, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Three more episodes about the notorious hostelry - perhaps the best-loved worst hotel in the world. Enjoy the antics of snobbish, manic Basil, his over-coiffeured and domineering wife, Sybil, the hopeless and hapless waiter, Manuel (from Barcelona) and calm and capable Polly........to say nothing of the abused guests. CAST Basil Fawlty Andrew Higson Sybil Fawlty Vicki Stott Polly Paula Keen Manuel Graham Simmonds Major Gowan David Reynolds Miss Tibbs Audrey Hughes Miss Gatsby Stella Fogg 'A Touch of Class' Lord Melbury David Richardson Danny Brown Mark Jephcott Sir Richard Morris John Westbrook Lady Morris Margaret Leslie Mr Watson Brian Sudweeks Mrs Watson Victoria Johnson Mr Wareing Gary Collins Mrs Wareing Sheila Quirk Mrs Mackenzie Helen Cowan Miss Mackenzie Margaret Kenyon Policeman Craig Barrett Newspaper Boy Chris Mawson 'The Hotel Inspectors' Mr Hutchinson Brian Tickle Mr Walt John Westbrook John Brian Sudweeks Chris Gary Collins Brian Mark Jephcott 'Waldorf Salad' Mr Lisbon Brian Tickle Mr Johnstone Gary Collins Mrs Johnstone Victoria Johnson Miss Hare Margaret Kenyon Miss Gurke Helen Cowan Mr Arrad John Westbrook Mrs Arrad Margaret Leslie Mrs Hamilton Sheila Quirk Mr Hamilton Mark Jephcott Terry Brian Sudweeks Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Previous Next David Mardon David's parents were heavily involved with the Garrick, so it was no surprise that he joined in as well. He was a long-standing member of the Front of House team and was FoH Manager in the 1980s. He also handled the Performing Rights Licenses for all music played in productions at the theatre. Outside the Garrick, David was a well-known church organist. Back to In Memoriam page

Garrick Production Silly Cow Ran Invalid Date - Dec 12, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Anyone familiar with Ben Elton's flair for dialogue will know that they are in for an 'Adult Treat'. Doris Wallace is a tough tabloid columnist with a devoted following. She appears to have everything she could want: Toy boy, with unlimited stuff from Columbia; an attentive P.A.; a tame accountant; a loyal friend who is organising for her to have her very own TV show. But Doris is riding for a fall from grace - with a vengeance. Her 'coterie' is not what it seems and Doris is in for a very, very humiliating experience. Revenge can be sweet. CAST Barry Spencer as Sidney Janet Slade as Doris Pam Nolan as Peggy Allan Taylor as Douglas Matt Lees as Eduardo Rehearsal Photos [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sillycowa.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sillycowb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sillycowc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sillycowd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sillycowf.jpg|"] Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Garrick Production Merrily We Roll Along Ran Invalid Date - Apr 18, 2023 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description “It's our time, breathe it in... Worlds to change and worlds to win” Spanning three decades in the entertainment business and told in reverse order, Merrily We Roll Along charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends — writer Mary and lyricist & playwright Charley. A powerful, moving, thrilling and compelling fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success. An inventive, cult-classic ahead of its time, Merrily We Roll Along features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated, personal and beautiful songs including “Good Thing Going”, “Not A Day Goes By” and “Our Time”. This unmissable Musical Comedy is a spirited and cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream. Originally opening on Broadway in 1981, and having countless revivals and and revisions along the way, Merrily We Roll Along found great success in 2013 when London’s Menier Chocolate Factory produced the production, which subsequently transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre to critical acclaim - the most five- tar reviews in West End history - and winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical. It has most recently returned to Broadway, starring Daniel Radcliffe. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free Car Parking. Cosy Bar. Great Prices. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Previous Next Val Bacon Val Bacon was a regular performer with a number of local dramatic societies, including Urmston Musical Theatre, Sale Nomads, Edge Fold Players, All Saints and Salford Operatic. In her later years she concentrated all her attention to the Garrick, and was an acting member for over a decade from the late 1990s. Val also worked as an ASM, and helped out Front of House. Val's TV credits include Coronation Street , Emmerdale and Linda Green (with Lisa Tarbuck). She also appeared in television advertisements (for example Hotter Shoes and Sheerings Holidays. Back to In Memoriam page

Garrick Production Dad's Army Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Following the enormous success of the long-running series the authors were commissioned to write a stage show based on the most popular episodes: the capture of the German Captain and sailors and the Lady Godiva affair. Featuring Captain Mainwaring, Jones, Wilson, Fraser, Godfrey, Pike and Walker plus Hodges, the verger and the vicar and not forgetting the ladies, Mrs Pike and Mrs Fox and the assorted local bathing beauties. After a sell out at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, the Garrick is delighted to be able to present this hilarious show. CAST Allan Taylor as Captain Mainwaring Geoff Noar as Jones Charles Foster as Wilson Terry Chandler as Fraser Brian Tickle as Godfrey Andrew Higson as Pike Trevor McKie as Walker Brian Stoner as Hodges Frank Boylan as Verger Jon White as Sponge John Dixon as Hancock Bryn Thomas as German Captain Carole Carr as Fiona Grey Brian Moore as Colonel Graham Symonds as Vicar Val Bacon as Mrs Pike Alison Davis as Mrs Fox Other parts played by Philippa Cameron Linda Crawford Rachel Cahill David Leathlean Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

The Altrincham Garrick is a registered charity and your kind donations will support future developments. Support the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse. To donate generally towards the Garrick, please enter your donation amount below and select Add To Basket . If you'd like to donate explicitly towards our CHILI campaign for Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning at the Garrick, select this link instead . Setting up a Regular Donation The Altrincham Garrick is a registered charity, and we receive no public funding from any other organisation, or from our regional or local council. Our income comes mainly from the tickets that our audience buys, with smaller contributions from elsewhere in the Garrick (for example: from our GAPA education programme, and from daytime rental of the Car Park). The building dates from 1933, with ever-increasing operational and production costs. Our energy bills are high (productions use a lot of electricity; our bills are sometimes over £3,000 per month) and we have a small number of dedicated staff whom we pay. Our programme of building improvements is currently aimed at reducing winter heating bills. However, maintenance and urgent repairs take precedence, and this can often cost 10s of thousands of pounds per year. On top of all this, we have to continue investing in the equipment that a theatre needs, to keep on presenting productions of the high quality that our audiences deserve. Two major infrastructure projects are currently urgently required.Our roof is in very poor condition and needs a major overhaul. We also need to find money to install air-conditioning in the main auditorium. The Garrick aims to do all the above while still maintaining our low ticket prices. Occasional increases are unavoidable, but our goal is to make sure that theatre is available to all in the community, at a price that they can afford. We exist today due to the generosity and support of local people and businesses. We are very grateful to those who not only pay to see a show, but who also buy a drink in the bar, buy a programme, and indulge in sweets or an ice-cream from our kiosk. We need you and the local community to support us, so we can continue doing what we do so well. Business sponsorships are also very welcome, click here for more . Please donate now what you can, and please also add a donation to your ticket purchases. If you would like to set up a regular donation then ask at our Box Office or fill in the form below. Name* Email address Phone How would you like to set up a regular donation ? Submit

Previous Next Gareth Gwenlan Gareth was born in Wales and trained as an actor and teacher at Drama School after National Service. He started out as a theatre director in York and Derby, then moved to the Altrincham Garrick as Artistic Director for the 1964/65 season. Although only at the Garrick for that one season, what a season he chose. It included The Rattle of a Simple Man , An Ideal Husband , A Man for All Seasons , The Boyfriend , plus a Pantomime that nearly broke the bank. In 1965, he left the Garrick to join the BBC, for what he described in his memoir as "an extra 10 bob". At the BBC, Gareth became a well-known producer responsible for such shows as Only Fools and Horses , Butterflies , To the Manor Born , The Green Green Grass , and The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin . Between 1983 and 1990, he became Head of BBC Comedy, commissioning such iconic shows as Blackadder , One Foot in the Grave , Bread , and Birds of a Feather. He also received 2 BAFTAs. Back to In Memoriam page

Garrick Production A Little Night Music Ran Invalid Date - Dec 16, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description From the "New York Times" - "A Little Night Music" is heady, civilised,sophisticated and enchanting. The music is an orgy of memorable waltzes and then, of course, there are breathtaking lyrics, the kind of sassy poetry that Cole Porter used to write. Based on the film "Smiles of a Summer Night", "A Little Night Music" tells of the middle-aged actress Desiree Armfeldt's attempts, presided over by her formidable mother, to rid herself of one lover in order to marry another. The show has gained an enviable roster of trophies: Best Music, Best Lyrics, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, as well as those for staging, costumes and choreography, and has been revived many times, most recently at the National Theatre in 1995 with Judi Dench and Sian Phillips as Desiree and Madame Armfeldt. CAST Maureen Casket as Madame Armfeldt Carole Carr as Desiree Armfeldt Jenny Panton as Fredrika Armfeldt Allan Taylor as Fredric Egerman Nina Williamson as Anne Egerman Andrew Higson as Henrick Egerman Wayne Holt as Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm Angela Wetherill as Countess Charlotte Malcolm Dawn Flint as Petra, the Egerman's maid Martin Creevey as Frid, Madame Armfeldt's butler Donna Gadsby Westlake as Malla Michael Gadsby as Bertrand David Richardson as Mr Lindquist Anne Chandler as Mrs Nordstrom Sarah Taylor as Mrs Anderssen David Leathlean as Mr Erlanson Alison Davies as Mrs Segstrom ? Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

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

Garrick Production Abandonment Ran Invalid Date - Aug 14, 2013 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description Set in a Victorian mansion, alive with history, character and dry rot, this play is about love, death and identity. A mixture of social comedy and family drama, reminding us that the past is not as far away as we sometimes think. New beginnings can stir long-forgotten memories. [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10e.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10f.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10g.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10i.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10l.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10k.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10h.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10m.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/play10d.jpg|"] CAST Agnes April Couronne Elizabeth Bev Stuart-Cole Suzy/ Gertie Ros Greenwood Kitty/ Laetitia Sarat Broughton Callum /Rev Scobie Mark Butt Ina /Lavender Carol Carr Alec/ Merric Mike Shaw Sale & Altrincham Messenger's review by Rick Bowen Refreshingly grown up - Abandonment at the Garrick Ever since I was a child, old houses have always held a certain mystique. Which partly explains why I was so engrossed in?Abandonment, Altrincham Garrick's latest production. The writing is pretty special too, with Kate Atkinson treating us to some memorable lines. She's equally adept at conveying both frivolity and far darker emotions in a piece that is refreshingly grown up.'Abandonment' has a feel of Stoppard's 'Arcadia' and while some of the characters spend time pondering life's great questions, it is easier to understand, thank goodness, than the aforementioned play. Elizabeth (Beverley Stuart-Cole) sets up home in a rambling Victorian house and the lives of her and her dysfunctional family become intertwined with the lives of the previous, Victorian occupants. The house has a guilty secret and all is eventually revealed in a patient, compassionate play. Pieces as meaty as this need a strong cast and director Alan Rothwell has just that. April Couronne ensures you care deeply about the tragic Agnes, even though you don't see that much of her on stage and Mike Shaw makes certain you hate every bone in the philandering Merric's body. Similarly, Sarat Broughton is a study in nastiness as Laetitia. A haunting and affecting play, this is not to be missed. Nice set, too. Star Rating ★★★★ Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Previous Next Mike Stocks Mike was a talented set designer, with many of his sets gracing the stage between the 1980s and the early 2000s. Mike spent most of his working life in the profession, designing and working on sets for theatre and TV. He worked in the design department at Granada TV on such classics as Brideshead Revisited until his retirement. Happily for the Garrick, he spent his latter years volunteering. Mike had a great sense of humour and a very quick wit. Having run his own dance band after the war, he was no mean performer on the drums ... as Garrickers often witnessed at the Christmas Draw. Back to In Memoriam page

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

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

Previous Next Frank Boylan Frank Boylan had been a member and regular performer until a couple of years before his death in 2006. His comic timing was superb - he could stop the show by just walking across the stage, as he did notably in A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum . His performance in The Diary of Anne Frank (1976/77) as Anne's father was particularly memorable for its tenderness and humility. He will be remembered mostly for being Frank : a gentle man in all senses of the words. Back to In Memoriam page

Previous Next Brian Moore Brian was introduced to the Garrick in 1965 by his then girlfriend, soon to be wife, Ann, who was auditioning for the pantomime The Wizard of Oz . By the time they left that evening, Brian had been cast as The Scarecrow and had become a fully paid-up member of the theatre. Brian went on to act in or be involved with dozens of plays and musicals over the next 50+ years. After his final show, when he was in his late 70s, he turned his hand to assisting many other areas of the theatre, including the bar and, with the help of others, running the Sunday Jazz lunches. Finally, after the refurbishment of the theatre, Brian took over the running of the confectionery kiosk. He introduced the selling of ice creams within the auditorium during the interval, making in his time many thousands of pounds for the Garrick. When not at the theatre, Brian could be found at the golf course enjoying the outdoor life. Brian was delighted to have been made an honorary Life Member of the Garrick theatre. Back to In Memoriam page

Garrick Production The East Window Ran Jan 2, 1915 - Jan 2, 1915 Age guidance Venue Running time Tickets Price Range Description By Walter R Matthews CAST Bonson, John P Hough, B G Megson, Miss Margaret Slinn, Ella Warburton, George A Reviews Gallery Trailer Trigger Warning Documents related to this Production View the Programme View the Advertising Poster

Previous Next Terry Panton Terry was a very popular and versatile actor throughout the 1970s, taking on many leading roles. He first appeared at the Garrick in a little-known play called Summertime , in 1969. His other credits included Boeing Boeing ; The Lion in Winter ; Midsummer Night's Dream ; Barefoot in the Park ; Royal Hunt of the Sun ; Ayckbourn's Time and Time Again and Trespass by Emlyn Williams. Terry, alongside his wife Linda, also played a full role in the social life at the Garrick. Back to In Memoriam page

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

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