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< Back When Knights were Bold ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Byrne, Patsy Clarkson, Norma Dunton, Mona Garland, Lorna Gratton, Valerie Hamblin, Mary Jones, John Glynn Kennedy, Brenda Larbalestier, Jacqueline Martin, Jean Norval, Hilda Roberts, Susan Royle, Dudley Sandeman, Thelma Smart, Brian Walton, Barbara Waterhouse, Ann Wiltshire, H John Winstanley, Margaret Wood, Barrie Wyton, Doreen

< Back The Ladykillers ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 2 June 2014 This is a hilarious dark comedy based on the famous Ealing comedy film of the same title. Posing as amateur musicians, Professor Marcus and his gang rent rooms in the lopsided house of sweet but strict Mrs Wilberforce. The villains plot to involve her unwittingly in Marcus' brilliantly conceived heist job. The police are left stumped but Mrs Wilberforce becomes wise to their ruse and Marcus concludes that there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet. With only her parrot, General Gordon, to help her, Mrs Wilberforce is alone with five desperate men. But who will be forced to face the music? This award winning comedy was recently seen in the West End. [gallery columns="4" type="rectangular" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Ladykillers-01.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Ladykillers-04a.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Ladykillers-03.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Ladykillers-02.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Ladykillers-05.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Ladykillers-06.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Ladykillers-07.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Ladykillers-08.jpg|"] CAST Miss Louisa Wilberforce - Maureen Casket Professor Marcus - David Reynolds Constable MacDonald - Bill Platt Major Courtney - Nick Sample Harry Robinson - Christopher Greyham One-Round - Mark Leigh Louis Harvey - Daniel Ferguson Mrs Jane Tromleyton - Margaret Kenyon Other members of Cast - Julie Broadbent, Sylvia Hay, Jaqueline Wheble, Paul Wilson Prompt - Sandra Thomas ASM's - Jaqueline Wheble and Julie Broadbent Messenger Review by Julia Taylor Garrick's Ladykillers brings the house down For an evening of far-fetched fun, you must see The Ladykillers at Altrincham Garrick. After a successful West End run and tour, Graham Linehan's stage adaptation of the 1955 Ealing comedy has been released to amateurs. The tale about a criminal gang who rent an upstairs room from a gentile old lady whilst pretending to be a string quartet, is hilarious. The revolving set designed by Barry Fletcher, emulates well the original house. and the lighting and sound designers Trevor McKie and Christine Mills, accurately capture the effect of trains rattling by. Maureen Casket playing Mrs Wilberforce, steals the show when, totally unaware that her tenants are criminals rather than musicians, believes all their trumped up stories. When the miscreants get up to one of their funniest tricks, Mrs Wilberforce asks them why? They reply 'We are artists' as though artists always do crazy things. In one unforgettable scene, the so-called musicians give a concert to Mrs Wilberforce's middle class friends. In an outstanding performance, David Reynolds as Professor Marcus, seduces them with smooth words into thinking they have heard something wonderful. Wearing his Dr Who length scarf, David plays the role with charisma. Nick Sample?s Major Courtney - a cross dresser - coyly explains that donning a frock happened when he bumped into it when singing! The actors playing the other three criminals differentiate their personalities well. A must see. Star Rating ★★★★★ Review of The Ladykillers for Remotegoat.com "Criminal gang hoodwink old lady" It is great news that Graham Linehan's stage adaptation of the 1955 Ealing Comedy, The Ladykillers, has been released to amateurs. So, well done Altrincham Garrick for presenting it so soon afterwards. Their programme even contains a note from Marcia Warren who played the original Mrs Wilberforce. This amusing tale about a criminal gang who rent an upstairs room from a gentile old lady and pretend to be a rehearsing string quartet, is ideal for amateurs. I was concerned, however, about the ability of the Garrick set designer and his team to emulate the superb higgledy piggedly house used in the professional production. My concerns were fruitless. For the Garrick theatre's revolving set is remarkably similar. Their house also has stairs and an upstairs room. Barry Fletcher and his team must have been working all summer to create such an edifice. Congratulations, too, to sound designer, Christine Mills. She has captured well, the rattle of trains passing the house. Lighting designer, Trevor Mckie does an equally good job. The five so called musicians are, of course, anything but. Take, for example, the not so bright, One-Round (Mark Leigh), who thinks cellos are held under the chin. In one unforgettable scene, the 'musicians' give a concert to Mrs Wilberforce's middle class friends. Like in the Emperor's New Clothes, the ladies believe they have heard something wonderful when what they have actually heard is something akin to tuning up. One Round has three other, equally untrustworthy friends. They are Romanian gangster, Louis Harvey (Daniel Ferguson), the pill popping Harry Robinson (Christopher Graham) and a superb Major Courtney. Played coyly by Nick Sample, he dons a dress using the excuse that he fell against it whilst singing! The miscreants are led by the self-styled Professor Marcus whose Dr Who length scarf is constantly being trodden on. David Reynolds captures The Professor's charming yet cunning style as he hoodwinks Mrs Wilberforce into believing every far-fetched scenario. The star of the show has to be Maureen Casket as the true lady amongst five dishonourable men. From the style with which she hands out tea in china cups to the gullible way she takes in the tales she is told, Maureen is a gem. She is the hub around which all the humour revolves. Star Rating ★★★★ ★ NODA Review by Kevin Proctor Adapted from the classic Ealing comedy starring Alec Guinness, the plot is near-perfect for stage farce; a gang of bank robbers hide out in King's Cross by disguising themselves as an amateur string quintet. The catch is not just their total inability as musicians, but their fatal undermining of their tea-making septuagenarian landlady, Mrs Wilberforce. Playing the meddling matriarch is Maureen Casket, who brought the house down with her insistence that tea time is at 3pm, not 5. "Our tea time is early - we're old, we get up at 4.30!" The basic idea of criminal 'masterminds' coming a cropper at the hands of a sweet, innocent and bullet-proof 'oiled' lady is terrific and it's this context which translates this piece beautifully onto the stage. The real star of the evening was Barry Fletchers' set; the aging King's Cross house which shakes and rattles performing its own minuet each time a train passes. Although impressive and grand, the set did incur a rather unforgiving visual problem with the window which was positioned in rather an awkward spot making it almost impossible for so many to see the majority of the show's crucial instants. David Reynolds brings an original brand of sardonic irony to the criminal mastermind Professor Marcus, his performance was laced with sideways glances and a palpable 'big fish in small pond' frustration, though never managing to persuade me the man is a certifiable maniac. Mark Leigh offers the majority of the productions humour as the slow-witted One-Round, whose first instinct on seeing a cello is to tuck it under his chin. For me, the lighting design missed a trick as the attempt to create moods and ambiance was a missing factor, the production was lit too bright and cheery for this piece.The recapture of the shows unique zest was not quite ripe but as a whole this production is perfectly amiable with some solid performances and humour which were delivered to the full effect. Being fooled by art is one of the primary pleasures afforded the middle classes, so it is - but there is no mistaking the genuine appeal of this classic parody. With this kick off to a brand new season and indeed the opening of the Altrincham Garrick's second century, the society have welcomed some fresh blood amongst their membership and with a new 'Chief Executive' at the helm, 'straight away it's clear that this theatre company have readdressed the brand of the playhouse with a plush new website and expert quality programmes, I'm certain that these changes are a just a glimpse of bigger things to come!

< Back Miracle on 34th Street (1947 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 January 1970 Set between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City, this film focuses on the effect of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Father Christmas. This is a "colorised" version of the original black and white film. This screening will (as always) be introduced by Barry Purves with informed trivia, anecdotes and some background of the production. Come and join us in a friendly, informal and Covid-19 safe atmosphere, to take advantage of sensational screening facilities as well as our low prices and free car park.

< Back Alty Fringe: Hi Sienna ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 24 October 2020 Hi Sienna are a female-fronted, alternative-pop band from Manchester Their unique song-writing, infectious melodies and boisterous live performances captivate audiences from start to finish. Last year they played some incredible gigs at Manchester’s Deaf Institute and O2 Ritz, supporting Scouting For Girls, whilst releasing 4 singles in between. All tracks are well-supported by the likes of BBC Manchester, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and XS Manchester. Hi Sienna are set to release more music in the coming months and plan to take to the stage at a number of festivals including Liverpool Sound City, Hit The North and the mainstage at Bingley Weekender. This show is part of the Alty Fringe 2021 - socially distanced and safe for all! The theatre has extensive COVID-19 safety measures in place, including a redesigned socially distanced auditorium, contactless tickets, regular deep cleans after each performance, timed entry slots, hand sanitiser stations around the theatre ... and much more. The Alty Fringe is proud to be appearing at the Altrincham Garrick from 12 March to 28 March 2021 . #altyfringe

< Back Cupboard Love ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 July 2014 CAST Rusden, Eileen Wallis, Ruby

< Back Up Stream ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 July 2014 CAST Bullivant Erick King, D W Stevens, Catherine Welsh, Malcolm Wilson, Tom Wilkinson, John

< Back Catholic School Girls ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 10 May 2019 DON'T MISS OUR TALENTED GAPA STUDENTS PERFORM 'CATHOLIC SCHOOL GIRLS' By Casey Kurtti. Our eldest GAPA class, aged 15-18, will be performing Catholic School Girls, by Casey Kurtti, in the Lauriston Studio Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June 2019 at 7.30pm. A satirical comedy that takes place in a 1960's Catholic school, exploring friendship, authority and the pressures of adolescence.

< Back Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 2 October 2017 Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat An Amateur Youth Group Production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. Friday 9th March, 7.00pm - age groups 12-16 Saturday 10th March 2.30pm - ages - 5-8 and 8-11 Saturday 10th March 7.00pm - ages 15-18 The show is open for public performances

< Back Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone (2001 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 January 1970 This is the original film of the book that started it all. You'll need to pinch yourself to comprehend that this film was released nearly 20 years ago, and that Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are each now over 30 years old! This film has been shown often on television since; this is your chance to experience it as it was originally conceived: on the big screen, with no advertisements, in the comfort of a cosy and welcoming auditorium. This screening will (as always) be introduced by the Garrick's very own stop-motion Oscar-nominee, Barry Purves, with informed trivia, anecdotes and some background of the production. Come and join us in a friendly, informal and Covid-19 safe atmosphere, to take advantage of sensational screening facilities as well as our low prices and free car park.

< Back Hymen and Co ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 July 2014 CAST Blackburn, Lydia Green, Freda Lowe, Edgar M Matthews, Marion Thwaite Noble, Jack Parker, N H B Wilson, Tom Wilkinson, John Gee, Mary H

< Back The Greatest Showman (2017 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 November 2020 This musical was inspired by the life of PT Parnum and his creation of Barnum's American Museum in New York in 1841. With a soundtrack that stayed at number 1 in the UK for almost 3 months, including the hit song This Is Me , and spectacular special effects, this is a film that has to watched on a big screen in a cosy and welcoming auditorium. What better way to spend the last early evening of 2020 ? This screening will (as always) be introduced by Barry Purves, with informed trivia, anecdotes and some background of the production. Come and join us in a friendly, informal and Covid-19 safe atmosphere, to take advantage of sensational screening facilities as well as our low prices and free car park.

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