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< Back Spring Meeting ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Bramwell, Madge Healey, Tim Maybury, Donald Pearse, Bette Royle, Dudley Waterhouse, Ann

< Back The Rope of Seven Cords ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Clark, Hetty Davies, Margaret I Gillespie, Robert Lightowler, Ronnie R Matthews, Marion Thwaite Pullen, Allan Smart, Brian Walker, Kathleen Zochonis, Isabel

< Back The Rocket Man - A Tribute to Sir Elton John ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 July 2021 Are you ready for Love? Get ready for take-off as we bring you the number one tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time, Sir Elton John! Starring world renowned tribute artist Jimmy Love, no one else recreates the flamboyant megastar with as much vigour and brilliance. Join us as Jimmy and our amazing live band take you down the Yellow Brick Road with 2 hours of glorious Elton hits, from Crocodile Rock to Philadelphia Freedom and the beautiful Your Song to I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues. With Dazzling costumes, stunning vocals and sensational piano solos, this show has it all! This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows. Our reasonably priced bar will be open before, during the interval and after the show. Free car park for customers and in easy walking distance of Altrincham and local tram and train stations. So what are you waiting for? BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

< Back The Female of the Species ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 June 2018 [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FS-1.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FS-2.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FS-3.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FS-4.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FS-5.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FS-6.jpg|"] A feminist writer suffering from writer's block encounters a deranged former student who blames her for warping her mother's mind with her hit book The Cerebral Vagina . A hilarious battle of words between them ensues. Enter the writer's equally troubled daughter followed shortly by her husband and various other characters who all have an opinion to offer. A comedic play dealing with feminism and other genuine issues. CAST Margot Mason – Margaret Leslie Molly Rivers – Sophie Dunne Tess Thornton – Kathryn Worthington Bryan Thornton – Paul Wilson Frank – Ethan Martin Theo Reynolds – Bill Platt Rehearsal Photographs [gallery columns="4" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FOTS-01-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FOTS02-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FOTS03-Medium.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FOTS04-Medium.jpg|"] This season's productions in our Lauriston STUDIO have been sponsored by (Please click the Banner to go to their website) Please subscribe if you would like our regular FREE Garrick Newsletter, as well as all the Garrick Production & Membership News together with the latest Special Offers [inbound_button font_size="20" color="#c8232b" text_color="#ffffff" icon="thumbs-o-up" url="http://altrinchamgarrick.hosted.phplist.com/lists/?p=subscribe " width="" target="_blank"] Click HERE to Subscribe[/inbound_button]

< Back The East Window ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ 2 January 1915 to 2 January 1915 By Walter R Matthews CAST Bonson, John P Hough, B G Megson, Miss Margaret Slinn, Ella Warburton, George A

< Back A Short Interlude for Highbrows ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Angell, Jean Hunter, Mollie Shaw, Trevor Stott, Kenneth

< Back Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 30 May 2019 [gallery ids="|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DSCF4001.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DSC_9189.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DSCF4217.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DSCF4159.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DSCF4276.jpg|"] In 1964 a fifty-one year old man meets a twenty-seven year old woman at work. She's young, buxom, blonde, pretty. And about to get married... Over the years, as they work together, the two grow closer; become friends. She promises him one night of lust in Brighton. Just a night. Just to get it out of his system. He takes her up on her offer and then begins one of the most well-known secret affairs of the twentieth century. He was Sid James. She was Barbara Windsor. Terry Johnson's sharp, biographical play follows the affair to its conclusion. Focusing on the events during the making of four Carry On films, it’s funny, touching and ultimately tragically sad as the lives of these icons of British comedy are put under the theatrical microscope. CAST Sid - Mark Butt Kenneth - Steven Finney Barbara - Dawn Flint Sally - Lottie Warburton Imogen - Arianna Glenton Eddie - Ivor Farley Rick Bowen - Stagestruck - 5 STAR Review It takes a great deal of courage for any actor, amateur or professional, to play three much loved icons of British comedy. They also need the talent and believe me, Mark Butt, Steven Finney and Dawn Flint certainly have it. In spades. Finney is as scream as Kenneth Williams, the master of the double entendre in Terry Johnson’s heartfelt and heart warming love letter to that most British of institutions, the Carry On films. This, for me, is the complete comic package, from the demeanour to that unmistakable nasal twang. Steven gets it just right. Dawn Flint also delivers a fine performance as Barbara Windsor, complete with her cheeky, cockney giggle. Then there’s Mark Butt as Sid James, who really comes into his own when he’s highlighting the star’s loneliness and deep seated love for Babs. The humour of the Carry On generation may be dated and unashamedly not PC but the stars of these sometimes saucy flicks had a mystique about them shared by very few of today’s so-called celebrities. It’s brilliantly directed by Charlie Tomlinson, one of the Garrick’s leading talents both on and off the stage and designed with his trademark creativity by Barry Purves, whose clever set is dominated by Sid James’ caravan/passion wagon. So, what’’s not to like? If the early Christmas shopping and the impending election are starting to get you down, I have the perfect cure. Highly recommended - a must see. Rating: ★★★★★ Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick - Altrincham Garrick Reviewer: Angela Kelly - North West End UK Directed by Charlie Tomlinson, ‘Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick’ is a biographical play that was written by Terry Johnson and highlights the era that covered the span of the creation of four ‘Carry on’ Films. Having premiered in 1998 at The National Theatre and having won an Oliver award, it would be interesting to see how this was interpreted on stage at The Garrick. The story is set in 1964 and is about a middle aged man who becomes close to a woman half his age whom he meets at work. They become good friends and, as they grow closer, she promises him a night of lust in Brighton. As the story continues, they both then begin to have a very secret love affair. Knowing that the characters in the play are about the infamous ‘Carry on’ duo Sid James and Barbara Windsor, there is immediately a very clear visual image in our heads and so the cast were presented with a tall order on stage to deliver these characters to the audience as soon as we set eyes on them. ‘Sid’, performed by Mark Butt portrayed Sid very accurately indeed. Whilst I would have loved more of the Sid James gravel sounding chuckle, Butt portrayed the sex obsessed Sid James very well. In many ways Sid came across as a troubled soul, not wanting to face his own reality with respect to the fact he was married and his life on stage was clearly the life he preferred. Butt portrayed Sid’s difficulty in accepting his own mortality and that any longevity with Barbara was merely a dream. Dawn Flint’s role as ‘Barbara’ was captivating. If you closed your eyes ‘Babs’ was on stage. Flint had the walk, the smutty conversation and even demonstrated her direct approach to tackling Sid’s advances. She even walked as Babs would walk sticking her chest out at all times. The yellow ‘pinging bikini top’ scene was hilarious to watch. However, the stand out performance of the night was undoubtedly Steven Finney’s portrayal of Kenneth Williams. His stage presence was magnificent and Finney carried off all of ‘Kennys’ mannerisms to perfection. Nasal, dulcet tones, nose in the air (mainly at the utter disapproval of Sid’s antics), he had all the mannerisms of the complicated character that defined who Kenneth Williams was. He was unhappy with the low budget aspect to the parts he was to play in the Carry On films and always threatened to leave. His one liners and put downs, plus his obsession with his haemorrhoids were hilarious. A particularly endearing aspect to the play was the relationship between Barbara and Kenneth or ‘Kenny’ as she fondly called him. With shared humour and giggles unique to each of them this was perhaps the most meaningful and sincere relationship on stage. The Set construction team must be applauded for a wonderful stage set. The caravan was outstanding right down to having a toilet, bathroom and bedroom. It was a wonderful focal point to the entire play. In many ways the play, representing three infamous individuals of the comedy world, echoes the tragedy of many of today’s stars whose private lives are examined and publicised for all to pull apart, discuss and dissect. This incredible play written by Terry Johnson was as amusing as it was tragic and provides the audience with a valuable ‘behind the scenes’ view of the real personalities of the characters in these films. If you are a fan of Carry on and more so a fan of the characters that defined this wonderful genre of comedy, than ‘Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick’ is for you. Rating: ★★★★ Number 9 Review - Reviewer - Johanna Hassouna-Smith I have to confess that I had no idea what I was going to watch with this production. I remember my mum was a huge ‘Carry On’ film fan but I already felt they were dated in the mid-1980s! So how does a company reproduce a ‘Carry On’ as a play, which is relevant to an audience in 2019?... Thankfully, they did not attempt to. This original script, written by Terry Johnson in 1998 was a huge hit at the National Theatre and spans 14 years of the love affairs, successes and tragedies in the lives of some of our best known ‘Carry On’ film actors: Sid James, Kenneth Williams and Barbara Windsor. The play is a comedy and is set against the back drop (quite literally) of filming locations used during the ‘Carry On’ films. The locations are less than glamourous, in muddy fields and pub car parks and most interior scenes are set inside Sid’s leaking caravan, which serves as his green room. Once again, the design concept of this play gave the whole production a slick and professional feel. From the brilliantly shabby-chic leaking caravan to the simple moving flats, the set was sophisticated yet uncomplicated. The costume design helped to give a sense of the ‘Carry On’ era from the ridiculous Roman soldier costumes to the spangled bras, displaying just enough cleavage to remind us of the frivolously raunchy ‘Carry On’ genre. The reality of this was that the saucy nature of the performers on screen, was mirrored in the actors’ lives off screen and certainly between filming takes with many love affairs and fumbling moments between the sheets of Sid’s leaking caravan. . .if the script is true to reality!? But sadly, this is where I felt the production really faltered. In a post-Weinstein, post-Operation Yewtree society, there were moments where I felt extremely uncomfortable with the lecherous ways of Sid James and the young girls in his backstage caravan. I’m not suggesting they be edited out, I’m just not sure how ‘entertaining’ these moments were and might even call this entire play premature to be produced in 2019. . .remember, when it was written, there was no Yewtree or Weinstein in the media! But credit, where credit is due, the three main actors in the cast were wonderful to say the least. Portraying such well known and loved real life actors was always going to be a tough task, but each of the performers were brilliant at portraying every well-known nuance and tick of these lively performers. Sid James, played by Mark Butt, was energetic and passionate yet full of the pathos for the unrequited love he felt for Barbara. Steven Finney’s portrayal of Kenneth Williams was absolutely spot-on in his characterisation: from the naughty cackle to the brilliantly comedic, wide-eyed facial expressions, I just loved this performance. Finally, Barbara Windsor, played by Dawn Flint was warm yet entertaining and full of the naughty charm she is known for in reality . . . just perfect casting. The main performers were supported by a sterling cast and one of which stood out for me was a beautiful portrayal of Sally, the costume girl by, Lottie Warburton. Well done all! At four acts long, the performance did seem lengthy and I wondered if whether the farcical pace might have been lifted at points to up the energy in the first half, to make way for the slower pace in the tragic second half. One punter was overheard leaving the theatre at the end saying, “Well, it was a bit morbid!” This ‘Carry On’ didn’t try to emulate the on screen farce (although there were moments of that), but merely told the story of the actors and the lives they led and relationships they forged, whilst filming, thus creating a very touching piece of theatre which educates us that not all is what it seems. Once again the Garrick have staged a semi-professional production of the highest standard for a fraction of the cost and in a local theatre with great facilities. The productions are always brilliantly supported by local sponsorship and perform to sell-out audiences and it’s clear to see from this one, why!

< Back These Shining Lives ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 19 June 2017 A powerful play about love, friendship and a fight for justice The play is based on a true story about four women working for a company that used radium compound to paint watch faces. The health of the women gives cause for concern but the employer will not accept that there is any danger and even suggests that the work has health benefits. When radium poisoning is diagnosed the women face a battle when they file a lawsuit against the company. A leading attorney accepts the case for free and the result is in the balance. The consequences after the case are even more disturbing. CAST Francesca Heraghty-Smith (Catherine Donohue) Marcella Hazell (Charlotte) Emma Toms (Frances) Megan Relph (Pearl) Production Photographs by Farah Zamanpour [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22711366_10155786617781726_859797081_n.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22812792_10155786617791726_821642058_o.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22711506_10155786617786726_1427927730_n.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22766548_10155786652526726_578399101_o.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22751815_10155786617981726_355179544_n.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22768336_10155786618071726_1792977925_o.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22782336_10155786617826726_623095024_n.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22790085_10155786618046726_1533240081_o.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22711175_10155786617866726_495548156_n.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/22768354_10155786617846726_814863704_o.jpg|"] **** Review by Julia Taylor for Sale and Altrincham Messenger These Shining Lives - 'This thought-provoking play is well worth seeing' THESE Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich, at Altrincham Garrick?s Lauriston Studio reflects the world of workers in an Ottawa, Illinois watch making Factory. Based on a true case from the 1920s, it features four women workers. Initially, they are delighted at the freedom work gives them and enjoy the camaraderie. Slowly it dawns on them that all is not well, especially with Francesca Heraghty-Smith?s Catherine Donohue, the uncrowned leader of the group. The other three workers at the Radium Dial Company are Emma Toms as pious Frances O?Connell; Megan Relph as Pearl Payne, the jokey one and Marcella Hazell as the gin drinking rebel, Charlotte. There are some good male actors including Jamie Sloan as Tom Donohue, Catherine?s husband and Ian Fensome who plays Mr Reed, the apparently uncaring factory boss. The happy relationship between Catherine and Tom provides some delightful cameos within this well-written, moving play. But it?s the women who are the true stars and we watch their transformation from happy go lucky to lack lustre with sadness. Theirs is a life-long camaraderie well put over by the four actors.? They don?t realise it but by painting watch dials with radium and licking the brush, they are slowly poisoning themselves. Eventually, just before Catherine?s death, they win their case against their employer who makes six appeals before the women?s victory at the Supreme Court. Director, Parissa Zamanpour brings out the happiness, humour and eventually great suffering of the women as their bones turn bad with radium poisoning. This thought-provoking play is well worth seeing. * These Shining Lives is at the Garrick?s Lauriston Studio until Saturday, October 28th For tickets, telephone 0161-928 1677 or book online. Star rating: * * * * This season's productions in our Lauriston STUDIO have been sponsored by This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinburger Ltd.

< Back Another Love Story ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Clark, Hetty Glazebrook, K Harry Lee, Kay Roberts, A E Tudor Stockton, Reg Sykes, Constance D Talbot, Ernest K Warrington, Betty

< Back Christopher Robin (2018 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 29 September 2020 This is Disney’s recent film about the grown-up, world-weary Christopher Robin rediscovering the joys of life, thanks to his beloved childhood friends : Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger too. A tender film full of love and sadness ... ... ... and honey. This screening will (as always) be introduced by Barry Purves with informed trivia, anecdotes and some background of the production. The bar will be open before and after the show. Come and join us in a friendly, informal and Covid-19 safe atmosphere, to take advantage of sensational screening facilities as well as our low prices and free car park.

< Back It's a Wonderful Life (1946 film) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 November 2020 The Garrick last hosted James Stewart when we showed Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window in October. Now we allow him into our hearts again, as he portrays George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams to help others, and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel called ... ... ... Clarence. Clarence shows how George has touched the lives of others, and how different life would be for his wife and his community of Bedford Falls if he had not been born. Like many other films that we are showing at the Garrick this festive season, It's a Wonderful Life has become a Christmas classic. This is your chance to see it on the big screen, with no advertisement interruptions, in a cosy and welcoming auditorium. 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 Miss Linley of Bath ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Bankes, Eric Bramwell, Madge Cavanagh, Cliff Cookson, Harold Fletcher, Joan Gregory, Mary P Hall, Margaret Haycock, John Hooper, Alfred Leadstone, Irene Osborne, Edgar Pearce, A J Wilson, Kathleen