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< Back The History Boys ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 8 February 2014 The History Boys is a brilliant, beguiling and extraordinarily entertaining comedy. Set in the mid 1980's it follows a group of six-formers at a Northern Grammar School as they prepare to take the Oxbridge exam. The story illustrates the humour and vulnerability of teenagers on their way to adulthood. [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historya.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historye.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyi.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historyl.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/historym.jpg|"] CAST Headmaster Duncan Battman Mrs. Lintott Val Watkinson Hector Nick Sample Irwin Mark Dawson Akthar Ryan Al- Hakim Crowther Jo Meighan Dakin Hugh Draycott Lockwood Jacob Holder Posner Alexander Warden Rudge William Finlayson Scripps Sean Gonet Timms Rory Sherlock Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen 10/10 for the Garrick's production of The History Boys THERE'S something irresistible about a maverick, especially in an age where there are rules for this and targets for that. I find myself drawn to them and I want to be just like them. So it is with Hector, the avuncular schoolmaster in The History Boys. What a pity then, he has to spoil it all by taking the concept of hands on teaching one step too far. This endearing and enigmatic character has to be one of Alan Bennett?s most captivating creations and Nick Sample gives a performance to remember in Altrincham Garrick?s outstanding production of a theatrical masterpiece. Mark Dawson as his colleague Irwin is the chalk to Hector's cheese, a young teacher who is happy to turn out academic clones to keep the school's head smiling. That contradiction forms the premise of this remarkable piece of writing - should education be about passing exams or should it produce individuals who can think for themselves and bring something different to society? That may sound rather dry, but Bennett handles it with his trademark wit and eloquence. In fact, some of the lines in this play are verbal gold, so brilliant they make you shudder. While the performances of Sample and Dawson are worth the ticket money on their own, the young actors who play their pupils more than contribute to a very special evening in the theatre. What a pity I don?t have the space to name them all. Magnificent Star Rating ★★★★★

< Back House Full ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Beck, June Brewer, Brian B Dean, Kenneth W Franks, Celia Hobbs, Olive Nellie McCormack, Elsie Matthias, Mary

< Back Dick Barton - Special Agent ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 8 February 2014 Gabardine collar up, trilby at rakish angle, intrepid sleuth Dick Barton faces arch enemies Baron Scarheart and Marta Heartburn in a series of exotic, action-packed adventures, aiming to rid the world of evil in the name of decency and patriotism. Based on the 1940's BBC radio serial this critically acclaimed and hugely successful play is 'Deliriously funny' poking fun at English hearts-of-oak heroics with all the attendant class distinctions and tender regard for the little woman. It walks a very fine line between homage and camp spoof. The result is something that captures all the patriotic fervour of Hunhating post-war Britain even as it sends it up rotten. [gallery ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dicka.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dickb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dickc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dicke.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dickf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dicki.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dickj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dickg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/dickk.jpg|"] CAST Dick Barton/ Snowy White Adam Whittle Baron Scarheart Nick Sample Viper?sNestMC/ Sir Stanley Fritters David Gonet Lady Laxington/ Marta Heartburn/ Daphne Fritters Laura Chandler Jock Anderson Sean Gonet BBC Announcer/ Colonel Gardener Barry Spencer Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen Mission accomplished - Dick Barton entertains at the Garrick Dick Barton - Special Agent is quite unlike anything I've ever seen before. It's a sort of musical adult pantomime with some Carry On style jokes thrown in. When I say 'adult' I don't mean seedy and you could take granny to see this gloriously daft, cartoonish caper. Being a child of the 60's the archetypal English hero who inspired the piece means nothing to me, but I could really appreciate what is being sent up here. The sort of Englishman who's retains a stiff upper lip in a crisis, uses phrases like 'Johnny foreigner' and drinks tea from bone china cups. Spoofs can get on your nerves but this Altrincham Garrick production, expertly directed by Charlie Cook, is perfectly pitched, with a strong, animated and energetic cast effortlessly bringing their characters to life and making the most of the fun dialogue. Laura Chandler plays - among other roles - Martha Heartburn, henchwoman of Barton's arch enemy, Baron Scarheart. For me, this is Laura?s finest performance on this stage to date and her late dad Terry, a stalwart of this theatre, would have been proud of her. Adam Whittle is also very impressive as Barton and his cockney sidekick, Snowy. Dick Barton - Special Agent simply sets out to entertain and it's definitely a case of mission accomplished in a production that's a real antidote to the February gloom. Enjoy. Star Rating ★★★★

< Back Full House ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 12 August 2019 Brown, Sydney A Farebrother, Arthur F Frost, Kenneth Glazebrook, K Harry Roberts, A E Tudor Royle, Dudley Talbot, Ernest K Ward, Ena Warhurst, W Kenneth Wiltshire, H John Zochonis, Isabel

< Back April in Paris ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 10 February 2014 CAST Malcolm Cooper as Al Beverley Stuart-Cole as Bet

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

< Back The Wind in the Willows ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 16 December 2013 Originally commissioned by Nicholas Hytner for the National Theatre as a Christmas entertainment, this version proved so popular it was revived again and again. This is a perfectly faithful adaptation which remains true to the spirit of the joy of the riverbank without being quite so gentle. The lyricism remains through the music and all the characters, Mole, Rat, Badger and the irrepressible Toad, to say nothing of the wicked Weasel, are here in all their glory. This will be a treat for all the family and a tremendous end to our 2005 season.

< Back The King And I (Theatre Screening) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 9 August 2020 This multi-award winning and critically acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King And I was recorded live at London’s iconic Palladium. From the whatsonstage.com review: "Glinting and gliding, it waltzes glamorously across the huge Palladium stage with effortless grace." The Garrick team is delighted to show this lovely production to you on our big screen as if live.

< Back Pure Imagination - A Mini GAPA Performance ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 February 2023 MINI GAPA PERFORMANCE Pure Imagination Class 7 present their Roald Dahl inspired piece Pure Imagination . The performance explores the wonderful world of Roald Dahl bringing together some of his most famous characters to introduce you to Olivanas, Zipfizzing and many more of Mr Dahl's imaginative ideas. This is the end of term performance from our 5-8 year olds which will involve showcasing what they have learnt during the Spring term. The performance will take place on the Main Stage.

< Back Ladies' Day ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 8 February 2014 Work, love and life are just one long, hard slog for the fish-filleting foursome Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda. But their fortunes are set to change when Linda finds tickets to Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot the year it relocated to York. Out go the hairnets, overalls and wellies as the four ditch work, do themselves up to the nines and head off to the races for a drink, a flirt and a flutter. If their luck holds, they could hit the jackpot - and more besides. [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesa.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesd.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiese.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesg.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesi.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ladiesj.jpg|"] CAST Janet Slade as Pearl Victoria Johnson as Jan Lise Banks as Shelley Siobhan Morgan as Linda Graham Simmonds as Joe/Fred/Jim/Patrick/Kevin/Barry Sale & Altrincham Messenger's review by Rick Bowen Girls just wanna have fun - Ladies Day at Altrincham Garrick ALTRINCHAM Garrick has chosen the warm and funny "feel good" comedy 'Ladies Day' as its penultimate play of the season. We follow a group of Hull lasses as they go in search of fun, glamour and the odd, stray millionaire at Royal Ascot. This year the red letter sporting event has been moved to York racecourse which means our ladies don't have too far to travel, although when they arrive they feel like they're in another world. As far as comedies are concerned, 'Ladies Day' doesn't break the mould. However, the characters are very, very likeable and writer Amanda Whittington has put some wonderful lines into her characters mouths. My particularly favourites were the homely girl next door Linda, expertly played by Siobhan Morgan, and Victoria Johnson (Jan) makes a great drunk, the scene made even funnier by the fact Jan can't handle booze. Graham Simmonds plays five roles and is at his most convincing as the smarmy, skirt chasing racing commentator. Director Maureen Casket has created a production that canters along at a perfect pace and the poignant parts of the play have just as much impact as the many humorous scenes. Light and fun - just what we need in these difficult times. But the scene with the whingeing jockey went on a bit too long for my liking. Star Rating ★★★★ City Life's Review by Julia Taylor Ladies Day at Altrincham Garrick Ladies' Day is about four Yorkshire fish filleters who go posh by attending Ladies' Day at Ascot, the year it was relocated to York, and reveal secrets about themselves. This is an amusing choice of subject by the writer, Amanda Whittington and gives the audience (including me) a lot of laughs. The four working class Yorkshire women discard their hair nets, overalls and wellies on stage and, before our eyes, dress to the nines and head to the races for a drink, a flirt with posh people, and a flutter. It is lady luck who provides the tickets when they are all sold out. And lady luck stays with them when their horses keep winning - but she appears to depart before the end. It is the brassy Shelley (Lisa Nivern Banks) who enjoys the experience the most. She is fame-obsessed and a would-be celebrity who thinks she might find a rich man to make her dreams come true. And, by changing her name to Sahara, nearly does! Despite her faults, she has a heart of gold. Lisa adds endearment to a character who could so easily be simply a crass chatterbox. Fellow filleter Linda is different. A quiet, naive 19-year-old, she, too, has an idol. He is pop singer Tony Christie of Is This The Way To Amarillo fame. Siobhan Morgan who plays her, makes you realise that her character needs something to cling to and help her escape from her mundane life. And she finds it. Single mum, Jan (Victoria Johnson) has created a celebrity of her own in the form of her daughter who has been the centre of her universe. When the daughter leaves home, Jan is left alone, unable to cope with her newfound freedom. Victoria gives a fine performance in this role. The scene when she staggers around drunk is hilarious. The strongest of the quartet, Pearl, is older and seemingly wiser than the others. She is leaving work to spend more time with her hubby. But she has the biggest secret of all - and you must hand it to Janet Slade, who plays her - and she hits a heartstring when she reveals it so movingly. The comedy wouldn't be balanced without the presence of men. And, believe it or not, Graham Simmonds plays six of them. I might add they are six of the best and you always know who is who. I especially like his Irish jockey describing the thrill of riding a winner. Star Rating ★★★★

< Back TINA - What's Love Got To Do With It? 1993 (Film Screening) ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 30 July 2021 Based on the life of the legendary soul singer, Tina Turner (Angela Bassett) - born Anna Mae Bullock - discovers her love of singing in her Tennessee church choir. She moves to St. Louis to pursue a career, and there she meets the charismatic Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne), who rechristens her Tina and offers to help her succeed. As a musical team, Ike and Tina take the charts by storm. But as his physical abuse worsens, Tina has to make the tough decision to leave Ike and set out on her own. Our reasonably priced bar will be open before and after the screening. Free car park for customers and in easy walking distance of Altrincham and local tram and train stations. So what are you waiting for? BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

< Back The Vicar of Dibley ˂ Previous Production Next Production ˃ to 1 November 2023 Based on the much-loved BBC sitcom, this stage adaptation brings a selection of the best episodes of this multi-award-winning show to the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse. When the new vicar arrives at the sleepy English village of Dibley, the last thing the locals are expecting is a woman. But the irrepressibly cheerful Reverend Geraldine Granger soon wins over the hearts and minds of her flock. Featuring everyone's favourite eccentric cast of characters including star-crossed lovers Alice and Hugo, colonically-challenged farmer Owen, pompous chairman David Horton, and will Jim Trott be there? ...no, no, no, no, no...YES!! The Vicar of Dibley is a is heart-warming comedy and full of larger-than-life characters that audiences will immediately love. With kind permission of Tiger Aspect Productions. In Support of Comic Relief. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free Car Parking. Cosy Bar. Great Prices. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------