Altrincham Garrick Playhouse Season Brochure Spring 2023

theatre to set your heart on fire!

Bachelor Jack Worthing and his best mate Algernon Moncrieff hope to marry society’s most eligible ladies, Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. But the lads’ courtship of the women is far from straight forward! With double identities, plenty of ‘Bunburying’ and a number of hostile encounters with the formidable Lady Bracknell, the pair become embroiled in a web of mistaken identities with hilarious consequences...

In a production set in the present day, Oscar Wilde’s brilliantly witty comedy is as deliciously funny, entertaining and relevant today as when it was first written.

Come and be part of a friendly and rewarding Theatre Company!

Open your social circle and meet new friends, gain new skills, and help to build your confidence and creativity. We promise you won’t regret it!

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse is more than just a Community Theatre – it’s a cultural and creative hub for the Arts in Altrincham. In the main, the Playhouse is run by volunteers who play a critical role in providing high-quality performances and experiences to our local community. Volunteers of all ages and abilities have discovered a warm welcome as well as new challenges, with many younger members having found the Playhouse to be a springboard to future careers. Whatever your interest, we have a wide selection of opportunities available! Want to find out more? Simply contact us by e-mailing

Importance Earnest The of being

Oscar Wilde’s

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being”.

Oscar Wilde

Nothing beats the excitement of live entertainment, and once again we’re thrilled to have put together a season packed full of drama, musicals, comedy, concerts and wonderfully enjoyable productions for all the family.

In a special place like Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, we know that we are simply the current custodians who are building upon decades of history, and thousands of special, treasured memories shared amongst everyone who has experienced the magic of this theatre. The Garrick continues to play an integral part in Altrincham life, powered by the love and loyalty of generations of both audiences and supporters. Whilst we both acknowledge and pay tribute to the commitment and dedication to the Playhouse of those who have come before us, we are also aware of the need to look to the future by forging new business associations, expanding our pool of onstage and behind-the-scenes talent, and encouraging new audiences and supporters to become involved with us if we are to continue succeeding with our commitment to being both a vibrant Theatre for the Community as well as a Performing Arts Centre of Excellence.

Fulfilling one of these aims, this season sees performances by both the Garrick Ensemble, our company of 18 – 30 year old aspiring actors from across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire area, who can be seen in the stage adaptation of the hugely entertaining movie Shakespeare In Love, and by GAPA - the Garrick Academy of Performing Arts, our Young People’s theatre company, who are staging Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s fabulous musical version of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Between these two productions is the original stage play of The Father, Florian Zeller’s compelling, playful and ferociously honest study of dementia, and fans of quality drama are also served by an unmissable staging of Thornton Wilder’s 20th century classic of American theatre, Our Town. Prior to this, to coincide with the Easter holidays, we are putting on The Jungle Book, a wild and wonderful adventure for the whole family, while those who love classic thrillers should book now for Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution. Our season wraps with an unmissable staging of one of Stephen Sondheim’s most acclaimed works, the TONY and Olivier Award winning musical Into The Woods. Together with the season of LGBTQ+ themed plays in our Studio Theatre, Stand-Up Comedy nights from Manford’s Comedy Club, and a brilliant collection of Concerts for all ages, we really do have ‘something for everyone’!

If you’ve been a regular theatregoer at the Garrick Playhouse before, thankyou, and we look forward to welcoming you back! If you’ve never previously visited this sparkling jewel in Altrincham’s cultural crown, we believe that you’ll be very pleasantly surprised by what you see - and will want to come back again!

A heart-warming welcome to our January - June 2023 Season, and once again we’ve come up with ‘something for everyone’ to enjoy!

Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – Romeo and Juliet.

With opening night – and the wedding day – fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

The Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love starred Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Geoffrey Rush and Tom Wilkinson and won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay.

This romantic comedy transports audiences back to Shakespeare’s London in a production that is full of energy, colour, spectacle and love.

The Garrick Ensemble is a company of 18 – 30 year old aspiring actors from Greater Manchester and Cheshire who aim 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 amateur production of ‘Shakespeare In Love’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatri

Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall

Based upon the screenplay by Marc Norman & Tom Stoppard Directed by Joseph Meighan Performed by The Garrick Ensemble

The Father (Le Père) is a play about a man called Andre. Now 80 years old, Andre was once a tap dancer. He lives with his daughter Anne and her husband Antoine.

Or was he an engineer whose daughter Anne lives in London with her new lover, Pierre? The thing is, he is still wearing his pyjamas, and he can’t find his watch. He is starting to wonder if he’s losing control…

A sobering and realistic family story, and an unsentimental, emotionally intense look at the world through the eyes of a man experiencing dementia. This amateur

production of ‘The Father’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals td. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Translated by Christopher Hampton

Directed by Charlie Tomlinson

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

ACADEMY

The Garrick Academy of Performing Arts (GAPA) is a theatre company looking to welcome any young person, aged from 5 to 18, who is interested in any aspect of the theatre, or performing arts (on or off stage), and who wants to take part in a FUN activity.

Every Saturday we run a range of sessions for students aged from 5 to 18 and, through a series of workshops, exercises and rehearsals, we introduce our pupils to a range of stage skills that will enable them to take part in, and contribute to, our main productions.

They will also allow each student to learn, develop, gain confidence, and select the disciplines they wish to focus on. There are also other opportunities for students to perform at the Garrick Playhouse, and work behind the scenes, too.

Our emphasis is primarily on enjoying ourselves, but we are also prepared to put in the hard work it takes to achieve great performances.

It’s also great to see our students gain confidence through the classes we run, and from the skills they learn, and then watch them take them into their future lives.

If students want to pursue a career in the Performing Arts our trained, qualified staff can provide them with a solid foundation that they can build on in their theatrical future; if students want to have fun and meet their friends, then GAPA is also the perfect place to come, too!

Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin Book by Dennis Kelly Orchestrations & Additional Music by Chris Nightingale

Jungle Book The

Rudyard Kipling

Saved from the jaws of Shere Khan the tiger, Mowgli must learn the Laws of the Jungle from Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther to survive. A brave little man cub grows into a confident and care-free young boy, but danger is never far away and Shere Khan is hungry for revenge. As Mowgli faces each peril and pitfall, he must decide whether he belongs in the world of men or with the animal kingdom.

Stuart Paterson reimagines Kipling's much-loved stories for a new generation in a vibrant, colourful family adventure that's full of surprises! A wild and wonderful adventure in the Jungle awaits for all the Family this Easter at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse.

This adaptation was first staged by Birmingham Stage Company in 2004.

amateur production of ‘The Jungle Book’ is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

Directed by Ros Greenwood

Our Town

Love and marriage, birth and death. Seen from a distance they’re just the rhythm of everyday life: but when you’re caught up in the middle and they are happening to you, they are the whole world. As the sun rises on another ordinary day, the townsfolk of Grover's Corners go about their business: newspapers are delivered; people go to work; gardens are tended to. And a boy and girl fall in love. But as life's events unfold and a community comes together, one question remains: "Do any human beings ever realise life as they live it? Every, every minute?".

Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning smalltown epic of human existence remains as theatrically fresh and as topical as ever; it explores what it means to live and the bonds that unite us all.

Directed by Joseph Meighan

Thornton Wilder’s

Witness Prosecution for the

Directed by Mike Shaw

Do not miss Agatha Christie’s gripping story of justice, passion and betrayal.

The affable Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a rich widow. Legendary lawyer Sir Wilfred Robarts has chosen to represent him. The stakes are high with a shocking witness testimony, impassioned outbursts from the dock and a young man’s fight to escape the hangman’s noose.

Generally regarded as one of Christie’s most accomplished plays, this suspenseful thriller keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

This amateur production of ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ is pr esented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Into the Woods

In a modern world, a fairytale adventure is never far away… be careful what you wish for. A baker and his wife desperately yearn to have a child, but have been cursed by the Witch who lives next door, thanks to the actions of the baker’s father. The only way to lift the curse is to find four obscure yet strangely familiar items – a cow as white as milk, a slipper as pure as gold, a cape as red as blood and hair as yellow as corn. With only three nights to find them before the curse becomes irreversible, the couple head deep into the mysterious nearby woods, only to discover more about themselves than they might ever have expected... and that actions have consequences, and sacrifices must be paid.

One of Stephen Sondheim’s most acclaimed works, this Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical interweaves Little Red Riding Hood, the Wolf, Cinderella, Rapunzel, two Princes (and two step-sisters), Jack, and - of course - a Witch into a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic!

Artistic Director Joseph Meighan brings a contemporary vision of Sondheim's enchanting and touching masterpiece.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by James Lapine

Directed by Joseph Meighan Musical Direction by Steven Mercer-Murray

World-class theatre from London now showing in Altrincham!

Sat 28 January at 7:30pm

A witch hunt is beginning in Arthur Miller’s captivating parable of power with Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Brendan Cowell (Yerma).

Raised to be seen but not heard, a group of young women in Salem suddenly find their words have an almighty power. As a climate of fear, vendetta and accusation spreads through the community, no one is safe from trial.

Lyndsey Turner (Hamlet) directs this contemporary new staging, designed by Tony Award-winner Es Devlin (The Lehman Trilogy).

Captured live from the Olivier stage at the National Theatre.

Sat 25 February at 7:30pm

An extraordinary new production of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy, directed by Clint Dyer with a cast that includes Giles Terera (Hamilton), Rosy McEwen (The Alienist) and Paul Hilton (The Inheritance).

She’s a bright, headstrong daughter of a senator; elevated by her status but stifled by its expectations. He’s a refugee of slavery; having risen to the top of a white world, he finds love across racial lines has a cost. Wed in secret, Desdemona and Othello crave a new life together. But as unseen forces conspire against them, they find their future is not theirs to decide.

Othello is filmed live on the Lyttleton stage of the National Theatre.

Sat 29 April at 3:00pm and 7:30pm

David Tennant (Doctor Who) makes a much-anticipated return to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays.

As the world faces its Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences.

Olivier Award-winner Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs C.P. Taylor’s timely tale, with a cast that also features Elliot Levey (Coriolanus) and Sharon Small (The Bay). Filmed live at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.

JANUARY

Sunday 1 No Performances

Monday 2 1.30pm Dick Whittington 5.30pm Dick Whittington

Tues 3 – Fri 6 No Performances

Saturday 7 7.30pm 80s Live

Sunday 8 7.30pm ...........................................................Burlesque

Mon 9 – Sun 15 No Performances

Monday 16 7.30pm ...The Importance of Being Earnest

Tuesday 17 7.30pm The Importance of Being Earnest

Wednesday 18 7.30pm The Importance of Being Earnest

Thursday 19 7.30pm The Importance of Being Earnest

Friday 20 7.30pm The Importance of Being Earnest

Saturday 21 7.30pm The Importance of Being Earnest

Sun 22 – Fri 27 No Performances

Saturday 28 7.30pm GPH The Crucible (NT Live)

Sun 29 – Mon 30 No Performances

Tuesday 31 7.30pm AGST .....Love! Valour! Compassion!

FEBRUARY

Wednesday 1 7.30pm AGST Love! Valour! Compassion!

Thursday 2 7.30pm AGST Love! Valour! Compassion!

Friday 3 7.30pm AGST Love! Valour! Compassion!

Saturday 4 7.30pm AGST Love! Valour! Compassion!

Sunday 5 7.30pm AGST Love! Valour! Compassion!

Monday 6 7.30pm Shakespeare In Love

Tuesday 7 7.30pm Shakespeare In Love

Wednesday 8 7.30pm Shakespeare In Love

Thursday 9 7.30pm ..................................Shakespeare In Love

Friday 10 7.30pm Shakespeare In Love

Saturday 11 7.30pm ..................................Shakespeare In Love

Sun 12 – Tues 14 No Performances

Wednesday 15 7.00pm Woman Like Me - Little Mix Show

Thursday 16 7.30pm Cinderella, The Adult Panto

Friday 17 8.00pm Manford’s Comedy Club

Saturday 18 7.30pm Jive Talkin’ – Bee Gees In Concert

Sun 19 – Fri 24 No Performances

Saturday 25 7.30pm GPH Othello (NT Live)

Sunday 26 No Performances

Monday 27 7.30pm ...........................................................

AGST Performances in the Garrick Studio Theatre

GPH Garrick Picturehouse Screenings

t.b.c. Performance Times to be confirmed

MARCH

Sun 19 & Mon 20 No Performances

Tuesday 21 7.30pm AGST The Laramie Project

Wednesday 22 7.30pm AGST The Laramie Project

Thursday 23 7.30pm AGST The Laramie Project

Friday 24 7.30pm AGST The Laramie Project

Saturday 25 7.30pm AGST .....................The Laramie Project

Sunday 26 7.30pm AGST The Laramie Project

Mon 27 – Thur 30 No Performances

Friday 31 7.30pm

APRIL

The Father

Tuesday 28 7.30pm The Father

Wednesday 1 7.30pm

The Father

Thursday 2 7.30pm The Father

Friday 3 7.30pm The Father

Saturday 4 7.30pm The Father

Sun 5 – Sun 12 No Performances

Monday 13 7.30pm

Tuesday 14 7.30pm

Wednesday 15 7.30pm .............................

Thursday 16 7.30pm

Friday 17 7.30pm .............................

Saturday 18 7.30pm

Matilda The Musical Jr.

Matilda The Musical Jr.

Matilda The Musical Jr.

Matilda The Musical Jr.

Matilda The Musical Jr.

Matilda The Musical Jr.

The Jungle Book

Saturday 1 1.30pm The Jungle Book 5.30pm The Jungle Book

Sunday 2 1.30pm The Jungle Book 5.30pm The Jungle Book

Mon 3 & Tues 4 No Performances

Wednesday 5 7.30pm .........................................

The Jungle Book

Thursday 6 7.30pm The Jungle Book

Fri 7 – Weds 12 No Performances

Thursday 13 7.30pm

The Jungle Book

Friday 14 7.30pm The Jungle Book

Saturday 15 1.30pm The Jungle Book 5.30pm The Jungle Book

Sunday 16 1.30pm The Jungle Book 5.30pm The Jungle Book

Mon 17 – Wed 19 No Performances

Thursday 20 7.30pm Celine - My Heart Will Go On Friday 21 8.00pm ......Terry Christian - The Word is 30

Saturday 22 7.30pm The Take That Experience

Sunday 23 7.30pm .........Legends of American Country

Mon 24 No Performances

Tuesday 25 7.30pm AGST...................................................Pronoun

Wednesday 26 7.30pm AGST Pronoun

Thursday 27 7.30pm AGST Pronoun

Friday 28 7.30pm AGST Pronoun

Saturday 29 3.00pm GPH Good (NT Live) 7.30pm AGST Pronoun 7.30pm GPH Good (NT Live)

Sunday 30 7.30pm AGST

MAY

Mon 1 – Sun 7 No Performances

Monday 8 7.30pm

Pronoun

Our Town

Tuesday 9 7.30pm Our Town

Wednesday 10 7.30pm Our Town

Thursday 11 7.30pm Our Town

Friday 12 7.30pm Our Town

Saturday 13 7.30pm Our Town

Sunday 14 7.30pm GPH Screening to be confirmed

Mon 14 – Sun 21 No Performances

Monday 22 7.30pm Witness for the Prosecution

Tuesday 23 7.30pm ................Witness for the Prosecution

Wednesday 24 7.30pm Witness for the Prosecution

Thursday 25 7.30pm Witness for the Prosecution

Friday 26 7.30pm ................Witness for the Prosecution

Saturday 27 7.30pm Witness for the Prosecution

Sunday 28 7.30pm GPH Screening to be confirmed

Mon 29 – Weds 31 No Performances

JUNE

Thursday 1 7.30pm

Dreamcoat Stars

Friday 2 7.30pm Fleetwood Bac

Saturday 3 t.b.c. (Event To Be Confirmed)

Sunday 4 7.30pm

Monday 5 No Performances

All Our Yesterdays

Tuesday 6 7.30pm AGST ....Last Summer at Bluefish Cove

Wednesday 7 7.30pm AGST Last Summer at Bluefish Cove

Thursday 8 7.30pm AGST Last Summer at Bluefish Cove

Friday 9 7.30pm AGST Last Summer at Bluefish Cove

Saturday 10 7.30pm AGST Last Summer at Bluefish Cove Sunday 11 7.30pm AGST Last Summer at Bluefish Cove

Mon 12 – Sun 18 No Performances

Monday 19 7.30pm Into The Woods

Tuesday 20 7.30pm Into The Woods

Wednesday 21 7.30pm ..............................................Into The Woods

Thursday 22 7.30pm Into The Woods

Friday 23 7.30pm ..............................................Into The Woods

Saturday 24 7.30pm Into The Woods

Sun 25 – Tues 27 No Performances

Wednesday 28 7.30pm Martin Toal – A Night At The Summer Proms

Thursday 29 7.30pm Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline Friday 30 8.00pm Manford’s Comedy Club

You should also book NOW for the following shows coming later this year - turn to pages 22 and 23 for further details:

OCTOBER

Monday 23 7.30pm ..........................

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Tuesday 24 7.30pm Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Wednesday 25 7.30pm Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Thursday 26 7.30pm Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Friday 27 7.30pm Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Saturday 28 2.30pm Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Saturday 28 7.30pm Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Sunday 29 4.00pm Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

DEC 2023 – JAN 2024

Great Theatre for Everyone

For times and dates

Pantomime of them all!

Sleeping Beauty contact the Box Office ...The dreamiest, most spellbinding or pick up a leaflet!

And there’s even more...! Plans are already in place for our Autumn-Winter 2023 Season, with something for everyone to enjoy in our fantastically entertaining selection of shows. Alongside the already-announced Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (have you got your tickets yet, as they’re flying out!) and our Pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, they include a compelling drama based upon a hugely popular classic movie, a deliciously funny modern play set in two time zones, a fabulously scary ghost story, and another brilliant season of plays in our Studio Theatre which follow a theme. Watch out for further details!

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse is situated on Barrington Road, just off the A56 which links Manchester and the M60 to the M56 (Junction 7), and also enjoys easy links via the A560 to Timperley, Stockport and beyond. Using public transport, the Playhouse is just 6 minutes walk from Altrincham Bus Station / Metrolink Station in Altrincham Town Centre. A Metrolink tram arrives every 6 to 12 minutes from Manchester City Centre (and beyond!). We look forward to welcoming you!

Productions photos: Martin Ogden

Altrincham Town Centre

Tuesday 31 January –Sunday 5 February

Tuesday 21 –Sunday 26 March

Tuesday 25 –Sunday 30 April

Love! Valour! Compassion!

by Terrence McNally

Directed by Barry Purves

Winner of the 1995 Tony Award for Best Play, Love! Valour! Compassion! is a mammoth exploration into life, love and loss at the end of the millennium.

As hilarious as it is heart-breaking, Terrence McNally’s seminal work captures the zeitgeist of 1990s America and forces the question - when reality hits home, who and what is most important to us?

Beautifully written, Love! Valour! Compassion! gathers together eight gay men at the upstate New York summer house of a celebrated dancerchoreographer who fears he is losing his creativity… and possibly his lover. Infidelity, flirtations, soul-searching, AIDS, truthtelling, and skinny-dipping mix monumental questions about life and death.

To experience Love! Valour! Compassion! is to join in a dance of life.

Age Guidance: 16+.

WARNING: This show contains nudity, strong language and racially offensive language. It was written, set and originally performed in the mid 1990s and the text reflects the social and cultural context of the time.

Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.

The Laramie Project

by Moisés Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project

Directed by Joseph Meighan

When a small town comes face to face with murder, everyone has a story to tell...

Hailed as one of the most captivating and encompassing pieces of contemporary theatre, The Laramie Project shocks, challenges, and moves all who watch it as it reveals the lowest depths of hatred and greatest heights of compassion that lies within all human beings in any seemingly average community.

Pronoun

by Evan Placey

Age Guidance: 16+

WARNING: Contains strong language, homophobic language and graphic discussions of violence and hate crime, and scenes which some may find upsetting.

Directed

by Pete Brassington

“I woke up. I showered. And then the mirror was there. Suddenly there. Only it had always been there, but I’d, somehow, I’d managed to never look. To never really look.”

A love story about transition, testosterone, and James Dean.

Josh and Isabella are childhood sweethearts. They were meant to spend their gap year together, they were meant to be together forever. But Isabella has now become a boy.

Pronoun is an honest, touching and relevant piece of contemporary drama, which is as thought-provoking as it is engaging.

Age Guidance: 16+

WARNING: This show contains strong language throughout

Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.

Presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books Ltd.

Tuesday 6 –Sunday 11 June

ONE

Last Summer at Bluefish Cove

by Jane Chambers

Directed by Helen Horridge

As the first mainstream lesbian piece of theatre, Last Summer at Bluefish Cove is a seminal work that explores a gay women’s haven, Bluefish Cove, where a group of seven lesbians are spending their annual holiday.

Eva wanders into the colony after leaving an unhappy marriage, accidentally finding herself among women that will change her life in more ways than she could ever envisage.

Set in the 1980s, this tender play follows these women as they experience love, loss, and everything in between: rooted in subtle and realistic portrayals of lesbian relationships, it invites us to consider love between women in whatever form that may take.

Age Guidance: 14+

WARNING: This show contains strong language throughout

NIGHT SHOWS FOR

ADULTS ONLY

Sunday 8 January 2023

Roll up, roll up. . . the UK’s longest running burlesque show is back touring the nation. And, it’s bigger than ever.

The ultimate variety show blends stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque featuring world-class entertainers and stars of the stage and screen in an extravaganza of glitz and glamour! Expect fun, feathers and fabulous costumes as we pick from the finest selection of specialty artistes, cabaret and circus stars, comedians and champagne showgirls.

7:30pm

Tickets: Adults (Over-18s only) £26.00

Burlesque has enraptured audiences for centuries. This sensational variety show brings together a bounty of beautiful stars for an unrivalled variety show for the 21st Century! Expect the unexpected with plenty of glitter and glamour! It’s cocktails and cabaret o’clock!

7:30pm

Back on the road for their 19th year, the Market Theatre Company are out to corrupt another fairy-tail classic beyond recognition with an Adult Panto like no other.

The fearless company of 3 actors return to bring you an evening of corny jokes, raunchy plots and blatant sexual innuendo using a minimum of set props and costume.

Get ready for another evening of slick, fast-moving, farcical fun and bawdy sexual innuendo (did we mention the innuendo?) for adults only.

Presented by arrangement with Beth Allen Management, New York.

Thursday 16 February

Tickets: Adults £18.50 Garrick Friends £17.00

FRIDAY NIGHT

IS COMEDY NIGHT

WITH ANOTHER HILARIOUS

Featuring some of the funniest award-winning comedians on the UK comedy circuit, who are all personally chosen by Jason Manford. Tickets: £12.50

Brennan Reece Brennan has supported a number of high profile acts on tour including Jason Manford, Rob Brydon and Joe Lycett. TV credits: Live at the Apollo, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Roast Battle.

Peter Brush Tour support for Jason Manford, Alexei Sayle, Stephen K Amos, Ellie Taylor and Jamali Maddix

Kate Martin Explosive new talent, definitely an act that you will be bragging about seeing early on in her career.

Doors open 7pm. Show starts 8pm. Final line ups subject to change.

Justin Moorhouse ‘Easily my favourite comedian’ JIMMY CARR Tour support to Michael McIntyre, Justin starred as tiger-faced Young Kenny in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. TV credits: Live At The Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled

Join Award-Winning Broadcaster, Stand up Comedian and WORD host TERRY CHRISTIAN as we celebrate – with the aid of some amazing clips and no holds barred Q&A – the 30th Anniversary of this iconic and quintessentially 90s TV show. Telling the story of a journey from the back streets of Old Trafford to lounging around in Hollywood with everyone from Robin Williams to Tom Hanks. Bitingly funny and edgy. Relive the 90s!

Going on air in August 1990, the WORD both revolutionised Youth TV and predated reality TV by many years. Giving TV debuts to Nirvana, Oasis, Mary J Blige and many more. Deliberately aiming to achieve something new and exciting, the WORD pushed at the conventional boundaries of broadcasting to court controversy and outrage the establishment.

Come and join in the fun with Terry and ask him anything you ever wanted to know about his time on

FRIDAY NIGHT IS COMEDY NIGHT

WITH ANOTHER HILARIOUS

Featuring some of the funniest award-winning comedians on the UK comedy circuit, who are all personally chosen by Jason Manford. Tickets: £12.50

Kate Smurthwaite

‘Fun and energetic and full of ideas’ John Cleese Tour support for Jason Manford

Matt Bragg ‘Classic observation comedy, delivered with effortless style’ Ricky Gervais. Tour support for Harry Hill, Clinton Baptiste

Faizan Syed Shah

Manchester-based comic who moved to the UK as a child, his well-crafted jokes make light of growing up in an immigrant household.

Scott Bennett

Doors open 7pm. Show starts 8pm. Final line ups

‘Great material, great delivery, a very funny man’ ROB BRYDON Tour support for Michael McIntyre, Jason Manford, John Bishop and Rob Brydon.

The shows listed below are tribute shows, and in no way are affiliated with any original artists/estates / management companies or similar shows.

Wednesday 15 February 7:00pm

Saturday 18 February 7:30pm

Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and THE ONLY Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees! In 1997, brothers Gary & Darren Simmons from Jive Talkin' performed LIVE on HEART FM with THE BEE GEES and received great compliments from both Maurice and Barry Gibb. Now joined by Darren’s son Jack, the guys are supported musically by a four piece band to ensure that every note in every song is just right!

Back at the Garrick by huge demand, this truly amazing experience is your opportunity to hear all the great Bee Gees hits; Tragedy, Night Fever, Massachusetts, Stayin Alive, Jive Talkin, etc, in a 2 hour explosion of music and vocal harmony, this is a night not to be missed!.

Tickets £24.00 Under 16s £10.00

The energetic show that follows in the footsteps of the award-winning girl band, Little Mix

Now playing its 5th successful year touring the UK and having played to over 100,000 people around the country, The Little Mix Show is back!

This iconic 5-star rated show has live vocals and is full of commercial pop-video choreography. Suitable for kids, tweens, teens and adults alike, The Little Mix Show brings the full pop concert experience to you, and features all of Little Mix’s chart topping hits including the Confetti album.

Dance & scream to a packed-out playlist of songs that include Black Magic, Power, Break Up Song, Woman Like Me, Wings, Shoutout To My Ex and even a few covers from their time on the X-Factor.

Tickets £15.00 Concessions £13.00

Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £52.00

Thursday 20 April 7:30pm

Experience the ultimate Celine Dion tribute Concert as it tours across the UK. My Heart Will Go On is a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. Starring January Butler as ‘Celine Dion’ and an outstanding live band, the audience are taken on a magical ride through four decades of hits that include: The Power Of Love, It's All Coming Back To Me Now, I'm Alive, All By Myself, Because You Loved Me, My Heart Will Go On and many more... Join us for an unmissable evening as we pay homage to the Queen of Power Ballads. Tickets £25.00

The shows listed below are tribute shows, and in no way are affiliated with any original artists/estates / management companies or similar shows.

Saturday 22 April 7:30pm

Thursday 1 June 7:30pm

“The closest thing to Take That” Nigel Martin-Smith

As Take That celebrate over 30 years as the UK's number one boy band, The Take That Experience mark over a decade together as their most popular and recognised tribute act.

This incredible show features hit after hit from Take That’s career spanning three decades - from classic 90s hits through to their most recent triumphs. Songs include Pray, Relight My Fire, Patience, Shine, These Days, Rule The World and Amore, as well as some of “Robbie Williams’ “ greatest hits.

With acclaimed vocal performances, stunning replica costumes and iconic dance routines, The Take That Experience recreate the magic of Take That live on stage with their ‘Greatest Hits Tour’.

This show is a must for any Take That fan as the boys don’t just give you a night you’ll Never Forget… they give you The Take That Experience!

Tickets £24.00 Garrick Friends £21.00

Sunday 23 April 7:30pm

Featuring stars from the hit production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Journey into a colourful production featuring vibrant and energetic songs from the most loved shows: Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar, Six, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Les Misérables, Moulin Rouge and more. Grab your coat of many colours and join our Josephs on an emotional journey where Any Dream Will Do. Go Go Go get your tickets now!

Tickets £25.00

Now seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by millions on TV Europe’s No.1 multi award winning show “The Legends of American Country” returns for another fantastic night of toe tapping Country nostalgia. The 2023 tour will showcase highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy Cline and Kenny Rogers and new tributes to icons Hank Williams, Charley Pride, Glen Campbell, Tammy Wynette, John Denver and Jim Reeves with countless other well-known singalong hit songs in this must-see musical extravaganza. The show features a superb live band of musicians and 4 fantastic singers with that authentic Tennessee sound which, coupled with an authentic stage set, will transport you all the way to Nashville and back in one night . One thing is for sure if – it’s Country music you like, then this is the only show in town! Tickets £22.50

Experience powerful star vocals in a musical evening of West End and Broadway classics!

The shows listed below are tribute shows, and in no way are affiliated with any original artists/estates / management companies or similar shows.

Saturday 3 June 7:30pm

Fleetwood Bac

Endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, FLEETWOOD BAC are the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, and the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic ‘Rumours’ line-up. The sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and onstage chemistry are all portrayed with the passion and energy that has built up an excellent reputation amongst Mac fans. Experience the incredible sounds and unforgettable iconic numbers of one of the world’s greatest bands, live in concert!

“One of the UK’s top 5 tributes” (The Times) Tickets £22.00

Sunday 4 June 7:30pm

If you are looking for the ‘Ultimate Feel-Good Experience’, this show is not to be missed!

Enjoy this slick, fast moving and vibrant show, bringing you some of the greatest songs ever written, performed by a cast of world class singers and dancers.

Re-live the fantastic sounds of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s presented in the unique ‘Timeless’ style.

An unforgettable show packed with fun, energy, and a few laughs along the way.

Tickets £21.00

Wednesday 28 June 7:30pm

MARTIN TOAL presents

A Night at the Summer Proms

Including favourite songs, music and dance from the worlds of Opera and Musical Theatre, plus a rousing Last Night of the Proms Finale!

Following his March 2022 sell-out concert, leading UK tenor Martin Toal and guests are back at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse for the summer of 2023 to bring you a one-night-only variety concert of favourite songs, music and dance from the world of opera, musicals, and sport, concluding with a singalong and flag-waving Last Night of the Proms Finale!

Tickets £18.00 Concessions £16.00 Members £14.00

Thursday 29 June 7:30pm

Starring Gary Ryan, as seen on Stars in Their Eyes!

The show will take you for one special evening, back to where it began. A musical journey celebrating 50 years of some of the greatest songs ever written.

From Brooklyn to Hollywood, Neil Diamond has left a legacy of great songs which have been covered by every great vocalist.

Spanning all genres from the reggae of Red Red Wine, through the country of Cracklin’ Rosie, and the Hollywood music of The Jazz Singer

Enjoy all the hits Forever In Blue Jeans, America, Love On The Rocks, Song Sung Blue, Hello Again, Cracklin’ Rosie, I Am. . . I Said, Beautiful Noise and, of course, Sweet Caroline

The good times never seemed so good!

Tickets £29.00 Garrick Friends £27.00

It’s time for that night out you have been dreaming of!

Your Local Theatre

The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse is one of the premier entertainment facilities in the South Manchester area. Wherever you may be seated in our comfortable 401-seat Main Auditorium, you are guaranteed both excellent leg room and an unhindered view of the stage.

The Playhouse has it’s own car park offering FREE PARKING to patrons. Inside the complex, we also have our own in-house facilities. A professional workshop, creating our own scenery, as well as lighting, sound, props and wardrobe departments, all of which wouldn’t be out of place if they were found in a top professional theatre.

In addition to our Main Stage, a 50-seat Studio Theatre allows for the staging of more intimate productions. In both venues, you are guaranteed a warm, friendly welcome from our incredibly dedicated teams of volunteers, who work in conjunction with the Box Office and Bar staff to enhance your visit.

The Garrick Playhouse is fortunate to be able to attract many of the most gifted local performers to appear in our own productions, as well as being able to draw on the best creative and directorial talent from the region. While our own in-house productions are classed as nonprofessional, everything about the theatre is set up and run with a completely professional outlook... which is absolutely right for one of the best live performance venues in the area.

Garrick Playhouse Bar

The Bar is open from 6.45pm until 11:00pm on performance nights, and between 8:30pm until 11:00pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays of non-show weeks. The bar is available for hire on non-show weeks by arrangement. Please contact admin@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk

Script Hire

Set and single copies available. Just 50p per copy per week with a £5 deposit (returnable).

Costume Hire

Full productions only. Regrettably, no fancy dress hire. By arrangement with the Wardrobe Dept. Call 0161-925 5134 or e-mail wardrobe@altrincham garrick.co.uk

Theatre Hire

The Main Auditorium, Studio Theatre and Rehearsal Rooms are available for hire for a wide range of uses. For details of facilities including Conference, Exhibition & Meeting, Presentation and Lecture, all with full catering facilities, please contact admin@altrincham garrick.co.uk

Advertising & Sponsorship

Interested

If you like theatre... no, if you love theatre, drama, comedy, musical theatre, play reading, poetry and much more and would relish the opportunity to meet new people, then the new 'Altrincham Garrick Play Reading Club' is for you.

Here is an opportunity for you to have fun whether you are an enthusiast, a participant or something else altogether.

No matter if you have never read a play before, if you studied a play or two in school or are a die-hard enthusiast, all are welcome to join us as we read our way through an extensive list of plays and musicals new and old.

Play readings take place once a month in the Garrick Bar.

The event is all about relaxed, no pressure reading, so don't worry about not reading things correctly or in a certain way. We're all working through it together.

Whilst some of us have taken part in plays, we're not about deep intellectual debate either. We may discuss a play but no one is ever expected to have previous knowledge of a play.

The best way to read a play is to do it out loud, so join us and give it a try?

Our reasonably priced bar and coffee bar will be open too. So if you would like to see what we have to offer before committing, then you are most welcome to have a drink with us and soak up the atmosphere.

The first session is free and thereafter it will be a minimum of £5 per person, or as much as you wish and are able to donate to support your local Theatre.

Book Online

Visit our website at www.altrincham garrick.co.uk, and follow the links.

Book by phone

Call the Box Office on 0161-928 1677 (Option 1). All reserved seats must be paid for within 48 hours of booking.

Booking Fees

There is an additional £2.00 transaction fee for each individual payment made either by phone or when booking online. There are no booking fees charged for tickets bought by people visiting the Garrick’s Box Office in person.

Book in person

Box Office Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday (Every Week):

11.00am - 4.00pm, 6:00pm - 8.30pm Saturday (Every Week): 9.00am - 12.00 noon

Production Weeks: 11.00am - 4.00pm, 6:00pm - 9.00pm

Ticket Prices for Plays:

Playhouse Main Stage Productions: Mondays: £12.00 Full Price, £10.00 Friends Tuesdays - Saturdays: £15.50 Full Price, £14.00 Concessions, £11.50 Friends and £10.00 25U

Playhouse Studio Productions: £12.00 Full Price, £10.00 Friends

Seating Plans:

Ticket Prices for Musicals:

INTO THE WOODS: £18.50 Full Price, £17.50 Concessions, £15.00 Friends, £13.00 25U

For NT Live Screenings:

THE CRUCIBLE / OTHELLO / GOOD: £20.o0 Full Price, £18.00 Concessions

For Picturehouse Movies: £6.o0 Full Price, £5.00 Garrick Friends

Ticket Prices for our Panto:

SLEEPING BEAUTY: £18.00 Full Price, £16.00 Concessions, £14.00 Friends, £14.00 25U, £13.00 Children

Refunds and Exchanges

No refunds are available unless the Event is cancelled, postponed or materially changed.

Exchanges are only permitted at the discretion of the theatre management and due to exceptional circumstances.

If an Event is cancelled Customers will be refunded the face value of the Ticket.

The Box office will try to re-sell tickets subject to a £1 per ticket exchange fee, on the understanding that the sale of the Garrick's own available seats takes priority.

Disabled Facilities and Wheelchair Access

We do require advanced booking for Wheelchair users, and please let our Box Office know about any special requirements when booking. Wheelchair spaces are available in the Auditorium, and there are toilets and lifts for disabled patrons.

The Main Auditorium can accommodate 4 wheelchairs, and the Lauriston Studio can also accept up to four.

The Garrick’s car park includes four disabled parking spaces – two to the left of the entrance, and two in front of the foyer. Please display permits at all times and only use these spaces if you have a current permit.

Playhouse Main Stage Playhouse Studio

STAGE STAGE

Altrincham Garrick

Altrincham Garrick Show Choir is all about the joy of singing together and creating music in a relaxed, fun and social environment. A non-stress and non audition Community Show Choir at your local theatre!

As well as joy, laughs, music and harmony, Altrincham Garrick Show Choir builds and encourages a healthier and safer way of singing and improves musicality by working on vocal technique, rhythm, pitch and harmony part singing in every rehearsal, boosting your confidence!

Singing together is a hugely wonderful and exciting experience. It’s also a great social event. Come on down and get involved today!

This amateur production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.co.uk.

An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.

One of the world’s favourite musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming's children's book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary

Chitty Bang Bang is one family-friendly show that you’ll find "Truly Scrumptious."

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse presents the most Fantasmagorical musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, for October Half Term… a high-flying, fun-filled adventure for the entire family!

Poppins), Chitty

Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman Music by special arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing. Adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams Based on the MGM Motion Picture. Licensed script by Ray Roderick

Musical Direction by Mark Goggins

Directed by Joseph Meighan

The dreamiest, most spellbinding panto of them all!

SleepingBeauty

Step into a fairy-tale world of magical castles, bewitched spinning wheels and an enchanted sleep that only true love’s kiss can break…

Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful Princess is given a twenty-first birthday present by her evil aunt; the wicked Enchantress - Carabosse! By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Can a handsome Prince break the spell? Who will outwit the evil Enchantress and foil her wicked plans? Well... there's only one way to find out – Join us at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse for another hugely entertaining pantomime adventure, packed with magic, songs, comedy, dance, special effects and much, much more… This will be the dreamiest Garrick Panto of them all! Don’t get caught snoozing, book your tickets now for THE PANTOMIME OF YOUR DREAMS!!