Credit: Maise Valley Photography
Sharpen your pencils, polish those apples, and get ready for the sound of the school bell — because the Lichfield Garrick is striding into September with its biggest season ever. That’s right, dear readers, the Garrick’s timetable for 2025–26 has just been pinned to the noticeboard, and it’s bursting with enough drama, laughter, music, and mayhem to keep even the naughtiest class clown quiet.
Let’s start with the headline act: Cinderella. She’s swapping the rags for riches this Christmas, in a pantomime concocted by award-winning writer Paul Hendy and directed by Artistic Director Daniel Buckroyd. Local legend Sam Rabone returns in frocks finer than the Mayor’s chain, and if last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk was anything to go by, you’ll want your ticket quicker than you can say “bibbidi bobbidi boo.”
But the Garrick’s syllabus doesn’t end there. For the festive rebels, A Shoddy Christmas Carol promises missing props, collapsing sets and belly laughs big enough to shake the tinsel off the tree. For the music buffs, the roll call stretches from Opera Boy to 80s Live, Michael Jackson to Cher — with Peter Andre himself crooning the best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Comedy fans won’t be left in detention either: Paul Zerdin’s puppets, Maisie Adams’ mischief, and Ed Byrne’s razor wit are all top of the class.
And just when you thought the register was full, in strolls The Shawshank Redemption with Joe McFadden, Bill Ward and Ben Onwukwe. Add Aston Villa legends swapping tales, Anton Du Beke twirling, Susie Dent deconstructing words, and Dr Richard Shepherd examining Time of Death, and you’ve got yourself one eclectic curriculum.
Local societies are bringing shows such as Rock of Ages (Lichfield Operatic Society), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fame (Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre), The Fulstow Boys (The Lichfield Players), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Brownhills Musical Theatre Company). With almost £300,000 in National Lottery Place Partnership funding fuelling new projects, the Garrick is stamping its name not just as a theatre, but as the very heartbeat of the community.
And for the little ones? From pooping dinosaurs to tea-drinking tigers, the family programme is stuffed with stories to delight every junior bookworm.
As Mr Buckroyd himself says, there’s something for everyone in this jam-packed season. So whether you’re after pantomime sparkle, Shakespeare abridged, or simply a night of music and mischief, class is officially in session at the Lichfield Garrick. Pens at the ready, readers — this is one term you’ll actually want homework for.
Tickets are on sale now over the phone on 01543 412121 or in person at the Box Office ( their current opening times are Tue – Sat, 10am – 5pm) or online via the website.
A Note from Grace
Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been much good in glass slippers – far too slippy when dashing between theatres with a satchel full of gossip. Still, if the Garrick’s season is anything to go by, I’d happily lose a shoe or two on the way. Cinderella might be waiting for her prince, but I’m waiting for curtain up – and trust me, dear readers, this one’s worth the ball.
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