Helen Swain Archives - North West End UK

A Chorus Line – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

8Sep

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

A Chorus Line – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

There are certain shows that feel timeless in their simplicity and power, and A Chorus Line is one of them. The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse’s current production, directed by Joseph Meighan, captures that magic beautifully, offering a night of theatre that is both dazzling and deeply human. The story, set in the world of Broadway auditions, follows director Zach Wilson (played here with presence and precision by Joseph Meighan himself) as he whittles down a group of hopeful dancers competing for a coveted spot in his new chorus line. The show strips back theatrical spectacle to its essence, focusing instead on raw storytelling with its mirrored backdrops and nothing else allowing the cast’s talent and truth to shine. What sets this production apart is the electric chemistry between M...

A Vicar of Dibley Christmas – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

19Nov

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

A Vicar of Dibley Christmas – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Bringing the much-loved Vicar of Dibley to life on stage is no small task. The iconic characters, rapid scene changes, and the demands of adapting a TV script for live theatre present significant challenges, yet the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse production rises admirably to the occasion. Director Pete Brassington acknowledges the complexity of staging this comedy, particularly the numerous costume changes needed to depict the passage of time. You can't talk about the Vicar of Dibley without mentioning the leading lady, and in this case, it was Meg Brassington stepping into the role of Geraldine Granger, made famous by the iconic Dawn French. Her sardonic tone and impeccable comic timing, accentuated by “pauses” and subtle expressions, anchor the production with authenticity and humour. ...

The Vicar of Dibley – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

27Feb

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

The Vicar of Dibley – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse’s The Vicar of Dibley transported audiences back to the quirky charm of the beloved TV series, delivering an evening of uproarious laughter and heartwarming moments. Directed by Pete Brassington, the production showcased the talents of a remarkable cast of amateur performers who breathed new life into the iconic characters. Meg Brassington shone as the irrepressible Geraldine Granger, infusing the role with wit, warmth, and a touch of sass. Opposite her, Hugh Everett embodied the pompous yet endearing David Horton, while Dan Ellis captured the bumbling charm of Hugo Horton. Helen Swain charmed as the sweet-natured but somewhat dim-witted Alice Tinker, eliciting plenty of laughs with her comedic timing. Christine Perry brought Letitia Cropley to life w...

Calendar Girls – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

21Jun

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

Calendar Girls – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

The traditional view of that redoubtable British institution, The Women’s Institute (or WI to its friends), is one of middle-class ladies of a certain age baking and knitting in a cosy village environment, far from the struggles of the real world. Subverting this stereotype, a branch from Yorkshire decided to produce an ‘Alternative WI Calendar’ to raise money for a new sofa in the wait room of a local hospital, following the cancer diagnosis of a friend. The twist was that all the ladies appeared in various states of undress whilst posing in a variety of mundane activities. The idea was a runaway success, eventually raising over £3,000,000 for Leukaemia Research and subsequently spawning a successful play, film and this stage musical in 2015. Penned by Tim Firth (Kinky Boots, Neville’s...