Sunday, December 22

Tag: Mandy Cooke

The History Boys – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
North West

The History Boys – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

It’s hard to believe two decades have passed since the late, great Richard Griffiths first made his motorbike gear-clad entrance onto the National Theatre’s Lyttleton stage as beloved, but problematic, schoolmaster Hector. In that time, two casts of Altrincham Garrick Playhouse History Boys have sat the Oxford and Cambridge entrance exam. Now, to mark the play’s 20-year anniversary, a third is having a go. The appeal of Alan Bennett’s classroom classic is as enduring as the man himself. A true national treasure. This solid production is a good example why. In a northern 1980s sixth form, a set of schoolboys are celebrating passing their A Level exams. The eight have returned, at least in the mind of English and General Studies tutor Hector (Ivor Farley), to resume their pursui...
Home, I’m Darling – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
North West

Home, I’m Darling – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Opening night for Home, I’m Darling at the divine Altrincham Garrick Playhouse and the audience are presented with a phenomenal set (designed by Charlotte Leigh) of a beautiful 1950’s inspired interior. The stairs, centrally placed, lead up to a simple bedroom, painted in hot pink. Downstairs, on the one side, the yellow kitchen (with a superb Smeg refrigerator) and monochrome chequered floor, on the other, a green living room complete with a 1950’s fireplace and minibar! The set construction team (with Mandy Cooke as Scenic Artist) have excelled in the creation of this authentic looking abode. The aesthetics in this show are key to creating the initial allure of the 1950’s and the costumes did not disappoint; a range of colourful 50’s inspired dresses and suits were worn throughout by ...