Sasha Carillo Archives - North West End UK

The Worst Witch – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

5Apr

By Louise KershawNo Comments

North West

The Worst Witch – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Before JK Rowling launched Harry Potter on the world there was Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch. A series of books which delighted young readers who fell in love with the goings on in Miss Cackles Academy for young witches. Initially adapted from the books for television and then for theatre this musical production offers everything a young audience might enjoy with its pantomime style and magical narrative. The drama presents as a play within a play. A group of trainee witches perform their story as a school production, and it is to their credit that this young cast grab the material with energy and spirit. Characters that have been well written are very well performed and the rapport amongst the cast shone through. Megan Sorrel as Mildred Hubble, the hapless new girl who doesn’t fit in, ...

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Dealing with the issue of mental health on stage in an acceptable and accessible way has proved a challenge for creatives in the theatre. The huge success of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (in Manchester later this month) as well as ‘Be More Chill’ and ‘Next to Normal’ in the West End and on Broadway, have proved that sensitive handling of the topic and box office popularity are not mutually exclusive. One of the first shows to tread this path was the National Theatre adaptation of Mark Haddon’s 2003 bestselling mystery novel, and this production from Altrincham Garrick Playhouse demonstrates their continuing ability to stage challenging theatre of the highest standard whilst maintaining commercial success. Christopher (Charlie Gallagher) is 15 years, 3 months and two days old and the world is a st...

Jack and the Beanstalk – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Panto is about tradition. Where the big producing houses, and their star-led shows, can never succeed is in developing a joyful familiarity that is nurtured and continued from year to year. That is the superpower of smaller venues, like the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse. But not all theatres are aware of that. Some stray from the path of success. It is a pleasure to report that, yet again, the Garrick gets it and has delivered. There was a slight first night hitch, however. Cast illness meant there was a panto dame-shaped hole to fill. Step up show director, and artistic director, Joseph Meighan. After a long rehearsal process, it is the kind of problem that must feel insurmountable backstage. On stage, however, the audience experience was no less at all. In fact, theatregoers ...