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| | The award-winning Lichfield Garrick Theatre in south Staffordshire opens its doors to the general public on July 1st 2003.
The first performances at the £5.5 million project will take place during the start of the internationally acclaimed Lichfield Festival.
The season features performances from Stephen Berkoff, Linda Marlowe, Clive James and Duck by ‘Out of Joint’ theatre company.
The theatre, which was named after one of Lichfield's favourite sons, the famous 18th century actor David Garrick, has already been making a name for itself.
Theatrical dynasty's support
The well-known actor Corin Redgrave will achieve his father, Sir Michael Redgrave’s, dream and launch the theatre.
In 1953, Sir Michael campaigned to save The David Garrick Theatre in the town - but was unable to stop the march of time, and the the old theatre was pulled down.
--------- ----------- | | Corin takes a well-earned rest - surrounded by Garrick theatre programmes! |
But, fifty years later, his son Corin is appearing in, and directing, the opening season at the new Lichfield Garrick.
Local connections to opening plays
Annie Castledine, famous for developing nationally acclaimed regional theatre at the Derby Playhouse will join Corin and co-direct the opening season’s two performances - The Recruiting Officer and Resurrection.
The Recruiting Officer (due in September) was written by Farquhar whilst Farquhar was staying at the George Hotel in Lichfield, and was an immediate hit when it opened at Drury Lane in 1706. It was also the first play that David Garrick performed in.
It's still considered the finest Restoration comedy of all time.
Resurrection (due in October) is based on the life and times of Garrick’s friend and teacher Doctor Samuel Johnson (the father of the Dictionary), who lived and worked in Lichfield too.
The play explores the last moments of Dr Johnson’s life and his struggle with post-slavery Britain.
Annie Castledine comments, "Great theatre does not begin and end in the West-End.
It may be a bold statement, but I don’t think too bold, to say that through the opening season at the Lichfield Garrick, we will recreate the drive and spirit of the man himself and bring great theatre to the home of David Garrick."
Tribute to Garrick
Garrick is one of Lichfield's great sons, but sadly unremembered now outside the town and his profession.
However, the new theatre should re-establish his reputation.
Corin Redgrave commented, "Garrick, by common consent was the greatest of all this country’s actors.
What his special genius consisted of is hard to say, because the qualities which his contemporaries praised – naturalness, spontaneity, invention – are all those which notable actors are praised for in every era.
Nevertheless, we do know that Garrick almost single-handedly elevated theatre and acting to the centre of the life and society of his time and this was a colossal achievement.
To do so, Garrick had to leave Lichfield, his birthplace, and come to London.
Today London offers a bewildering number of theatres compared to his time. But not so many of them provide an actor with the chance to develop his craft or an audience with plays that it can marvel at.
Lichfield has done Garrick proud, and we have done the cause of theatre proud by building a theatre in his name.
It is a happy irony that whilst Garrick and his contemporaries had to go to London to find what they were looking for, we actors and audiences will now come to Lichfield."
Eco-friendly
Unusually, even the internal systems of the building have come in for praise.
During its construction, the theatre won an award for its design which incorporates a unique ventilation system.
The ecologically-friendly design uses natural ventilation instead of mechanical devices to help lower CO2 emissions.
This reduces the building's running costs and makes for a more "silent" system.
And there's more
After the Festival has finished, Lichfield Garrick Opening Sale will begin - where all tickets will have up to a third off!
On 18th July, young, talented individuals of Lichfield have been gathered together from Friary, King Edward VI and Nether Stowe schools to compete to be the best band in Lichfield.
Other highlights include dramas featuring such well-known names such as Sian Phillips (Tony Award nominee), Sylvia Simms, Jenny Seagrove, Clive James and Pam Ayres.
Contemporary theatre directed by Max Stafford Clark, with Duck by Out of Joint theatre company.
Theatre-goers will be able to sample these delights for the special price of £12 (£10 reductions).
Contact details
For up to date information on this season at Lichfield Garrick, you can sign up to Lichfield Garrick’s free mailing list on its website www.lichfield garrick.com |
