Garrick clocks up 20-year milestone
Lichfield 's popular Garrick Theatre is marking 20 years of stylish entertainment - with its very own initiative marking two decades of treading the boards.
The local arts venue is gearing up to launch the Garrick 20 project, which will see its team spending 12 months supporting 20 local artists or community groups to realise a creative ambition, visiting 20 local schools with creative activities, and offering training placements for 20 young people.
The arts charity wants to celebrate its two decades of being at the heart of the cultural life of Lichfield and the surrounding area by investing in the culture and creativity of the local communities which have supported it throughout.
On Saturday 1 July, exactly 20 years after the theatre put on its first ever performance, the venue will be hosting an 'Open House ' event to kick off a year of activity and partnerships. The day will include free theatre tours, workshops, community performances, theatre ticket competitions, archive displays, and an opportunity to find out how the public can help shape the future of the Garrick with CEO and Artistic Director, Daniel Buckroyd.
The theatre wants to hear from anyone interested in getting involved in its Garrick 20 project and is particularly keen to talk to groups or individuals who may not have been able to access the theatre in the past and would like to see the Garrick working in their community.
A spokesman said: “Whether you 're a recent graduate looking for experience in the sector, a school wanting to ignite the creativity and confidence of its students, a community group that wants to make a difference to the wellbeing of residents in your neighbourhood, or a local artist with a great idea for a creative project, then the Garrick wants to hear from you. ”
Daniel Buckroyd said: “The Garrick 's continued success is down to the amazing staff team we have at the venue, the loyal support of our local audiences, and the creativity we encounter in Lichfield and the surrounding area every day. That 's why we 've decided to celebrate our birthday by getting out into the community and making sure a wider range of people can get creative and get involved in their local theatre. '
Pictured: The Garrick's 2020 production of Jack and the Beanstalk