Garrick unveils packed new season with fresh in-house production

Lichfield Garrick has launched its September 2026 brochure, promising a wide-ranging new season that spans pantomime, in-house theatre, music, comedy and dance.

The venue's first in-house-produced pantomime in more than a decade, Robin Hood, will run from 20 November to 10 January, starring Ben Stock as Nurse Nellie, Joe Feeney as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Ben Thornton in the title role.

Following the success of its debut in-house musical, Disenchanted!, the Garrick will also stage its own production of The Hired Man from 16 to 24 April.

Written by Melvyn Bragg with music by Howard Goodall, the show tells a story of family, friendship, sacrifice and hope through a folk-inspired score.

The venue continues to support local amateur theatre groups, with Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre presenting Hadestown from 23 to 26 September, Walsall Operatic Society staging Made in Dagenham from 29 September to 3 October, and Brownhills Musical Theatre Company performing Shrek the Musical from 4 to 8 May.

Music fans can look forward to Showaddywaddy, The History of Rock and The Bon Jovi Experience, alongside X Factor winner Matt Terry starring as Frankie Valli, and Fascinating Aïda's Bawdacious! tour.

The Legends of American Country Show will celebrate genre icons including Dolly Parton.

Drama and screen highlights include an intimate Studio production of Michael Morpurgo's Private Peaceful, National Theatre Live screenings featuring Sandra Oh and Josh O'Connor, and the return of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, the UK's longest-running play.

The comedy line-up includes Josh Pugh, Seann Walsh, Dom Joly marking 25 years of Trigger Happy TV, and Ginger Johnson's cabaret show Show Pony.

Dance features prominently too, with The Nutcracker, Kathakali and Strictly star Kai Widdrington all on the bill, alongside Jasmin Vardimon Company's new production Lullaby - more than two decades after the Garrick co-commissioned the choreographer's original, pivotal work.

Family audiences can enjoy Ice Age Adventure Live, The Amazing Bubble Man and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, while Strictly champion Giovanni Pernice brings his Unstoppable tour to the Garrick in February.

Christmas will see Shoddy Theatre Company return with A Shoddy Nativity, running alongside the new Robin Hood pantomime.

For the full programme and tickets, visit the website or call the box office on 01543 412121.