Share your Garrick memories as part of 20th anniversary celebrations

Lichfield Garrick Theatre is inviting patrons old and new to recall their memories of the theatre as part of plans to mark the venue 's 20th anniversary this summer.

The theatre and arts charity is proud to have spent two decades as one of Lichfield 's leading entertainment and cultural destinations, and wants to celebrate the role that so many local people have played in its success over the years.

The theatre was to hear people 's fondest, funniest, proudest stories of visiting the Garrick, whether that 's watching a particular show, performing on one of its stages, taking part in a workshop, or meeting a friend or loved one for the first time.

Potential contributors are invited to send in an image or lend a programme to be used in an exhibition which will be created to tell the story of the Garrick 's first 20 years.

The theatre will be kicking off its anniversary year with an 'open house ' event on Saturday 1 July - welcoming residents to visit the venue, meet the team and enjoy a host of free activities, including behind-the-scenes tours, lighting and sound demonstrations, performances by community groups, workshops, and an archive display of Garrick memorabilia.

Local historian Jono Oates will also be on hand to answer historical questions and showcase the theatre 's original architectural drawings.

Plus, there will be 20 chances during the day to win tickets for this year 's pantomime, Beauty & the Beast.

Also launched is Garrick 20 - a year-long project opening the Garrick to Lichfield 's many different communities - with an ambition to help 20 local groups and artists to realise a creative ambition, offer 20 training placements for young people and to take creative opportunities into 20 schools.

If you would like to register your interest, please email [email protected]

CEO and artistic director, Daniel Buckroyd, said: “Big birthdays like this are a great opportunity to celebrate the past, but as the Garrick continues to bounce back from Covid, we 're also very much looking towards the future.

“As we make plans for the next twenty years, we 're keen to be listening to you, our audiences and supporters, about what you want to see the Garrick mean for you and your communities, so that the next chapter in our story can make you proud of your local theatre.

“We 'll be listening on 1 July and we 'll be listening all year, so if you want to join the conversation, whether you're a long-term supporter of the Lichfield Garrick or a newcomer to the area, we 'd love to see you at the theatre soon. ”

If you have any Lichfield Garrick memories or memorabilia that you 'd like to share, email them to [email protected].

Theatre tours must be booked in advance.