This September, Lichfield Garrick Theatre launches its biggest ever season for 2025-26. Although the glass slipper may only fit Cinderella, you’re sure to find your perfect fit in the Garrick’s most eclectic season of shows ever!
A year on from their fresh, front-facing refurbishment, Lichfield Garrick goes from rags to riches with a rib-tickling retelling of Cinderella (in association with Evolution Production), featuring returning pantomime dame: Sam Rabone— a familiar local favourite. Building on the success of last year’s smash hit, Jack and the Beanstalk, it’s not one you’re going to want to miss! Written by the award-winning Paul Hendy and directed by the Lichfield Garrick’s very own Artistic Director Daniel Buckroyd, this laugh-a-minute pantomime has been created with the entire family in mind… Whilst we’re on the topic of winter festivities, the state-of-the-art Lichfield Garrick Studio will home the infamous tale of Dickens’ Christmas Classic. Only this time, it’s not quite as you might expect! A Shoddy Christmas Carol will feel just as catastrophic as a last-minute Christmas shopping spree in Ventura Retail Park, only with collapsing set, missing props, and unhinged jokes— featuring a cast fresh from their critically acclaimed UK Tour.
Not quite ready to bid farewell to the summer? The Garrick will be turning up the heat with a jam-packed season of Music and Comedy. For the music lovers, there’s everything from Opera Boy: A Night at the Musicals to 80s Live, and Michael Jackson (Man in the Mirror) to Cher (The Shoop Show). If all that’s got you feeling thirsty, Your Garrick Hub (the new personalised digital platform) brings everything into one place, allowing you to easily pre-order refreshments for collection directly from your mobile device. Looking for a giggle with your Guinness? Returning ventriloquist Paul Zerdin: Jaw Drop, is ready to hand-in a few laughs alongside his army of puppets. One of the UK’s fastest rising comedy stars, Maisie Adams visits Lichfield in her Comedy Special with Jacob Hawley and Dinesh Nathan! And who can afford to miss certified legend of comedy, Ed Byrne, with his impish wit and undeniable humour? If you’re looking for something a little more ridiculous, Jody Kamali stars as Jeremy Irons in Ironing Board Man, a high-energy physical comedy that not only delivers laughter but also surprises with unexpected emotional twists.
Whilst a new term means learning new names, there are some exciting familiar names who’ll be swinging by Lichfield in the months ahead. Joe McFadden (Holby City, Heartbeat, 2:22 A Ghost Story) steps into the role of Andy Dufresne in an electrifying adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption alongside Bill Ward (Coronation Street, Emmerdale), and Ben Onwukwe (London’s Burning). With football season kicking off, An Evening with Aston Villa Legends features Villa legends Andy Townsend, Lee Hendrie, and Ian Taylor— revealing behind the scenes stories at Villa Park and beyond. Triple threat, Jason Manford, unleashes the laughter upon Lichfield with Manford All Seasons. And whilst Strictly fever sweeps the land, Anton Du Beke meets us At the Musicals. Back by phenomenal demand, fan favourite Peter Andre returns to the Garrick in The Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons— a tribute from one household name to another… If you’re in the mood to digest some of the words of those lyrics, Susie Dent: Word Perfect, is here to entertain and educate us with her pick of the greatest hits of the English language. From English to Physics, Professor Dame Helen Atkinson highlights exciting developments in air mobility in the 35th Erasmus Darwin Memorial Lecture, whilst Biology offers untapped insights into the dark world of forensic pathology with Dr Richard Shepherd in Time of Death. Class is truly back in session!
If all those name-drops are far too much, Lichfield Garrick also prides itself on championing local theatre with local people. The Garrick looks forward to welcoming back Lichfield Operatic Society (Rock of Ages), Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre (Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Fame), the Lichfield Players (The Fulstow Boys), Brownhill’s Musical Theatre Company (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). There’s nothing quite like home-grown talent— and with this year’s launch of Lichfield Garrick’s Creative Burntwood project (whereby the Garrick secured almost £300,000 National Lottery Place Partnership funding from Arts Council England), in Partnership with Burntwood Town Council and Lichfield District Council, The Garrick proudly becomes the beating heart keeping arts alive in our local area.
Tell me it’s not true— this season, Willy Russel’s smash hit Musical, Blood Brothers, triumphantly returns to the Garrick in all its gritty glory… But if you’re looking for something even more upbeat, the West End and Broadway Smash-Hit Musical, Buddy- The Buddy Holly Story, thrills Garrick audiences with an action-packed extravaganza based on one of the pioneering figures of rock and roll, Buddy Holly. Boasting a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, Buddy presents two terrific hours of music with over 20 of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Every day and Rave On. Buddy is a not to be missed evening of family entertainment.
Looking for something to entertain the kids? Based on the bestselling books by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, The Dinosaur that Pooped will be a poopy good time for the entire family. From poopy dinosaurs to forgetful foxes, Tales from Acorn Wood brings Julia Donaldson’s stories to life on the Garrick stage alongside The Gruffalo’s Child which takes us on an unforgettable trip into the deep dark wood. Oh, and where else might we see a tiger in the kitchen but in The Tiger Who Came to Tea? There’s plenty to satisfy the hungriest of tigers at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.
Daniel Buckroyd, the Garrick’s Artistic Director & Chief Executive, said:
“We want the Garrick to be a place where everybody feels welcome, so whether you’re a loyal Member or it’s your first time visiting, we hope you’ll find something that appeals in our latest jam-packed season. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing my ‘Director’s Picks’, with Reduced Shakespeare Company bringing their hilarious smash-hit The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) to Lichfield for the first time; Murder, She Didn’t Write putting our audiences centre stage for a live murder mystery; and acclaimed actor Rodreguez King-Dorset in thought-provoking solo drama I Am The Greatest! in our Studio Theatre. I’m also thrilled that the Garrick continues to showcase the very best local talent and that once again we’ll be putting on one of the very best pantomimes in the country, with the magical (and laugh-a-minute) Cinderella set to captivate audiences this Christmas. So, whatever kind of night out you enjoy, we look forward to welcoming you to your local theatre very soon.”
You can support the theatre further by becoming a part of our Membership scheme that allows you to contribute to the theatre you love while also receiving some great benefits.
You can pick up a copy of the new Lichfield Garrick season brochure now or view it on our website www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Tickets are on sale now over the phone on 01543 412121 or in person at Box Office (our current opening times are Tue – Sat, 10am – 5pm) or online via the website.
