Variety is the spice of life for new man at the Garrick

JOE Meighan, the new artistic director at Altrincham Garrick, hopes he can bring an exciting mix of the classics and contemporary work to its stage.

The 26-year-old, who was recently appointed to the post, said:

“I love the work of Anton Chekhov, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Miller and Mike Bartlett. I’d love to see more Shakespeare and classic texts revived at the Garrick, as well as contemporary writers and Northern/ Manchester writers. I also really want to see more female playwrights and playwrights of colour celebrated at the Garrick.

“ Basically, I want the different voices of our season to be reflective of the community of Greater Manchester. But I certainly want there to be something for everyone, and a major Family offering. Trafford has a large family demographic, and it would be great to see different generations enjoying the Garrick.”

But he won’t lose sight of the history and heritage of a theatre that has been an integral part of what is now Trafford’s vibrant and exciting arts scene for more than 100 years. He also wants the Garrick to keep its family appeal. The Salford resident also wants the venue to be a multi-media space in which “all are welcomed.”

Live theatre has been very badly hit as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and many theatres up and down the UK remaining dark at the moment, unsure when the house lights will be burning again. How does Joe plan to meet those challenges in these - to use the popular if well worn phrase - unprecedented times?

“The pandemic has changed almost everything, and theatre and the arts has certainly paid a major price over the last few months. It’s been very sad to plan things and want to get things moving and then being stopped in our tracks by restrictions,

“Tier systems and everything else associated with the pandemic. But, safety has to come first. I hope that many people will be in need of some culture and some escapism when the time comes to us opening our doors fully. We certainly aren’t going anywhere! We will be there for our community as soon as we safely can be... and I’m hoping that won’t be too long.”