The Laramie Project - Lauriston Studio at Altrincham Garrick

MATTHEW Shephard, a 21 year old student at Wyoming University was beaten and tortured and left for dead after a brutal attack in October 1998.

A few days later he died as a result of his injuries, the victim of a notorious hate crime. Matthew was murdered because he was gay.

Moises Kaufman’s remarkable play was inspired by the incident and you’re certain to experience the whole gamut of human emotions at the Lauriston this week.

But ultimately this piece, born out of interviews conducted with residents by Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, is ultimately a play about forgiveness, of the deeply humbling kind.

When the interviews begin Laramie seems like another Stepford, a small town paradise where residents leave their back doors open and kids can play out until the light fades, without parents fearing for their safety.

But scratch the surface and we soon discover the people who live there are deluded and intolerant, their intolerance fuelled by a bigoted and blinkered church.

Can Laramie change?

Kaufman’s script is so painfully evocative, so emotional without the writer playing on our emotions. Even Matthew Shephard himself would have applauded this.

This production is a high water mark for the Garrick and for amateur theatre in general. It’s ambitious, engrossing and sure to leave a lasting impression on those who see it thanks to a multi-talented cast who played a multitude of different roles, flitting from one to another with an effortless ease.

Director Joe Meighan has made it all possible and while The Laramie Project is a difficult watch, it’s well worth watching.

Quite outstanding.

Until March 26. The box office is on 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk - returns only.

Star rating - *****

Photo - Martin Ogden