Sleeping Beauty at the Lichfield Garrick

The Lichfield Garrick’s executive director has hailed the success of the theatre’s annual pantomime and festive programme of events.

More than 30,000 people attended the four shows over the Christmas period.

Sleeping Beauty at the Lichfield Garrick
Sleeping Beauty at the Lichfield Garrick

The city theatre’s run of Sleeping Beauty received rave reviews, while audiences also enjoyed family show Dear Santa, anti-panto Crimes Against Christmas and the festive Comedy 42 stand-up night.

Karen Foster, the Lichfield Garrick’s executive director, said the programme had been a successful one.

“In December we welcomed the equivalent of the entire population of Burntwood or Rugeley and nearly the equivalent of Lichfield city residents into the theatre,” she said. “This is an amazing achievement for an independent venue such as the Lichfield Garrick.

“The critical acclaim the theatre has received in the press is wonderful and the feedback from the public who loved the shows is incredible. We would like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful actors and musicians for making our festive performances so successful.”

Sleeping Beauty was the first pantomime co-produced with Evolution Pantomimes at the Garrick.

Director Tim Ford, who is also the theatre’s artistic director, said: “We have been thrilled by the response to our festive programme and it’s been a delight to work with the cast and creatives on these productions.

“To have so many shows sold out is an incredible achievement and a testament to all the hard work that the team has put in over the past year.”

Next year’s pantomime will be Aladdin and two stars of Sleeping Beauty have confirmed they will return – Sam Rabone as Widow Twankey and Ben Thornton as Wishy Washy. The remainder of the cast will be announced later this year.

Tickets are now on sale via the Garrick’s website or by calling 01543 412121.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.