The David Garrick mask created by Peter Walker

A year-long celebration of David Garrick will take place a the Lichfield theatre which bears his name.

Next year will mark the 300th anniversary of one of the city’s most famous sons.

The David Garrick mask created by Peter Walker
The David Garrick mask created by Peter Walker

The Lichfield Garrick kicked off a series of events celebrating his life last month with the unveiling of a bronze mask of the Garrick’s face created by local artist Peter Walker.

The Garrick300 programme will also include a new youth theatre performance as well as community musical.

Tim Ford, Lichfield Garrick’s artistic director, said: “It is a really important and exciting year for us here at the Lichfield Garrick as we celebrate the life and times of David Garrick.

“He was a revolutionary in the theatre world working as an actor, writer, director, theatre manager and entrepreneur and was a hugely important person to Lichfield.

“We have been working really hard this last year planning some really exciting events and programmes to mark this very special year and we are thrilled to be working in partnership with the brilliant Peter Walker on the sculpture project.

“We are now hoping dedicated theatre audiences will help us to realise this vision, and asking for contributions towards creating this iconic statue.”

The mask of David Garrick is the start of a journey to incorporate an 8ft statue on the outside wall of the theatre.

Tim said: “The sculpture celebrates the importance and significance of David Garrick and his international reputation. It will not only act as a lasting tribute to his legacy, but also as a symbol of the importance of theatre, performance and the spoken word which has played a part in many people’s lives for centuries.”

The mask, and a number of illustrations by the artist behind it, are on display in the Lichfield Garrick’s upper bar.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Sj
7 years ago

It’s a shame they didn’t renovate and restore his original theatre ,rather than destroy it and replace it with Wilkos.