New look Garrick

It’s two years since the Lichfield Garrick saw a brand new management team under the leadership of Adrian Jackson and I had just agreed to take on political responsibility for what many said was a poison challis at Lichfield District Council.

Costing far more tax payer’s money to run than was originally agreed it was certainly the proverbial political ‘hot potato’ and the subject of widespread criticism from artistes appearing there to, what seemed at the time, every person living in and around Lichfield.

But, two years on, the Garrick’s good reputation is growing nationally, the cost to tax payers is just over half what it was and performers are going out of their way to appear. Yes, there are still challenges ahead… the credit crunch which, touch wood, hasn’t affected ticket sales is far from over and the Garrick is still costing more than ideally I want it too.

This week saw the latest phase in the theatre’s short but chequered history with major building work to join the ground floor Green Room Bar/Cafe, via a stunning cruise ship style spiral staircase, to the brand new wine bar and restaurant area upstairs. A revamped entrance into the bar and outside seating area really add to the look of the already architecturally striking building and make it altogether more welcoming.

When I agreed to providing funding for the work I thought the plans looked hugely exciting but now it is finished it looks better than I could ever have imagined and the ambiance in both bars is spectacular. The first regular Friday night jazz since it was finished saw both bars packed and a genuine new buzz to the whole building.

And just wait until you see some of the names (particularly singing) who are appearing at the Lichfield Garrick for the new season… I’m genuinely stunned at some of them!

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