- Lichfield Garrick
- Your Visit
- Refurbishment Project
Lichfield Garrick Refurbishment Project
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When is the project happening?
Works will start on site on 8th July, with the first phase of works completed by the end of August and the whole scheduled to be projected clompleted by the start of October. -
What works are you undertaking?
We're going to be improving all the front of house areas of the theatre including the bars, box office and toilets, plus external works to improve the visibility and accessibility of the theatre.
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Who's going to benefit from the project?
Everything we're doing has been designed to improve our customers' experiences when they come to see a show, book a ticket, or spend time in our café and bar areas, so we hope that everyone who uses the theatre will feel the benefit of this project.
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Will the theatre be closed during the project?
We'll be closed to the public for eight weeks from 8th July to alow the main works to take place safely, however we'll continue to offer our normal in-person service at a temporary Box Office which you'll find at the blue Studio/ Cinema entrance to the theatre on Castle Dyke - feel free to drop-in 10am-2pm every Tuesday-Saturday. -
When will the theatre re-open?
We'll re-open for the start of our Autumn season on 31st August as planned, although some works will continue through September. -
How are you paying for the project?
The project is being paid for from reserves that the Lichfield Garrick Arts Charity has built up over the last few years of strong ticket sales and careful management - unlike a commercial business, the Garrick will always re-invest any surplus in the service it offers audiences. -
Will you be improving accessibility?
Lichfield Garrick Theatre has been listening to customers with access needs and working with access specialists to put accessibility at the heart of this project. Access improvements include wider doors, improved entrances and a brand new accessible toilet facility close to our Main House wheelchair seating spaces. -
Will you be improving the lift?
Unfortunately, the Lichfield Garrick don't control the lift in the building, which is maintained by Lichfield District Council, so we haven't been able to include an upgrade of that within this project. However, we know that our customers want to see this improved, so we'll continue to work with LDC to see if we can do this in the near future. -
Can I still buy tickets?
You can book tickets throughout the project online or via phone OR in person at our temporary Box Office which you'll find at the blue Studio/Cinema entrance to the theatre on Castle Dyke. -
If I'm coming to see a show in September will the on-going works affect my visit?
The last phase of works in September won't affect the running of our programme, so you'll be able to see any shows that you've booked for as normal. However, we may not be able to offer a full bar service until the whole project is completed at the beginning of October, so we'll be selling drinks, ice creams etc in different parts of the building. But don't worry, we'll have plenty of staff on-hand to help you with anything you need. -
How can I find out more?
We will be updating this page as the project develops, and you can follow us on socials for time-sensitive updates.
Lichfield Garrick Theatre is delighted to unveil plans for a major refurbishment, with the Charity’s trustees having approved a significant investment in the venue’s facilities. Set to commence in early July, the refurbishment will focus on enhancing the theatre’s front-of-house areas, including box office, bars and toilets, and improving accessibility.
To mark the culmination of the theatre’s twentieth anniversary year, the Garrick has been working with a team of designers to develop plans that respond to the feedback of customers and aim to reinforce the venue’s reputation as a community hub for Lichfield and one of the most welcoming theatres in the West Midlands. The project team includes architects Aaron Chetwynd, interior designers Designs Unlimited, access consultants Nimbus, and project managers Virtus Consult. The Garrick has now also appointed experienced contractors Medlock FRB to deliver the project.
This investment has been made possible by the Garrick’s fantastic performance at the box office since the theatre re-opened from lockdown and signals the venue's determination to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for all.
Daniel Buckroyd, Chief Executive & Artistic Director expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We simply couldn’t have done this without the continued support of our audiences from across Lichfield and beyond and we can’t wait to welcome them and new audiences back to the venue to experience a brighter, more comfortable, more accessible welcome than ever when the project is completed this Autumn."
The theatre will close for eight weeks from 8th July* to allow these works to happen and then re-open on 31st August for the start of its autumn season, as planned.
"We're thrilled to share our plans with the community” added Buckroyd. “These improvements are about making the Garrick a place where people can experience special moments and create lasting memories with their friends and family."
For more information and updates on the refurbishment project, please see the FAQs below, and check back on this page for further news.
*(The Lichfield Players' performance of The Opposite Sex will take place in our studio as planned in July).
