Have you ever imagined yourself enjoying a tango class at your local community centre, performing a Shakespearean classic in a green space, or trying your hand at creative writing? Whatever your creative interests, the time has come to raise your voice and get involved in shaping the future of cultural opportunities in your hometown!

A dynamic new three-year partnership has been unveiled between Lichfield Garrick Theatre and Burntwood Town Council, with the aim of offering an annual program of creative activities, in Burntwood and tailor-made for Burntwood residents. Lichfield Garrick Theatre, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, has attracted thousands of Burntwood residents to shows over the years, but hasn’t typically ventured out of its building into the community. As the Garrick charity now seeks to deepen its connection with the communities it serves, it is delighted to be working with Burntwood Town Council to nurture creativity within Burntwood in the coming years. The inaugural year of this collaboration is all about listening to residents, with the Garrick’s community engagement team out and about, consulting with residents to find out about their creative and cultural ambitions. They want to know what arts opportunities people are craving – perhaps a dance class for the over 70s, a local youth theatre, or a community choir – so they and Burntwood Town Council can start trying to fill any gaps and work towards a celebration of creativity in the town. In addition to the investment from the Garrick, Burntwood Town Council has generously agreed to contribute £5,000 to help realise the full potential of this exciting partnership. Daniel Buckroyd, the Garrick’s Artistic Director, said “Lichfield Garrick is determined to address barriers to engaging in the arts, and to reach out to people right across the district, so we’re delighted to be working with Burntwood Town Council to build sustainable creative and cultural opportunities in that area.” Cllr Di Evans, Chair of Burntwood Town Council said

“Burntwood Town Council is delighted to be involved with this new initiative with Lichfield Garrick Theatre. The council was promised a new arts facility many years ago and it never materialised. Now we have an opportunity for residents to witness and be involved in the arts within Burntwood rather than having to travel to Lichfield, and for individuals and local groups to be encouraged to display their talents here.”

Cllr Darren Ennis, Leader of Burntwood Town Council said “It’s absolutely brilliant that we have this partnership to bring arts and culture to our amazing town. Working with the Lichfield Garrick, we have a 3-year plan to offer a range of opportunities and events across Burntwood. What’s better is that this isn’t being thrust upon us. The Lichfield Garrick’s engagement team will be inviting community groups, schools and residents to give their thoughts on what they would like to see in Burntwood. It’s a very exciting adventure and I can’t wait to see how this story evolves.” Calling all Burntwood residents! If you’re excited by the creative possibilities, then Lichfield Garrick would love to hear from you. To get in touch with the Garrick’s Community engagement team and get involved in the consultation please email Education@lichfieldgarrick.com