Key Points
- Altrincham Garrick Playhouse has launched the CHILI Campaign (Cool Heat It, Love It) to install a modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in its main auditorium.
- The campaign aims to raise £120,000, delivered in four phases of £30,000 each, with improvements beginning as soon as funds are raised.
- Long-standing volunteer Stuart Slade, involved for nearly 40 years since 1986, donated £2,000 to kick-start the effort.
- Mr Slade stated: “We have listened, now we’re acting to install a state of the art HVAC system into the main auditorium.”
- Mr Slade added:
- “I am delighted to be able to make this donation to kick start the necessary fundraising campaign and urge everyone who loves the Garrick to help us raise the funds as quickly as possible for the year round benefit of everyone who attends and works at the theatre.”
- Personalised fundraising plaques are offered: silver for £150 or more, gold for £300 or more, and business plaques from £1,000, displayed inside the venue.
- Plaques can be purchased via the box office or at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/chili.
- CHILI Grand Draw features tickets at £10, with the first draw on April 20; prizes include a luxury Harrods hamper, VIP tickets to Garrick productions, Friends memberships, and exclusive Garrick merchandise.
- Online ticket buyers can donate at checkout, with Gift Aid options where applicable.
- The new HVAC system will benefit audiences, visiting companies, staff, volunteers, and young people in classes and workshops.
- As a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, the Garrick relies on community support for essential improvements.
Altrincham (Manchester Mirror) January 21, 2026 – The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse has launched a £120,000 fundraising campaign named CHILI (Cool Heat It, Love It) to install a state-of-the-art heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in its main auditorium. The initiative received an immediate boost with a £2,000 donation from Stuart Slade, a dedicated volunteer at the theatre for nearly 40 years. This move addresses long-standing comfort issues, promising year-round benefits for all users of the venue.
What is the CHILI Campaign at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse?
The CHILI Campaign, standing for Cool Heat It, Love It, represents a comprehensive effort by the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse to modernise its facilities. As detailed on the theatre’s official channels, the campaign targets the installation of a cutting-edge HVAC system specifically in the main auditorium. This upgrade aims to enhance comfort levels amid varying weather conditions in Greater Manchester.
Reports from local outlets highlight the campaign’s launch on social media platforms, where the theatre expressed excitement about transforming the venue. According to a post shared by Altrincham Garrick Playhouse on Instagram, “We’re excited to launch the CHILI Campaign at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, a major fundraising appeal to install a state-of-the-art HVAC system.” The total funding required stands at £120,000, structured across four phases of £30,000 each to ensure manageable progress.
The theatre, located at Barrington Road, Altrincham, WA14 1HZ, operates as a multifaceted community hub encompassing theatre, cinema, youth academy, and social spaces. Its reliance on donations underscores the not-for-profit model’s dependence on public goodwill for vital upgrades.
Who is Stuart Slade and Why Did He Donate £2,000?
Stuart Slade, a long-standing member and volunteer at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse since 1986, provided the campaign’s inaugural £2,000 donation. Coverage from Altrincham Today on Facebook notes,
“The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse has officially launched its CHILI Campaign with a major boost, thanks to a generous £2,000 donation from long-standing Garrick member and volunteer Stuart Slade.”
Mr Slade remarked, “We have listened, now we’re acting to install a state of the art HVAC system into the main auditorium.” He further elaborated, “I am delighted to be able to make this donation to kick start the necessary fundraising campaign and urge everyone who loves the Garrick to help us raise the funds as quickly as possible for the year round benefit of everyone who attends and works at the theatre.” His nearly four decades of service exemplify the deep community ties fostering such generosity.
This donation not only jump-starts the drive but also sets a tone of urgency, aligning with the theatre’s goal to commence improvements promptly upon securing funds.
How Can Donors Contribute to the £120,000 Target?
Donations are incentivised through personalised plaques displayed within the venue. Silver plaques are available for suggested donations of £150 or more, gold for £300 or more, and business plaques starting from £1,000. These can be acquired via the box office at 0161 928 1677 or online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/chili.
Additional avenues include the CHILI Grand Draw, with tickets priced at £10 each. The inaugural draw occurs on April 20, offering prizes such as a luxury Harrods hamper, VIP tickets to Garrick productions, Friends memberships, and exclusive merchandise. Patrons booking tickets online are prompted to contribute at checkout, with Gift Aid eligibility to maximise impact.
The theatre emphasises swift fundraising to initiate works without delay, benefiting a broad spectrum of stakeholders from performers to young workshop participants.
What Benefits Will the New HVAC System Bring?
The upgraded HVAC system promises enhanced comfort across seasons for audiences, visiting companies, staff, volunteers, and youth involved in classes and workshops. As a registered charity, the Garrick Playhouse depends on such community-backed projects to maintain its role as Altrincham’s cultural heartbeat.
Local reporting from The Messenger on X underscores the transformation: “£120k fundraiser launched to transform comfort at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse.” This investment ensures reliable conditions, supporting the venue’s diverse programme, including recent panto Goldilocks & The Three Bears.
Why Does the Garrick Playhouse Need Community Support?
Operating from Barrington Road with free parking and easy public transport access, the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse serves as a vital community asset. Its bar opens early for pre-show relaxation, yet essential upgrades like HVAC require external funding due to its charitable status.
Posts from Visit Altrincham on Instagram reinforce community involvement: “… donation from long-standing Garrick member and volunteer Stuart Slade, who has been involved with the theatre since 1986. ‘I’m delighted …'” Such support sustains operations, from youth academies to professional productions.
The campaign’s multi-phase approach and varied donation methods reflect strategic planning to engage locals effectively. With the launch gaining traction on platforms like Facebook and Instagram since January 21, 2026, momentum builds for this essential enhancement.
