Legend has it...

SIR GODFREY MARQUE began his life in humble beginnings as the lowly orphaned son of a cobbler in the late 1870’s in the countrysides of London.

Migrating from orphanage to orphanage, he was finally adopted by a Frenchmen who worked as a stagehand for a small traveling theatre troupe. Spending the remaining years of his childhood raised within the world of the theatre solidified Godfrey’s passion and pursuits, and he established a name for himself not only as a polished thespian, but also in part to his benevolence with the local orphaned children.

Upon returning to London in 1905, he was granted knighthood by King Edward VII for his continued dedication to children and the arts. It was shortly afterwards that Sir Godfrey created the Pickwick Playhouse with a goal of ensuring that the great theatre and the dramatic arts were made accessible to children of all ages.

Some lifetimes later, the spirit of the Pickwick Playhouse has been reborn by the Scott and Heather Morrell, and while its location has changed over an ocean, the spirit of its original founder and the celebration of storytelling through the theatrical arts lives on and is carried forward by them and the generous community that supports it.

Pickwich Playhouse logo

but perhaps a bit closer to the truth...

Pickwick Playhouse got its humble start as a simple idea and that has flourished into a vibrant stage experience. It all began on the living room floor of the Morrell family, during a time when the world was shut down and all prospects of performing along with it. The curtains had fallen on traditional theaters, but their unwavering passion for the performing arts led them to embark on a unique journey.

In 2021, driven by the desire to bring theatre to life again, Chloe Morrell set out on a quest to create an unforgettable experience for family and friends. With a predominantly female cast of actors, Chloe tirelessly searched for a script that would resonate with our available resources. It was then that she discovered the timeless classic Little Women, and they set forth to adapt the play to suit theirr unique circumstances.

Initially, their intention was to perform in the intimate setting of someone's backyard. However, word of the group's passion and dedication spread , capturing the hearts of local theater enthusiasts. What started as a small makeshift theater group quickly evolved into something much grander. With the support and generosity of the community, they found themselves gracing the stage of Atascadero Bible Church's Student Center, which graciously donated their space. In awe-inspiring performances that exceeded capacity, they enchanted an audience of 200 beloved family members and friends.

Fuelled by the resounding success of Pickwick's inaugural production, they have since staged a total of three remarkable shows, each leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who have had the pleasure of witnessing their performances.

As the group continues to grow and evolve, their aspirations know no bounds. With unwavering dedication, they strive to expanding Pickwick's repertoire and exploring new artistic endeavors that will captivate and inspire our loyal audience each season.

Pickwick Playhouse believes in the importance of fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and building a vibrant community around the Arts. We welcome actors, artists, and enthusiasts from all walks of life to join us on this exhilarating journey. Whether you aspire to paint sets, unleash your inner artist, or simply revel in the magic of live performance, there's a place for you in the Pickwick family.

Atascadero, Ca

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