HIS appointment has been hailed as a "major culture shift" for Altrincham Garrick by those who appointed him - the theatre's Board of Trustees.

As executive producer, Paul Kerryson is sure to have a busy in tray, leading the 100 year old society "creatively and commercially."

The multi-faceted role involves ensuring existing audiences get what they want theatrically and its programme also attracts newcomers through the doors of the Barrington Road playhouse.

Paul, whose packed CV includes directing plays at Manchester's renowned and respected Library Theatre, has also been charged with the task of harnessing and championing new and emerging stage talent.

The 57-year-old's association with the Garrick stretches back to the 80s, when he directed its production of the wonderful musical Chicago. His new role will also see him occupy the director's chair for some productions.

He said: "I have recently had a reputation for building successful community productions especially providing a platform for emerging young talent both in acting and technical expertise. I currently have several projects in this area, so when the Garrick asked me to do this for them I was very pleased to renew my relationship with a company I have known and respected for a long time."

Paul said in order to survive, every theatre company needs to change, attracting what he calls a "new generation" of both audience members, actors, directors and backstage personnel.

He added: "The Garrick has a wonderful facility to take on this challenge of providing acting and technical experience, opening the doors to new talent and audiences, while building on the existing audience and members who are already a loyal and valued support. "Any theatre company needs to challenge a modern audience with new and perhaps sometimes daring programming while of course giving comfort with the more familiar titles and repertoire.

"In my experience, if you win an audience with a consistently high standard and quality of productions, you will be more likely to get a larger audience willing to try new and challenging styles of theatre, thereby securing the long term financial and artistic future of the company."

Before becoming a reviewer I have to confess I had negative views of what amateur theatre was like. I thought it was all draughty church halls and acting that was as wooden as the wobbly scenery. Companies like Altrincham Garrick changed all that and I'm now a fervent champion of what the non professionals can achieve. Paul said negative views of amateur theatre still persist.

He said: "But there can be bad amateur and bad professional productions but also brilliant amateur and brilliant professional productions."

Away from work, the Peak District resident likes walking his dog and he's also a church organist.

He said: "I am in great demand for funerals and weddings."