Chester community comes together in the open air
Storyhouse, a community arts and culture organisation in Chester, Cheshire stages a two-month open-air season in the city's Grosvenor Park.
It is very much a community focused occasion, embracing open-air theatre, live comedy, Moonlight Flicks cinema nights, murder mysteries, street food and family activities.
There are also four major theatrical productions during the season.
https://www.storyhouse.com/park/grosvenor-park-open-air-theatre/
Storyhouse's open-air experience is special
There is something anticipatingly different about enjoying theatre in the open-air, be it a balmy evening, or even when the weather happens to be a little more inclement.
While I have long been a passionate devotee of London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, this was my first opportunity to enjoy Chester's own version.
It was a really enjoyable evening of warmth and goodwill from performers and audience alike.
My introduction to the Storyhouse open-air theatre was Let The Sun Shine! (running on selected dates to until 23 August 2026).
Set in 1969, it is Helen Redcliffe's musical drama on the clash between residents of a conservative town and a group of 'hippies' who turn up to stage a Woodstock-inspired music festival.
For the townsfolk, the legacy of world war still looms large, while the for there for the festival it 'all you need is love'.
Needless to say the initial aggression shown by the townsfolk to the 'invaders' begins to dissipate as two initially conflicting cultures find a unity and harmony.
Along the way there is much fun to be had by the seasons repertory company of talented actors and musicians.
The relatively small theatre itself allows us to be right in there with proceedings.
https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/let-the-sun-shine/
Also in the Storyhouse open air season
Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story
(selected dates to 23 August 2026)
Set in Sherwood Forest, this 'modernised' take features Robin, Marion, the Merry Men and the Sheriff of Nottingham in an Ocean's Eleven-style heist to steal the King's jewels.
https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/outlaws/
Nell Gwynn
(21 August to 6 September 2026)
This is a bawdy feminist comedy with music and dancing, telling the true-ish tale of the orange seller turned Restoration celebrity, actress and mistress of Charles II.
The festival village
The pop-up festival site also offers street food and a large tepee bar with craft beers and frozen cocktails.
Whether it's for the theatre, comedy or cinema a visit to Grosvenor Park during the Storyhouse open-air promises a very enjoyable time.
Grosvenor Park
Get there early and the is the chance to enjoy a stroll through the 20 acre Grosvenor Park, which overlooks the River Dee.
It is regarded as one of the finest and most complete examples of a Victorian park.
https://chester.com/listing/grosvenor-park/
Storyhouse
Storyhouse is a community arts culture centre and creative social space in Chester, England.
The restored and revitalised Odeon building houses an 800-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, restaurant and two bars along with a 100-seat boutique, independent cinema.
Storyhouse runs a series of festivals as well as the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre and Moonlight Flicks.
During the autumn and spring, Storyhouse stages productions from UK and international touring companies that embrace dance, opera, drama, comedy and music.
In the summer and at Christmas-time, the theatre transforms into a 500 seat thrust stage, to present Storyhouse home produced shows.
The Storyhouse independent cinema, shows new independent and international releases along with blockbusters, cult classics, restorations, family favourites and documentaries.
More information :
https://www.storyhouse.com/park/grosvenor-park-open-air-theatre/