Storyhouse Unveils Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre line-up 2024
Storyhouse is thrilled to announce its summer lineup for Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, promising an unforgettable season of entertainment for audiences of all ages this summer in Chester.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Grosvenor Park, this year’s programme is not only a feast for the senses but also a destination for street food delights, refreshing drinks, and a vibrant bar scene, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the stage.
Kicking off the theatre season, audiences will be treated to a brand new thrilling adaptation of The Gangs of New York, based on the iconic book by Herbert Asbury, of the stories from the wicked and notorious Five Points neighbourhood in lower Manhattan.
Crafted by the award-winning writer Kieran Lynn and brought to life by director John Young, known for his acclaimed productions Merry Wives of Windsor (2021) and Romeo and Juliet (2023), this bold reinterpretation promises to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative and dynamic performances. It runs 19 July – 31 August.
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre audiences can look forward to an hilarious staging of Oscar Wilde’s timeless classic, The Importance of Being Earnest (9 August – 1 September). This beloved comedy of manners promises to enchant theatergoers with its wit, charm, and enduring humour directed by Natasha Rickman (Little Women 2022).
For families seeking a magical experience, Storyhouse presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz walkabout theatre experience between 27 July – 22 August, offering an immersive journey into the enchanting world of Dorothy, Toto, and their friends. Alex McGonagall will direct.
The production design is by Elizabeth Wright.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Moonlight Flicks, Storyhouse’s open-air cinema, has been a beloved summer tradition in Chester since 2012, enchanting audiences at the Roman Garden and, more recently, at Chester Cathedral. However, this summer, Storyhouse is moving all their outdoor cinematic experiences to Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, promising a fresh and exhilarating atmosphere for film enthusiasts to enjoy their favourite movies under the stars including Barbie, Anyone But You, Wonka, Dirty Dancing, Pulp Fiction and more.
There will also be comedy and murder mystery nights, live music, arts and crafts and storytelling for young families.
Furthermore, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre as the site will be transformed into a vibrant destination, with a range of delicious refreshments available including drinks, woodfired pizza, and BBQ fare, making it the ultimate summer hotspot for relaxation and entertainment.
Suzie Henderson, Creative Director at Storyhouse said:
We’re absolutely thrilled to present our summer lineup for Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. With an eclectic mix of performances and events, we’re eager to welcome audiences back to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of live entertainment against the picturesque backdrop of Grosvenor Park. At GPOAT, we’re known for our distinct storytelling style, blending live music, heartfelt emotions, with comic relief to create unforgettable experiences. This summer, our bar and food offerings will be bigger and better than ever, catering to both theatergoers and those simply seeking a relaxing summer vibe in our beautiful outdoor setting. It’s truly a highlight of our year, and the entire team at Storyhouse is thrilled to share this exciting news with our beloved community. Get ready to fall in love with GPOAT all over again! We are.
On the GPOAT shows Head of Producing at Storyhouse, Helen Redcliffe said:
We’re thrilled to be bringing classic writing back to GPOAT this summer with Oscar Wilde’s comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, we know our GPOAT comedy fans will love this show, it will be raucous, joyful, over the top and laugh out loud funny! We’re pairing this with brand new writing in The Gangs of New York, which we’ve created after the success of The Great Gatsby last summer, were our audiences were thrilled by an epic, emotional, daring story of an American Dream. Meanwhile The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will be our delightful family show perfect for families whose kids want to get up close to the storytelling and characters! We’re also really, really excited that we have captioning for every show, making the open air theatre more accessible.
It’s going to be a summer of drama, music, love, betrayal, surprises and of course joy – all staged under starry evening skies or balmy afternoon sunshine – just gorgeous!
Grosvenor Park has been made possible this summer due to continued funding from local employer and major finance company MBNA.
Kate Mylchreest, Director of Development at Storyhouse said:
We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our partner MBNA, which has been crucial in bringing Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre to life for the past 4 summers. Their commitment aligns perfectly with our charity’s mission to provide enriching cultural experiences for the community here in Chester. We are excited to offer a diverse lineup of performances and events, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the magic of live entertainment against the picturesque backdrop of Grosvenor Park.
Tickets for Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre’s are on sale now to Storyhouse Members from £18, with general sale Friday 1 March promising a season of unforgettable experiences and cherished memories for all. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this summer’s hottest destination for entertainment.
For more information and to book tickets, visit storyhouse.com
ENDS
For more contact:
Nancy Davies
nancy@storyhouse.com
About Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
The award-winning Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, located in Chester, is a purpose-built venue with an annual summer repertory season produced by Storyhouse.
Founded in 2010, it is the only full-time, site-specific professional open-air theatre company outside London.
The open-air theatre designed by the company is built each summer in Grosvenor Park, a public park in Chester. Performances are staged ‘in the round’, with the audience seated on all sides of a central stage.
Website: www.storyhouse.com
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Address: Vicars Lane Chester CH1 1QQ
Listings
The Gangs of New York
Press and guest night Thursday 25 July
Friday 19 July – 7.30pm
Saturday 20 July – 7.30pm
Sunday 21 July – 5pm
Thursday 25 July – 7.30pm | Press
Friday 26 July – 7.30pm
Saturday 27 July – 7.30pm
Thursday 1 August – 7.30pm
Friday 2 August – 7.30pm
Saturday 3 August – 7.30pm
Sunday 4 August – 6pm
Sunday 11 August – 5pm
Thursday 15 August – 7.30pm
Friday 16 August – 7.30pm
Saturday 17 August – 6pm
Sunday 18 August – 5pm
Wednesday 21 August – 7.30pm
Friday 23 August – 7.30pm
Saturday 24 August – 7.30pm
Sunday 25 August – 7.30pm
Tuesday 27 August – 7.30pm
Thursday 29 August – 7pm
Friday 30 August – 7.30pm
Saturday 31 August – 2pm
The Importance of Being Earnest
Press and guest night Wednesday 14 August 7pm
Friday 9 August – 12pm / 6pm
Saturday 10 August – 2pm / 7.30pm
Sunday 11 August – 12pm
Wednesday 14 August – 7pm press and guest
Thursday 15 August – 2pm
Friday 16 August – 2pm
Saturday 17 August – 2pm
Sunday 18 August – 12pm
Tuesday 20 August – 7.30pm
Wednesday 21 August – 2pm
Thursday 22 August – 7.30pm
Friday 23 August – 2pm
Saturday 24 August – 2pm
Sunday 25 August – 2pm
Wednesday 28 August – 2pm / 7pm
Friday 30th August – 2pm
Saturday 31 August – 7.30pm
Sunday 1 Sept – 12pm / 5pm
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz walkabout theatre experience
Press and guest day Tues 30 July
Saturday 27 July – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Sunday 28 July – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Monday 29 July – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Tuesday 30 July – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Thursday 1 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Friday 2 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Saturday 3 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Sunday 4 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Monday 12 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Tuesday 13 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Wednesday 14 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Friday 16 August – 10am/11.15am
Saturday 17 August – 10am/11.15am
Tuesday 20 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Thursday 22 August – 10am/11.15/12.30/2.30
Moonlight Flicks Open Air Cinema
Saturday July 13 – Anyone But You, 9,30pm
Thursday July 18 – Mamma Mia, 9.30pm
Wednesday July 24 – Stop Making Sense, 9.15pm
Sunday July 28 – The Greatest Showman, 9.15pm
Wednesday 31 July – Grease, 9.15pm
Sunday August 4 – Dirty Dancing, 9pm
Thursday August 8 – Rocky Horror, 9pm
Friday August 9 – Pulp Fiction, 9pm
Saturday August 17 – Rocky Horror, 9pm
Monday August 26 – Wonka, 8.15pm
Saturday August 31 – Grease, 8pm
The City of Curses: A Murder Mystery by Trial
Tues 13 August, 7,30pm
Comedy Nights (line up to be announced)
Sunday 21st July 8pm
Sunday 11 August 8pm
Sunday 18 August 8pm