Grosvenor Park: Summer 2024
Join us in Grosvenor Park this summer!
Grosvenor Park comes alive for seven weeks of hilarious and enchanting theatre plus cinema under the stars, comedy gigs, live music and more – with al fresco beers, frozen cocktails, fresh wood-fired pizzas, barbecue, friendly vibes and sunshine.
This summer: an epic journey to 19th century New York City!
Experience a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of power with the riveting story of John Morrissey, an ambitious Irish immigrant who navigates the perilous climb of the American dream.
Witness his rise as both a feared gang leader and a respected politician. Amidst the chaos, two star-crossed lovers find solace in each other’s arms, bravely defying the boundaries set by their feuding families.
Embark on an evening (or afternoon) of wit, charming chaos, and mistaken identities with Oscar Wilde’s timeless, razor-sharp comedy!
Get swept along with the hilarious escapades of Jack, an orphan with a penchant for partying under the guise of the fictional Earnest; and the irreverent Algernon, as they entangle themselves in a web of playful deception and the pursuit of romance. Oscar Wilde’s sharp-tongued satire is brought to life under the stars by the team that brought you Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre’s raucous Shakespearean comedies.
We’ve not forgotten your little ones!
Step into the wonderful world of Oz for an enchanting walkabout theatre experience, specially created for kids aged under 10. Join us for a unique adventure show, meet a cast of captivating characters and wind your way back to a magical finale in the open air theatre.
Tickets £7.50 / £6.75 for Storyhouse Members.
Age recommendation under 10s – suitable for all ages.
Drop by our corner of the park every Friday-Sunday for a pint, a slice and friendly vibes!
An open air haven in the city: craft beers (including our very own pale ale with Black Lodge Brewery), frozen margaritas, woodfired pizza, brisket on the bbq, ice cream and more.
Moonlight Flicks moves to Grosvenor Park!
We’ve been bringing open-air cinematic experiences to unique locations, from the Roman Gardens to Chester Cathedral, for over 10 years. This summer for the very first time, Grosvenor Park will set the scene for movie magic under the stars.
Events & Gigs
Alongside unmissable theatre and starlit movie magic, Grosvenor Park will host comedy gigs, live music, Street Food days, family activity days, Murder Mystery nights and more. There’s something for everyone in the park this summer!
Your visit: Grosvenor Park FAQs
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is in Grosvenor Park, in the heart of Chester city centre. If you are using a sat nav, use postcode CH1 1QQ (Vicars Lane).
Local, regional and national train services all run from Chester Station, which is a 10 minute walk away. Chester Bus Interchange is also a 10 minute walk away.
The nearest car park is the Multi Storey on Pepper Street (follow the AA Road signs for parking and Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre.)
This car park is open until midnight, and disabled parking is available.
There are various other city centre car parks available. See local car parks. Please check closing times as in the event of rain delay the finish time may be a little later. Street parking is also available at evenings and weekends a few minutes walk away.
Being outside will be an integral part of the experience. We’ve witnessed some baking afternoons, inspiring sunsets, and the odd thunderstorm. If you’re worried, you can buy a ticket for the covered area.
Come prepared – for matinées bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. For early evening performances bring warm clothes. Raincoats are recommended; you may bring an umbrella but please don’t use it if it can block anyone’s view. Don’t worry if you’ve left without these – we’ll be providing blankets, waterproof ponchos and umbrellas for sale on site too.
Occasionally very bad weather may mean we have to stop and restart the show, we allow for up to 60 minutes delay.
We will never cancel a performance before the advertised start time, as the weather can change very quickly.
If we have to cancel the show, you will be offered the choice of a full refund or new tickets for a different date.
Street Food including fresh, wood-fired pizza and barbecue, will be available to buy onsite. You can also bring your own food and snacks. We ask that you do not bring your own alcohol onsite. There will be a full bar available, with local craft beers, frozen cocktails, prosecco on ice and more.
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is accessible with no steps leading to the site and has accessible toilets on-site – but please do bear in mind that whilst there are concrete pathways at the park, the theatre auditorium is located on grass and you will need to travel over a small area of grass to reach it.
There will be plenty of team members welcoming audiences on site for any help or guidance you might need.
You can see our visual story here
Seating
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is open-air, in-the-round and has unreserved seating in wide bench-style tiered terrace seating (called ‘Picnic Terraces’ and ‘Covered and Premium Picnic Terraces’) plus ‘Picnic Chairs’ which are directors chairs at ground level.
If you are a wheelchair user, you can book a Picnic Terrace ticket and transfer from your wheelchair to the Picnic Terrace or if you prefer, you can remain in your wheelchair and sit at ground level in the Picnic Chair area. Covered and Premium areas have steps up to them so are not accessible unless you are comfortable transferring from a wheelchair up several steps to your seat. There is a handrail.
Performances
Every single performance of The Gangs of New York and The Importance of Being Earnest will be live-captioned!
There are Relaxed and BSL Performances of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
If you have any extra requirements, please let us know by emailing hello@storyhouse.com.
Free Essential Companion tickets are also available.
There are five different seating areas in the open air theatre.
Picnic Terraces
Unreserved seating in wide bench-style tiered terrace seating.
Covered Picnic Terraces
The back two rows of wide bench-style tiered terrace seating. Under cover giving some shade and shelter from the rain.
Picnic Chairs
Two rows of directors chairs at ground level – ideal if you like to be in the heart of the action!
Premium
Guarantee either the back row of the Covered Picnic Terraces or the front row of the Picnic Chairs (no concessions available).
The show will start at the time specified on your ticket but you’re encouraged to come earlier and soak up the atmosphere!
Monday – Thursday the site will be open two hours before the show.
Friday – Sunday the site is open 10am – 10pm.
As seating is unreserved for The Gangs of New York and The Importance of Being Earnest please arrive in plenty of time to take your seats.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome within the festival site – we often have young children on site so please be vigilant.
Only service dogs are allowed into the theatre.
Yes, there are toilets on the festival site, including accessible toilets.
