Storyhouse, Chester

Storyhouse, a dynamic cultural hub in Chester, opened its doors in May 2017, combining theatre, cinema, library, and dining under one roof. Housed in the thoughtfully remodeled 1936 Odeon Cinema-a grade-II-listed building-this versatile venue also features a modern extension that accommodates the theatre auditorium.

The theatre boasts a flexible design. The main auditorium, located behind the original Odeon screen position, can seat 800 in a traditional proscenium format for visiting productions in autumn and spring. For in-house productions, such as the Christmas show or performances bound for the Grosvenor Park open-air theatre, it transforms into a 500-seat thrust stage. Complementing this is the Garrett Theatre, a 150-seat studio space perched above the main auditorium, complete with its bar.

The cinema retains a unique charm, offering a 100-seat space suspended above the Kitchen restaurant and bar. The lofty lobby between the original Odeon and its extension doubles as a vibrant circulation area, hosting informal film screenings and performances, with a temporary screen dropping from the old proscenium arch.

Storyhouse integrates Chester’s city library into its open-plan design, with bookshelves spread across the ground and first floors of the Odeon. The children’s library enjoys its own dedicated space near the main entrance, complete with a storytelling area, creating an inviting environment for younger visitors.

Alex Clifton, appointed artistic director in 2015, inaugurated the venue with his version of The Beggar’s Opera. A significant moment came on 14 June 2018, when the Queen and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, officiated its opening.

With a robust schedule of theatre, cinema, and community events, Storyhouse has become a vibrant meeting place. It hosts an annual Literature Festival with a poet in residence, currently Lemn Sissay, and welcomes around 150 community groups. Its first year alone saw over 1 million visitors, cementing Storyhouse as a beacon of creativity and connection in Chester.