About Chester performs
Chester Performs: Bringing the Best of Theatre, Cinema, and Library to Chester's Historic City Centre
Chester Performs is a leading theatre, cinema, and library based in the heart of Chester's historic city centre. The company is dedicated to presenting the best home-produced and internationally acclaimed work to audiences in Chester and beyond.
Founded in 2005 as part of the Liverpool European Capital of Culture programme, Chester Performs has since become a vital cultural institution in its own right. The company operates out of Storyhouse, a stunning new building that combines a state-of-the-art theatre with a cinema and library.
At Storyhouse, visitors can enjoy an unparalleled range of cultural experiences. The theatre hosts productions ranging from classic plays to cutting-edge contemporary works. Recent highlights have included productions of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.
The cinema at Storyhouse offers an equally diverse range of films for all ages and tastes. From Hollywood blockbusters to independent arthouse films, there is something for everyone at this state-of-the-art venue.
But it's not just about entertainment at Chester Performs - the company also takes its role as a library very seriously. With over 70,000 books on offer across two floors, visitors can browse everything from classic literature to modern bestsellers.
In addition to its regular programming at Storyhouse, Chester Performs also runs outreach programmes throughout the year. These include workshops for schools and community groups as well as special events such as outdoor performances during summer festivals.
One thing that sets Chester Performs apart from other cultural institutions is its commitment to accessibility. The company offers relaxed performances for those with autism or sensory processing disorders; audio-described performances for those who are visually impaired; captioned performances for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing; and British Sign Language interpreted performances.
Chester Performs has won numerous awards over the years including Best UK Venue (2018) and Best Family Venue (2019). The company is also committed to sustainability, with Storyhouse being one of the greenest cultural buildings in the UK.
Overall, Chester Performs is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in theatre, cinema, or literature. With its stunning location in Chester's historic city centre and its commitment to accessibility and sustainability, it truly offers something for everyone.