Chester open air theatre season continues into late August
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is celebrating a successful summer season, with two weeks of performances still to go.
The 2025 open-air programme, presented by Storyhouse, continues until Sunday 31 August and has drawn praise from critics and audiences alike.
Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Deborah McAndrew and directed by Conrad Nelson, has returned to the park to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Northern Arts Review called it “a vibrant and energetic adaptation”, while We Are Chester described it as “a masterpiece of summer theatre”.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, written by Molly Taylor and directed by Ellie Hurt, has also been warmly received. Set in modern-day Chester, the show was described by the Guardian as “breezily daft” and by Good News Liverpool as “a light-hearted romp”.
For younger audiences, Alice in Wonderland is being performed as a walkabout theatre experience until 30 August, guiding families through the park with Lewis Carroll’s characters before ending inside the theatre itself.
The festival site also features a tepee bar, food stalls, craft beers and cocktails. Special events include Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter’s tea parties on 28 and 30 August.
Storyhouse creative director Suzie Henderson said: “What a wonderful summer it’s been in Grosvenor Park. But of course, it isn’t over yet with two weeks of performances still ahead of us to enjoy.
“The weather has been perfect for long summer days and evenings of theatrical merrymaking, and we have had a brilliant response from both our audiences and from the critics too.
“We were absolutely delighted to be able to bring back Deborah and Conrad’s effervescent Pride and Prejudice, which has been as big a hit as it was when it was originally staged four years ago, while The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes has proved to be just the kind of rip-roaring fun that makes Grosvenor Park an unmissable part of summer in Chester.
“Meanwhile our youngest audience members have really responded to the wonderful and inventive storytelling of our Alice in Wonderland cast. All three productions run until the end of August so there is still plenty of opportunity to see them. Just don’t forget to put on your sunscreen.”
Tickets for Pride and Prejudice and Sherlock Holmes start at £22.50, while Alice in Wonderland tickets are £12.
Further details are available at www.storyhouse.com.
Hyperlocal checklist:
Geographic specificity: Yes, focused on Chester’s Grosvenor Park, within Deeside’s cultural catchment.
Timeliness and relevance: Yes, runs until 31 August 2025.
Underreported issues: Highlights cultural events not always covered widely.
Community-centred: Yes, encourages family and community attendance.
Topic range: Covers theatre, literature, family activities, and food offerings.
Accountability: Not applicable, but provides official programme details.
Human interest: Strong, with focus on audience experiences and reviews.
Community collaboration: Involves local and national theatre practitioners.
Crisis updates: Not applicable.
Accessibility: Clear ticket and listings information provided.
Strengths: Combines reviews, quotes, and practical ticket details. Gaps: No attendance figures or economic impact for the city.
Are all comments verbatim? Yes
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