Jack Dean’s “Hero & Leander” heads to Chester

Jack Dean & Company are set to captivate Cheshire this autumn with their rhapsodic interpretation of the time-honoured Greek myth, “Hero & Leander (Or, I Love You, But Everything’s Underwater).”

Drawing on a poignant tale of love battling the odds, the production marries Jack Dean’s poetic narrative style with a vibrant mix of folk, indie, sea shanties, and choral music, expertly executed by a versatile six-piece band.

The show, praised by the Fine Times Recorder for its “accessible, varied, energetic and touching” retelling, weaves the tale of star-crossed lovers separated by a vast sea, ceaselessly endeavouring to unite.

Each night, Hero beckons Leander, urging him to brave the treacherous waters, while the envious God Hephaestus plots to obstruct their rendezvous.

To ensure accessibility, the production is adeptly designed to suit a medley of indoor and outdoor settings, with certain shows even transpiring in the company’s own mobile bandstand.

Jack Dean, the maestro behind the epic, reflects on the story’s essence, “Hero and Leander is an old, bittersweet story about love, death and the infinite mystery of the sea… It’s an ode to a disappeared England, and I believe it resonates with anyone who’s taken a bold leap of faith for love during their youth.”

This compelling evening will initiate with a preliminary performance by the local talent, Lyra Dance, ensuring attendees are entranced from the outset.

Hero & Leander is recommended for individuals aged 14 and above and has a running time of 55 minutes.

It is set to perform at Chester University on Thursday, 28th September at 7:30 PM. Tickets range from £5 to £13 and are available on www.ticketsource.co.uk.