Celebrating 10 Years of Storyhouse

Storyhouse is turning 10 – and everyone’s invited

In 2027, Storyhouse will celebrate its 10^th anniversary.

For the last decade, Storyhouse has been part of everyday life for hundreds of thousands of people. A place to see a show, discover a film, borrow a book, meet friends, bring the kids, take part, volunteer, work, eat, drink or simply to spend time.

So, rather than celebrating with just one big birthday party, we’re going to spend the year celebrating with the people who have made Storyhouse what it is.

From March through to Christmas 2027, a special programme of performances, festivals, exhibitions, free events and creative activity will celebrate our first 10 years and look ahead to what comes next.

A year to celebrate

Celebrations will begin in March with a special 10^th anniversary edition of Storyhouse Women, curated by Cheer Up Luv founder Eliza Hatch.

In April we will hold an Open House – a free day inviting everyone behind the scenes. Expect backstage tours, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, free activities for all ages and, of course, birthday cake. There will also be ways to get hands on with theatre making with free sessions all bookable on the day.

In May, Storyhouse Young Company will take to the main stage for the first time with a brand-new play commissioned especially for the company and inspired through workshops with young people.

Summer will take the celebrations into Grosvenor Park with a giant Teddy Bears Picnic, before autumn brings new work for children and families through our partnership with Unlimited and WayWord Festival.

Our 10th birthday is a chance to celebrate the work we have created right here in Chester and as part of the anniversary year, one of our most celebrated Storyhouse Originals, The Gangs of New York, will return in September 2027.

First created for Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, The Gangs of New York will be reimagined for the Storyhouse stage, opening in Chester before embarking on our biggest UK tour to date.

It’s a major new Storyhouse production and an ambitious next chapter for a show that began here in Chester, taking Storyhouse’s work and creative ambition to audiences far beyond our home city.

The production will run at Storyhouse from 24 September – 9 October 2027, before touring the UK. More about the production, creative team, cast and tour will be revealed over the coming months.

Celebrations will continue right through to Christmas, with Jack and the Beanstalk bringing families, schools and audiences together for Storyhouse’s annual pantomime.

Your Storyhouse, your stories

But our 10th birthday isn’t only about what happens on our stages.

We want to celebrate the people, groups, friendships and stories that have filled Storyhouse over the last decade and we want you to be part of it.

What is your favourite Storyhouse memory? Perhaps it was a show you’ll never forget, your child’s first trip to the library, meeting someone here who became a friend, taking part in a community group, performing on one of our stages or simply finding a place where you felt at home.

We’ll be inviting people to share their memories, photographs, artwork and stories with us, with selected contributions forming part of a special exhibition at Storyhouse in May and June 2027.