The Secret Seven at Storyhouse

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
Storyhouse

The Secret Seven at Storyhouse, Chester 1 December 2017 — 14 January 2018 Tickets from £19:50 — Book now

The country’s newest theatre is continuing to stake its claim to be one of the most exciting new cultural spaces for families with a world premiere, and the first ever stage adaptation, of Enid Blyton’s The Secret Seven.

This classic tale is enduring for all the right reasons. A group of child sleuths and friends with different strengths, amusing weaknesses and the most vivid of imaginations solving mysteries through bold teamwork is relatable to kids (and their grown-ups) today. In a rare deflection from much of Blyton’s world, this renegade lot don’t even go to boarding school.

Expect adventure and scrapes galore as the first book in the series is reimagined for Storyhouse’s unique “thrust” stage, where the audience surround and feel part of the action on three sides. Follow the tale of curious clues which lead the motley crew through the village of Cherrydale with encounters at a haunted house and many mysteries to be solved.

The Secret Seven promises to be edge-of-the-seat stuff in a refreshing departure from much less adventurous (in every sense) children’s theatre. It will be brought to life by a stellar team including a cast drawn from Storyhouse’s talented rep company (the largest in the North of England), Artistic Director Alex Clifton (also co-founder of award-winning Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre), designer James Perkins (Sweet Charity, Royal Exchange),  playwright Glyn Maxwell (Alice in Wonderland, The Wind in the Willows, Storyhouse) and original score by Harry Blake (West Yorkshire Playhouse).

We love that this new attraction, which also houses Chester’s library, a cinema, bar and restaurant within a state-of-the art stunning redeveopment of the city’s Grade II listed art deco 1936 Odeon cinema, is living its ethos by bringing the power of storytelling into the heart of the historic city. Secret Seven material and events will be woven into the fabric of the building, through the library and beyond.

Still less than a year old, Storyhouse is a shining example of  a truly holistic way of firing up the imagination and creating exciting new cultural experiences for kids young and old.

Right, we’re off to find our magnifying glasses.

The Secret Seven at Storyhouse, Chester 1 December 2017 — 14 January 2018 Tickets from £19:50 Book now

Where to go near The Secret Seven at Storyhouse

Chester
Gallery
Chester Visual Arts

Chester Visual Arts has brought pop-up exhibitions to Chester’s most iconic buildings, including The Old Library and Chester Cathedral.

Chester
Chester
Tourist Attraction
Chester Visitor Information Centre

This is the meeting point for Tours Around Chester who offer a variety of tours ranging from food walking, running and themed running (including beer or gin).

The Cheese Shop, Chester
Chester
Shop
The Cheese Shop

The Cheese Shop has been a source of speciality cheeses in Chester for 25 years and has over 200 different cow, goat and ewe cheeses available -including pasteurised, unpasteurised and vegetarian varieties.

Covino Restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Covino

Covino is a small owner-run wine bar & restaurant in the heart of Chester. They serve an ever-changing menu of seasonally inspired small plates, guided by the quality and provenance of ingredients, with a real focus on simplicity and flavour.

Chester Indoor Market
Chester
Shopping Centre
Chester Indoor Market

Recipient of the Best Small Indoor Market at The Great British Market Awards 2020, Chester Market offers foods from around the world.

Joseph Benjamin
Chester
Restaurant
Joseph Benjamin

Joseph Benjamin is a Chester restaurant and delicatessen set inside the Chester city walls on Northgate Street.

Chester
Event venue
Alexander’s Live

Established in 1991, Alexander’s puts on an amazing range of live music including jazz, blues, soul, roots and rock, comedy & drama. Alexander’s is famous for the alternative comedy nights every Saturday.

Hypha restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Hypha

Hypha was Chester’s first plant-based restaurant and has gone on to earn high praise with eco-conscious foodies across the North.

Chester Cathedral
Chester
Place of worship
Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is a living community of prayer and worship, and a centre of excellence in Church Music with a rich and fascinating heritage.

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