The Tempest at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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The Tempest at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Grosvenor Park, Chester
27 July-26 August 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

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Storyhouse
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The Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, the finest open-air theatre in the north, has been transformed into an enchanted island for this summer’s staging of The Tempest, arguably one of William Shakespeare’s most respected and well-loved plays.

With Storyhouse’s very own Artistic Director, Alex Clifton at the helm, this version of Shakespeare’s final and most magical play tells the story of Prospero, a sorcerer and the rightful Duke of Milan. Banished to a mystical island, accompanied by his daughter Miranda, his spirit Ariel and deformed slave Caliban, Prospero raises a storm to shipwreck the men who wronged him to finally take his long-awaited revenge.

This production has a timeless quality – blending old and new fluidly – gender roles are switched bringing female leads, Catherine Cusack as Prospero and Claudia Grant as Caliban. The clever design and lively musical score will see the more traditional aspects of Shakespearian theatre fused seamlessly with contemporary music and 21st-century references.

With Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Swallows and Amazons  also playing in the open air at Grosvenor park this summer, Director Alex Clifton states that this season is all about ‘sitting in a circle, listening to stories together, sharing food and drink under the open skies’. Who are we to argue with that?

With a running time of just over two hours, set in the stunning surroundings of the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, The Tempest is an unmissable open-air picnic (and prosecco) performance.

What's on at Grosvenor Park

Open Air Theatre at Grosvenor Park
Until
FestivalsChester
Open Air Theatre at Grosvenor Park

Expect another fabulous season of open-air theatre when Pride and Prejudice, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Alice in Wonderland play Grosvenor Park this summer.

From £10.80

Where to go near The Tempest at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Chester City Walls
Chester
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Chester City Walls

Chester’s city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old. The main access onto the walls is at each of the four main gateways – Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate, plus there are many other steps around the city, some including accessible ramps.

ChesterBoat river cruise, Chester
Chester
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ChesterBoat

ChesterBoat is a family-owned business with more than forty year’s experience of welcoming visitors to the beautiful River Dee. They offer half-hour and two-hour sightseeing cruises, as well as private hires, fish and chip cruises, and themed party nights.

Chester
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Hotel Indigo Chester

Hotel Indigo Chester is an elegant and welcoming hotel in the heart of this beautiful city, with the equally excellent Wood Chester as in-house restaurant.

Chester Roman Gardens
Chester
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Roman Gardens

Chester’s Roman Gardens are a pleasant place for a stroll and during the summer months the place to watch a film at the annual, outdoor, Moonlight Flicks cinema programme.

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Cheshire
Gallery
Clarendon Fine Art

Contemporary art on display and for sale in Cheshire. Come and browse their varied collections and converse with knowledgeable staff.

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Metronome Jazz Bar

This small and atmospheric bar is a cosy venue with a resident Jazz pianist, fantastic staff and a record player filled with, naturally, iconic jazz.

Whitmore & White
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Whitmore & White

Whitmore & White is an award-winning deli and independent wine merchant in the heart of romantic Chester serving a plethora of charcuterie, cheeses and confectionery.

Edgar House hotel, Chester
Chester
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Edgar House

Edgar House is a fine period Georgian house which has been lovingly refurbished to create Chester’s award winning premier small luxury hotel – just for adults.

Chester Cathedral
Chester
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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.

Oddfellows hotel, Chester
Chester
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Oddfellows

Oddfellows hotel inhabits a Georgian townhouse right bang in the middle of Chester, only moments away from the river.

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