Chester Storyhouse

Hello folks, just before I get on to the main topic in this article – Chester Storyhouse – ****Chester Zoo New Babies Alert**** New babies are centre of attention again at our fantastic Zoo. Weather permitting, we’ll be getting our tried and trusted bicycles out tomorrow and popping along. Cameras at the ready. Keep an eye out for an eye catching, fluorescent yellow blur as I speed towards the Zoo tomorrow. With regard to catching sight of the babies. Watch this space!!!

Anyway, back on topic.

Chester Storyhouse

Chester Storyhouse

It doesn’t seem like five minutes, but actually Chester Storyhouse has been open for a year. Would you have thought it. How quick has that gone? Incredibly though, a million people have visited Chester Storyhouse in its first year. So, I think it’s fair to say it would appear that the first year has been a success. Unless of course the target was two million. Seriously though, that wasn’t the case. One million visitors is a brilliant achievement.

The success of Chester Storyhouse was celebrated in style last Friday (11th May). During its development stage Chester Storyhouse was viewed as being the most creative and ambitious project has seen. It is the only building of its kind in the UK that unifies a cinema, library and theatre.

A visitor volume of one million ensures it is officially one of the country’s largest cultural visitor attractions.

Let’s Look At The Figures

More than 180,000 tickets have been sold for theatre shows and events. 250 cinema screenings have taken place with a total of 30,000 cinema tickets being sold. In the region of 150 community groups across the area use the complex as their base.

The library has loaned 258,000 books…..that reminds me, where did I put my library book….I don’t want a fine. Children book loans  figures are up by some 50% since Chester library moved to the complex.

The success story continues. Chester Storyhouse has won various top awards as well. Included in these awards are: Building Award for Best Refurbishment, the Brick Award for Best Public Building and it was also nominated for Best Building at the Stage awards. I know what some of you are thinking. How do they come up with such award titles?

They will not rest on their laurels either it seems. Chester Storyhouse CEO, Andrew Bentley, announced that they have “some truly exciting plans for 2018 and beyond”. Great news.

Let Us Entertain You

We have been lucky enough to be able to see some great touring productions in this first year. Productions such as Cilla, Evita, Blood Brothers, The Play That Goes Wrong and Frantic Assembly’s Things I Know To Be True are just some of those that have brought the crowds in.

The cinema itself has screened a variety of diverse films. In addition Chester Storyhouse has run several social impact events and festivals.

As Alex Clifton, the Storyhouse artistic director stated, “the building is fizzing with creative ideas and debates. People come from all walks of life to connect and tell their stories”

Well done Chester Storyhouse. Long may your success continue.

For More Information on Chester and Chester Lifestyle

If you wish to know more about the beautiful city of Chester and Chester Lifestyle – click HERE.

See below for other Chester Zoo related posts.

Chester Zoo – More Posts On Chester Lifestyle.

For more articles and posts about Chester Zoo on my Chester Lifestyle website, see the links below….

Chester Zoo – General information, history, timetable, admission prices and a couple of videos – click HERE.

Rare Newts Born At Chester Zoo – Read more HERE.

Chester Zoo Voted Third Best In The World – only 3rd!! Read more HERE.

Visit To Chester Zoo – see what I thought of a recent visit to Chester Zoo. Read more HERE.

The New Chester Zoo Nature Reserve – Find Out More HERE.

Baby Otters – More New Chester Zoo Babies CLICK HERE.