Storyhouse reopens its auditorium - as a cinema

Chester Storyhouse is set to reopen its doors this weekend – and it’s going back to the site’s original use as a cinema, although only on a temporary basis.

The cultural complex, which opened its doors in 2017, has turned its theatre auditorium in to a pop up cinema screen to give film fans the chance to see recent and favourite movie releases in a socially-distanced manner.

The move aims to get visitors back inside the venue while discussions are ongoing over reopening theatres nationwide.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has produced a five-stage 'road map' for theatres and other live performance venues, but it has been heavily criticised by many for not including a timescale or any additional financial support for the sector.

Recently, Storyhouse bosses revealed the organisation had been forced to cancel its popular annual open air theatre season - causing a major financial issue for the charity.

An appeal for support led to many people signing up as Storyhouse members.

The Greatest Showman is being screened in Storyhouse's theatre

Along with the theatre auditorium, Storyhouse’s main cinema will also screen films, making two spaces where people can come for cinematic entertainment.

Seat availability is being reduced and spaced out, and both cinema spaces will be cleaned before and after each screening.

The films include Misbehaviour – being screened from July 4-9, Military Wives from July 5-9, Portrait of a Lady on Fire from July 11-14, Queen & Slim from July 12-14, The Assistant from July 13-16, and True History of the Kelly Gang on July 15-16.

Meanwhile the venue will also screen a series of film favourites and award-winners including Oscar winner Parasite (July 4-7), The Greatest Showman (July 4-5 and 11-12), Bohemian Rhapsody (July 4-6 and 11), A Star is Born (July 13-16), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (July 7, 9 and 12), Joker (July 6-9), 1917 (July 13-16).

And on July 10 there’s a chance to see The Empire Strikes Back which marks its 40th anniversary this year.

There are also a number of ‘family favourites’ being shown in July including Onward and The Call of the Wild.

All films must be booked in advance.

For full details and booking, visit the website HERE