The building was originally opened as the Gaumont Cinema in 1936.
The project involved an £8 million structural integration of the original Art Deco shell with a modern glass extension.
The main auditorium can transform from a proscenium arch theatre to a thrust stage layout.
The venue contains one of the largest public libraries in the UK housed within a cultural centre.
It was designed by the architecture firm Bennetts Associates, who specialise in cultural building repurposing.
Storyhouse is a multi-purpose cultural hub in Chester that combines a library, theatre, and independent cinema within a renovated 1930s Art Deco Odeon building. The venue features a versatile 800-seat auditorium that can be configured for various staging needs, plus a smaller boutique cinema. The integrated public library extends into the foyer, allowing patrons to browse books throughout the building. Architectural elements from the original cinema, including the grand staircase and foyer, were preserved during the 2017 renovation. The venue hosts an annual outdoor festival during summer months in the adjacent Grosvenor Park. Dining options include an on-site bar and restaurant that serves the theatre spaces. It functions as a community space with regular workshops and events aimed at local engagement. The building serves as the primary arts venue for the city, connecting historical architecture with modern cultural production.
The main staircase in the grand foyer, which retains the original 1930s Art Deco aesthetic.
Use the library seating areas for quiet reading if you are waiting for a performance to start.
Check the 'Storyhouse Originals' programme to see productions specifically commissioned and built by the venue.
Explore the upper gallery levels for the best vantage point of the original Art Deco architectural details.
Assuming it is only a theatre; ignore the library sections as they are integrated into the main public circulation space.
Smart casual; food and drinks purchased on-site are permitted in most seating areas.
