Photographer credit: Mark McNulty
There’s something magical about the theatre under the open summer sky, especially in a city as enchanting as Chester. Visiting already feels like stepping into another world – from strolling along cobbled streets steeped in history to uncovering secrets on a ghost tour, where the iconic black-and-white buildings whisper stories of the past.
As Elizabeth Bennet once pondered, “What are men to rocks and mountains?” In Chester’s case, it’s not just the landscapes, but the stories layered into the stone that make this place unforgettable.
Yet, on this particular evening, Chester became something even more extraordinary. It stepped into the world of Jane Austen, transformed with humour, elegance and charm.
I had the pleasure of experiencing Pride & Prejudice at my first open-air theatre performance, hosted by Storyhouse at Grosvenor Park. I’m still reminiscing about the talent, dedication and beautifully crafted, period-perfect staging that brought this classic to life.
Behind the scenes of Chester’s cultural gem
Storyhouse offers much more than a traditional theatre experience. It’s a cultural hub where a cinema, library and open-air performance spaces come together to create a community. The Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is a treasure in itself – less like a typical venue and more like a need-to-know space where stories unfold under the sky.
The atmosphere struck me most. People of all ages gathered, sharing wood-fired pizzas and a glass of wine under a cosy blanket, fully immersed in anticipation of the live performance.
Performances that steal the spotlight
Each cast member showcased remarkable talent and unwavering commitment, giving 100% to every moment on stage. Taking on multiple roles – from distinct characters to background musicians – and often shifting seamlessly between them, each performer had their time to shine.
Ethan Reid as Mr Darcy/Mr Collins
A standout performer for me was Ethan Reid, whose versatility left me in awe. His transformation from the serious and complex Mr Darcy to the flamboyant, crowd-favourite Mr Collins, with nothing more than a simple pair of glasses as a trigger, was nothing short of incredible.
Reid’s comedic timing had the entire audience in stitches during the Mr Collins scenes, yet he brought such emotional depth to Mr Darcy that you could hear a pin drop in the more serious moments.
Alyce Liburd as Elizabeth Bennet
Alyce Liburd was at the heart of it all as Elizabeth Bennet. Witty, poised, and endlessly expressive. Her Elizabeth sparkled with intelligence and subtle mischievousness that made her instantly likeable.
Liburd carried the weight of Austen’s beloved heroine with ease, grounding the production in both its romantic tension and emotional honesty. The chemistry between Liburd’s Elizabeth Bennet and Reid’s Mr Darcy was a joy to watch.
Cast, crew and musical cues
Meanwhile, Howard Chadwick (Mr Bennet) and Victoria Brazier (Mrs Bennet) brought infectiously high energy to every scene they appeared in, even when stepping away from their primary roles.
The supporting cast was equally engaging, but what impressed me most was their incredible versatility. Their talents extended beyond acting, with live musical performances playing a key role throughout the show. Cast members effortlessly shifted from background musicians to centre-stage actors, often within the same scene. Credit is also due to the production team, whose seamless prop handling and scene transitions added to the overall polish of the performance.
Rising stars from Storyhouse Young Company
One of the evening’s most heartwarming aspects was learning about the work of the Storyhouse Young Company (SYC) in Chester and their involvement in this production of Pride & Prejudice.
SYC offers six months of free acting and performance training for 18 to 25-year-olds, relying entirely on donations. The sessions are led by professional artists, and two exceptional members are invited to join the professional cast at the Open Air Theatre.
The SYC’s Ella Clancy and Amy Hope-Thompson were shining in their roles. Both performers are trainee actors from the SYC programme, and both delivered performances that would make any seasoned professional proud. Their presence on stage reminded me why supporting arts education matters so deeply.
A day in Chester: History, theatre and a touch of Austen
Chester is easily accessible from major cities like Manchester and Liverpool, making a visit to this whimsical performance an ideal day trip. From admiring the history and scenic views on the ancient city walls to testing your shuffleboard skills at the Rooftop Social Club, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the city before or after the show.
And when it comes to the weather, a little rain won’t stop the performance. Grosvenor Park is well prepared for those classic British showers, with ponchos and umbrellas available on site, and some sheltered seating provided. The talented cast will carry on regardless, proving that a bit of drizzle never dampens the spirit of open-air theatre.
BSL-interpreted and captioned performances ensure that the experience remains inclusive and accessible, so that everyone can enjoy the magic of live performance.
Other productions at Chester’s Open Air Theatre
Pride & Prejudice has returned this year due to the exceptional feedback from the public. However, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes will be coming soon as Storyhouse’s next outdoor production, promising more entertainment after your first visit.
Find all information about Storyhouse’s Open Air Theatre, the cast, and upcoming shows on the official Storyhouse website.
Address
Grosvenor Park,
Grosvenor Park Road,
Chester,
CH1 1QQ
