An exciting season of new shows go on sale this week at Storyhouse in Chester, including a programme of music, dance, drama and comedy.

Welcoming audiences back to Hunter Street for the first time since December, indoor performances will resume with social distancing from 17 May.

Charting the experience of Rosa Hesmondhalgh, who was only 23 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, life-affirming show Madame Ovary will play at the theatre from 21-23 May. This is followed by Julie Hesmondhalgh’s acclaimed one-woman show, The Greatest Play in the History of the World, which will run from 26 - 30 May.  

Writer, musician and broadcaster Mark Radcliffe has curated a collection of his favourite emerging and established folk acts this season, starting with duo The Breath on 3 June. There is also the opportunity to catch ballet’s stars of the future when Rambert2 visits Chester on 8 – 9 June. The group’s 11 young dancers bring their outstanding ability and creativity to the city for two nights of world-class performance. 

Chester’s own Belle Voci will perform on 18 June, sharing their passion for opera with Storyhouse audiences. Then soon afterwards, London-born jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen brings his band Four Corners to the venue on 22 June as part of a UK tour; and the multi award-winning singer and harpist Rachel Newton on 25 June. The following week, Kendal Mountain Festival Tour comes to Storyhouse on 2 July for an evening celebrating adventure in the wildest places on earth.  

Later on in the autumn, stand-up comedian, actress and writer Luisa Omielan arrives with her new show God is a Woman on 31 October; before regency japesters Austentatious make a welcome return to the theatre on 11 November as part of a tour marking their 10th anniversary and promise a riotously funny evening of improvised comedy storytelling, inspired by Jane Austen and based on nothing more than a title suggested by the audience. 

Looking ahead to next spring, bushcraft and survival expert Ray Mears will appear at the venue on 26 March with We Are Nature. 

Storyhouse Artistic Director Alex Clifton said: “It’s wonderful to be announcing these new shows which celebrate the best of live music, theatre, dance, comedy and the spoken word. 

“The last 12 months have been a challenging time for artists and audiences alike, and so there’s a real sense of joy which comes with being able to fill Storyhouse with fantastic live performance once again.” 

Tickets are on sale now for Storyhouse Members, with public booking opening on 9 April here.