Join Alice in Wonderland at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre this Summer

Every adventure requires a first step – and curious young Chester theatregoers are being promised an adventure to remember when they step into Grosvenor Park and join Alice in Wonderland this summer. 

The magical walkabout theatre experience aimed at primary age children comes to Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre from next Friday, 25 July until 30 August as part of the 2025 outdoor season presented by Storyhouse.

Tickets cost £12 and are available now.

The daytime experience encourages young audiences to follow Lewis Carroll’s fantastical story across the Grosvenor Park festival site, meeting a cast of brilliant larger-than-life characters along the way before an enchanting finale inside the theatre space itself.

Prepare to encounter the Mad Hatter, Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts and, of course, Alice herself.

It’s the perfect way to spark young imaginations and introduce children to the magic of live theatre.

Some performances have already sold out while others have limited availability, so don’t be late for a very important date!

Alice in Wonderland stars Hannah Blakeley (Alice/the Queen of Hearts), Thom Hallows (Mad Hatter), Nathan Kenardo (Caterpillar/Cheshire Cat), Alexander McGonagle (White Rabbit) and Hannah Rose Curtis (Queen of Hearts/Alice).

It is directed by Alexander McGonagle and has choreography by Hannah Blakeley.

On 2, 3, 28 and 30 August, young visitors are also invited to an Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter tea party featuring a selection of delicious treats and a chance to meet some of their favourite characters from the Alice in Wonderland walkabout experience. Tickets from £18 for Storyhouse members.

Along with Alice in Wonderland, the 2025 Grosvenor Park season includes two unmissable plays on the main stage – Pride and Prejudice, which is currently running, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes which opens tomorrow. Both then run until 31 August.

The festival site also features the ever-popular tepee bar, seating areas, fresh wood-fired pizzas, a barbecue, craft beers and frozen cocktails.

And a series of special events are taking place over the two-month open-air season, including a free Pups in the Park this Sunday, 20 July, promising exciting activities and pup-friendly vendors, thrilling murder mystery The Crown Duels: Gangs of Chester on 22 July and Comedy in the Park on 24 August.

Storyhouse creative director Suzie Henderson said today: “Alice in Wonderland has delighted generations of children since it was first introduced to the world by Lewis Carroll 160 years ago, and his colourful fantasy, filled with March hares and Mad Hatters, continues to captivate and excite young imaginations.

“Carroll was born not many miles from here, at Daresbury near Runcorn, which makes our walkabout theatre experience for family visitors even more apt. And Grosvenor Park is the perfect backdrop.

“So, we’re thrilled to present this enchanting version of his timeless story as part our 2025 Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre season which is already shaping up to be a memorable summer of live performance and brilliant activities for all.”

For more details on the Grosvenor Park season visit www.storyhouse.com