What does it mean to belong to Chester?

PLACE- a mass participation project celebrating what makes us feel valued and connected in a country that is full of difference… “When things have gone wrong in a country, we always look to blame those who are different from us.”

(Jimmy) What does it mean to belong to Chester? People from across the city and beyond have shared their stories of belonging, isolation and the barriers they face—from living with additional needs, being part of the LGBTQ+ community or seeking asylum, to growing up in socio-economically deprived neighbourhoods or simply living through decades of change. Against a backdrop of raging media headlines, algorithms and fraught political discourse, PLACE seeks to celebrate the human experiences that make us stronger, through animation, film, original music, dance and song, Theatre in the Quarter brings these voices together in a powerful journey of lived experience.

Working with a diverse range of communities across Chester, from school children and teenagers to youth theatre groups, refugees, and choirs, PLACE brings everyone together for a celebration of unity. And at a time when we can feel increasingly divided, and flags are sometimes used to exclude rather than unite, PLACE and its team have worked with communities across Chester to create a new Global flag—one that represents us all—which will be unveiled in a uniting final anthem at Storyhouse.

Jo McLeish, Producer of PLACE, said: “This project started as a discussion about how we responded to the weaponisation of our national flag, and how many of us felt embarrassed and angry about what it started to represent in certain communities. We wanted to find a way of celebrating what made us proud as a country that welcomes difference, accepts change and doesn’t judge. This is not just about the immigration debate, it’s about giving a voice to those who over decades may have felt marginalised, isolation and not ‘connected’ to a place. All our lived experience contributors have a very personal story to tell. From Jimmy who talks about growing up gay in 1980s Britain, to Faye and Rick who speak from the heart about navigating life as learning-disabled adults, and we hear from Shayan, a young man who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban began to rule once more. What is so important about this project is that it speaks with authenticity, it doesn’t preach, it informs. Afterall it’s when we feel educated about something, we feel less fearful and judgemental.” 

Matt Baker, Musical Director of PLACE, said: “PLACE has been shaped by many voices and many different artistic influences. We wanted the music to reflect the richness of the very different people who call Chester home, drawing inspiration from a range of artists and musical traditions to create something that feels both deeply personal and shared. But what makes this project particularly special is that the songs belong to everyone who has taken part. Bringing together choirs, children, students, schools and community groups means that hundreds of voices can become one. The new anthem, One Place, which is performed by all at the end, is a celebration of what can happen when we make space for one another, and the new ‘world flag' created by many hands is a powerful symbol of that shared sense of belonging. We will see the flag and hear the anthem simultaneously.” 

PLACE will be performed at Storyhouse, Chester, on Saturday 7th November, at 11.30am and 2pm, tickets can be purchased directly at Storyhouse. PLACE is a Pay what You Can performance.