St Mary's
a Creative Space
“An amazing space with some real wow factor - perfect for both our rehearsals and the final performance.”
Matt Baker, Artistic Director - Theatre in the Quarter
Matt Baker, Artistic Director - Theatre in the Quarter
Welcome to St Mary’s - a Creative Space
St Mary’s is a fantastic rehearsal, performance and exhibition space right in the heart of Chester, and is available to the whole community. A thriving cultural scene needs an inspirational centre, and St Mary’s aims to provide opportunities for creative activities and connections of all kinds - providing the space and facilities your group needs, and a wow factor your audience will love.
Summer in the City
Things are certainly hotting up, and our summer programme should give you the perfect opportunity to take sanctuary from the sun. Music, theatre and fun are all here for you to enjoy in the cooling atmosphere of our beautiful building.
Our fantastic live music promotors Roman Candle and Soundbox both offer fantastic concerts from internationally renowned musicians - check out our whats on guide for more details.
Things are certainly hotting up, and our summer programme should give you the perfect opportunity to take sanctuary from the sun. Music, theatre and fun are all here for you to enjoy in the cooling atmosphere of our beautiful building.
Our fantastic live music promotors Roman Candle and Soundbox both offer fantastic concerts from internationally renowned musicians - check out our whats on guide for more details.
Featured Video:
A small excerpt from Terry Reid's set at St Mary's Creative Space. Thanks to The Grey Room and Roman Candle.
Roman Candle will again be offering an exciting lineup of musicians at their events throughout 2018 - see our whats on guide for more information.
Some Upcoming Highlights
For full listings go to our What's On page.
Roman Candle Presents Luke Winslow-King
Sun 7 September 2018 at 7.30pm
Adept at mixing country, blues, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and folk influences intuitively and masterfully, Luke shapes a mood from many sources and shepherds it to a unifying place of acceptance and hope.
More information here
Roman Candle Presents Dylan LeBlanc & Nicole Atkins
Sun 16 September 2018 at 7.30pm
Roman Candle is delighted to welcome Dylan LeBlanc with special guest Nicole Atkins to St Mary's Creative Space.
More information here
Roman Candle Presents Michael Chapman
Sat 29 Spetember 2018 at 7.30pm
A thrilling return to St Mary's Creative Space
Over 50 years on the road, Michael Chapman is set to give another amazing performance to those lucky enough to secure tickets - should be a great evening!
"This man is so laid back that he makes JJ Cale sound like he’s on helium." – Q Magazine
"This man is so laid back that he makes JJ Cale sound like he’s on helium." – Q Magazine
More information here
Some Upcoming Highlights
For full listings go to our What's On page.
Sun 7 September 2018 at 7.30pm
Roman Candle Presents Luke Winslow-King
Adept at mixing country, blues, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and folk influences intuitively and masterfully, Luke shapes a mood from many sources and shepherds it to a unifying place of acceptance and hope.
More information here
Sun 16 September 2018 at 7.30pm
Roman Candle Presents Dylan LeBlanc & Nicole Atkins
Roman Candle is delighted to welcome Dylan LeBlanc with special guest Nicole Atkins to St Mary's Creative Space.
More information here
Sat 29 Spetember 2018 at 7.30pm
Roman Candle Presents Michael Chapman
A thrilling return to St Mary's Creative Space
Over 50 years on the road, Michael Chapman is set to give another amazing performance to those lucky enough to secure tickets - should be a great evening!
"This man is so laid back that he makes JJ Cale sound like he’s on helium." – Q Magazine
"This man is so laid back that he makes JJ Cale sound like he’s on helium." – Q Magazine
More information here
Recent Events
A small selection of recent events you may have missed. Keep in touch by bookmarking our What's On page, and remember to book your tickets early!
Chester International Music Week
The world came to Chester - filling St Mary's Creative Space in July.
Thanks to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, we welcomed choirs, dancers and musicians from across the globe.
Thanks to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, we welcomed choirs, dancers and musicians from across the globe.
Ange Hardy: in Conversation and in Concert
Celebrated as one of Britain’s top folk musicians for her five star 2014 album “The Lament of The Black Sheep” Ange Hardy has grabbed the attention of the traditional folk music world.
Roman Candle Presents John Murry
'The longer you spend in the darkness with him, the more beauty you'll see' Country Music Magazine.
On tour from the Deep South,John Murry makes an amazing whistle stop in Chester, en route to Ireland.
On tour from the Deep South,John Murry makes an amazing whistle stop in Chester, en route to Ireland.
Celebrity Concert
Chester Music Society presents distinguished chamber musician Sarah-Jane Bradley, who has toured throughout the world and participated in many celebrated festivals.
Whether you want to hire St Mary’s Creative Space for a meeting, a performance, a series of workshops or rehearsals, or anything else - just get in touch via this website and your group can be join the diverse variety of people already enjoying and benefitting from this great community asset and Chester’s hidden cultural gem. For further details of the facilities and the building itself Click Here.
Yes! It can be hired by individuals, groups or organisations for a range of activities and events such as rehearsals, workshops, meetings and performances.
There is no sound equipment in the venue and lighting is limited to the overhead lights. You can bring in sound and lighting (provided it has been PAT tested) – don’t forget to factor in the cost of hiring equipment when thinking about using the venue.
No, although there are spaces within the venue where different groups can work. While it is possible to put up screens, sound will carry around the venue.
The number of people in the building at any one time must not exceed 200. This number is suitable if people are standing. Due to health and safety reasons a maximum of 170 seats is recommended.
We do have a plan of St Mary’s (download HERE) drawn up by Peter Herbert Productions for Theatre in the Quarter’s production of Alice in 2014, but we would always recommend that you visit the venue and measure up yourself, particularly if you are having a set designed. You should also be aware that the floor is uneven.
Yes, but as this would require us to turn off the fire alarm you would have to have a minimum of £10million public liability insurance.
There is an upright piano in St Mary's - all those hiring the venue are able to use it free of charge. There is also a grand piano which can be hired for an additional cost. Details and booking form HERE.
Yes, although being an old church built of sandstone when it is very cold outside it can sometimes be cold inside too.
Sounds good? Use the links below to learn more about the venue, or find out about hiring…
Volunteering at St Mary's is a great way to meet people, learn new skills and contribute to your local community. Whether you're interested in helping out inside or outside, we can find something for you to do! We can offer opportunities in a range of roles and functions including front of house, technical, refreshments and gardening.
Just drop us a line via our Contact Us page and we will be in touch!
Just drop us a line via our Contact Us page and we will be in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It can be hired by individuals, groups or organisations for a range of activities and events such as rehearsals, workshops, meetings and performances.
There is no sound equipment in the venue and lighting is limited to the overhead lights. You can bring in sound and lighting (provided it has been PAT tested) – don’t forget to factor in the cost of hiring equipment when thinking about using the venue.
No, although there are spaces within the venue where different groups can work. While it is possible to put up screens, sound will carry around the venue.
The number of people in the building at any one time must not exceed 200. This number is suitable if people are standing. Due to health and safety reasons a maximum of 170 seats is recommended.
We do have a plan of St Mary’s (download HERE) drawn up by Peter Herbert Productions for Theatre in the Quarter’s production of Alice in 2014, but we would always recommend that you visit the venue and measure up yourself, particularly if you are having a set designed. You should also be aware that the floor is uneven.
Yes, but as this would require us to turn off the fire alarm you would have to have a minimum of £10million public liability insurance.
There is an upright piano in St Mary's - all those hiring the venue are able to use it free of charge. There is also a grand piano which can be hired for an additional cost. Details and booking form HERE.
Yes, although being an old church built of sandstone when it is very cold outside it can sometimes be cold inside too.
Sounds good? Use the links below to learn more about the venue, or find out about hiring…
