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.
As the lights go on, and the wine begins to mull, the warmth of St Mary's Creative Space beckons with a fantastic lineup for Christmas
A new year and new creative offerings - St Mary's Creative Space brings a Spring bursting full of colour and vibrancy.
Beautiful new work from Farnham Maltings, 'Brave Folk' is visiting us in March, or maybe you'd like to watch a 'Giant' performance as part of our Rural Touring series? Our first collaboration with a chip shop will see us all enjoying a fish supper with Box of Tricks as the drama unfolds in 'Chip Shop Chips'.
We are very excited to welcome Joachim Matschoss and Back Yard Theatre Ensemble on the European leg of their International tour. Joining us from Australia, their award winning piece 'Missing' can be found here for one night only.
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.
A new year and new creative offerings - St Mary's Creative Space brings a Spring bursting full of colour and vibrancy.
Beautiful new work from Farnham Maltings, 'Brave Folk' is visiting us in March, or maybe you'd like to watch a 'Giant' performance as part of our Rural Touring series? Our first collaboration with a chip shop will see us all enjoying a fish supper with Box of Tricks as the drama unfolds in 'Chip Shop Chips'.
We are very excited to welcome Joachim Matschoss and Back Yard Theatre Ensemble on the European leg of their International tour. Joining us from Australia, their award winning piece 'Missing' can be found here for one night only.
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.
A Piano evening with Graham Scott
9th February 2018 at 7.30pm
Graham Scott and friends present a beautiful selection of piano music.
Grosvenor Rowing Club Juniors host a fabulous event in aid of Grosvenor Rowing Club and The Babygrow Appeal.
Programme includes Gershwin's spectacular 'Rhapsody in Blue'
Programme includes Gershwin's spectacular 'Rhapsody in Blue'
For tickets and more information please click here
Chip Shop Chips
March 1st 2018 at 7.30pm
Tickets include a fish ‘n’ chips supper!
Focusing on love at different ages and celebrating the nation’s favourite food, Chip Shop Chips is an immersive love story set in a chippy performing in unusual spaces across the North. So put on your dancing shoes, tuck into a fish supper and brace yourself for a unique theatrical experience. This is theatre, but not as you know it: dinner, dance and a show all rolled into one!
More information here
Brave Folk
8th March 2018
A new play from the far north (presented b Farnham Maltings)
Welcome to the marshlands. A place where you can tell a person by the sound of their squelch. Yorgjin Oxo is a carefree young man who has been taught the sounds of storms and how to sing into the rain, until one day the next village disappears and everything changes. This is a Nordic tale fizzing with humour about love and courage and knowing when to act.
“Never before have I felt so tangibly and comfortably engaged with a performance.”
Thursley, Surrey
“Never before have I felt so tangibly and comfortably engaged with a performance.”
Thursley, Surrey
More information here
Some Upcoming Highlights
For full listings go to our What's On page.
9th February 2018 at 7.30pm
A Piano evening with Graham Scott
Graham Scott and friends present a beautiful selection of piano music.
Grosvenor Rowing Club Juniors host a fabulous event in aid of Grosvenor Rowing Club and The Babygrow Appeal.
Programme includes Gershwin's spectacular 'Rhapsody in Blue'
Programme includes Gershwin's spectacular 'Rhapsody in Blue'
For tickets and more information please click here
March 1st 2018 at 7.30pm
Chip Shop Chips
Tickets include a fish ‘n’ chips supper!
Focusing on love at different ages and celebrating the nation’s favourite food, Chip Shop Chips is an immersive love story set in a chippy performing in unusual spaces across the North. So put on your dancing shoes, tuck into a fish supper and brace yourself for a unique theatrical experience. This is theatre, but not as you know it: dinner, dance and a show all rolled into one!
More information here
8th March 2018
Brave Folk
A new play from the far north (presented b Farnham Maltings)
Welcome to the marshlands. A place where you can tell a person by the sound of their squelch. Yorgjin Oxo is a carefree young man who has been taught the sounds of storms and how to sing into the rain, until one day the next village disappears and everything changes. This is a Nordic tale fizzing with humour about love and courage and knowing when to act.
“Never before have I felt so tangibly and comfortably engaged with a performance.”
Thursley, Surrey
“Never before have I felt so tangibly and comfortably engaged with a performance.”
Thursley, Surrey
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…
