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What’s On at The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester

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stage right, stage leftThe Forum Studio Theatre in Chester is one of the most popular entertainment venues throughout the city and for good reason as it’s always thriving with exciting productions and plays which can suit people across a broad range of ages.

As we approach summer, the theatre’s billing only get better so we here at Chester Borderlands compiled two of the best arriving over the next month.

When We Are Married – April 3rd – April 12th

Dir: Peter Swingler

A superb adaptation of the classic comedy by Priestley is first on the agenda for The Forum with it staying on stage for over a week, giving you plenty of time to catch it.

Set during the 1900’s in the north of England, When We Are Married is a hilarious trip down nostalgia lane as three couples who were all married on the same day by the same vicar look back on 25 years of the ups and downs. However, it transpires that the vicar might not have been all that he made out to be…

Cast:

Joseph Helliwell – Dave Perkins

Maria Helliwell – Janice Gavin

Albert Parker – Bill Hughes

Annie Parker – Gwen Cowan

Herbert Soppitt – Derek Weigh

Clara Soppitt – Janice Fryett

Henry Ormonroyd – John Lindop

Rev Clement Mercer – Grahame Smith

Gerard Forbes – Dan Ellis

Fred Dyson – Peter Marnell

Ruby Birtle – Vicki Daniels

Lottie Grady – Jo Lloyd

Mrs Northrop – Maureen Rutherford

Nancy – Harriet Jones

Call 01244 341296 for more information.

Godspell – April 22nd –April 26th 2014

Chester is as closely associated with the arts as it is its Roman heritage so it should come as no surprise that youngsters from the area and nearby towns are taking part in this Theatretrain production.

Schools from Chester, Wrexham and Mold will all be coming together to give their rendition of Godspell from the 22nd of April to the 26th of April with each performance kicking off at 7pm. If you want to catch bright young talent in the Northern area, be sure not to miss out on this.

Wednesday 23rd April – CHESTER SATURDAY SCHOOL

Thursday 24th April – WREXHAM SCHOOL

Friday 25th April – CHESTER FRIDAY SCHOOL

Saturday 26th April – MOLD SCHOOL

Sunday 27th April (2pm) – MOLD SCHOOL – Extra Performance Added

Call 01244 341296 for more information.

“stage right, stage left” by www.flickr.com/photos/denverjeffrey

License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0

Events in Chester & the Surrounding Areas Coming Soon

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Events in ChesterAs Spring starts to spring to life and the grey skies start to light up again, there are few better places to spend a lovely summer’s day out in than Chester and the Roman city has more than enough events to make your time away a great occasion.

Here are just a few of the premier events lined up over the coming months:

Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival – 17th to 21st of April
Situated in the market town of Nantwich which is typically always buzzing with something to do even if there isn’t a big event on, this much loved music festival will be a welcome form of entertainment to those who like jazz and blues: two of the oldest and most revered genres of music around.

Across the area, you can expect to see many musicians performing at pubs and clubs over what is bound to be a great few days.

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre – 27th of June to 24th of August
Although it’s only been going for four short seasons, the attractions available at this theatre during its open period over summer have made it one of the premier destinations for live entertainment events in Chester and Cheshire already.

This year, expect to see adaptations of the likes of The Secret Garden, Macbeth and The Comedy of Errors after a great reception for last year’s performances. As the only open air theatre outside of London, you’re sure to be in great company.

Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival 2014 – 19th of April to 21st of April
If you’re thinking of visiting Chester for the first time this April, you’re bound to come away with a very positive outlook on this historic city as this micro-festival is a great time for all.

As soon as you walk through Chester Raceourse, you’ll be greeted by a whole menagerie of different sights, sounds and smells as there will be only the finest in food and drink available to you on your visit. Staggered across themed villages, there’s bound to be something to sate the palate of everyone at this event.

Chester Rocks Line Up Announced

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Dizzee RascalThe much awaited billing for the massive Chester Rocks has finally been announced with the names on the list being more eclectic than they’ve ever been before.

Mercury Prize winning rapper Dizzee Rascal is the headlining act and he’s sure to bring his raucous energy to proceedings during the event which takes place from the 6th of June to the 8th of June. You may know Dizzee from the hit single ‘Bonkers’ as well as some of his earlier work including ‘Fix Up, Look Sharp’.

Also announced, the indie kings Razorlight will be attending Chester Racecourse and will no doubt relish belting out some of the anthems. The controversial Johnny Borrell fronts the band and will delight in bringing classics such as ‘America’ and ‘Somewhere Else’ to the buoyant crowd – if you haven’t heard of the latter then you’re missing out on one of the essential songs of the noughties!

Another supporting act are the pop rockers The Hoosiers who might be best known for their hits ‘Worried About Ray’ and ‘Goodbye Mr. A’ during the indie invasion last decade. The Feeling offer a much more mellow sound and they’ll also be playing at Chester Rocks this June: check ‘Fill My Little Word’ if you need to refresh your memory on this London based band.

Pop fans of the 90’s and 00’s will go wild for the line-up on Sunday the 8th of June as 5ive, 911, Eternal and A1 have been billed to take part in a summer party. Look no further for your fix of cheesy nostalgia than this perfect way to wrap up 2014’s occasion.

Organisers are aiming to beat last year’s attendance of  20000 when the likes of Jessie J and The Wanted performed. Event organiser Lynsey Jones said: “The line-up this year has a broader appeal than ever before and we’re also delighted to be showcasing local talent. We hope to see another record breaking attendance over the three days.”

Tickets for Chester Rocks 2014 will be available from Friday at 9pm and can be bought from www.chester-rocks.com from £28.50.

“Dizzee ’13” by www.flickr.com/photos/mayeesherr

License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

Chester Zoo Visited by 1.5 Million in 2013

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Lemur at Chester ZooIf you’re yet to visit Chester Zoo (really?), you can count yourself amongst the 1.5 million who visited one of the North’s best attractions when you finally make the trip as the long-running landmark has had a stellar year.

An amazing one a half million people stepped through the gates of Chester Zoo in 2013, making it the most visited attraction outside of London. In fact, it even had more people visit than at the Houses of Parliament! It must be something to do with the red pandas…

This continues the distinction for the Upton-based attraction and conservation centre of being massively popular as it has been ousting the capital’s most famous haunts for three years straight now. In fact, Chester Zoo has even been visited 100,000 times more than its supposedly larger cousin, London Zoo!

Perhaps its great popularity boils down to a recent baby boom, as managing director Jamie Christon explains: “We are delighted to take the top spot yet again and I think that’s proof that we’re doing things right.

“Last year we had a host of breeding successes including tiger and cheetah cubs and rhino calves, all of which have been important for conservation but also a big draw for visitors.

“This year we have already seen the birth of a rare Grevy’s zebra foal and the arrival of two new Komodo dragons.”

And the purple patch for the zoo looks like continuing as plans to build the Islands project, on a larger scale than anything seen before in the country, continue to develop: “We’re constantly evolving and offering people new and exciting things to come and experience,” Mr Christon continued.

“In previous years this has included world first attractions such as our display of animatronic bugs and with the opening of Islands fast approaching, we can guarantee that there are very exciting times ahead.”

 

Fine Dining Events in Chester

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Fine Dining Events in ChesterThere’s no doubt that Chester is a place alive with culture each and every day of the year. Over the coming month, you can enjoy several celebrations of the cuisine and refined tastes of this historic city at fine dining events in Chester.

Whether you’re into your food or drink (or even both!), there’s plenty on to whet your appetite in Chester and it could provide the perfect date night or bit of fun for you and friends.

The first event of this kind coming up is to be held at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and is called Ready, Steady, Learn to Cook and is the perfect opportunity for your to hone your cooking – especially if you keep burning toast!

As a live cookery exhibition, expert chefs will be on hand to guide you through their superb sessions and how to cook elegant dishes simply. With some small tricks and tips, you are bound to take a lot away from this event so be sure to bring along your notepad on the 28th of February. We may have to recommend that you put it down though and pick up a knife and fork for the three course meal that’s provided.

If you like your produce to be a bit earthier, you could do little better than attending the chutney taster session at Chester Cathedral on the 1st of March. The wizards from Cheshire Chutney will be on hand to help you with any tips and tricks to make your own perfect produce.

Another event which is starting off in March but actually taking place throughout most of the year is the One Day Wine School available from Abode Chester. If you’ve never really savoured a wine and instead have just gulped it down (we don’t blame you) then hone your tasting skills to really unlock the true flavours of a glass of red. There are many varieties of wines that are available for your selection on the 1st and 22nd of March and for just £75, you can enjoy a whole season of gorgeous wines and delicious food at the Abode Hotel throughout 2014.

Fantastic New WayWord Event in Chester

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Workgroup meetingAlmost every week, there’s a new event in Chester which celebrates culture and all kinds of different art forms. As a place with such a rich background in the arts, it will provide the perfect location for WayWord in February.

A day out suited to young people of many age ranges, the WayWord event is one festival which has been creating quite the buzz as the must-attend venue for entertainment over the half-term. A whole host of workshops and fun attractions will be available at Chester Town Hall from the 14th of February until the 22nd.

For kids aged from 4 years and above, there are great activities like Little Somethings, Gigantosaurus and Spark, the Wizard Goblin to both entertain and educate. The latter is hosted by Dominic Berry, a poet from New York who is else in very high regard by his peers.

Suited for visitors of 7 years and over, you can expect to be delighted by attractions such as Dennis the Menace, The Wimpy Kid Show and The Legend of Frog by Guy Bass – an acclaimed and much loved novelist for children.

Are you in your teenage years and struggling to think of something to do during your school holidays? Then the 48 Hour Film Challenge or Coding Workshop could be just the thing for you. Any keen writers out there will relish the chance to Fire Up Your Blog with Kate Feld too!

This is just a small sample of the attractions you can enjoy and to accompany all of this, the local Waterstones will also be having a hosting session with some of your favourite authors so you can have your book signed.

The official site states: “If being young is the problem, WayWord is the antidote. This half-term, we’ve got poetry and politics, film and fantasy, new books, new technologies and even a bit of Dr Who. Come and let your imagination run wild!” and it couldn’t be a better endorsement.

Events in Chester in February

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Events in ChesterAny month of events in Chester are always full to the brim with exciting activities and evenings of entertainment for the whole family and this February is no different. Here’s a look at some of the best occasions available for you and the family throughout the month.

Chinese New Year

Located in the city centre, Chester will become a hove of colour and culture as the Chinese New Year is celebrated in the historic town. Expect to see plenty of tigers and dragons with one or two special performances as well.

Buy Tickets: Wah Lei Association 

Blues Rock Jam Night

If you like your music to be eclectic and energetic, then this event coming up on the 6th of February is a must attend for you.

A Shrewdness of Apes will be the headlining act at this evening of brilliant music in which audience participation is the keyword. If you feel like clambering up on stage and belting out some blues, feel free!

Tickets are free at Telfords Warehouse

Chester Music Society

Expect the music of the Brodsky String Quartet at this high-class occasion. If you’re a fan of classical music then you’ll know that your beloved genre has a home in Chester and that will be evident on the 12th at St Mary’s Centre.

Tickets: 01244 381995

Mamma Mia Cruise

Big Abba fan? Love being on boats? Then enjoy all the excitement you can have at this Mamma Mia Cruise at the Groves on the 21st of February.

Get down with some of disco’s most beloved song before tucking in to the great eats at the barbecue – enjoying a drink is also mandatory! There’s even opportunity for you and friends to enjoy a private party.

Tickets: 01244 325394

Wizz Jones & John Renbourn

If you love your classic folk blues then you’ll love this classic duo who are much revered in the community.

The pair will be playing Telford’s Warehouse on the 25th of February as these icons take to the stage as a healthy antidote to the contemporary airwaves.

Buy tickets: Telford’s Warehouse 

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Chester

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Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

If you’re not willing to let go of 2013 quite yet, you should definitely be celebrating Chinese New Year in Chester on February 1st in an event which will be great fun for the whole family.

This year, it’s the turn of the horse on the Chinese calendar and because of this, the whole city of Chester will be springing to life with a vibrant, oriental feel on a spectacular night of fun. The start of a new zodiac calendar in China is always cause for rejoicing on the other side of the world and it’s this spirit which will be spreading through the city centre.

The origins of the calendar date back to the story of Buddha when he requested all animals to meet him on the first day of the year, after which he named 12 years after each. Those born on the year of the horse are said to be charming, energetic and kind.

This February, expect to see lions and dragons roaming the cobbles of the Roman city with plenty of other brilliant things to catch the eye. If you never thought you’d see the day of a Happy Buddha walking around in northern Britain then this your perfect chance!

Orchestrated by the council and Wah Lei Chinese Asocation, there has been plenty of excitement leading up to the event. Executive member for culture and economy, Cllr Stuart Parker had this to say on the celebrations: “The colourful Chinese New Year celebrations are always a firm favourite with residents, shoppers and visitors to Chester.

“This is the fifth time they have been held in the city centre and afterwards workshops take place in Frodsham Street.

“I would urge everyone to come and see the year of the horse brought in, in fantastic style with music and costumes and something for everyone to enjoy.”

The occasion kicks off with style at 10.45 am along Eastgate Street as you get acclimatised to the different culture with an introduction to the famous characters. From here on, expect to lose yourself in a brilliant day of entertainment.

“Chinese New Year” by www.flickr.com/photos/lydiashiningbrightly

License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

Visit the Blue Planet Aquarium

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Blue Planet AquariumIf you’re visiting Cheshire with the kids and don’t know what the historic city can offer, taking a walk around the Blue Planet Aquarium will easily be one of your highlights.

Visitors from North Wales will no doubt have had some great fun in the Seaquarium in Anglesey but for sheer variety and things to see, Blue Planet absolutely comes out on top especially when you consider that it’s open all year long, making it perfect for a rainy day out.

This superb aquarium is home to over 700 fish with them ranging from the adorable to the menacing! As soon as you see Blue Planet’s variety of sharks that is the largest in Europe, you’ll understand exactly what was meant by that. The 10ft long sand tigers and lemon sharks are just a couple of the attractions with the fearless staff sometimes jumping in with these hunters of the sea. Visitors with diving qualifications can also enjoy an experience with these hunters of the sea – if they’re up to it!

You can enjoy sights like these from the comfort of behind the amazing amphitheatre glass – a fully panoramic view of some of the exhibits of which there are 50! It’s surely an intercontinental experience at Blue Planet as the fish housed within the 3.8 million litres home come from places all over the planet.

Anyone fearful of creepy crawlies would do well to steer clear of VENOM which is a display area filled with dangerous creatures. Don’t get out the health and safety manual just yet; you’ll be fully protected by reinforced screens meaning that you can enjoy watching tarantulas and jellyfish in their surroundings.

Also not to be missed, a chance to get up and personal with the stingrays and eels with the sharks also making a guest appearance in the underwater tunnel. This 70 metre long stretch plays host to black and white sharks and also the zebra variety, again showing why the venue is famed for its collection of sharks!

If the kids are tired of looking and want to start running around (as they always do), the Pirate Playground is the perfect place for them to release some energy. Expect to see one or two otters outside too!

With the opportunity to have massive reductions on diving experiences throughout January, there could be no better time to dive in to the fun at Blue Planet Aquarium.

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“shark and boat” by www.flickr.com/photos/joccay

License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Gigs in Chester in January

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As a place of rich culture and excitement, there are always acts taking to the stage from the music world in the historic town of Chester. From the indie to the electro, there’s always an event for any music lover out there.

Here are some of the highlights to look out for over the course of January.

Empire Divide – Telfords Warehouse – 11/01/2014

An alternative rock influenced act hailing from London, this energetic but at sometimes sombre 5-piece are looking to impress in Chester after a great 2013 in which they released their debut music video in November.

Strains of Radiohead are evident in the bands releases with their being some leans towards other artists such as Coldplay and Muse. Catch them before they get big.

Laura J Martin – Telfords Warehouse – 14/01/2014

As eclectic as they come in influences, this young musician from Liverpool is carving a bit of a name for herself in the music world.

Although still tentatively young, Martin has been on the scene for a few years now with her LP Dazzle Days being her most recent release. If you’re after something a little soulful then this be could the gig just for you.

Ian Skelly & The Serpent Power – Telfords Warehouse – 24/01/2014

On the back of plenty of hype, Ian Skelly is looking to distance himself from his early music career as the drummer for The Coral with this venture.

One for those who enjoy the more experimental side of music, this artist bring plenty of psychedelic intrigue to his recordings with his Cut From a Star album having plenty of fanfare on release. Check out Ian Skelly on the 24th of January.

Chemistry Lane – Telfords Warehouse – 30/01/2014

An engaging and unique group, Chemistry Lane live by their name as the sheer level of detail which goes into their compositions is almost scientific.

Avant-garde is one word to describe this home-grown band and after a support slot with post-rock giants 65daysofstatic on the 14th, they will be headlining their own show at Telfords on the 30th of the month.

The Maydays – Telfords Warehouse – 31/01/2014

Coming from nearby Wrexham, this five piece oozes Northern energy and is a brilliant throwback to when rock was simple fun.

Definitely one for those who like their rock upbeat, The Maydays will be rounding off a great month in Chester for music gigs and are one of the highlights.