Our 2023 Theatre & Music Festival Season
In partnership with Norton Priory Museum & Gardens
Click On Each Image To Find Out More And Book Tickets
Shine a Light - Saturday 7th May 2023 7pm
A ‘One Night Only’ concert celebrating the music of the Eurovision Song Contest across the years in this very special host year for the Liverpool City Region.
Get your Eurovision party celebrations started on the bank holiday weekend on Sunday 7th May in the stunning atrium at Norton Priory. Songs and music from Eurovision glories past with a chance to vote for your favourite Eurovision song of all time with your very own golden buzzer!
Featuring A Place For Us’ ‘Shine ’company of professional singers, musicians and the next generation of young performers with Eurovision stars in their eyes!
Tickets £15 and available from Norton Priory HERE
Tickets subsidised by funding from Halton Borough Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The performance is produced in partnership with A Place For Us' partner Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.
Murder, Mayhem and Magic - Sun 4th June 12:30pm & 2:30pm
Shakespeare arrives at Queen Elizabeth’s court to put on his latest play, only to realise that the actors haven’t been booked, the script has been left behind and the only people able to help are two woman (who at the time were banned from performing on the stage!). Over the next 60 minutes the audience is introduced to some of Shakespeare’s most iconic excerpts from his plays as the trio try to create a play for Queenie from what they can remember – anything so that they don’t lose their heads! There will be ‘Murder, Mayhem and Magic’!
It’s a hilarious and educational show, with edited and accessible versions of scenes from The Bards most popular plays (Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream) – a great introduction to Shakespeare for young people, whilst also being fun and engaging (there’s quite a bit of audience interaction too)! A live theatre performance that is accessible, educational and fun – what more could you ask for?
I really really enjoyed watching this play. The music, comedy and acting were 10/10 – everyone was amazing. This has started my desire to act.” – (Olivia - Audience member 2022)
“I absolutely loved the production and it has made me want to watch more theatre shows” – Harley (Audience member 2022)
".......a truly refreshing piece of Shakespearean theatre" - "..... a hugely entertaining and hilarious show" - Donna May: North West End, Sept 2021
‘Murder, Mayhem and Magic’ is a 3 hander professional play written & directed by A Place For Us’ Artistic Director Kate Allerston, with 3 amazing actors in the cast and technical design by Artistic Director Chris Bastock. The production gives a fun and engaging introduction to Shakespeare and is aimed at families with children aged 8 upwards. This performance is made possible by Arts Council England. The performance is produced in partnership with A Place For Us' partner Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.
PROUD - Saturday 8th July - Part of 'Pride At The Priory'. Time TBC
A Festival Concert on the ancient ruins celebrating PRIDE and the LGBTQ+ community by the young talent of A Place For Us performing Arts Academy as part of Pride at the Priory.
This ‘One Night Only’ concert features songs that reflect the values of Pride: understanding, inclusion, community, and, well…pride. The concert will take you through a roller coaster of emotions celebrating the the LGBTQ+ communities and its supporters.
Featuring LGBTQ+ anthems and musical theatre iconic songs including ‘I Am What I Am’, ‘Vogue’, ‘Born This Way’, ‘Cabaret’, ‘Dancing Queen’ and many more.
A partnership between Northwest HIV Support CIC, Norton Priory Museum & Gardens and A Place For Us CIC
Tickets for 'Pride At The Priory' are £3 and available from Norton Priory HERE. The performance is produced in partnership with A Place For Us' partner Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.
Electric Dreams - Sunday 9th July - Saturday 15th July
Evenings + Saturday Matinee - See Ticket Page for Full Details
IT’S BACK!!!
‘…you have but slumbered here… While these visions did appear’
A Place for Us Theatre Company is proud to present the return of the award winning ‘Electric Dreams’, an 80s outdoor musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Come along and celebrate the spectacular musical theatre event of the summer … It’s a kinda magic!
".......a truly refreshing piece of Shakespearean theatre" - "..... a hugely entertaining and hilarious show" - Donna May: North West End - review 5th Sept 2021
Exploding with a ‘totally awesome’ 80s inspired soundtrack, featuring West End stars as the warring Queen and King of the Fairies, alongside a professional cast, live band & young performers entering into the performing arts industry.
So, you are invited to transport yourself to Midsummer Night in 1980s Athens. Four young lovers and a group of oddball actors find themselves entranced and entrapped in an enchanted forest where Rock Diva Fairies rule and a mischievous sprite is hell bent on causing havoc…what could possibly go wrong?
"Live theatre is officially back and back with a huge bang!" - "I wish this was on longer so I could come back to see it." - Luke Stephenson: North West End - review 17th June 2021
This performance is made possible by Arts Council England. The performance is produced in partnership with A Place For Us' partner Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.
"Electric Dreams feels like a special show, and that is a major compliment. Few could combine Shakespearean theatre with 1980s rock music and make it work. And not only make it work, but make it thrive, and create a magical experience for everyone on hand. But that’s what we get from this must-see show. I look forward to seeing how this format could apply to other plays in the future!" Mark Armstrong: Writebase review 6th September 2021
Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £12 for children and young people aged 16 or under and £48 for families (discounts for Norton Priory members apply). Tickets available HERE
The Tempest - Saturday & Sunday 22nd & 23rd July - 3pm & 7pm
This July 2023, Multi Award Winning A Place for Us Theatre company in partnership with Cronton 6th Form College and Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, present Shakespeare’s final masterpiece, ‘The Tempest’. Set in the stunning woodland theatre space nestled within the 42 acres of the ancient Priory grounds.
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on….”
After hugely successful sell out runs of their visceral woodland productions of Romeo and Juliet & Macbeth in 2022 and 2021, A Place for Us are continuing their Shakespeare legacy as Artistic Directors and partners at Norton Priory this summer and have joined forces again with the talented drama students at Cronton College. Be transported to an island of betrayal, magic, love and revenge.
“.......a truly refreshing piece of Shakespearean theatre” – Donna May: North West End, Sept 2021
Come and be enchanted, enthralled and engrossed in a world of spirits, and magical creatures inside the forest theatre for a breath-taking Shakespeare summer experience in one of the hidden gem venues of the Northwest. Production suitable for children aged 9 upwards.
“I didn’t understand Shakespeare at school....However I have been to two productions recently by A Place For Us and my interest has been reawakened by the way they’re produced and presented. If you get a chance go and see their shows – they are FANTASTIC” – K Johnson – Audience member July 2021
Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, £8 for children and young people aged 12 or under and £35 for families.
All Shook Up - Thursday 24th August 5pm & 7:30pm
Multi award winning theatre company 'A Place For Us' presents 'All Shook Up' the authorized 70 minute edition of the Broadway musical Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley.
Following on from their sell out production of 'We Will Rock You' in 2022 A Place For Us is delighted to once again rock the ruins of Norton Priory!
ALL SHOOK UP Young@Part® is being performed outdoors for the first time in the UK. Staged on the ancient ruins of Norton Priory this production features the most talented young performers from across Merseyside, many of whom are embarking on careers in the Performing Arts.
It’s 1955, and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets. This hip-swivelling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Teddy Bear,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” With an irresistible rock ‘n’ roll pedigree, this 70 minute Broadway adaptation is an unforgettable thrill for audiences!
Made possible with funding from a Halton Borough Council Youth Grant. The performance is produced in partnership with A Place For Us' partner Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.
Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £12 for children and young people aged 12 or under and £45 for families.
Our Summer Programme 2022
A Place for Us Theatre Company presents ‘Romeo & Juliet’ The Woodland Theatre space, Norton Priory Museum & Gardens - 23rd & 24th July 2022
This July 2022, Multi Award Winning A Place for Us Theatre company in partnership with Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, present Shakespeare’s tragic doomed love story, Romeo & Juliet, set in the stunning woodland theatre space nestled within the 42 acres of the ancient Priory grounds.After hugely successful sell out runs of their visceral woodland production of Macbeth and their ‘awesome’ 80s
‘Electric Dreams’ Shakespeare musical in 2021, A Place for Us are continuing their Shakespeare legacy as Artistic Directors and partners at Norton Priory this summer and have joined forces with the talented drama students at Cronton College to reimagine this legendary story of fated teenagers and young people, trying to navigate a world of violence and dissent they did not ask for. A tale as relevant now as it was over 400 years ago.
".......a truly refreshing piece of Shakespearean theatre" - - Donna May: North West End, Sept 2021
Come and be enchanted, enthralled and engrossed inside their forest theatre setting, among a world of warring families and star-crossed lovers, for a breath-taking Shakespeare summer experience in one of the hidden gem venues of the Northwest.
Production suitable for children age 9 upwards. Running time 1hr 10 mins with no interval.
“I didn't understand Shakespeare at school....However I have been to two productions recently by A Place For Us and my interest has been reawakened by the way they're produced and presented. if you get a chance go and see their shows - they are FANTASTIC” - K Johnson - Audience member July 2021
Our Summer of Dreams 2021
During the Summer of 2021 A Place For Us worked in partnership with Norton Priory Museum and Gardens on a number of outdoor theatre projects. This included performances on the museum outdoor ruins, in the walled garden and a brand new identified woodland theatre space in the grounds of the historical and heritage site.
Made possible with funding from Arts Council England
Below is the story of our magical Summer of Dreams
Electric Dreams @ The Priory Open Air Theatre
17th - 19th June 2021
Norton Priory Museum and gardens
The idea of fusing Shakespeare and '80s music was conceived by Kate Allerston almost a decade ago. Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and presented as part of Halton's Borough of Culture Year 2021 - Kate and Chris were able to develop the idea in to a hugely successful musical extravaganza. Between them they edited and developed the script, chose and arranged all of the musical numbers and directed & produced the show to critical and popular acclaim.
Due to the success of the run at Norton Priory we were invited to part in the prestigious Liverpool Theatre Festival in September. We hope to bring the magic back to Norton priory again for Summer 2022.
".......a truly refreshing piece of Shakespearean theatre" - "..... a hugely entertaining and hilarious show" - Donna May: North West End - review 5th Sept 2021
"Live theatre is officially back and back with a huge bang!" - "I wish this was on longer so I could come back to see it." - Luke Stephenson: North West End - review 17th June 2021
"Electric Dreams feels like a special show, and that is a major compliment. Few could combine Shakespearean theatre with 1980s rock music and make it work. And not only make it work, but make it thrive, and create a magical experience for everyone on hand. But that’s what we get from this must-see show. I look forward to seeing how this format could apply to other plays in the future!" Mark Armstrong: Writebase review 6th September 2021
Lord what fools these mortals be!’
Its Midsummer Night in 1980s Athens, four young lovers and a group of amateur actors find themselves entranced and entrapped in an enchanted forest where Rock Diva Fairies rule and a mischievous sprite is hell bent on causing havoc…what could possibly go wrong?
Exploding with a ‘totally awesome’ 80s inspired soundtrack, (featuring West End stars Zoe Curlett and Keiron Crook as the warring Queen and King of the Fairies) this retelling of ‘A Midsummer Night’s dream’ - Shakespeare’s comedy of love, secrets and mistaken identities - will have audiences ravin’ with nostalgia and basking in ‘a kinda magic’, in the stunning setting of Norton Priory Open Air Theatre!’
‘…you have but slumbered here… While these visions did appear’
.png)
Macbeth @ The Priory Open Air Theatre
23rd & 24th July 2021
Norton Priory Museum and gardens
The inaugural production in the newly created Woodland Theatre Space at the Priory Open Air Theatre.
"It's brilliant to see these amazing events like these in Halton. These events have the power to change local people’s opinions on culture in Halton." - Audience member 23rd July 2021
It makes quality performances available and affordable for everyone. The work fosters and promotes local talent. It inspires young people and helps to develop a love of the arts. Audience member 24th July 2021
It's excellent that there is innovative, high quality, and accessible art presented at Norton Priory. Audience member 24th July 2021
I didn't understand Shakespeare at school....However I have been to two productions recently by A Place For Us and my interest has been reawakened by the way they're produced and presented. if you get a chance go and see their shows - they are FANTASTIC - K Johnson - Audience member 23rd July 2021
Something wicked this way comes...
The ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war. Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are propelled towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness.
This epic and visually daring production of Shakespeare’s most intense tragedy was the inaugural production at The Priory Open Air Theatre. The theatre space is wild and open to the elements which enhances and contributes to the atmosphere of this dark and tragic tale.
Produced by A Place For Us.
"I was blown away by the performances of this theatre group" - Amy Swag: North West End
Presented as part of Halton's Borough of Culture Year 2021.
Avenue Who Live! Time Quake! @ Norton Priory
11th & 12th August 2021
Norton Priory Museum and gardens
As Part of the ACE Funded 'Igniting Imaginations' project we worked with the new and emerging Puppeteer - JJ Le Hey - to produce and develop his show 'Avenue Who Live! Time Quake!'
This was JJ's first experience of a large scale show and we nurtured and supported him through script and character development, staging, and the technical aspects of lighting and sound design. This was also the first time that JJ had performed alongside actors to put on a 'live action' version of Avenue Who. Following on from the sell out success of Time Quake! JJ has gone on to perform at a number of Dr Who conventions and been invited to America with a one man version of Time Quake!
Experience a thrilling family adventure through time as Muppets and Doctor Who collide in a brand new live experience at Norton Priory!
A Time Crystal has been shattered and lost in history. The future is unravelling and soon the present and the past will be destroyed in a TIME QUAKE!
Join the puppet Doctors and their trusty TARDIS to travel back in time. Experience first hand, the rich and interesting past of Norton Priory, and discover how horrible history could be for the people that lived there. From the deadly cosmetics of Georgian England and the Jacobean witch hunts, return to the original medieval Priory to save the world.
The Earth is running out of time. Can you help the Doctors recover the fragments of the Time Crystal and stop the TIME QUAKE?
The show is a promenade performance so the audience will move around on different path terrains to various venues on the grounds throughout the show. The route will be wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Only 30 tickets per performance. Recommended age 4 and upwards.
Made possible with funding from Arts Council England and presented as part of Halton's Borough of Culture Year 2021.
"It was the best show in the world. I've never seen anything like it." - Emily age 5
Superb show. Very professional. Lovely staff & actors. Great. Good to see a BSL setting interpreter.
Very creative and a great way to teach people about history. Good use of props and sound effects.
Tardis Lands at Norton Priory
Dr Who Invites You to Norton Priory
West End Stars in the Atrium
30th May 2021
Norton Priory Museum and gardens
For one night only join West End Stars in the stunning atrium of Norton Priory Museum.
A Place for Us & Norton Priory are delighted to announce an evening with West End Performers Zoe Curlett & Keiron Crook, as they perform songs from the musicals in an evening of theatrical celebration.
Performances will include music from many popular and beloved shows such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Evita, Cats & many more. Accompanied by pianist George Strickland. Book now for this exclusive and limited ticket event. Only 40 tickets available. A Covid safe event supported by The Culture Recovery Fund. Book tickets at our Ticket Store
.png)
.jpg)
Gav Cross, Story teller & weaver of tales, brings to life, the captivating children's stories of the peerless Oscar Wilde and weaves them into retelling of Traditional Tales, perfect for the setting of the magical woodland theatre space at Norton Priory.
Wilde Stories and Tales from the Forest @ The Priory Open Air Theatre
2nd June 2021:Stories begin at 10:00 & 13:30
Norton Priory Museum and gardens
Expect to laugh, to cry, to shout out, to join in and listen together to these stories we treasure.Two completely different story shows for all the family from Gav Cross, friend of Norton Priory, last seen with his story telling show 'Terrible Tales for Twisted Children'.
