Theatre & Concerts

Luke Jerram’s mesmerising installation Mars is coming to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn, Cheshire for 6 weeks from 28th January 2025 to 9th March 2025.

Following the incredible success of ‘Museum of the Moon’ in October 2021 and ‘Gaia’ in January 2024, Mars will complete the trilogy of Luke Jerram’s out-of-this world installations in Norton Priory’s impressive atrium.  Visitors will be able to view the installation from a variety of different angles, including from the mezzanine level, makes for a more intimate and personal viewing experience. 

Mars is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, measuring 6 metres in diameter and featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface.

During the 6-week installation, opening times will allow after dark viewings of the artwork at the museum.  The museum will be open between noon and 7:00pm for the duration of Mars’ time at Norton Priory. 

During the February 2025 half term (15th-23rd February), opening times will be expanded to cover 10:00am – 7:00pm.  To book these tickets, please visit the Art Tickets website. Please note: 5-7pm on Thursday 20th February will be our "Relaxed Mars" autism friendly evening. More details here.

A carefully curated events programme will accompany Mars, including concerts, readings, storytelling, talks, meditation and mindful sessions, and a special Martian theme for February half-term activities.  

It's a perfect opportunity to step outside the everyday and experience the red planet in a truly unique setting.  Explore the magic of Mars at the museum, with free child entry for standard museum visits (charges for children will apply for special events).

Image: Mars photo by Luke Jerram

Join us on an intergalactic bath time voyage with this workshop from Lush cosmetics!

A member of staff from Lush will guide you through each step to make your own Intergalactic bath bomb! Coloured in gorgeous pink, yellow and cobalt blue, and filled with scents of peppermint and grapefruit, this is one of their bestsellers. Enjoy making your own at this special event at Norton Priory!

There are two sessions available, one open to children and families and one for ages 17 and up for anyone wanting a grown-up treat! Ticket prices also include general admission to Norton Priory Museum & Gardens on the day, including viewing of Luke Jerram’s Mars installation in the museum.

Session times:

• 12:00 – open to ages 5 and up

• 2.30 – ages 17 and up only!

Please note: “supervising adult” tickets are for adults accompanying a child and are charged at general admission prices and can be found under children's tickets on the booking screen. They will not make their own bath bomb. Maximum one supervising adult ticket per child.

Suitable for ages 5+ only.

Luke Jerram’s mesmerising installation Mars is coming to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn, Cheshire for 6 weeks from 28th January 2025 to 9th March 2025.

Following the incredible success of ‘Museum of the Moon’ in October 2021 and ‘Gaia’ in January 2024, Mars will complete the trilogy of Luke Jerram’s out-of-this world installations in Norton Priory’s impressive atrium.  Mars is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, measuring 6 metres in diameter and featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface.

During the 6-week installation, opening times will allow after dark viewings of the artwork at the museum.  These special ‘Night at the Museum’ tickets, allow visits between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on selected evenings.

A carefully curated events programme will accompany Mars, including concerts, readings, storytelling, talks, meditation and mindful sessions, and a special Martian theme for February half-term activities.

It's a perfect opportunity to step outside the everyday and experience the red planet in a truly unique setting.  Explore the magic of Mars at the museum, with free child entry for standard museum visits (charges for children will apply for special events).

 Please note: 5-7pm on Thursday 20th February will be our "Relaxed Mars" autism friendly evening. More details here.

Image: Mars photo by Luke Jerram

This exciting evening talk is delivered by Professor Sanjeev Gupta, from Imperial College London.  Professor Gupta is a science team member on NASA's Perseverance rover and Curiosity rover missions.  His work in the last decade has focused on exploring the geology of Mars.

We send robots to Mars in general to search for evidence for extraterrestrial life, in particular ancient life. Sedimentary rocks are the ‘go to’ archives for this search. What was the Martian landscape like early in Mars’ history – deep time Mars - at a time when life is thought to have got going on Earth?  Were ancient environments on Mars suitable for life to have formed, flourished and its evidence preserved in the rock record? 

On February 18 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully landed at Jezero crater on Mars in a nail-biting landing sequence. The mission represents the most complex, capable rover ever sent to Mars. It is also the first step in a multi-stage campaign to return surface samples back to Earth in order to seek signs of ancient life on the red planet. 

In this talk professor Gupta will discuss the adventures of the rover in its geological exploration of Jezero crater. 

Tickets are priced at £12 adults (£11 members), and £6 children (£5 members).  

Life on Mars: In Concert

Blending live performances by established artists and talented performing arts young people from A Place For Us Theatre in a spectacular concert in front of the stunning Mars installation at Norton Priory. Celebrating human creativity, curiosity and the drive to explore the unknown, through music by some of the best known artists and musicians to create an unforgettable tribute to the Red Planet.

Featuring iconic space-themed anthems such as ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Starlight’ and of course, the epic ‘Life on Mars’ by David Bowie.

Standard tickets are £20 for Adults, £16 for Children under 16. Premium tickets (rows 1-3) are available at £25 for adults and £18 for children. Members tickets are available.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 7:30pm, doors open at 7:00pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the performance and during the interval.

This event has been selected by Norton Priory's artistic directors as part of the Mars programming. Luke Jerram's stunning 6m 'Mars' installation will form the backdrop for this spectacular show.

Popular storyteller Rogan Mills leads these two captivating story sessions, bringing an exciting mix of space themed tales to Norton Priory. 

Visitors will be able to view Luke Jerram’s ‘Mars’ as the spectacular backdrop to this event, while Rogan’s stories transport you to far and distant galaxies, to visit strange planets and meet alien life. 

This event is part of Discover Sundays 2025 so will be included with general admission to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. Timings are from 12.30pm till 3.30pm. The tales are aimed at families and children of all ages. Children go free at Norton Priory! With every adult general admission ticket, up to 3 children can visit our site for free! Additional children will need an admission ticket.

The Band and Drums of Cheshire Constabulary will be hosting an out-of-this-world brass band concert under the Red Planet.

Join us for a delightful evening as we welcome the Band and Drums of Cheshire Constabulary back for a special space themed musical extravaganza. The talented band will be performing a lively selection of space themed music under the red glow of Mars.

The War of the Worlds By H.G. Wells

Read and Performed by Gav Cross with original Soundtrack by Chris Bastock

Don’t miss the World Premiere of this extraordinary reimagining of The War of the Worlds, where past and future collide in a gripping, atmospheric production that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Step into the heart of one of the most iconic science fiction stories ever written, as The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is brought to life in a thrilling new abridged reading by Gav Cross. This 90-minute performed reading, in the style of a Victorian theatre experience, captures the terror and urgency of a world thrown into chaos by the might of a Martian invasion.

Accompanied by an original soundtrack by Chris Bastock, co-artistic director of A Place for Us, the production is underscored by a richly atmospheric soundscape that heightens the tension and drama at every turn. Bastock’s score, following his celebrated work on Macbeth at Shakespeare North and in the Woodland Theatre, amplifies the energy and suspense as humanity flees from the Martian invaders.

This production offers a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Norton Priory, with its historic grounds, becomes an eerie and fitting stage for this science fiction tale, transporting audiences between the timeless elegance of Victorian storytelling and the terrifying unknown of a Martian invasion. The powerful visual and atmospheric drama of this setting promises an unforgettable evening of theatre.

Delivered as a rehearsed Victorian reading, Gav Cross’s performance pays homage to the storytelling traditions of the past, while immersing audiences in the high-stakes terror of Wells’ novel. With its focus on the suffering of innocents in the face of overwhelming technological might, this production captures themes of war, survival, and fear that remain just as relevant today as when the book was first published.

Gav Cross returns to Norton Priory following his sold-out performance of After Supper Ghost Stories. His distinctive Tony storytelling style, paired with Bastock’s dynamic soundtrack, guarantees a performance full of tension, energy, and immersive storytelling.

Premium seating is available in the front 3 rows with the best views of the stage and 'Mars'. Tickets from £20 for Adults (£18 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.), £16 for Children under 16. Suitable for age 12+ suggested

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 7:30pm, doors open at 7:00pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the performance and during the interval. The Artistic Directors of A Place for Us Theatre are proud to be hosting this amazing production with Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.

Nicola Mills accompanied by Maria King bring the Mars art installation to a stunning close with some well-known music from Mozart to the Beatles.

From Mozart and Puccini to The Beatles and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Nicola Mills brings ‘opera for the people’ amongst other well- known favourites. Accompanied by Maria King, Nicola make a welcome return to Norton Priory to give us a spectacular closing event to the Mars art installation.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the performance and during the interval.

Luke Jerram's stunning 6m 'Mars' installation will form the backdrop for this wonderful closing show.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes with a 20 minute interval. The performance starts at 8.00pm, doors open at 7:30pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Seek out new and unusual plants to make your garden stand out in 2025! With a range of specialist nurseries providing a myriad of beautiful plants, this event is one of the most popular in Norton Priory's annual calendar.

It's £1.00 per person to visit the Plant Hunters' Fair, or purchase the special 'Early Bird Ticket' priced at just £8.50 for each adult visitor (up to three 0-16 year olds are admitted with each 'Early Bird' adult). This Early Bird ticket includes access to the stunning 2.5 acre Georgian Walled Garden, the main museum building and medieval undercroft, and acres of woodland walks.

With free car parking and Norton Priory's onsite Brooke Cafe, it makes for the perfect day out.

The following specialist nurseries will be attending on the day (more to be added):

A Love Blossoms Garden accessories, stakes, planters, garden wall decorations and more

ChickenStreet Grasses and herbaceous perennials for naturalistic plantings

Dibleys The Houseplant Specialists: over 150 RHS Gold medals including 33 Chelsea Golds NEW

Eastoft Echeveria Tender Echeveria, Graptopetalum, Pachyphytum, Sedums & Interspecific hybrids Hardy Sedum, Delosperma and various alpine plants NEW

Freddie's Flowers Fresh Flowers Delivered As A One-Off Gift Or Regular Subscription NEW

Hoyland Plant Centre Agapanthus, Amarines, Nerines, Tulbaghia, Dierama , Arisaema and Scadoxus. National Collection Holders,RHS Medalists NEW

Kilned Earth Premium quality Cretan terracotta pots containing herbs and rare plants NEW

Mayfields Plants Wide range of bee and butterfly-friendly cottage garden perennials.

Meadowmakers Wildflower and native tree plants and plugs

Penmere Plants Hardy, half-hardy and species Fuchsia.

Pottertons Nursery Alpines, Dwarf Bulbs and Woodland Plants RHS Gold Medalists

Primrose Bank Wide range of perennial plants RHS Gold Medalists

Priorswood Clematis Clematis. RHS Medalists NEW

Stonyford Cottage Nursery Moist and shade loving plants, some Exotics and Alpines including Sempervivums.

The Gobbett Nursery Shrubs, perennials inc Iris, Cornus, Syringa in season RHS Medalists

Join us for an outside performance with a difference on the remains of medieval Norton Priory and learn the answers to some of the big questions in life. Who is the God of dog poo bags? How did the microwave get its ping? What ancient crime was Marmite the punishment for… And why was it inflicted upon us?

Senior academics of history, and rather silly men, Professor Doctor Lee Hithersay and Doctor Professor Robert Rhys Bond, forge three new myths from the unhinged minds of their audience - and a boatload of cardboard props!

Will it be Greek? Viking? Ancient Babylonian? They haven’t a clue! That’s all up to you. Help shape the stories and even become the hero yourself (if you want, no pressure) in this EPIC interactive experience!

The renowned Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Silly History Boys present a hilarious hour of high-octane adventure for children and childish adults. Featuring clowning, storytelling, physical comedy, live music and more. 

You’d be mad to myth it! 

The Story Forge is part of Norton Priory's Summer of Stories programming for 2025.

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens welcomes Illyria's sparkling production of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' as part of the 'Summer of Stories' programme.  This outdoor theatre production will be performed on the medieval remains of Norton Priory's cloister.

With her tongue firmly in her cheek, Jane Austen tells us “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Mrs Bennet certainly thinks so. So when Mr Bingley – single, young, handsome, and with £5,000 a year – moves into nearby Netherfield Park, she devotes all her energy to contriving for Jane, the eldest of her five daughters, to meet him during rural Hertfordshire’s whirlwind of social balls.

But even Mrs Bennet draws the line at Mr Bingley’s disdainful friend Mr Darcy despite his whopping £10,000 a year. Thank heavens Lizzy, her second daughter, finds him detestable too! Or does she…? Can she see beyond his pride – and could he overcome her prejudice – to consider a possible future together?

Following seven sell-out seasons of this sparkling adaptation, award-winning Illyria prepares to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in style. Bring a picnic and enjoy her at her vibrant, forthright, bitchy best! Running time: 140-minutes (approximately), including a 20-minute interval. Suitable for all ages.

Following several years of sold-out outdoor Shakespeare at Norton Priory, this hard-hitting Romeo & Juliet adaptation from multi-award winning ‘A Place For Us Theatre’ delivers a story which resonates across the ages. Set in the stunning Woodland Theatre space, passion, violence and urgency explode in a bold, high energy production. With dynamic, visceral performances, heart-stopping drama and immersive staging this 70 minute adaptation creates an unforgettable theatrical experience under the open sky.

Friday 27th June 5:30pm

Saturday 28th June 5:30pm & 7:30pm

Running time approx 70 minutes - No interval, but bring a picnic!

Suitable for ages 9 and upwards

‘…The torment is real, the hideous crimes authentic, the anguish and grief tangible – each scene, each actor, each movement, played with passion and credence. It was superb…’
(***** Northwest End Review – Macbeth 2024) 

Experience Shakespeare's dark tragedy like never before as raw ambition, betrayal and supernatural dread ignite the stage. After a sell out run in 2024, this five star abridged and accessible version of Shakespeare's chilling play returns to the atmospheric woodland theatre at Norton Priory this June presented by multi-award winning 'A Place for Us Theatre' for limited performances only. 

Something wicked this way comes...

Running time approx. 70 minutes - No interval but bring a picnic!

Suitable for ages 9 upwards.

'...the torment is real, the hideous crimes authentic, the anguish and grief tangible - each scene, each actor, each movement played with passion and credence. It was superb...' ( ***** Northwest End Review )

Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime, culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels!

Multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre proudly bring their trademark style and energy to Norton Priory, where the riverbank is brought to life on the excavated remains of the priory. Expect heaps of interaction, stunning costumes, toe-tapping music, and larger-than-life characters as part of Norton Priory's Summer of Stories programme.

A TOAD-ally terrific treat whether you’re 4 or 104!

Historia Normannis present a siege special at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens. See an exciting battle on the event field where medieval knights and soldiers attack the palisades with siege engines and 12th century weaponry.

In between acts, explore our dynamic living history encampment to see the clothes, food, crafts and skills of every day medieval life. Discover Norton Priory's medieval history through our permanent museum gallery displays and historic ruins.

There will also be family friendly crafts in the classroom, trails around the museum and gardens, and why not take your photo trying on some of our medieval fashions!

All of this is included with general admission, and children go free!* Plus if you book ahead up to midnight the night before your visit, ticket prices are slightly cheaper.

*Up to 3 children free per full priced adult ticket, additional children will be charged.

Introducing 'The Tempest', Shakespeare’s most magical play bursting with mayhem, comedy, romance and surprises!

Having developed a reputation for producing first-rate, critically-acclaimed, and highly accessible adaptations of Shakespeare’s work, Immersion Theatre – the multi-award nominated company behind last year’s smash hit 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream', proudly presents 'The Tempest"='; Shakespeare’s unforgettable tale of magic, romance, comedy, and revenge!

With heaps of audience participation, this mesmerising show will be brought to life in unforgettable style, perfect for both, seasoned theatre-goers and newcomers to Shakespeare’s work.

Not to be missed! Suitable for ages 8+