Events

Discover Sundays

Our 'Discover Sundays' programme brings extra value to visits to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens on Sundays.  Activity will be included in the ticket price on Sundays in 2024 from the end of February until the end of October, and on selected Sundays during the autumn and winter. 

The activities will vary from week to week, and will include drama performances, workshops, craft sessions for children, tours, music performances and many more. 'Discover Sundays' have been made possible thanks to Arts Council England as part of Norton Priory joining the National Portfolio.

If you want to make the most of your day out at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, this is a great way to make for a truly special and memorable day.   Don't forget, our best ticket prices are online (sales end at 11:59pm the day before) and can be found by following the 'Buy Advance Tickets' link which you'll find at the top of most of the pages on this website.

For really great value, why not consider an annual membership?  Adult memberships are £35 per person, Joint memberships (for 2 adults) are £60.  Up to three children are admitted free of charge on any adult membership.  Ask at reception for more information or check out the 'Membership' page on this website.  Members also receive a 10% discount in the museum shop and money off in the Brooke Cafe.

Coming up in October 2024:

• 6th October: Community Apple Juicing Day
• 13th October: Quince and Apple Weekend Sunday
• 20th October: Walk and Talk by Paul Quigley : The Battle of the Bridgewater Canal
• 27th October: Halloween craft activities

Join Mima Cornish from HedgeRose Healing for meditation in the beautiful surroundings of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn on select Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The sessions vary each week and take the opportunity to access the many different places and atmospheres at Norton Priory, both inside and out, to truly enjoy the present moment. All meditations will be guided, and any mindful activities will be gentle and relaxing, promoting a natural sense of peace. Suitable for all levels from beginners to experienced. Please bring a blanket.

Current Dates for Autumn 2024: 

• Sunday 29th September
• Saturday 5th October
• Sunday 20th October
• Sunday 3rd November
• Sunday 17th November

During Autumn 2024, Norton Priory is pleased to be partnering Halton Family Hubs for 'Holding Time' at the Georgian Walled Garden.

Holding Time is a socially engaged feminist art project, aiming to create a portrait of breastfeeding across different areas in the UK by photographic artist Lisa Creagh in collaboration with a team of creatives and local mothers who generously shared their breastfeeding experiences in video interviews, live events and a photo shoot.

Across audio, video, animation and stills, they discuss breastfeeding in all its complexity, sharing their views on the many barriers that still mean women who want to breastfeed often stop before they are ready.

For the Halton Family Hubs exhibition, breastfeeding portraits are displayed at Family Hubs across Runcorn and Widnes and as an Audio Tour in the walled garden here at Norton Priory.

This Audio Tour displays podcast interviews with mothers from the project where mothers discuss the personal challenges and triumphs of their breastfeeding journeys.

As part of the exhibition, Halton mothers participated in six weeks of creative writing workshops with writer Rachel New at Halton Lea library in spring of 2024.

You can use the QR codes on the exhibits to listen to their moving performances of poetry and prose, sharing their personal breastfeeding experiences. 

You can find out more about the whole project at www.haltonfamilyhubs.co.uk

You can also listen to a podcast about the workshops here: https://youtu.be/S7a6C82ptNY

This Halton Family Hubs exhibition is the latest development of the Cheshire and Merseyside project, an NHS commissioned initiative funded by Improving Me, the Women's Health and Maternity Programme (WHaM) and Arts Council Lottery Funds. This project was shortlisted by the Royal College of Midwives ‘Excellence in Public Health’ award in 2023.

info@holdingtime.org 

https://linktr.ee/holdingtimeproject 

The exhibition will run until the Walled Garden closes at the end of October 2024.  

Working with artist Juliet the workshop will use a natural loom base of a twig or small branch to create a unique woven piece of woven artwork working with a variety of wools and fancy yarns and simple weaving techniques. 

No experience required. All materials provided. 

Juliet is a freelance artist educator who delivers formal and informal educational art workshops across the North West. Her work is inspired by the natural environment and the exploration of landscapes, and she uses mixed media including mark making, gestural drawing and textiles. She has previously led workshops at Norton Priory on botanical art and felt making.

Come and join us to celebrate the Hindu festival of light this year, with a family friendly celebration including Indian food and decorative crafts.  Make and decorate your own Diya from clay, find out about the story of Diwali through our museum trail, and join in with making our collective Rangoli throughout the afternoon.  There will also be delicious Indian food for all to enjoy - including traditional vegetarian curry, with rice and condiments. 

This event is part of Discover Sundays, and will be included in general admission ticket prices.  There will be a small extra charge per person for the Indian meal at £4 per person.  Please purchase you Indian meal tickets in advance.

Visit Norton Priory this festive period for some seasonal magic. We have a range of special events, including concerts, theatre, the Norton Priory Christmas Fair, and a very special visitor... 

There's plenty to enjoy with general admission as well! Visitors can head outside for a glorious wintry walk in the woodland, take part in the Christmas Mouse Trail and browse festive gifts in the shop, with the backdrop of the Norton Priory christmas tree and the medieval undercroft beautifully dressed for the season!

Please note, we will be closed from 16th December - 1st January for the holiday period.

Events

• Christmas Fair - Sunday 24th November, 11am-4pm
• Christmas Wreath Making Workshop - Saturday 30th November, 10am-1pm
• Father Christmas: Storytelling Show - Friday 6th December, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm
• 'The Snowman' Narrated by Father Christmas with Music from The Liverpool String Quartet - Friday 13th December, 6.30pm and 8.30pm
• Runcorn Community Choir Christmas Concert - Saturday 14th December, 6pm
• The Band and Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary - Sunday 15th December, 7pm
• A Christmas Carol (A Place for Us Theatre) - Wednesday 18th-Friday 20th December, 6pm and 7.45pm
• Winter Solstice - Saturday 21st December, 6pm

* Up to three children age 0-16 can visit for free per full-paying adult ticket for general admission. Additional children will need to purchase a ticket. Does not apply to event prices.

Norton Priory heralds in the festive season with the annual Christmas Fair. Come and stock up on early presents at the many local stalls selling Christmas gifts, food, crafts and more.

Enjoy musical entertainment and festive food and drink while you browse and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.

Tickets for this event include general admission, are only £5.00 for the day and can be purchased online in advance on Art Tickets.  As a special event, children's tickets are £4.00 for the day.  All ticket proceeds for this event go towards the maintenance and development of the museum.

Learn the basics of pruning your fruit trees then get some practical experience using the Norton Priory Museum & Gardens orchards, with guidance and advice from an expert tutor from Heathfield Orchards.

Join Andrea from Lavender View Farm for a very special Christmas wreath making workshop at Norton Priory.

In this hands-on workshop, you will be guided every step of the way to make a beautiful seasonal wreath for your door, wall or table. All materials, including fresh foliage, will be provided and the workshop includes a hot drink and mince pie. All you need to bring is creativity and a festive spirit!

He may be very busy...
Checking lists...preparing gifts...checking lists again...feeding up the reindeer...polishing his boots!

But he is never too busy to visit and pop up with his favourite Elves at Norton Priory...

In Person!

With a sack full of silly stories and a chance to check which list you could be on, Father Christmas welcomes you to a Winter Warmer of family friendly giggles, noise and nonsense!

A 60 minute show that includes a chance for every family to meet, greet and chat with Father Christmas, with the help of our Elf!

Audience Quotes:
'Entertaining for children and grown ups alike'

'My face hurt from laughing'

'Thankyou so much for this priceless Christmas memory'

'Absolutely brilliant, fun for children and adults. It was just magical.'

Date: Friday 6th Dec
Show Times; 3pm, 5pm & 7pm

The St Nicholas Singers return to Norton Priory this Christmas, with a special Christmas concert of seasonal choral music, set in the stunning surroundings of our historic Undercroft.

This popular Liverpool chamber choir, led by director Stuart Keen is delighted to be part of Norton Priory's Christmas programme. The St Nicholas Singers is a quintet of professional musicians that have been performing together for over 30 years. Based at Liverpool Parish Church, they have performed in many different contexts, including Radio Four’s daily service, and BBC Songs of Praise.  

Join them for an acoustic treat of early and classical choral music, with a few festive surprises thrown in!

Concert starts at 7pm.  There will be an interval of 15 minutes at approximately 7.45pm. Concert will end at approximately 8.45pm.  Refreshments will be on sale in the interval.

Tickets are £12 per adult, £10 for children and members.  Booking via Art Tickets. 

Join us for a heart warming evening as the Liverpool String Quartet brings Howard Blake's enchanting score to life. Narrated by the jolly Father Christmas himself, experience the magic of The Snowman like never before. Let the beautiful melodies transport you to a winter wonderland filled with wonder and joy.

Join the Liverpool String Quartet for a magical performance of Howard Blake’s beloved “The Snowman” at Norton Priory in Runcorn. This enchanting arrangement, crafted especially for the LSQ, promises to bring the magical story of The Snowman to life with this unique event.

This festive experience is perfect for families and music lovers alike, blending captivating storytelling with classical charm set against the backdrop of the Christmas tree and decorations in the stunning Atrium of Norton Priory. Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting holiday memories with Father Christmas & the Liverpool String Quartet and the enchanting world of The Snowman.

The performances start at 5pm, 6:30pm & 8pm

doors open 15 minutes prior to the performances to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Tickets are £20 for Premium Seating (front 3 rows) and £15 for Standard Unreserved Seating (rows 4 onwards) with a £2 reduction for members of Norton Priory Museum & Gardens

Running time: Approximately 45 minutes. Please note that this is not a screening of the Raymond Briggs animated film.

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

An annual Norton Priory favourite, this very special carol concert celebrates the season through a range of well-known Christmas carols and festive favourites.

A glass of mulled wine or orange juice is included at the event.

Tickets can be purchased online via Art Tickets and are priced at £8 for Adults, £7 for children and £7 for members.

Join us for a delightful evening as we welcome the Band and Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary back for a special Christmas concert filled with festive cheer. This talented brass band will be performing a lively selection of holiday music that’s sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Festive refreshments will be served during interval (included in ticket price). Performance at 7pm, doors open from 6.30pm.

'A Christmas Carol'.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Victorian porch inside the atrium, this immersive production brings Dickens' iconic tale to life in a uniquely atmospheric setting.

Join us for an unforgettable family theatrical experience as Scrooge, the spirits, and the heartwarming characters of Victorian London come alive in this enchanting version of the classic story. This is a perfect way to embrace the festive spirit with a blend of history, drama and Christmas cheer.
Limited tickets available now.

Suitable for ages 7+

Tickets are £12 for Adults, £10 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, £8 for Children (age 7-12), £35 for a Family. 

Running time: Approximately 1 hour with no intervall.

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

The performance takes place with the stunning Victorian Porch in the Atrium as its backdrop. The performances start at 6:00pm & 7:45pm, doors open 15 minutes before the perfomance to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Join us as we come together as the Sun wanes, to give gratitude to the year past and enjoy the energy of celebration as we dance the new Solar year into being. Led by Mima Cornish of HedgeRose Healing and Cindy and Adrian of Myrriad Dance, this event includes circle dancing and time for thoughtful reflection.

Tickets for this special event are £20.00 per adult, and £18.00 for members.  Refreshments will be provided. 

Welcome the New Year and wassail the apple trees in Norton Priory's orchard to encourage a good year's harvest. This event follows a rich tradition of encouraging the spirits to ensure a good harvest the following season. It involves a visit to our Wassail Orchard - located just behind the museum visitor centre. Expect singing, dancing, a little drinking (!) and some general merrymaking. As well as being a time-honoured tradition, it's also the perfect antidote to the January blues.

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, opening times will be expanded to cover 10:00am – 7:00pm.  To book these tickets, please visit the Art Tickets website.

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

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).

Image: Mars photo by Luke Jerram

Mars and Beyond: A Brass Voyage - The Liverpool Brass Quintet

Join us for a celestial adventure as the Liverpool Brass Quintet takes you on a musical journey to the red planet and beyond. This inaugural concert, held under the mesmerizing gaze of Luke Jerram's 'Mars' installation at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, promises a captivating evening of brass music. Experience the power and versatility of the brass quintet as they perform a diverse repertoire, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions. Let the music transport you to distant galaxies and ignite your imagination.

This unique concert experience is not to be missed.

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 40 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 unique show.

Ignacio Lopez:

Juan Solo’s Excellent Adventures in Space!

(Family-friendly sci-fi stand-up show)

Join Live At The Apollo’s Ignacio Lopez (Juan Solo) on a daring journey through the galaxy, in his rust bucket of a ship, the Millennial Falcon!

Juan's tasked with transporting 100 humans to the Galactic Holiday Empire’s latest resort! The empire has been very clear that No Children Are Allowed. Children discovered onboard will be vaporised and, worst of all, Juan won’t get paid!

Every passenger will receive full training, safety protocol, entertainment from our resident comedians and probably won’t be vaporised. Expect sarcasm, stand-up comedy and silliness in this chaotic, interactive adventure show!

★★★★★ “CHARMING, CHARISMATIC, HILARIOUS. WILL HAVE YOU LEAVING WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE” - Deadline News

★★★★ “SARCASTIC, WITTY, ANIMATED, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HILARIOUS” -Entertainment Now

★★★★ “FINELY CRAFTED SILLINESS. HIGHLY RELATABLE. HILARIOUS. GO TO THIS IF YOU WANT TO GIVE YOUR KIDS A PRETTY FIRST RATE INTRODUCTION TO STAND-UP COMEDY” - ThreeWeeks

Suitable for ages 5+

Tickets are £12 for Adults (£10 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.), £10 for Children under 14, £40 for a Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 Adult + 3 Children)

Running time: Approximately 1 hour with no interval. The performance starts at 5:30pm, doors open at 5:15pm to allow patrons to take their unreserved seating.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase from the onsite café.

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 hilarious show.

Spain’s Best Export™ Ignacio Lopez is on a mission to destroy himself, and build a better version; Leaner. Smarter. Funnier. Join the star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Comedy Central, QI, House of Games and more, for a riotously funny exploration of vices, intrusive thoughts, and self improvement.

Expect an armada of playful, wicked humour from the exotic outsider comedian, as he tries to identify his faults and how to improve; Is it worth going to the gym? Can you be addicted to technology? Do you know what happens if you give spiders drugs? Ignacio uses his razor-sharp wit, and effortless charm to tackle these questions and a bunch of other irrelevant horsesh*t.

★★★★★ “CHARMING, CHARISMATIC, HILARIOUS. WILL HAVE YOU LEAVING WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE” - Deadline News

★★★★½ “A COMEDIC GENIUS AT WORK. IF YOU ENJOY SHARP WIT MIXED WITH A DOSE OF THE RIDICULOUS, ’SEÑOR SELF DESTRUCT’ IS A MUST SEE” - One4Review

★★★★ “SARCASTIC, WITTY, ANIMATED, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HILARIOUS” -Entertainment Now

★★★★ “AFFABLE, SEAMLESSLY DELIVERED, GREAT GAGS” - Mumble Comedy

★★★★ “UNIQUE & HILARIOUS” - BUZZ Magazine

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Suitable for ages 12+

Tickets are £18 for Adults (£16 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.)

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 40 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.

Car parking is free and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase before the show 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 hilarious show.

The Liverpool String Quartet performs Shostakovich under the gaze of Mars.

We are delighted to welcome back Norton Priory’s Ensemble in Residence – The Liverpool String Quartet. Under the gaze of Luke Jerram’s ‘Mars’ it seems fit that they are performing one of the great String Quartets – Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 3 the ‘War Quartet’. The programme will include other pieces suited to the spectacular setting.

At the premiere, given by the Beethoven Quartet in Moscow in December of 1946, it was presented as a programmatic “war quartet.” Its five movements contained the subtitles, “Calm unawareness of the future cataclysm,” “Rumblings of unrest and anticipation,” “The forces of war unleashed,” “Homage to the dead,” and “The eternal question: Why? And for what?” Immediately after the performance, Shostakovich withdrew the subtitles, without explanation. The programmatic titles imply music appropriate for a propagandistic newsreel. Strangely, they seem designed to conceal the Quartet’s true depth and drama.

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.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour 40 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 stunning show.

Hedges can be a haven for wildlife, providing shelter, protection, nesting sites and sources of food. Many popular species of our wildlife love hedges, including hedgehogs, small mammals, bats, small song birds and invertebrates.

We are running a hands-on hedge laying course. Learn this ancient craft by laying the hedge around our pear orchard, providing you with the skills to lay your own hedges.

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.

A hands-on workshop to learn about grafting fruit trees from our expert. Graft a couple of small apple trees to take home using Norton Priory's heritage apple varieties.

Resonance of Mars: Sound Healing Gong Bath - Led by Anna Newman of Expansion Breath & Sound

This gong bath is designed to send you into a deeply relaxed state, where our dominant brain waves change to the slower frequencies of Alpha or Theta, which can induce an altered state of consciousness. You may find that you have a visual, physical or emotional journey during the sound bath and this is completely normal, as the lower brain frequencies create a dream like state. We regularly fluctuate between different brain frequencies throughout the day, which is important for our health and wellbeing, so this is a very normal but slightly more prolonged version of our relaxation mode.

You will need to bring a mat to lie on (chairs can be provided if lying down isn’t possible for you), a warm blanket and a pillow. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water with you. Please see below a list of things to be aware of before booking this Gong Bath Experience.

Anna is a hugely passionate sound therapist, professional musician and Transformational Breath® facilitator. Through her work as a classical musician and breathwork facilitator, where music is a crucial part of the journey, Anna has always been struck by the way people react to different styles and sounds of music, and has always used music herself to soothe, to galvanise, and to release emotions, which led her down the path of becoming a sound therapist.

Tickets are £20 for Adults (£18 per person for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.),

Running time: Approximately 1 hour with no interval. The Gong Bath starts at 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm to allow you to get comfortable in the space before the session starts.

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 relaxing event.

The gong bath may not be suitable for the following:

• Women in first trimester of pregnancy

• Anyone with a severe mental health diagnosis, such as Schizophrenia, Dis-associative disorder, psychosis etc.

• Children under the age of 14 (all children over 14 to be accompanied by a responsible adult)

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.