Theatre & Concerts

One pass, unlimited WOW moments...

Get unlimited entry this summer, to both Catalyst Science Discovery Centre & Museum and Norton Priory Museum & Gardens for you and the whole family!

Each WOW pass grants unlimited General Admission to up to two adults and three children (age 0-16) to both museums until 30th September, 2025.

This includes any activities at Norton Priory marked as Discover Norton or included with General Admission!

Norton Priory opening times can be found here: https://www.nortonpriory.org/

Catalyst opening times can be found here: https://www.catalyst.org.uk/

Please note: the WOW pass can only be used by the individual/s named on the card and only applies to General Admission, not special events (unless otherwise stated). When booking your WOW pass via Norton Priory, you will be asked to book the date of your first visit, and your pass will be available to collect from Norton Priory on that date.

Poet Lynn Pegler takes us on a fascinating illustrated tour ‘Around Cheshire in 100 Poems and Pictures’,  performing lively monologues and verse from her new book, inspired by the county’s intriguing people, places and history.  The poems explore the culture of Cheshire and the stories which form part of the county's DNA.  The subject of the poems is wide and varied, and you'll find some little known facts and humourous moments within Lynn's witty, playful and engaging verse.

The event will be held in the first floor gallery in Norton Priory's contemporary visitor centre, with views across Cheshire's most important monastic remains.  The gallery can be reached by lift or stairs and there is free car parking in front of the building.  There will be an opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book during the evening.

Tickets are £12 for adults and £7 for children, with discounts for members of Norton Priory.

Lynn Pegler is a poet, award-winning playwright, journalist and PR consultant. She has lived and worked in Cheshire for more than 25 years and serves as one of the county’s Deputy Lieutenants.  She is also the Chair of Norton Priory Museum Trust's Board and is the Festival Manager for the Weaver Words literary festival, which celebrated its seventh year in 2025.

She also holds an MA in Creative Writing from the Manchester Metropolitan University, has written/directed four plays and published a poetry collection ‘Salford Quays Unlocked – Voices of Manchester Docks’.

Come and try your skills at comic illustration with celebrated artist Stuart Harrison in these three fun workshops. Liverpool based illustrator Stu will be taking inspiration from his book, Brave Maeve, an exciting adventure story linking 6000 years of Irish folklore to today. These special art workshops will introduce visitors to the skills and techniques of comic art, and allow you to create your own adventure!

Stu is an illustrator and cartoonist, writing and drawing for children’s books and media. Stu also writes and draws regular comic strips. Past titles he has worked on include My Little Pony, Dinoboy and Go Jetters. He created all the animated assets for the BAFTA winning “Level UP” website for the BBC. He also teaches game design at LMA in Liverpool.

Workshops are on Tuesday 5th and 28th August at 11am, 1pm and 2pm. 

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!

Timetable:

• 10.00 - Site opens to public 
• 11.00 - Act 1 (main field)
• 12.00 - Fashion Show (outside the priory)
• 13.00 - Act 2 (main field)
• 14.00 - Shire Court (outside the priory)
• 15.00 - Act 3 (main field)
• 17.00 - Event close

Join Halton Libraries as we share stories celebrating nature and the great outdoors. Staff from Halton Libraries will share stories and help you join in a simple activity – easy enough for you to re-create at home in your own outdoor space. Bring along a picnic blanket or a chair for the session.

Suitable for ages 3-10 years old.

While Norton Priory hosts the CBBC characters Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men this summer on loan, we invite visitors to make their own flowerpot creation in this fun filled family craft activity!

This eco-friendly activity re-uses and recycles old flowerpots from the Georgian Walled Garden, and will inspire visitors to make their own personalized flowerpot creation. Artist Juliet Staines will take you through the process, and all materials are provided.

Join Norton Priory's Archaeology and Collections Director Lynn Smith on a tour of the 2025 archaeological excavations on the Priory grounds.

From 18th August to 12th September, we will once again be ‘Digging for Norton’ as we continue to excavate the servants wing of the manor house and the possible location of the medieval infirmary. Our archaeologists will be joined by a small team of volunteers.

Special tours of the dig site will be held on selected Fridays in August and September, and limited spaces are available.

Places must be booked in advance thorough Art Tickets.  Visitors will meet in the atrium at 1.45pm and be taken to the dig site.  

Please note: The tours take place on the priory ruins.  The ground may be uneven so please wear suitable footwear.  Due to the location of the dig site, this tour will not be fully wheelchair accessible. 

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+

Pre-booking for this event is essential! Pre-booking closes at 11:45 the night before the event, so book now to avoid disappointment!

Celebrate St Augustine's Day with The St Nicholas Singers. This popular chamber quintet are are delighted to be returning to Norton Priory to help us celebrate St Augustine of Hippo, who's teachings influenced the medieval canons of Norton.

The afternoon will feature historic summer music including madrigals, part songs and choral pieces by early composers, with musical references to St Augustine. Performance times will be advertised on the day, and will take place at various locations around the museum and outdoor grounds.

Join us for a truly memorable musical experience in the stunning surroundings of Norton Priory as we present an evening with the award-winning Cheshire Chord Company, led by the talented Joanne Braham.

This versatile and vibrant ladies a cappella chorus, based in the heart of Warrington, brings together singers from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups, creating a rich tapestry of talent, harmony, and joy.

Specialising in high-energy, captivating performances, the chorus delivers a diverse repertoire – from soul-stirring ballads to toe-tapping pop hits, and from contemporary favourites to the timeless harmonies of barbershop classics. Every performance is infused with passion, precision, and a shared love of music.

Proud members of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS), Cheshire Chord Company has earned national acclaim, winning nine National Ladies UK Championship titles, most recently in 2023.

Set against the historic backdrop of Norton Priory, this event promises an evening of musical magic, camaraderie, and celebration. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of barbershop, you’ll be moved, inspired, and thoroughly entertained.

Don't miss this chance to hear one of the UK's premier a cappella ensembles perform in one of Cheshire’s most picturesque venues.

VML Theatre Ltd returns to Norton Priory to bring us a traditional Christmas Carol concert featuring classic and well loved carols.

The concert takes place in our our 12th century undercroft, with the choir adding extra historical sparkle to the evening in Victorian period costume.

Concert starts at 7pm. Refreshments will be available on the evening.