CHESTER'S Storyhouse theatre have announced a raft of new shows for 2023, whether you love theatre, dance, music, comedy or spoken word, there is something for everyone.

In the new year, the theatre's programme opens with Chris Bush’s acclaimed Faustus: That Damned Woman, running from February 3-18. The re-telling of the Faustus legend is an ‘Originals’ co-production between Storyhouse and the brilliant Fallen Angels Dance Theatre exploring what we must sacrifice to achieve greatness.

Musicals fans are in for a treat with a mixture of old favourites and new shows head to Chester.

Cult musical extravaganza The Rocky Horror Show returns to Storyhouse from February 27 - March 4. Richard O’Brien’s love letter to the B-movies of his youth has been seen by more than 30 million theatregoers in the last 50 years. Take a trip over to the Frankenstein place and do the Time Warp with Brad, Janet and the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter himself.

Winning an Olivier Award for best comedy, the acclaimed Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is on its first UK tour with a stop at Storyhouse from April 11-15. The smart, funny and irreverent re-telling of Jane Austen’s classic features a string of pop classics from You’re So Vain to Will You Love Me Tomorrow?

And the premiership of Tony Blair receives a rip-roaring ‘reckless reappraisal’ in Harry Hill and Steve Brown’s TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] which bursts on to the stage from July 11-15. The show, with music by Ian McCluskey, follows the former Labour leader’s time as PM from landslide victory in May 1997 to resignation 10 years later.

Meanwhile a host of famous faces are also due to entertain Chester audiences through the spring and summer.

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Giovanni Pernice brings his new show Made in Italy to the main stage on March 6-7. The popular pro dancer, who won the 2021 competition with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, will be joined by an ensemble of great dancers and singers for a fantastic evening of entertainment.

Legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes pays a visit to Chester on March 8 with his new show Living Dangerously. Sir Ranulph’s expeditions have taken him to both Poles, across the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans and above the clouds in the Himalaya.

Culinary queen Prue Leith brings her first ever live show to Storyhouse on March 16. Frank, revealing and very funny, Nothing in Moderation will take its audience through the ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman…and of course, Great British Bake Off judge. There will also be a chance to put your own question to Prue.

Much-loved poet Pam Ayres will be making Chester audiences laugh with her verse and irresistible stories on March 21. She will perform pieces from her many volumes of poetry and other writing, including her new book Who Are You Callin Vermin? as well as her 2021 bestseller Pam Ayres on Animals.

And investigative journalist, presenter – and Strictly celebrity champion – Stacey Dooley will be ‘in conversation’ on June 6 to coincide with the release of her new book Are You Really OK? Understanding Britain’s Mental Health Emergency.

Football fans will be in their element with visits from both former Liverpool and Manchester stars during the year.

Hear from Ronnie Whelan, Steve McMahon and Jan Molby in An Audience With Liverpool Legends on May 30. There’s also a chance for a special meet-and-greet.

And An Audience With Manchester Legends on June 28 promises the ultimate evening for fans, with Brian Robson and Brian McClair live on stage together. Both ‘audience with’ events are hosted by Jed Stone.

If you love dance or music, then 2023 has plenty of top shows to enjoy.

Avant Garde Dance takes centre stage on March 28 with Tony Adigun’s Illegal Dance, a unique and mesmerising multisensory experience which combines contemporary choreography and innovative technical stagecraft to explore a future where artistic expression is forbidden by oppressive regimes around the world.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain brings ukulelemania to Storyhouse on March 17, sharing joy and sheer musical artistry along the way.

Mike Oldfield’s seminal solo album Tubular Bells turns 50 in 2023, and on March 19 there’s a chance to celebrate by listening to the musical masterpiece played live with a full band, arranged and conducted by Oldfield’s long-term collaborator Robin Smith.

English Touring Opera brings two new productions to Storyhouse – Donizetti’s tragic masterpiece Lucrezia Borgia on March 31 and Rossini’s comic opera Il Viaggio a Reims on April 1. Both productions are accompanied by music played on period instruments in partnership with the Old Street Band.

On April 2, the BBC Big Band presents The Sound of Cinema, celebrating iconic songs and soundtracks from the last 80 years of the silver screen including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Alfie, James Bond and Mission: Impossible, joined by guest vocalist Emer McParland.

And first lady of folk Kate Rusby pays a visit to Storyhouse on April 21 as part of her celebrations marking 30 years in the music business which also include a new album – 30: Happy Returns. She will be joined in Chester by her band, including her husband and producer Damien O’Kane.

Storyhouse is also delighted to present a brilliant collection of shows for families and young people as part of the new season.

Joss Arnott Dance brings Tin Man to Hunter Street on April 6. The retelling of the classic story imagines the much-loved character’s encounters with the Witch in the deep wood, and the new friendships he makes with the Scarecrow and Lion along the way in a story told with humour and pathos.

Then on April 8-9 enjoy some Tales From Acorn Wood, based on the famous stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The show features Rabbit’s Nap, Fox’s Socks, Hide-and-Seek Pig and Postman Bear and is packed full of toe-tapping songs and puppetry.

And Hey Duggee – The Live Theatre Show takes over the main stage from August 17-20, in a new show featuring loveable Duggee, the Squirrels and many more of your favourite characters.

Spring and summer 2023 also feature a fabulous line-up of comedians including Tom Allen: Completely (March 11-12 – sold out), Mike Wozniak: Zuza (28 April – sold out), Tim Vine: Breeeep! (23 July) and Frankie Boyle with Lap of Shame (4-5 September).

Then on October 18-19, the brilliant Sarah Millican returns to Storyhouse with her new stand-up show Late Bloomer.

Storyhouse creative director Suzie Henderson says: "I’m really pleased that we’re able to bring Chester audiences such an exciting and diverse range of productions, concerts and events for 2023.

"From new musicals like Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) and TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] to fascinating ‘in conversations’, wonderful music, thought-provoking dance and delightful children’ shows, it’s already shaping up to be a busy and memorable year – and with much more still to come."