Lining up in the lobby of Storyhouse with other invited guests last week, left me with a feeling of imposter syndrome. There I stood, in my Louis Theroux T shirt and Primark coat alongside local politicians,, representatives from The Grosvenor Estate, The Westminster Foundation, The Arts Council and others. The event provided an opportunity to hear from the Storyhouse team, young people and partners, and to learn about what the venue is delivering for the region.

First up was a visit to Studio by Storyhouse, inside the old Boots building at the front of the abandoned Forum. The space where I used to collect my prescriptions from is now used as a rehearsal space for the both the Youth Theatre (5 -13 and 13-17 year olds) and the Young Company (18-25s) as well as professional casts. Upstairs the Young Company were rehearsing a fight scene for their forthcoming production: Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat by Mark Ravenhill. Downstairs we were treated to a musical performance from the Youth Theatre from their summer production. It was cool to see this abandoned space given another chance at a creative and productive life- perhaps a metaphor for Storyhouse itself, which turned the abandoned Odeon building into a cultural powerhouse and destination.

I can remember the excitement of a tour of the building site in 2016, the high hopes that the gloom and mainstream cultural void would soon be lifted. As a regular visitor to the Odeon the bittersweetness of visiting Storyhouse is reflecting on those old memories and visits and combining them with a new outlook and a new hope. Back in the lobby, (where cinema goers once bought their tickers and snacks) we spoke to young people from Lache involved with “The Agency” a creative entrepreneurship programme, aiming to foster social change projects driven by the identified needs within their communities.

Max’s project focused on tackling young people’s loneliness via a buddy system, designed to create shared experiences and boost confidence and social skills. A second project from Lache residents Jinny and Kera-Leigh focused on women’s mental health via the creation of a Rage room. As we were networking and looking at the information displays about the projects, two young boys entered the building hurriedly.

“Excuse me can we sit down in here please? We’re not here to cause trouble” said one of them. Storyhouse CEO Annabel Turpin indicated that, of course they could come in. A perfect illustration of Storyhouse’s friendly open to all philosophy. Not only open to all, but open longer: while some miss the old library’s hushed tones, in my book, the extended opening hours more than make up for it. What other libraries are open until 11pm, 7 days a week?

After a brief tour, guided by creative director Suzie Henderson, everyone ventured up to the main theatre with seats assembled on the mains stage itself. Charismatic David Watson, Chair of the Board of Trustees spoke to guests: “Part of this journey is that you’ll get to know the huge impact that we have. Young people, local neighbourhoods, international superstars, Storyhouse is truly unique in that sense. We are very proud to use these facilities to connect people and share stories. We create stories in this space, the Garret, in the library, the kitchen, Studio by Storyhouse, in the cinema. “ Of the young people who use the building and its services he said that “One day they could be on this stage”.

Following talks from representatives of Cheshire West and Cheshire council, and The Arts Council, CEO Annabel Turpin took the stage to talk about her experiences getting to know Chester and its people, and how the knowledge she gained will influence future strategy.

Attracting one million visitors a year, the building hosts 50 community groups a month, covering fields ranging from domestic abuse recovery and bereavement support, to board game and book clubs. Storyhouse’s future objectives include, to continue creating artistic opportunities, emphasising the organisations charity status and continuing to make people feel welcome whilst unlocking the full Storyhouse offer.

Despite the dark skies I left Storyhouse with a spring in my step. The popular local narrative is that things are getting worse round here, its not like the old days, the city’s dying etc. Northgate street has thrived and now the hugely popular Market has continued the complete transformation of the area. After early online rows about craft beer and bookcases ,over the last 7 years Storyhouse has proven itself to be a vital hub for the community and the source of so many memories. I think of meeting Steve Coogan and accompanying him on a tour with Alex Clifton, meetings with friends, shaking hands with Julius Caesar( and getting splashed with fake blood) , carols at Christmas, or the recent uplifting Kinky Boots. We all know how the world went darker from 2020 onwards, politically, personally and globally. Thank you Storyhouse for raising us up.

• Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat by Mark Ravenhill.- Productions will take place in the Garret Theatre on Friday 31 May and Saturday 1 June at 7.45pm. Tickets and more information can be found here: Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat | Storyhouse
• Wind in the Willows by Glyn Maxwell performed by Storyhouse Youth Theatre 5-13s.
  Productions will take place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July at 6pm. Ticket details coming soon