Storyhouse in the Park has launched its 2026 open-air theatre season in swashbuckling style with Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre.
The bold new version of the Robin Hood legend opened in Chester this month and runs until Sunday 23 August 2026, bringing sword fights, forbidden romance, folk music and a daring heist to one of the region’s most atmospheric outdoor theatre settings.
Written by Kieran Lynn, the playwright behind Gangs of New York, the show reimagines one of Britain’s best-known legends as a feelgood, action-packed adventure for summer.
For families, theatre lovers and anyone looking for a brilliant day or evening out near Liverpool, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is once again set to be one of the North West’s standout cultural events of the season.
What is Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story about?
Set in medieval Nottingham, Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story follows a corrupt King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham as they take from the people while ordinary communities are left to suffer.
But hope is waiting in the forest, and it wears a hood.
Local lad Robin and his loyal sidekick Little John have become infamous for stealing the king’s ill-gotten gains and returning them to the people who need them most.
When King John visits Nottingham, Robin sees the chance for their biggest score yet. With the help of rebellious noblewoman Marian, the outlaws plan a dangerous heist that could change England forever.
Expect a lively reworking of the legend, complete with electrifying sword fights, romance, humour and a foot-stomping folk soundtrack.
Who is in the cast?
Robin Hood is played by Lawrence Hodgson-Mullings, with David Ahmad as King John and Annabelle Aquino as Marian.
The cast also includes Rebecca Bainbridge as Scarlett, Lucas Button as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Abigail Middleton as Alana, Kate Milner-Evans as Rose, Perry Moore as Little John, Sorrel Jordan as the Guard and Robert Wade as Old Sheriff.
The production also stars trainee actors Lewis Baron as Citizen, Guard and Old Sheriff understudy, and Rachel Uyigue as Citizen, Guard and King’s Scribe.
Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story is written by Kieran Lynn and directed by Hannah Noone. Matt Baker is composer and musical director, Jess Williams is choreographer and Kaitlin Howard is fight director.
Writer Kieran Lynn said: “Robin Hood is both a timeless and timely story. This brand-new version aims to offer audiences everything they love about the story, with plenty of twists. The response so far has been extraordinary. Audiences have laughed, gasped and sang along. A fantastic start to a long summer with our merry band of adventurous outlaws!”
When is Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story on?
Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story runs at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre until Sunday 23 August 2026.
Performance times vary across the summer, with afternoon and evening shows available.
Tickets for individual performances are available through Storyhouse, with prices varying by date and seating selection.
Storyhouse in the Park 2026
Outlaws is part of the wider Storyhouse in the Park 2026 season, which runs in Grosvenor Park until Sunday 6 September 2026.
The summer programme brings together open-air theatre, cinema, comedy, family activities, yoga, murder mystery events and food and drink in the park.
Alongside Outlaws, audiences can also enjoy:
Let The Sun Shine!
Friday 10 July to Sunday 23 August 2026
Peter Pan
Tuesday 28 July to Thursday 13 August 2026
Nell Gwynn
Friday 21 August to Sunday 6 September 2026
The Storyhouse in the Park festival site also features the popular tepee bar, along with a wider choice of food, craft beers and frozen cocktails.
More summer events in Grosvenor Park
As well as theatre, the 2026 Storyhouse in the Park programme includes Moonlight Flicks, Storyhouse’s atmospheric open-air cinema, plus comedy evenings, murder mystery events, outdoor yoga, Rhyme Time and family craft sessions.
It makes the site more than just a theatre venue. Visitors can plan a full summer evening around the show, with drinks, food and entertainment in one of Chester’s prettiest parks.
For Liverpool audiences, it is also a strong summer day-trip idea. Chester is easy to reach by train or car, and Grosvenor Park is close to the city centre, the River Dee and Chester’s shops, cafés and restaurants.
Where is Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre?
Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story is performed at:
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Grosvenor Park
Chester
CH1 1QQ
The open-air theatre sits inside Grosvenor Park, a short walk from Chester city centre.
Theatre-goers should remember that performances take place outdoors, so it is worth dressing for the weather and checking Storyhouse guidance before travelling.
How much are tickets?
Tickets for the wider Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre season are priced from £20.25 for Storyhouse Members and £22.50 for non-members.
Individual Outlaws performances listed by Storyhouse show ticket prices from around £24, with prices varying depending on date and availability.
How to book
Tickets for Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story and the wider Storyhouse in the Park 2026 programme are available through the Storyhouse website.
You can also contact Storyhouse by phone on 01244 409113.
With action, music, humour and a fresh take on one of Britain’s most famous legends, Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story looks set to be one of the big open-air theatre highlights of the summer.