Chester Storyhouse theatre to turn into cinema ‘for survival’

A Cheshire theatre is looking to transform into a cinema in a “straightforward fight for survival”.

Chester’s Storyhouse said there was “a very real threat” it “could be out of business by Christmas” due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The complex, which is home to a theatre, cinema, restaurant and library, has been closed since March.

Artistic director Alex Clifton said: “We have got to a point where we need to get on with ways to survive.”

Cinemas are expected to be able to open on 4 July but theatres are not.