An immersive production narrated by Sir David Attenborough is coming to the North for the first time, following a London run that attracted more than 245,000 visitors.
Chester Zoo will host Our Story with David Attenborough from October 17, becoming the first venue outside London to stage the full original experience.
Created with Attenborough and Open Planet Studios, and produced in association with the Natural History Museum, the 50-minute production combines natural history footage, scientifically accurate animation and 360-degree projections across walls and floors.
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It explores the four-billion-year history of Earth alongside the more recent story of humankind, examining our impact on the planet and how people can work with nature.
The production opened at the Natural History Museum in June 2025 and was extended following sell-out performances. Its original London installation featured 17 projectors and 50 speakers, with an original score by Tony Award- and Olivier Award-nominated composer Nick Powell.
At Chester Zoo, the experience will take over the former Ape House.
Dom Strange, Chief Operating Officer at Chester Zoo, said: “Our Story is about the biggest story there is – the story of our planet and our place within it.
“That makes Chester Zoo a natural home for this extraordinary experience. We’re hugely excited to bring it to Chester, and particularly proud that we’re the first place outside London where people can experience the full exhibition.
“We want people to leave feeling inspired by the incredible world we’re part of – but also empowered to play their own role in protecting it. That’s at the heart of everything we do at Chester Zoo.”
The experience surrounds visitors with imagery as it takes them through time and space, ending with a message of hope about the role people can play in the planet’s future.
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said: “Our Story with David Attenborough has been one of the museum’s most successful experiences, immersing audiences in a wonderous exploration into our relationship with planet Earth. The museum’s mission is to create advocates for our planet and we and Open Planet Studios are keen to take the experience to as many people as possible. We are delighted that Chester Zoo is joining us on that journey to share this cinematic story with their visitors.”
Our Story with David Attenborough opens at Chester Zoo on October 17, 2026. Tickets and further information are available here.
