The unveiling of The Marlowe Theatre

words by Nicole Muller

After two years of anticipation Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre is finally preparing to reopen, and have prepared a memorable line-up of productions to kick start their first season.

Following the demolition of the original building in late 2009, Canterbury has been without one of its biggest attractions for quite some time and even had to resurrect a giant circus tent as a temporary venue over the Christmas period to hold its annual pantomime.

Officials at the venue are very excited to reveal that the construction of the new building is now completely finished.

A builder on the site revealed that all of the work is on “schedule”. “The main building is now finished. The installation of the gas, water and electricity network is on the way,” he said. “Once this is done, all of the decoration inside the building can start but we are on time and everything should be ready for the opening on October 4.”

It seems that the grand opening of the Marlowe Theatre will be an eventful one for those in the area. Theatre chiefs have unveiled an exciting new line-up for the first season, one that has been described as ‘the best yet’ for the multi-million pound venue.

Included in the much-anticipated line-up is a pre-West End preview ‘Top Hat’ a production that is expected to be one of musical theatre’s big hits when it moves to London next year, as well as a world premiere of a major new dance production. And lets not forget the traditional Marlowe pantomime that has taken place every year since the building creation in the 1920s. The hugely popular production is supposedly going to be the biggest to date, with an enhanced budget and a star studded cast due to be confirmed soon.

October 4 will see a grand Gala opening take place at the Marlowe Theatre, but once again the names of those who will be performing is remaining a secret for now.

Director of the Theatre, Mark Everett, is very enthusiastic to be back in business. “After all the preparation, now we’re back putting on shows, promoting them and selling tickets. It feels good to be back.”

Tickets for the upcoming shows go on sale to the Friends of the Marlowe later this week. These lucky 6,500 members will be entitled to priority booking for the performances before the general public can have their pick on April 11.