Marlowe Theatre

The Marlowe Theatre stands in Canterbury beside the River Stour. It is a modern theatre with a 1,200-seat auditorium, a separate 150-seat studio, and a tall flytower clad in stainless steel mesh. A colonnade of heavy stone columns marks the entrance, and a copper-clad chamber rises above it. Outside, the Muse of Poetry statue recalls Christopher Marlowe, the city’s famous playwright. A bronze figure of comedian Dave Lee also greets visitors near the doors. The theatre is worth visiting for its reputation and achievements. In 2022 it was named UK Theatre of the Year and won the Workforce Award. Regular visiting companies include Glyndebourne Opera and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Marlowe Youth Theatre runs workshops in a 12th-century building nearby. Performers such as Elvis Costello and Van Morrison have appeared on its stage. Inside, the auditorium has balconies, an orchestra pit, and rehearsal rooms behind the scenes. The foyer spreads over three levels with hospitality outlets. The landmark flytower once ranked as the city’s second tallest structure after the cathedral. The theatre’s pantomimes draw well-known names and have twice won Best Dame awards.