Festival
Sample Festival
Wed 8 – Wed 22 Jul 2026
A celebration of theatre, music and community across two weeks in the heart of Canterbury.
Explore
Find out more about what we do.
- Learning
Introduction to Stage Lighting
A beginner-friendly guide to the principles of stage lighting, written for young people and community groups.
Featured
Dining at the Greenroom
Enjoy a pre-show meal in our stylish restaurant, with seasonal menus and a relaxed atmosphere just steps from your seat.
Christmas at the Marlowe
Make magical memories this festive season with our spectacular family pantomime and a packed programme of seasonal shows.
- News
Marlowe Theatre secures £4.4 million for Poor Priests' Hospital
The Marlowe Theatre has been awarded £4.4 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform Canterbury's historic Poor Priests' Hospital into The Hive, a creative learning centre for young people.
- Behind the Scenes
Cast interview with MAPA students ahead of their Final Major Project
Students from the Marlowe Academy of Performing Arts share their experiences ahead of their final major project, Nora: A Doll's House.
- Interviews
Bringing world-class classical music to the streets of Canterbury
The Marlowe Theatre collaborates with the Philharmonia Orchestra to bring free pop-up classical music performances to Canterbury city centre.
- Events
A Q&A with Kent writer Eloise Fairley ahead of the reading of her new play Calcite
Kent playwright Eloise Fairley discusses her new play Calcite, premiering at the Writers' Room Festival, which explores femininity and rural identity.
- News
Celebrating Shakespeare's birthday and our partnership with the RSC
Hamlet Week marks Shakespeare's birthday with performances, workshops and educational events as the RSC returns to the Marlowe.
- Behind the Scenes
Two Marlowe Theatre productions set to premiere in autumn and winter 2026
The Marlowe Theatre announces two major world premiere productions: A Tale of Two Cities in autumn and The Reluctant Dragon for Christmas 2026.
- Interviews
The Marlowe Theatre announces the return of The Writers' Room Festival
The Writers' Room Festival returns with a programme of new play readings, workshops and industry conversations from 30 April to 3 May 2026.
- Events
Christmas opening times 2025
The Marlowe Theatre box office and venue opening times over the Christmas and New Year period.
- Events
The world premiere of a Marlowe Theatre production: The Party Girls
The Marlowe Theatre announces its inaugural touring production — The Party Girls, a new play by Amy Rosenthal examining the Mitford sisters.
- News
Marlowe Theatre welcomes three new trustees to its board
Award-winning director Atri Banerjee, arts leader Pim Baxter OBE, and education professional Dr Kerry Jordan-Daus join the Marlowe Theatre board.
- Behind the Scenes
World Piano Day: Q&A with Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason discusses her upcoming performance at the Marlowe, her debut album Fantasie, and her love of Rachmaninov.
- Interviews
Why Pig Heart Boy is a must-see for your school
Based on Malorie Blackman's acclaimed novel, Pig Heart Boy explores themes of identity, resilience and ethics for school audiences aged 9 and upwards.