A celebration of theatre, music and community across two weeks in the heart of Canterbury.
The Sample Festival returns with a packed programme of performances, workshops and family events. Expect bold new work alongside beloved classics, with something for everyone.
Festival Partners
-
Arts Council
-
Local Council
Festival Highlights
Venue Main House
Jersey Boys
Mon 5 – Sat 10 Apr 2027
The original Tony-winning musical returns for its 20th Anniversary tour — four guys from Jersey and their journey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Venue Main House
Cats
Tue 19 – Sat 23 Jan 2027
A new staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber's acclaimed musical, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie — London's strays gather under the Jellicle moon.
Venue Main House
Matthew Bourne's The Car Man
Tue 10 – Sat 14 Nov 2026
Matthew Bourne's award-winning dance production reimagines Bizet's Carmen as a 1950s American garage-diner thriller of passion, betrayal and revenge.
Sample festival flexible-content text block. Join us for an unforgettable fortnight of live performance.