The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury has now been in operation for two years. Its success to date has resulted not only in benefits to local audiences but also commercially with £24.34 million generated for the local economy.
The venue has been host to productions from a range of well–known companies including Glyndebourne, the National Theatre and Matthew Bourne and year two audiences increased nearly 6% on the theatre's first year.
More than 26,000 people saw Dirty Dancing The Musical, making it Kent's biggest touring production, and more than 83,000 saw last winter's panto, Sleeping Beauty. This year's pantomime is Jack And The Beanstalk.
As a consequence of the theatre's success, the Marlowe Studio is to develop a programme of support for new theatre writing and emerging companies. Losing Louis–writer, Simon Mendes da Costa, has recently been appointed as The Marlowe Theatre's first Literary Associate and he will be involved with playwriting sessions and the script-reading panel.
Workshops are also run for the local community and the venue also supports The Marlowe Youth Theatre.
Mark Everett, Director of the Marlowe Theatre, said, “I am delighted that our theatre has been such a tremendous success story. In only two years, The Marlowe Theatre has become one this country’s most successful regional venues, presenting audiences in Kent with the finest productions from some of the most prestigious companies.
"Despite challenging economic times, the bold vision that led to the building of this theatre has also brought huge benefits to our local community, both economically in the money that it generates but also through the many people that it reaches through creative activity and workshops.
"We’d like to thank everyone that has supported us and been part of this success.”