The Director of the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, Mark Everett, has paid tribute to former Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett, who died on Saturday 18 July.
The feasibility study for the redevelopment of the Marlowe was funded by the Allan Willett Foundation and the theatre's foyer and bar were named after Willett's parents, Robert and Irene Willett.
Everett said, "he was behind the idea of building The Marlowe from day one, and for that we will always be grateful."
He added, "Allan’s support continued throughout the years we were closed for building work, to opening and beyond. With his wife Anne, he was a frequent visitor to the theatre and enjoyed a wide variety of productions. This continued despite his poor health in recent years.
"I believe The Marlowe Theatre and all its achievements made Allan—a true Son of Kent—immensely proud and that is the highest accolade we could ask for."