The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (must see)

The Marlowe Theatre is Canterbury’s premier performance venue and cultural beacon, nestled in the heart of this historic cathedral city. Named after the illustrious Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe, the modern theatre reopened in October 2011 after an extensive rebuild designed by Keith Williams Architects, boasting a 1,200-seat auditorium, a striking fly-tower, and a sleek glass-fronted foyer that complements the skyline alongside Canterbury Cathedral’s majestic spires.

With first-class acoustics and sightlines praised by reviewers, Marlowe Theatre delivers a world-class experience across a diverse programme. From touring West End musicals, Shakespearean drama via the Royal Shakespeare Company, and grand opera by Glyndebourne, to contemporary dance, comedy, and family pantomime, there’s something for every theatre-lover. The intimate 150-seat studio offers cutting-edge drama and fringe performances, championing new writing in the spirit of Canterbury’s creative heritage.

Beyond performances, the venue is deeply rooted in the local community: it houses The Poor Priests’ Hospital creative learning centre, supports youth programmes, bursaries, and open workshops, and proudly operates as a registered charity under The Marlowe Trust, championing access and inclusion in the arts. The striking “Muse of Poetry” statue outside-Christopher Marlowe memorialised in bronze-adds a poetic flourish to the public space.

Whether you’re drawn by world-class performances, architectural elegance, or community spirit, The Marlowe Theatre is an unmissable highlight of any Canterbury visit.