The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    The Marlowe Theatre is an astonishing new venue in the historic city of Canterbury. We aim to bring you the best of everything!

    The theatre was named after the playwright Christopher Marlowe, who was born and attended school in the city. In front of the present theatre is a 19th-century statue, The Muse of Poetry (Marlowe is known as the Muses’ darling) surrounded by small effigies of characters from Marlowe’s plays.

    The programme of shows includes plays, major West End musicals, ballet, contemporary dance, opera, stand-up comedy, orchestral concerts, music gigs and children’s shows. Regular visiting companies include Glyndebourne Opera, National Theatre on Tour, Matthew Bourne, Propeller, Northern Ballet, Rambert Dance Company and Theatre Royal Bath.

    The venue has also featured performances by music artists John Surman. His LP Morning Glory was recorded there 12 March 1973. Elvis Costello,Van Morrison,Ray Davies, Suzanne Vega, Kate Rusby, Richard Thompson and José González.

    In 2014 Artistic Director Mark Everett announced that the Marlowe Theatre would begin operating as a producing house with original productions thanks to a £23,000 grant from Arts Council England. Their focus will be on new writing

    Upcoming Shows at The Marlowe Theatre - Canterbury

    Dear England

    The smash-hit production of Dear England from the National Theatre.

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    7 Oct 2025 - 18 Oct 2025

    The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game?

    Prima Facie

    Olivier Award Winning Prima Facie, from the National Theatre

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    3 Mar 2026 - 7 Mar 2026

    Prima Facie from the National Theatre

    The Capulets & The Montagues

    English Touring Opera

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    23 Apr 2025

    Enjoy a special night out at the opera as Bellini’s stunning reworking of Romeo & Juliet tells afresh the eternal story of loyalty and love put to the test.

    Dara O Briain: Re:Creation Tour 2025

    Dara O Briain is back with a brand new live show!

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    22 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

    Dara O Briain is back with a brand new live show!

    Dianne and Vito

    Red Hot and Ready

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    15 Jun 2025

    Strictly’s superstar professional dancers, Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola star in a brand-new stage show...

    Sara Pascoe

    I Am A Strange Gloop

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    12 Mar 2026

    Sara Pascoe says Have you ever been awake in the middle of the night and thought something so...

    Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

    Returns for its 30th anniversary with a 2024/25 UK tour

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    29 Apr 2025 - 3 May 2025

    Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns for its 30th anniversary with a 2024/25 UK tour.

    Aljaz & Janette

    A Night to Remember

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    25 May 2025

    A night to Remember

    Rocky Horror Show

    UK Tour

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    7 Jul 2025 - 12 Jul 2025

    The Rocky Horror Show Tour

    Calamity Jane

    starring Carrie Hope Fletcher

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    27 May 2025 - 31 May 2025

    the whip crackin’ musical comedy classic Calamity Jane is a rollin’ on over the plains on tour

    TINA – The Tina Turner Musical

    West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical tours the UK for the first time.

    The Marlowe Theatre – Canterbury

    28 Oct 2025 - 8 Nov 2025

    West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical on its first ever UK & Ireland tour.
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