The theatre is named after Christopher Marlowe, the Elizabethan playwright who was born and educated in Canterbury.
The current building's design features a prominent 'glass lantern' facade that glows after dark.
The auditorium's proscenium arch is designed to accommodate large-scale touring productions that were previously unable to visit Canterbury.
The theatre occupies the site of the former Odeon cinema.
It houses a dedicated production workshop that creates scenery for various regional shows.
The venue has a long-standing partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Marlowe Theatre is Canterbury's premier performing arts venue, featuring a main house that seats approximately 1,200 people. It hosts a diverse program ranging from West End musical touring productions and contemporary dance to Shakespearean plays and stand-up comedy. The facility was completely rebuilt in 2011 to replace a 1984 structure, resulting in a modern glass-fronted building overlooking the River Stour. It functions as a key regional hub for the performing arts in Kent. The venue includes a smaller studio space, The Marlowe Studio, used for experimental theater and intimate performances. It serves as a major employer and cultural anchor within the city's historic center.
The glass-fronted exterior viewed from across the river at dusk when the building is illuminated.
Book tickets well in advance for popular West End touring productions as they frequently sell out.
Visit the onsite restaurant or cafe to enjoy views of the River Stour before your performance.
Check the 'Marlowe Studio' listings for smaller, more niche performances that often feature emerging artists.
Do not attempt to park at the theatre itself, as it has extremely limited capacity; use the city's Park and Ride or multi-story car parks.
The theatre operates year-round with a reduced schedule during mid-summer; the main box office remains open daily.
