The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (must see)

The Marlowe Theatre is a major 1,200-seat theatre. It was briefly closed in March 2009 for redevelopment, reopening in a brand new building on 4 October 2011.

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 artistsJohn 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.