Heading to a show at the Marlowe Theatre and not sure where to start? The Marlowe Theatre sits at The Friars, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2AS, with a 1,200-seat main auditorium plus a smaller Studio space, and tickets can be booked online at marlowetheatre.com or by phone on 01227 787787. There’s no public parking on site, so it’s worth sorting that out before you go, which this guide covers along with everything else worth knowing.
Here’s what the theatre actually offers, what’s showing through the rest of 2026, and the practical details that make a visit go smoothly.
What Is the Marlowe Theatre?
The Marlowe Theatre is named after playwright Christopher Marlowe, who was born and educated in Canterbury. The current building opened on 4 October 2011 after a major rebuild between 2009 and 2011, designed by architect Keith Williams, replacing the original 1984 theatre on the same site.
It’s run by the Marlowe Trust, a registered charity, and holds 1,200 seats across the main auditorium, making it the largest theatre in Kent. The Marlowe won UK Theatre of the Year at the 2022 Stage Awards, and regularly hosts touring productions from the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Glyndebourne Touring Opera and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, alongside West End musicals, opera, dance, comedy and its own in-house productions.
What’s On at the Marlowe Theatre
The programme changes throughout the year, but a few confirmed 2026 highlights give a sense of what the theatre typically stages.
Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, adapted by Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud and directed by Michael Fentiman, premieres on the Main Stage from Monday 14 to Saturday 19 September 2026 before heading out on national tour. The theatre’s Christmas 2026 pantomime, The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, runs from Friday 27 November 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027, starring Marlowe regular Ben Roddy and written and directed by Paul Hendy, in partnership with Evolution Productions. In the smaller Studio space, a new children’s musical called The Reluctant Dragon, based on the Kenneth Grahame book, will be the venue’s Christmas Studio show for 2026.
For the current full listing, check marlowetheatre.com directly, since the programme is updated regularly and shows sell out ahead of confirmed dates.
How to Book Tickets
Tickets can be booked online through marlowetheatre.com, or by phone through the Box Office on 01227 787787, which is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, for both phone and in-person bookings.
A few ways to save or plan ahead:
- Marlowe Friend membership offers discounts and early access booking for regular theatregoers.
- Discovery tickets give reduced pricing for people aged 16 to 26.
- Group discounts are available on selected performances, worth asking about if you’re booking for six or more.
Ticket prices vary a lot by show and seating tier, with big touring musicals and the annual pantomime typically pricing higher than smaller Studio productions. There’s no single fixed price list, so always check the specific show page on marlowetheatre.com for current pricing before you book.
Getting to the Marlowe Theatre
By Train
The theatre is under ten minutes’ walk from both Canterbury East and Canterbury West stations, making the train a genuinely easy option if you’re travelling from London, Ashford or the Kent coast.
By Car and Parking
There’s no public parking directly on site at the theatre, aside from a limited number of Blue Badge spaces on the forecourt. Several city centre car parks sit within five minutes’ walk, though Canterbury’s central car parks cap at a maximum of five hours and charge between 7am and 7pm, with a flat £1 charge after 7pm, according to venue travel information.
For matinees or busier shows, the Park and Ride services are worth using instead. Sites operate from Wincheap, Sturry Road and New Dover Road, terminating at Canterbury Bus Station, and tend to be far less stressful than hunting for a city centre space before a show.
By Bus
Canterbury Bus Station sits at the top of the High Street, roughly a ten-minute walk from the theatre.
Accessibility at the Marlowe Theatre
The Marlowe offers a genuinely broad accessibility programme. There are 12 permanent wheelchair positions across the three levels of the main auditorium, and 6 in the Studio, with level access to designated spaces in the main Theatre. An infrared hearing system is installed throughout, with Sennheiser medallions and headsets available from the Box Office against a £10 deposit.
Regular accessible performances include Relaxed, Chilled, BSL-interpreted and Audio Described shows, and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building. The theatre also runs a dog-sitting service at the Stage Door during performances, though you’ll need to contact the venue at least 24 hours in advance to arrange it. Anyone with additional access needs, including evacuation assistance, should contact the Box Office directly before booking.
Food and Drink
The theatre’s own restaurant, the Green Room, serves food and drink before shows and during intervals, alongside a bar and café in the main foyer area. Booking a table in advance is worth doing if you want to eat before an evening performance, since pre-show slots get busy fast on popular nights.
Step by Step: Planning Your Visit
- Check the show page on marlowetheatre.com for exact dates, running time and current ticket pricing before you book.
- Decide how you’re travelling early, since parking near the theatre is limited and Park and Ride is often the smoother option for evening and matinee performances alike.
- Book Green Room dining in advance if you want to eat at the theatre rather than nearby in the city.
- Arrive with time to spare. Canterbury’s city centre streets are narrow and pedestrianised in places, so allow extra walking time from car parks or the station.
- Contact the Box Office ahead of time for any accessibility requirements, rather than assuming arrangements can be made on the night.
FAQS
Where is the Marlowe Theatre?
The Marlowe Theatre is at The Friars, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2AS, in the heart of Canterbury’s historic city centre, within walking distance of both main train stations.
How many seats does the Marlowe Theatre have?
The main auditorium seats 1,200 people, making it the largest theatre in Kent, alongside a smaller Studio space used for more intimate productions.
Is there parking at the Marlowe Theatre?
There’s no public parking directly on site, aside from limited Blue Badge spaces on the forecourt. Several city centre car parks sit within a five-minute walk, and Park and Ride services are recommended for busier performances.
What time does the Marlowe Theatre Box Office open?
The Box Office is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, for both phone bookings on 01227 787787 and in-person visits.
Is the Marlowe Theatre accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, with 12 permanent wheelchair positions across the main auditorium and 6 in the Studio, plus level access, an infrared hearing system and regular accessible performances including BSL and Audio Described shows.
What is the Marlowe Theatre’s Christmas pantomime for 2026?
The 2026 pantomime is The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, running from Friday 27 November 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027 and starring Ben Roddy.
Can I get to the Marlowe Theatre by train?
Yes, both Canterbury East and Canterbury West stations are under ten minutes’ walk from the theatre, making rail a straightforward option from London and the wider Kent area.
Does the Marlowe Theatre have discounted tickets for young people?
Yes, Discovery tickets offer reduced pricing for anyone aged 16 to 26, alongside Marlowe Friend membership discounts for regular theatregoers and group rates on selected shows.
