Project summary

25 years ago, a 1930s Odeon cinema in Canterbury was converted into the Marlowe Theatre. The aim of the refurbishment project was to renew the space to provide extra seating capacity, improved public areas, and updated stage facilities to attract a wider range of performing companies than could previously be housed. The development of an educational programme for young people was also an essential part of the scheme.

Key elements of the design are a 1200-seat main auditorium with orchestra pit, a 150-seat flexible-format second auditorium, a new accessible foyer with ticket office, bars and riverside café, a completely new exterior with enlarged forecourt and sheltering colonnade and a remodelled fly-tower providing a landmark beacon for the new theatre.

Charcoalblue worked hand-in-hand with the client and the architect to help them clarify and develop their vision, and to deliver a building which can accommodate opera, ballet, dance, musicals, pantomime, popular concerts and drama.

This process included developing and refining the auditoria, foyers and back-of-house areas, and the design of completely new technical facilities including scenic flying, stagelighting and audiovisual systems.