The multi-award winning new Marlowe Theatre for client Canterbury City Council, has been created in Canterbury’s historic heart nearby the Cathedral’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 4,850m2 Marlowe is a No1 Touring Venue, hosts Glyndebourne Touring Opera and also produces its own work. It contains 2 theatres spaces, the main 1200 seat horseshoe shaped auditorium and the flexible format Marlowe Studio seating 150, the focus of youth theatre and experimental theatrical work. Placed 6m above the foyer it allows the multi level foyer links to the riverside terraces, and give multiple views toward the Cathedral. The new Marlowe Theatre was formally opened on 4 October 2011 by HRH Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex. The project has proven immensely successful and soon after its first 5 years of operation the Marlowe had sold its 2 millionth ticket playing to a capacity audience approaching 90%, making it one of the UK’s most successful regional theatres. Client Testimonial “Within the envelope of a wonderful example of the best in 21st century architectural design, Keith Williams has provided us with a stunning 1200-seat main house that uses all the well-established traditional principles of auditorium design to provide a warm and intimate space in which to experience all forms of the performing arts at the highest standards. Joined democratically through common foyers dominating the front of the building on three levels, the 150-seat Marlowe Studio theatre provides a flexible and inspiring space for new and creative work of all kinds. The effect of both these spaces on our programming is truly inspirational.” Mark Everett, former Theatre Director, The Marlowe Theatre