NEWS
SARAH THORNE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Founded in May 2007 , with their first production in September 2007 , the Sarah Thorne Theatre Company CIC now enters its 10th year of highly successful independent all year round operation with an eclectic programme of popular events .
With the retirement of two directors last year , the bullet was bitten to completely modernise the project . Electronic ticketing systems commenced and the ‘ Friends Membership ’ was converted into automatic renewal . A new
stage lighting and sound system was installed , as were special stage drapes . Improved auditorium and entrance hall lighting was also installed and this scheme of modernisation continues .
The theatre houses the only professional Summer Repertory Season in the South East , a traditional programme of pantomime , concerts , drama and more . They work with the Canterbury Festival , Broadstairs Dickens Festival , and Broadstairs Folk Week . Apart from its own in-house community productions it also houses most of the local drama groups . The theatre also commences touring productions . In 2018 , it will stage the winner of the Terence Rattigan Society Play competition . Full details of current and past productions are available from the website www . sarahthornetheatre . co . uk .
The Theatre Patrons are Judi Dench DBE , David Suchet CBE and Julian Fellowes DL .
NEW GALLERY OPENING AT MAIDSTONE MUSEUM
An exciting new gallery is opening this month at Maidstone Museum following a major refurbishment project . Visitors will be able to explore the rich and diverse lives of everyday Egyptians and Greeks through a series of themed displays and interactive stations . An immersive experience awaits , with a multi-sensory blend of sights , sounds and smells as well as items to touch .
Exhibits will include the only mummy in Kent – Ta-Kush . Come face-toface with this ancient Egyptian woman , who died over 2,700 years ago , through an amazing life-size facial reconstruction and listen to her story ! Then marvel at her beautiful coffin lid with its fabulously coloured interior of the goddess Nut – on display for the first time ever following conservation . Discover intriguing insights into the scientific methods used to tell us more about Ta-Kush ’ s life , including the results of recent CT scans and a short film about how she arrived here .
The refurbishment project was made possible thanks to a £ 78,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund ( HLF ), as well as support from the Maidstone Museums Foundation and local donors . The museum team worked closely with Kent Association for the Blind to ensure the new space was developed to optimise the experience for visually impaired visitors . Maidstone Borough Council has also funded the installation of a new lift and ramps to improve accessibility around the entire museum .
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