insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 24

ARTS
Churchill Theatre

The E.M. Forster
Theatre

One of the South East's leading live
entertainment venues, Bromley's Churchill
Theatre not only pioneers local talent, but
it showcases a huge amount of it too.
Opened 36 years ago by HRH The Prince
of Wales, this cleverly designed build seats
785 theatregoers looking to enjoy some
of the many award-winning productions
and tours this venue showcases year on
year. Perfect for those wanting the theatre experience without travelling into
London, Churchill lays claim to many successes, from co-producing several
no.1 UK tours to even having transferred some of its own productions to
the bright lights of the West End. It seems there really is no business like
show business.
Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA
www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-churchill-theatre-bromley/

Having opened its doors back
in the summer of 2009, The
E.M. Forster Theatre – located
within Tonbridge School –
boasts a main auditorium, a
studio theatre, a theatre
workshop and teaching rooms
in its complex. The modern
proscenium arch theatre seats 370 people in comfort with excellent panoramic
views, while the Studio Theatre seats up to 90 people and is well suited to
small-scale and experimental performances. Both halls play host to a variety
of performances, of which are open to both students and the wider public.
Tonbridge School, High Street, Tonbridge TN9 1JP
www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/about-the-school/our-facilities/emforster-theatre

Leas Cliff Hall

The Brook Theatre

As one of Kent's longstanding entertainment venues, Leas Cliff Hall in
Folkestone has championed live music for as long as we care to remember.
Having welcomed a host of big names through their doors, including Ozzy
Osbourne, Kings of Leon and the Stereophonics — and with a Grand Hall
seating 900 or a standing capacity of 1500 — the Leas Cliff Hall shows no
signs of letting up. The Stranglers, Charlie Landsborough and UB40 are to
name but a few of the shows in the jam-packed 2014 spring events
programme.
Leas Cliff Hall, The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2DZ
www.leascliffhall.co.uk

Formerly Chatham Town Hall, the magnificent council-run Brook Theatre
is a hive of entertainment, activity and learning. Seating 400 theatregoers,
this impressive space is ideal for community productions, professional
theatre, music and dance, while its regular Studio Showcase evenings offer
a more intimate theatre experience.
Brook Theatre, 5 The Brook, Chatham ME4 4SE
www.medway.gov.uk/leisureandculture/centralandbrooktheatres.aspx

The Tower Theatre
Capturing true community spirit in its finest form, The Tower Theatre is now
in its seventh year of opening. During that time it has not only established
itself as a venue for the whole community to get involved and visit, but it
is a useful space for functions and meetings. Fronted by charitable
organisation, the Folkestone-Hythe, Operatic and Dramatic Society (FHODS),
the 300-seat auditorium offers the very best in drama and light entertainment.
Check out the theatre's goings-on to see how you can show your support
for the commune too.
The Tower Theatre, North Road, Shorncliffe, Folkestone CT20 3HL
www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk

Tom Thumb Theatre
A true Kentish treasure, Tom Thumb Theatre
is a family-run arts venue in the heart of
Cliftonville, Margate. Originally built as a coach
house in Victorian times, the building was
transformed into one of the smallest theatres
in the world in 1984. Boasting a striking mix
of Japanese and Alpine Architecture, the
venue hosts an exciting bill of music, theatre
and comedy and has most recently added
the Fin Bar upstairs—a ramshackle cocktailsout-of-jam-jars bar. Tom Thumb Theatre
proves the best things really do come in small
© Jo Willis
packages.
Tom Thumb Theatre, 2A Eastern Esplanade, Margate CT9 2LB
www.tomthumbtheatre.co.uk

Assembly Hall
Theatre

Owned and operated by the Lindley Players, the Playhouse Theatre first
swung open its doors in 1982. 32 years on and they continue to bring a
wide range of quality plays and shows to the Whitstable theatre, boasting
anything from hard-edged drama to pantomime. And much like a wellbalanced menu, there is something for everyone. If you're looking for more
backstage opportunities, the Players are always looking for new members
– not only actors and actresses, but members for back stage, lighting,
sound, make-up, costumes, bar staff, box office roles and more.
Playhouse Theatre, 104 High Street, Whitstable CT5 1AZ
www.playhousewhitstable.co.uk

Built by the Tunbridge
Wells Corporation and
designed by Percy
Thomas and Ernest
Prestwich, the Assembly
Hall Theatre first opened
in 1939 and has been
home to the Tunbridge
Wells Operatic and
Dramatic Society since
1967. Having increased in size and faced extensive refurbishment over the
years, this impressive entertainment hub now seats up to 1020 people and
offers a fantastic range of live shows, including comedy, family shows,
dance, live music, classical music and drama. It also culminates each year
with an annual pantomime.
Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Festival Theatre

Avenue Theatre

Playhouse Theatre

Fancy a bit of al fresco theatre this summer? Look no further than the
acclaimed Festival Theatre at Hever Castle. I know what you're thinking...not
with our unpredictable English weather, but worry no more as the impressive
theatre boasts covers for the seating area—therefore minimising the chance
of a sudden downpour dampening your spirits. The summer festival runs
from May through to September, with details of the open-air fun available
as of 1st March.
Hever Castle, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
www.heverfestival. co.uk

Whether you're looking for an evening of live music, a fun children's
production or you simply fancy catching the latest Hollywood blockbuster
movie, Sittingbourne's Avenue Theatre really does have it all. Offering a
wide range of events and services, visitors can relax and simply enjoy the
venue's fantastic surroundings. A full list of events and details on how to
get involved, either on stage or backstage, can be found on the website.
Avenue Theatre, Avenue of Remembrance, Sittingbourne ME10 4DN
www.avenuetheatre.co.uk

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