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The venue

About Marlowe Theatre

The Marlowe Theatre is Canterbury’s premier large-scale performing arts venue, run by The Marlowe Trust. Opened in 2011 after a major rebuild, it continues a rich tradition of hosting major national and international companies, including National Theatre, RSC visits, Glyndebourne Opera, and performances from artists like Elvis Costello and Van Morrison. The venue offers two spaces: the Main House with a seating capacity of 1,200 and the Studio with 150 seats (retractable seating allows up to 300). This page provides practical guidance for ticket buyers, along with seating details, parking, transport, and nearby hotel and dining options to make your visit seamless.

Parking is not available on-site at the Marlowe Theatre. You’ll find convenient options in the city centre, including Castle Street Car Park and other nearby facilities. Blue Badge parking is limited and available by arrangement, so please plan ahead if required.

The Marlowe sits in the heart of Canterbury, just a short walk from Canterbury West and Canterbury East rail stations. If you’re driving in, consider allowing extra time during peak event periods when city traffic can be busy.

Nearby hotels and dining options provide convenient stays and meals before or after performances. We feature trusted hotel and restaurant partners to help you find comfortable stays and convenient dining close to the venue. For each listing, you’ll find direct affiliate links to book with confidence.

Seating and venue details:

  • Main House seating capacity: 1,200
  • Studio seating capacity: 150 (retractable seating can expand to 300)
  • Accessibility: Limited Blue Badge spaces (arrangements available on request)
  • Nearby transport: Short walk from Canterbury West and Canterbury East rail stations

Notable past and current programming includes visits from National Theatre and RSC, Glyndebourne Opera, Philharmonia Orchestra, and acclaimed artists such as Elvis Costello and Van Morrison. If you’re planning a visit, secure your seats early through our simple, no-fuss process—we’ve got you.

For more information about the venue and to explore the latest show listings, visit the official Marlowe Theatre site and the venue’s social channels:

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Capacity: Main House 1,200; Studio 150 (retractable seating to 300).
  • Address: The Friars, Canterbury, CT1 2AS, United Kingdom.
  • Venue type: Large-scale theatre / performing arts venue run by The Marlowe Trust.
  • Seating chart: Main House seating plan included in the Spring 2026 brochure (seating plan pages near the end of the document).
  • Parking: No on-site parking; nearby Castle Street Car Park and other city-centre car parks; limited Blue Badge spaces available by arrangement.
  • Transit: Located in Canterbury city centre; within a short walk from Canterbury West/East rail stations.
  • Nearby hotels: Pilgrims Hotel, Bijou Abode – Chaucer House, Abode Canterbury, Millers Arms Inn, Cathedral Gate, etc.
  • Notable events: Hosts National Theatre/RSC visits, Glyndebourne Opera, Philharmonia Orchestra, and performances by Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, and many other major artists.
  • Renamed/demolished: The current Marlowe Theatre opened in 2011 after a major rebuild (2009–2011); the previous Marlowe structure on nearby St Margaret’s Street was demolished in the early 1980s to make way for redevelopment.