Video: Cricket and stage
come together for the Marlowe Theatre.

by Adam Williams

Stars of stage and screen dusted
down their whites for a special cricket match in aid of the new
Marlowe Theatre.

Past, present and future stars of
Kent cricket also played their part in the 30-over contest at the
St Lawrence Ground on Saturday, as Chris Cowdrey’s XI took on the
Stage Cricket Club XI.

The event, organised by the Friends
of the Marlowe Action Group, included a sporting lunch and charity
auction before the game.

A spectacular flying entrance from
the Tigers Parachute Display Team ensured the match ball was
delivered in style to Lord Mayor, Cllr Pat Todd, before the start
of play.

Governor of the Bank of England,
Mervyn King, took a break from counting the nation’s pennies to don
the umpires coat for the first innings.

Batting first, Chris Cowdrey’s XI,
including son Julius, former Kent stars Martin Saggers, Nigel Llong
and David Fulton, as well as current fast bowler Robbie Joseph,
scored 185. Despite a late surge from the Stage XI, captained by
actor Will Chitty, Chris Cowdrey’s XI triumphed by 15 runs.

More reaction
and pictures in this week's Kentish Gazette, out
Thursday.