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Video: A look inside Canterbury's new Marlowe
Theatre

by Jess Banham, Martin
Jefferies and Rhona Jamieson

The curtain
will rise on Canterbury's new Marlowe Theatre today after a £25
million transformation.

The new building, which has taken shape in just over two years
(see our time lapse video below), includes a 1,200 seat auditorium,
a community performance space, a riverside restaurant and several
new bars.

Architect Keith Williams said he was
"very proud" of the theatre, which he described as a "very
complex development with some difficult logistical challenges" (see
our interactive timeline below to relive some of key moments in the
project's history).

He added: "I believe it will prove to be a significant piece of
architecture and an iconic building which will stand the test of
time."

Interactive timeline: A
look back at key moments in the history of The Marlowe Theatre

An opening gala concert will take place this evening, with HRH
The Earl of Wessex and HRH The Countess of Wessex among the invited
VIPs.

Local people will get their first glimpse inside the theatre
this Saturday and Sunday, when the building hosts a family
weekend.

Video: Relive two years'
construction in three minutes (footage courtesy of The Marlowe
Theatre)