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For immediate release FINAL 5 October 2011 The new Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, opens The new Marlowe Theatre was officially opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex last night (Tuesday 4 October ) with a Gala Concert celebrating the completion of a two year, £25.6 million project. The concert by the theatre’s resident Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by David Parry, featured a selection of orchestral and operatic masterpieces performed by Sir John Tomlinson (bass) and Carmen Giannattasio (soprano). The Earl of Wessex, who is the Royal Patron of the New Marlowe Theatre Development Trust, was joined by an invited audience and members of the public who had won their tickets by public ballot, packing the 1200-seater auditorium. The Earl said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and delight to have served as a Patron on this appeal and it has been a fantastic journey. I just want to thank everyone who supported it. You’ve now got this fantastic theatre and I hope you will use it and come back and support it time and time again.” The theatre, in the heart of the medieval city, has been designed by the award-winning Keith Williams Architects and is one of the most significant current capital arts projects in this country. It has been completed on time and on budget and is set to give the South East a major cultural boost. Leader of Canterbury City Council Cllr John Gilbey said: “This wonderful new theatre is a gift to our city and district and the theatregoers of the south east. It will provide an annual economic boost of an estimated £25 million and employment for 150 staff. And for performers it offers a world-class venue to show off their talents. The opening is the culmination of many years’ hard work and we are very proud of the end result.” Theatre Director Mark Everett added: “Our Opening Gala was a huge success and one of the smoothest run events I have ever experienced in a theatre. The Philharmonia and singers Sir John and Carmen sounded fantastic in our wonderful new auditorium; the acoustic is good as we had hoped and planned - and probably more. “Above all, it was great to see 1200 happy and smiling people enjoying the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s presence in our new theatre. What a fantastic way to launch a new and exciting theatrical journey for Canterbury.” The project which started in spring 2009 saw the demolition of the old Marlowe Theatre – which started life as a cinema in the 1930s - and a new Marlowe constructed on an extended site. The stunning main auditorium is set over three levels with an orchestra pit that can accommodate up to 80 musicians, enabling The Marlowe to stage world-class music, theatre and dance. The new theatre has been made possible through a mix of public and private funding. Canterbury City Council has been the leading funder contributing around £17 million. Kent County Council and SEEDA have also supported the project. A major fundraising campaign was set up by The New Marlowe Theatre Development Trust to raise £4.2 million towards the total cost of the project. For further information please contact: Jane Acton or Ellie Hughes Colman Getty Tel: 020 7631 2666 E: [email protected] / [email protected] Notes to editors For further information about the theatre visit: www.marlowetheatre.com Images of the theatre and the Gala evening are available from Colman Getty The Marlowe Theatre is owned and managed by Canterbury City Council.