PRESS RELEASE
Keith Williams Wins the Canterbury Marlowe Theatre Competition

Keith Williams Architects have won the concept competition to remodel the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.



Williams’ radical proposal envisages sweeping away the front of the existing building, adding a new 200 seat 2nd theatre, and remodelling the existing flytower. The images show a new multi-level glazed foyer enwrapping the building which he describes as a crystal ribbon sitting in contrast to the medieval and Georgian architecture that forms the immediate context.

The project when complete will include new foyers and bars, an expanded main auditorium of 1150 – 1200 seats, the new flexible form 2nd space, and rebuilt back stage facilities including rehearsal rooms and technical spaces.

The firm was chosen by Canterbury City Council, ahead of shortlisted teams from Levitt Bernstein, RHWL, John McAslan and Burrell Foley Fisher on the basis of its vision for the new project and its track record.



The firm will work with project managers Drivers Jonas on the development of the £24 million project. Construction is expected to start in January 2009 with the Marlowe opening in autumn 2010.



The Marlowe Theatre is the only theatre named after Christopher Marlowe 1564 – 1593 who was born in Canterbury and was a scholar at Kings School in the city.

Marlowe Theatre Canterbury: Keith Williams Architects

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