Have you ever wondered how your town’s theatre ended up with its name?
From some of Britain’s most famous playwrights and performers to the former lives of historic buildings, these are the interesting and surprising stories behind the names of Kent’s theatres…
Central Theatre, Chatham
You might think that its location in the High Street is the reason for this theatre’s name, but you’d be mistaken. In fact, the reason that Chatham’s Central Theatre has its name is because the building was formerly the Wesleyan Central Hall and, from 1932, it was known as the Methodist Central Church until the 1960s. The theatre kept part of its old name as a nod to its history.
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
It doesn’t take a genius to work out where the Churchill Theatre’s name came from. The Bromley theatre was, of course, named after Britain’s former prime minister Winston Churchill, who led the government twice, most notably from 1940 to 1945 during the Second World War. The politician lived at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Westerham - a 35 minute drive from Bromley - and had strong ties to the town.
EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge
Edward Morgan Forster was an English novelist, best known for works such as a Room with a View and a Passage to India. Forster grew up in Kent and went to Tonbridge School as a day student. In his lifetime, from 1879 to 1970, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 22 separate years and the school’s theatre is now named after him.
Granville Theatre, Ramsgate
Ramsgate’s Granville House, which was formerly the Granville Hotel, was designed by renowned church architect Edward Welby Pugin and is now a Grade II-listed building. It’s just a short seafront drive from the house to the theatre, which shares the same name as the historic property.
Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone
Maidstone has seen many notable figures pass through its streets over the years, including essayist and philosopher William Hazlitt. The writer, who was born in Maidstone in 1778, is considered one of the most influential essayists in the English language and was also a highly regarded art critic during his life. It’s only fair, considering his impact on the written word, that the county town’s Hazlitt Theatre is named after him.
King’s Hall, Herne Bay
When the King’s Hall opened just off of Herne Bay’s seafront in 1913, the ceremony was attended by Princess Henry of Battenberg. During her visit, the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria declared the performing arts venue open and named it the King Edward VII Memorial Hall after her late brother. In the years since the name has been shortened, but there’s still an homage to its royal heritage.
Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
Those who love English literature are surely familiar with Christopher Marlowe. The Elizabethan playwright and poet is thought to have inspired William Shakespeare with his works, including Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine the Great. Canterbury’s award-winning theatre is named after the writer, who was born in the city to a local family - shoemaker John Marlowe and his wife Katherine - and attended the city’s prestigious King's School in the 16th century.
Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford
One of the world’s biggest rock bands was formed right here in Kent, with the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards and Mick Jagger meeting at Dartford’s Wentworth Primary School. The pair remained friends when the Jagger family moved to the nearby village of Wilmington and, 13 years later, the band’s first single Come On was released. As a teenager, Mick Jagger returned to Dartford to attend the town’s Grammar School, which now includes the aptly-named Mick Jagger Centre.
Oast Theatre, Tonbridge
Kent and Sussex are known for their collection of oast houses, which are buildings designed specifically for drying hops as part of the brewing process to produce beer. Tonbridge, in particular, has a number of oast houses still standing, including the town’s Oast Theatre - so you can guess why the theatre has its name.
Rylance Theatre, Ashford
Mark Rylance has racked up a number of accolades, including an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, two Olivier Awards, and three Tony Awards. The performer has appeared in Shakespeare plays Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night, starred in Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies and received international fame for Wolf Hall - but it all started in Ashford. The actor was born in Ashford in 1960 before moving to America just a few years later but, thanks to the name of the theatre, everyone remembers the star’s Kent roots.
Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs
Thanet’s leading lady, Sarah Thorne, is known for playing a huge part in British acting. In 1867, the actress took over the lease of Margate’s Theatre Royal from her father and started her own theatre company. The acting school came to be known as Britain’s first formal drama school and her impact has been immortalised by the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs, just a 10 minute drive from the Theatre Royal.
Sinden Theatre, Tenterden
Tenterden’s Sinden Theatre, located just outside of the town centre inside the Homewood School, is named after its patron, actor and former resident Sir Donald Sinden. The performer had an extensive career until his death in 2014, including a contract at Pinewood Studios and his time working with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
The unique aesthetic of the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells comes from the building’s former life. In previous years, it was the town’s Holy Trinity Church and the exterior of the building has maintained many of the church’s recognisable features. The theatre has kept the Trinity name as a tribute to the historic building.
