We have a long way to go, however seeing discussions focused on women’s rights is a step forward in the right direction. In 2018, according to the Crime Survey of England and Wales, 7.9% of women experienced domestic violence, that’s roughly 1.3 million of the population and 28.9% aged between 16 to 59 have suffered some form of domestic abuse from aged 16 – 4.8 million. The Police Service of Northern Ireland have reported a worrying increase in domestic violence incidences, reporting a 5.4% rise from October 2017 to September 2018 and the highest since records began in 2004/2005. However as this topic is complex, and is often hidden, it’s difficult to quantify just how much this occurs. We’ve also witnessed conversations on the personal topic of abortion take place, Northern Ireland currently in the process of decriminalising it, ensuring regulations regarding abortion services are put in place by April (BBC News). Playwright and screen writer taps into these pertinent issues in her current play ‘Gutted’, set four decades prior to now. Ahead of the show’s run starting from Friday 4th October & Saturday 5th October at the Marlowe Theatre, Sharon tells us more about what to expect.

Rock of Ages comes to The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury on the first leg of its UK tour. A musical packed full of classic rock anthems, Rock of Ages is a fun, toe-tapping show full of Rock ‘n’ Roll debauchery.

I sit in the audience for The Full Monty at The Marlowe Theatre, amongst an expectant crowd. I don’t really know what to expect – although I’ve seen the film, I wonder how this would translate to the stage (and whether it would work).

Kinky Boots, currently on its UK & Ireland Tour tells the story of Charlie Price [Joel Harper–Jackson] and his determination to turn around his failing family shoe factory by tapping into a niche market; stiletto heeled boots for drag queens. Meanwhile Lola [Kayi Ushe] overcomes the prejudices of Charlie and his fellow co-workers, helping them to accept men in frocks. It all ends harmoniously in Milan, where the business gets a glamorous reboot.

I feel incredibly lucky to be sat in the audience of Matthew Bourne’s current UK tour, Cinderella. I adore Bourne’s work, having studied many as a teacher of Dance and Head of Performing Arts, passing on my passion and knowledge to students. I love the intricacy of detail in his choreography and his artistic choice and vision, the way he challenges stereotypes and always strives to break down barriers.

visit here… After missing the opportunity to see Hairspray on West End, I jumped at the chance to see at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. A colourful, energetic story revolving around Tracy and her fight for change. Set in a racially segregated Baltimore in 1962, Tracy successfully becomes part of the Corny Collins TV show, only to discover that her black friends are only allowed to dance on the show one day a month. She quickly sets about changing this, fighting for their right to dance together.

I was keen to see The Jungle Book after learning that it was created by The Children’s Touring Partnership, which seeks to create bold and imaginative theatre of the highest quality for children aged eight and above, throughout the UK. The Children’s Touring Partnership have recently produced The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, which was fantastic and Running Wild, an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Michael Morpurgo, which I also thoroughly enjoyed.

Having read Of Mice and Men for GCSE English and revisiting it last year by choice, I was keen to see the stage adaptation of the modern classic. Many will have experienced the narrative of John Steinbeck’s original novel, but less will have experienced the play on the stage.

I’m ashamed to say that I saw Warhorse for the first time last week. The first time. After watching Jane Eyre earlier this year I knew that Warhorse would not disappoint. I just cannot believe it’s taken me so long to see it.
Settling back into my seat at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury and watching the hundreds of people packing into the theatre, the buzz and atmosphere is incredible. I feel incredibly lucky to be sat in that audience, as a reviewer.

Courtesy of Brinkhoff/Mögenburg.

The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious, highly physical and very silly comedy that had me absolutely roaring with laughter.

Courtesy of Helen Murray.