From college stage to community hub - our fifth campaign location for 2025 sees us head inside the flexible, multifaceted Glassbox Theatre at Mid Kent College

Featured

Within the Medway campus of Mid Kent College lies a hidden gem - the Glassbox Theatre (@glassbox_theatre ). At first glance, many mistake it for just another college facility, but step inside and you’ll discover a flexible, fully equipped and surprisingly intimate performance venue that’s quietly becoming a vital cultural space for the Medway community.

Opened in 2010 alongside the college’s relocation from Horsted to its current Gillingham site, the Glassbox Theatre was designed to support students of the performing and production arts. But as theatre manager Nicola Gall explains, its role has grown steadily beyond education.

“We’re fortunate to have an industry-standard space here for our students,” she says. “But outside of that, we really want to build those connections with the local community and let them use the space, too. We’ve become a home for theatre schools, dance schools, orchestras and all kinds of creative groups.”

Over the years - especially post-pandemic - the theatre has evolved into more than just a training ground for young performers. With Chatham’s Brook Theatre having a major refurbishment, the Glassbox has stepped up as a temporary alternative for many groups displaced by the closure. The result? A thriving calendar and diverse client base.

More than just a college theatre

One of the biggest challenges the theatre faces is perception. “Yes, there’s a big sign saying Glassbox Theatre but, because it’s on a college campus, people often assume it’s just for students,” says Nicola. Despite this, the theatre is steadily establishing itself as a credible venue for wider audiences. It offers an intimate capacity (332 seated, 440 standing), making it ideal for smaller productions, niche acts and first-time performers.

“We’re a great stepping-stone gig venue,” Nicola notes. “For young bands, new comedians or smaller spoken-word events we offer that first real venue experience.”

While Nicola inherited a packed schedule when she joined, she’s already looking toward 2026 and beyond to bring in fresh ideas. One new addition is a series of events from Seed Talks - a collective known for their insightful lectures on science, psychology and society.

“It’s something different for us,” she says. “We’ve not really done that kind of spoken-word programming before. And we’re also looking at bringing back comedy with newer, up-and-coming acts.”

In October, the Glassbox will once again host the vibrant Dukes Dance UK Evolution Festival - a four-day celebration of Latin and salsa dance that includes workshops, club-style parties and performances, all held during the student half-term to maximise space and flexibility. The theatre also serves as the long-standing venue for the Pride in Medway Awards and welcomes local schoolchildren during its annual student-produced pantomime.

Other highlights include performances from Barefoot Opera, who are bringing Donizetti’s work to Medway this season, and an ongoing partnership with Lyrici Arts, a local Black-led theatre company. In July, LyraKai staged a standout circus show and they’ll return in autumn with their popular Soul Food production.

A regular blues night by the Riverside Rhythm Club adds another layer of variety to the theatre’s growing portfolio.

Flexibility and accessibility

One of Glassbox Theatre’s biggest strengths lies in its adaptable facilities. Retractable, raked seating allows the space to be tailored for everything from circus acts to traditional stage plays, and its modular stage can transform into a thrust or catwalk set-up.

The venue is fully accessible, with step-free access, ample parking and a nearby bus stop and train station. “We just want to break down any barrier people might have,” Nicola emphasises. “Whether it’s transport, mobility or even buying a ticket - we’re looking at in-person box-office support to help with that, too.”

There’s even a cafe space on-site, used occasionally for community breakfasts and smaller gatherings. Thanks to the college’s hospitality students and fully equipped kitchens, the venue is also planning more immersive events, including a murder-mystery dinner next year.

As Nicola works on long-term programming and builds new partnerships, her message is clear: the Glassbox is here, open and ready to welcome Medway’s creative spirit.

In a region with few mid-sized venues, the Glassbox is carving out a niche - not just as a college theatre but as a vibrant, essential part of the local arts scene. You just have to know where to find it.

INFO: www.glassboxtheatre.com