BACK TO THE BOX OFFICE: Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury
Arguably one of the most architecturally stunning theatres around, the Malthouse in Canterbury is a perfect example of a flexible creative space
There is nowhere quite like the Malthouse Theatre (@themalthousetheatre ) in Canterbury. Part of The King’s School, the building is a striking example of how an old industrial space can be given a new life without losing the character of its past.
Once a warehouse, the Malthouse was sympathetically restored and transformed into a theatre, opening in 2019. Today, its original ironwork, brickwork, large doors, beams and tiled floors sit alongside modern theatrical technology, creating a venue that feels both historic and contemporary.
“The architecture won awards at the time when it was first built,” says theatre manager Nicola Gall. “It’s a really sympathetic refurbishment and repurposing of this building. It has a sort of warmth about it. I think that it feels very welcoming.”
The result is a creative hub rather than simply a theatre. The main auditorium can accommodate up to 380 people, although most standard configurations seat between 300 and 330. Crucially, the space is designed to change. The stage can be adapted for different productions, while an orchestra pit adds another dimension for larger musical performances.
“We have a lovely little sort of foyer bar area, which is where people come into first off and then, you know, lead through to either upstairs to the balcony or into the auditorium from the ground floor,” explains Nicola. “It just feels like a really very intimate sort of theatre. So when you’re sitting there watching a show, you don’t feel like you’re that far away from the stage and it’s a good view from everywhere.”
There are dressing rooms, dance and drama studios and additional rooms that can be used for smaller performances, workshops, rehearsals or as breakout spaces for larger events. Step-free access, lifts to every level and good sightlines throughout the auditorium also make the venue accessible and welcoming.
That flexibility is increasingly becoming central to the Malthouse’s identity. During term-time, the building supports performing arts and dance activities for King’s School pupils and students from the international college on the campus. Outside term-time, the theatre programmes some 17 weeks of events for external audiences, alongside school productions and events.
The challenge now is not simply filling the building but introducing it to people who have never visited.
“We’re trying to look at the audience that we have, how we’re serving them, but also how do I look to develop more of an audience with different demographics,” Nicola says.
Family audiences are an important part of that ambition. This year’s pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, produced by Joseph Gardner Hodges Productions, will take a particularly adventurous approach. Rather than using the conventional end-on stage, the production will be performed in the round, with the audience surrounding the performance area on all sides.
Even regular panto-goers will experience the Malthouse differently. “We’re taking everybody on a bit of a journey with it,” Nicola says.
Recent family productions have already brought new visitors through the doors, including Disney’s Frozen, which attracted large numbers of families who had never previously visited the venue. Its location, about 10 minutes from Canterbury station and the city centre, is another advantage in attracting new audiences.
The Malthouse’s ambitions extend beyond traditional theatre audiences. Its relationship with Canterbury Festival brings about nine events to the building, spanning music, cabaret, folk and family entertainment. One family takeover day sees the festival occupy the entire building, with performances in the theatre alongside puppetry, creative activities and workshops in other rooms.
The recent Crash Festival has provided another vivid demonstration of what the building can do, taking over multiple spaces for a creative and gaming festival, from seated talks and exhibitions to workshops and breakout sessions.
It is perhaps this ability to become many things at once that makes the Malthouse special. A restored warehouse has become a theatre, studio, workshop and community gathering place - a flexible creative space with an ambition to keep finding audiences who have yet to discover it.
INFO: malthousetheatre.co.uk
