Discover Medway’s newest theatre, GlassBox
GlassBox Theatre, based at the Gillingham Campus of MidKent College, is Medway’s newest public theatre
GlassBox Theatre, based at the Gillingham Campus of MidKent College, is Medway’s newest public theatre.
This 440-capacity space was created for those studying ‘Performing & Production Arts’ and ‘Music Performance & Production’ at the college to have the opportunity to perform to an audience and gain valuable experience working alongside professional music and theatre technicians on productions throughout the year.
Since opening in 2016, the students have been showcasing their talents in three major productions and several music gigs hosted at GlassBox each year. Now the theatre programmes an eclectic calendar of public events all year-round.
This month the venue will host two exciting productions from Lyrici Arts. A regular visitor to GlassBox, Medway based Lyrici is a Black-led organisation creating theatre and arts programmes that amplify Black and diverse stories and an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.
Their spring programme opens with Belongings on Thursday 13th March. This beautiful show for 7-11 year olds was created in conjunction with Tangled Feet and Rowan Tree and explores the fundamental need we all share – the need to belong.
Following its acclaimed debut in 2022, their Soul Food Solo Stories tour opens on Thursday 27th March.
The production brings together four powerful, standalone stories from Caribbean and African storytellers for a captivating theatre experience celebrating joy, heritage and belonging. The celebration continues after the show with an opportunity to discuss the performance with the cast and company, enjoy complimentary canapes and entertainment from a live band.
Live music is a big feature in the GlassBox calendar with a variety of genres and artists appearing from all over the UK. Local music club, The Riverside Rhythm Club, run a monthly blues night: upcoming gigs this spring are the classic, soulful RnB sounds of Samuel Ashton and The Instincts on 21st March, the exhilarating Alex Voysey Band on 15th April and Dirt Road Band, led by Dr Feelgood’s legendary guitarist Steve Walwyn, will bring their hard punchy blues-rock to the stage on 22nd May.
The venue also hosts many cultural and community events throughout the year too; hosting awards ceremonies such as Pride in Medway as well as cultural celebrations and public exhibitions.
Local history event, The Glory Days of Black Lion Skatepark, on 5th April is an engaging celebration of one of the most iconic skate destinations in the UK.
This special event will feature talks, archival photos and videos plus a display of some classic vintage decks and BMX bikes. A relaxed meet-up with local legends and fellow skate enthusiasts follows the talks and booking is essential for this free event.
Music highlights this year:
Saturday 14th June – On Thin Ice presents Echoes of Floyd
Hot on the heels of the release of Pink Floyd at Pompeii in cinemas, premier tribute band On Thin Ice presents Echoes of Floyd on 14th June bringing the spirit of Pink Floyd to life on stage for fans new and old.
Saturday 6th September – Tubeway Days
Synth fans won’t want to miss Tubeway Days, the ultimate Gary Numan tribute experience, at GlassBox on 6th September. Celebrating the authentic sound and feel of Gary Numan's music, with their unique tribute, this show will transport fans back to the golden era of the synthesizer. The band features Chris Fielding, the only Gary Numan tribute to ever appear on Stars in Their Eyes!
Wowing audiences across the UK, Supersonic Queen will appear on 10th October. Much more than a tribute band — they are a full-scale rock spectacle that channels the magic and excitement of Queen’s greatest performances. Their shows are action-packed, fun-filled, and guaranteed to leave audiences singing, dancing and wanting more.
Rock legends, Wishbone Ash, are bringing their 50th anniversary show to Gillingham on 11th October. The band has been cited as a major influence by such luminaries as Iron Maiden, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen and Metallica amongst a host of others and fans will not be disappointed.
Info: www.glassboxtheatre.co.uk
Facebook: @glassboxtheatre
Instagram: @glassbox_theatre
