Theatre of food

PUBLISHED: 08:58 04 April 2014 | UPDATED: 08:58 04 April 2014

Sarah Sturt

Students in rehearsal for The Garden of England

Archant

Kentish producers are taking part in a unique market being set up by Canterbury’s The Marlowe outside the theatre this month as part of The Garden Of England community project aimed at bringing together people from the area to explore what it means to live in Kent.

Members of The Marlowe’s creative classes will perform in and around the theatre, and a vital part of the performances will look at the county’s rich but controversial history of agricultural production.

Production manager Katherine Igoe-Ewer says the produce on sale will capture the spirit of Kent, including fruit and vegetables, bread, crisps and oils, ice cream, cider, juice and wine. There will also be a stall selling silver.

This exciting community project includes members of the Marlowe youth theatres (the youngest participants are eight) and is the largest ever undertaken by The Marlowe Theatre, involving about 150 participants.

It is performed in association with Canterbury Christ Church University and Hadlow College. The stalls (10 are currently signed up) will form the backdrop to the outdoor performances and will run alongside 16th-century merchants, played by the young actors.

● The Garden Of England is at The Marlowe Theatre from 9-12 April. The market stalls are in Victoria Walk, next to the theatre, and will remain open until 8pm. Performances, which take place around the theatre and in The Marlowe Studio, are at 6pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are from the Box Office on 01227 787787 or at marlowetheatre.com.