A heart warming tale of generosity
Dr Vanessa Potter, who has been closely following the construction progress on-site, was so impressed by the aims of the new theatre, that she felt compelled to make a generous gift of £1,000 from the Robson Charitable Trust. Dr Potter said ““My mother left a small charitable trust when she died and I gave the gift because I felt that the Marlowe development is one of the most exciting opportunities to happen to Canterbury in many years. It will, without doubt, enhance the local access to high quality cultural events that a city like Canterbury truly deserves and needs. I believe it will transform the city. It is already looking good and I really look forward to its opening!”
John Doyle
John Doyle, local artist, has recently completed a stunning watercolour painting of Canterbury Cathedral as seen from inside the construction of the new Marlowe Theatre. The painting is to be auctioned at the Friends of the Marlowe charity cricket day on Saturday 28 August in aid of the new Marlowe Theatre Development Trust. John Doyle paints what he sees, is inspired by light, atmosphere and generally includes architectural features in his work. This is a rare view of the cathedral and we would like to thank John for his generosity towards the project.
Monumental gift
Thanks to a fantastic £500,000 grant award from the Monument Trust, one of the 18 Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts, our remaining target is now at £1.75 million.
Orlando Bloom
The Marlowe Theatre was delighted to host a visit by one of the campaign’s celebrity Patrons in July. Orlando Bloom donned a hard hat and high-vis jacket to look a round the building site. Laying a brick Orlando joked he would be able to tell people he helped build the new Marlowe.
Orlando has also committed to buying the “first” seat in our forthcoming seat campaign. This exciting fundraising initiative will be launched in November 2010 and will offer our supporters a unique opportunity to name a beautiful leather seat in the stunning new 1,200 auditorium. Please contact the Campaign Office on 01227 456448 to register your interest for further details when available.
And finally…
The New Marlowe Theatre Development Trust wishes to convey a warm thank you to two very well known performers who have kindly offered to participate in two separate fundraising events in aid of the new Marlowe Theatre this autumn.
The Remarkable Robert Cohen
Internationally claimed cellist Robert Cohen is giving a recital of best-loved works by Brahms and Mendelssohn at The Gulbenkian Theatre on 21 September.
Tickets are £25 and include a pre-performance drinks reception from 7.15pm. The concert begins at 8.00pm. Box office: 01227 787787
An Evening with Timothy West
Our Patron, Timothy West will be sharing anecdotes and observations drawn from his distinguished career, at The Gulbenkian Theatre on 8 November. His show begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12. Box office: 01227 787787.