Your unmissable Autumn Culture Guide

As the leaves turn golden and the winter chill sets in, don’t even think about hibernating. Kent is buzzing with cultural treats to keep you entertained and inspired as the nights draw in. Diaries out!

ENCORE! THEATRE PICKS

Dracula, EM Forster Theatre, Tue 1 – Wed 2 Oct

Be immersed in the world in 1897 when mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. Watch Bram Stoker’s timeless gothic thriller this October that embodies the struggle to break taboos, resist temptation and stop the unknown outside becoming the enemy within.

The Ugly Duckling, The Malthouse Theatre, Mon 28 Oct

Watch this lovely ballet fit for the whole family based on the tale we all know and love, The Ugly Duckling. Watch as through a series of adventures, he soon learns who he really is and his family realises it doesn’t matter what you look like but how good your heart is.

Great Expectations, Trinity Theatre, Wed 16 – Sat 19 Oct

Watch Charles Dickens classic tale “Great Expectations” at Trinity Theatre presented by TTC. It’s the coming-of-age story of Pip, an orphan who yearns for a greater lot in life, until a twist of fate and the evil machinations of the mysterious and eccentric Miss Havisham shows him a dark world of possibilities.

School of Rock The Musical, The Gulbenkian, Sat 16 – Sun 17 Nov

“School of Rock – The Musical” is based on the hit movie, that follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Get ready to sing your favourite songs!

PANTO SEASON

Looking towards the festive season, there’s a motley crew of celebs preparing to dazzle in the spirit of panto in Kent (oh yes there is). Enter, stage right:

Beauty & The Beast, The Marlowe, Fri 22 Nov – Sun 12 Jan 2025

Book your tickets for this fairy-tale extravaganza that promises to be full of hilarious comedy, lavish sets, fantastic music, beautiful costumes, magic and mayhem. Starring Maisie Smith (EastEndersStrictly Come DancingStrictly Ballroom: the Musical), children’s favourite, Phil Gallagher (CBeebies’ Mister Maker), and Marlowe Theatre Legend, Ben Roddy.

Snow White, EM Forster Theatre, Fri 13 Dec – Sun 5 Jan 2025

Wicked Productions are back at the EM Forster Theatre for their 9th annual rollicking pantomime romp Snow White. Will the Wicked Queen ‘reign’ supreme or will she ‘slip up’ on a poisoned apple? Can Sarah, the Cook and Muddles ‘whisk’ up a plan to save the day? Will Snow White find her Prince and live ‘appley’ ever after? Don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all.

Sleeping Beauty, Trinity Theatre, Sat 14 Dec – Sun 5 Jan 2025

Pantomime is back at Trinity – oh yes it is! Sleeping Beauty is the classic fairytale we all know and love, jam-packed with music and laughter for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t sleep on this truly magical production that will get you dancing out of your seat and rolling in the aisles with laughter plus an awe-inspiring illusion never before seen at Trinity.

Cinderella, The Hazlitt Theatre, 30 Nov – 31 Dec

Tickets are now on sale for Cinderella at The Hazlitt Theatre, a legendary tale of mischievous magic and midnight love. Follow Cinderella on her journey to the Ball with all the classic pantomime spells – roaring comedy, smash-hit songs, and a whirl-wind romance. You’ll meet Cinderella’s evil step-sisters, the Fairy Godmother, and – of course! – Prince Charming. Grab your glass slippers, put on your ball gown, and make your way to the Hazlitt Theatre before midnight!

The Snowsmith, The Gulbenkian, Sat 7 – Thurs 19 Dec

Get lost in Half a String’s world of breathtaking puppetry, live songs and folk music, all led by captivating storytellers. Discover this original winter tale that will enthral the whole family, and answer the question: will it snow this winter?

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Anya Gallaccio: preserve, Turner Contemporary, Sat 28 Sep – Sun 26 Jan 2025

Get ready to be wowed as Turner Contemporary unveils Anya Gallaccio: preserve, the biggest showcase of this British artist’s work ever. Opening very soon, this exhibition is a must-see, spanning three decades of Gallaccio’s groundbreaking sculptures and installations, including a fresh, site-specific piece inspired by Kent’s natural beauty. Known for her use of ephemeral materials like apples and flowers, Gallaccio’s art explores themes of transformation and environmental sustainability. This show isn’t just about admiring art; it’s about diving into how Gallaccio’s work connects with nature and prompts us to rethink our impact on the environment.

Creek Creative Exhibitions, Tue 1 Oct – Sun 27 Oct

As part of the Canterbury Arts Festival, Creek Creative is open over 3 weekends as a visual arts event featuring 15 Resident Artists work in the Lower Gallery. As well, two exhibitions  also run throughout the week (except Mondays) – Together in Art Exhibition – A Roberts family collaboration showcasing paintings and sculptures from 1 – 13 Oct or Margaret Ramsay’s art textiles exhibition “Stitching into Place on the 15 – 27 Oct.

Cranbrook Art Show, Vestry Hall, Thurs 7 Nov – Sat 9 Nov

The Cranbrook Art Show returns to the stunning Vestry Hall, showcasing a stunning selection of new talent and familiar names. The show is now in it’s 29th year and has built a reputation for excellence and with a range of styles and genres, it really does deliver a show with something for everyone. Entry is free and a warm welcome awaits as you enjoy the mix of painting, printmaking, ceramics, glass, sculpture and jewellery on show. With late night opening on Fri 8 Nov until 7pm it is one not to miss.

The show, which coincides with the Canterbury Festival, will feature a carefully curated selection of contemporary art across many disciplines. Every summer we put out an open call to all local artists and those from further afield. Our team meticulously examines over 300 hundred applications each year to bring you the very best selection of beautiful, expressive, diverse and affordable works of art.

Canterbury Festival, Sat 19 Oct – Sat 2 Nov

We’re well served for art across Kent this season like this extravaganza of music, performance, talks, family events and science and a stunning immersive experience for this year’s festival at Saint Augustine’s Abbey (pictured). It’s a good’un.

Frontier Sapiens Adventure Film Festival, EM Forster Theatre, Thu 17 Oct

Returning to the EM Forster Theatre this autumn, the Frontier Sapiens Film Festival is bringing inspiration and adventure to the big screen. Watch an evening watching a collection of extraordinary short films featuring epic adventures, cultural stories and environmental issues from some of the world’s best filmmakers. Find out more about the films you’ll see in this year’s festival here.

Rochester Art Fair, Fri 4 Oct – Sun 6 Oct

Interested in art, but certainly no expert? Like the idea of a statement piece for your gallery wall? Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and inspiration at the Rochester Art Fair at the historic Rochester Corn Exchange. With an array of stunning, original artwork on display, this is the perfect opportunity to browse and buy unique pieces that will add a touch of cool, uniqueness to your home.

LITERATURE & TALKS

An Evening with Rumaan Alam, Sevenoaks Bookshop, Mon 7 Oct

Fans of literary thrillers, mark your calendars! Internationally celebrated author Rumaan Alam, known for Leave the World Behind (now a major motion picture), is visiting Sevenoaks Bookshop to chat about his thrilling new novel Entitlement. It’s a rare chance to hear from an acclaimed author who was even on Barack Obama’s reading list! Tickets are £20.

Can’t make it? Spend your evening with best-selling author of Big Little Lies, Liane Moriarty on Fri 27 Sep. Or for something a little different, don’t miss the An English Vineyard Cookbook – Wine Tasting on Fri 4 Oct with Peter Gladwin to sample some delicious wines from Nutbourne Vineyards.

The Margate Bookie, Sat 28 Sep – Sun 6 Oct

Big name authors, local superstars, iconic venues in the heart of Margate. Since 2015, this festival has attracted over 4,000 visitors a year. So are you ready to meet high quality authors, writers, teachers and publishers? ‘Course you are! Book your tickets to see; Lisa Jewell, Jeremy Deller, Pauline Black, Robin Ince and Helen Lederer. Plus local stars like David Whitehouse, Daisy Buchanan and Harry Baker and lots more. Catch the line-up here.

Folkestone Book Festival, Thu 14 – Sun 24 Nov

Folkestone Book Festival returns with open arms and a welcoming space for ideas, conversation, debate, and a general celebration of the written word. It promises to be bigger and better than ever and a packed programme of writers, authors, cooks, scientists, satirists and more from around the world such as Alan Hollinghurst, David Nicholl, Elizabeth Macneal, Helen Lederer plus many more to be announced. Get your tickets, stat!

Sevenoaks Literary Festival, Fri 13 Sep – Tue 29 Oct

The Sevenoaks Literary Festival is back! In collaboration with Muddy award-winning Sevenoaks Bookshop, expect famous and up-and-coming authors in various locations all around Sevenoaks to share the love of books. Book your tickets to attend talks and events from Liz Earle, Kate Williams, Oliver Franklin-Wallis and even catch author Charlie Bingham with his first cookbook! See the full line-up here.

COMEDY  

There are a few big comedy names descending on Kent this Autumn and they’re sure to sell out in days so get your bum in gear if you want to catch the following…

The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone

Kicking things off in September, catch the Maidstone Improv Festival (20 – 21 Sep), Matt Bragg (28 Sep), Alfie Brown (5 Oct), Michael Odewale (11 Oct), Chris Kent (12 Oct) and Travis Jay (18 Oct)

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

Trinity Theatre welcomes Lucy Porter (26 Sep), Ruby Wax (26 Oct) and Matt Forde (8 Nov).

The Gulbenkian, Canterbury

Once a month, enjoy Gulbenkian’s Funny Rabbit Comedy Club on Fridays at 8pm showcasing up-and-coming talent. Plus there’s Mark Watson (Thu 3 Oct) Grace Campbell (Wed 23 Oct) and Ed Byrne (Sun 24 Nov).

Complied by Mia Jackson

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