Kent Theatre in 2026: Our Top Stage Picks Near You

If getting a little more culture in your life was on your New Year's resolution list, then we have good news for you - we are spoilt for choice when it comes to great theatre here in Kent during 2026!

From award-winning musicals and fun-filled family-friendly shows, to suspenseful murder mysteries and hard-hitting dramas, there's something for everyone in our round up of the top picks for Kent theatre in 2026...

For The Adults

Death On The Nile

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 

20th - 24th January

On board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian sun, a couple’s idyllic honeymoon is cut short by a brutal murder. Based on the classic Agatha Christie novel, detective Hercules Poirot must untangle the web of lies to solve the case.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

22nd January

Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show tells the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel blended together seamlessly with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

SIX

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury / The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

10th - 14th February / 18th - 22nd August

International smash-hit musical, SIX sees the wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.

Prima Facie

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

3rd - 7th March

Suzie Miller’s gripping one-woman award-winning play starring Jodie Comer comes to Canterbury. Young, brilliant lawyer Tessa, has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game. However, an unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.

2:22 A Ghost Story

The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

9th - 14th March

2:22 A Ghost Story comes fresh from record-breaking seasons at five West End theatres with a host of acclaimed star performances. Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn't having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they're going to stay up… until 2:22… and then they'll know.

To Kill A Mockingbird

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

17th - 21st March

Aaron Sorkin’s riveting, award-winning stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s seminal American novel is performed as a thrilling courtroom drama about racial injustice and childhood innocence. Successful lawyer, Atticus Finch, encourages kindness and empathy in his children, but is pushed to the limits of these qualities himself when he resolves to uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

24th - 28th March

Starring Amber Davies, the iconic smash-hit musical rom-com is back in fashion with a huge new production. Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that “being true to yourself never goes out of style”.

The Red Shoes

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

31st March - 4th April

Olivier award winning production of Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.

We Will Rock You

The Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury

1st - 5th April

Featuring more than 20 hit Queen songs including “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer Queen,” “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody To Love,” “We Are the Champions,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and many more, WE WILL ROCK YOU follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock ‘n’ roll in a post-apocalyptic world.

Come From Away

The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate

2nd - 4th April

Winning four Olivier Awards, Come From Away tells the story of what happened to a small town called Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador during the events of September 11, 2001, when 38 planes had to unexpectedly land. The small community had to rally together throughout the struggle and accommodate nearly 7,000 passengers following the tragedy of 9/11. 

KPop All Stars

The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate / The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

19th April / 16th May

From stadium-shaking anthems to breathtaking choreography, K-Pop All Stars celebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture. With explosive performances of today's biggest K-pop hits from BlackPink, NewJeans, Katseye, and BTS and spectacular numbers inspired by the smash-hit film K-pop Demon Hunters, this high-energy tribute brings the thrill of Seoul's stages to life.

Friends - The Musical Parody

The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

20th - 25th April

FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is a side-splitting musical comedy packed with iconic moments from all ten seasons of the beloved television series. Featuring an entirely original musical score, the show follows the escapades of the world's most famous group of twenty-somethings. Join Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—as they navigate love, friendship, and life's ups and downs in 1990's New York City.

Here & Now: The Steps Musical

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

12th - 16th May

Get your party on with the hilarious, brand-new musical based on the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps. It’s Friday night and the vibe is right as Caz and her fabulous friends dream of the perfect summer of love. But when Caz discovers her ‘happy ever after’ is a lie, and the gang’s attempts at romance are a total tragedy, they wonder – will love ever get a hold on their hearts? Or should they all just take a chance on a happy ending…

Operation Mincemeat

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

19th - 23rd May

Olivier Award-winning new musical, Operation Mincemeat, hits Canterbury. The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.

Glorious!

The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

1st - 3rd June

Dubbed 'the worst singer in the world,' Glorious! is the true story of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, who was known for her flamboyant costumes, enigmatic performances, and decidedly off-key voice.

Fawlty Towers: The Play

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

21st - 25th July

50 years since it first graced our TV screens, Fawlty Towers is now a brand-new stage play adapted by comedy legend John Cleese and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger. Join Basil, the delightfully bumbling Major and Polly, with an 18-strong cast as they bring to life all your favourite moments from the show’s unforgettable twelve episodes. With sharp wit, chaos, and calamity at every turn, this is the comedy event of the year!

Mean Girls

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

3rd - 8th August

Adapted from the popular film, the ferociously funny show Mean Girls is coming to Canterbury direct from the West End.Expect all the iconic characters and razor-sharp wit you know and love from the movie, plus some killer songs. This is so FETCH! Let the Mean Girls reign!

The Bodyguard

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

24th - 29th August

The award-winning sensation The Bodyguard returns, starring Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer, West End powerhouse Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron and Matt Milburn as Sy Spector. Former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer is hired to protect global superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Both expect to be in charge – neither expects to fall in love.

The Jersey Boys

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

2nd - 7th November

Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true. 

For The Kids

Unicorn Live!

The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate / The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

15th February / 4th April

Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as they use the power of song and dance to create the band, Unicorn Live!

Justin Live - Justin Time To Rock

Orchard West, Dartford / The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

15th February / 8th April

Get ready to sing, dance and laugh along with BAFTA Award-winning Justin, as he and his friends are back in a brand-new live theatre show bursting with music, dancing and plenty of giggles. When DJ Engelbert, the coolest canine in the dog-house, launches a contest to find the best rock song in all the land, Justin and his band – Justin Time to Rock! – are determined to win! But can they get their song to DJ Engy before the sneaky Rock Lord and his sidekick Vulture try to steal it?

The Gruffalo’s Child

Orchard West, Dartford

17th - 19th February

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.

Shrek The Musical

The Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury

19th - 21st February 

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure. The tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand…and his name is Shrek.

Tales From Acorn Wood

The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells / The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate

17th - 18th March / 15th April

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show from the team that brought you Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages.

Bluey’s Big Play

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

15th - 19th April

Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. With an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. This is Bluey, for real life!

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show

The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells / Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

2nd - 3rd May / 18th - 20th August

Based on the much-loved animated preschool TV series, Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones and is the perfect introduction to theatre.

Ada & The Code Crusaders

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

4th May

A fun-filled, adventure-fuelled, participatory opera that brings out the scientist in us all. Mathematical superhero troupe, the Code Crusaders, are in desperate need of a new member. They travel through space and time to land in Victorian England and arrive at 12-year-old Ada Lovelace’s house.

Ice Age Adventure Live!

The Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury

25th May

Brace yourselves for a mammoth mission in the frozen world of Ice Age Adventure Live! Journey back in time to meet incredible prehistoric animals in the coolest family show this side of the arctic circle! Join our fearless explorers as they trek through snow-packed valleys, outwit sabre-toothed surprises, and make friends along the way. After the show, get up close like never before and meet your prehistoric pal; the Polar Bear.

Frozen: The Musical

The Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury

15th - 18th July

For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage.

The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show

The Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury

10th August

Based on the bestselling booked by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day?