Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent, Giles Lane (tel. 01227/769075; www.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian), is open from 11am to 5pm during school terms and 5:30 to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday, and offers a potpourri of jazz and classical productions, dance, drama, comedy, and a mix of new and student productions. The highlight of the theater season occurs at Cricket Week during the first week of August. Tickets cost £1 to £20. The location is too far from the center of Canterbury to walk to -- you need to drive or take a taxi.
Marlowe Theatre, the Friars (tel. 01227/787787; www.marlowetheatre.com), is Canterbury's only commercial playhouse. It's open year-round and offers drama, jazz and classical concerts, and contemporary and classical ballet. Tickets cost from £10 to £40. The box office at Marlowe Theatre is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm (Tues from 10:30am), and until 7pm on nonperformance nights. Most shows begin at 7:30pm.
A favorite local pub, Alberry's Wine Bar, 38 St. Margaret's St. (tel. 01227/452378; www.alberrys.co.uk), offers a clubby atmosphere every night with a DJ spinning hip-hop, drum and bass, or chart music. The cover is £5 after 9pm Tuesday to Thursday, and after 10pm on Friday and Saturday.
A laid-back student hangout, the Cherry Tree, 10 White Horse Lane (tel. 01227/451266), offers a wide selection of beers, including Bass Ale on draft, Cherry Tree ale, three traditional lagers, and four bitters. The atmosphere is clubby, filled with casual conversation.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
