Kent's biggest theatre is to close for a month following the government's latest advice on the coronavirus outbreak.

Customers who have tickets for shows at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury up until Friday, April 17, will be offered a refund or voucher.

Those who have booked performances on later dates will be informed "in plenty of time if anything changes".

It comes after the Orchard Theatre in Dartford said it would close from tonight as its priority was customer safety.

The statement from the Marlowe says: "Following government advice and alongside other UK theatres, we are cancelling performances until Friday, April 17, and will be closing the building from today.

"Customers who have tickets for performances up until this date will receive a letter or email, offering them a refund or credit voucher.

"If you have booked for a show after that date, we will let you know in plenty of time if anything changes.

"If you have tickets booked for a show between now and Friday, April 17, we ask that you do not contact our Box Office team or email us. We will be in touch with you.

"Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you back soon."

The closure means some big-name shows have been cancelled.

Comedians Rhod Gilbert, Tom Rosenthal and Rhys James will no longer be performing.

Meanwhile, two huge shows - both almost sold-out - are scheduled for the weekend after the closure ends.

Strictly stars Alijaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara are due to take to the stage on Saturday, April 18.

And Queen Machine starring Kelly Ellis is set for the following day.

Elsewhere, the King's Hall in Herne Bay said it was rescheduling all forthcoming events as a matter of urgency.

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