The new Marlowe Theatre will celebrate its fifth birthday next month with a host of star-studded performances and productions.

Theatre-goers will be able to enjoy extracts from classics like War Horse, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jane Eyre, along with a gala show.

To toast the anniversary, free workshops, tours, and street theatre will take place throughout the anniversary weekend.

The gala show brings an evening of performances, hosted by actor Ben Roddy, on Sunday, October 9.

Energetic hip-hop dance group the ZooNation Youth Company will show off their moves and the Marlowe’s resident orchestra, Philharmonia, are also on the bill.

Scenes from West End musicals like Chicago and The Bodyguard will be played out, and there will be appearances from TV personalities Stephen Mulhern and Phil Gallagher.

Marlowe Theatre director Mark Everett said: “The evening will reflect some of the stunning companies and artists who have been part of the first five years in our new home – and there’s still more to come.”

Proceeds from the gala performance will go to the Marlowe Theatre Creative Opportunities Fund, which supports projects that inspire and empower local communities as theatre-makers and theatre-goers.

Festivities will run on Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9.

The Marlowe Theatre is holding a prize draw to win a week for two in Mauritius. The prize, includes flights, transfers and half-board accommodation in a superior room.

Tickets for the prize draw cost £2. To enter, go to the website.

Tickets for the evening gala show cost £35, £50 or £75 and a booking fee is required. Call 01227 787787 or visit www.marlowetheatre.com