The thumbs up for the multi-million pound Marlowe Theatre project has come from Orlando Bloom.

The Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings star saw the latest plans for the building’s redevelopment during a visit to his home city of Canterbury, where his mother Sonia still lives.

Orlando, 31, started his acting career at the Marlowe as a young boy and is a patron of the New Marlowe Theatre Appeal.

He was given a tour of the theatre by director Mark Everett and was delighted with the designs and the two proposed auditoria.

“I made my first appearance at the Marlowe Theatre when I was very young,” he said. “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of giving young people the opportunity to get involved in theatre and acting.

“The exciting plans for the theatre will do just that and present a wonderful opportunity to inspire and enthuse the young people of Kent and develop the talent of tomorrow.”