The curtain came down for the final time on the old Marlowe Theatre on Sunday evening with a variety show which proved a fitting tribute to the much-loved building.

The evening featured dancing, singing, comedy and music, as well as the classic wooden bench gag from the Marlowe’s popular pantomimes.

After a welcome from the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Carolyn Parry, comic Dave Lee – who has made more than 1,000 appearances at the Marlowe – warmed up the sell-out crowd.

From then until the end of the four-hour show the acts came think and fast, with appearances from John Altman (Nick Cotton in EastEnders), Peter Duncan, the Marlowe Youth Theatre and comedian Jon Holmes (Dead Ringers and the Now Show), who once worked at the Marlowe as its lighting and sound man.

Oboist Grace Scott Deuchar, winner of the Marlowe Young Musician competition, also performed, along with two pupils from the King’s School, Canterbury, who sang excerpts from Les Miserables.

Members of the Really Promising Theatre Company took to the stage with songs from their sell-out 2006 Marlowe production Promised Land and pantomime star and EastEnders actor Emma Barton, now on tour in Chicago, also sang.

Stephen Mulhern, who also helped compere the show, wowed the audience with his magic tricks and his natural rapport and humour, while Hilary O’Neil sang, danced and performed impressions.

The stars were introduced by a variety of linking appearances from several personalities, including BBC South East presenter Geoff Clark, The Bill’s Graham Cole, Shaun Williamson and Barbara Sturgeon.

Ron Moody, who became an international star after his appearance on the stage and screen versions of Lional Bart’s Oliver! reprised his role, singing Reviewing the Situation.

Comedian Brian Conley brought the house down in the final act of the evening, as the whole audience rose to its feet to signal their appreciation not only of the show but of the part the Marlowe has played in the lives of so many people.

The theatre has closed for its £25million rebuild.

•See this week’s Kentish Gazette for a look at the history of the Marlowe and the launch of the fund-raising appeal.