by Alex Claridge
aclaridge@thekmgroup.co.uk

Council chiefs claim they are overcoming the “snagging issues” which accompanied the opening of the new £25.6 million Marlowe Theatre.

Last month, the Kentish Gazette revealed there had been 400 complaints about Canterbury’s premier theatre ranging from a useless handriers in the toilets to a draughty foyer to restricted views from certain seats.

But head of culture Janice McGuinness told the city council’s Canterbury Area Member Panel on Monday night that the theatre contractors are working through them.

She said: “There are a number of snagging issues as you would expect with a building of this size and complexity.

“The vast majority have been dealt with by the contractors.

"We are meeting with them on a weekly basis and are resolving them as quickly as we can.”

Theatre director Mark Everett has been responding to the letters and emails from people who visited the Marlowe and not been satisfied with their experience.

Wincheap Lib Dem councillor Nick Eden-Green described Mr Everett’s responses as containing “positive actions” the theatre is undertaking to deal with the complaints.

He went on: “Some seem to be determined to do down that which we have created and which is really good.

“Even so, the number of comments about it have been piffling compared with the number of comments about the opening of theatres in other parts of the country.”

The old Marlowe was closed in March 2009 and demolished three months later.

It reopened in October with a 1,200-seat auditorium, community performance space, restaurant and bars.

This winter has seen the pantomime Cinderalla performed at the theatre and future shows include Calendar Girls and a night with comedian Stewart Lee.

Lib Dem leader Alex Perkins added: “It’s really important that we stand 100% behind our officers and state that we have a really wonderful building.

“It has been highlighted that there have been some snagging issues, but the majority of people are happy so let’s put this to bed and celebrate what is a fantastic theatre.”

What do you think? Leave a comment below, emailkentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.ukor write to Gazette House, Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.