Theatres across Kent have closed their doors following government advice as the coronavirus pandemic grips the nation.

After Boris Johnson's advice against attending pubs, theatres and other social venues was made on Monday, several theatres have suspended shows while the West End announced it would close.

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford said in a statement that all events and shows were suspended, while further updates would be made about upcoming shows.

The statement said: "We appreciate this will be disappointing news, but hope customers will understand the unprecedented nature of the current circumstances.Ultimately the health and wellbeing of all is the most important consideration at this time."

The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury said on Tuesday it would be cancelling performances until Friday, April 17, and closing its building.

Customers with tickets for performances up to that date would be contacted, offering them a refund or credit voucher.

The Astor Community Theatre in Deal has also announced it is suspending all its public performances and classes until further notice.

The Woodville Theatre in Gravesend has said it will shut until the end of June.

The Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells said it was shutting and would remain closed until further notice.

The Churchill Theatre, Bromley is currently closed until Sunday, May 31.

Maidstone's Hazlitt Theatre said it would be shutting and would make a further announcement as soon as possible.

In Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall has temporarily suspended shows with immediate effect.

The Tower Theatre in Folkestone has postponed all shows, saying it would reschedule as soon as possible.

The Brook and Central Theatres in Chatham have suspended all shows until the end of June.

Tonbridge's EM Forster Theatre has also closed initially for the next eight weeks.

The theatre's statement added: "We stand with our creative partners and other local venues including the Assembly Hall and Trinity Theatre, who like us are closing from today and will be balancing the implications that Covid-19 brings to our community and small knit staff teams."

To find out about other events forced to postpone as a result of the pandemic click here.

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