Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre is in line to win a major industry award.

The venue has been shortlisted by The Stage as its Regional Theatre Of The Year.

It is up against Sheffield Theatres and the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, and the winner will be announced at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Friday, January 31.

Marlowe Theatre director Mark Everett said: "The Stage is the country’s leading theatre publication, but what makes this even more special is the fact that this was a public vote.

“With record numbers of people coming through our doors throughout last year, and Jack And The Beanstalk looking set to be our most popular pantomime ever, we are thrilled to start the new year with this prestigious nomination.”

The Stage’s deputy editor and chair of the judging panel, Alistair Smith, said: “We had a great response from the reader nominations this year and some really excellent contenders in all the categories representing theatre across the UK.”

It follows another recent success for the Marlowe, which was named South East Venue of the Year by the Public Reviews theatre website.