An auditorium with rows of red seats facing a raised wood-paneled stage, red curtains, overhead lighting, and two grand pianos at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A theatre stage with red and black curtains, wood-paneled walls, lounge furniture, stairs, grand pianos and a disco ball at Aphra Behn Theatre.

Theatre auditorium with a raised wooden stage, deep red curtain, overhead lighting, side staircases, and two grand pianos at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A theatre stage with two performers under colorful lighting, a seated audience in the foreground, and wood-paneled walls at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A theatre auditorium with a red-curtained stage, performer, seated audience, wood-paneled walls and overhead disco ball at Aphra Behn Theatre.

Three women raise champagne glasses in a wood-paneled room with bar shelving, glassware, and string lights at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A dim theatre interior with people gathered on the floor, a lit Christmas tree, piano and wall lights at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A crowded wood-paneled interior with people holding drinks, tables, an open doorway, chalkboards and string lights at Aphra Behn Theatre.

An auditorium and stage with a singer under colorful lighting, people gathered onstage, and seated audience members filming at Aphra Behn Theatre.

Two violinists perform outdoors beside an ornate open-fronted caravan, with a wooden building and paved courtyard behind them at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A tiered wooden serving stand displays chocolate-dipped treats and crumb-topped pastries beside stacked plates at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A smiling woman in an apron stands behind a wooden counter displaying baked goods, jars and utensils while customers gather in the foreground at Aphra Behn Theatre.

Theatre auditorium and stage with a singer holding a microphone, children gathered at the edge, a grand piano and lit Christmas tree at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A wood-paneled room with two wooden tables, assorted chairs, a bookcase, windows, and slate flooring at Aphra Behn Theatre.

Timber-clad building entrance with a pitched roof, glazed double doors, paved forecourt, and surrounding trees beneath a blue sky at Aphra Behn Theatre.

Wooden theatre entrance with open glass doors, warm exterior lighting, and an illuminated Aphra Behn Theatre sign at Aphra Behn Theatre.

A covered timber theatre entrance with a peaked metal roof, hanging lights and an Aphra Behn Theatre sign at Aphra Behn Theatre.

Auditorium and Stage at Aphra Behn Theatre

Name: Auditorium and Stage at Aphra Behn Theatre
Address: Aphra Behn Theatre, Canterbury, CT4 5RU, GB
Price range: from £30 hire fee / per hour

Theatre

Private space

About this space

Set in the Kent countryside between Canterbury and Folkestone, the Aphra Behn Theatre’s Auditorium and Stage offers an atmospheric setting for performances, rehearsals and events.

The auditorium seats approximately 250 people in raked seating, giving audiences clear views of the stage. The generous stage offers approximately 10 metres of visible width and 15 metres of depth, with additional wing space - ideal for everything from intimate storytelling to ensemble theatre and dance.

The space is well suited to theatre productions, live music, dance performances, comedy, talks, screenings, rehearsals, workshops and filming. Visiting companies, community groups and independent artists are welcome, whether you need a rehearsal venue, a performance space or a distinctive setting for a one-off event.

Stage lighting and sound equipment are available by arrangement, with technical requirements and support discussed in advance. Foyer and refreshment facilities offer somewhere for guests to gather before and after an event.

The venue has level access, accessible toilet facilities and disabled parking. Please let us know about wheelchair seating or other access requirements when enquiring so we can plan the layout and support your guests.

With its rural surroundings, substantial stage and welcoming atmosphere, the Aphra Behn Theatre brings the character of an independent arts venue to your event.

Event offers and packages

Bring a little après-ski spirit to the Kent countryside. With its warm timber interior and cosy, characterful atmosphere, the Aphra Behn Theatre makes a charming setting for a wintery Christmas party near Canterbury.

Think long tables and a festive feast, winter jumpers and dancing, or live entertainment followed by your own disco. With indoor and outdoor spaces and free on-site parking, there’s room to make the celebration entirely your own.

Our exclusive dry-hire package includes kitchen use, lighting and sound equipment. Choose cabaret style, raked seating for a performance, or a clear auditorium floor for dancing.

Bring your own decorations, arrange your catering and choose your entertainment to create your version of a countryside Christmas chalet. Food, drinks, entertainment and technical operators are arranged separately.

Tell us your preferred date, approximate numbers and ideas - or arrange a viewing to get a feel for the space.

Your Christmas Chalet, Your Way - Exclusive Venue Hire

£360 total

Create your own winter chalet-inspired Christmas party in a cosy, characterful timber-framed theatre near Canterbury. With a wooden interior full of rustic charm, indoor and outdoor spaces, and free on-site parking, it’s a countryside setting with a little après-ski spirit.

Gather around tables for a festive feast, book live entertainment or turn up the music for your own Christmas disco. This blank canvas dry-hire package gives you the freedom to choose your catering, decorations and entertainment to suit your style and budget.

The package includes:
• Exclusive whole-venue hire, including indoor and outdoor spaces
• Main auditorium arranged with tables and chairs, raked theatre seating or a clear floor, subject to numbers and layout requirements
• Use of lighting and sound equipment
• Kitchen use for your catering arrangements
• Free on-site parking

Bring the winter jumpers, festive food and party plans - we’ll provide the magical setting.

Food, drinks, decorations, entertainment and technical operators are arranged separately and are not included in the package.

Prices

Monday

6:00 – 22:00

from £30 hire fee per hour

Per hour

6:00 – 22:00

from £30

Per day

6:00 – 22:00

from £280

All prices include VAT.

Tuesday

6:00 – 22:00

from £30 hire fee per hour

Per hour

6:00 – 22:00

from £30

Per day

6:00 – 22:00

from £280

All prices include VAT.

Wednesday

6:00 – 22:00

from £30 hire fee per hour

Per hour

6:00 – 22:00

from £30

Per day

6:00 – 22:00

from £280

All prices include VAT.

Thursday

6:00 – 22:00

from £30 hire fee per hour

Per hour

6:00 – 22:00

from £30

Per day

6:00 – 22:00

from £280

All prices include VAT.

Friday

6:00 – 22:00

from £40 hire fee per hour

Per hour

6:00 – 22:00

from £40

Per day

6:00 – 22:00

from £380

All prices include VAT.

Saturday

6:00 – 22:00

from £40 hire fee per hour

Per hour

6:00 – 22:00

from £40

Per day

6:00 – 22:00

from £380

All prices include VAT.

Sunday

6:00 – 22:00

from £40 hire fee per hour

Per hour

6:00 – 22:00

from £40

Per day

6:00 – 22:00

from £380

All prices include VAT.

Best price guarantee

Capacity

Theatre

up to 300

Catering and drinks

Bring your own food or hire a caterer of your choice

Space where you can prepare food

You can bring your own alcohol free of charge

Facilities

Venue provides a sound system for music and announcements
Room has windows or a skylight, so daylight comes in
Place where clients can store items during their event
Full-length mirrors available
Free parking is available on-site (50 spaces)
Unavailable: Accommodation is available on-site

Music & sound equipment

Venue allows playing your own music
Venue allows bringing your own DJ instead

Accessibility

Step-free access throughout the venue for wheelchair users
Toilet(s) adapted for guests with disabilities
Guests can enter without using stairs

Rules of the space

Allowed events

Events that you’re promoting or selling tickets for

Host rules

• Your booking must include all time needed for setup, rehearsals, the event and pack-down. Access times must be agreed in advance.

• Event activities, audience numbers and any changes to the agreed layout must be discussed with us before your booking. Fire exits, escape routes and access to safety equipment must remain clear at all times.

• Stage lighting, sound equipment and technical facilities may only be used by people authorised by the venue. Technical equipment hire and support must be arranged in advance.

• Naked flames, candles, smoke, haze, pyrotechnics, unusual electrical equipment, rigging and fixings require prior agreement. Naked flames require a specialist fire risk assessment in addition to the activity risk assessment.

• Do not attach anything to walls, ceilings, curtains or stage structures without permission. Furniture and equipment moved with permission must be returned to their agreed positions.

• Please discuss catering, alcohol service and any external suppliers with us before booking so we can confirm suitable arrangements.

• Please tell us about wheelchair seating and other access requirements in advance so we can plan an appropriate layout.

• Self-closing is available only by prior agreement. Otherwise, departure and lock-up arrangements must be agreed with the venue.

• Please respect our rural neighbours when arriving, leaving and using outdoor areas.