Last month the prestigious independent girls’ school Benenden revealed its new Centenary Buildings development, which is now able to host touring theatre companies and external events for the first time.
Bookings are now being taken for the first public events in a new performing arts venue at Benenden School.
The completion of the stunning new Centenary Buildings at the world-renowned independent girls’ school has enabled Benenden to open up its performance venue to public performances for the first time.
The inital show will be a professional touring production of A Christmas Carol on December 2 and 3. The intimate, purpose-built venue will host two performances of the Dickens favourite by the highly regarded company Chapterhouse.
The following weekend, the Centenary Buildings will be brought to life by the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra, who will be performing on December 10 and 11.
Both events are accessible to the public and tickets can be booked via the school’s website.
“The Centenary Buildings, which have recently been completed, are an outstanding addition in one of the most beautiful areas of the school grounds,” a spokesperson for Benenden School tells the Times.
“They comprise a light and airy atrium, smaller recital room, a Music School and the main Centenary Hall – a 750-seater multi-purpose space that has established one of the foremost concert halls in the South East.
“The events in these wonderful spaces will be the first of many, with a full programme of public performing arts events due to be released next year.”
Benenden’s Commercial Arts Director, Frankie Denton, added: “Our buildings, both the newly opened ones and those that are more established, are a stunning addition to the Kent arts scene and we are proud to welcome the public to come and enjoy them.
“We are putting together an exciting and wide-ranging programme of events that audiences will love, and it’s an incredibly exciting time for us and for the public.
“With its beautiful grounds, outstanding views and purpose-built facilities, Benenden is a hidden gem that we are confident performing arts enthusiasts will be delighted to return to time and again.”
Upcoming Events at Benenden School
A Christmas Carol
2 and 3 December, 7:30pm. Adults £18, under-18s £12
On Christmas Eve, the most magical night of the year, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is whisked away on a terrifying journey through the past and into the future, accompanied by three fearsome ghosts determined to make him realise the true meaning of Christmas.
Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story is brought alive in this wonderfully traditional production, complete with beautiful period costume, song, dance, and a magnificent original musical score.
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company and celebrate Winter 2022 with the most heartwarming production imaginable to melt the hearts of even the sternest of Scrooges.
Now in its 11th year of touring A Christmas Carol, Chapterhouse returns to wonderful venues with this most beautiful family-friendly rendition of one of the most memorable Christmas stories ever written.
Len Phillips Swing Orchestra
10 and 11 December, 7:30pm. Tickets £25
Nothing says Christmas like Bing Crosby, Michael Bublé and the classic sound of a big band.
This year, the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra is back to celebrate in style with A Swingin’ Christmas. Dance the night away with some of the best-loved Christmas tunes of all time.
The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra have an international reputation with dancers for getting the tempo just right; playing everywhere from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom to London’s Ritz Hotel.
This really is the most wonderful time of the year, so put on your dancing shoes and bring in the holiday season with this iTunes Jazz Chart-topping orchestra for a ‘swinging’ Christmas.
Full details and booking is available at: benenden.school/events
