Ben Roddy to Lead Cast of RETURN OF THE UNKNOWN

Ben Roddy - best known as The Marlowe's pantomime dame - is to star in Return Of The Unknown, a major new work to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

Drama, music, dance and digital art will combine to create an immersive theatrical experience, made and performed by leading professional artists and a 400-strong community company from across Kent. It looks at the world of remembrance and will tell the stories, known and unknown, of the people of the region.

All are invited to join Ben in The Marlowe-led production at Dover Marine Station in November, with auditions for the company of community performers starting next week. These are open to anyone aged 13 and over, and no previous experience of acting or performing is required.

The auditions will be in Canterbury (Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 July), Birchington (Thursday 12 July), Dover (Tuesday 17 July), Ashford (Wednesday 18 July), and Faversham (Thursday 19 July).

Full audition details are here: https://marlowetheatre.com/create/opportunities/

Dover Marine Station, on the western docks, was where many soldiers left British soil for the First World War, and where 1.26 million wounded soldiers returned. It was also where, in November 1920, the Unknown Warrior passed through on his way to Westminster Abbey, where he became an integral part of our national identity.

Ben will play several characters in Return Of The Unknown. As well as pantomime, he has worked extensively in all areas of the acting profession, directing and producing various productions and appearing in more than 100 shows in theatres across the UK and beyond. Favourite roles include Tom in Table Manners, Cassio in Othello and Mr Collins in Pride And Prejudice. He has various film credits, including Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and the recently-released British comedy, Patrick.

Last year, Ben was named Dame Of The Year at The Great British Pantomime awards for his role in Peter Pan (The Marlowe Theatre, 2016/17).

He said: "After working with The Marlowe for nine years now, I'm absolutely delighted to have been asked to join the cast of this new production. It's a very important part of Kent's history; a story that needs to be told. And as a proud Canterbury resident, I'm especially excited to be involved, I can't wait to get started."

The Marlowe's Head of Artistic Productions Andy Dawson is Artistic Director of Return Of The Unknown, which is written by the theatre's Literary Associate James Baldwin. Director is Matt Costain, with musical direction by Anna Pool.

Andy said: "I'm delighted that Ben will be a key part of our cast for Return Of The Unknown. This production (part of our ongoing work with communities across Kent) and our annual pantomime represent the strength and diversity of The Marlowe's work. It's wonderful to be able to unite the two in this way."

Return Of The Unknown is at Dover Marine Station from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 November (various performance times). Tickets, priced £14.50 (concessions available) are from The Marlowe Box Office on 01227 787787 and marlowetheatre.com. The production, which is in partnership with Port of Dover, is sponsored by Pharon Independent Financial Advisers.

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