ELIZABETH I, Barb Jungr & More Coming to Marlowe Studio, Canterbury

THE MARLOWE Studio, Canterbury, continues to prove itself as Kent's home of new writing, gigs, comedy and contemporary theatre.

A variety of productions are lined up for the next few weeks, starting with Elizabeth I: Virgin On The Ridiculous (Wednesday 11 February). The life of one of our greatest monarchs is told by Howard Coggins and Stuart Mcloughlin (the duo behind last year's The Six Wives Of Henry VIII) through silly songs, smutty shenanigans and hysterically funny horseplay. This is a lesson in Tudor history like no other.

Cabaret legend Barb Jungr sings the songs of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen on Thursday 12 February. The worldwide-acclaimed performer brings together her most powerful repertoire to date in this live concert of her Hard Rain album. Songs include A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall, Everybody Knows, A Thousand Kisses Deep, Chimes Of Freedom and many more.

Following his is sell-out debut in The Marlowe Studio last year, singer-songwriter Richard Navarro returns, along with his new band, on Saturday 14 February. With visuals provided by world-renowned VJ Butch Auntie, and fresh from supporting Joan Armatrading, Navarro will be playing material from his new album, featuring powerful songs and seamless layering of vocals, violin, trumpet, percussion and piano.

John Smith, one of the most exciting voices on the new Brit folk scene is at The Marlowe Studio on Sunday 15 February. Smith plays the steel-string acoustic guitar, sometimes with a slide, sometimes on his lap, sometimes de-tuning the thing mid-song. His playing, combined with his honey-on-gravel vocals, have won many fans, and his new album, Great Lakes, has received critical acclaim.

Children can enjoy two half-term holiday productions in The Marlowe Studio: The Princess And The Frog (Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February, for those aged three to nine) is a new ballet by Let's All Dance, and features an original score and clear story-telling, designed to draw audiences into the world of classical ballet and to make it accessible to all.

Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus (Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 February, for those aged three and over) is a lively show full of fun and feathers, and features original music and lots of audience participation. Author Mo Willems has won six Emmy Awards as a writer and animator for Sesame Street and is the creator of The Cartoon Network's hit shows Sheep In The Big City and Codename: Kids Next Door.

The remarkable story of Frank Sinatra is told in His Way, on Sunday 22 February. The rise and fall - and rise - of one of the greatest singers of the 20th century features Robert Habermann as 'Ol Blue Eyes. Songs include Strangers In The Night, Come Fly With Me, Fly Me To The Moon, Witchcraft, and You Make Me Feel So Young.

For times, ticket details and to book for any of the shows, call the Box Office on 01227 787787, or go to marlowetheatre.com.

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