Guide Dog Puppies Visit The Marlowe

Although the dogs, aged between nine and 13 months, had been to a cinema, this was their first visit to a theatre (on Saturday). It proved far more challenging: as well as experiencing different areas of the building, they were taken in to the auditorium for a performance by Cirque Eloize.

Janice McCauley, Team Leader of the Medway Guide Dogs Branch, said it was a beneficial training session: "The lights, sounds, hustle and bustle of people coming and going, sounds of sweet wrappers, children, plus being integrated within a crowded audience really tested them to the maximum. All of the pups coped so well though, they did us proud and I was extremely happy with their performance."

The Marlowe Theatre has regular audio-described performances for blind and partially-sighted customers as part of its access programme. Call the Box office on 01227 787787 or go to marlowetheatre.com for details.

Pictured: Vanessa Johnson and Rufus, Janice McCauley with Flint, Kathryn Newby with Farah, Gill Rackley with Sheena, Helen Grover with Saxon, and Lynn Stapley with Trudy.