Theater News United Kingdom 

The Garlinge Theatre is the UK’s First Vegan Theatre

Drew Janine, ,
The Garlinge Theatre is the UK’s First Vegan Theatre
The Garlinge Theatre is the UK’s first vegan theatre! The United Kingdom has embraced its first fully vegan theatre, the Garlinge Theatre, located near Canterbury, Kent (about 60 miles from London). This unique venue is part of a movement towards sustainability and ethical practices in the arts. Housed in the repurposed arts building of a former Steiner school, the theatre is a collaborative venture involving actor Alison Harris, her partner and longtime vegan Terry Thompson, and local school head James Osbiston. 

The Garlinge Theatre is sat on an organic farm and is designed to combine artistic expression with ethical values. The theatre is distinct in its commitment to veganism. Visitors and performers will only be allowed to consume vegan food and drinks on the premises, which will be locally and ethically sourced. Beyond offering cruelty-free refreshments, the theatre aims to promote environmental awareness and animal welfare, with plans to fundraise for related charities through its productions.

The Garlinge Theatre is the UK’s First Vegan Theatre

Outside view of The Garlinge Theatre

Terry Thompson stated:

“Even if someone arrives feeling uncomfortable or resistant to the vegan ethos, the experience of being in this environment can plant a seed of thought.”

Councillor Thompson, who has been vegan for over two decades, emphasizes the broader mission of the theatre: reducing industrial agriculture and supporting organic, cruelty-free systems. The theatre’s programming is expected to feature themes that spark conversations about sustainability and ethics while catering to a diverse audience.

The Garlinge Theatre is the UK’s First Vegan Theatre

Side stage view inside The Garlinge Theatre

Actress Alison Harris seemed excited about the project and the future of the theatre. She recently said onThe Performing Animal Rights Podcastthat:

“We’ve had performers and audiences travel from as far as Devon and Dorset because they’re excited about what we’re doing… Theatre allows us to reach people in a communal, non-confrontational way. It’s about creating experiences that resonate deeply, planting seeds for reflection rather than preaching.”

As The Garlinge Theatre is the UK’s first vegan theatre and has only recently opened, it has already attracted productions includingMad Cow, described as darkly comic satire, and a documentary series titledI Could Never Go Vegan. For now the theatre is primarily focused on growing their repertoire, attracting more artists, and continuing to inspire audiences. 

The Garlinge Theatre is the UK’s First Vegan Theatre

Indoors practicing at The Garlinge Theatre\

The Garlinge Theatre boasts on their website:

“This gem of a theatre within Kent’s Area of Natural Beauty, is a safe space for creatives of any discipline to explore & express untold stories. We welcome challenging themes that encourage ARTivism.”

The venue, with a 300-seat capacity, is poised to make a cultural impact while challenging traditional norms in the arts sector. Following a fundraising event back in late March, the theatre officially opened its doors in April earlier this year. Their season so far has included live music performances, plays, cabarets, and musicals. Supporters of the theatre can join them later this month on the 20th for carols and cake. Donations will be split between The Garlinge Theatre, Flori’s Friends, and The Retreat Animal Rescue Farm Sanctuary.Fans can follow The Garlinge Theatre on Instagram and Facebook at @garlingetheatre to stay up to date with the theatre’s latest events and upcoming productions.

All photos from The Garlinge Theatre’s Instagram.

Drew Janine
Live Sound Engineer -EUROPE
Janine has always been a part of music and performing. The first show that inspired her to go into theatre was the Velveteen Rabbit which she saw as a child, and Drew works to keep that magic alive as working behind the scenes in theatre as a live sound engineer. When Drew was accepted into an internship program for audio engineering at a recording studio, she jumped at the opportunity. That was at the start of 2020 and so much has happened since then, both in her career and in the world. Since then, Drew has taken several opportunities to work at recording studios, concerts, festivals, and even large theatres while spending time on tour across the North American continent and Europe. Drew’s favourite by far though has been the chance to work on Broadway and West End shows, as this was a dream come true. Drew is honoured to get to share these experiences from being inside the entertainment industry and hopes to inspire others to continue working in theatre.

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Drew Janine

Janine has always been a part of music and performing. The first show that inspired her to go into theatre was the Velveteen Rabbit which she saw as a child, and Drew works to keep that magic alive as working behind the scenes in theatre as a live sound engineer. When Drew was accepted into an internship program for audio engineering at a recording studio, she jumped at the opportunity. That was at the start of 2020 and so much has happened since then, both in her career and in the world. Since then, Drew has taken several opportunities to work at recording studios, concerts, festivals, and even large theatres while spending time on tour across the North American continent and Europe. Drew’s favourite by far though has been the chance to work on Broadway and West End shows, as this was a dream come true. Drew is honoured to get to share these experiences from being inside the entertainment industry and hopes to inspire others to continue working in theatre.