insideKENT Magazine Issue 67 - October 2017 | Page 145

NEWS
SARAH THORNE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Founded in May 2007, with their first production in September 2007, the Sarah Thorne Theatre Company CIC now enters its 10th year of highly successful independent all year round operation with an eclectic programme of popular events.
With the retirement of two directors last year, the bullet was bitten to completely modernise the project. Electronic ticketing systems commenced and the‘ Friends Membership’ was converted into automatic renewal. A new
stage lighting and sound system was installed, as were special stage drapes. Improved auditorium and entrance hall lighting was also installed and this scheme of modernisation continues.
The theatre houses the only professional Summer Repertory Season in the South East, a traditional programme of pantomime, concerts, drama and more. They work with the Canterbury Festival, Broadstairs Dickens Festival, and Broadstairs Folk Week. Apart from its own in-house community productions it also houses most of the local drama groups. The theatre also commences touring productions. In 2018, it will stage the winner of the Terence Rattigan Society Play competition. Full details of current and past productions are available from the website www. sarahthornetheatre. co. uk.
The Theatre Patrons are Judi Dench DBE, David Suchet CBE and Julian Fellowes DL.
NEW GALLERY OPENING AT MAIDSTONE MUSEUM
An exciting new gallery is opening this month at Maidstone Museum following a major refurbishment project. Visitors will be able to explore the rich and diverse lives of everyday Egyptians and Greeks through a series of themed displays and interactive stations. An immersive experience awaits, with a multi-sensory blend of sights, sounds and smells as well as items to touch.
Exhibits will include the only mummy in Kent – Ta-Kush. Come face-toface with this ancient Egyptian woman, who died over 2,700 years ago, through an amazing life-size facial reconstruction and listen to her story! Then marvel at her beautiful coffin lid with its fabulously coloured interior of the goddess Nut – on display for the first time ever following conservation. Discover intriguing insights into the scientific methods used to tell us more about Ta-Kush’ s life, including the results of recent CT scans and a short film about how she arrived here.
The refurbishment project was made possible thanks to a £ 78,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund( HLF), as well as support from the Maidstone Museums Foundation and local donors. The museum team worked closely with Kent Association for the Blind to ensure the new space was developed to optimise the experience for visually impaired visitors. Maidstone Borough Council has also funded the installation of a new lift and ramps to improve accessibility around the entire museum.
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