The Marlowe Theatre in the Running for Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2016

The Marlowe Theatre is in the running for a major industry award.

Members of the public are being asked to vote for the Canterbury venue in the Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2016, run by UK Theatre in association with Smooth FM.

The Marlowe was last year named the Most Welcoming Theatre in the South East and Theatre Director Mark Everett said: "That was a major achievement - and one that we are hoping to surpass this year by winning the overall title. We pride ourselves in the warm welcome we give to our many customers who come to enjoy our different shows and workshops. We hope they will remember this and vote for us!"

In 2015, the winner was the Theatre Royal, Newcastle. This year, there are 241 venues across the country in the competition, with the 12 regional and national winners being announced on 29 September. The overall winner of the award will be announced at the annual UK Theatre Awards ceremony in London on 9 October.

Voting is open until noon on Monday 19 September. To vote for The Marlowe Theatre, go to uktheatre.org/vote.

The UK Theatre Awards are the only nationwide awards to honour creative excellence and the outstanding achievement seen on and off stage.

Julian Bird, UK Theatre's Chief Executive, said: "Theatres throughout the UK play a crucial role in the heart of our communities and thrive despite a challenging financial climate. This award gives audiences the chance to show how much their venue means to them."