Photo Flash: Orlando Bloom Visits The Marlowe Theatre

ORLANDO Bloom is the first Patron of The Marlowe Youth Theatre. The Hollywood star was at The Marlowe Theatre yesterday (Thursday), his first visit in nearly four years- scroll down to see a picture!

Bloom (37), who was born in the city, made his stage debut at The Marlowe Theatre aged four. And the star of the Lord Of The Rings and Pirates Of The Caribbean films was delighted to show his support for a theatre he has such fond memories of.

He said: "Being a boy who grew up in Canterbury and having my first experience on stage here, I was honoured and moved to be asked to be Patron of The Marlowe Youth Theatre.

"As a child, theatre was so fantastic for my confidence and to be involved in drama was invaluable support. I am very happy to be an ambassador."

Bloom offered some advice to budding actors: "Go for it. Follow your dreams. Roll up your sleeves and work hard for it. Have no expectations and if you follow your heart and want to be creative, this should lead to a happy and creative life."

Six members of The Marlowe Senior Company were delighted to meet Bloom. Ben Esdale (18), of Bridge, interviewed him for a video. He said: "It wasn't your everyday experience but he's a really nice guy, responsive and easy going. The interview ran smoothly because he was so enthusiastic."

The Marlowe Youth Theatre has been a huge success since it was relaunched following the theatre's redevelopment nearly three years ago. Several separate sessions run for young people from the age of eight to 21, with 492 participants taking part in 4,920 sessions this academic year.

Mark Everett, Director of The Marlowe Theatre, said: "I am over the moon Orlando has agreed to become Patron at such an exciting time. Our Marlowe Youth Theatre is really taking off and it can only continue to grow with the support of such a high-profile - and respected actor - as Orlando at the helm."

Youth theatre members of all ages were involved in the community production The Garden Of England in April (next year's production will be The Rights Of Others) and The Marlowe Senior Company were once again involved in the National Theatre Connections Festival.

The Marlowe Theatre is part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Learning and Performance network which aims to improve and extend the teaching of Shakespeare in schools.

The Marlowe Youth Theatre's new term starts on Monday 22 September. To book, call the Box Office on 01227 787787.

Bloom is pictured with Marlowe Youth Theatre members (from left): Alda Daci, Alex Jespersen, Victoria Baines, (back from left) Jake Wheeldon, Ardit Daci, and Ben Esdale.