The Hazlitt Theatre is one of the main theatres in Maidstone, Kent. It was named after William Hazlitt, the famous essayist, who was born in Maidstone in 1778. It opened in 1955 It presents a varied programme of professional drama, comedy, music etc. as well as local community theatre groups. This traditional proscenium arch theatre seats 353. The sister venue, The Exchange, is a multi-purpose venue suiting a variety of events from theatre or dancing to conferences.

Hazlitt Youth Theatre

The Hazlitt Theatre is home to the Hazlitt Youth Theatre (HYT), who have performed a "string of hit shows including pantomime, musicals, new writing, partnership projects, touring shows and a whole lot more!" The HYT provides opportunities for young people aged between 6 and 18 to put on productions, and to go and see professional plays. Being in a theatre such as The Hazlitt allows members to gain experience of all areas of theatre, and many members go on to study theatre-related courses at universities around the country. The Youth Theatre's most recent production was Working the musical by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso. It was well received by the audience.

Regular Performers

Mandy Ellen School of Dance (from Britains Got Talent fame)

Other Maidstone theatres

Other theatres in Maidstone include:

• The Exchange (also known as The Corn Exchange)
• Riverstage
• Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre

External links

• http://www.hazlitttheatre.co.uk - Hazlitt Theatre & Corn Exchange website
• http://www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk/digitalmaidstone/Default.aspx?page=906 - Hazlitt Youth Theatre website