Opened in 1955, The Hazlitt Theatre offers one of the liveliest and community focused programmes of arts and performance in the south east. The Hazlitt Theatre plays host to a wide variety of comedians, musicians, tributes, dance schools, amateur dramatics and local and national performers.
The Exchange presents the best in intimate theatre, hosting a wealth of comedians, children's shows, workshops and community events.
The Hazlitt Theatre is a traditional proscenium arch and intimate auditorium. Named after William Hazlitt, the famous essayist who was born in Maidstone in 1778, the venue is in the heart of Maidstone.
The Hazlitt Theatre's facilities include the Theatre (seating 353), Studio (seating 135).
The programme of events includes over 350 performances and events a year, attracting over 150,000 paying customers to the venue. The quality, range and intimacy of the events has established the theatre as one of the most beloved venues in the south east of England.
The theatre is regularly hired by both local and national businesses and arts organisations as a venue for conferences, exhibitions and events.
The Hazlitt Theatre is managed by Parkwood Theatres working in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council.