Folkestone Quarterhouse

Experience World-Class Performances in Folkestone’s Cultural Heart

Quarterhouse stands as Folkestone’s premier performing arts venue, serving as the vibrant cultural hub of the town’s regenerated Creative Quarter. This award-winning venue has been hosting exceptional performances since 2009, presenting an impressive array of theatre, dance, music, film, and comedy in a stunning architectural setting designed by Alison Brooks Architects.

Diverse Performance Programme

• Theatre productions featuring emerging and established companies
• National Theatre and Royal Opera House live broadcasts in high definition
• Contemporary dance and innovative performance art
• Live music showcasing both local talent and touring artists
• Stand-up comedy featuring nationally renowned comedians
• Independent and arthouse film screenings
• Family-friendly shows and interactive workshops

Renowned Festivals and Special Events

Quarterhouse serves as the home to several acclaimed festivals that have put Folkestone on the cultural map. The Creative Folkestone Book Festival attracts internationally renowned authors, while the SALT Festival of the Sea and Environment explores our relationship with the coast. The innovative Normal? Festival of the Brain challenges perceptions and celebrates neurodiversity.

Striking Architecture and Public Art

The building itself is a work of art, featuring fluted mesh cladding inspired by scallop shells that creates a dramatic backlit display at night. Inside, visitors discover Yoko Ono’s thought-provoking ‘Skyladder’ installation and Studio Ben Allen’s magnificent ‘The Clearing’ – sixteen gothic wooden forms creating a cathedral-like space in the café bar.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• 220-seat, 490-standing multi-purpose auditorium with exceptional acoustics
• Structurally isolated design preventing sound transfer
• Fully accessible venue with wheelchair spaces and hearing loop system
• Modern bar and café serving refreshments before shows and during intervals
• Enterprise centre supporting local creative businesses
• Dedicated spaces for workshops and community events

Community Engagement and Education

Quarterhouse champions local talent while nurturing the next generation of performers. The venue runs extensive educational programmes, youth workshops, and artist development initiatives, ensuring that creativity flourishes throughout the Folkestone community and beyond.

Complete Folkestone Creative Experience

Immerse yourself in Folkestone’s artistic renaissance by exploring the thriving Creative Quarter, where over 100 artists and practitioners have transformed the area into a dynamic cultural hub. During Folkestone Triennial years, the entire town becomes an extraordinary outdoor art gallery.

Discover the stunning Leas Promenade with its Victorian elegance and breathtaking sea views, or explore the historic Folkestone Harbour with its independent shops, galleries, and waterfront dining. The nearby Kent Battle of Britain Museum offers compelling wartime history.

For outdoor adventures, the spectacular White Cliffs are just a short drive away, while the charming Hythe Military Canal provides peaceful walks through history. Port Lympne Safari Park offers wildlife encounters perfect for family visits.

Booking and Accessibility Excellence

Quarterhouse prioritises accessibility with full wheelchair access, ground floor seating for performances, balcony wheelchair spaces for standing events, and comprehensive hearing loop systems. The venue has embraced sustainable practices with paperless e-ticketing and eco-friendly operations.

Creative Folkestone Connection

As the flagship venue for Creative Folkestone, Quarterhouse plays a central role in the town’s cultural transformation. The building houses Creative Folkestone’s offices and serves as the information hub for the internationally acclaimed Folkestone Triennial contemporary art exhibition.

Dining and Shopping

The venue’s stylish bar and café, enhanced by Studio Ben Allen’s artistic installation, provides the perfect setting for pre-show dining or post-performance discussions. Folkestone’s evolving food scene offers excellent restaurants within walking distance, while the Creative Quarter’s independent shops provide unique browsing opportunities.

Transport and Parking

Conveniently located just 15 minutes’ walk from Folkestone Central Station, with high-speed rail connections reaching London St Pancras in under an hour. Limited parking is available behind the venue via PayByPhone, with additional council car parks nearby including Tram Road, Payers Park, and the Harbour car park.

Price Range: ££ (Ticket prices vary by performance, typically £10-£35)

Opening Hours: Box Office: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm (closed 1-2pm lunch) Weekend hours vary by performance Visitor Centre: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-4pm