Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre has reported a record-breaking first day of sales for its new season of shows.

The summer brochure went on sale exclusively to Marlowe Friends on Monday, and a total of 4,205 tickets were sold, totalling £100,012 - smashing the previous record of £78,000.

The top sellers of the new season, in order of popularity, were the National Theatre’s production of Alan Bennett’s new play People, musicals The Rocky Horror Show, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and Fiddler On The Roof, and drama A Passionate Woman.

Theatre director Mark Everett said he was delighted that audiences have responded in such a positive way. “The fact that the previous sales record was exceeded by such a significant amount clearly demonstrates to me the huge level of interest in our new season of shows, and, of course, in attending The Marlowe.

“I would like to thank all the staff for making it such a success, especially to everyone in Box Office who dealt with the many calls and customers who came in to book their tickets.”

Tickets for the new season go on sale to the general public on Monday, March 18. Visit www.marlowetheatre.com.