Unknown role for Ben

Tue 3 Jul 2018

Ben Roddy – best known as The Marlowe’s pantomime dame – is to star in Return Of The Unknown, our major new work to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

As well as pantomime, Ben has worked extensively in all areas of the acting profession, directing and producing various productions and appearing in more than 100 shows in theatres across the UK and beyond. Favourite roles include Tom in Table Manners, Cassio in Othello and Mr Collins in Pride And Prejudice. He has various film credits, including Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and the recently-released British comedy, Patrick.

Last year, Ben was named Dame Of The Year at The Great British Pantomime awards for his role in Peter Pan (The Marlowe Theatre, 2016/17).

He said: “After working with The Marlowe for nine years now, I’m absolutely delighted to have been asked to join the cast of this new production. It’s a very important part of Kent’s history; a story that needs to be told. And as a proud Canterbury resident, I’m especially excited to be involved, I can’t wait to get started.”

If that wasn’t exciting enough, you have the chance to join Ben, by becoming part of our community cast for the show. Auditions for the company of community performers starting next week. These are open to anyone aged 13 and over, and no previous experience of acting or performing is required.

The auditions will be in Canterbury (Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 July), Birchington (Thursday 12 July), Dover (Tuesday 17 July), Ashford (Wednesday 18 July), and Faversham (Thursday 19 July).

Return Of The Unknown will be performed in Dover Marine Station was where many soldiers left British soil for the First World War, and where 1.26 million wounded soldiers returned. It was also where, in November 1920, the Unknown Warrior passed through on his way to Westminster Abbey.

Drama, music, dance and digital art will combine to create an immersive theatrical experience, made and performed by leading professional artists and a 400-strong community company from across Kent. It looks at the world of remembrance and will tell the stories, known and unknown, of the people of the region.

Return Of The Unknown: Dover Marine Station, Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 November. Full audition details are here.