Dark Month: Why The Tower Theatre Goes Quiet in August
Every summer, if you look at our calendar, you’ll notice something a little unusual: The Tower Theatre goes dark for the month of August.
No shows. No performances. No lights up on stage.
But don’t worry — we haven’t closed our doors for good. “Dark Month” is a long-standing tradition in theatres up and down the country, and it’s one of the most important months in our entire year.
What Actually is Dark Month?
A “dark” theatre simply means a theatre with no performances scheduled. It’s the industry’s term for a planned pause — and it’s far from an empty time. While the auditorium sits quiet, our venue becomes a hive of activity behind the scenes.
Dark Month is when we roll up our sleeves and take care of everything that simply can’t happen while a show is running: repairs, maintenance, upgrades, and all the unglamorous but essential work that keeps a historic Grade II-listed theatre standing and welcoming audiences year after year.
This Year: A Brand New Heating System
The headline project for this year’s Dark Month is the installation of a brand new heating system. Anyone who’s joined us for a winter performance will know how much of a difference this will make — keeping our audiences, cast, and crew warm and comfortable for many seasons to come.
Projects like this take time, funding, and a fair bit of disruption, which is exactly why we schedule them for the quiet weeks of August, well away from performance nights.
A Well-Earned Rest
Dark Month isn’t only about bricks, mortar, and boilers — it’s also about people. Running a theatre is a labour of love, powered by volunteers, cast, crew, and creative teams who give up countless evenings and weekends throughout the year.
August gives some of our team a chance to properly switch off, recharge, and spend time with family and friends before the curtain rises again. They’ve earned it, and we’re grateful for every hour they give to keeping The Tower Theatre alive.
Returning in September with a Packed Calendar
While Dark Month is a pause, it’s also a launchpad. We’re returning in September with an exciting run of shows from FHODS (Folkestone & Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society):
‘Two’ — A Small Stage FHODS Production 📅 Friday 11th – Saturday 12th September
‘Gypsy’ — FHODS’ Autumn Musical 📅 Friday 25th September – Saturday 3rd October
Two very different productions, both promising the warmth, talent, and community spirit that makes FHODS shows so special. We can’t wait to welcome you back.
There’s more September fun in between too: on Thursday 17th September, Discobility returns — a safe, welcoming party night where SEN adults, their carers, and families can dance and make new friends. And on Friday 18th September, get ready for Happy Box of Imps, a riotously funny, completely unscripted improv comedy show featuring local talent (contains adult humour).
Host Your Own Event at The Tower Theatre
Did you know The Tower Theatre isn’t just for watching shows — you can hire it too? From our 293-seat Main Auditorium to the Blue Room, our historic venue is available for performances, conferences, workshops, private functions, and more, with full technical support, bar facilities, and an experienced team on hand. Get in touch with our Events Manager, Michelle Hartley, on 01303 223925 (option 3) or michelle@towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk to start planning your event.
Support Your Local Theatre
Dark Month reminds us just how much work — and how much cost — goes into keeping a theatre like ours running. Projects like our new heating system don’t happen without support from people like you.
🎟️ Book your tickets for our upcoming autumn shows now.
💛 Make a donation to help keep your local theatre alive.
Every ticket bought and every donation made goes directly towards moments like these — keeping the lights on, the seats warm, and the stage ready for the next performance.
Love your local theatre. See you in September!