Dame Judi Dench has joined the fight to save a much-loved Kent theatre, saying she is “horrified” by the upcoming sale of the venue’s home.

The Oscar-winning actress has backed a campaign against Kent County Council (KCC) plans to put the building housing the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs up for auction.

Dame Judi, who is one of the arts venue’s trustees and patrons, worries that the disposal will put the site’s long-term future in “jeopardy”.

The theatre - founded by Michael Wheatley-Ward - is located within Broadstairs Memorial Hall , which will go under the hammer this week.

It was listed for disposal under the last administration in 2024, and this decision has remained under the new Reform UK-led council.

The theatre has agreed a five-year lease with KCC, which will allow

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