Theatre seeks boost with new name

The theatre first opened in 1983

The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, Kent, is changing its name after 21 years, in an attempt to attract more people to see its shows.

From Sunday it will be known as the Sevenoaks Playhouse, showing acts including the National Youth Ballet and the Complete Works of Shakespeare.

The cinema and stage first opened in 1983, with Stag standing for Sevenoaks Theatre Acting Group.

The theatre has the biggest stage in the South East outside of London.

'A bit different'

Artistic Director Julian Walford said the theatre was in need of a change, although names "were not that important".

"Once you get a good one, it's not about the name, it's about what's going on on-stage.

"I hope there are people who didn't come to the Stag for various reasons - like they believed it was only an amateur venue - who will now come because they see that this is something a bit different."

He said he was hoping the theatre's change in name would attract both young and old people.