In the latest episode of The Performing Animal Rights Podcast, I sat down with Alison Harris and Terry Thompson, the visionary founders of The Garlinge Theatre in Canterbury, Kent. This trailblazing venue is the UK’s first all-vegan theatre, nestled on an organic farm and designed to blend artistic expression with ethical values.
A Vision for Art and Activism
For Alison and Terry, The Garlinge Theatre isn’t just a performance space—it’s a statement. Built in the former performing arts building of a Steiner school, the theatre is a stunning 300-seat wooden venue where all food and drink are strictly vegan. But this isn’t about exclusion; it’s about sparking conversations.
As Terry explains, their goal is to create a space where audiences, performers, and communities are invited to rethink their relationship with animals, sustainability, and creativity. “Even if someone arrives feeling uncomfortable or resistant to the vegan ethos, the experience of being in this environment can plant a seed of thought,” Terry shares.
The Challenges of Building a Vegan Theatre
Starting a theatre is no small feat, let alone one with such a specific ethical foundation. Alison and Terry discuss the obstacles they’ve faced—from securing funding to overcoming scepticism from performers and producers. Despite these challenges, their determination has paid off, with the theatre now hosting a diverse array of productions and events, including vegan-themed performances and community-driven projects.
One of the unique aspects of The Garlinge Theatre is its focus on “artivism”—using art as a form of activism. Alison and Terry are committed to supporting productions that align with their mission, whether by showcasing vegan narratives, exploring sustainability, or simply encouraging audiences to think more holistically about the world around them.
Creating a Vegan Artistic Hub
A key part of their vision is fostering a repertory theatre company—one that brings together performers, writers, and directors who share their passion for ethics and innovation. While they welcome all creatives, they hope to build a collective of like-minded artists who see veganism as a natural part of their storytelling.
The Garlinge Theatre also acts as a beacon for collaboration. “We’ve had performers and audiences travel from as far as Devon and Dorset because they’re excited about what we’re doing,” Alison notes. The theatre’s unique ethos has already attracted productions like Mad Cow, a vegan musical, and screenings of documentaries like I Could Never Go Vegan.
The Role of Theatre in Advocacy
For Alison and Terry, theatre is more than entertainment—it’s a platform for change. They believe that storytelling, when rooted in authenticity and compassion, has the power to shift perspectives in ways that traditional activism sometimes cannot.
“Theatre allows us to reach people in a communal, non-confrontational way,” Alison explains. “It’s about creating experiences that resonate deeply, planting seeds for reflection rather than preaching.”
Looking to the Future
When asked about their dreams for The Garlinge Theatre, Alison and Terry are clear: they want it to thrive as both a creative and ethical space. Their hope is that in five years, veganism will be so commonplace in the arts that The Garlinge Theatre will simply be seen as another great theatre.
For now, they’re focused on growing their repertoire, attracting more artists, and continuing to inspire audiences. As Terry puts it, “If we can create theatre that’s passionate, purposeful, and rooted in values, we’ll have done something truly special.”
Learn More
Want to support or visit The Garlinge Theatre? Follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @garlingetheatre to stay up to date with their latest events and productions.
For more inspiring episodes, visit performinganimalrights.org.
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