Mad Cow, the Musical

Mad Cow is a darkly comic musical about a young girl finding her voice to protect those she loves the most. The musical narrative centres on the Woolf family who try to desperately keep up with the well-to-do Heathersonhaugh’s. The family are not as wealthy as they make out and fund their extravagant lifestyle by utilising every outbuilding on their smallholding to create a micro factory-farm. The youngest daughter Martha was non-verbal until she was ten, but then started to chat to the farm’s livestock and feels closer to the animals than her family. Her sisters nickname her Marth-mite, joking she’s not to everyone’s taste and constantly tease her for being vegan. 

This heart-warming story is a mixture of Okja meets Fantastic Mr. Fox, and utilises comedy and catchy, but emotive songs, that pose serious questions about right and wrong.

“The story of Mad Cow, which is largely taken from real-life observations, satirises a landowning family’s sense of entitlement and desire to have-it-all. Its themes are universal - it’s about family, about growing up ‘different’, about greed and standing up for your beliefs. It explores important questions around sustainability and the ethics of the meat industry - issues that we can no longer ignore. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a time when you can’t mention veganism without risking an onslaught of negativity. So, we are bracing for criticism. But we’re not trying to preach or convert anyone. Theatre is a space to explore tricky ethical and societal issues. We want to encourage audiences to look a little closer and to talk more about these things. But ultimately, we’re storytellers and this is a delightfully mad, funny, heart-full story. We think you’re going to love it.”
Hero Douglas, writer & director of Mad Cow

Doors open at 6.15pm, show starts at 7pm
Running time 120 minutes, which includes a 15 minute interval

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Rebirth of a Theatre: A Sustainable Beacon for the Community

In the heart of our local community, a quaint theatre is experiencing a revival like never before. Once dormant, it now stands as a vibrant beacon, pulsating with life and energy. What sets this theatre apart is not just the performances that grace its stage, but the eco-friendly heart that beats within its walls.

The Garlinge Theatre, previously known as the Ensó theatre, was part of the Steiner School Canterbury, which was established by Ulrike and Alan Brockman. Mrs Brockman, born in Stuttgart, inherited her educational inspiration from her parents, who were friends of Rudolf Steiner and followers of his philosophy. Mr Brockman was from Broad Oak, Canterbury, and the two met at Hawkwood College in Stroud in 1950. Ten years later, they both moved to Perry Court Farm, Garlinge Green, which Mr Brockman had bought in 1953 and developed it into Kents first organic farm. In 1976 they bought the original farmhouse of Perry Court Farm with the vision of forming a community. From this, Steiner School Perry Court was founded and opened in 1976 to 14 students in 3 classes. The school closed in 2017 and out of this came the New School, Canterbury. The site is now occupied by Hope View School and The Light Root hub, a home educational group, with the theatre nestled between the two. 
Since officially opening its doors on March 31st 2024, The Garlinge Theatre is ready to welcome the community to live events, workshops and educational pursuits of all types.