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Newly restored amphitheatre at Fort Amherst

The newly restored amphitheatre at Fort Amherst saw its first production to celebrate the recent improvement works in the Command of the Heights project. Chatham-based Icon theatre presented a specially commissioned play, the Chatham Witch, welcoming local people and dignitaries into areas of the fort that had been closed for many years.

The unique promenade performance featured 150 actors, dancers and singers from the local community, specifically commissioned music, a large-scale visual installation created by local artists and residents, and a powerful use of projection on the historic bricks of the Fort.

more information about the performance can be found here

The amphitheatre’s creation from Spur battery, the highest part of the fort, was carried out by Fort Amherst Heritage Trust and Medway Council, funded by £1.8m Heritage Lottery Fund, and has restored previously hidden features, opened up the views to the river and made it more of a feature of the town.

A significant archaeological discovery made while uncovering Barrier Ditch defence, of three large brick chambers that used to house cannons, and will be incorporated into the finished scheme.