Films of Marlowe's plays coming to his birthplace

The complete theatrical works of 16th Century playwright Christopher Marlowe have been filmed in what is being described as a "remarkable world first".

The eight films, which feature some of the UK's top performers, will receive their premiere screenings at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, the city in Kent where the writer was born.

The viewings, between 16-24 August, will mark the 460th anniversary of Marlowe's birth.

Dominic West, who stars in the adaptation of Doctor Faustus, said: "It was a great pleasure to be part of this hugely ambitious staging of all of Marlowe’s plays."

Christopher Marlowe, who died in 1593 aged 29, is one of the most famous of the Elizabethan playwrights, after William Shakespeare.

It is the first time his complete works have been filmed and performed as a series, the project producers said.

As well as Dominic West, the film series features well-known actors including Michael Maloney, Adrian Schiller and Talulah Riley.

Following the screenings in Canterbury all eight films will be released online.

A virtual reality version is being planned.

Deborah Shaw, chief executive of the Marlowe Theatre, said: "The Marlowe Sessions project has been a journey of rediscovery, breathing new life into the works of Canterbury's most famous son.

"This series is not just a tribute to Marlowe's genius, but a bold statement about the timeless relevance of his works."