Pianist and band leader Jools Holland has agreed to become a patron of the new Marlowe Theatre campaign.

Backers of the fund-raising for the Canterbury theatre say Jools, who lives at Cooling, near Rochester, will be an important ambassador for the project, particularly in its goal of reaching out to wider audiences and nurturing new talent.

Jools said: "For many years, the south east has needed a major venue which can attract world-class productions and performers – the new Marlowe Theatre will at last make this possible.

"I'm also thrilled that the new theatre will put so much emphasis on education and development. I am looking forward to being part of this inspiring project."

He joins 12 other patrons – including Orlando Bloom and Joanna Lumley – who are backing the campaign which aims to raise £6m of private donations towards the overall project costs of around £25.5million.