About Orchard West and Orchard Theatre
Orchard West is the state-of-the-art temporary venue which will operate during the closure of The Orchard Theatre while essential works are carried out following concerns over RAAC concrete. They are both run by same passionate theatre team and supported by Dartford Borough Council.
About Orchard West
More details about the venue are coming soon.
About Orchard Theatre
The Orchard Theatre is temporarily closed and is expected to reopen in Autumn 2024. The programme of events has moved to Orchard West.
The Orchard Theatre is conveniently located in the heart of Dartford’s town centre and attracts the latest and most sought-after touring productions in the UK. We offer a range of entertainment from leading West End musicals, top comedians, bands, dramas, dance, classical music and opera. And of course, our ever popular annual pantomimes.
Dartford has been a busy market town with a rich history since the Romans. It plays host to a very popular and vibrant twice-weekly market within the town centre.
The Orchard Theatre was officially opened on the 14th April 1983 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and quickly gained a reputation as one of the country’s premier venues presenting a remarkable range of entertainment. Since its opening, The Orchard Theatre has enjoyed incredible success by opening its doors to some of the biggest and most respected names in the fields of arts and entertainment.
Orchard Theatre 2019 refurbishments
A major redevelopment of The Orchard Theatre, Dartford took place in summer 2019. This project significantly enhanced the customer experience; allowing the venue to widen the range of shows and events on offer; bringing access arrangements at the theatre up to modern standards and improving energy efficiency.
The £500,000 project saw the entire auditorium stripped back, with brand-new seats installed in all areas of the auditorium.
Alongside the seating replacement and seat-plan reconfiguration, other significant redevelopments included:
- Installation of brand-new house and auditorium lighting throughout the venue to improve energy efficiency;
- Reconfiguration and enhancement of the in-house sound system to improve audibility and to offer improved infra-red and audio-description facilities;
- New carpets were installed and cosmetic and decorative enhancements were completed throughout the auditorium and foyer spaces.
