2026 Highlights at Orchard West!

by | Jan 8, 2026 | Entertainment, What's On?

The Orchard Theatre excited to kick start the New Year in Dartford with a packed programme of music, dance, comedy and family entertainment. Make live theatre part of your New Year Resolutions and get ready to celebrate new beginnings in style at Orchard West.

Take a look at some of the highlights…

Johnny Cash Roadshow

Wed 7 January

image | Dartford Living

This year Johnny Cash Roadshow invites you to step into the raw and gritty world of Johnny Cash’s prison era with their electrifying show that has captivated audiences for two decades. Set on a Folsom Prison style stage this brings Cashs most iconic performances to life as the Johnny Cash Roadshow immerses you in the raw, unfiltered energy of Cash’s legendary concerts behind bars.

The Classic Rock Show

Mon 12 January

image 8 | Dartford Living

Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, AC/DC, The Beatles, Dire Straits, Meat Loaf, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, Boston, Toto, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac and more. An amazing opportunity for rock fans, young and old, to celebrate three decades of the world’s greatest classic rock music with a stunning multi-million dollar sound and light show to match.

Taylormania

Fri 16 January

image 12 | Dartford Living

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.

Chris McCausland – Yonks!

Sun 25 January

image 1 | Dartford Living

Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making – The last tour was a sell-out, so get your tickets now!

Hometown Glory

Sun 1 February

image 4 | Dartford Living

This stunning replica live concert show has toured the globe since 2011 and is a must-see, not only for any Adele fans, but also anyone wishing to enjoy an evening of hit-packed entertainment.

Omid Djalili: Namaste

Sat 7 February

image 5 | Dartford Living

The Persian Comedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show NAMASTE where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet.

Justin Fletcher Live

Sun 15 February

image 7 | Dartford Living

Famous for his BAFTA Award-winning appearances in hit programmes including Something Special, Justin’s House, Gigglebiz and Gigglequiz, Justin and his friends are back, starring in a brand-new rocktastic theatre show.  

Gruffalo’s Child

Tue 17 – Thu 19 February

image 11 | Dartford Living

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Sara Pascoe: I Am A Strange Gloop

Thu 26 February

image 6 | Dartford Living

As seen and heard on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, The Great British Sewing Bee, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Mock the Week and co-host of Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club podcast.

Queenz – Drag Me To The Disco!

Sun 1 March

image 13 | Dartford Living

Direct from London’s West End and following their sensational Las Vegas debut, these fearless and fabulous Queenz are bringing their electrifying live vocal drag-stravaganza to the stage.

Rave On

Thu 5 March

image 10 | Dartford Living

Rave On includes hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis. Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boys and many more. Take a step back in time and experience the history of rock and roll music like never before.

The Three Little Pigs The Musical

Sat 7  – Sun 8 March

image 2 | Dartford Living

Get ready for a heart-warming adventure with The Three Little Pigs in this fresh, lively, family-friendly musical that’ll have you laughing out loud from start to finish! The Three Little Pigs The Musical is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the joys of live theatre while teaching them valuable lessons about determination and team work.

Dead Ringers: The 25th Anniversary Tour

Sat 14 March

image 9 | Dartford Living

To mark its 25th anniversary, BBC Radio 4’s legendary, multi-award-winning topical satire show takes to the road with a full UK tour for the first time. Starring long-standing cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod, and Duncan Wisbey the show will take you on a trip through a quarter century of classic sketches & unrivalled impressions, alongside the razor-sharp topical humour which has become the series’ trademark.  

Jason Manford – A Manford All Seasons

Thu 26 March

image 3 | Dartford Living

A Manford All Seasons is Jason’s latest comic offering that is set to hit the road in 2024, his iconic ‘expert observational comedy’ (The Guardian) is sure to ‘comic gold’ (Mail on Sunday).

DAODS Return with We Will Rock You

Wed 15 – Sat 18 April

image 9 | Dartford Living

This explosive, rockin’ spectacle is a celebration of the power of music and individuality that will leave audiences cheering for more.

Plus so much more planned! Visit orchardwest.co.uk for a full list of What’s On.

PANTOMIME FAVOURITE JOE PASQUALE TO STAR IN CINDERELLA AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE

As the clock ticks closer to the biggest ball of the year, The Orchard Theatre is thrilled to announce that Panto Legend JOE PASQUALE is set to return to Dartford later this year to star in the spectacular family pantomime CINDERELLA. A firm favourite with panto...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET SAM ODAUDU

Dartford took on Lewes last month. Chris Palmer spoke to Sam Odaudu, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: This is Sam Odaudu's fourth full season as a Dartford player. Since making his debut in his...

Ofsted praises Kent primary school in glowing inspection report

A primary school in Dartford has been praised across the board by Ofsted in a glowing inspection report. Inspectors said West Hill Primary Academy, part of the successful Golden Thread Alliance, had achieved a “strong standard” in personal development and wellbeing,...

Bluewater launches search for its first Chief Play Officer ahead of the opening of new play park this month

Bluewater has announced a recruitment drive to search for its first Chief Play Officer (CPO). The unique role has been created to celebrate the official opening of the centre’s transformed Wintergarden play area...

Primary Schools Invited to Join Exciting Community Art Exhibition and Charity Auction- ‘Characters from my favourite book’

Stephen Oliver: Studio & Gallery and We Are Beams are organising a special community art exhibition showcasing the creativity of primary school children to support a cause that makes a real difference to families in their local community. The collaboration invites...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET ELLIE DOLBY

Last month, Dartford took on Ramsgate. Chris Palmer spoke to Ellie Dolby, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Since her arrival from London City Lionesses at the beginning of last season, Ellie Dolby...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET GEORGE WHITEFIELD

Last month, Dartford took on Ramsgate. Chris Palmer spoke to George Whitefield, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Back in the 2023-24, George Whitefield made seven appearances (four starts) for the...

Local racer joins UK first all female MINI CHALLENGE racing team

Local racer Lexie Powell, West Kingsdown, has joined the Wera Alliance Racing Academy for a season in the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Championship. The cars are being run by Team Avago. Making up the rest of the are Ellena Reece, Beanie Reece and Liona Theobald. Lexie...

We Are Beams is delighted to announce that British racing driver Nicolas Hamilton has officially joined the charity as a Patron

Nicolas who is the half-brother of Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton made history by competing in the British Touring Car Championship while living with Cerebral Palsy. He is a living testament to the fact that a diagnosis does not have to define a...

“Do you know anyone  ageing  without children?  I bet you do!” 

Having recently been ill and having no children or partner to help me, it has become increasingly important for me to have contact with like-minded people. I am on Facebook so I have often looked at a website called “Ageing Without Children UK” (AWOC). I recently made...