LIVE FAMILY FUN IN DARTFORD

by | Feb 4, 2024 | Entertainment, Families, What's On?

What’s On for kids this coming season at Orchard West Theatre

FIREMAN SAM The Great Camping Adventure – Sun 11 February, 12pm, 3.30pm

Join Sam, Ellie, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in this UK premier, as you become a Pontypandy Pioneer and explore the mountains. With fire engines, helicopters and brand new songs this is one adventure not to be missed!

WEST END WORKSHOPS – ON SALE FRIDAY 26 JAN

The stage awaits as we invite you to take to the spotlight and learn from a leading industry professional. Grab your backstage pass to learn the dances, songs and script from your favourite West End shows. Take part in an in-depth Q&A and get that all important selfie with the workshop leader.  These workshops always sell out, so book now!

Suitable for ages 11 – 18 

THE SOOTY SHOW – 75th Birthday Spectacular! – Sun 24 March, 2pm

With buckets of audience participation and gallons of giggles, this spectacular celebration of the longest-running children’s television show in the world will delight Sooty fans old and new and is a must-see treat for the whole family.

MATILDA The MUSICAL – Mon 8 April 1pm

It couldn’t be easier or more fun! The first rule of Sing-a-long-a is THERE ARE NO RULES! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential. Do you want to change your story and be a little bit naughty? Well, this is your chance…

Please note this is a screening of the movie not a live stage show.

ZOG AND THE FLYING DOCTORS – FRI 26 – Sun 28 April, 4.30pm, 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this truly modern take on the classic fairy tale.

Most suitable for ages 3+ but all ages welcome.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES – The Rotten Royals- Sun 19 May, 1.30pm & 4.30pm

Would you be wooed by Richard the Lionheart? Are you ready for a date with King Edward I? Would you shaken or stirred by Richard III? See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will you be hanged by King James for being a witch? Clap along with crazy King Charles and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria! 

It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL – Thu 6 – Sun 9 June, 7pm, 11am & 5pm

Join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, you’ll have no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | SEASON REVIEW

Dartford took on Cray Valley PM on Saturday in what was our last league game of the season. The matchday programme for that fixture featured Chris Palmer's Season Review. For those who missed it, here is the article: As the 2025-26 Isthmian Premier League regular...

Pure Imagination Ignites at The Orchard Theatre: SYP Auditions Draw Local Talent for ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Acacia Sports Hall was buzzing with electric energy this past weekend as 200 young hopefuls descended for the highly anticipated Summer Youth Project (SYP) auditions. On Saturday, 25 April, local performers aged 9 to 19 showcased their talents in a bid to secure a...

Bluewater appoints its first Chief Play Officer at new play park’s opening weekend

Bluewater has appointed ten-year-old Samir Osmani as 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 on Friday 24th April. Samir was selected from over 550...

FAMILY FUN WITH SHAUN THE SHEEP AND BLUEWATER THIS MAY

A new Shaun the Sheep augmented reality trail will visit Bluewater next month, alongside a line-up of fun half-term activities. Families are invited to embark on a free adventure with the Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the shopping...

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) celebrated World Pilots’ Day (26 April) and welcomes first female pilot

With only 5% of pilots in the UK being female, KSS is proud to welcome the charity’s very first female pilot, First Officer Carla Feben, to mark World Pilots’ Day Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) marked World Pilots’ Day on Sunday 26 April, by...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET ELSA EJUPI

Dartford took on Chatham Town on Bank Holiday Monday. Chris Palmer spoke to Elsa Ejupi, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Elsa Ejupi arrived at Princes Park, having signed from the Millwall Lionesses...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET STEPHANIE CASERIU

Dartford took on Hashtag United last month. Chris Palmer spoke to Stephanie Caseriu, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Stephanie Caseriu is new to the Dartford FC Women’s team this season, and the...

Dartford Pride Marks Milestone 5th Anniversary with First-Ever Week-Long Celebration

Orchard West, in proud partnership with Dartford Borough Council and sponsored by Taylor Wimpey, is delighted to announce the return of Dartford Pride 2026. This year’s festivities mark a major milestone as the event celebrates its 5th anniversary by expanding from a...

Local community group celebrates 5 years of changing lives and launches new lottery to keep vital support going.

A Dartford community group that has spent the last five years helping people through illness, disability, poor mental health and isolation is celebrating a major milestone and inviting local people to be part of what comes next. The award-winning Kindness and...

A Colourful Celebration of 30 years of We Are Beams

We Are Beams is excited to invite the community to celebrate a very special milestone as the much loved fundraising event Messy Dash returns, marking 30 years of Beams supporting disabled children and their families. Taking place on Sunday 5th July at Dartford Central...