In 2023, the Orchard Theatre shut down due to refurbishments and within 9 weeks Orchard West Theatre was built and opened with its first of three pantomime seasons, Beauty and The Beast (2023) starring Shona McGarty. Subsequent pantos included Sleeping Beauty (2024) with local vocal talent Sidney Christmas and Aladdin (2025) with Blue icon Antony Costa. But pantomime is set to return to The Orchard Theatre in 2026, with Cinderella starring local favourite Joe Pasquale on Sat 12 December.
Tal Rosen, Theatre Director stated; “In September 2023, we faced an unprecedented challenge… But in the face of adversity, we found opportunity. Orchard West was born. A venue conceived, built, and fully operational within just three months.” In 2025, Orchard West was given the Innovation Award winner at The Stage Awards. The Award recognised the theatre’s creative response to the sudden closure of the theatre and what they were able to achieve in such short notice.
Tal said, “Even though this building was always temporary, the Orchard team have loved our time in this theatre as much as our performers and our audiences. Many of our audience members and local community were struck by Orchard West when walking into the auditorium. Everyone was pleasantly surprised by what can be achieved and we are proud that we could keep live performance alive in Dartford. We are eternally grateful for the partnership and support of Dartford Borough Council who, working together with Trafalgar Theatres, was able to offer a stage for quality touring productions, local groups such as DAODS and Erith Playhouse and our own community productions such as the Summer Youth Project and festivals such as Dartford Pride! Orchard West has hosted a vast variety of events and it will be a cherished chapter in the story of The Orchard Theatre.”
Orchard West is set to close on a high with a dazzling last final shows!
· The All Or Nothing Experience (Friday 17 July) – Starting strong with a vibrant live concert, celebrating the music and legacy of the band, The Small Faces. Showcasing their classic hits in a blend of rock ‘n’ roll and storytelling.
· K-POP Live (Saturday 18July) – This musical tribute to the K-Pop genre is an electric experience for long-time fans or first-time watchers! Expect high energy, famous anthems, jaw-dropping choreo and stunning live vocals.
· Dinosaurs: Live! (Sunday 19 July) – Join us and London’s Natural History Museum on our prehistoric journey and discover more about dinosaurs, fossils and time scales.
· Fast Love: the tribute to George Micheal (Friday 24 July) – Celebrate with us one of the world’s greatest musicians, and let us showcase to you the power, emotion and star quality the show will bring to you.
· Man in the Mirror: the tribute to Micheal Jackson (Sat 1 August) – Join us for a thriller of an evening, expect an electrifying performance with a cast who captures Micheal Jackson’s unique essence, style and charisma.
· Some Mothers do ‘ave ‘em (Thursday 6 - Saturday August) – Presented by Erith Playhouse and based on the 1970’s sitcom. Hilarious mishaps and DIY disasters unravel in this brilliant ensemble farce from an award-winning cast.
· Summer Youth Project: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Friday 21 - Saturday 23 August) -Join a cast of local young performers as they bring to life this delicious musical, have you got your golden ticket?
· Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis (Wednesday 26August) - Ben Portsmouth brings energy, passion and authenticity in a way that no one else can match. Many claim, 'feels like a live concert with the King himself'.
· The Magic of the Bees Gees (Thursday 27 August) -Join us for this breath-taking concert spectacular, taking you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs.
· Peppa Pig’s big family show (Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 August) – Peppa pig, family and friends are back on the big live stage show, a show filled with music, laughter and surprise. Join them in their preparations for the new arrival of Baby Evie!
· That’ll be the day (Tuesday 1 September) - A feel-good experience unlike any other, bursting with electrifying performances, laugh-out-loud comedy sketches, and music favourites.
· The Elo Experience (Wednesday 2 September) - Join us in celebrating this great music from the genius that is Mr Jeff Lynne! Experience some of the greatest music ever written, greatest hits and some album gems!
· Forever Diamond (Thursday 3 September) – The Concert which celebrates the legendary songs of Neil Diamond with this stunning live production featuring his greatest hits.
· Al Murray: All you need is Guv (Friday 4 September) –This brilliant, standup, laugh-out-loud, comedy show featuring Al Murray, is sold out and ending the time at Orchard West Theatre on a high note. SOLD OUT!
We hope you will join us in celebrating this incredible award-winning venue. We say goodbye to Orchard West as we prepare for the return of The Orchard Theatre.
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