Festive cheer erupted in The Orchard Theatre on Saturday after panto opened in Dartford for the first time since 2019. Christopher Biggins, Kiera-Nicole and Rikki Jay took to the stage in font of a sold out audience to ope n Jack and the Beanstalk . Despite the challenges of the past year, panto has sold over 25,000 tickets, making it one of the biggest pantomimes in Dartford yet. Christopher Biggins has been appearing in pantomimes for nearly 50 years and shows no signs of stopping with his incredible performance as the sassy and “saucy”, Dame Trott. Ahead of the opening, The Orchard Theatre announced next years pantomime, Cinderella . Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients the Orchard Theatre audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Cinderella will be at the Orchard Theatre from Sat 10 – Sat 31 December 2022. Christopher Biggins wearing a costume that weighs almost two stone. Cr. Craig Sugden Photography Jack and the Beanstalk will be at The Orchard Theatre from Sat 11 December 2021 – Sun 2 January 2022 . Pre-show dining is also available before the show. The Orchard Theatre’s Restaurant provides a delicious range of, unique and memorable dishes, using the freshest local produce and prepared daily by the Head Chef. Reserve your table when booking your show tickets. To book tickets or for more information visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call ticket office on 0343 310 0033