Review: Beauty & The Beast at Orchard West

by | Dec 13, 2023 | Children, Dartford Entertainment, Entertainment, What's On?

A few months ago there was doubt over whether there would be any Panto taking place in Dartford at all this Christmas. The fact that we were able to step into a brand new theatre space a mere six weeks after construction started is no mean feat! Dartford is extremely lucky that the collaboration between Dartford Borough Council and Trafalgar Theatres resulted in a state-of-the art temporary theatre venue being built so that the shows could go on despite remedial works to the existing Orchard Theatre. Dartford Living were excited to be invited to the first show to take to the stage of Orchard West, the panto, Beauty and the Beast. The panto follows a similar story to the well known tale but with lots of fun, some superb singing, amazing magic and even some incredible acrobatics! Shona McGarty (who many will recognise as Whitney from Eastenders) plays Belle and I have to say she really surprised us. We expected her acting to be good but her singing blew us away. She was brilliant!The other members of the cast didn’t disappoint either. John Archer (Comedy magician and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist) who plays Belle’s Dad, Maurice, was not only funny but we loved his magic tricks! Tom Senior (who has previously starred as Gaston in the West End) made a brilliant Flash Harry, the perfect pantomime baddie. Not too scary for the kids, but villain enough that there was raucous booing every time he came on stage.The children’s favourite however was definitely Silly Billy, the slapstick, goofy brother of Belle played by actor Harry Reid (also formerly of Eastenders). The whole cast shined and made it a really enjoyable evening for everyone. In true panto style there really was something for all the family, innuendos, fart jokes, tic toking ghosts (you need to see that one to believe it but it was a big hit in the rows around us). It was truly magical hearing children giggling, adults cheering and even seeing teenagers crack a smile – the perfect prelude to Christmas. We don’t want to spoil too much but we’d definitely highly recommend grabbing a ticket to Beauty and the Beast, if there are any left. Hurry, it finishes on Christmas Eve!

Get your tickets at https://orchardtheatre.co.uk/Online/tickets-beauty-and-the-beast-dartford-2023

1000048820 | Dartford Living

WALKING WITH THE DARTS | FEBRUARY EDITION

The February edition of Dartford Living Magazine is out now. However, if you're unable to locate your free copy, here is the latest edition of Walking With The Darts: Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things...

MARVEL FANS ASSEMBLE!

CAPTAIN AMERICA SHIELD AND HULK HAND INSTALLATION COMES TO SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX BLUEWATER  Superhero fans heading to Captain America: Brave New World at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater will get an extra treat, as an exclusive Marvel installation has...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET SARAH HILL

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Dartford FC Women attacker Sarah Hill featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DUANE OFORI-ACHEAMPONG

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Duane Ofori-Acheampong featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Since...

Ofsted praises “united and harmonious” Dartford primary school

Temple Hill Primary Academy in Dartford has been praised by Ofsted for being a “friendly and inclusive school” where pupils “value their education” and “aspire to do well”. The Ofsted inspectors judged the academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, to...

NEW HOBBIES FOR A NEW YEAR, Sing, Strum or Sweat it out in 2025!

We continue to offer plenty of opportunities for the local community to GET INVOLVED with our weekly clubs, all taking place in Acacia Sports Hall, Dartford. We kick off the week with Chair Fit on Mondays, a fully accessible exercise class. Set to popular music, these...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET GABBY HOWELL

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women right-back Gabby Howell featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Gabby Howell signed for...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DEAN NAYLER

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dean Nayler featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Dean Nayler is another promising player to emerge from the...

Dartford Grammar School celebrates International School Award win on 25th Anniversary of the prestigious prize

Dartford Grammar School Head Teacher, Mr. Julian Metcalf, and their Head of Languages, Mrs. Donna Kane, were delighted to recently attend the 2025 International School Award Ceremony in Westminster to receive their reaccreditation certificate for this prestigious...

HARIBO UK announces date for Bluewater retail store opening

-          Latest HARIBO UK retail store set to open on 12 February 2025 -          Sweet confectionery leader’s 11th retail store will welcome shoppers with free...