WHAT’S ON LISTINGS – July and August at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

by | Jul 10, 2023 | Dartford Entertainment, What's On?, Where to go locally

JULY

Wed 5 – Do You Believe in Ghosts

This is a brand-new concept: a haunting night at the theatre; an original play unlike anything you have seen, or experienced, before; a new way of ghost storytelling!

Thu 6 – Big Girls Don’t Cry

They skyrocketed to worldwide stardom 60 years ago with No1 hit Sherry – so, come out tonight as we celebrate all of their million-selling hits.

Fri 7 – The Beatles Dining Event

The Ultimate Night of dining, dance and The Beatles! Join one of the UK’s top tribute bands, The Counterfeit Beatles. Dine and dance the night away, or simply sit back, relax and take in the sounds of your favourite hits such as Let It Be, Come Together, Yesterday, All You Need Is Love, Hey Jude and Many More!

Sat 8 – Tropicana Nights

Tropicana Nights specialises in good old fashioned party nights.  We provide a fantastic unique 80s themed venue, friendly party atmosphere and we guarantee you and your friends will have an incredible night.

Sun 9 – The Carpenters Story

A musical journey through the glittering career of pop’s most famous brother and sister duo.

Thu 13 July – The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars

Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining world class live jazz, narration and rare archive photos and video footage, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars return to The Orchard Theatre with a brand new programme of music celebrating ‘The Ronnie Scott’s Story’.

Mon 17 July – West End Masterclass Showcase

Participants of our week long Graduates Masterclass program present everything they’ve learned in a final showcase. Support local talent and see them in Dartford before they take their next steps into a career in theatre and performing arts.

Sat 22 – Thu 27 – DARTFORD PRIDE (see separate press release attachment)

PRIDE RETURNS FOR 2023! The Orchard Theatre in Partnership with Dartford Borough Council to present another fantastic free Pride festival, as well as a series of Workshops.

Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/wcaig82tlx1lmlxt47vzq/h?rlkey=1tmg9z5jz8wrm2se8h3yg3e49&dl=0

Sat 29 – Small Business Fair 10am – 4pm

Our Small Business Fair returns! Join over 50 stall holders at The Orchard Theatre, selling handmade goods, gifts and treats. Entry is FREE, just bring your shopping bags and get ready to support local makers and businesses. In partnership with Dartford Borough Council

AUGUST

Fri 11 – Sun 13 – Summer Youth Project – School of Rock

Brought to you by a 130-strong community cast, this summer pledge allegiance to the band and stick it to the man! Follow Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

Wed 16 – Horrible Histories Barmy Britain

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So BARMY BRITAIN is back with the hit West End show, full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past!

Fri 18 – Sat 19 – English Youth Ballet CINDERELLA

English Youth Ballet returns to Dartford in cinematic style to present their latest production of CINDERELLA IN HOLLYWOOD.  The production will showcase the exciting talents of young dancers from the local area and will feature international principal dancers in the leading roles.

Sat 20 – SoulStruck, An Evening of Soul and Motown

Join SOULSTRUCK duo Keeley Smith, (ITV’s Starstruck finalist) and Nick James, for an evening of Soul and Motown. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and all your favourite hits in the sumptuous setting of our Main Auditorium, dressed for dining and dancing until late.

Tue 22 – Joe Pasquale: The New Normal: 40 Years of Cack

Joe Pasquale has been showing off on stage for 40 years and he’s bringing his favourite things for another airing to show that things have never been normal… If you have ever wondered why chicken breasts don’t have nipples? Then this is the show for you…

Sat 26 – Michael Starring Ben

MichaelⓇ Starring Ben is a hit theatre production starring the UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman. Not only does he look and sound like the King of Pop, but he’s honed his routine so carefully that audiences truly believe they are watching Michael Jackson himself.

Sun 27 – Jurassic Earth

This THRILLING 75 minute, family-friendly, FUN-TASTIC experience features a Velociraptor, Spinosaurus, Triceratops, Brontosaurus, Carnotaurus, Europe’s LARGEST walking T Rex and the cutest Dinosaur Babies!

Mon 28 – Pop Princesses

Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor swift. Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus all the best songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals.

Mon 28 – Abba Forever         

UK’s leading International tribute Shows and theatre audiences from across Great Britain and Sweden have long enjoyed this superb recreation of possibly the world‘s greatest pop group.

Wed 30 – Forbidden Nights

Immerse yourself in this sexy, innovative and classy show this new age entertainment brings you world class circus acts with our signature Forbidden tease.

Thu 31  – Bowie Experience

Bowie Experience is a spectacular concert celebrating the sound and vision of David Bowie. A must see for all Bowie fans, the latest production features all the hits from A to Ziggy.

SpaceNK announces first store opening for 2025, with a store planned to open in Bluewater, Kent.

SpaceNK is set to open its 77th store, located in Bluewater Shopping Centre on 17th April 2025. With a trading space of 2,760 sq. ft, the store will be located in Unit 132, Lower Guildhall within the centre. Adjacencies include Russell & Bromley, Hobbs,...

Government gives planning permission for National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing

The government has today (25 March 2025) given planning permission for National Highways’ A122 Lower Thames Crossing project. The most significant road project in a generation will drive growth – the priority in the government’s Plan for Change – by tackling long...

Summer Youth Project 2025 Announced

Our Summer Youth Project will return to Dartford in 2025, taking place at Orchard West. SYP sees a cast of over 100 young performers, age 9-19, rehearse for two intense weeks in the Summer Holidays, before putting on a professional quality performance on our stage....

Dartford Borough Council opens new Council housing in Swanscombe

New homes have been opened in Swanscombe as the Council continues its programme of providing new social housing around the borough. Carreck Close, named after palaeontologist John Carreck who excavated a number of fossils from the nearby Barnfield Pit in the 1950’s,...

MINECRAFT’S EXCITING NEW INTERACTIVE AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCESET TO OPEN IN LONDON ON 4th APRIL 2025

OPENING IN A BRAND-NEW VENUE “CORNER CORNER” AT, CANADA WATER, LONDON, SE16 7LL Mine, Craft, and Battle Through Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, an In-Person, Immersive Adventure into Minecraft That Will Delight Fans of All Ages Presale Waitlist Opens 5th...

Bluewater hosts Made in Bluewater 2025 initiative, encouraging next generation to reimagine future of retail

Bluewater has hosted its enterprise challenge, ‘Made in Bluewater’, with two local schools. Made in Bluewater is a cross-school competition with students tasked with designing a brand-new community space for the city before going head to head in Dragons’ Den-style...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET MEGHAN MCKEAG

Dartford hosted Hastings United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday the 15th of March. Dartford FC Women defender Meghan McKeag featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONEMeghan McKeag...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET LOUIS DUNNE

Dartford hosted Hastings United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday. Louis Dunne featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONELouis Dunne arrived on an initial two-month loan deal from...

Bring Back Eurostar Video

Dartford and Ashford Borough Councils have commissioned a short video campaigning for the return of Eurostar services to Ebbsfleet and Ashford International stations. Working with partners including Kent County Council, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Visit Kent,...

Gladiators Ready! BBC brings the stars of the hit BBC One show ‘Gladiators’ to meet their fans at Bluewater Shopping Centre

Stars of the iconic BBC show Gladiators will be at Bluewater on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March taking over the Village Marquee for an exciting action packed immersive experience. Fans can meet with the stars of Gladiators, take exclusive photos, and try their...