Orchard Theatre, Dartford

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Orchard Theatre, Dartford
DartfordOrchard4885.JPG
Orchard Theatre, Dartford
Orchard Theatre, Dartford
AddressHome Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED
Coordinates 51°26′45″N0°13′04″E / 51.4459578°N 0.2177834°E / 51.4459578; 0.2177834
Seating typeReserved seating
Website
orchardtheatre.co.uk

The Orchard Theatre is a 1025-seat [1] receiving theatre in the centre of Dartford, Kent. It was built by Dartford Borough Council and opened by The Duke of Kent on Thursday 14 April 1983. [2] [3] The theatre hosts a range of popular music, comedy, family, dance, drama, classical music and variety events, as well as an annual pantomime. [4]

It has been run by Trafalgar Entertainment since March 2021, having been acquired from HQ Theatres [5] which had run it since 2008. [6]

In September 2023, the theatre was temporarily closed by Dartford Council due to safety concerns over the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) used in the theatre's construction. [7] Its programme of events have moved to a temporary venue called Orchard West.

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References

  1. "Venue Hire | Orchard Theatre, Dartford, Kent". 24 October 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  2. "Dartford Orchard Theatre plans 30th birthday gala". 19 February 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  3. "Theatre Trust". Orchard Theatre Theatres Trust.
  4. "Orchard Theatre What's On" . Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  5. Hill, Liz (31 March 2021). "Trafalgar Entertainment acquires HQ Theatres". Arts Professional.
  6. "About HQ Theatres". Archived from the original on 23 December 2020.
  7. "Orchard Theatre in Dartford suspends shows due to RAAC panels". 5 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.