Dartford: Orchard West Theatre Announces Farewell Season Ahead of Return to the Refurbished Orchard Theatre

After three remarkable years of keeping live entertainment thriving in Dartford, Orchard West Theatre has announced its farewell season, with the temporary venue set to host its final performance this September before audiences return to the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre.

Since opening in 2023, Orchard West Theatre has welcomed thousands of theatre-goers through its doors, proving that even a temporary venue could become a vibrant cultural hub. Now, as the countdown begins to its final curtain, audiences have one last opportunity to experience a packed programme of concerts, tribute shows, family entertainment and community productions.

A Theatre Built in Just Nine Weeks

Orchard West Theatre was created under extraordinary circumstances.

When the Orchard Theatre closed in 2023 to undergo a major refurbishment, theatre operator Trafalgar Theatres, working alongside Dartford Borough Council, responded by creating a temporary venue that would ensure live performances could continue without interruption.

Within just nine weeks, Orchard West Theatre was designed, constructed and opened to the public, welcoming audiences in time for its first pantomime season, Beauty and the Beast, starring Shona McGarty.

The venue would go on to host two further festive productions:

• Sleeping Beauty (2024), featuring local singing sensation Sidney Christmas
• Aladdin (2025), starring Blue singer Antony Costa

Pantomime will return to the refurbished Orchard Theatre later this year with Cinderella, starring Joe Pasquale, opening on 12 December 2026.

Award-Winning Innovation

The success of Orchard West Theatre was recognised nationally when it received the Innovation Award at The Stage Awards 2025.

The award celebrated the theatre’s rapid response to the unexpected closure of the Orchard Theatre and recognised the achievement of creating a fully operational venue within an exceptionally short timeframe while maintaining a full programme of professional productions.

Reflecting on the venue’s journey, Theatre Director Tal Rosen described Orchard West as an opportunity born from adversity.

“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.”

He also praised the support of Dartford Borough Council and the local community, highlighting the venue’s role in hosting touring productions, amateur theatre companies, youth projects and community festivals, including Dartford Pride.

Final Shows Before the Curtain Falls

Orchard West Theatre will close with an exciting programme of performances covering music, comedy, family entertainment and musical theatre.

Highlights include:

The All or Nothing Experience

Friday 17 July

A celebration of The Small Faces, combining live music with the story of one of Britain’s most influential bands.

K-POP Live

Saturday 18 July

A high-energy tribute celebrating the music, choreography and spectacle of modern K-pop.

Dinosaurs: Live!

Sunday 19 July

Created in partnership with London’s Natural History Museum, this family show explores prehistoric life, fossils and the age of dinosaurs.

Fastlove – A Tribute to George Michael

Friday 24 July

A celebration of one of Britain’s most iconic pop stars, featuring many of George Michael’s best-loved songs.

Man in the Mirror – The Michael Jackson Tribute

Saturday 1 August

A tribute production recreating the music, dance and stage presence of the King of Pop.

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em

6–8 August

Presented by Erith Playhouse, this stage adaptation brings Frank Spencer’s unforgettable mishaps to life in a classic British comedy.

Summer Youth Project – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

21–23 August

Local young performers take centre stage in this musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved story.

Al Murray

Friday 4 September

The venue’s final performance will be a sold-out appearance by comedian Al Murray, bringing Orchard West Theatre’s three-year story to an entertaining conclusion.

More Than a Temporary Theatre

Although Orchard West Theatre was always intended to be a temporary home, its impact has been lasting.

Over three years, it provided a stage not only for nationally touring productions but also for local theatre companies, schools, youth performers and community organisations. It ensured that audiences in Dartford never lost access to live entertainment while the Orchard Theatre underwent its transformation.

For many visitors, stepping inside Orchard West became a pleasant surprise, demonstrating how an imaginative solution could create a welcoming and professional performance space in a remarkably short time.

As the final performances approach, the venue leaves behind a legacy of resilience, innovation and community spirit that will become an important chapter in the history of theatre in Dartford.

With the refurbished Orchard Theatre preparing to reopen, Orchard West Theatre can take its final bow knowing it successfully kept the curtain raised when it mattered most.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Orchard West Theatre closing?

Orchard West Theatre was built as a temporary venue while the Orchard Theatre underwent refurbishment. With the refurbishment nearing completion, the temporary theatre will close after its final performance on 4 September 2026.

What was the purpose of Orchard West Theatre?

The venue ensured that professional productions, community performances and local events could continue in Dartford during the Orchard Theatre’s closure.

What is the final performance at Orchard West Theatre?

The final scheduled performance is a sold-out comedy show by Al Murray on Friday 4 September 2026.

When will the Orchard Theatre reopen?

The Orchard Theatre is due to welcome audiences back later in 2026, beginning its pantomime season with Cinderella, starring Joe Pasquale, from 12 December 2026.