Closed since 2023 because of crumbling roof concrete, the Orchard Theatre in Dartford reopens on Saturday 12 December with Joe Pasquale in Cinderella, and more than 50,000 tickets have already been sold for its return.
It will be the first performance at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford since September 2023, when reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete was discovered in the roof and the building was closed. The Kent venue reopens on Saturday 12 December with the pantomime Cinderella, starring Joe Pasquale and played out on a digitally animated set.
Advance sales suggest the theatre has been missed. Trafalgar Entertainment, which runs the venue, says more than 50,000 tickets have been sold and £2 million taken at the box office before a single curtain has gone up.
Dartford Borough Council has paid for the £28.4 million refurbishment. Front of house, the building gains a new foyer, new bars, a sweet shop and improved access throughout; backstage, the technical systems have been upgraded so that the stage can take the largest touring productions from the West End and Broadway. First opened in 1983, the Orchard has been a fixture of theatregoing in Kent for more than four decades.
Sir Howard Panter, founder and joint chief executive of Trafalgar Entertainment, said: "The reopening of The Orchard Theatre is a hugely exciting moment for Dartford and for live theatre. Theatres are at the heart of their communities, creating shared experiences, inspiring audiences and bringing people together." He added: "It is vital that this theatre continues to thrive, giving audiences access to outstanding live entertainment on their doorstep."
Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, said: "We are proud to have invested in The Orchard Theatre for audiences in Dartford and across the South East and also for future generations."
The musicals in 2027
After the pantomime, the reopened house turns to touring musicals, with six titles announced so far:
- 26-30 January 2027: Blood Brothers
- 23-27 February 2027: Operation Mincemeat
- 16-20 March 2027: Singin' in the Rain
- 27 April - 1 May 2027: Dirty Dancing
- 10-14 August 2027: Jersey Boys
- 25-30 October 2027: Chicago
Comedy and music fill the weeks between them. Alan Carr brings Have I Said Too Much? to the theatre from 22-24 January, Al Murray follows with All You Need Is Guv on 12 March and Jimmy Carr with Killing Jokes on 5 May. Francis Rossi appears on 25 April and Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on 12 June. Younger audiences have Dear Zoo Live on 3-4 June and Horrible Histories' Horrible Henrys on 5 September.
The theatre has also released a short film looking ahead to its reopening:
For more information, visit the official website.
