Dartford Borough Council (DBC) and Trafalgar Theatres have confirmed that construction is underway at Orchard West, the temporary venue which will operate during the closure of The Orchard Theatre, which is undergoing essential works following concerns over RAAC concrete.

The initial stages of erecting the stage structure have commenced and will be followed by the construction of the auditorium over the next week.

A state-of-the-art seating arrangement will be at the heart of Orchard West, with 1,091 capacity. The seating arrangement includes front-row, flat floor seats and a raised platform, offering excellent views of the stage. It also provides comfortable seating for all theatregoers and facilities for those guests with disability and accessibility requirements.

Located on the Westgate site just a stone’s throw from The Orchard Theatre, Orchard West will be a unique and exciting setting for audiences to continue to enjoy live performances in a warm, safe and comfortable environment. Crucially, the venue will also support the continuing employment of the theatre team, visiting artists and backstage crew – plus many local businesses in the surrounding area who rely on footfall from theatregoers.

The Dartford Team are also thrilled to announce that soap star, actress and singer Shona McGarty will lead the cast of the Orchard West’s spectacular and enchanting family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, as Belle.

With the construction now underway, we caught up with Tal Rosen, Interim Theatre Director for Orchard West and the Orchard Theatre for a quick chat.

Tal, Orchard West is go! How relieved are you right now?
Exceptionally, just proves that the show must go on!

How much of a challenge has it been to get this project over the line?
An incredible amount of effort has gone into this, the will of Dartford Borough Council to ensure the Arts and Theatre offering has been paramount, alongside TE’s commitment to the success and future of the Orchard Theatre. The coordination, effort and work has been incredible, although we have a long, long way to go!

What has the staff reaction been like to the news?
The Team at the Orchard have been resilient, patient and remarkably understanding the past two months. I am sure you can imagine there was an enormous sense of relief, excitement and of course practicable excitement with the work to come to ensure it is a huge success

What are you most looking forward to for the next year?
The year ahead is going to be unbelievably exciting, from housing a Panto in Orchard West, creating a whole new Theatre and Hospitality experience, gaining an array of experience of mobilising and running a new site, then all the exciting plans of remobilising Orchard Theatre once we return next year.

Alongside some amazing product in Orchard West including Jimmy Carr, David Suchet and our week long product we are able to keep in such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Unfortunate, Women in Black, Madagascar and the mousetrap!

What if customers prefer Orchard West to the Orchard Theatre?!
I’m beginning to think they might! The plans look amazing and have no doubt our local, passionate and loyal customers will love it! However, Orchard Theatre is our home, and I have no idea they will look forward to coming back, to a NEW roof, and hopefully few other surprises!!