Congratulations to the the team in Dartford for winning the Excellence in Workforce Culture Award at the recent UK Theatre Awards 2025! The win recognises the resilience, creativity and collaboration which led to the creation of Orchard West following the temporary closure of The Orchard Theatre.

Orchard West is now a multiple award winner having previously won Innovation of the Year at The Stage Awards 2025, and Temporary Structure of the Year at the Festival Supplier Awards.

The UK Theatre Awards are the leading awards in our industry, organised by SOLT and UK Theatres, the governing bodies for theatre across the UK and globally recognised leaders in the arts.

Dartford’s Tal Rosen (Venue Director), Kay Hadley (VME), and Elaine Bourke (Admin Manager) attended the glitzy ceremony on 12 October at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London. Trafalgar Theatres was also a sponsor of this year’s awards.

Speaking after the event, Tal said: “We were up against two very strong finalists, and we couldn’t be prouder to have taken home the award. Each of the team should be immensely proud of what they’ve achieved over the past two years – remaining resilient, striving for excellence, and tackling each challenge with positivity and passion.

“As we near the end of this chapter, with the reopening of The Orchard Theatre now in sight, we’ll soon be sharing more details both internally and publicly about the rebuild. Following our busy winter season at Orchard West, early next year we’ll begin remobilisation plans to prepare for the theatre’s grand reopening. As I said in my acceptance speech, it is my team’s determination, dedication, and passion that have made this success possible. Congratulations to you all!”