ORCHARD THEATRE ANNOUNCES SPECTACULAR REOPENING LINE-UP
As the clock ticks closer to the biggest ball of the year, the reopening of Dartford’s Orchard Theatre, the venue has confirmed the first shows in a powerhouse opening season for 2027.
Panto legend Joe Pasquale is set to officially reopen the venue when he returns to Dartford later this year to star in the spectacular Imagine Theatre family pantomime Cinderella from 12 December.
A firm favourite with panto audiences across the UK, Joe will bring his unmistakable comedy, boundless energy and decades of pantomime experience to the Orchard stage this festive season. Known for his unique brand of laugh-out-loud humour and incredible rapport with audiences, this will be a pantomime packed with even more mischief, magic and mayhem than ever before!
Following panto, the “Standing Ovation Musical” Blood Brothers, the hit British comedy The Full Monty, and a local spectacular from Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, are the first major productions confirmed to return to the main auditorium, signalling a bold new chapter for the venue.
Tal Rosen, Theatre Director of The Orchard Theatre, said: “The reopening of The Orchard Theatre in December is a moment we have all been waiting for, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome Joe Pasquale to the cast of this year’s spectacular pantomime, Cinderella, as we return to the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre. A much-loved favourite with Orchard Theatre audiences over the years, it feels especially fitting to have Joe back with us for this very special reopening.
“And we are thrilled to build on that excitement by announcing these incredible titles for 2027. Welcoming back audience favourites like Blood Brothers and The Full Monty ensures our reopening year is filled with the high-quality drama and comedy our patrons love. Furthermore, having our local partners DAODS return with a production as ambitious as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a testament to the vibrant creative community here in Dartford. We cannot wait to see the auditorium full once again.”
The reopening marks a significant milestone for Dartford’s cultural scene, following the venue’s refurbishment. With Cinderella kicking off the celebrations in December 2026, these newly announced shows solidify The Orchard’s position as a premier destination for touring West End productions and local excellence alike.
In other Dartford news…
Orchard West, in proud partnership with Dartford Borough
Council is delighted to announce the return of Dartford Pride 2026,
sponsored by Taylor Wimpey.
This year’s festivities mark a major milestone as the event celebrates its 5th anniversary by expanding from a single-day event into a vibrant, town-wide week of celebration from June 8th to June 14th.
Since its inception, Dartford Pride has grown into a cornerstone of the local cultural calendar. To celebrate five years of progress and unity, the 2026 programme moves beyond the main stage to include a diverse array of community events, including a Pride exhibition at Dartford Museum, “Pride Specials” offered by local high street businesses, and a creative poetry workshop.
Fan-favourite host Anton Stephans (X-Factor, Genie in Aladdin Pantomime 2025) is confirmed to return to lead the stage entertainment, along with local drag queen Sophia Stardust, at the final celebration, PrideFest: The Party on 14 June. The week’s highlights also include a hilarious Drag Bingo night with local drag legend Dee Star, a community fair, and a special screening of the iconic film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Terri McCann, Creative Learning Manager and Organiser of Dartford Pride, said: “I am incredibly proud of how Dartford Pride has evolved over the last five years. What started as a single afternoon of music has blossomed into a vital week of visibility and connection for our local LGBTQIA+ community. This event is about more than just a party; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels they belong and can see themselves reflected in the town’s culture. I’m so excited to see the community get involved through the museum and our local shops, and I can’t wait to reveal our full headline line-up very soon—it’s going to be our biggest year yet.”
