18 June 2024

Contractors working at the Orchard Theatre have confirmed that whilst RAAC roof replacement works are progressing well, the sequencing of the roof replacement, reinstatement of the venue’s technical equipment and the completion of wider works to improve audience experience means that the Orchard Theatre will not reopen for shows until early 2025.

The provision of a state-of-the-art temporary venue, Orchard West, and the swift mobilisation of major works at The Orchard Theatre following the venue’s forced closure in September 2023, have been widely welcomed by the local community and Dartford Borough Council wish to make some long-desired improvements, including enhanced disability access, whilst the main roof works are underway. We greatly support this investment in the theatre and whilst we are all keen to return as soon as possible we recognise that the work is complex and will benefit audiences, producers and the community far into the future

Orchard West remains open to maintain cultural and entertainment provision; to support local businesses who rely on the footfall generated, and to sustain our talented team through to the Orchard’s reopening.

We will be contacting producers of all shows scheduled at the Orchard, including the Christmas pantomime, over the coming days to discuss options with them. Some shows will transfer to Orchard West and others may need to be rescheduled or cancelled. Ticket holders should wait to be contacted by the venue or by their original point of purchase once decisions are made. There is no need for customers to make contact with the box office at this stage and we will be in touch.

We are hugely appreciative of Dartford Borough Council and our producer partners in stepping up to help the Orchard Theatre through a challenging time and we know we can count on them to help bridge the gap to the Orchard reopening. We are grateful to DBC for their swift action in mobilising the roof works, for working in partnership with us to overcome these challenges – and we look forward to the successful reopening of the Orchard once works are complete.