In fact, the Orchard Theatre Dartford, is part of a group of buildings in Home Gardens, Dartford which apart from the performance space building, includes a large shopping centre, The Orchards. The Orchard Theatre, built by Dartford Borough Council, is a professional theatre. It is providing a wide range of plays, musicals, dance, music and entertainment to audiences. The Orchard Theatre was opened on April 14th 1983 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and is operated by HQ Theatres and Hospitality who took over the theatre in 2008. Known as a receiving theatre, as it does not produce its own in-house productions. But mainly hosts touring shows and performances, The Orchard Theatre has a capacity of 956 seats. There are two balcony levels. So, both accessed from the main foyer, and a flexible stalls area.
There is Enough Space for 50 Musicians
Accordingly, the stalls area has retractable seating to allow for a forestage, an orchestra pit for up to 50 musicians, or to be used for events. Also the Orchard Theatre offers a range of event packages including weddings, with capacity for up to 250 guests sitting down for a silver-service dinner in the main auditorium. The Theatre also can be booked for corporate events, and even children’s parties. For those attending the theatre as patrons, and wishing to enjoy a pre-performance dining experience, there is a bar near the large entrance which also serves hot bar snacks which can be ordered up to 20 minutes before a performance. As well as a number of bars and a coffee shop, serving freshly made sandwiches and cakes, The Restaurant on the first floor serves seasonal produce and local wines from Biddenden Vineyard. During family performances, there is a special Cory the Cat children’s menu. Tickets are available on line 24 hours a day. You can also book through the booking office Monday-Saturday 10:15am – 5:00pm on non show days. For evening performances the Ticket Office is open until 15 minutes after the show start time and the phone lines close at 6pm. Sundays and Bank holidays the ticket line closes 90 minutes before a show. For more interesting stories visit your Local Plumbing Dartford Company website’s homepage.