The designers behind the all-new Orchard West theatre in Dartford have today (November 23) released their planned sketch of the brand new building.
The computer-generated design identifies a spacious building with nods to the Orchard Theatre, which is currently closed due to RAAC concerns.
Construction is officially underway at the Orchard West theatre and is scheduled to open just before this years’ panto, Beauty, and the Beast.
FIRST LOOK 📷
Construction is underway at our new temporary venue, Orchard West 😍 The new temporary venue will open just before this year’s spectacular panto, Beauty and the Beast! pic.twitter.com/L6zyeq0REX
— Orchard Theatre (@OrchardTheatre) November 17, 2023
A state-of-the-art seating arrangement will be at the heart of Orchard West, with 1,091 capacity.
Complete with seating, heating and cooling systems, access provision and full backstage and front-of-house facilities including indoor toilets and bars.
The Orchard Theatre website has previously removed shows which were due to be on in October and early November.
Located on the Westgate site just a stone’s throw from The Orchard Theatre, Orchard West is set to be a “unique and exciting setting” for audiences to continue to enjoy live performances.
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.
Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford Borough Council said: “Our theatre is such an important part of life for so many Dartford residents that when we were forced to close the venue, we were determined to find a way for the show to go on.
“The provision of Orchard West until we can re-open our much-loved venue means that not just our amazing pantomime, but a whole range of productions from local groups right through to the big names and West End performances can continue to light up the cultural life of our town.
“Dartford Borough Council prides itself on putting the needs of residents first and we are proud to have both the determination and the resources to have found a solution to this unforeseen problem.
“Stepping in like this is not the action every Council would take but we cherish arts and culture and urge our residents to support the theatre like never before.”
