Not only is this temporary theatre showing west-end productions and shows fit for the adult audience, they are also catering to children and families.
In response to concerns regarding RAAC concrete in The Orchard Theatre’s roof, leading to its closure in September, Dartford Borough Council (DBC) and Trafalgar Theatres collaborated to establish a cutting-edge temporary theatre venue in Dartford.
Orchard West stands as a fully operational temporary venue, featuring an enclosed performance space accommodating 1,000 seats. Equipped with comfortable seating, heating, cooling systems, comprehensive access provisions, and complete backstage and front-of-house facilities, including indoor toilets and bars.
From learning the gruesome history behind Henry the 8th at the Horrible Histories show to dancing along with singing ring tailed lemurs in Madagascar the Musical, the Orchard West Theatre has much fun for all ages.
We have rounded up all of the children-friendly shows at the Orchard West Theatre this summer.
• FIREMAN SAM The Great Camping Adventure – Sunday, February 11, 12pm, 3.30pm
Join Sam, Ellie, Elvis, Station Officer Steele, and Norman in this UK premier, as you become a Pontypandy Pioneer and explore the mountains. With fire engines, helicopters, and brand new songs this is one adventure not to be missed.
• West End Workshops – on sale Friday, January 26
Grab your backstage pass to learn the dances, songs, and script from your favourite West End shows. Take part in an in-depth Q&A and get that all important selfie with the workshop leader. These workshops are suitable for ages between 11 to 18. Book now to avoid disappointment.
• THE SOOTY SHOW – 75th Birthday Spectacular! – Sunday, March 24, 2pm
With buckets of audience participation and gallons of giggles, this spectacular celebration of the longest-running children’s television show in the world will delight Sooty fans old and new and is a must-see treat for the whole family.
• MATILDA The MUSICAL – Monday, April 8 1pm
This sing-along showing of the movie encourages fancy dress and full audience participation. Do you want to change your story and be a little bit naughty? Well, this is your chance.
• ZOG AND THE FLYING DOCTORS – Friday, April 26 – Sunday, April 28, 4.30pm, 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm
Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this truly modern take on the classic fairy tale. This show is most suitable for ages 3+ but all ages welcome.
• HORRIBLE HISTORIES – The Rotten Royals- Sunday, May, 19, 1.30pm and 4.30pm
Would you be wooed by Richard the Lionheart? Are you ready for a date with King Edward I? Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? This show is the telling of history, with the nasty bits left in.
• MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL – Thursday, June 6 – Sunday, June 9, 7pm, 11am and 5pm
Join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, you’ll have no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”
