ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
13
ON THE ARTS MAP
ORCHARD WEST
AT THE HEART OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The Orchard Theatre in Dartford closed in September 2023 due to RAAC being found in the theatre ’ s roof . Thankfully Trafalgar Entertainment and Dartford Borough Council were able to come up with a quick solution .
The state-of-the-art venue , Orchard West , was constructed in time for pantomime , opening its doors on 9 December 2023 . This temporary home for theatre in Dartford has allowed live entertainment to continue . This was not only important to the local economy , pubs and restaurants who benefit from a thriving theatre , the theatre is also at the heart of the local community as a place to come together with friends and family , enjoy live performance , laugh , sing and appreciate poignant drama and spoken word .
The Orchard team asked their loyal audiences why it is so important to continue to support local theatre , to which they responded :
“ It ’ s part of the community and brings happiness to thousands ” Bruce Shulver
“ The arts give us an escape in the darkest of times , it is vital we support them .” Chelle Messmer
“ I love the local theatres and not having to travel to London to see West End shows .” Catherine Fothergill
“ It ’ s important that we support our local theatres as it helps to keep local people employed .” Fran May , Heron Hill Dog Training Club and regular group booker
At Orchard West , there are many ways for the community to get involved , off stage as well as on . From regular weekly groups such as Ukulele Club , the Orchard Choir , Chair Fit classes and the voluntary gardening club to creative community projects , like a fashion show on 20 June ( fancy modelling ?), Battle of the Bands in September ( sign your band up now !), West End workshops and small business fairs .
The creative team at the theatre has also partnered with Dartford Borough Council to present large scale events such as the first ever Dartford Music Festival , which will include live music at pubs and venues throughout the town from 26 – 28 July , and the return of Dartford Pride for a third year ! Dartford Pride promises to be even bigger in 2024 , with events covering two stages at the Acacia Sports Hall and at the Dartford Outdoor Theatre in Central Park on Saturday 6 July . Tickets to Pride are free , and the full lineup of acts and entertainment can be found on the Orchard West website .
Then there is the Summer Youth Project , which sees 100 local young performers work with a professional creative team to rehearse and present Bring It On ! The Musical from Friday 23 – Sunday 25 August .
So , whether you want to learn a musical number , sell your craft items , work the runway , learn the ukulele , or sit back and enjoy quality live entertainment , there have never been so many ways to engage with the arts .
The reopening of The Orchard Theatre itself later this year will be a hugely celebrated moment as it reclaims its place at the heart of the community in Dartford .
Find out more at www . orchardwest . co . uk .
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