Temporary theatre to open in Dartford

A temporary venue in Dartford will open to the public this weekend following the closure of Orchard Theatre in September over safety concerns about the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in its roof.

Known as Orchard West Theatre, the new performance space has a capacity of 1,091 and includes backstage and front-of-house facilities, with toilets and bars, provision for those with access needs and heating/cooling systems.

It will host performances while refurbishment works on the nearby Orchard Theatre are undertaken, which are expected to be completed in late 2024. The first production held in the temporary venue will be Orchard Theatre’s pantomime, which begins on 9 December.

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Dartford Borough Council (DBC) said the venue will “crucially” sustain the continuing employment of the theatre team, visiting artists and backstage crew, as well as supporting local businesses in the surrounding area.

Orchard Theatre was one of 14 UK venues forced to close in the autumn after the government issued updated guidance in response to widespread concerns about the RAAC’s longevity in public buildings dating from between the 1950s and the 1970s.

With the lucrative Christmas season approaching, some of the closed venues, including Orchard Theatre, Harlequin Theatre in Redhill and Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre, opted to relocate temporarily.

Jeremy Kite, leader of DBC, said: “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.”