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The Orchard Theatre
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The Orchard Theatre

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The Orchard Theatre
4.5
#1 of 27 things to do in Dartford
Theaters
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
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See what travelers are saying
  • Viki B
    5 contributions
    80’s party night
    Went with work colleagues for our Christmas night out. Great atmosphere and music was good. Staff very helpful. Drinks a bit pricey but it is still a theatre. Love all the 80’s costumes.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 12, 2022
  • Sue
    Dartford, United Kingdom11 contributions
    Cinderella Panto Dec 2022
    Funniest Panto I have ever been to in Dartford. Never stopped laughing- Bobby Davro brilliant, the 2 ugly sisters just as good. The whole cast was very good. Went with family and grand children, they all loved it.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written December 17, 2022
  • Nigel M
    1 contribution
    I've watched shows at various places...trust me The Orchard is good for Music. I'm booked for 2 bands this month and Mar
    The sound effects at the Orchard are much better than say the Bromley Churchill Theatre...saw Fleetwood Mac at the Churchill, came out so disappointed 😥 Then went shortly afterwards to see them again at the Orchard....was so much better !! Plus I didn't get locked in the Glades car park after the show finished like many of us did at Bromley...Grrrrrr! trust me see it at the Orchard for quality and park easy at the station car park for a couple quid all night and just walk over the bridge to the Theatre.
    Visited October 2022
    Written January 5, 2023
  • Tracy F
    7 contributions
    Fantastic experience
    Dining experience with The Rat Pack. Amazing food, atmosphere great. Talking dancing and The Rat Pack where absolutely brilliant. Fantastic value for your money, well done to everyone.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 20, 2023
  • EllaSmith
    2 contributions
    Restaurant experience
    To celebrate my friends birthday we attended the bodyguard and dined in the restaurant. Our food was unbelievable! Our waitress, Beth, did a great job at insuring we had full drinks, were happy with our food and that we had everything we needed. The show was brilliant too!
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 2, 2023
  • Clarecbarnes1
    Edenbridge, United Kingdom8 contributions
    Thank yo the staff especially Lauren
    Took my mother to see the King and I, waiting for the show to start but wanted to commend the staff particularly Lauren front of house. She was amazing helpful, a credit to the orchard. Also thank you to Melissa for sorting my issue with the tickets. Will definitely be back.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 6, 2023
  • MyIronLung
    Whitstable, United Kingdom63 contributions
    Lovely afternoon
    Really enjoyed our visit today to see Encanto Sing a long. Was really interactive and my little girl had a really lovely time. Parking was cheap and easy. Only negative was that the toilets were not well signposted and so many people were going round in circles (literally!) trying to find them. We would come again though and had a lovely afternoon.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 4, 2023
  • nas_baby
    113 contributions
    Absolutely delightful
    Went to watch the Neil Diamond tribute act and it was faultless. That man can sing! The whole group was entertaining. Only problem was the strobe lights were blinding especially the ones that revolved over the audience - it was blinding every 10 seconds and left me with a headache. The ladies complained about the same thing too. I wouldn't recommend this to any epilepsy sufferers as it could trigger a fit.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 17, 2023
  • Sandygranny
    Sandy, United Kingdom966 contributions
    Walk right back - the Everly Brothers’ story.
    We visited the Orchard Theatre in Dartford last Saturday evening to see ‘Walk right back”, telling the story of the Everly Brothers. This was the best show I have ever seen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The duo were enthusiastic and energetic and had excellent voices. The harmonies were brilliant and they sounded just like the Everly Brothers, Don and Phil. The rest of the performers were excellent on the musical instruments especially the Coca Cola bottle! We had comfortable seats and an excellent view of the stage. The Orchard Theatre has air-conditioning and is very clean and modern. We had ice creams during the interval and the staff came round to take the empty cartons away before the second half of the show.
    Visited June 2023
    Written July 1, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
663 reviews
Excellent
376
Very good
185
Average
57
Poor
17
Terrible
28
Smallerpeas
Dartford, UK183 contributions
Seating fiasco
Jan 2020 • Couples
We booked tickets to see The Bodyguard in April 2019 well in advance of the show date on 11th January 2020. We chose seats in the middle of the theatre 4 rows from the stage to get the best view available. I printed off the tickets and looked forward to our visit. we arrived in our pre booked seats and settled down in anticipation of the show starting, however the usherette came over and said we were in the wrong seats and that we had to move along to the far side of the row, i explained and showed her our tickets clearly stating the seats we were sitting in. She said the theatre had been refurbed and that we had to move i explained when and why I had booked these central seats but she said i should have been informed of the seat changes ( i was not informed) if i had have been informed i still would have queried the seat change as the view was not as good as the seats i had booked, i could see into the wings which was a bit off putting during the show. whilst the new seats were comfortable they were not the ones i had chosen at the time of booking.
However the actual show was good.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophia E
2 contributions
Cramped seats can be a pain
Dec 2021
There is such a wide range of entertainment at the Orchard that myself and husband can easily go once a month for something that we like.
However,as I discovered on my last trip to see That’ll be the day’ that I’ve always got to book early to try and get an end aisle seat as my knees were in such pain throughout the show. I couldn’t put my feet under the chair in front either. I turned round to see that a young man looked uncomfortable too placing his legs at an angle awkwardly. I’m only 5 foot seven and the seats are probably brilliant for children, but I’ve had better space in older ‘London Theatres’
I’ve been to the Orchard since it was built and have supported it more than any other Theatre. But I’m not liking the new layout of seating with less aisles and everyone having to stand up to allow the ‘latecomers from the bar’ to get to their seats.
Sorry to sound negative. Otherwise great shows and Staff.
Written January 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cavan O
London, UK29 contributions
Uncomfortable seats!
Jan 2020 • Friends
Had the pleasure of seeing the spectacular performance of “Dial ‘My for Murder” at the end of January. Excellent sets, costume and performance. It was difficult, however, to concentrate given the new seats are incredibly uncomfortable and not padded at all - it it like sitting on a park bench for three hours. I would have booked for further shows however could not face putting myself through the discomfort of the seating arrangements. I would recommend everyone bring their own pillow to sit on else it is a sadly distracting and horrendous experience.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teena2010
Kent, UK200 contributions
Good Show - Not so good service
Mar 2022
We saw the Peter James Play , Looking Good Dead and it was really very good. Thoroughly enjoyed the show. The staff as we arrived were really friendly and helpful.

The Orchard overall however has really gone downhill recently. We arrived early as we were going to eat in the bar before the show. We always used to have a selection of their bar snacks and share them. They no longer do these though, the only option was a sausage roll or bowl of chips. So we chose a brisket burger and fries. I explained to the young guy at the bar that we wanted the burgers plain and he wrote it all down. The food took absolutely ages to come and when it arrived it had everything in it as it appeared on the menu, we sent it back and, of course, had another long wait for it to come. The waitress that brought the food plonked in down and disappeared, no cutlery, no serviettes, no offer of condiments or sauces. I then had to queue in the line at the bar for knives and forks - the burgers were so messy there was no way you could have eaten without them. The food was ok!! £38 for practically cold burger and chips and a few soft drinks I think is a bit steep.

The theatre was also really cold so if you are planning on going make sure to wear a warm coat. I felt disappointed after our visit as the Orchard used to be a really great evening out.
Written March 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrswj2015
Greater London, UK79 contributions
Lack of customer care
Feb 2020
Theatre has recently been refurbished which I am sure is an improvement. Regrettably this refurbishment necessitated some seat numbers being changed and, despite tickets being ordered and paid for way back last summer, they were not made available until the day of the operformance. The length of time The Orchard sat on the tickets money would have made postage affordable. Inconvenience and hassle all round.
I am sure the revised seating gives The Orchardf more seats to sell. Regrettably if you are over 5'4" or have hip/knee problems, it makes for very uncomfortable viewing with very little leg & foot space.
The ushers are very terse and need some courtesy skills added to their job description.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian H
London, UK1 contribution
GREAT NIGHT OUT ,Excellent venue .
Jan 2020
First time visit here and wasn't disappointed,despite when booking was told that our tickets front row upper circle was limited leg I found there to be much room than front row London Theatres venues.Venue has great parking and the ticket prices are at least a third of Londons . We went to see the Bodyguard starring Alexander Burke .We had previously seen Beverly Knight performing the lead role in the Bodyguard (BRILLIANT) and we must admit Alex gave a Stirling performance .
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daipp
Cromer, UK22 contributions
Booking Fee Rip-Off
Jan 2023
Just about to book two £60.00 tickets to see The King & I in April and noticed there is an additional £12.00 booking fee on top of that. That is probably the highest booking fee I have ever seen for ANY theatre, anywhere in the world. That's an additional 20% of the ticket price on top!!! The back row of the Upper Circle with a restricted view is charging a £7.00 booking fee. It's not as if it's the West End or Broadway, it's Dartford.

This booking fee is an absolute scandal and people are voting with their feet as it is nowhere near full. I expect that the theatre is ignoring the cost-of-living crisis and sticking two fingers up at anyone who might want some small relief in the current climate we have been placed in.

#Appalled #Scandal
Written January 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann Marie C
2 contributions
Mrs Ann Marie Cheeseman
Jan 2020 • Family
Very disappointed in visit today 18.1.20, Xmas present from my niece tickets to see Alexandra Burke in The Bodyguard. Turns out it was the understudy who does the matinee shows and the tiniest message on the website is the ONLY (missed) clue. Lots of people disappointed, some travelling from Bbirmingham just to see Alexandra, as we did coming from West Sussex. My poor niece was beside herself and embarrassed which spoiled the gift for both of us!! Tickets, hotel rooms, VIP TICKETS AS WELL!!! Shocking!!!! Buyer beware!!!
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeline
8 contributions
Amazing re-opening show from The Orchard!
Sep 2021 • Family
Just got back from watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show and I am still buzzing! It was so much fun!!! I've seen the show a few times in different places and the film many times but this was an awesome production. The narrator made me cry with laughter and the rest of the cast were sexy and hilarious in equal measures. Frank came close to giving the inimitable Tim Curry a run for his money and Rocky was innocent and adorable! I dont know who I want to be more, Magenta or Columbia! Even the backnup dancers were spectacular. A great reopening for The Orchard following its closure due to Covid.
Written September 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma G
13 contributions
Great shows…very poor seating!
Nov 2022 • Family
If you’re going to this theatre whatever you do..do not book row BB, seats 6,7,8. Yes they state restrictive viewing (which is false andvertising under the trade descriptions act) when you book but what they don’t state is no bloody view AT ALL. Went to see Sarah Millican which is a one woman show where she stands in one spot. The picture I have posted you wouldn’t believe it but she was actually on stage at this point! They should not be selling these seats! Myself and my 67 year old mum had to stand for the first half hour of the show to be able to see her before I insisted on being moved. They had stated the show was a sell out but there were numerous empty seats and they actually moved people at the beginning to make the theatre look fuller as it was being filmed but did not move us even though we couldn’t see. I have booked restrictive view seats before in other theatres and you may have an a bar in front of you which doesn’t impact your view but what they consider restrictive viewing is no view at all. This was for my daughters 16th birthday which she had waited nearly a year for and it was ruined. Thanks very much Orchard Theatre!
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The Orchard Theatre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Orchard Theatre
The Orchard Theatre is open:
  • Mon - Sat 10:15 AM - 5:00 PM

The Orchard Theatre Information

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