Orchard Theatre in Dartford to remain closed until May

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford has been closed since September 2023 due to safety concerns regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) found in its roof. This closure was prompted by fears that the structural integrity of the building could be compromised, necessitating urgent repairs. Although work is currently underway, contractors have indicated that they require additional time to complete the necessary renovations, pushing the reopening date to at least the end of May 2024. In the interim, some productions originally scheduled at the Orchard Theatre have been either cancelled or rescheduled. To accommodate ongoing performances, a temporary venue named Orchard West has been established, allowing some shows to continue despite the main theatre's closure. This solution aims to minimize disruption for both performers and audiences during the renovation period. The theatre management has assured customers that they will be informed about any changes to their bookings without the need for them to contact the box office. This proactive communication is intended to alleviate concerns and maintain customer trust during the extended closure. Looking ahead, the theatre hopes to provide further updates in the coming weeks as the situation develops. The management has expressed gratitude for the continued support from patrons, emphasizing their commitment to restoring the venue to a safe and operational state as soon as possible.