We are delighted to announce our new state-of-the-art-venue. We are busy defining the finer details and will up date this page as and when information becomes clear
About Orchard West
When will Orchard West open?
Orchard West will open for Beauty and The Beast on Saturday 9 December 2023.
It will be the home for the entire Orchard Theatre programme until 29 September 2024 when maintenance on the Orchard Theatre will be complete.
What facilities will Orchard West have?
Orchard West is a fully functional, temporary, enclosed performance space with over 1,000 seats – complete with comfortable seating, heating and cooling systems, access provision and full backstage and front-of-house facilities including indoor toilets and bars.
The on-site Orchard West box office will be open from noon Monday- Saturday and 1.5 hours before performances on Sundays for ticket collection and enquiries.
There is no buggy park at the venue, as space is tight in our front-of-house areas, so if possible please leave buggies in the car or at home.
Where a performance offers a programme or merchandise, this will be available from the kiosks within Orchard West.
What access facilities are available?
We are striving to be as access-friendly as possible. We have step-free access, a dedicated wheelchair seat provision, and a full hearing loop system.
Where is Orchard West?
Located on the Westgate site just a stone’s throw from The Orchard Theatre, Orchard West will be a unique and exciting setting for audiences to continue to enjoy live performances in a warm, safe and comfortable environment.
Orchard West Theatre, 20-54 Hythe Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1BX.
Is parking available at the venue?
Orchard West is moments from the Orchard Theatre so the same recommended car parks are available.
The Orchards Shopping Centre (cash only)
If you have pre-booked one of our accessible parking spaces outside the Orchard Theatre, these bookings will no longer be valid.
The closest on-street disabled parking for Orchard West is:
- 14 Hythe Street
- 4 spaces 50m away
- Spital Street
- 6 spaces 100m away
Coach drivers are recommended to continue to use the set-down and pick-up bus stop on Home Gardens. Coach Drivers are encouraged to use the car park at Princes Park Football Club, Darenth Road, Dartford, DA1 1RT.
Is food available?
Whilst Orchard West has a range of food and drinks offerings, including a fully stocked and licenced bar with hot and cold drink provisions, ice cream counter and confectionary stand, it however does not have a restaurant to offer pre-show dining.
If you have booked pre-show dining or our food platters these are no longer available at Orchard West. You will be refunded (if you pre-paid) in the next fortnight.
If you are a large group booking (20+ tickets) we will be happy to discuss a bespoke hospitality package for your party.
Can our large group/school wait in the foyer before the performance to begin?
There is enough space in our front-of-house foyer area for large groups to meet pre-show. However, we do not recommend that large school groups stay for extended periods (for example to eat packed lunches) which could cause obstruction.
My tickets
When will I know what my new seats will be?
Orchard West has a different seating layout to the Orchard Theatre, which requires the movement of over 30,000 tickets to the equivalent seat on the new seating plan. It will take a little time to process these and we’ll process events in date order.
You will be sent an email with details of your new seats once we’ve transferred your booking from the Orchard Theatre to Orchard West.
How were my new seats allocated?
Your new seat will be the equivalent seat in Orchard West. It will be the same price and zone. If you had an access seat, you’ll still have an access seat within the Orchard West.
All bookings will continue to be grouped together.
It will not be possible to change your allocated seats, as other seats will have been allocated to other ticketholders. Your seat will be equivalent or better.
Do I need new tickets?
Yes, you will be issued new tickets once your booking has been transferred. This new ticket will need to be brought to the venue as will have an updated barcode and new seat location.
I have a group booking, what do I need to do?
Please visit Groups at Orchard West