On September 5, 2023, Dartford Borough Council confirmed that all performances at The Orchard Theatre were cancelled “with immediate effect” after safety concerns were raised over RAAC panels in the roof.
The council said an update on the reopening is expected in the coming weeks, but until then, this is what has happened since the closure.
RAAC panels became a major UK concern in 2023 after sudden roof collapses in schools revealed the material’s weakness, prompting the Department for Education to close affected areas and disrupt thousands of students ahead of the school term.
Dartford Council then commissioned regular surveys on The Orchard Theatre and a report from specialist consultants in April 2023 continued to report that defects in the panels in the theatre’s roof were “not significant”.
The council said it “nevertheless began planning” to replace panels in the “medium to long term”, in line with the consultant’s advice.
However, a routine inspection on September 4, carried out in line with industry guidance, resulted in the consultant making a recommendation to close until such time as further surveys could be carried out and a solution identified.
All shows at The Orchard Theatre were then subsequently cancelled.
In response, the council and Trafalgar Theatres collaborated to establish a temporary venue in Dartford, named Orchard West.
With a capacity of 1,091, it has hosted many West End productions and local theatre performances since its opening on December 9, 2023.
The reopening of the Orchard Theatre was initially scheduled for 2025 to allow for the reinstatement of technical equipment and additional renovations to improve the audience experience.
In February 2025, the council approved a £9.8 million budget for a full refurbishment of the theatre.
In a statement, the council reaffirmed its “commitment to the retention of a modern, safe and efficient Orchard Theatre,” describing the works as essential.
A detailed report outlined progress on the original refurbishment, additional work required, and associated costs.
The original contract to operate the temporary venue, Orchard West, expired on February 3, 2025, but the council approved a new contract to continue theatre operations there until 2026.
An additional £1.67 million, funded from council reserves, was allocated to extend Orchard West’s operation for a further 12 months, with a further £500,000 set aside to support a cultural and entertainment programme delivered by Trafalgar Entertainment.
An official update on the Orchard Theatre’s reopening is expected soon.
