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The Orchard

2736

A red brick building, massive in appearance, with slightly advanced black glass frontage and red-painted ironwork in the style of a Royal Mail sorting office. An attempt to relieve the bulk has been made by some horizontal banding in the brickwork but this is now more successfully softened by green creeper and young trees.

The large entrance which houses a box office and pleasant bar was improved in 1989; there is a restaurant on the floor above. Entrance to all levels of the auditorium is from the foyer. The auditorium is dominated by the two sweeping balconies which have permanent seating. The stalls area is flexible with retractable seating and an adaptable forestage or orchestra pit. There is a feeling of spaciousness and sightlines are good.

A well-equipped stage with 44 single purchase counterweight sets, includes provision for an orchestra pit capable of accommodating 50 musicians.

The friendly environment in which the theatre was built is enhanced by good car parking provision and a close proximity to the station.

Built / Converted
1982
Dates of use
  • 1982 : Theatre, continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre
Address
Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED, England
Further details
Other names
-
Events
  • 1982 Design/Construction:
    Building Design Partnership
    - Architect
  • 1982 Design/Construction:
    John Wickham Associates
    - Consultant
    theatre and acoustics
  • 1982 Use: Theatre, continuing
  • 1982 Owner/Management: Dartford Borough Council, owner, continuing
  • 2009 Alteration: Front of house areas refurbished
  • 2009 Owner/Management: HQ Theatres, management, continuing
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    959-1017
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    959-1017
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
Variable proscenium. Flat
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 10.30m Width SL: 9.75m SR: 10.55m
Proscenium width: Variable
Height to grid: 16.75m
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: Forestage lift (50 max)