Panto return planned for Raac-affected theatre

A Kent theatre which closed over fears of dangerous concrete say it is confident the venue will reopen in time for this year's pantomime season.

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford shut in September 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found in its roof.

It had been due to reopen in May 2025, but the date was pushed back after Dartford Borough Council identified further essential work needed to meet safety requirements.

Jeremy Kite, leader of the council, said much of the work over the past three years had focused on replacing the roof and flooring.

"When the theatre had to be closed three years ago, it was one of the worst days of my life," he recalled.

Kite added decades of wear and tear, changing technology, new regulations and the need for major structural improvements had all contributed to the scale of the project, which has cost almost £30m.

"Theatres are expensive buildings," he says. "But we're determined to keep it because of the important role it plays in the community."

During the closure, the council set up a temporary theatre to ensure performances could continue.

Kite added the theatre would reopen in time for Cinderella performances starting on 12 December.

"This building is now set up for another 50 years of service. I'm very proud of what we've achieved," he says.

Chris McGuigan, commercial director of Trafalgar Entertainment which operates the theatre, said he was "tremendously excited" the Orchard's transformation was nearing completion.

"It's fantastic that the building will once again be welcoming audiences through its doors," he said.

McGuigan said he could see substantial progress every time he visited the site.

"It's a theatre with a unique connection to its community and we're determined to keep bringing great shows to the Orchard," he says.

Abbie Budden, who is making her debut as Cinderella at this year's panto, said the show would look "magical with the fantastic digital set".

"It would be special to be among the first performers in the refurbished theatre and to welcome audiences back for the first time," she added.

She said it was especially important to "bring the venue back to life" at a time when some theatres had shut in the country.

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