Closing Raac-affected theatre 'was a big trauma'

The Orchard Theatre closed in September 2023

A Kent council says it is committed to reopening a theatre which it owns after it was closed due to fears over dangerous concrete.

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

The venue announced in September that some shows would be cancelled or rescheduled up to at least May 2025.

Dartford Borough Council leader, Jeremy Kite, said: "When we had to close the Orchard it was a big trauma for us."

He said the theatre was "at the heart of our community" and was a "civilising influence on the town".

Mr Kite said: "We didn't have anything planned. We didn't have any contractors in place, so we've had to work incredibly hard to get everything set up."

Since 2023 some shows have been transferred to a temporary auditorium, Orchard West, which was built to house productions after the closure.

Initially it had been hoped the theatre could be reopened in early 2025, but Mr Kite stressed "the planned closure was for up to two years and we're not there yet".

Repairs to Orchard Theatre's roof could take up to two years

Mr Kite said: "It is heart-breaking to see other towns lose their theatres.

"And we were determined to see that didn't happen here.

"It's such an important thing. Delivering services for people is what we do."

Pubs, restaurants and clubs all benefit from the night-time trade the theatre brings in by about £5m per year, according to council figures.

Mr Kite described the £7m the council has pledged so far for repairs to the theatre roof and other venue improvements as "money well spent".