Theatre praised despite heavy financial losses

The original Orchard Theatre in Home Gardens was forced to close suddenly in September 2023

An award-winning temporary theatre in Kent has been branded an "extraordinary success" by its director, despite racking up heavy losses.

The Orchard West Theatre in Hythe Street, Dartford, posted a net loss of £755,999 for the last financial year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It was built as short-term replacement after its original venue was found to contain potentially dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in September 2023.

Dartford Borough Council leader Jeremy Kite also defended the venue, describing it as not operating in "ideal circumstances" but playing an important role in keeping the "spirit and culture" of the town's arts scene alive.

In the theatre's annual report, discussed at a meeting of the council's overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday, its director Tal Rosen wrote: "Despite the challenges of relocation, Orchard West has been an extraordinary success.

"We were proud to receive national recognition, winning Innovation of the Year at The Stage Awards 2025 and Temporary Structure of the Year at the Festival Supplier Awards."

The report added that the theatre generated more than £5m for the local economy and welcomed more than 95,000 customers to 173 performances across 2024 and 2025.

It also employed 18 permanent staff, and had 65 "casual team members."

But the report also showed Orchard West making a net loss of £755,999 – equivalent to 34% of its revenue - up from £353,423, equivalent to 14% in 2023-2024.

Increases in overheads, such as the national minimum wage and other inflationary costs, were among the "financial challenges" blamed.

In February Dartford council approved an additional £10m in funding to repair the original Orchard Theatre in Home Gardens, removing Raac and making it safe to use again.

It is scheduled to reopen in May 2026.

The authority also gave £500,000 to Trafalgar Events, which runs the theatre, to ensure they could continue hosting productions.

Speaking at the time, Kite called the decision a "no-brainer" which would still be cheaper than an entire rebuild.