The Orchard Theatre
The Orchard Theatre
4.5
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
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4.5
687 reviews
Excellent
387
Very good
187
Average
62
Poor
21
Terrible
30
Smallerpeas
Dartford, UK176 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We booked tickets to see The Bodyguard in April 2019 well in advance of the show date on 11th January 2020. We chose seats in the middle of the theatre 4 rows from the stage to get the best view available. I printed off the tickets and looked forward to our visit. we arrived in our pre booked seats and settled down in anticipation of the show starting, however the usherette came over and said we were in the wrong seats and that we had to move along to the far side of the row, i explained and showed her our tickets clearly stating the seats we were sitting in. She said the theatre had been refurbed and that we had to move i explained when and why I had booked these central seats but she said i should have been informed of the seat changes ( i was not informed) if i had have been informed i still would have queried the seat change as the view was not as good as the seats i had booked, i could see into the wings which was a bit off putting during the show. whilst the new seats were comfortable they were not the ones i had chosen at the time of booking.
However the actual show was good.
However the actual show was good.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophia E
1 contribution
Dec 2021
There is such a wide range of entertainment at the Orchard that myself and husband can easily go once a month for something that we like.
However,as I discovered on my last trip to see That’ll be the day’ that I’ve always got to book early to try and get an end aisle seat as my knees were in such pain throughout the show. I couldn’t put my feet under the chair in front either. I turned round to see that a young man looked uncomfortable too placing his legs at an angle awkwardly. I’m only 5 foot seven and the seats are probably brilliant for children, but I’ve had better space in older ‘London Theatres’
I’ve been to the Orchard since it was built and have supported it more than any other Theatre. But I’m not liking the new layout of seating with less aisles and everyone having to stand up to allow the ‘latecomers from the bar’ to get to their seats.
Sorry to sound negative. Otherwise great shows and Staff.
However,as I discovered on my last trip to see That’ll be the day’ that I’ve always got to book early to try and get an end aisle seat as my knees were in such pain throughout the show. I couldn’t put my feet under the chair in front either. I turned round to see that a young man looked uncomfortable too placing his legs at an angle awkwardly. I’m only 5 foot seven and the seats are probably brilliant for children, but I’ve had better space in older ‘London Theatres’
I’ve been to the Orchard since it was built and have supported it more than any other Theatre. But I’m not liking the new layout of seating with less aisles and everyone having to stand up to allow the ‘latecomers from the bar’ to get to their seats.
Sorry to sound negative. Otherwise great shows and Staff.
Written 15 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cavan O
London, UK26 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Had the pleasure of seeing the spectacular performance of “Dial ‘My for Murder” at the end of January. Excellent sets, costume and performance. It was difficult, however, to concentrate given the new seats are incredibly uncomfortable and not padded at all - it it like sitting on a park bench for three hours. I would have booked for further shows however could not face putting myself through the discomfort of the seating arrangements. I would recommend everyone bring their own pillow to sit on else it is a sadly distracting and horrendous experience.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teena2010
Kent, UK202 contributions
Mar 2022
We saw the Peter James Play , Looking Good Dead and it was really very good. Thoroughly enjoyed the show. The staff as we arrived were really friendly and helpful.
The Orchard overall however has really gone downhill recently. We arrived early as we were going to eat in the bar before the show. We always used to have a selection of their bar snacks and share them. They no longer do these though, the only option was a sausage roll or bowl of chips. So we chose a brisket burger and fries. I explained to the young guy at the bar that we wanted the burgers plain and he wrote it all down. The food took absolutely ages to come and when it arrived it had everything in it as it appeared on the menu, we sent it back and, of course, had another long wait for it to come. The waitress that brought the food plonked in down and disappeared, no cutlery, no serviettes, no offer of condiments or sauces. I then had to queue in the line at the bar for knives and forks - the burgers were so messy there was no way you could have eaten without them. The food was ok!! £38 for practically cold burger and chips and a few soft drinks I think is a bit steep.
The theatre was also really cold so if you are planning on going make sure to wear a warm coat. I felt disappointed after our visit as the Orchard used to be a really great evening out.
The Orchard overall however has really gone downhill recently. We arrived early as we were going to eat in the bar before the show. We always used to have a selection of their bar snacks and share them. They no longer do these though, the only option was a sausage roll or bowl of chips. So we chose a brisket burger and fries. I explained to the young guy at the bar that we wanted the burgers plain and he wrote it all down. The food took absolutely ages to come and when it arrived it had everything in it as it appeared on the menu, we sent it back and, of course, had another long wait for it to come. The waitress that brought the food plonked in down and disappeared, no cutlery, no serviettes, no offer of condiments or sauces. I then had to queue in the line at the bar for knives and forks - the burgers were so messy there was no way you could have eaten without them. The food was ok!! £38 for practically cold burger and chips and a few soft drinks I think is a bit steep.
The theatre was also really cold so if you are planning on going make sure to wear a warm coat. I felt disappointed after our visit as the Orchard used to be a really great evening out.
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrswj2015
Greater London, UK74 contributions
Feb 2020
Theatre has recently been refurbished which I am sure is an improvement. Regrettably this refurbishment necessitated some seat numbers being changed and, despite tickets being ordered and paid for way back last summer, they were not made available until the day of the operformance. The length of time The Orchard sat on the tickets money would have made postage affordable. Inconvenience and hassle all round.
I am sure the revised seating gives The Orchardf more seats to sell. Regrettably if you are over 5'4" or have hip/knee problems, it makes for very uncomfortable viewing with very little leg & foot space.
The ushers are very terse and need some courtesy skills added to their job description.
I am sure the revised seating gives The Orchardf more seats to sell. Regrettably if you are over 5'4" or have hip/knee problems, it makes for very uncomfortable viewing with very little leg & foot space.
The ushers are very terse and need some courtesy skills added to their job description.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian H
London, UK5 contributions
Jan 2020
First time visit here and wasn't disappointed,despite when booking was told that our tickets front row upper circle was limited leg I found there to be much room than front row London Theatres venues.Venue has great parking and the ticket prices are at least a third of Londons . We went to see the Bodyguard starring Alexander Burke .We had previously seen Beverly Knight performing the lead role in the Bodyguard (BRILLIANT) and we must admit Alex gave a Stirling performance .
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daipp
Cromer, UK23 contributions
Jan 2023
Just about to book two £60.00 tickets to see The King & I in April and noticed there is an additional £12.00 booking fee on top of that. That is probably the highest booking fee I have ever seen for ANY theatre, anywhere in the world. That's an additional 20% of the ticket price on top!!! The back row of the Upper Circle with a restricted view is charging a £7.00 booking fee. It's not as if it's the West End or Broadway, it's Dartford.
This booking fee is an absolute scandal and people are voting with their feet as it is nowhere near full. I expect that the theatre is ignoring the cost-of-living crisis and sticking two fingers up at anyone who might want some small relief in the current climate we have been placed in.
#Appalled #Scandal
This booking fee is an absolute scandal and people are voting with their feet as it is nowhere near full. I expect that the theatre is ignoring the cost-of-living crisis and sticking two fingers up at anyone who might want some small relief in the current climate we have been placed in.
#Appalled #Scandal
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann Marie C
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Very disappointed in visit today 18.1.20, Xmas present from my niece tickets to see Alexandra Burke in The Bodyguard. Turns out it was the understudy who does the matinee shows and the tiniest message on the website is the ONLY (missed) clue. Lots of people disappointed, some travelling from Bbirmingham just to see Alexandra, as we did coming from West Sussex. My poor niece was beside herself and embarrassed which spoiled the gift for both of us!! Tickets, hotel rooms, VIP TICKETS AS WELL!!! Shocking!!!! Buyer beware!!!
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yvonne m
7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
This review is about the venue and not the performer. What a massive disappointment. For our first visit we had problems finding the venue. Once in the venue, the frustration really kicked in… who thinks it’s a good idea to build a temporary theatre and have all the seating, referred to as the stall area as one level - there is no slope at all. The person in front doesn’t even have to be particularly tall to affect your ability to see - but if they are… forget about seeing the show. The seats are also very tightly packed making it very uncomfortable seating for a 2 hour performance. Toilet facilities not enough for the capacity of the building, especially for a sold out show, with lots of very drunk people. As a disabled patronage my walker was taken away to be put somewhere secure. This was not the case, it was only left outside the main show arena doors unattended. My walker used to assist with my MND is worth £2000 and so my carer went to retrieve it and bring it back into the arena due to the concern over the security of my equipment. There was a discussion about it being a fire hazard, however there were seats for staff all down the side, left unused that would have had the same impact. Let’s hope if they keep this venue they sort out some of the issues. I have other shows that were pre booked but after those shows I won’t be booking anymore at this venue until the old venue is back up and running. Such a shame when they had the opportunity to put together from scratch.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Yvonne,
We are sorry to hear that your experience at our theatre did not meet your expectations. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we'll certainly take it into consideration as we strive to improve. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment you may have experienced and we hope you'll consider giving us another chance in the future to provide you a more enjoyable visit.
If there is anything specific you'd like to address or discuss further, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly at ticketoffice@orchardtheatre.co.uk
The Orchard Theatre/Orchard West Team
Written 4 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Madeline
7 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
Just got back from watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show and I am still buzzing! It was so much fun!!! I've seen the show a few times in different places and the film many times but this was an awesome production. The narrator made me cry with laughter and the rest of the cast were sexy and hilarious in equal measures. Frank came close to giving the inimitable Tim Curry a run for his money and Rocky was innocent and adorable! I dont know who I want to be more, Magenta or Columbia! Even the backnup dancers were spectacular. A great reopening for The Orchard following its closure due to Covid.
Written 3 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long is the show and does it start at 7.30pm tonight?
Many thanks
Caroline
Written 18 November 2022
Hi the show started promptly. I think the show was about 2.5 hrs with a break.
Written 20 November 2022
Does anyone know how restricted the view would be from upper circle seats A5-6? Thank you
Written 1 April 2022
No sorry I don't, but there is a plan of the theatre on their webiste, I think
Written 2 April 2022
Does anyone know how many stairs there are to go up to get to the circle level please?
Written 1 February 2022
Hi, where would be best seats for small children, stalls or front of circle.
Thanks Louise
Written 29 January 2022
Stalls would be best I think. I have only sat in the circle once and that was with smallish children. There are a lot of stairs up to the circle and they get crowded at going in and coming out times.
Written 30 January 2022
What do you think of front row? I've booked seats A9 and A10 and my husband is 6ft3!! Didn't see reduced leg room anywhere until the confirmation email came through
Written 26 April 2019
I’ve booked seats for tonight but have spotted that better seats have since come up, can I upgrade when I arrive?
Written 6 June 2018
Why don't you ask them?
Written 22 September 2018
have a look on the web site or give them a call
Written 5 April 2018
Is your picture of your view? if so what seats were they please?
Written 13 December 2017
Normally we go for the premium seats I think row M but row H - J are really good too
Written 13 December 2017
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