insideKENT Magazine Issue 62 - May 2017 | Page 64

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
THERE ’ S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the Theatre cont .
Orchard Theatre , Dartford
The Orchard Theatre is conveniently located in the heart of Dartford ’ s town centre and attracts the latest and most sought after touring productions in the UK . The theatre offers a range of entertainment from leading West End musicals , top comedians , bands , dramas , dance , classical music and opera . And of course , the ever popular annual pantomimes .
The Orchard Theatre was officially opened on 14th April 1983 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and quickly gained a reputation as one of the country ’ s premier venues presenting a remarkable range of entertainment . Since opening , The Orchard Theatre has enjoyed incredible success by opening its doors to some of the biggest and most respected names in the fields of arts and entertainment .
www . orchardtheatre . co . uk // 01322 220000
Orchard Theatre
The Arden Theatre , Faversham
The Arden Theatre in the centre of lovely Faversham is owned by an amateur theatre group , and they run a wonderful and varied programme of events including workshops , performances , children ’ s theatre and other events .
The Arden Theatre comprises of a 98- seat studio with completely up-to-date sound and lighting equipment and a bar serving food and drinks . It is available to hire to outside productions looking for a centrally located performance space .
www . ardentheatre . co . uk // 01795 531334
Playhouse Theatre , Whitstable
As well as being the home of the Lindley Players , the Playhouse Theatre provides a great venue for all types of live entertainment . Over the last year it has hosted a wide variety of events including live stand-up comedy , plays by other groups , dance , jazz and much , much more . The Playhouse Theatre provides 180 + seats in an authentic theatre environment equipped with state of the art technical equipment .
www . playhousewhitstable . co . uk // 01227 272042
The Stag , Sevenoaks
The Stag Community Arts Centre has been through many changes since it first opened ( as the Majestic Cinema ) in 1936 . Although 80 years old , the Stag still retains many of its original theatres , and it is a warm and friendly place to enjoy a wide variety of different entertainment .
Over 25,000 people attend shows at the Stag each month , and whether it is a professional production touring the country or a local event showcasing the talents of the community , the response is the same – the audience have a wonderful time in gorgeous surroundings .
www . stagsevenoaks . co . uk // 01732 450175
Woodville Halls , Gravesend
Woodville Halls was built in 1968 , and forms part of the Civic Centre in Gravesend . This means that not only is there a fabulous theatre , but there is also a cinema , studio , bar and café , and information areas including computer and internet access .
The main auditorium can seat 650 people across three levels , but it can also be transformed into flat floor space for cabaret or dance acts , for example , and it can then hold 380 at tables and 100 in the circle . The studio can accommodate 180 audience members .
www . woodville . seatlive . com // 08442 439480
The Churchill Theatre , Bromley
Bromley ’ s Churchill Theatre is a nice , big comfy place to enjoy some spectacular shows in absolute comfort . It was built in 1977 , and was opened by HRH Price of Wales . With 781 seats there is room for everyone , and the bar and café areas offer a good range of food and drink .
There are many themed evenings that take place at the Churchill Theatre as well as top-notch performances . An upcoming event is to mark the 40th anniversary of the theatre itself , and there will be a four-course meal , a charity auction and entertainment from a surprise celebrity !
www . churchilltheatre . co . uk // 020 3285 6000
The Hazlitt Theatre , Maidstone
The Hazlitt Theatre is a 382-seat venue that offers drama , family entertainment , music , variety , comedy and more . With a licensed bar and refreshments available , the Hazlitt offers a great opportunity to experience some incredible entertainment without having to travel too far afield to get it . And the big names love to come here including Lee Evans , Alan Carr and Cilla Black .
www . parkwoodtheatres . co . uk / Hazlitt- Theatre // 01622 758611
Bromley Little Theatre , Bromley
Bromley Little Theatre ( or ‘ BLT ’ as it is fondly known ) is an amateur award-winning , vibrant 113-seat theatre , established in 1937 on its present site , which was lovingly converted from an old Victorian bakery and hayloft . BLT presents a full-length play every month ( apart from August when the Youth Group puts on its own show ) and a smaller ‘ In The Bar ’ show every couple of months .
BLT ’ s purpose is to present outstanding theatre for everyone – from the best of contemporary dramas , comedies , thrillers , farces , musical productions as well as the classics . Occasionally they present new plays , in recent years giving a number of plays their premiere production in the UK .
They are always keen to attract new members to take part in productions and BLT offers a wide range of opportunities for acting , costume , lighting and sound design / operation as well as set design and construction .
www . bromleylittletheatre . org // 020 3189 1690
Miskin Theatre , Dartford
The Miskin Theatre is part of North Kent College ’ s Dartford campus . It has been producing exceptionally polished performances for over 20 years now , and it is a hugely important part of the local community .
www . miskintheatre . com // 01322 629422
Sheppey Little Theatre , Sheerness
Originally a church hall built in 1891 , Sheppey Little Theatre has been running from this lovely little building since 1975 . Completely volunteer run and self funding , Sheppey Little Theatre hosts many different shows and events throughout the year , and has a thriving community arts base .
www . sheppeylittletheatre . co . uk // 01795 873491
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