Online Theatre roundup

By Liz Dyer

As another month begins, sadly we still have no theatre to look forward to - or, at the moment, much of an idea when that will change. There are still plenty of options available online, which we’ve talked about in previous issues of the magazine - but for those like me who are pining for the real thing, this month let’s take a look ahead to what’s coming up in 2021, when we can only hope that life will have returned to normal.

Quick disclaimer: Because a lot of events have had to be rescheduled from this year, it’s possible that dates of some of the following shows may change. It’s best to check the Orchard’s website before you book, and to get in contact with the team if you’re unsure (but please bear in mind they’re really busy so may not be able to get back to you right away).

Also, if you have tickets for any of the shows that were meant to take place over the next couple month (28th-30th). of months but you haven’t heard from calendar is Roddy Doyle’s critically Grace thriller, Looking Good Dead (17th22nd), as well as the rescheduled run of Thriller Live (31st May-5th June). Grease - featuring a certain Peter Andre as Teen Angel - has been rescheduled to June (21st-26th) and Friendsical, the parody musical inspired by Friends, moves to a slightly shorter run at the end of that the theatre yet, please be patient - they Just announced in the last few will get in contact with you when they weeks, next summer we’ll have can. In the meantime, you can find a full another chance to see the fantastic list of all the shows that have already Chicago, which tours the UK next been rescheduled or cancelled on the year and comes to Dartford in August theatre’s website. (24th-28th). No news on casting as yet but we’ll keep you posted. And Anyway, let’s forget about 2020 for now last but not least, in November and have a look at next year… (16th-20th), Melanie Blake’s debut Already in the diary for February (22ndtown - a year later than planned - 28th) is Derren Brown’s latest show, with the “deliciously bitchy” story Showman, which was supposed to of an 80s girl band who attempt a take place earlier this year. Also on the reunion thirty years later… acclaimed celebration of soul music, The Plenty to look forward to then, Commitments (currently scheduled for though hopefully we won’t have 22nd-27th), which goes on tour five years to wait until 2021 to be back at after its hugely successful West End run. the theatre. But until the doors do May sees the return of bestselling crime plenty to watch from the comfort writer Peter James with his latest Roy and safety of home. Enjoy! play The Thunder Girls struts into reopen, have a look online; there’s

LocalpeoplefromDartfordPaintedRocksonFacebookhavebeenbusythismonthpainting andhidingthemaroundtown. TherockscanalsobeexchangedatStephenOliver: Studioand DARTFORD PAINTED ROCKS online THEAT RE Roundup By Maria Kingsford GallerylocatedintheOrchardShoppingCentre.

Herearesomegreatphotosoftheirpaintedrocks.

Local people from ‘Dartford painted rocks’ on Facebook have been busy this month painting and hiding them around the town. The rocks can be exchanged at Stephen Oliver: Studio and Gallery located at the Orchards Shopping Centre (once the gallery is open again).

Here are some of the photos of their latest painted rocks.

CYRIL THE ROCK SNAKE

By Nicky Dines

Cyril the wonderful painted rock snake is in residence, being added to by local members of the Dartford community, both adults and children alike.

He is expanding daily, spreading across the walls and bringing a little joy and fun to those who visit.

People are encouraged to add some rocks of their own, to help Cyril the snake to grow!

It was set up by Wilmington Painted Rocks, a group who very reguarly create painted rocks and hide in and around the local area, and further afield to spread smiles to those lucky enough to find them. Finders are encouraged to post their treasure on the relevant facebook page and to keep or rehide the rock to continue the fun! No special artistic talents needed, just something to be a part of and enjoy!

The rocks can often be found on the community driven rock exchange table, in the Stephen Oliver gallery in Dartford.

The Wilmington group sometimes collaborates with Dartford painted rocks, well known to eachother, to create decorative rock 'lines' that the local community add to in local parks and spaces.

Cyril has been growing little by little each day. Currently, there are about 270 rocks.