Upcoming shows at Orchard Theatre

Orchard Theatre

This October sees the return of the smash hit musical, Rock of Ages. Rock of Ages is the hilarious musical comedy lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems, including Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by an awesome live band. Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton is thrilled to reprise his role as Stacee Jaxx. Kevin said “To be part of the show a few years ago was a blast, so I’m really excited to be back playing Stacee Jaxx!”. Playing Stacee is a departure from Kevin’s usual image whilst appearing in Strictly. He thinks he can “definitely tap into the pretentious nature of him – I think I used to be a bit like that, thinking I was a rock star when I was just a ballroom dancer, everyone goes through that sort of phase a bit though! I used to think I was really rock’n’roll when I am the least rock’n’roll person in the world!”. When asked about his favourite song to perform, Kevin replied “My first big song is Bon Jovi’s ‘Dead or Alive’, that’s Stacee’s big moment and I love that song. It’s his big opening in the show and you’ve really got to come on and make a massive impact with the audience, really get them going and show what kind of character Stacee is. It should be fun!”. Audiences should expect to see Kevin “in a completely different light, probably being a bit raunchier than you’re used to!”. Leave it all behind and lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true! Get ready to ROCK from Tue 26 - Sat 30 October 2021. Jason Donovan is thrilled to be embarking on a mammoth 52 date tour, which marks the 30th anniversary of his hugely successful debut album “Ten Good Reasons”. His Even More Good Reasons tour will see Jason singing his greatest pop hits along with his favourite songs from his career in musicals, all accompanied by a full live band. Jason commented: “Having not done my own live shows for a while I can’t wait to get out there again amongst my fans and deliver a new energetic show that is both personal, creative and reflective ... something that is both nostalgic and just a bloody good night out.” Jason is back doing what he does best, bringing his energy and exuberance to his army of fans, performing his favourite pop and musical hits in concert across the UK. Don’t miss it! Don’t miss Jason at the Orchard Theatre on Sat 2 October. Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever! Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more! Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans! Join Peppa on her adventure from Fri 15 - Sun 17 October 2021. Dartford Amateur Operatic Dramatics Society is one of Kent’s leading amateur theatre companies. DAODS was established in 1906 and has been a proud part of the local community ever since. Back in 2021, DAODS presents Shrek The Musical. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. The swamp is in Dartford from Wed 20 – Sat 23 October 2021. Also on this month: Sounds Familiar Music Quiz - Sat 9 October Illegal Eagles - Sun 10 October Ian Waite & Vincent Simone - Act Two - Mon 11 October An Evening With Sir Geoff Hurst - Sun 24 October Ed Byrne. If I’m Honest... - Mon 25 October Maximum Rhythm And Blues - Sun 31 October

OctoberHighlights

Dirty Dancing 16th - 20th November 2021

The iconic story of Baby and Johnny, featuring the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart-stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, returns to the Orchard Theatre this November, following two blockbuster West End runs, four-hit UK tours, and multiple sensational international productions. It’s the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, she shows little interest in the resort activities and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles across an all-night dance party at the staff quarters. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor. Her life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off, and two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Which era is Dirty Dancing set in? A. 50s B. 60s C. 70s Email your answer to competition@dartfordliving.com by the 15th October to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets

RUES: 1. The winner(s) will be the first correct entry/entries drawn. 2. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. Prizes are as stated and no cash in lieu or an alternative prize will be offered.. 4. Winners will be notified by telephone by the Orchard, within 5 working days of the competition being drawn. 5. Employees and the immediate families of participating companies are ineligible to enter. 6. Closing date for the competition is stated above. 7. 7. All entries will be added to the Dartford Living mailing list to receive a copy of the magazine by email once a month. Please state when you enter the competition if you don’t wish to be added

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SEPTEMBER 2022

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