The Orchard Theatre

You beauty - We decided to book in advance for Sleeping Beauty Panto with Sydney Christmas for the 29th Dec. By chance we found out last minute that the Orchard Theatre was actually closed for repair works, so it was held in a separate marquee next to the main building. We decided to park in the main Orchard shopping centre multi story car park. Although the payment system was faulty you could pay by coins up to £3 from 5:30pm to 12 or just press the info button and get let out (you decide!) Facilities are very adequate for effectively a tent. Bar, food and souvenirs are also available and ok. Heating is good but does get cold in the main Auditorium marquee eventually. Seats are ok but could do with a bit more padding. The show was very well put together, Sydney out sung the sound system, which let her down, as her voice is so beautiful. The cast were good and full of energy. As expected for a pantomime, cheesy jokes and silly acts were the order of the day but all the audience and kids seemed to enjoy as we did, so would recommend....4/5

Went to see George Michael tribute show. OMG Rob and the band/backing singers were unbelievable. After 30 seconds, you couldn’t help but think it was George himself. Best night out for years. We sat towards the back in the middle of row AK, our seats were tiered but the front 15/20 rows weren’t so head dodging required. Outside was a cold wet night, this temporary theatre was well lit with comfy seats and the heating was excellent. Bar very busy upon arrival so get there early for pre show drinks or you’ll run out of time (we did), maybe 1 hour before the start.

Nice theatre. Easy entry process with QR code. Bars and snacks at reasonable prices. We had Circle C20-23 and had a great view. Seats were very comfortable with plenty of leg room.

Although only meant to be a temporary venue whilst the original is being updated, the sound quality is excellent. Drinks not ridiculously priced and can buy snacks. Good seating arrangement

The Orchard has a lot to offer for all age's. They have so much variety I wouldn't be able to list them all, however I can say children love the pantomimes and seeing their favourite books or TV shows coming to life. Now for the adults they have a wide variety from 80s dance nights, comedian, musicals and so much more. There is a great restaurant that you can book ahead of the performances or you can order smaller versions in the bar area. The price's are resemble and there is a good variety, you can choose from 6 starters, a beautiful range of bread chunks, then the show stopping mains the desert is served for you during the interval however you would have to go back up to the dining area. Or you can get the ice cream tubs from the ushers and front of house they have a super variety of ice cream and sorbet. There is one huge downfall I wish the ice cream staff in the foyer would clean the scoop more because let's be fair I'm gluten free due to an allergy and I've had sorbet that had the chocolate brownie ice cream on it. I get there is a lot of people to serve but cross contamination isn't right! I have eaten here on many occasions and the food has been great until the new menu came in a few weeks ago and omg the food is spicy! So if you can't handle spicy foods tell the staff so an alternative can be sorted. For me I wished they kept the Jambalaya chicken and I know others have said they hoped the beer battered fish would have stayed. I like other people would love to have a separate menu that was for persons like myself that are Gluten Free or have allergies so we know what foods we are able to have instead of asking the waiter or manager what is available and them have to go back and forth. It would be great to order at the same time as the persons you come with. Sorry I might add if you are unable to get upstairs due to mobility issues you wouldn't be able to sit in the restaurant however the staff are absolutely amazing and welcoming to have your meal in the bar. The staff I can never fault them they are always super helpful and accommodating even to the point a customer that was unable to go to the restaurant for their desert a wounderful young lady that works front of house went a got the food and bought it to the person during the interval where they sat. So the staff are great! Some of a few photos I've taken!

Great overall experience from start to finish. There was queuing outside before entering but it was very quick to get to the entrance. Fast and efficient processing by staff. Very easy to follow direction once inside and staff were very helpful and efficient. The show was amazing and had an great time. The space inside was just right. Not too big or too small. Just right. The seating was okay but long legs at the front near the side would struggle to be comfortable with the lack of room to sit. Apart from that a superb overall experience.

Lovely local theatre.plenty of good shows.coffee shop bar & restaurant .friendly helpful staff.see summer youth project school of rock.really great show.pictures of our new state of art theatre going up.bit shed looking to me.supposed to be seeing show on Sunday 19th

Lovely modern civic style theatre. You feel really close to the action, there’s good concessions and food options inside. We saw Rocky Horror Show and it was a hoot.

The Orchard theatre has very good disabled access and provide free parking for disabled around the back of the theatre. They put on a wide variety of shows all year long from pantos to concerts. It's very clean and modern and well worth a visit

This is within walking distance to my home, and although I haven't been there at all while living in the area, I do remember coming here as a child. Last Saturday I went to see Evita with my family and due to an extra person I had to book a seat on the day, so it was in a different place to the rest. So while my family sat down in the stalls I sat up in the heavens in the very last row. There is a full bar here, but if you want ice cream in the interval you have to leave the theatre and visit the little shop in the entrance. The first thing that hits you when you enter the theatre is the heat. I was told that at the top they can open the doors, but if your sitting at ground level then the doors must stay shut. I was thankful to be at the top with some cool air coming in through the doors. My family who were at the bottom said it was very very hot. Such a shame because they do show some good things here. The seats are comfy and there is plenty of leg room. Also I think where ever you sit you would have good views. Evita was wonderful and I'm so glad I got to see it after being such a fan of the film! If visiting just make sure you wear layers!

This is quite a modern theatre. I went to see Grumpy old women featuring Linda Robson and Jenny Eclair. It was a great night, we had seats in the upper circle with a good view. There are a couple of bars to have a drink during the interval although they get a little crowded. It is situated near to the local train station or there is parking in the carpark next door.

The Orchard Theatre is a good size theatre , i have seen Think Floyd at the Orchard Theatre and is was brilliant.The seats are comfortable and you get enough leg room.When you have a break there is a bar to enjoy some drinks but if your taking the children you can enjoy some ice cream , chocolate tastes lovely ,which is sold in the intervals for about one pound twenty.The staff are pleasant and helpful and can show you to your seats.Parking is not a problem , you can park in the car park next to Waitrose which is very close to the theatre and you can park on the roof for free.So go and enjoy the theatre and have a fun time.

Been to see Russell Howard (a comedian) there and it was brilliant. We were sitting right at the back but it's laid out so well that we still saw him really clearly and it was so close. The Orchard are a really good theatre, I'm going to see Jimmy Carr there in march and I emailed them when I found he was playing and they got me great seats and was very prompt contacting me back. Its a lovely venue, with a friendly atmosphere and staff.

I have been here twice both times to see Jimmy Carr and had an excellent time.The theatre is clean and the staff here are friendly and very helpful.The only thing i didnt like here was the price of the barthey definitely know when they have a captive audience they can charge what they like.Great seats very comfy

so glad this breath of fresh air is still going strong built on the edge of the old cattle market it was a winner from the start i m not an avid theatre goer but did go and see ian dury and the blockheads here around nineteen seventy something and would pop in occassionly for a drink as the open market was there for some time afterwards before being re sited