The Orchard Theatre and restaurant is an iconic landmark in central Dartford, at the core of the shopping area.

Opened in 1983, the venue offers a wide selection not only of shows but activities.

Performances such as The Sound of Music, 10cc, The Hollies, Foster and Allen and Aida are just some of the shows which have appeared.

It has an international as well as a West End flavour and is a “receiving house” offering host shows from around the world including the USA, Russia and Australia.

Marketing and sales manager Jamie Leadbeatter is passionate about The Orchard and sees the venue as providing an all-round community experience.

He said: “The Orchard Theatre is a unique business in our offering. We are a theatre venue and restaurant, providing a full entertainment and dining experience under one roof.

“We provide high quality, West End theatre shows on your doorstep. We also play host to community shows from local groups and dance schools, giving the people of Kent a venue to showcase their talents.”

With the changing economy, going to the theatre can be seen as a luxury so it became important to ensure it remains accessible for all by providing a variety of things to do while making sure pricing is affordable with family rates and concessions available.

There is a loyal customer base with more than 2,700 Premiere Card members who visit the theatre regularly.

The card enables them to enjoy considerable discounts and updates on performances and in the restaurant

There is also a groups club with more than 2,000 group organisers registered. Recently a teachers’ club was formed and September sees the launch of a business club.

Of the theatre’s community feel Mr Leadbeater went on to say: “The Orchard Theatre has touched most people in Dartford and the surrounding area in some way.

“They may have been to the panto as a family each year, or their child may have performed on stage with a local dance school, or maybe their aunt sings in the community choir. We see ourselves at the heart of the community.”

The Orchard has entered the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, which are supported by the Messenger and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and online.

The deadline to enter has now passed, but you can find out more for next year at www.dgbawards.co.uk.

This year’s sponsors are: Barnes Roffe, Dartford council, Gravesham council, KM Media Group, Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, University of Greenwich and JonesFM.