X Factor star Sam Bailey will join top musicals, dramas and stage shows coming to Kent.

The former Bexley prison officer, and North West Kent College student performed two of her songs in front of a select few as she revealed the upcoming programme at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford.

Her own show will be at the theatre from Friday, March 31 to Saturday, April 1 as part of her tour.

At the theatre's brochure launch some of those involved in forthcoming shows gave an insight into what is going on behind the scenes.

Musicals galore with some well-known classics featuring a line-up of stars form much of the programme.

The new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl favourite Fantastic Mr Fox arrives this month, running from Tuesday, February 28 to Sunday, March 5.

Lily Flynn, who plays Mrs Fox, said: “It’s going down really well with families. There’s a lot of adult humour in there too.”

Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible starts a run from Tuesday, March 14 to Saturday, March 18, and stars Charlie Condou from Coronation Street and Victoria Yates from Call the Midwife.

The story, set in the 17th century, investigates witchcraft in a small town following a children’s game that has shocking consequences.

Eighties rock musical The Wedding Singer, based on the Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler film of the same name, is on from Tuesday, March 21 to Saturday, March 25, starring several celebs including TV’s Ruth Madoc.

The touching story follows Robbie Hart, New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer, who gets dumped and then falls for a waitress named Julia who is already set to marry Glenn, played by X Factor’s Ray Quinn. Its second UK tour promises heaps of fun and huge hair.

Direct from London’s West End is Champions of Magic, an illusion show with mindreading and close-up magic, which will visit on Tuesday, April 18.

La Cage Aux Folles brings its national tour back to Kent from Tuesday, May 9 to Saturday, May 13, starring John Partridge of EastEnders fame and Grease 2’s Adrian Zmed. Best known for the famous song I Am What I Am, the production has received rave reviews.

The ‘ultimate mod musical’ All or Nothing, written by EastEnders’ actress Carol Harrison, comes to Dartford in June. This new musical is true to the environment and 1960s lifestyle, with recognisable songs and faces.

It runs for three nights, from Monday, June 19 to Wednesday, June 21.

Award-winning Broadway and West End favourite Hairspray also makes a tour comeback this summer, and will be at the theatre from Wednesday, August 30 to Saturday, September 9.

For more shows and information, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk