Flowers and Friendship Bracelets

Simon is an author and TV presenter, and one of the world’s most adventurous travellers. His unique brand of documentary filmmaking combines travel and adventure with current affairs, history, wildlife, culture and conservation. His journeys have taken him to more than 130 countries, across jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans, and to some of the most beautiful, dangerous and remote regions of the world. On his UK tour ‘To The Ends Of The Earth’, Simon will offer stories, surprises, thrills, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs. He wants to nudge and encourage audiences to get out of their comfort zone, take a few gentle risks in life, and embrace the great outdoors and the wider world. With behind-the-scenes footage and stunning imagery, Simon will inspire and remind audiences that we all need more journeys in our lives, and plenty of wild experiences. Audiences have hailed To The Ends Of The Earth as a ‘beautiful, inspiring, magical show’, praising Simon’s openness and ‘heartrending’ honesty; and ‘perfectly balanced with joy, vulnerability, information, fun and personal challenge’.

Returning for a fourth year! After the previous success of this event, Dartford's Got Talent grows year-on-year. We create a full evening of entertainment, suspense and excitement as a live panel of celebrity judges watches a variety of performances. As well as the participants, you can expect entertainment from our judges and local performing arts groups. NOW! Is your time to shine on stage, or just sit back and relax as part of the audience. Witness the Orchard West stage come alive with the talents of Dartford. Judged by: Ruby Mann is a performer with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre from Chichester Conservatoire and a Master’s degree in Musical Theatre from Guildford School of Acting. She made her professional debut as Belle in Beauty and the Beastpantomime in 2024, and most recently had the pleasure of playing Jasmine in Dartford’s pantomime production of Aladdin. Alongside her theatre work, she regularly performs solo gigs and has a true passion for live performance, thriving on connecting with audiences and bringing theatre to life on stage. She is incredibly grateful to be part of the Dartford’s Got Talent judging panel and is excited to see the fantastic range of talent on display. Scott Davies is a seasoned theatre professional with over 15 years of experience performing across a wide range of stages, from international cruise ships to London’s West End. Throughout his performing career, he has worked alongside many of London’s most celebrated musical theatre stars, building a strong foundation in the industry. In recent years, Scott has transitioned into a new phase of his career, focusing on the delivery and production of musicals and plays at one of London’s leading arts institutions. Drawing on his extensive performance background, he now advises some of the UK’s most prolific producers and creative teams. Having worked as a freelance musical theatre agent in London, Scott always has his eye on local talent, and DGT will be no exception. With formal training in musical theatre, dance, and acting, Scott brings a well-rounded and discerning perspective to performance, making him a sharp and perceptive judge. Looking ahead, Scott is set to collaborate closely on the delivery of Sunday in the Park with George, featuring Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande, further cementing his position within the UK’s theatre landscape. Scott cannot wait to see what DGT 2026 has to offer and hopes to offer some well-rounded and constructive critiques to this year's contestants. With over 30 years of experience both on and off stage, Tal trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, earning a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Production. He went on to produce major shows in London and on Broadway. Alongside working for Alan Wasser and Cameron Mackintosh in their New York office on iconic productions such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Tal is now the Theatre Director at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. He successfully led the venue through the sudden closure due to RAAC, opening a temporary space, Orchard West, in just a few weeks. The venue has since won two awards for Innovation of the Year at The Stage Awards and Temporary Venue for the Event Production Awards. Tal is thrilled to be a judge on Dartford’s Got Talent and is passionate about discovering and nurturing local talent to help ignite their careers. Laura has worked in the world of theatre production for 30 years and in that time been associated with over 300 productions. Pantomime has always been most prevalent in Laura’s career and she has worked for every major pantomime production company in the UK, starting with Paul Elliott at E&B Productions, and then Qdos Entertainment. In 2005 she joined a brand-new company, First Family Entertainment, part of the Ambassador Theatre Group and alongside Chief Executive Kevin Wood, helped to mould the company to be one of the most prestigious production companies in the genre. During her 12 years there, she was responsible for casting some of the biggest names to ever grace the stage in a pantomime including David Hasselhoff, Priscilla Presley, Pamela Anderson, Cilla Black, Barbara Windsor, Bradley Walsh, Dame Edna Everage and Henry Winkler, to name but a few. Laura is now proud to be one of the Associate Producers and Head of Celebrity Casting for Imagine Theatre. Laura is also a Trustee of the UK Pantomime Association and alongside the other board members, enjoys championing the artform to ensure it thrives in the modern world allowing many more future generations to enjoy the uniqueness and joy of pantomime. Featuring: Jason Simmons: professional hypnotist and mentalist delivering high-impact, interactive mind reading and comedy for corporate events, theaters, and cruise ships. Marcus Wells: 17-year-old stable hand and aspiring country-folk artist inspired by the raw storytelling of Evan Honer, Tyler Childers, and Cody Johnson. The Singing Jay: Based in South East London, this Level 4 music performance student is a versatile vocalist and performer inspired by a lifelong passion for the stage and a love for live storytelling. Mulvihill Academy: Founded by Riverdance alumna Rachel Mulvihill and Debbie Cripps, the Mulvihill Academy is a nurturing community that blends traditional Irish dance with modern choreography for all levels, from beginners to World champions. Liz Burville: performing Arts is situated in Bexley, Kent and has been running for almost 40 years. We offer classes in ballet, tap, modern, commercial, Jazz, contemporary, hip hop, acro and drama. We also have a performance company and competition team who have had another success year. Over the years LBPA have travelled far to compete and perform in places such as Disneyland Paris, Disneyland California, Los Angeles, Spain and on cruise ships. On New Year’s Day 2018 we list our beloved Liz Burville but she would be very proud to see the school still thriving today. We are very excited to be performing in the final of Dartford’s got talent! The Chastilians: performing Arts is situated in Bexley, Kent and has been running for almost 40 years. We offer classes in ballet, tap, modern, commercial, Jazz, contemporary, hip hop, acro and drama. We also have a performance company and competition team who have had another success year. Over the years LBPA have travelled far to compete and perform in places such as Disneyland Paris, Disneyland California, Los Angeles, Spain and on cruise ships. On New Year’s Day 2018 we list our beloved Liz Burville but she would be very proud to see the school still thriving today. We are very excited to be performing in the final of Dartford’s got talent! Two Good Reasons: Natalia and Jane are Two Good Reasons – a Kent based a cappella duo redefining the vocal experience. In just over a year, they’ve become known for their flawless harmonies, infectious energy, and a raw, authentic sound. Armed with nothing but their voices, they breathe fresh life into feel-good favourites, effortless crossing genres to prove that two voices are all you need for an unforgettable performance.