What’s on Guide from Autumn 2023 derbytheatre.co.uk 01332 59 39 39 Text: 07717 346 964 Derby Theatre is part of
Welcome to our next what’s on brochure, giving you details of all the shows, events and opportunities we have on offer during autumn 2023 and into 2024.
2023 marks 10 years of us launching our Learning Theatre vision. This is a unique offer for our audiences, communities, artists, students and visitors; opening not just one door into our organisation, but many! As well as seeing wonderful theatre every night on our stunning stage, you can also engage with us in many different ways... check out the Get Involved section of the website. You’ll see we have events both here at the Theatre and out in our community. One brilliant show which has community at its heart is 4 Walls, this will open our autumn season. An exhilarating and exciting new play and multimedia experience from local music producer and hip-hop artist, Rukus. He has developed this with Derby’s community front and centre. Our big show for the autumn sees the long-awaited return of the phenomenal Brassed Off. We last produced this smash-hit, sell-out show in 2015, and eight years on, it remains one of our most popular productions to date, and it feels timely to revisit this story set at a time when the purse strings are tight, but the heart of a community is strong.
To celebrate our local mining heritage, we will also produce and stage a brand-new play in 2024, Welfare (It Were Welfare to Us) by Abi Zakarian, a production full of humour and bingo! –which will see the Theatre transformed into the site of The Derbyshire Miners’ Holiday Camp. This is going to be a fun night out – if you want a feel good high with a dose of drama then don’t miss it!
Our festive offer for this year is two magical re-inventions of well-known stories. Cinderella will be a striking new version by Annie Siddons, full of heart, joy and laughter perfect for all ages. Our musical band of actor-musicians will help Cinders on her way and she will get to the ball! Meanwhile, for those looking to entertain the younger members of the family (but still want to be entertained themselves!) We see the return of Hiccup Theatre in an enchanting co-production with Derby Theatre and Polka Theatre, Three Billy Goat’s Gruff, a joyous and hilarious show featuring original music, fantastic storytelling and lots of giggles..
We are proud we make theatre in our city, not just bring in tours from other places, and so to celebrate this, we are offering 40% off when booking a selection of our produced shows at the same time, see page 3 and look out for the Produced Show Pass stamp.
We look forward to welcoming you to Derby Theatre soon.
Sarah Brigham
Artistic Director and CEO
Photo: Pamela Raith
Hello…
Photo: Graeme Braidwood
@derbytheatre
2
£30 per year
Priority booking and discounts on a range of productions for two people, 10% discount in our café.
Join our circle of Friends to receive priority booking, exclusive discounts on lots of productions and much more! And did you know that by becoming a Friend, your support will also help us to continue our work with young people, collaborate with our communities and produce new work for you to enjoy!
Derby Theatre Produced Show Pass
40% selected shows off
Join Today
Become a Friend today and start enjoying the benefits straight away.
Visit our website derbytheatre.co.uk/friends or call a friendly member of our Box Office team on 01332 593939 or text enquires on 07717346964.
£40 per year
Priority booking and discounts on a range of productions for up to six people, 10% discount in our café.
£90 per year or just £7.50 per month
Priority booking, discounts on a range of productions for up to six people, 10% discount in our café and exclusive offers and opportunities to get more involved with Derby Theatre.
Become a Patron
Increase your support as a donor by becoming a Gold or Diamond patron and help Derby Theatre to keep making brilliant theatre and reaching new audiences.
For more information about becoming a patron, making an individual gift or other ways you can support, please contact Laura Winson, Head of Development by email at: l.winson@derby.ac.uk or phone 01332 591254.
Book for 3 of our wonderful Derby Theatre produced shows in one go and get a HUGE 40% OFF...SAVING up to £31 per person on standard prices.
Plan ahead, save money and look forward to great nights at the Theatre!
Book to see 4 Walls, Cinderella and Animal Farm at the same time, and we will reward you with 40% OFF your booking.
The Derby Theatre Produced Show Pass offers a choice of show dates and is available on up to four passes per transaction.
See individual show pages for available dates.
Look out for this icon in the brochure...
Part of the Derby Theatre
Produced Show Pass
40% OFF TICKETS
Braidwood
Derby Theatre Productions 4
Headshots drawn by Linda Love
A Derby Theatre Production as part of Derby CAN 4 Walls
Written by Rukus
Directed by Anastasia
Osei-Kuffour
Thu 7 – Sat 9 September
MAIN HOUSE
A high-energy multimedia experience with live music, performance, dance and large scale digital projection.
4 Walls, an exciting new play from local music producer and Hip Hop artist, Rukus, invites you into a world of community, discovering what our fundamental needs are, who informs them and how we navigate where we go.
A Caribbean woman is surprised to be caught up in a scandal, in her old age.
A college kid suffers sleepless nights in fear of deportation, yet his dreams of a music career stay big.
Then there’s what’s her face, you know, the young nomad, out of place soul plodding the lonely road and not to forget Femi, the inner-city dreamer, ambitious and aspirational, a believer. But as their journeys go on, something just seems wrong. Living in the same block of flats, each stranger is experiencing a deafening chorus of fear that crescendos and bursts into a Universe, which is simply entitled: Find where you belong.
4 Walls will be performed by a professional company of actors who will be joined by a community cast of performers.
Following each performance of 4 Walls, the upper foyer at Derby Theatre will play host to an exciting and eclectic range of established and up-and-coming local artists and musicians who will entertain and inspire the audience post-show.
Performance times: Thu – Sat, 7pm, Sat, 2pm
Sat 9 Sep, 2pm
Tickets: Thu 7 Sep – All tickets £5
Fri 8 and Sat 9 – £15, under 26s £10
All proceeds from 4 Walls will go to a charity in memory of actor, Marcel White
Post-Show Discussion: Thu 7 Sep
50% off on Fri and Sat
Part of the Derby Theatre
Produced Show Pass
40% OFF TICKETS
Available on all performances
5
Derby Theatre Productions
Get Involved with Brassed Off
For more information, scan here:
“Exceptionally good – funny, honest, unsentimental and cutting to the quick”
The Stage
Derby Theatre Productions 6
Brassed Off
Adapted by Paul Allen, based on the screenplay by Mark Herman from the smash-hit film
Directed by Sarah Brigham | Featuring Derwent Brass
Fri 29 September – Sat 28 October
MAIN HOUSE
Following a smash-hit, sell-out run in 2015, Derby Theatre’s production of the immensely popular Brassed Off returns to the main stage for autumn 2023! Love, loss, faith and flugelhorns.
Strikes. Cost of living crisis. It’s 1992 and the miners are striking as their local colliery faces closure. Danny’s dreams of leading the pit’s brass band to victory at a national competition at the Albert Hall seem remote as the men choose between picket lines and redundancy packages. But when Flugelhorn – playing Gloria returns to her home town the band get their oompah back and romance is rekindled with her childhood sweetheart Andy. However, when the real reason for Gloria’s return is revealed and the pressures of the strike get too much for the band members, things start to fall out of tune…
Brassed Off is a much-loved tale, full of heart and humour made right here in Derby and this much-welcomed return of the show will feature most of the cast from the Theatre’s original production in 2015.
Balancing grit and wit with a poignant look at recent history, the performance also features live music from local, award-winning brass band, Derwent Brass to deliver a thrilling night at theatre.
Performance times: Mon – Sat, 7.30pm, Thu and Sat, 2.30pm
Sat 21 Oct, 2.30pm, Wed 25 Oct, 7.30pm
Thu 5 and 19 Oct, 2.30pm
Touch Tours at 1.15pm
Thu 26 Oct, 2.30pm
Sat 14 Oct, 2.30pm and Wed 18 Oct, 7.30pm
Tickets: £15 – £35, under 26s £13 – £21
Post-Show Discussion: Wed 25 Oct
Brassed Off and Welfare Exclusive Offer
SEE BOTH OF THESE GREAT SHOWS AND SAVE MONEY
Book a non-preview performance of Brassed Off and receive an exclusive email and promocode for up to 4 tickets for ONLY £15 each to see any performance of Welfare in 2024.
Brassed Off Pie and Mash Deal
Enjoy a delicious pie, mash and fresh veg deal before the show on Thu, Fri and Sat evenings from 6pm (except 29 & 30 Sep).
Only £12 per person.
50% off preview performances and £5 off all other performances (Bands A & B only)
Pie choices include: Steak and Ale, Chicken, Leek & Stilton and Vegan/Gluten-Free.
A Derby Theatre Production
7
Derby Theatre Productions
Get
with Cinderella
For more information, scan here: Involved
Derby Theatre Productions 8
Image: Chris Saunders for AKA
A new version by Annie Siddons
Directed by Bryn Holding
Friday 24 November – Sunday 31 December
MAIN HOUSE
A striking new version of the classic story perfect for all ages this Christmas.
Come and join us this Christmas for a thrilling theatrical adventure amidst the Derbyshire countryside in the company of our feisty heroine, Cinderella.
Cinderella is a spirited young girl with strong values who despairs of her step-mother and step-sister’s money-wasting ways, but feels optimistic and inspired by a whole new world emerging around her.
As midnight approaches, and time ticks on, will Cinderella find the truth she is seeking and will the slipper fit?
Inspired by the classic fairytale, this sparkling new version by Annie Siddons promises a unique and utterly uplifting production full of heart, joy and laughter all interwoven with original live music and songs performed by a wonderful company of actor-musicians.
Cinderella promises to deliver a delightful show where daring to dream sits at the heart of this fantastic festive production ideal for the whole family to enjoy together.
Performance times vary and include: 10.15am, 11am, 2.30pm, 3pm and 7.15pm
See performance diary on page 51
Fri 1, 7.15pm, Sat 16, 2.30pm and Mon 18 Dec, 10.15am
Wed 13 and 20 Dec, 2.30pm Touch Tours at 1.15pm
Thu 28 Dec, 2.30pm
Sat 16, 7.15pm, Mon 18, 10.15am and Fri 29 Dec, 2.30pm
Theatre Productions
50% off preview performances and £5 off all other performances (Bands A & B only)
Tickets: £14.50 – £33
Schools: £12.50, plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased
Part of the Derby Theatre
Produced Show Pass
40% OFF TICKETS
Available on all performances between Fri 24 Nov and Sat 2 Dec
A Derby Theatre Production Cinderella
Derby
Fri 8 Dec, 11am 9
Get Involved with Three Billy Goat’s Gruff
For more information, scan here: Derby Theatre Productions 10
A Derby Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Polka Theatre Production
Three Billy Goat’s Gruff
Written and Directed by Sarah Brigham
Thu 30 November – Sun 31 December
STUDIO
Trip – Trap, Trip – Trap, Trip – Trap... Who is that going over MY bridge?
Join our three adventurer billy goats as they dare to cross the bridge to the other side.
The troll is determined this is his land and you need to get off it – but the billy goats have a few thoughts on that!
Hiccup Theatre in collaboration with Derby Theatre and Polka Theatre bring you another festive treat from the team that brought you The Emperor’s New Clothes, Little Red, Goldilocks and The Three Bears and The Gingerbread Man. Featuring beautiful puppetry, fantastic storytelling, a tricksy troll, three Billy Goats Gruff and amazing live music and original songs!
Three Billy Goat’s Gruff will have integrated BSL, creative captioning and integrated audio description.
Performance times: 10.30am and 1.30pm
See performance diary on page 49
All performances will be BSL integrated, with creative captioning and integrated audio description.
Tickets: £14.50, under 16s £12.50
Schools: £11.50
£2 off all performances
11
Derby Theatre Productions
For more information, visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk
Get Involved with Animal Farm Derby Theatre Productions 12
A Derby Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Hull Truck Theatre Production
Animal Farm
Based on the novel by George Orwell
Adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge
Directed by Iqbal Khan
Wed 28 February – Sat 16 March
MAIN HOUSE
A powerful re-telling of George Orwell’s chilling and timeless classic.
When the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm overthrow their master and take over, they imagine it is the beginning of a life of freedom and equality for all. However, over time a cunning and brutal elite among them, masterminded by the pigs Napoleon and Snowball, gradually take control. Soon the other animals discover that they are not all as equal as they once thought and find themselves ensnared as one tyranny is replaced with another.
Orwell’s enduring and devastating satire about the corruption of power will be brought vividly to life on stage in a brand-new production of this compelling and iconic drama.
Performance times: Tue – Sat, 7pm, Thu 29 Feb and Saturdays, 2pm Tue 5, Thu 7, Tue 12 and Thu 14 March, 10.30am
Thu 7 Mar, 10.30am and 7pm and Sat 16 Mar, 2pm
Sat 9 Mar, 2pm and Wed 13 Mar, 7pm Touch Tours 75mins before Wed 6 Mar, 7pm
Tickets: £11 – £33.50, under 26s £14 – £31.50
Schools: £11, plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased 16-25 year olds: £5 on Friday evenings
Post-Show Discussion: Wed 6 Mar, after 7pm performance
50% off preview performances and £5 off all other performances (Bands A & B only)
Part of the Derby Theatre
Produced Show Pass
40% OFF TICKETS
Derby Theatre Productions 13
Get
Alice in Wonderland
For more information, visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk Involved with
Derby Theatre Productions 14
Image: Chris Saunders for AKA
Alice in Wonderland
A new version by Nicola Werenowska
Based on Lewis Carroll’s classic story
Sat 22 June – Sat 6 July, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
A wonderful and whacky theatrical adventure for all ages
Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Alice and join her on a ridiculous and riotous adventure through Wonderland.
As Alice lands in a unique underground world, she encounters an abundance of absurd, mysterious and magical characters and comes face to face with the heartless and tyrannical Queen. Alice’s arrival from beyond unnerves the Queen, but when the adventure becomes too much, will our lonely heroine return home…or will she stay and stand up to the madcap majesty?
Alice in Wonderland, bursting with brilliant original music, will capture the imagination and curiosity of children and adults alike, a production perfect for all ages that will stimulate and excite the senses at every twist and turn
Performance times: 2pm and 7pm
Tickets: £8 – £26, under 26s £11 – £24
16–25 year olds: £5 on Friday evenings
Schools: £12.50, plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased
All performances are BSL integrated with creative captioning
50% off preview performances and £5 off all other performances (Bands A & B only)
Thu 4 July, 11am
Sat 29 June, 2pm and Sat 6 July, 2pm
Touch Tours 75mins before
See the website for details of Alice in Wonderland schools’ workshops
A Derby Theatre Production
Derby
Theatre Productions
15
Welfare and Brassed Off Exclusive Offer SEE BOTH OF THESE GREAT SHOWS AND SAVE MONEY
Book a non-preview performance of Brassed Off and receive an exclusive email and promocode for up to 4 tickets for ONLY £15 each to see any performance of Welfare in 2024.
This offer is available when either: booking both shows at the same time, or at a later date with the promo code on our website or with our Box Office team.
Welfare (It Were Welfare to Us)
A new play by Abi Zakarian
Fri 27 September – Sat 12 October, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
Miners, Holiday Makers, Strikers, Bingo Hall Players: those seeking refuge, those demanding hope and those on the trail of fun…UNITE!
In 2024, Derby Theatre will be transformed into the site of The Derbyshire Miners’ Holiday Camp. The blueprint for Butlins, this was the place Miners went to holiday, and later to recover as it was turned into a convalescent home.
Tiptoe with us through the decades as we meet the Miners and their families, who all frequented this beloved home in Skegness. Expect Brass Bands, rousing speeches, the BEST entertainment and a whole load of bingo!
Written by award winning British-Armenian playwright Abi Zakarian; born and bred in Derbyshire to a family of miners.
Performance times: Mon – Sat, 7.30pm,Thu and Sat, 2.30pm
Tickets: £15 – £35, under 26s £13 – £21
Wed 9 Oct, 7.30pm
Thu 3 and Sat 5 Oct, 2.30pm
50% off preview performances and £5 off all other performances (Bands A & B only)
Schools: £12.50, plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased 16-25 year olds: £5 on Friday evenings
Post-Show Discussion: Thu 10 Oct, after 7.30pm performance
Touch Tours at 1.15pm
Thu 10 Oct, 2.30pm
Thu 10 Oct, 7.30pm
A Derby Theatre Production
Derby Theatre Productions 16
Nicholson Green Productions
TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera
A new musical by Harry Hill and Steve Brown
Tue 12 – Sat 16 September
MAIN HOUSE
A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair.
“Look everyone will tell you, I’m a pretty straight sort of guy” Tony Blair
The story of how one man went from peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades. Throw in a stellar cast of larger-than-life characters
– Cherie Blair, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alastair Campbell, Osama bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein and Gordon Brown – it’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show! and a musical like no other.
A hilarious tragedy of political intrigue, religion, power, and romance; this rip-roaring new musical by Harry Hill and Steve Brown received critical acclaim following a sold-out run at the Park Theatre in London.
Performance times: Tue – Sat, 7.30pm, Wed and Sat, 2.30pm
Tickets: £28 – £32
Age guidance: 14+
Advisories: Contains some strong language and tackles important issues of race, gender and class in provocative and satirical ways
Thu 14 Sep, 7.30pm
£5 off first two performances and matinees (Bands A & B only)
Touring Theatre 17
Tilted Wig Productions Frankenstein
A new story inspired by the classic novel by Mary Shelley
Written and directed by Séan Aydon
Tue 19 – Sat 23 September
MAIN HOUSE
1943. Whilst Europe tears itself apart, two women hide from their past at what feels like the very end of the world. And one of them has a terrifying story to tell…
“I created life. You don’t believe me but it’s true. I didn’t start from scratch of course but out of portions and odd ends I made something alive. But what I created... it wasn’t a superhuman. It was a monster.”
This new thriller inspired by the classic gothic novel and complete with a stunning original score explores the very fabric of what makes us human and the ultimate cost of chasing “perfection”.
Frankenstein is an electrifying reimagining of the world’s favourite horror story that will set minds and spines tingling.
Performance times: Tue – Sat, 7.30pm, Wed and Sat, 2.30pm
Thu 21 Sep, 7.30pm
Tickets: £16 – £33.50, under 26s £19 – £31.50
Schools: £12.50, plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased
Age guidance: 12+
£5 off first two performances and matinees (Bands A & B only)
Touring Theatre 18
cheeky little brown Pre-Show Food
Enjoy a delicious meal 90 minutes before the show start time from ONLY £9 per person
Choices include: mutton curry (£12.50); jerk chicken (£10.50) and vegan curry (£9.00).
tiata fahodzi, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic co-production
cheeky little brown
By Nkenna Akunna | Directed by Chinonyerem Odimba
Mon 30 October – Fri 3 November
STUDIO
How do you break up with your best friend?
Meet Lady, a determined sharp-tongued charmer who loves her best friend Gemma as much as she loves a late-night kebab. It’s Gemma’s birthday party. The two haven’t seen each other for six months.
cheeky little brown, by Papatango Prize winning playwright Nkenna Akunna (Some of Us Exist in the Future), is a failed night out, a musical, a show about heartbreak and queerness, taking place on a journey through the city Lady calls home.
With original songs, this coming-of-age story examines a friendship between two Black women, on diverging paths of self-love and acceptance.
“A beautiful ode to Black society and home” The Guardian on Black Love, written and directed by Chinonyerem Odimba.
“Emotionally rewarding, envisioning and compelling” West End Best Friend on Some of Us Exist in the Future by Nkenna Akunna.
Performance times: Mon – Fri, 7.30pm, Wed, 2.30pm
Tickets: £21.50 | £2 off
Age guidance: 15+
Advisories: Sensitive content pertaining to body image and strong language
Thu 2 Nov, 7.30pm
Fri 3 Nov, 7.30pm
In the Studio 19
Sun 17 September
The Overtones
The No1 Vocal Harmony Group have racked up multi-platinum record sales, released 6 studio albums and sold out 11 National Tours – firmly establishing them as ‘One of the UK’s most popular and prolific live acts.
For the last decade The Overtones have been a household name appearing on countless television and radio shows across the UK and Europe including Dancing On Ice, This Morning, BBC Breakfast, ITV’s Lorraine, and Radio 2 to name a few.
Sun 22 October
Sun 21 January, 2024
Sun 10 March, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
The Comedy Store
We bring you The Best In Stand-Up’ from around the globe, showcasing the brightest names in comedy today.
With nearly 40 years’ experience in the business and as the premier name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent and remains the place to see tomorrow’s stars today.
Simply the funniest show you’ll see all year!
Performance time: 8pm
Tickets: £23
Performance time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £18.50 | £2 off 2024 show dates
MAIN HOUSE
One Nighters 20
Get Involved with High Times and Dirty Monsters
Young Persons’ Post-Show Party
Scan here for more details
Co-produced by 20 Stories High, Graeae Theatre, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and LEEDS 2023
High Times and Dirty Monsters
Tue 14 – Wed 15 November
MAIN HOUSE
High Times and Dirty Monsters is a brand-new piece of Hip-Hop gig theatre exploring the ups and downs of being young in 2023.
Funny, raw, and surprising stories performed by an amazing collective of actors, beatboxers, rappers, and dancers. Told with creative captioning, integrated sign language and integrated audio description.
Expect heavy beats, stunning visuals and full hearts.
Supported by Arts Council England, Backstage Trust, Coutts Foundation, Liverpool City Council, and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Performance times: Tue and Wed, 7pm
Tickets: £15
Age guidance: 13+
All performances are BSL integrated with creative captioning and integrated audio description
Advisories: The show is full of jokes, empowerment and feel-good moments but also explores challenging themes around ableism, substance misuse and emotional trauma. Contains strong language and gig-theatre level music. Resources will be available
£2 off first performance
Touring Theatre 21
Time Out on Torben Betts
“A killer thriller to knock ‘em dead”
Daily Mail on Original Theatre’s Night Must Fall
“An uncommonly talented playwright”
Touring Theatre 22
Original Theatre, Trafalgar Theatre Productions & JAS Theatricals present the world premiere of Tom Chambers in
Murder in the Dark
Written by Torben Betts | Directed by Philip Franks
Mon 15 – Sat 20 January, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
What happens when the lights go out...
New Year’s Eve. A car crash on a lonely road brings famous but troubled singer Danny Sierra and his extended family to an isolated holiday cottage in rural England. From the moment they arrive, a sequence of inexplicable events begin to occur… and then the lights go out.
This thrilling new ghost story will thrust you into darkness and have you on the edge of your seats until the final chilling twist.
Are you brave enough for Murder in The Dark?
A world premiere from the acclaimed writer Torben Betts produced by the award-winning Original Theatre who brought you the pulse racing hit The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie, Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art, the smash-hit comedy Invincible and the acclaimed Birdsong.
Starring Tom Chambers (Holby City, Father Brown and Strictly Come Dancing champion) and Susie Blake (Victoria Wood’s As Seen on TV, Coronation Street). Further star casting to be announced.
Performance times: Mon – Sat, 7.30pm, Wed and Sat, 2.30pm
Sat 20 Jan, 2.30pm
Tickets: £28 – £32
£5 off Mon evening and Wed matinee (Bands A & B only)
Age guidance: 14+ Touring Theatre 23
Tall Stories presents
The Gruffalo’s Child
Tue 23 – Thu 25 January, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
No gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood… Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... Does he?
Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.
Performance times: Tue, 1.30pm and 4.30pm, Wed, 10.30am and 1pm, Thu, 1pm and 4.30pm
Tickets: £16.50, under 16s £14.50
Age guidance: 3+
£2 off on Tue 23 & Thu 25 Jan, 4.30pm
The Gruffalo’s Child © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2004 – Macmillan Children’s Books
“Warm, witty and beautifully made...a fantastic family favourite”
LondonTheatre1
“Perfect children’s entertainment”
The Scotsman
For all the Family 24
“Fun, daft and a little scary!”
Time Out
Young people from our Reimagine project will perform in Rapunzel.
Scan for more information about Reimagine
Rapunzel
Fri 9 – Sat 10 February, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
A fresh and family-friendly retelling of Rapunzel by Carol Ann Duffy brought to you by leading dance theatre company balletLORENT.
In this mighty production, a red headed Rapunzel becomes entrapped in the tower, her beauty stays hidden from the outside world. A possessive witch and her pet creatures are Rapunzel’s only company until a Prince comes along, drawn by the sound of her sweet song…
Full of fight, passion and longing, this beloved must-see fairytale brings together a collection of world-class collaborators; former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, award-winning composer Murray Gold (Doctor Who; Gentleman Jack; It’s A Sin) and Michele Clapton, award-winning Costume Designer (Game of Thrones; The Crown; Mamma Mia). The score is performed by Northern Sinfonia.
Presented in association with Déda.
Performance times: Fri,6.30pm and Sat, 2pm
Tickets: £21
Age guidance: 5+
£2 off on Fri 9 Feb
balletLORENT
For all the Family 25
Norwell Lapley
Dear Zoo
Thu 22 – Fri 23 February, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
Dear Zoo, the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage! See our characters write to the Zoo. Who will be delivered? A cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and of course a perfect puppy. Help your children learn as the book leaps onto the stage and share a magical experience as the story unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982…and has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.
Join us at Derby Theatre to see what the zoo has sent: the perfect pet – in the end!
#DearZooLive
Performance times: Thu – Fri, 1.30pm, Fri, 10.30am
Tickets: £17, under 16s £15
Groups of 10 or more: £12.50
Age guidance: 2+
£2 off on Thu 22 Feb, 1.30pm
What’s
For all the Family 26
“A must-see for fans of the book”
Good to Do
BBC Big Band: The Music of James Bond…And Beyond
The internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band are joined by special guest vocalists, Emer McParland and Iain Mackenzie, in a unique concert celebrating the music of perhaps the world’s most iconic movie franchise: James Bond.
Featuring classics, including ‘Diamonds are Forever’, ‘Thunderball’, ‘We Have All The Time In The World’, ‘View to a Kill’, ‘Goldfinger’ and (of course!) John Barry’s iconic ‘James Bond theme’; alongside a selection of more contemporary numbers from the James Bond library... all performed in the BBC Big Band’s own inimitable style.
Count Arthur Strong: ‘And it’s Goodnight from Him’
Part one of Count Arthur Strong’s farewell tour. Of the World. Potentially. (Certainly Jersey).
Having consulted with top Harley Street specialists, the St Anne’s Jombulance Brigade and Professor Twitty, that did covid, (the bald one), Count Arthur Strong has decided to gradually phase in his farewell tour over a, yet to be specified number of parts, because of the likelihood of people doing ‘Cold Turkey’ in theatres over him.
Join Arthur for this never-to-be-forgotten start to his farewell tour.
“Pure genius and pure tribute to the golden age of vaudeville”
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard
Performance time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £28.50 | £2 off
Performance time: 8pm
Tickets: £26
Fri 26 January, 2024
MAIN
HOUSE MAIN HOUSE
One Nighters 27
Impatient Productions
Mark Watson: Search
Wed 10 January, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
Mark Watson’s 12-year-old son has just got a phone. His 70-year-old dad has been through the most frightening experience of his life. Both a dad and a kid himself, around the midpoint of his life, the Taskmaster star and multiple award-winner - now also famous as one-third of YouTube cult sensation No More Jockeys - returns.
He’ll consider the search for meaning that we’re all on, with or without Google. There’ll be a lot of jokes, and a show that’s different every night.
Performance time: 8pm
Tickets: £21.50
Age guidance: 14+
“A genius-level comic doing what he does best... it’s magical to watch and just so funny.”
Time Out Melbourne
“Quite unlike anything else I’ve seen in almost 20 years of covering the Fringe... witty, warm, perfectly judged.”
Telegraph
One Nighters 28
“An hour or two of our limited span on Earth in his uplifting, witty company is time excellently spent”
Chortle
Did you know about our monthly Carers’ Cafe?
Our Dementia Choir Power
of Music
Tue 20 February, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
Born out of the BBC1 documentary in 2018, Our Dementia Choir continues to wow audiences across the Midlands, UK and beyond with the Power of Music, a joyous and rousing show full of love, laughter and lots of music.
The Choir supports people living with Dementia through musical activities, whilst providing an engaging, friendly and safe space for those living with it. Power of Music in the UK and worldwide raises the profile of Dementia within our communities and how it affects those living with the disease and the effects on their families and loved ones. When you watch Our Dementia Choir, prepare yourself for an incredible and unique performance, as well as a range of emotions…joy, sadness, laughter, excitement and amazement…and get ready to join in and sing along to an uplifting range of familiar songs.
Derby Theatre feels proud and privileged to be playing host to the choir early 2024 …and we look forward to welcoming you and joining us for a night like no other.
Scan here for more information:
Performance time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
£2 off
One Nighters 29
Pepa Duarte
Eating Myself
Written and performed by Pepa Duarte
Directed by Sergio Maggiolo
Sat 23 September
STUDIO
“Food is a gift. Something you give to others. A privilege. An excuse to be with the ones you love.”
Back home, the mouth-watering flavours and aromas of traditional Peruvian cooking were forbidden in Pepa’s home. Except when Grandma would sneak in a steak and some spices. In England, Pepa found herself on a journey, a journey inside herself, to discover that food could be shared with a new family around a new table. And you are invited to taste it.
Through her own experiences, Duarte takes us on an exciting journey that will make us reflect on our own relationship with food.
Join Pepa Duarte for a full sensory experience exploring womanhood, body image and tradition in her debut play directed by Sergio Maggiolo.
Performance times: 3pm and 8pm
Tickets: £15, under 26s £13
Age guidance: 16+
Advisories: Talks about body image and appearance
£2 off
“A well-crafted piece of theatrical storytelling. Nourishing, and created with a great deal of heart and soul”
The Spy in the Stalls
In the Studio 30
In Other Words
By Matthew Seager
Fri 6 October
STUDIO
‘I know what you’re thinking…That didn’t start well, did it?’
They call it ‘the incident’ now. What happened when they first met. He always said it was part of his ‘romantic plan’, but they both know that’s rubbish.
Join Arthur and Jane, at the beginning, as they tell us their story. Brought to life by two actors, we are led through fifty years of Arthur and Jane’s relationship, jumping in and out of memories and experiencing, for brief moments, a failing mind as it loses its grip on reality.
Connected by the music of Frank Sinatra, this intimate, humorous and deeply moving love story explores the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and the transformative power of music in our lives.
In Other Words has more than 20 four and five-star reviews and is the English language original of 4x Moliere Award winning Oublie Moi.
Performance time: 8pm
Tickets: £15, under 26s £13
Age guidance: 12+
Advisories: Explores themes associated with advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. There will also be some flashing lights
“Stunning” The Reviews Hub “Perfection” The Upcoming “Beautiful” Theatre Weekly “Masterly devised” Plays to See “Exquisite” The Scotsman “Moving” The Stage £2 off
In the Studio 31
A Good Neet Aht
By Phil Green
Sat 7 October STUDIO
Exploring class, identity and belonging.
It’s about the places that make us and the places we make. It’s about growing up and moving away. It’s about where we’ve been and where we are now. It’s about belonging and not belonging. It’s about not fitting in and finding a place to fit in. It’s about here. It’s about there. It’s about me and it’s about you.
Join Phil in his journey as he recreates beer ads we have loved, the 1968 Rugby League Challenge Cup final, under-16s disco night at the Mecca ballroom, Wakefield, and his mum and dad’s silver wedding party. This show is about the places we grow up in and the traces they may or may not leave; finding, losing and re-discovering roots.
Using popular performance forms A Good Neet Aht explores class, identity and belonging. It’s a kaleidoscope of experiences travelling through time and place with its feet placed firmly in the pit village of Phil’s youth. It’s at turns comic, reflective, celebratory and occasionally abrasive but always heartfelt.
Performance time: 8pm
Tickets: £15, under 26s £13
Age guidance: 14+
Advisories: Strong language
£2 off
In the Studio 32
Sat 14 October
STUDIO
A play about boobs. Happy boobs. Sad boobs. Naughty boobs. Scared boobs…Poorly boobs.
From bra fittings to breast cancer diagnosis, Lucy’s boobs tell her story in 60 minutes - the time it takes to perform a standard lumpectomy. Co-created with women who have experience of breast cancer and those who treat them, Identities unclasps the hidden adventures our boobs go on; the good, the bad and the silly.
After a successful 5* tour in 2022, Close To Home are thrilled to be touring the UK again with their debut play. Supported by Culture Warrington, Prevent Breast Cancer and Arts Council England.
Performance times: 3pm and 8pm
Tickets: £15, under 26s £13
Advisories: Identities discusses the topic of breasts and breast cancer throughout. There is also discussion of grief and loss. The performance contains strong language, loud music and flashing lights £2 off
Close To Home Productions
Identities
“Beautifully blending comedy with heartwrenching sincerity. This play will have you laughing at one moment and crying the next”
The Warrington Guardian
In the Studio 33
What’s your Poison?
By Steve Orme
Sat 21 October
STUDIO
William Palmer is a respectable member of the medical profession ... so why do so many people around him die suddenly, and without apparent explanation?
This fascinating new play about real-life 19th century doctor Palmer is seen from both the atmospheric Victorian perspective -the doctor, his family and friends, and his trial - and also the contemporary 21st century perspective - a young couple fascinated by this true-crime case... and it delivers a delicious final twist!
Rumpus’ production of The Ripper Files was “chilling ... a fine piece of theatre” (TheLatest.co.uk) while The Tell-Tale Heart was “something to make [the audience’s] blood run cold ... I jumped out of my seat” (British Theatre Guide).
Performance time: 8pm
Tickets: £15, under 26s £13
Age guidance: 12+ £2 off
Rumpus Theatre Company
In the Studio 34
The Gods Are All Here
Fri 27 – Sat 28 October
STUDIO
Warm-hearted, beautifully weaving African diaspora myth and folktales with an astonishing family story.
Sparked by the discovery of a series of family letters, THE GODS ARE ALL HERE is a moving, funny and warm-hearted performance from first-class storyteller, Phil Okwedy.
This captivating show skilfully weaves myth, song, folktales and legends of the African diaspora with an astonishing personal story that shares experiences of growing up as a child in 1960 & 70’s Wales.
Exploring equality, freedom, family and growing up without your birth parents, in an enthralling performance, you’ll discover THE GODS ARE ALL HERE is timeless and a story of now!
Performance times: Fri and Sat, 8pm
Sat 28 Oct, 8pm
Tickets: £15, under 26s £13
Age guidance: 12+
Advisories: Talks about being brought up with foster parents, there are stories of enslavement that include descriptions of violence, and the show contains discriminatory language
£2 off first performance
Adverse Camber Productions presents Phil Okwedy
In the Studio 35
Danyah Miller Storyteller
I Believe in Unicorns
By Michael Morpurgo
Sat 4 – Sun 5 November
STUDIO
I Believe in Unicorns is an intimate show set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. It is a tale of the power of books, and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. Tomas hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady...
An enchanting and interactive production, I Believe in Unicorns sparks imagination in both young and old. We challenge you not to believe in unicorns after joining Tomas’ spellbinding journey.
I Believe in Unicorns also includes a ‘book swap’, for which audience members are invited to bring along a favourite children’s book (for ages 6 and upwards) to help form part of the stage set at the beginning of the show. At the end, the children are invited to swap their book for another one and so have a new story ‘from the library’ to take home with them.
Performance times: 11.30am and 2pm
Tickets: £14.50, under 16s £12.50
Age guidance: 6+
Advisories: Some scenes of war, though gently portrayed.
£5 off performances on Sat 4 Nov
In the Studio 36
“An utterly magical stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s enthralling children’s tale” The Stage
Bonfire
By Simon Marshall
Fri 10 – Sat 11 November STUDIO
Leon’s gone live. Stood in his Nana’s lounge, wearing his favourite cardigan, blasting the Sugababes, Leon’s determined to confront the demons of his past; both digital and physical.
Bonfire follows a young gay man from Derbyshire’s journey through adolescence. Like Easy A meets It’s A Sin, Leon stitches together a narrative of his family, friends and secrets, hurtling us back to the dial-up internet era and forward again, as he learns to celebrate his future.
Through pop music, movement and playful storytelling, Bonfire is a monologue-megamix written by Derby Theatre Associate Artist Simon Marshall on reclaiming queer identity and resisting shame.
Inspired by Bernardo’s 2016 Not on the Radar report and consultation with Derbyshire LGBT+. Bonfire’s 2022 work-in-progress performance was described as “honest, brave, acutely-written and often sharply funny” (Lyn Gardner).
Performance times: Fri and Sat, 8pm
Tickets: £15, under 26s £13
Age guidance: 16+
Advisories: Sexual references, strong language, homophobic language, contains references to online grooming and grief.
£2 off first performance
In the Studio 37
£5 off opening night and Wed matinee
(Bands A & B only)
Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park Arts Centre
The 60th Anniversary Tour
Joan Littlewood’s Musical Entertainment
Oh What A Lovely War
By Theatre Workshop, Charles Chilton,
Gerry
Raffles
and members of the Original Cast
Directed by Nicky Allpress | Musical Director: Ellie Verkerk
Movement Director: Adam Haigh
Tue 16 - Sat 20 April, 2024
MAIN HOUSE
Roll up, Roll up! And take your seat for the ever-popular ‘War Game’!
A cornerstone of modern musical theatre and one of the very greatest stage satires, Oh What A Lovely War is an extraordinary theatrical journey bringing to life the folly, farce and tragedy of the First World War.
Wildly satirical, visually stunning and deeply moving, it’s the musical that revolutionised modern theatre; an exhilarating, no-holds-barred assault on the military incompetence and inconceivable disregard for human life the First World War has come to represent.
Packed with timeless songs, razor-sharp satire and high jinks, Oh What A Lovely War a hilarious, heart-breaking snapshot of life for those caught in the crossfire of conflict, a unanimous voice from the trenches and a timely warning from the theatre of war itself. Now, more than ever, it holds a mirror up to the world and speaks to us all.
Performance times: Tue – Sat, 7.30pm, Wed and Sat, 2.30pm
Tickets: £24 – £28 | Age guidance: 11+
Amateur Companies 38
“One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English theatre” The Stage
Nativity! The Musical
In celebration of their tenth anniversary year Derby Youth Musical Theatre are delighted to perform this fun-packed, heart-warming musical adapted by the creator of the much-loved films.
Every child in every school has one Christmas wish to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they are attempting to mount a musical version. The only problem is teacher Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show and turn it into a film. Join him, his teaching assistant, the crazy Mr Poppy, hilarious pupils and a whole cast of madcap individuals as they struggle to make everyone’s wishes come true.
Feel-good, funny and full of infectious joy, this production features all the hit songs from the films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night, One Moment and a host of many others.
Book and Lyrics by Debbie Isitt, Music by Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager, Orchestrations by George Dyer. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk.
Performance times: Thu and Fri, 7.30pm Sat, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Sun, 1pm and 5.30pm
Tickets: £19.50, under 18s and over 60s £17.50
Flying High 2024 Gang Show
Since 1968, Scout and Girlguiding members have been entertaining Derby audiences in the Flying High Gang Show.
Suitable for all ages, the show features well known songs, dance and comedy. Great music, stunning colour, energy and enthusiasm ensure a great time will be had by all! Five times winner of the Derby Amateur Theatre Eagle Award for Outstanding Achievement. Get your tickets now!
Performance times: Wed – Fri, 7.15pm Sat 1.30pm and 6pm
Tickets: £17.50, under 16s and over 60s £15 Buy 10 tickets, get the 11th free.
Derby Youth Musical Theatre
12
Thu 9 Nov – Sun
Nov
MAIN HOUSE
Wed 14 – Sat 17 Feb, 2024
Amateur Companies 39
MAIN HOUSE
Get Involved
We’re known for training students at the University of Derby, developing artists and empowering our communities, and we’re excited to take everyone on a journey of discovery.
We have opportunities for children and young people, schools, artists, students and EVERYONE to get involved.
We offer Youth Theatre, Careers Days, Future Creatives, Plus One, Artist Development Opportunities, Carers’ Café, Workshops for all Ages, Ambassador Groups, Volunteering and Training Programmes, Community Events, Call-Outs plus much much more…
See the WEALTH of opportunities for how YOU can get involved by scanning here:
Derby Theatre is a ‘learning theatre’.
Get Involved 40
Photos: Grant Archer & Chris Webb
For ages 18+
Derby CAN (Derby Creative Arts Network) is a project where organisations create theatre and live events in partnership with people who live in Derby and surrounding areas. We link up artists with groups of local people to co-create artistic and cultural events that really mean something to our community. Then we present the results in community spaces, on our stages, and on tour
For Young People and schools
In the theatre and out in your community
From Plus One to Future Creatives, Youth Theatre to Summer Schools, Derby Theatre Ambassadors to Theatre Makers, we have LOTS of opportunities for young people to get involved in the work we do.
For artists and creatives in the Midlands
For more info, scan here:
For more young people info, scan here:
For more schools info, scan here:
We are proud to be the home of In Good Company, a flagship project we founded in 2014 offering creative support and business development to artists and companies in the Midlands.
For more info, scan here:
Get Involved 41
Study and work alongside theatre professionals on real shows in the heart of a producing theatre. Derby Theatre, owned by the University of Derby, is the first ever Learning Theatre of its kind and is recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as a unique model for real-life learning.
We offer a range of undergraduate and masters courses for anyone interested in a career within the arts and theatre.
MA Applied Theatre and Education
For more information visit: derby.ac.uk/theatre
BA (Hons) Theatre Arts
Derby Theatre will be your ‘home’, offering you valuable industry experience and contacts. This course is unique; no other university level course is housed in a professional producing theatre.
You will be at the centre of this professional environment, developing skills in acting, devising and directing for your career as a professional theatre artist.
Develop your skills and confidence as an educational practitioner using theatre and drama to bring about social change, working in areas such as schools, prisons, communities and the care system. You’ll work and study alongside theatre professionals and specialist academics at Derby Theatre for an inspirational learning experience.
A Tasty Tale Photo: Chris Webb
University of Derby 42
Photo: Chris Webb
Theatre Café
We offer a wide range of snacks, delicious hot and cold homemade food and beverages, served to your table with a smile!
Our brand-new menu includes favourites such as our freshly made toasties, sandwiches and paninis, plus a range of homemade cakes, soups, jacket potatoes and salads. We cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.
If you are concerned about an allergy, our ingredients, or have any questions regarding food or drink, please don't hesitate to ask one of our friendly catering team – they'll be happy to help.
Theatre Café opening times: Monday – Saturday, 10am-3pm and 90 minutes before show times.
See selected show pages for great meal deals!
The Bar
The Bar in our upper foyer opens 45 minutes before the show, offering a range of beverages and snacks.
We serve a selection of ales (Dancing Duck); hot drinks (coffees/teas); spirits (whisky, gin and vodka), and bottled beers/ciders (Budweiser, Peroni, Red Stripe, Bulmers and Rekorderlig), as well as a diverse range of wines (Stowells –Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel) and soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta orange/lemon, Sprite, and orange/apple juice).
We also offer a selection of locally sourced ice cream. (Bluebell Dairy Ice Cream), available before, after or during the show.
The Bar opening times: Open on the days where there is a performance/event only, 45 minutes prior to the start time.
Photo: Lee Johnson
Theatre Cafe
43
and Bar
Booking and Your Visit
Box Office Opening Hours
Derby Theatre’s Box Office counter service is open to welcome visitors and customers at the following times to make bookings and enquiries in person and over the phone:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm (and later on performance days)
On Sundays and Bank Holidays: 90 minutes before a performance
Box Office telephone number: 01332 593939
Phone lines will be open until half an hour before the first evening performance
Booking Online
Online booking is available 24/7.
You can select your preferred ticket delivery option when booking online: e-ticket or collect from Box Office.
E-Tickets
After booking events, you will be sent a confirmation of your booking and an e-ticket via email, so please ensure your Theatre account details are up to date.
If the show/event you are seeing/taking part in is at the Theatre, simply show your e-ticket to a member of our team before entering the auditorium and they will scan the e-ticket directly from your phone.
If your event is online, your e-ticket will contain any links or passwords you need to access the event. Your e-tickets are accessible from your Theatre account at any time.
Ticket Collection
If you are unable to be sent an e-ticket via email, you may wish to collect your tickets from the Box Office, you can select this option when booking. Please arrive in plenty of time before the start of the show to collect your tickets.
Email Enquiries
For email enquiries, please email DerbyTheatreTickets@derby.ac.uk
We endeavour to respond as quickly as possible, within five working days.
Payment Options
Please be ready to make any on-site payments via a contactless bank card, rather than cash, where possible.
We accept: All types of card payment (except American Express); cash and theatre tokens.
Cancellations, Refunds and Exchanges
In the unfortunate event of a performance being cancelled, we will automatically offer you: to exchange tickets to another performance during the run (if available); theatre credit (to be used on a future production at Derby Theatre, valid for 12 months); a full refund (via the original payment method) or the option to donate, or part donate, to Derby Theatre.
If you are unable to attend a performance, for any reason, we will happily exchange tickets to another performance during the run (if available) at a charge of £1 per ticket - with any price difference, additional payment may be required, or if the ticket price performance you would like to change to is less, the difference will be returned to theatre credit. We are unfortunately unable to offer refunds.
Booking and Your Visit 44
Schools and Groups
Derby Theatre welcomes groups and schools of all sizes. To ensure an enjoyable, affordable and hassle-free visit, we offer the following to schools and groups:
Schools
Special discounts on selected shows: Tickets from only £10 each, with every eleventh ticket free.
Reserve now, pay later: Secure your booking by making an unpaid reservation whilst you discuss and finalise plans with your school. We will send you booking reminders, with final numbers and final payment required one month before the performance date (or one week before if a booking is made within one month of the show).
Familiarisation visit:
If you would like to come and see us in advance of your visit, to familiarise yourself with the Theatre, spaces and facilities, please get in touch.
Payment methods for schools: Card, cash, cheque or invoice (BACS payment).
For more information about prices, reservations, and familiarisation visits for schools, please email: DerbyTheatreGroups@derby.ac.uk
Groups
Special discounts on selected shows. Reserve now, pay later. (See Schools)
Familiarisation visit (See Schools)
Space hire:
We can offer our Community Hub in the upper foyer for you and your group to meet pre and post-show.
Payment methods for groups: Card, cash, cheque or invoice (BACS payment)
For more information about schools’ and groups’ discounts, reservations and familiarisation visits (and space hire for groups); please email
DerbyTheatreGroups@derby.ac.uk
Finding Us
By car
If you are travelling by car, Derby Theatre is located just off the A601 in the centre of Derby. Car parking at Derbion Basement
Derby Theatre is directly above Derbion Basement Car Park, the most convenient, safe and secure city centre parking all under one roof, accessed from Traffic Street. The postcode for the car park is DE1 2PL.
There are also convenient car parks opposite the Theatre:
Copeland Street, Derby, DE1 2PY. Payable by cash, card or Connect App.
Siddals Road NCP Car Park, DE1 2PY. Payable by card or app.
By train
We are very close to Derby Railway Station, approx. 10 minutes’ walk from the station. Follow signs to Derbion after leaving the station.
By bus
Trent Barton run several frequent routes serving Derby and the surrounding areas. Most buses stop at Derby Bus Station, a 5-minute walk to and from the entrance to Derbion Shopping Centre.
By taxi
If arriving by taxi, please request to be dropped off at the Derbion Basement Car Park (which will allow you 20 minutes free drop-off time). For your return journey, we are more than happy to order a taxi to be waiting for you after the performance, please ask at Box Office on arrival.
Data Protection
Derby Theatre is committed to upholding the data protection principles of good informationhandling practices. When processing your booking the Box Office will ask you your name, address, telephone number and email address.
This information may be used to keep you informed about forthcoming events at Derby Theatre.
With your permission we may also pass on your name and address to other arts organisations who may send you information of a similar nature. You’ll be asked if your details can be used in this way at the time of booking. Prices and information correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change.
Booking and Your Visit 45
Access Performances
Derby Theatre welcomes all customers and has an extensive range of services to ensure you have an enjoyable and comfortable visit.
If you require any assistance, information or support before, during or after your visit with us, please inform the Box Office when booking your tickets, this way we can find the best seats for you and ensure you have a great experience with us.
We have a list of services and more detailed information available in our accessible brochure which is available in our foyers or we can post/ email this out to you.
This information is also available online: www.derbytheatre.co.uk/your-visit/ accessibility
Across our season we offer (where possible) a range of accessible performances. These include Audio Described, British Sign Language Interpreted and Captioned Performances. On some performances we also offer Relaxed and Dementia-Friendly Performances.
More information about these performances and listings are available in our accessible brochure, online: www.derbytheatre.co.uk/your-visit/accessibleperformances and at the back of this brochure through the access symbols.
Derby Theatre supports anyone living with dementia and their friends, families and carers. Derby Theatre often run Dementia Friends information sessions. Please get in touch with A.Tinley@derby.ac.uk for more information.
Accessible Performances
BSL Performances
4 Walls Sat 9 Sep, 2pm
TONY! Thu 14 Sep, 7.30pm
Frankenstein Thu 21 Sep, 7.30pm
Brassed Off Sat 21 Oct, 2.30pm, Wed 25 Oct, 7.30pm
cheeky little brown Thu 2 Nov, 7.30pm
High Times and Dirty Monsters
All performances will have integrated BSL
Cinderella Fri 1 Dec 7.15pm, Sat 16 Dec 2.30pm Mon 18 Dec 10.15am
Three Billy Goats Gruff
All performances will have integrated BSL
Murder in the Dark Sat 20 Jan, 2.30pm
Animal Farm Thu 7 Mar, 10.30am, 7pm Sat 16 Mar, 2pm
Alice in Wonderland
All performances will have integrated BSL
Welfare Wed 9 Oct 2024, 7.30pm
The Gods Are All Here Sat 28 Oct, 8pm
Captioned Performances
Brassed Off Sat 14 Oct, 2.30pm Wed 18 Oct, 7.30pm
cheeky little brown Fri 3 Nov, 7.30pm
High Times and Dirty Monsters
All performances will have integrated creative captioning
Cinderella Sat 16 Dec 7.15pm, Mon 18 Dec 10.15am Fri 29 Dec 2.30pm
Three Billy Goats Gruff
All performances will have integrated creative captioning
Animal Farm Wed 6 Mar, 7pm
Alice in Wonderland
All performances will have integrated creative captioning
Welfare Thu 10 Oct 2024, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performances
Brassed Off Thu 5 and 19 Oct, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm)
High Times and Dirty Monsters
All performances will have integrated Audio Description
Cinderella Wed 13 and 20 Dec, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm)
Three Billy Goats Gruff
All performances will have integrated Audio Description
Animal Farm Sat 9 Mar, 2pm (TT 12.45pm) Wed 13 Mar, 7pm (TT 5.45pm)
Alice in Wonderland Sat 29 Jun, 2pm (TT 12.45pm) Sat 6 Jul, 2pm (TT 12.45pm)
Welfare Thu 3 and Sat 5 Oct, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm)
Relaxed Performances
Cinderella Fri 8 Dec, 11am
Alice in Wonderland Thu 4 Jul, 11am
Dementia-Friendly Performances
Brassed Off Thu 26 Oct, 2.30pm
Cinderella Thu 28 Dec, 2.30pm
Welfare Thu 10 Oct, 2.30pm
Access Performances 46
STSTAGE AGE Please get in touch with us if you require any further information or wish to book tickets. Phone: 01332 593939 | Email: DerbyTheatreTickets@derby.ac.uk Text Number: 07717346964 (text enquiries only) Website: www.derbytheatre.co.uk Seating Plan 47
September 2023 Thu 7 4 Walls 7pm Fri 8 4 Walls 7pm Sat 9 4 Walls 2pm , 7pm Tue 12 TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera 7.30pm Wed 13 TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera 2.30pm, 7.30pm Thu 14 TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera 7.30pm Fri 15 TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera 7.30pm Sat 16 TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera 2.30pm, 7.30pm Sun 17 The Overtones 8pm Tue 19 Frankenstein 7.30pm Wed 20 Frankenstein 2.30pm, 7.30pm Thu 21 Frankenstein 7.30pm Fri 22 Frankenstein 7.30pm Sat 23 Frankenstein 2.30pm, 7.30pm Sat 23 Eating Myself 3pm, 8pm Fri 29 Brassed Off 7.30pm Sat 30 Brassed Off 2.30pm, 7.30pm October 2023 Mon 2 Brassed Off 7.30pm Tue 3 Brassed Off 7.30pm Wed 4 Brassed Off 7.30pm Thu 5 Brassed Off 2.30pm , 7.30pm Fri 6 Brassed Off 7.30pm Fri 6 In Other Words 8pm Sat 7 Brassed Off 2.30pm, 7.30pm Sat 7 A Good Neet Aht 8pm Mon 9 Brassed Off 7.30pm Tue 10 Brassed Off 7.30pm Wed 11 Brassed Off 7.30pm Thu 12 Brassed Off 2.30pm, 7.30pm Fri 13 Brassed Off 7.30pm Sat 14 Brassed Off 2.30pm , 7.30pm Sat 14 Identities 3pm, 8pm Mon 16 Brassed Off 7.30pm Tue 17 Brassed Off 7.30pm Wed 18 Brassed Off 7.30pm Thu 19 Brassed Off 2.30pm , 7.30pm Fri 20 Brassed Off 7.30pm Sat 21 Brassed Off 2.30pm , 7.30pm Sat 21 What’s Your Poison? 8pm Sun 22 The Comedy Store 7.30pm Mon 23 Brassed Off 7.30pm Wed 25 Brassed Off 7.30pm Thu 26 Brassed Off 2.30pm , 7.30pm Fri 27 Brassed Off 7.30pm Fri 27 The Gods Are All Here 8pm Sat 28 Brassed Off 2.30pm, 7.30pm Sat 28 The Gods Are All Here 8pm Mon 30 cheeky little brown 7.30pm Tue 31 cheeky little brown 7.30pm November 2023 Wed 1 cheeky little brown 2.30pm, 7.30pm Thu 2 cheeky little brown 7.30pm Seating plan Diary Highlights 48
Fri 3 cheeky little brown 7.30pm Sat 4 I Believe in Unicorns 11.30am, 2pm Sun 5 I Believe in Unicorns 11.30am, 2pm Thu 9 Nativity! The Musical 7.30pm Fri 10 Nativity! The Musical 7.30pm Fri 10 Bonfire 8pm Sat 11 Nativity! The Musical 2.30pm, 7.30pm Sat 11 Bonfire 8pm Sun 12 Nativity! The Musical 1pm, 5.30pm Tue 14 High Times and Dirty Monsters 7pm Wed 15 High Times and Dirty Monsters 7pm Fri 24 Cinderella 7.15pm Sat 25 Cinderella 2.30pm, 7.15pm Mon 27 Cinderella 7.15pm Tue 28 Cinderella 7.15pm Thu 30 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Thu 30 Cinderella 10.15am December
Fri 1 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Fri 1 Cinderella 10.15am , 7.15pm Sat 2 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Sat 2 Cinderella 2.30pm, 7.15pm Sun 3 Cinderella 2.30pm Mon 4 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Tue 5 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Tue 5 Cinderella 10.15am Wed 6 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Wed 6 Cinderella 10.15am Thu 7 Cinderella 10.15am Fri 8 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Fri 8 Cinderella 11am D , 7.15pm D Sat 9 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Sat 9 Cinderella 2.30pm, 7.15pm Sun 10 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Sun 10 Cinderella 2.30pm Tue 12 Cinderella 10.15am Tue 12 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Wed 13 Cinderella 10.15am , 2.30pm Wed 13 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Thu 14 Cinderella 10.15am , 7.15pm Thu 14 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Fri 15 Cinderella 7.15pm Sat 16 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Sat 16 Cinderella 2.30pm , 7.15pm Sun 17 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Mon 18 Cinderella 10.15am , 7.15pm Tue 19 Cinderella 10.15am Tue 19 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Wed 20 Cinderella 10.15am , 2.30pm Wed 20 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Thu 21 Cinderella 10.15am , 7.15pm Thu 21 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Fri 22 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Fri 22 Cinderella 7.15pm Diary Highlights 49
2023
Sat 23 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am , 1.30pm Sat 23 Cinderella 2.30pm, 7.15pm Sun 24 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Sun 24 Cinderella 2.30pm Tue 26 Three Billy Goats Gruff 1.30pm Tue 26 Cinderella 3pm Wed 27 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Wed 27 Cinderella 2.30pm, 7.15pm Thu 28 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Thu 28 Cinderella 2.30pm D , 7.15pm Fri 29 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Fri 29 Cinderella 2.30pm , 7.15pm Sat 30 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Sat 30 Cinderella 2.30pm, 7.15pm Sun 31 Three Billy Goats Gruff 10.30am, 1.30pm Sun 31 Cinderella 2.30pm January 2024 Wed 10 Mark Watson: Search 8pm Mon 15 Murder in the Dark 7.30pm Tue 16 Murder in the Dark 7.30pm Wed 17 Murder in the Dark 2.30pm, 7.30pm Thu 18 Murder in the Dark 7.30pm Fri 19 Murder in the Dark 7.30pm Sat 20 Murder in the Dark 2.30pm , 7.30pm Sun 21 The Comedy Store 7.30pm Tue 23 The Gruffalo’s Child 1.30pm, 4.30pm Wed 24 The Gruffalo’s Child 10.30am, 1pm Thu 25 The Gruffalo’s Child 1pm, 4.30pm Fri 26 BBC Big Band 7.30pm February 2024 Wed 7 Count Arthur Strong 8pm Fri 9 Rapunzel 6.30pm Sat 10 Rapunzel 2pm Wed 14 Flying High 2024 Gang Show 7.15pm Thu 15 Flying High 2024 Gang Show 7.15pm Fri 16 Flying High 2024 Gang Show 7.15pm Sat 17 Flying High 2024 Gang Show 1.30pm, 6pm Tue 20 Our Dementia Choir 7.30pm Thu 22 Dear Zoo 1.30pm Fri 23 Dear Zoo 10.30am, 1.30pm Wed 28 Animal Farm 7pm Thu 29 Animal Farm 2pm , 7pm March 2024 Fri 1 Animal Farm 7pm Sat 2 Animal Farm 2pm, 7pm Tue 5 Animal Farm 10.30am, 7pm Wed 6 Animal Farm 7pm Thu 7 Animal Farm 10.30am , 7pm Fri 8 Animal Farm 7pm Sat 9 Animal Farm 2pm , 7pm Sun 10 The Comedy Store 7.30pm Tue 12 Animal Farm 10.30am , 7pm Wed 13 Animal Farm 7pm Diary Highlights 50
Studio Main House
Please be aware that touch tours will be held 75 minutes before the start of the Audio Described performance.
Thu 14 Animal Farm 10.30am, 7pm Fri 15 Animal Farm 7pm Sat 16 Animal Farm 2pm , 7pm April 2024 Tue 16 Oh What A Lovely War 7.30pm Wed 17 Oh What A Lovely War 2.30pm, 7.30pm Thu 18 Oh What A Lovely War 7.30pm Fri 19 Oh What A Lovely War 7.30pm Sat 20 Oh What A Lovely War 2.30pm, 7.30pm June 2024 Sat 22 Alice in Wonderland 2pm , 7pm Mon 24 Alice in Wonderland 7pm Tue 25 Alice in Wonderland 7pm Wed 26 Alice in Wonderland 7pm Thu 27 Alice in Wonderland 10.15am, 7pm Fri 28 Alice in Wonderland 7pm Sat 29 Alice in Wonderland 2pm , 7pm Sun 30 Alice in Wonderland 2pm July 2024 Mon 1 Alice in Wonderland 7pm Tue 2 Alice in Wonderland 10.15am, 7pm Thu 4 Alice in Wonderland 11am , 7pm Fri 5 Alice in Wonderland 7pm Sat 6 Alice in Wonderland 2pm , 7pm September 2024 Fri 27 Welfare 7.30pm Sat 28 Welfare 2.30pm , 7.30pm Mon 30 Welfare 7.30pm October 2024 Tue 1 Welfare 7.30pm Wed 2 Welfare 7.30pm Thu 3 Welfare 2.30pm , 7.30pm Fri 4 Welfare 7.30pm Sat 5 Welfare 2.30pm , 7.30pm Mon 7 Welfare 7.30pm Tue 8 Welfare 7.30pm Wed 9 Welfare 7.30pm Thu 10 Welfare 2.30pm D , 7.30pm Fri 11 Welfare 7.30pm Sat 12 Welfare 2.30pm, 7.30pm
Press
Captioned Dementia Friendly British Sign Language Relaxed Schools Performance Audio Described Preview Performance D Distanced Performance Creative Captioning Diary Highlights 51
Night
IT'S BACK!
We would like to thank the following organisations for their generous support:
With special thanks to our Diamond Patrons John and Laura Howarth.
University of Derby Theatre Limited is a registered charity (No: 1129005)