Derby Theatre What's on Guide June to December 2024

Derby Theatre

Join our circle of Friends to receive priority booking, exclusive discounts on lots of productions and much more! Your support will help us to continue our work with young people, collaborate with our communities and produce new work for you to enjoy!

£30 per year

Priority booking and discounts on a range of productions for two people, 10% discount on food and drink in our café and bar.

£40 per year

Priority booking and discounts on a range of productions for up to six people, 10% discount on food and drink in our café and bar.

£90 per year or just £7.50 per month

Priority booking, discounts on a range of productions

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 emailing: l.winson@derby.ac.uk or phone 01332 591254.

Join Today

Become a Friend today and start enjoying the benefits straight away.

Visit our website derbytheatre.co.uk/supportour-work/become-a-friend or call a friendly member of our Box Office team on 01332 59 39 39 or text enquiries on 07717 346 964.

Photo: Grant Archer

Support your Theatre and keep Derby MAKING!

We make 6 shows a year across our Main House and Studio at Derby Theatre… this means that whenever you see the MADE IN DERBY stamp, you know the shows have been made by our own artistic team right here on your doorstep.

If you buy a ticket for a MADE IN DERBY show – 100% of the money goes to your local theatre. From set painters to lighting designers, directors to actors, you are helping to support a creative workforce in your city.

Our productions have toured nationally and internationally, helping us to take the MADE IN DERBY brand to thousands of people, but home is where the heart is, and our Derby audiences are crucial supporters who can help us make Derby Theatre not only a place where great theatre can tour to, but also a unique space where top-class theatre can be made. As a charity, Derby Theatre also relies on your support to allow us to undertake all of the important community work we do. From working in schools, to a support group for those living with Dementia, Derby Theatre works with over 23,000 residents of our city and county each year. We release creativity, broaden horizons and improve confidence and life chances.

We are proud to bring you touring theatre from across the UK, but we do hope you’ll make a special effort to see a MADE IN DERBY show this season.

We look forward to welcoming you.

How you can support Derby Theatre:

Donate Today: Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact.

Become a Friend: Enjoy a special relationship with us and hear about the shows first.

Become a Corporate Partner: Demonstrate your support for the arts and gain visibility for your business.

Photo: Graeme Braidwood

Photo: Graeme Braidwood

Photo: Pamela Raith

Theatre Unwrapped

FREE opportunities to gain an insight into the production process.

Get Involved

with Alice in Wonderland

Scan here for lots of ways you can get involved and gain an insight into the production.

Wed 19 June, 7pm

Matinee Meet-up

Only £3 pp Sat 6 July, 12pm – 1.15pm

See page 28 for more details.

A Derby Theatre Production

A new version by Nicola Werenowska | Based on Lewis Carroll’s classic story Featuring Rhiannon May as Alice from BBC’s Silent Witness

Sat 22 June – Sat 6 July

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 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

Alice in Wonderland is creatively captioned and uses British Sign Language and spoken English throughout.

Sat 29 June, 2pm and Sat 6 July, 2pm Touch Tours 75mins before Thu 4 July, 11am

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

Fabulous Food and Drink Offers

Afternoon Tea Adult £17.50pp (£22.50pp with Prosecco)

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

Child £7.50pp

50% off preview performances and £5 off all other performances (Bands A & B only)

Exclusive Friends Event: Behind the Scenes with Alice in Wonderland Sat 29 June, 4pm - FREE

Get Involved with Welfare

Scan here for lots of ways you can get involved and gain an insight into the production.

Experience Seats: £35 (includes drink and savoury snack)

Experience the show by sitting on stage and immersing yourself in the action of Welfare, placing you at the heart of the performance. Fish and chips are available on all performances.

Post-Show Discussion: Thu 10 Oct, after 7.30pm performance

Photo: Bec

A Derby Theatre Production

A new play by Abi Zakarian Featuring Derwent Brass

Sat 28 Sep – Sat 12 Oct

MAIN HOUSE

Miners, Holiday Makers, Strikers, Bingo Players: those seeking refuge, those demanding hope and those on the trail of fun… UNITE!

Derby Theatre will be transformed into the site of The Derbyshire Miners’ Holiday Camp in Skegness where miners went to convalesce, and later to holiday, as it was turned into a pioneering holiday camp for Derbyshire miners and their families. Take a trip through the decades as we follow the fortunes of the camp through the highs and lows of history; meeting a family across the generations and exploring how time and change affects communities and individuals alike.

Expect Brass Bands, rousing speeches, entertainment and a whole load of bingo! Written by award winning British-Armenian playwright Abi Zakarian who was born and raised in Derby.

Performance times: Mon – Sat, 7.30pm, Thu and Sat, 2.30pm

Thu 3 Oct and Sat 5 Oct, 2.30pm Touch Tours 75mins before Wed 9 Oct, 7.30pm

Thu 10 Oct, 7.30pm Thu 10 Oct, 2.30pm

Tickets: £15 – £35 | Under 26s: £13 – £21

Schools: £12.50, plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased 16-25 year olds: £5 on Friday evenings

Fabulous

Food and Drink Offers

Fish & Chips (and Mushy Peas) £7.50 Chips (and Mushy Peas) £5.45

Available on all performance dates

50% off preview performances and £5 off all other performances (Bands A & B only)

Get Involved

with A Christmas Carol Scan here for lots of ways you can get involved and gain an insight into the production.

A Derby Theatre Production

A Christmas Carol

A thrilling new version by Mike Kenny of Charles Dickens’ classic and much-loved story

Fri 22 Nov, 2024 – Sat 4 Jan, 2025

MAIN HOUSE

Come and join us for an exciting, magical and vibrant adaptation of Charles Dickens’ treasured novel.

A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale of hope and redemption which follows Ebenezer Scrooge on an eye-opening, yet wondrous, journey through his past, present and future.

With a spectacular set, stunning costumes, and an incredible company of actormusicians, this all-time festive favourite promises a truly magical trip to the theatre for all ages this Christmas.

Performance times: 10.15am, 2.30pm and 7.15pm

Performance times vary, see website for more details.

Fri 29 Nov, 7.15pm; Sat 7 Dec, 2.30pm; Thu 19 Dec, 10.15am

Thu 19 Dec, 10.15am; Sat 21 Dec, 2.30pm; Fri 3 Jan, 7.15pm; Sat 4 Jan, 2.30pm

Sat 14 Dec, 2.30pm; Mon 23 Dec, 2.30pm Touch Tours 75mins before

Tue 17 Dec, 11am

Mon 30 Dec, 2.30pm

Tickets: £15 - £35 | Under 26s: £2 off

Schools: £14 per ticket plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased.

Groups: £25 (Off Peak and Bands A & B only)

Age guidance: 7+

Fabulous Food and Drink Offers

Afternoon Tea

£17.50pp

(£22.50pp with Prosecco)

Cheeseboard £20 for 2

(£30 with wine)

Both available on selected days during the run.

50% off preview performances and £5 off all other performances (Bands A & B only)

Chicken Licken

Get Involved with

Scan here for lots of ways you can get involved and gain an insight into the production.

A Derby Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Polka Theatre Production

Thu 5 Dec, 2024

– Sat 4 Jan, 2025

The sky is falling and this little chicken is very worried!

Join our courageous chicken who needs to let everyone know there is a problem! Acorns are raining from the sky and an umbrella just isn’t strong enough! Chicken Licken is joined by his brave group of friends Ducky Lucky, Turkey Lurkey and Goosey Loosey. What will Foxy Loxy have to say about it all?

Live music, songs, puppetry and fun combine to tell this classic tale by Hiccup Theatre, in collaboration with Derby Theatre and Polka Theatre.

Suitable for audiences age 3+, and their families and friends.

From the same team that brought you Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Little Red, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Gingerbread Man.

Performance times: 10.30am and 1.30pm

Performance times vary, see website for more details.

All performances include integrated BSL, creative captions and integrated audio description.

Tickets: £15 | Under 16s: £13

Schools: £12, plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased

£2 off

Earlybird deals

...once they are gone, they are gone

150 tickets at ONLY £15 per person

150 tickets available for every performance throughout the run at ONLY £15 per person

£25 Tickets: Fri 7 – Mon 10 Feb –other preview performances

We invite you to join us for the production early on in its run at ONLY £25 per person

Get Involved with Of Mice and Men

Scan here for lots of ways you can get involved and gain an insight into the production.

Photo: Bec Utley @ Fluid Ideas

A Derby Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Hull Truck Theatre and Theatre by the Lake Production

AND

By John Steinbeck Directed by Sarah Brigham

BY JOHN STEINBECK

Thu 6 Feb – Sat 1 Mar, 2025 MAIN HOUSE

A gripping tale of friendship and hope.

Lennie and George are unlikely best friends, two drifters bound together by a shared faith and the ambition to live the great American dream. Landing a job on a Californian ranch during the Great Depression, their hopes of earning money to eventually buy a place of their own are raised, and then wholly shattered in a heart-breaking conclusion.

Of Mice and Men remains as powerful and relevant today as it did when originally written in 1937. Based on Steinbeck’s classic novella, and with themes of friendship, migration and prejudice, this play continues to move and resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Don’t miss this evocative, compelling story laced with tragedy... a must-see production for anyone who has ever tried to pursue a long-held dream.

Copyright Josef Weinberger Ltd.

Age guidance: 13+

Performance times vary, see website for more details.

Sat 15 Feb, 2.30pm; Wed 19 Feb, 7pm; Tue 25 Feb, 10.15am

Sat 15 Feb, 7pm; Tue 18 Feb, 7pm; Sat 22 Feb, 2pm; Fri 28 Feb, 7pm

Advisory content warnings

Scan here:

Thu 20 Feb, 2pm; Sat 1 Mar, 2.30pm Touch Tours 75mins before

Sat 22 Feb, 2pm; Thu 27 Feb, 11am

Tickets: £25 – £34 | Under 26s: £23–£32, £7.50 on Fri evenings

Schools: £14 plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased

Age guidance: 13+

Full festival line-up, festival pass deals and ticket prices here:

In Good Company and Derby Theatre

Thu 11 – Fri 12 July

VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND DERBY THEATRE

Get ready to pack your bags for a theatrical vacation like no other!

Departure Lounge is THE Midlands’ festival for curious and contemporary new theatre from across the UK and beyond. Celebrating the best new work and making room for artists and makers to have their say.

Highlights for 2024 include: Look After Your Knees, a new solo performance by Funny Women finalist Natalie Bellingham; China Plate and Staatstheater Mainz with Talking About The Fire written and performed by Chris Thorpe; A Citizens’ Assembly by Andy Smith and Lynsey O’Sullivan; Story Chefs by Maison Foo and The Creative Sanctuary Group; The Lincoln Company and Ollie Smith with Recruit; Altered Skin with When We See Ourselves; the return of our ever popular industry panel discussion… plus much more.

My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?)

Mon 22 - Wed 24 July MAIN HOUSE

Once a cult sensation, Madge’s show has grown in stature to become WhatsOnStage Award winning and Olivier Award nominated.

When Rob was 12, they attempted to stage a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their Grandma. As Rob donned a wig and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their Dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy. Unfortunately, Dad missed all his cues and pushed all the floats in the wrong direction. Mum mistook Aladdin for Ursula. Grandma had a nice time though.

My Son’s A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) celebrates the joy and chaos of raising a queer child and is testament to the power of unconditional familial love.

Join social-media sensation Rob Madge as they set out to recreate that parade - and this time, nobody, no, NOBODY is gonna rain on it!

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £16.50

Performance times: 7.30pm

Tickets: £16.50

Age guidance: 12+. Contains some swearing, a fair bit of precociousness and scenes of utter joy. May cause happiness!

An Evening with Clive Myrie and James Rodgers: Reporting our History

Mon 29 July MAIN HOUSE

One of the UK’s best-known presenters of BBC news and current affairs, Clive Myrie dreamt of being a journalist from his teenage years as a Bolton paperboy, reading all the newspapers cover to cover. He has reported on many of the major global stories for thirty years (most recently from Ukraine). He is also the host of Mastermind and has presented series on travelling in Italy and about the Caribbean.

Clive will be in conversation with his former colleague James Rodgers, a journalist and BBC Foreign Correspondent for 20 years reporting from Moscow, Brussels, Gaza, post 9/11 New York and Washington and the Iraq war. Since 2012, he has taught Journalism at City, University of London, lecturing on the History of Journalism and the Reporting of Armed Conflict.

Derby Book Festival

Middleground Theatre Company Ltd.

A WORLD STAGE PREMIERE

Dial M for Mayhem

Directed by Michael Lunney. Written by Margaret May Hobbs.

Tue 3 – Sat 7 September MAIN HOUSE

Starring Alasdair Baker, Isabella Inchbald, Eliza Langland, Joey Lockhart, Luke Rhodri and Theo Woolford.

Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd is delighted to present the World Stage Premiere of Dial M For Mayhem, a brand new charming farcical comedy drama from the author and director of the hugely successful courtroom phenomenon The Verdict.

Set in 1991, it follows a group of travelling actors from south of the Scottish border as they conquer the beautiful unforgiving landscape of the Highlands and Islands village hall circuit to perform Frederick Knott’s classic 1950’s thriller Dial M For Murder. Set against a backdrop of the unpredictable Scottish weather complete with internal company squabbling, the scene is gleefully set for back stage chaos and laugh-out loud hilarity of the play within the play!

Fabulous Food and Drink Offers

Afternoon Tea

£17.50pp (£22.50pp with Prosecco)

Available on Wed and Sat matinee

Cheeseboard £20 for 2 (£30 with wine)

Available every evening performance

“Beautifully crafted and fast paced... Margaret May Hobbs has aced it.” Bath Magazine on The Verdict

Performance times: Tue – Sat, 7.30pm, Wed and Sat, 2.30pm

Tickets: £30 – £34

Age guidance: 10+

Sat 7 Sep, 2:30pm Touch Tour 1.15pm Thu 5 Sep, 7.30pm.

£5 off Tue evening and Wed matinee (Bands A & B only)

Facing the MusicPatricia Routledge in Conversation with Edward Seckerson

Sun 8 September MAIN HOUSE

British actress, comedian and singer, Dame Patricia Routledge, is best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, for which she was BAFTA nominated. She is also known for her roles in To Sir, with Love as Clinty Clintridge, Lock Up Your Daughters as Nurse, and Pretty Polly as Miss Gudgeon. It is still one of the best kept secrets that Patricia Routledge trained not only as an actress but also as a singer and had considerable experience and success in musical theatre, both in this country and in the USA. In this fascinating encounter with the writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson, Dame Patricia recalls this very special part of her career with access to some rare and treasured recordings.

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets:

Performance time: 2pm

Tickets: £30

Afternoon Tea; £17.50 pp (£22.50 pp with Prosecco)

From England with Love

Wed 11 September MAIN HOUSE

From England with Love is an ode to this intricate and beautiful country. Through Shechter’s choreography, the dancers evoke the paradox at the heart of this open, generous and soul-searching place, conflicted by its dark history and powerful attachment to old traditions. They draw us into their search for identity and selfknowledge as they grapple with this complex system of values. Performed to a rich score that combines the breath-taking sounds of English composers, presented in a clash with raging rock alongside echoes of choir and electronics in an avant-garde cacophony. Playful and poignant, full of pride and paradox, From England with Love plays like a ‘Dear John' letter… a farewell note to old England and a peek into the heart and soul of this beautiful, yet complicated place.

Clive Conway Productions

Hofesh Shechter Company presents

Impatient Productions present

Ruby Wax: I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was

Thu 12 September MAIN HOUSE

After a complete sell-out first run in 2023, Ruby Wax's rawest, darkest, funniest and most compelling stage show yet announces brand new dates for 2024, thanks to enormous demand.

“The original idea behind this show was based on the extreme journeys that I wanted to take in order to find an antidote to living a frazzled life. Along the way, I wanted to find meaning, peace, happiness – the stuff we’re all chasing. However, after some transcendent experiences, I ended up in a mental institution.”

UTC Live presents

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £25 | Under 26s: £20

Age guidance: 16+

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £26

Age guidance: 14+

Tez Ilyas: After Eight

Fri 13 September MAIN HOUSE

One of the most celebrated stars in British comedy, Tez Ilyas (Live At the Apollo, Mock The Week, Comedy Central, Comic Relief) is back with his hilarious new show.

A lot has changed in the last two years for Tez. He got married, he bought a house, and he’s became a stepdad… to two rabbits. Trying to make sense of his new life, the changing world around us and wrestling the big questions, like: why is Lotus Biscoff in everything now?

Derwent Brass: Stage and Screen

Sat 14 September MAIN HOUSE

The multi-award-winning Derwent Brass, Derbyshire’s finest brass band, returns to Derby Theatre with a concert featuring a stimulating mix of soundtracks from the stage and big screen.

Winners of the Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration Award 2024 and boasting a back catalogue of sell-out performances at the theatre, Derwent Brass continues to be a huge hit with concertgoers seeking the perfect complement of that traditional heart-warming sound inextricably intertwined with their renowned innovative approach.

You can expect Bitesize Broadway, a centenary celebration of MGM Studios (MGM100), solo performances, music from your favourite musicals, movies, and everything in-between. For an unforgettable and life-affirming experience, don’t miss it!

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £42 (includes book), £37 and £32

Age guidance: 12+

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £16, Under 26s £11

An Evening with Carol Klein

Mon 16 September MAIN HOUSE

Join Britain’s favourite plantswoman, bestselling author and one of the most familiar gardening experts in the media today, Carol Klein, as she shares the story of her life through the many gardens that have shaped her.

Most famous for her role as regular presenter of BBC Gardener’s World, as well as the host of her own Channel Five series Gardening with Carol Klein, her natural, pragmatic approach has made her a popular and trusted figure amongst the British public.

Don’t miss the opportunity to join Carol for a down-toearth evening as she gets to the heart of British gardening.

Fane

Blackeyed Theatre in association with Harrogate Theatre and South Hill Park Arts Centre

Dracula

By

Bram Stoker | Adapted for the Stage by Nick Lane Director: Nick Lane | Composer: Tristan Parkes

Tue 17 – Sat 21 September MAIN HOUSE

The time is 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. But poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown and the shock of the new world, an altogether darker fear is emerging. As a new shadow looms large over England, a small group of young men and women, led by Professor Van Helsing, are plunged into an epic struggle for survival. Stretching from London, through provincial England, to the mountainous wastes of Transylvania, Bram Stoker’s timeless gothic thriller embodies the struggle to break taboos, resist temptation and stop the unknown outside becoming the enemy within.

Adapted by Nick Lane, this brilliant, theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure blends Victorian Gothic with the Contemporary, showcasing Blackeyed Theatre’s trademark ensemble performance style and featuring a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience.

Part of “Dracula Returns to Derby” – a year-long research project led by the University of Derby to mark the 100th anniversary of Dracula being performed live right here in Derby.

Matinee Meet-Up with director, Nick Lane Wed 18 Sep, 12:30pm to 2pm £3

Performance times: Tue – Sat, 7.30pm Wed & Sat, 2.30pm

Tickets: £30 – £34

Age guidance: 12+

£5 off Tue evening and Wed matinee (Bands A & B only)

A 1927 and Burgtheater Vienna co-production

Please Right Back

Mon 28 – Wed 30 Oct MAIN

HOUSE

The new show from multi-award-winning company 1927.

Combining handcrafted animation and bold storytelling, Please Right Back sweeps audiences into a magical, mischievous world, inspired by a true story.

Kim and Davey’s dad, Mr E, has disappeared. When Mr E writes to his children to tell them what has happened, his imagination takes over. Reality collides with fantasy, as we travel on a fast-paced journey through his wild adventure stories. Mr E’s letters are staged using song, dance, and absurd, subversive animations, as his stories become a kind of game between him and his children – a cathartic release in the face of distress.

Part social realism, part science fiction with a healthy dose of mischief and a dash of dystopia, Please Right Back is a eulogy to the power of the imagination, storytelling and make believe.

Performance times: Thu - Sat, 7.30pm

Tickets: £17 | £15

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £15 | £2 off

Red Ladder Theatre Company in collaboration with Theatre Royal Wakefield & CAPA College

Sanctuary

Book, music and lyrics by Sarah Woods and Boff Whalley | Directed by Cheryl Martin

Thu 31 Oct - Sat 2 Nov MAIN HOUSE

When Alland, a young Iranian man, begs to be given sanctuary at St Mary’s church in northern England, it sparks a community to react in all the ways each member believes to be right. Molly, a young worker there, joins forces with vicar Fiona to resist both the angry vigilantes and the hard-hearted authorities beyond the church walls to try to protect Alland.

Holding a special community service where voices on all sides sing their songs of redemption and condemnation, Fiona asks the question to everyone present: do we give Alland over to the State or live up to our well-versed ideals of compassion?

With a chorus drawn from students at Wakefield’s CAPA College, Sanctuary’s music mixes hard-hitting ideas with memorable melodic tunes and harmonies.

Sanctuary is supported by Lawrence Batley Theatre and Mafwa Theatre. All performances will be Captioned via The Difference Engine, a tool that enables d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to read performance captions on their phone.

Dom Joly: The Conspiracy Tour

Sun 6 October MAIN HOUSE

Dom Joly has been off travelling the globe again. This time, he’s been looking into some of the strangest and weirdest conspiracy theories in existence.

Now, he’s set to embark on a rather unique theatre tour, where Dom will be providing a hilarious, fascinating, and slightly anarchic guide to the wacky world of conspiracies.

1. Is the earth flat?

2. Does Finland exist?

3. Did JFK commit suicide?

4. Are Q Anon mentally ill?

5. Is Bill Gates using vaccines to take control of your mind?

6. Is Denver Airport a massive panic room for the Illuminati?

7. Are UFOs piloted by lizards?

In the spirit of fairness, Dom will also be inviting a well-known and highly respected conspiracy theorist, Dr Julian Northcote, to take the stage and defend the alternate view.

Age guidance: 14+ NLP LTD. present

Due to the extremely controversial views aired in the show, security will be at an optimum and audiences are warned that angry demonstrations are very likely – or is that just another conspiracy?!

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £27.50

Performance time: 7.30pm

Tickets: Standard: £31.50

VIP: £51.50 (inc premium seating and merch goody bag)

VIP Meet & Greet: £76.50 (inc Meet & Greet and photo opp, premium seating and a goody bag)

A Way With Media Productions presents

Kerry Ellis: Queen of the West End

Sun 20 October MAIN HOUSE

Singing songs from the biggest musicals and telling stories about how she came to play roles, this is a unique opportunity to see and hear the West End’s biggest hits in a very intimate setting. Don’t miss it.

Kerry Ellis is the Queen of the West End. From My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You, from Les Misérables to Wicked, in both the West End and on Broadway, she has starred in musical theatre’s biggest roles, making shows her own and earning her numerous awards. Her list of credits is remarkable and also include Oliver!, Cats, Miss Saigon, Chess, The War Of The Worlds, and Anything Goes, among many others. She has recorded 4 studio albums, and toured the world both as a solo artist and with her good friend Sir Brian May. And now the star who grew up admiring musical theatre icons Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand is looking back on her illustrious career.

PW Productions Ltd presents The Bristol Old Vic production of

Wonder Boy

Tue 22 – Sat 26 October

MAIN HOUSE

Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls) directs the critically acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production of WONDER BOY by Ross Willis, a heart-warming and inspiring story about the power of communication.

Sonny is twelve. Living with a stammer, he’s finding his way in a world ruled by vicious vowels, confusing consonants, and let’s not forget the biggest beast of them all – small talk.

Sonny’s only friend is Captain Chatter, a comic book hero of his own creation, but in the realworld language is power and Sonny must find a way to be heard. When cast in the school production of Hamlet by the Headteacher, he finds the real heroes are closer than he thinks.

Packed with playful humour, dazzling visuals and thrilling original music this innovative production includes live creative captioning on stage throughout.

Winner of the 2023 Writers’ Guild Award for Best Play.

“An audaciously inventive, sparky yet sensitive, giddily enjoyable new play that deserves to be packed to the rafters” The Guardian

FREE Post Show Q&A with the actors from Wonder Boy after the 7.30pm performance on Thu 24 Oct.

Performance times: Tue – Sat, 7.30pm, Wed, 10.15 am, Sat, 2.30pm

Includes live creative captioning throughout at all performances

Tickets: £15–£29

Schools: £12.50, plus one free with every 10 tickets purchased.

Age guidance: 12+

£5 off Tue eve and Sat matinee

Fabulous Food and Drink Offers

Afternoon Tea £17.50pp

(£22.50pp with Prosecco)

Available on Wed and Sat matinee

Cheeseboard £20 for 2

(£30 with wine)

Available every evening performance

The Studio

Our intimate performance space for cutting edge, contemporary performance and exciting new work.

Our Studio season of shows is programmed in collaboration with Jerwood Producer Residencies and our Community Voices Programming group.

A Derby Theatre and Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Production as part of ConnectUp

Firewall

Directed by Oliver O’Shea

Sat 19 October, 5pm

Firewall is a new play written in conversation with Year 9 Derby students and university students living in the Philippines. Over an action-packed 50 minutes, audiences will explore humanity’s relationship to technology and its disregard for the voice of its next generation, all whilst asking what it really means to be human.

To see our Studio season of shows and brochure visit:

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.

BA(Hons) Technical Theatre and Performance Design

TheSweetScienceofBruising.

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.

MA Applied Theatre and Education

Develop your skills and confidence as a classroom educator, workshop facilitator, Youth Theatre director, community artist using theatre and drama to contribute to 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.

An interdisciplinary course where you will develop technical and creative skills across a wide range of theatre/performance production styles. You will explore the collaborative relationship between performers, designers and technicians, mirroring Industry practice.

Delivered alongside Derby Theatre, you will work alongside professional designers, directors, technicians and performers in a professional producing theatre. This programme aligns with current technological advances that have shifted the creative and technical approaches to the theatre and performance industry.

Graduates from this course will be multidisciplinary designers and/or technicians familiar with the creative possibilities of existing and emerging digital technologies alongside traditional theatre tools and techniques. This includes expanding practices such as socially engaged, immersive, site-specific, design-led performance, performance installation, exhibition, event and sound design.

Running from September 2025 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

For more information visit: derby.ac.uk/theatre

Photo: Richard Richards

Kristian Thomas Company

Oliver!

Wed 16 – Sat 19 Oct MAIN HOUSE

Step into the heartwarming world of Oliver! - the beloved musical that brings Charles Dickens’ timeless tale to life on stage. From Derby’s acclaimed KTCo Studios Ltd comes a debut production at Derby Theatre. Don’t miss the chance to experience their award-winning entertainment live on stage! Join young Oliver Twist as he navigates the gritty streets of Victorian London, encountering an array of characters along the way.

Performance times: Wed – Fri, 7.30pm, Sat, 1.30pm & 6.30pm

Tickets: £21.50 | Under 26s :£19.50

Age guidance, but not restricted to: 10+ | Advisories: Includes gunshots and scenes of a violent nature.

Derby Youth Musical Theatre presents

The Phantom of the Opera

Thu 7 – Sun 10 Nov

MAIN HOUSE

Following their sell-out production of Nativity! The Musical, Derby Youth Musical Theatre are delighted to present The Phantom of the Opera.

Performance times: Thu – Sat, 7.30pm, Sat, 2.30pm, Sun, 1pm & 5.30pm

Tickets: £20 – £21 | Under 18s and Over 60s: £18

Age guidance: 10+

Karolina & Friends

A Derby Christmas

Sun 3 Nov MAIN HOUSE

Join Karolina and friends for a Christmas show party like no other, a night full of music, joy, laughter, warmth and unity that the festive season brings. A Derby Christmas offers up a wonderful night of entertainment performed by local and national artists; an uplifting event serving as a beacon of hope and better times to come, in the continued wake of Covid-19, a celebration of life, friendship and togetherness.

Performance times: 6.30pm

Tickets: £15

Derby Theatre in collaboration with care-experienced young people

Culture Cares Conference 2024

How arts and culture are making a positive impact and creating pathways in the lives of care-experienced young people.

Thu 24 October, throughout the day

We invite artists, policy makers, care sector workers, arts professionals and educationalists to join us for our third Culture Cares Conference, an incredibly insightful event bringing the cultural and care sectors together for lively conversations, presentations and workshops. For 2024, we are delighted to welcome Olympian, Fatima Whitbread MBE and UK Music Legend, Goldie as our guest speakers.

The day features a brand-new performance co-created by the Plus One Youth Theatre, specifically for this event in response to the show Wonder Boy by Ross Willis, which will also be performed at Derby Theatre for the entire week of the conference.

Co-produced by care-experienced young people, this nationally significant event enables delegates to:

• Extend and update their practice through examples of inspirational work

• Join practitioners and speakers to explore what is making a positive impact on the lives of young people in care and care leavers

• Hear from young people themselves who will be sharing their thoughts and questions with delegates

• Gain an invaluable insight into the lives of young people in care through an inspiring performance that has been co-created with them.

Various price and package options available. Please see our website for more details.

Derby’s offer for care-experienced young people and families to access culture and creativity across the city. As part of Derby’s Cultural Education Partnership, Plus One membership entitles its members to access:

Free tickets to see shows and films at Derby Theatre, Déda and QUAD

Free workshops in dance, digital media, music and theatres across all three venues

• Free creative projects and events

Free regular social events with other young people

Plus One also offers weekly clubs for young people including a Youth Theatre and Digital Animation group.

We also work alongside Derby Virtual School to deliver Creative Mentoring; where young people can meet weekly with an Arts Professional to develop both their artistic skills and self-confidence.

To find out more information, please email: T.Craig2@derby.ac.uk

To donate to Plus One and/or sign up to the scheme (and to see if you qualify) scan here:

Get Involved with Derby Theatre

Derby Theatre is a ‘learning theatre’.

We’re known for developing artists, training University of Derby students 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, CANVAS Future Creatives Programme, Plus One, artist development, Carers’ Café, workshops for all ages, ambassador groups, training programmes and community events plus much more.

Matinee Meet-Ups

Are you a fan of matinees and looking to connect with like-minded individuals to enhance your theatre experience? Perhaps you're curious about what goes on behind the scenes, or eager to engage in creative activities before the show begins. Matinee Meet-Ups is your opportunity to delve deeper into the world of theatre and build connections within your community. £3 per meet-up session (plus the cost of your show ticket for that day)

Photo: Grant Archer

For Everyone

We want to be a theatre for everyone, creating shows that tell your stories. And we’re much more than one building: we bring many of our events to you.

We work with local communities to create original theatre that reflects what people care about. Then we share this work across the region and beyond.

Scan here:

Or check our website

For Artists

We understand that emerging artists need cash, space and support to create great work. Our artist development opportunities help theatre makers break into the business, understand their options and stay afloat.

We love to co-create work in partnership with talented newcomers and we often commission work from emerging artists. Through our networks, we link all kinds of theatre makers, and we regularly post call-outs for opportunities.

Scan here:

Or check our website

For Children and Young People

You can make us your doorway into the wonderful world of theatre. Join our groups to develop your skills.

We want you to become the new generation of theatre makers. That’s why we run groups where you can learn everything you need to know about performing and putting on plays.

Scan here: Or check our website

For Schools and Colleges

Groups from early years to further education are invited to make our theatre their classroom. Fuelled by professional theatre makers and backstage magic, we make texts come to life.

We’re committed to supporting learners of all ages. So we’re endlessly inventive in the way we work with schools, nurseries and further education groups.

Scan here:

Or check our website

Coming in 2025

“Another

little dramatic gem from the pen of John Godber” British Theatre Guide

John

Godber Company

Do I Love You?

Written and Directed by John Godber

Tue 25 – Sat 29 Mar, 2025

MAIN HOUSE

Why not join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this hilarious comedy as they develop a love for, and the people involved with, Northern Soul. What started as a College project has grown into a passion, but the dance steps are exhausting. Far beyond their home city of Hull our trio find excitement, purpose and the tribe they’ve been looking for. Now they can’t get enough; from Brid Spa to Stoke, from Chesterfield to the Tower Ballroom our young soulies are determined to keep the faith!

This is Northern Soul for a new generation, but with rising costs, unemployment, and small town blues, has anything really changed? Is this England 1973 or 2023? The pubs are closing, hospitality has gone, and strikes are everywhere; but when you’re out on the floor… So spread the talc and grab your loafers, our trio are heading for a weekender!

From the writer of the legendary Bouncers ... It’ll never be over for us!

Performance time: Tue - Sat, 7.30pm, Wed & Sat, 2.30pm

Tickets: £30 – £34 | Age guidance: 14+

Show warnings: Strong language, Drug Use, and Sexual References

What’s On, for full show details and to book tickets scan here: Get Involved, see all opportunities here:

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 below 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.

BSL Performances

Alice in Wonderland

Dial M for Mayhem

Welfare

All performances

Thu 5 Sep, 7.30pm

Wed 9 Oct, 7.30pm

A Christmas Carol Fri 29 Nov, 7.15pm

Sat 7 Dec, 2.30pm

Thu 19 Dec, 10.15am

Audio Described Performances

Alice in Wonderland Sat 29 Jun, 2pm (TT 12.45) Sat 6 Jul, 2pm (TT 12.45)

Dial M for Mayhem Sat 7 Sep, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm)

Welfare Thu 3 Oct, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm) Sat 5 Oct, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm)

Chicken Licken

Of Mice and Men

All performances

Sat 15 Feb, 2.30pm

Wed 19 Feb, 7pm (plus PSD) Tue 25 Feb 10.15am

Captioned Performances

Alice in Wonderland

All performances

Welfare Thu 10 Oct, 7.30pm

Wonderboy Includes live creative captioning throughout at all performances

A Christmas Carol Thu 19 Dec, 10.15am

Sat 21 Dec, 2.30pm Fri 3 Jan, 7.15pm Sat 4 Jan, 2.30pm

A Christmas Carol Sat 14 Dec, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm) Mon 23 Dec, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm)

Chicken Licken All performances Of Mice and Men Thu 20 Feb, 2pm (TT 12.45pm) Sat 1st Mar, 2.30pm (TT 1.15pm)

Dementia friendly Performances

Welfare Thu 10 Oct, 2.30pm

A Christmas Carol Mon 30 Dec, 2.30pm

Relaxed Performances

Alice in Wonderland Thu 4 Jul, 11am

A Christmas Carol Tue 17 Dec, 11am

Of Mice and Men Sat 22 Feb, 2pm Thu 27 Feb, 11am

Chicken Licken

Of Mice and Men

All performances

Sat 15 Feb 7pm

Tue 18 Feb, 7pm

Sat 22 Feb, 2pm Fri 28 Feb, 7pm

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)