Derby Theatre facts for kids
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Derby Playhouse (1975–2008)
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Derby Theatre entrance viewed from Theatre Walk
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| Address | Derby United Kingdom |
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| Coordinates | 52°55′13″N 1°28′17″W / 52.92024°N 1.4715°W |
| Owner | University of Derby |
| Type | Proscenium |
| Capacity | 535 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1975 |
| Architect | Roderick Ham |
| Website | |
| www.derbytheatre.co.uk | |
Derby Theatre is a cool place to see shows in Derby, England. It's right inside the Derbion shopping centre. This theatre used to be called the Derby Playhouse. It opened in 1975 and was run by a company called Derby Playhouse Ltd.
However, in 2008, that company stopped running the theatre. But don't worry! The theatre reopened in 2009 as Derby Theatre. Now, the University of Derby owns it. They use it as a place for professional shows and also for students to learn about theatre. The main part of the theatre has 531 seats. There's also a smaller studio theatre with 110 seats.
Contents
The Theatre's Story: From Past to Present
How Derby Theatre Began
A famous architect named Roderick Ham designed the theatre. The city of Derby offered the land for it. This land was part of a new shopping area, which is now the Eagle Centre. The theatre officially opened on September 20, 1975. It was first called the Derby Playhouse.
From its opening until October 2008, Derby Playhouse Ltd. ran the theatre. This company had been around since 1948. Their first show in the new theatre was My Fair Lady. They also put on plays like Hamlet. Sadly, the company faced money problems in 2007. In October 2008, Derby Playhouse Ltd. stopped operating. Their very last show was The Killing of Sister George.
A New Beginning: University Takes Over
The theatre got a fresh start in October 2009. It reopened as the Derby Theatre. The University of Derby became its new owner. The first shows under the new ownership were The Gondoliers and The Mikado. These were performed by the Derby Gilbert & Sullivan Company.
At first, the university worked with Derby LIVE, which is the city council's arts program. The theatre hosted professional shows and was also a place for learning. In March 2012, the university took full control. They now run the theatre with help from the Arts Council England. In May 2012, Derby Theatre received a grant of £923,000. This money was to support a special "Learning Theatre Pilot" program. The university also helps with up to £500,000 each year from its Arts fund.
The theatre started a campaign to raise money for repairs. In August 2012, the main seating area and carpets were updated. This was just in time for the autumn season of shows. An old building nearby, which used to be an Arts College and cinema, was also fixed up. It now has spaces for rehearsals, storing props, and costumes. These new spaces opened in December 2012.
In November 2013, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation gave the theatre £164,000. This money helps the theatre continue its work as a learning centre. It supports new artists, helps people develop creative skills, and works with community groups.
In October 2021, there was talk about the theatre possibly moving. The Derby City Council was thinking about plans for it to move to a new spot. This new spot would be where the Assembly Rooms concert venue used to be. That venue had been closed since a fire in 2014. In July 2022, the City Council announced they were asking for government money for this project.
Who Runs Derby Theatre?
Gary Johnson was the general manager of Derby Theatre from 2009 until November 2015. Sarah Brigham became the theatre's first artistic director in October 2012. She started her role in January 2013. Later, Sarah Brigham became both the chief executive and artistic director. Before this, she was the artistic director of The Point, Eastleigh. She was also an associate director at the Dundee Repertory Theatre.
Amazing Shows at Derby Theatre
Past Performances and Co-Productions
The theatre started programming its own shows from April to June 2012. These included Yes, Prime Minister, Funny Peculiar, and Horrible Histories. They also worked with other companies on shows like The Butterfly Lion. The autumn of 2012 brought productions such as Radio Times and Driving Miss Daisy.
The 2013 season featured plays like The Pitmen Painters and James and the Giant Peach. Since it reopened, the theatre has put on a classic children's show every Christmas. In 2012, they presented a musical version of Charlotte's Web. They worked with The Birmingham Stage Company on this.
The first show made and produced by the theatre under Sarah Brigham's direction was Lee Hall's Cooking with Elvis in May 2013. Sarah Brigham's first show as director was Kes in September 2013. This play featured actor Sam Jackson. Visiting shows included Go Back for Murder. The theatre also worked with the Mercury Theatre, Colchester on The Opinion Makers. In December 2013, they teamed up with Birmingham Stage Company again for Horrible Histories Horrible Christmas. The author, Terry Deary, even came to the first show!
Awards and Recognition
Derby Theatre has won some cool awards!
In November 2013, the theatre won the Excellence and Innovation in the Arts award. This was at the 2013 THE Awards. They won it for their great partnership with the University of Derby.
Blanche McIntyre won the Best Director award at the UK Theatre Awards in 2013. She won for directing The Seagull. This was a show made with Headlong, Nuffield, Southampton, and Derby Theatre.
