Derby Theatre facts for kids
|
Derby Playhouse (1975–2008)
|
|
Derby Theatre entrance viewed from Theatre Walk
|
|
| Address | Derby United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| 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 popular theatre in Derby, England. You can find it inside the Derbion shopping centre.
It used to be called the Derby Playhouse. It opened in 1975 and was run by a company called Derby Playhouse Ltd. However, in 2008, the company faced money problems and had to stop operating.
The theatre reopened in 2009 as the Derby Theatre. Now, the University of Derby owns it. They use it for professional shows and as a place for students to learn about theatre. The main part of the theatre has 531 seats. There is also a smaller studio theatre with 110 seats.
Contents
History of Derby Theatre
How the Theatre Began
A famous architect named Roderick Ham designed the theatre. He had designed other theatres before. The city council offered the land for the theatre. It was built as part of the new Eagle Centre shopping mall.
The theatre officially opened on 20 September 1975. It was called the Derby Playhouse back then. The 11th Duke of Devonshire helped open it.
Early Years and Challenges
From 1975 until 2008, Derby Playhouse Ltd ran the theatre. Their first show was My Fair Lady. They also put on plays like Hamlet and The Seagull.
In 2007, the company started having serious money problems. By October 2008, Derby Playhouse Ltd had to close down. Their last show was The Killing of Sister George.
New Beginnings with the University
The theatre reopened in October 2009 as the Derby Theatre. The University of Derby took over ownership. The first shows under the new ownership were The Gondoliers and The Mikado.
The University first worked with Derby LIVE, the city council's arts group. The theatre hosted professional shows and was a learning place for the community. In 2012, the University took full control. They now run the theatre with help from Arts Council England.
In 2012, Derby Theatre received a grant of £923,000. This money was to support a special "Learning Theatre Pilot programme." The University also helped with up to £500,000 each year.
Improvements and Future Plans
The theatre started a fundraising campaign to help with repairs. In August 2012, the main seating and carpets were updated. This made the auditorium look much better.
An old building on Green Lane was also restored. It became a space for rehearsals, storing props, and costumes. These new spaces opened in December 2012.
In 2013, the theatre received another grant of £164,000. This money helped them support new artists and work with community groups.
In 2021, there were talks about moving the theatre to a new location. This new spot would be where the Assembly Rooms used to be. The city council is looking for government funding for this big project.
Who Runs the Theatre
Gary Johnson was the general manager of Derby Theatre from 2009 until 2015. Sarah Brigham became the theatre's first Artistic Director in 2013. She later became both the Chief Executive and Artistic Director. Before this, Sarah worked at other theatres like The Point and Dundee Repertory Theatre.
Shows and Performances
Recent Productions
The theatre puts on many different kinds of shows. In 2012, they showed Yes, Prime Minister and Horrible Histories. They also worked with other theatre companies.
The autumn of 2012 featured shows like Radio Times and Driving Miss Daisy. Each Christmas, the theatre stages a classic children's story. In 2012, they put on a musical version of Charlotte's Web.
New Works and Collaborations
The first show made by the theatre under Sarah Brigham's direction was Cooking with Elvis in 2013. Sarah Brigham also directed Kes in September 2013. This show featured actor Sam Jackson.
The theatre often works with other companies. They teamed up with Birmingham Stage Company for Horrible Histories Horrible Christmas in 2013. The author, Terry Deary, even visited the show.
Awards and Recognition
Derby Theatre has won awards for its work. In November 2013, it won an award for its partnership with the University of Derby. This was for "Excellence and Innovation in the Arts."
Blanche McIntyre won "Best Director" at the UK Theatre Awards in 2013. This was for her work on The Seagull. This play was a co-production with other theatre companies.
Images for kids
-
Auditorium after 2012 refurbishment
