Step into a world of magic, storytelling, and cultural enrichment at Derby Theatre this festive season. From the classic 'A Christmas Carol' to the whimsical 'Chicken Licken', this season promises a mesmerizing blend of hope, charm, and artistic brilliance. Explore the struggles of 'The Winter's Tale' or the captivating anecdotes of football legend Harry Redknapp in 'An Audience with Harry Redknapp'. Whether you're a fan of musical classics like 'Blood Brothers' or revel in cricket tales with 'An Evening with Aggers', the diverse lineup ensures a captivating experience for every culture enthusiast. Get ready for an unforgettable journey at Derby Theatre!

A Festive Season at Derby Theatre: Enchanting Performances Await

Chicken Licken is a cherished and charming tale of a little chicken who believes the sky is falling and the world is coming to an end…but they soon realise that a foolish fear is nothing more than a falling acorn….

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, audiences can expect beautiful puppetry, fantastic storytelling, amazing live music and original songs.

Chicken Licken

Derby Theatre

Come and join us during Christmas 2024 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.

A Christmas Carol

Robbie wants nothing more than to be a grown up, and live with his sister Cel. Cel wants to go to university and find the kind of love her mother never had. They both want to be free from the care system.

Flock

Santi and Naz are bestest-best friends living in a village in pre-partition India. One Sikh, one Muslim; they have little understanding of how religion will divide them.

As partition draws closer, the girls remain oblivious to the spreading social unrest and violence. They’re too busy stealing books, swimming in the lake and spying on Rahul (the local hottie). When Naz is betrothed to a tailor from the soon-to-be capital of Pakistan the threat of separation for the young women looms on the horizon. Bound by their love for each other we learn how far they will go to avoid the inevitable.

Santi & Naz

Following last year’s stunning, sell-out production of ‘Nativity! The Musical’, Derby Youth Musical Theatre are bringing to the Derby Theatre stage a brand new, spectacular production of this iconic, world famous musical.

With crashing chords, luscious melodies and soaring high notes, ‘Phantom of the Opera‘ has been performed to over 130 million people world-wide and has won over 70 major theatre awards. It’s packed with memorable songs including the Phantom’s seductive solo ‘The Music of the Night’, Christine and Raoul’s ‘All I Ask of You’, ‘Masquerade’ featuring the whole Company, and the title song with its thundering , resonating chords.

The Phantom of the Opera

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.

A Derby Christmas

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?

Sanctuary

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.

Please Right Back

Commissioned by Show Racism The Red Card and produced in association with Live Wire Theatre, Our Little Hour explores how Walter Tull – grandson of a Barbadian slave – orphaned at eight years old rose to prominence against all odd.

Our Little Hour

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 real-world 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.

Wonder Boy

Kerry Ellis is the Queen of the West End. From My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You, from Les Miserables 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.

Kerry Ellis – Queen of the West End

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.

Firewall

Step into the enchanting world of Oliver! - the timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, Oliver Twist. Set against the backdrop of Victorian London's bustling streets, this captivating production invites audiences of all ages on a journey of discovery, compassion, and resilience.

Oliver

Scribble and Clipboard have a job to do: sort the recycling. But Scribble keeps finding new things to investigate. When she discovers a mysterious egg hidden in the rubbish, the pair need the audience’s help to rescue an unborn chick. Can we save a mysterious egg from a smashing? And what will we discover along the way?

Curious Investigators

Commissioned by Show Racism The Red Card and produced in association with Live Wire Theatre, Our Little Hour explores how Walter Tull – grandson of a Barbadian slave – orphaned at eight years old rose to prominence against all odd.

The first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK he went on to achieve yet another historic breakthrough as the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an Officer in the British Army.

Now, he’s now 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.

Dom Joly: The Conspiracy Tour

Meet young miner Dale, his best mate Billy, cheery Tony and the comic relief Jonny.

Fuelled by energetic and engaging storytelling, audiences are invited into the action and taken on the journey that Dale and his friends experienced in this divisive year. Whether you lived through the 80’s or not the piece delivers a powerful and compelling narrative that anyone can relate to.

Undermined

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.

Welfare

During each time slot, the audience will hear two different plays, each introduced by the writers. Each session will be followed by a Q&A.

Derbyshire Scriptwriters are a local collective who develop scripts for various genres, including film, television, theatre and radio.

A Day of Six One-Act Plays

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, lead by Professor Van Helsing, are plunged into an epic struggle for survival.

Dracula

Join Britain’s favourite plantswoman, bestselling author and one of the most familiar gardening experts, Carol Klein, as she celebrates the release of her memoir, Hortobiography, which tells the story of her life through the many gardens that have shaped her.

An Evening with Carol Klein

Join Britain’s favourite plantswoman, bestselling author and one of the most familiar gardening experts, Carol Klein, as she celebrates the release of her memoir, Hortobiography, which tells 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, and host of Gardening with Carol Klein on Channel Five, Carol’s natural, practical approach has made her a popular and trusted figure amongst the British gardening public. During the Covid lockdown, Carol’s popularity skyrocketed as millions of new gardeners tried their hand at the hobby for the first time.

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.

Derwent Brass: Stage and Screen

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?

As seen on: Live at The Apollo (BBC Two), The Last Leg (C4), Mock the Week (BBC Two), Comedians Giving Lectures (Dave), Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (Dave), Comic Relief’s Big Night In (BBC One), Live from the BBC (BBC Two), The Chris Ramsey Show (Comedy Central), Live from the Comedy Store (Comedy Central) and Author of: Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13 3⁄4, a Sunday Times Bestseller (2022).

Tez Ilyas: After Eight

“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.

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

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 self-knowledge 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.

From England with Love

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.


Facing the Music – Patricia Routledge

Miriam’s son committed a horrendous crime. Caught, tried and convicted, he has been on death row for twenty-two years. In seven hours the state will execute him. As is the tradition, he is granted a last meal. His request: his mother’s apple pie. As Miriam shows the audience how to make the perfect pie, we watch her attempt to understand what happened to her son – and how everything changed that night twenty-two years ago.

Apples in Winter

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 of 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.

Dial M for Mayhem

Once a cult sensation, Madge’s show has grown in stature to become WhatsOnStage Award winning and Olivier Award nominated and now due to public demand is set to embark on a brand new national tour visiting seven brand new venues.

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. The costumes went awry and Ariel’s bubble gun didn’t work properly. Grandma had a nice time though.

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

Look After Your Knees is a visual and physical collage performed by a clown delving into the space inside us left behind by time. It’s about the pain and beauty of growing older, connecting and unravelling, holding on and letting go by a person trying to unwrap the new version of themselves in a world they don’t recognise and a life they seem uncomfortably in charge of. It’s about what comes next.

Look After Your Knees

The bar will be open, and the dance floor is waiting. Let’s end this year’s festival with a bang!

DJ Omar Afterparty

Julie Hesmondhalgh is one of Britain’s most loved actresses, she plays roles for stage and screen that tackle important issues and reach out to the hearts and minds of audiences everywhere.

Julie’s work as an artist is also part and parcel of her activism for positive change, a fairer society and equality, including access to the Arts. Julie is one of the founding members of the Take Back Theatre Collective,

Q&A with Julie Hesmondhalgh

Departure Lounge is celebrating its 12th anniversary, on this summer at Derby Theatre from Thursday 11 until Friday 12 July, a fantastic summer festival of fresh and thrilling theatre with a bumper line-up of shows, works-in-progress, workshops, gatherings and a hub for fresh, contemporary, cutting edge and innovative performance.

Departure Lounge 2024

Inside Odds On is an immersive exhibition taking over an empty high street shop that plunges you deep down into the world of online gambling: from that first win, all the way behind the screen to give a game’s-eye view of how your fellow players are really doing.

Inside Odds On

Derbion

On the surface everything appears to be perfect in Edward and Flora’s life…
But the presence of a supposedly innocent Matchseller, triggers a series of revelations, and their lives will never be the same again.

A Slight Ache is a dark comedy that tells the story of an older couple living in a rural area, whose marriage is disrupted by an external force – a Matchseller. The Matchseller’s presence beyond the garden gate, and again once invited into their home, slowly, silently, contributes to the marriage’s demise.

A Slight Ache

No institution, political view or tradition is safe, as Orton focuses his wicked sense of humour on a range of targets, including the establishment, an ex-Prime Minister, cross-dressing, misogyny and the medical profession. He brings together an array of distinctive characters, placing them in a series of improbable situations, unflinchingly exploring comic territory few playwrights before or since have dared to visit.

What the Butler Saw

Monstrous gorgon? Snakes for hair? A turn-to-stone glare? Perhaps. But she was there – as a bodiless head strapped to the shield of a goddess. Her forever-open-eyes saw it all: Epic combat. Mighty swords. Giant horse-sculptures filled with men. But as the war raged on, Medusa’s petrifying gaze focused on three extraordinary women who might just hold the key to her ultimate hope.

Beautiful Evil Things

A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.

There's a Monster in Your Show

Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday with Dora, Pip and Posey, Blue from Blues Clues and You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus two of your Milkshake! presenters for an all-new adventure!

Milkshake! Live: On Holiday

With party hats, songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever!

Join Steve the Monkey, Tom the Crocodile and Helen the Hippo to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPOT

Spot’s Birthday Party

Delight in a carefully curated selection featuring handmade sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of delectable cakes, perfectly paired with a choice of fine teas or freshly brewed coffee.

The School for Scandal Afternoon Tea

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.

Dear Zoo

Go on a journey of song from the past 50 years as Crescendo, a mixed choir of everyday people with great voices, sing you through the pop classics of recent and bygone days. Ed Sheeran, Abba, Queen, Metallica, Disney, Robbie Williams, Whitney and many more. Get ready for a concert of fun, enjoyment, emotion and nostalgia. Join in, clap your hands and stomp your feet. Rock n Roll or let those tears roll. Dance in the aisles or simply sing along with an exciting range of popular hit songs.

Crescendo 2024: The Concert

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!

Three Billy Goats Gruff

Our FREE Theatre Unwrapped sessions give you the chance to find out more about the theatre-making process.

Come behind the scenes and join us as we prepare for the opening night of Cinderella.

Cinderella Final Stages

Kate Rusby, hailed as the ‘First Lady of Folk’ and a Mercury Music Prize to her name, has forged an impressive 30-year, headlining career.

Audiences will be treated to Kate’s @ 30 interpretations of her songs. As ever, joined on stage by her band, each a virtuoso in their own right including her husband and producer Damien O’Kane.

Kate Rusby

It’s the toughest winter ever in Sicilia Court, a rundown council estate still waiting to be levelled up.

High costs and low wages mean cold homes, hungry stomachs and desperate minds – it’s impossible for anyone to hold their nerve here.

The Winter’s Tale

Henry James “Harry” Redknapp is an English former footballer who had a long career in football management, managing the likes of Spurs, Southampton, Bournemouth, and West Ham.

An Audience with Harry Redknapp

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS. The production ran for more than 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only four musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” — (The Daily Mail)

Blood Brothers

From his early days learning the ropes under the guidance of the legendary Brian Johnston to rising above the infamous “leg over” incident, Agnew has cemented his status as one of the most esteemed commentators and interviewers in the cricket world.

Now, join Aggers for these exclusive live events for an evening that transcends boundaries as he takes centre stage in his solo show, regaling us with stories from his illustrious career both on and off the field. With his masterful on-air prowess seamlessly translating to the stage, he has shared the spotlight with a line-up of cricketing greats, including the indomitable Sir Geoffrey Boycott, the spin maestro Graeme Swann, the Little Master himself Sunil Gavaskar, the enigmatic bad boy Phil Tufnell, and the wonderfully eccentric David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd.

An Evening with Aggers

From his early days learning the ropes under the guidance of the legendary Brian Johnston to rising above the infamous “leg over” incident, Agnew has cemented his status as one of the most esteemed commentators and interviewers in the cricket world.

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

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!

Derby Theatre

Nov 22, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025

A Christmas Carol

Dec 5, 2024 - Jan 3, 2025

Chicken Licken

10 - 11 Jan, 2025

The Winter’s Tale

Jan 11, 2025

An Audience with Harry Redknapp

14 - 18 Jan, 2025

Blood Brothers

Dec 5, 2024 - Jan 3, 2025

Chicken Licken

Nov 22, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025

A Christmas Carol

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