Derby Theatre

The UK’s leading professional, producing and learning theatre Derby Theatre has a long and rich history of delivering high quality drama to audiences. Through Derby Theatre’s unique partnership with the University of Derby, and as an Arts Council England National Portfolio organisation, the Theatre has transformed from a traditional producing house, to an organisation of training, mentorship and artistic excellence.

Led by Artistic Director and Chief Executive Sarah Brigham, Derby Theatre is bringing together creative professionals and audiences to tell compelling stories and take artistic risks.
For 2018 – 2022, Derby Theatre received a 59% increase in its funding from Arts Council England, to enable it to continue and build upon the valuable work that it has started.
This will mean more Derby Theatre productions at the theatre, more community work, more work with children and young people and deeper, more meaningful engagement with audiences.
Derby Theatre is a vibrant and thriving theatre.  A producing house that combines its professional programme with an exciting suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as an emerging talent programme aimed at developing the next generation of artists.  Meanwhile its community engagement programme reaches out across our region including people of all ages and from all backgrounds in the work of the theatre.

Bold and brilliant performances. Shows that represent our community. A platform for groundbreaking artists. A pathway for learners of all ages. A guaranteed great night out. We’re a theatre like no other.
We’re known for artistic excellence. We’re committed to education. And we believe that theatre can change your life. Previously Derby Playhouse, we have a long and important theatrical history. As Derby Theatre, we work in partnership with the University of Derby. We produce new plays and projects, collaborate with artists and local people, and welcome higher education students and anyone who wants to learn.We are a charity and a National Portfolio organisation for Arts Council England, and we’re led by artistic director and CEO Sarah Brigham. It’s really important to us that we make everyone feel welcome. So we set out to treat everybody with respect and care. That includes audiences, artists and learners who are new to theatre or who don’t usually feel like it’s for them.
Don’t just take our word for it – come and find out for yourself. 

Partner Festival

Short Info
  • founded in 1976, in it’s current structure since 2012
  • owned subsidiary of the University of Derby
  • 34 permanent staff + 48 freelancers
  • 6 new shows per season something on 6 nights a week most of the year
  • 100.000 spectators a year
    www.derbytheatre.co.uk

TMP learners

Tom Craig

Marketing

Heidi McKenzie

Thomas Adcock

Partner Schools