Derby Theatre

Who we are

Derby Theatre - Inspiring Performance

Derby Theatre (previously Derby Playhouse) has a long and rich history of delivering high quality drama to audiences. Through Derby Theatre's unique partnership with 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 will receive 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 enagagement 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. 

'Increasingly the most crucial theatre in the region because of its emphasis on learning, nurturing and nourishing'