DERBY THEATRE
DERBY THEATRE
Derby Playhouse was offered the site in the Eagle Centre by the City Council, as part of the new shopping development and was officially opened on 20 September 1975 by the Duke of Devonshire.
The original Playhouse had opened as the Little Theatre in Becket Street, in a converted Church Hall in 1948. Four years later it moved to converted premises on Sacheverel Street. Surviving a major fire in 1956, it became an important part of Britain’s regional theatre network.
Arts funding increased considerably in the 1960s and 1970s enabling the theatre to afford purpose-built premises in the Eagle Centre. However, following a period of financial problems, the theatre was forced to close but re-opened again in 2009 under the control of Derby Live.
Now known as Derby Theatre, the theatre is involved in a unique partnership with the University of Derby and the Arts Council of England. This has resulted in the theatre being transformed from a traditional producing house into an organisation of training, mentorship and artistic excellence.
THEATRE FACILITIES
The theatre has been transformed from a traditional producing organisation to one undertaking training and nurturing artistic excellence.
Following an increase in funding the theatre produces an additional production each year for family audiences.
The theatre has two production spaces under one roof. The main auditorium seats 530 people and the downstairs studio can seat 110 people.
The studio theatre is very flexible and can operate in a variety of ways from cabaret-style to raked seating.
The upstairs theatre bars are open before and during the show offering snacks and drinks.
The Theatre Cafe is the place to enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea or a pre-show meal