We have a wealth of shows to keep you engaged, amused and inspired, ranging from MADE IN DERBY productions to exhilarating touring shows. Watch this space to see all shows, from excellent one-nighters to fantastic family entertainment!
As part of our next brochure – we are delighted to remind you that our summer MADE IN DERBY monster hit co-production with Northern Stage of Little Shop of Horrors will be at Derby Theatre VERY SOON, on from Saturday 30 May to Saturday 20 June 2026…and believe us, you do NOT want to this this! Little Shop of Horrors has opened in Newcastle to rave reviews from press and audiences alike, with ★★★★ What’s On Stage calling it “a deliciously nostalgic, camp and visually electric night of theatre”, while ★★★★★ Voice Magazine described the production as “delightfully absurd and completely attention-grabbing.” Directed by Sarah Brigham, with Musical Supervision and Orchestration by Matthew Malone, this dazzling production of the cult classic delivers the deliciously dark, delightfully tongue in cheek musical that has charmed audiences for over 40 years. All performances will include creative captions, as well as all the unforgettable songs including Skid Row (Downtown), Suddenly Seymour, and Feed Me (Git It). With music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, the show is a madcap mash up of sci fi, Motown and B movie horror.
For autumn, Derby Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre will produce and present the much-loved Hitchcock-Inspired comedy thriller hit, The 39 Steps, directed by the highly regarded Cal McCrystal. Showing at Derby Theatre from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 24 October. The 39 Steps is a fast, funny and brilliantly inventive comedy thriller set to delight audiences in Derby and Hull. Inspired by John Buchan’s classic novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film, this fast-paced adventure races through daring escapes, clever disguises and unexpected twists. This main house comedy production is packed with theatrical magic, promising an eclectic and entertaining night out for audiences.
A 30th anniversary production of Ayub Din Khan’s award-winning play East is East will be play on Derby Theatre’s main stage for FIVE DAYS ONLY from Tuesday 20 until Saturday 24 October 2026. East is East is co-produced by Octagon Theatre Bolton, Citizens Theatre and Wiltshire Creative in association with Derby Theatre, directed by Kash Arshad. In early 1970s Salford, the Khan family are living above a chip shop and on the fault line between two cultures. What follows is a hilarious and deeply moving battle between tradition and change.
For Christmas at Derby Theatre comes The Railway Children, E. Nesbit’s beloved classic, which has been magically adapted by Mike Kenny, with lyrics by John Biddle and Mike Kenny, will play in the main house from Friday 27 November 2026 until Saturday 2 January 2027. This Olivier Award-winning adaptation of E. Nesbit’s beloved classic brings the story to life with imaginative staging, music and storytelling. The Railway Children is a winter treat to enjoy together – and treasure long after the final whistle blows.
From the creators of the 2025 sell-out production of Tortoise and the Hare, Derby Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Polka Theatre present The Owl and the Pussycat, a perfect treat for ages 3+ and their families, will play in the Studio from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027, with all performances including integrated BSL, creative captions and integrated audio description. This enchanting re-telling of The Owl and the Pussycat combines puppetry, live music and beautiful storytelling to invite you into a wonderfully whimsical world of rhyme, rhythm and ridiculousness – perfect for ages 3+ and their grown-ups. Both Christmas productions will be directed by Sarah Brigham.
For the spring, Derby Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Hull Truck Theatre present Romeo & Juliet. The story racing toward an inevitable end will play from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 20 March 2027. Two Hearts. One Impossible Choice. Two families at war. Two lovers caught in the crossfire. Don’t miss this moving and unforgettable production of William Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, revealing the beauty of young love and the devastating cost of endless conflict
As part of our top-class touring show programme, we will have an array of shows stopping off at Derby Theatre’s during the autumn and spring 2027, including: Othello by William Shakespeare. Director Anthony Almeida’s new production looks afresh at this iconic tragedy – as much about love as it is about hate. From the producers of the hit classics Murder at Midnight and Murder in the Dark, comes a wickedly entertaining new thriller: The Other Side of Murder with a star cast including Rufus Hound (One Man, Two Guvnors, Wind in the Willows) and the return of national treasure Susie Blake (Victoria Wood, Coronation Street). Other highlights from the season includes: The Importance of Being Oscar, The Turn of the Screw, Remember Romeo, and Murder, She Didn’t Write.
Family fun, puppetry, adventures and music come with a mix of shows for the little ones and whole family, including In the Night Garden Live, The Space Explorers Academy, Ice Age Adventure Live, Piglet and Pooh the Musical and more.
A variety of one nighters are programmed for our vast audiences. Expect the likes of Hello Again – The Neil Diamond Songbook, Alfie Moore: Acopalypse Now, True Crime & Wine, Liza Pulman Sings Streisand, Queen Idia The Musical, Derwent Brass The Sound of Cinema, An Evening with Fergal Keane, and The Crooners Christmas. The season comes jam packed with comedy. Expect big names and big laughs from Tez Illyas, Gary Delaney, Ross Noble, Ginger Johnson, Daniel Foxx and Fatiha El-Ghorri.
The Eagle Awards will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Saturday 18 July 2026! The Eagle Awards are a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar, celebrating Derby and Derbyshire’s vibrant amateur theatre community. Designed exclusively by Royal Crown Derby, the coveted Eagle statuettes are awarded each year to individuals and companies who excel across a range of categories – from exceptional productions to outstanding performances and behind-the-scenes achievements. Expect an even bigger, bolder celebration of amateur theatre excellence, with surprises in store for this landmark year. Stay tuned for details you won’t want to miss.
Derby Theatre and In Good Company’s unmissable Fringe Theatre Festival of fresh, bold and boundary-pushing performance returns for its 14th year for three days only this summer. Yes, it’s time for take-off, Departure Lounge is back! You can expect the freshest theatre shows from both the Midlands and beyond, all the weird and the wonderful, all in one festival pass. Come to workshops, talks, networking events, and much more.
Expect fantastic performances from the community, including We Will Rock You, Shrek the Musical, Into the Woods, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and more eclectic treats for the season.
For FULL season details, accessible performances and lots of ways on how you can GET INVOLVED with Derby Theatre, take a look at our digital brochure here or visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk.