Derby Theatre launched 50 Faces – Derby Theatre: My Story, a portrait and audio exhibition capturing the voices and experiences of people connected to the theatre over the past five decades, including many women of varying ages. Featuring 50 portraits accompanied by audio stories, the exhibition reflects on the impact Derby Theatre – and its predecessor Derby Playhouse – has had on people’s lives, while also perfectly aligning with the spirit of International Women’s Day by celebrating the many women whose stories form part of the Theatre’s rich history.
Photographed by Holly Revell, the exhibition shines a spotlight on the artists, audiences, staff, volunteers and community members who have shaped the theatre’s history and identity. Among the portraits and recorded stories are many women whose creative journeys, careers and personal lives have been deeply intertwined with the theatre – from youth theatre members and emerging artists to educators, community leaders and loyal audience members.
International Women’s Day offers a moment to recognise the powerful contribution women have made to Derby Theatre’s past and present, while also celebrating the female voices that continue to shape its future.
Women are central to Derby Theatre’s leadership, including Artistic Director and CEO Sarah Brigham, Creative Learning Director Caroline Barth and Vice-Chancellor & CEO, University of Derby and Chair of the Derby Theatre Board, Kath Mitchell as well as across teams who work every day to create ambitious productions, nurture new talent and deepen the theatre’s connection with its communities.
The theatre has long championed female artists, creatives and storytellers through its programming, learning and engagement work; presenting female-led productions, supporting emerging women in theatre and ensuring that women’s voices, perspectives and stories are represented on its stages.
Through projects such as 50 Faces, Derby Theatre continues to celebrate the people who make theatre possible while reflecting the diversity and strength of its community. The exhibition reveals how the theatre has been a place where people have discovered their confidence, creativity and sense of belonging; with many participants describing Derby Theatre as a place that changed their lives.
As Derby Theatre marks both International Women’s Day and its 50th anniversary, the theatre is reaffirming its commitment to continuing to champion and celebrate women across the industry – within its staff teams, artists, communities, audiences, students, young people and stakeholders. By creating space for the powerful female voice in all areas of its work, Derby Theatre aims to ensure that women’s stories, leadership and creativity remain at the heart of its future.
Caroline Barth, Creative Learning Director and project lead on 50 Faces exhibition said:
“As the Creative Learning Director at Derby Theatre, I’ve had the privilege of championing young women’s voices for many years, whether as performers, producers, writers, technicians or audience members. When we reached out to people for this exhibition, we were blown away with the diversity of these women’s stories and the value of what they bring to the world.”
Sarah Brigham, CEO and Artistic Director at Derby Theatre said:
“The 50 Faces exhibition has been an incredible way to mark our 50 years as a theatre on our current site, and it’s been fantastic to see just how many women have shaped that history. Derby Theatre is all about platforming our community to develop their creativity in the most vibrant way, and what better way to celebrate International Women’s Day then by shining a spotlight on these superb women from across the decades. From leaders of our Sanctuary cafe to wardrobe supervisors, to actors and creative visionaries – we are proud to have these women leading and embedded within the history of Derby Theatre”.
Some snippets of women’s audios from the 50 Faces exhibition:
Laura, former Derby Playhouse Youth Theatre Member, Drama Teacher and Youth Theatre Director:
“My tears are full of pride for the young people performing on the stage, that I’ve been lucky enough to direct, or watched grow up to be actors, or technicians themselves”.
Tomar, Freelancer on CANVAS project:
“I used to work in the arts, but when you have children it’s hard to balance work life with family life. I decided to start my own company where I’m able to bring my kids, and I can do exactly the same at Derby Theatre. For a lot of women, it feels like once you have children, your career’s more or less over. I really love and enjoy working here, it feels like home”.
Georgina, Derby Theatre Youth Theatre, DT Ambassador, Young Company Member:
“I’ve learnt so many different aspects about the theatre – we’ve met so many amazing creative people, and I really do think it is the people that make Derby Theatre”.
Continuing this celebration of women within the community, Derby Theatre’s DT Communities programme will host an Empowerment Doll-Making Workshop on Friday 13 March, inviting participants to come together to celebrate the women in their lives through creativity and storytelling. The workshop forms part of the theatre’s wider commitment to bringing people together through shared experiences and creative expression and highlights how Derby Theatre’s work extends beyond its stages and into the heart of the communities it serves.
Audiences are invited to explore the 50 Faces exhibition (displayed in the lower foyer at Derby Theatre) and listen to the powerful personal stories captured as part of the project, celebrating the voices that have helped shape Derby Theatre across five decades. Together, they form a powerful portrait of a theatre built by its community; and of the women who continue to inspire its next chapter.
For details of what’s on and ways to get involved with Derby Theatre, visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk.