As part of Derby Theatre's 50th Anniversary CANVAS Takeover

Youth Takeover Performance

Sun 21 Sep, 2025 Archive
Join CANVAS at Derby Theatre for an evening celebrating the incredible creativity of Derby’s young people!

Kick things off with our Open Mic (6pm–6:30pm), where young performers will take to the stage to sing, rap, play, and showcase their talents in a supportive and inspiring space.

Then, stay on for the Youth Takeover Performance (6:30pm–9pm) — a bold and dynamic showcase created and performed by local young people, featuring an exciting mix of voices, styles, and creativity.

This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable evening that shines a spotlight on Derby’s next generation of talent.


Canvas Logo

Venue

Derby Theatre, Upper Foyer

Overview

Time: 6pm - 9pm
Performance duration: 3 hour

Who's Performing?

Mortis Prayer – Band

A young metal band from Long Eaton, Mortis Prayer features Ivan (vocals), Jacob (drums), William (bass), and James and Maxwell (guitar). 

Bethany Scrimshaw – Musical Theatre Performer

Bethany is a passionate musical theatre performer who brings energy and heart to every performance. 

Vespa – Dancer

Derby-based dancer exploring contemporary movement with rawness and uniqueness in his choreography. 

Phoebe Reilly – Actor/Spoken Word Artist

Actor and spoken word artist with a passion for real-life stories, justice, and storytelling as advocacy. 

Daybreak – Band

A two-piece rock band from Chaddesden, aiming to bring rock n’ roll back to the mainstream. 

Staci Gilbert – Lyrical Dancer

A visually impaired dancer who has represented England at world championships, inspiring others to embrace the arts. 

Libby Shaw – Opera Singer

Derbyshire-based opera singer with a love of performing classics like Ave Maria and O Mio Babbino Caro. 

MSDC – Youth Dance Company

A Derby youth company for ages 11–18 blending technique, creativity, and choreography for national events. 

Iris Prism – Drag Queen

Genre-bending drag performer delivering powerful pop hooks and ballads with a magnetic stage presence. 

Leland Franklin – Guitarist/Singer

Derby singer-songwriter performing acoustic covers and originals in a folk/indie style. 

Eleanor Green – Performing Artist

Performer using the stage to express herself and celebrate her personal growth and resilience. 

Romy – Singer/Songwriter

16-year-old BBC Introducing artist blending pop, pop-punk and folk, with charity singles and festival performances across the Midlands. 

Izzy Walker – Acro Dancer 

A passionate acro dancer and member of Canvas and Derby Youth Theatre, brings her powerful solo ‘Spirit’ to Derby Theatre’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. Combining the strength of acrobatics with the artistry of dance, Izzy’s performance is a vibrant showcase of skill, expression, and her deep love for the stage. 

Frosa – Singer 

Frosa has lived in Derby for 8 years, she loves to embrace new opportunities and share her Roma heritage and Romanian roots through singing and dancing 

Vanessa – Singer 

A young artist blending jazz, funk, R&B and opera, using music to share her story and connect with audiences. 

Poppy and Eliza Harvey

Sisters with a shared love for musicals, performing together for the first time. Poppy studies drama, music and performing arts, while Eliza continues to perform in school productions. 

Kiera Harber

Performer with a passion for musical theatre, dancing since age 2 and singing since 10. Loves using performance to express creativity and support community wellbeing. 

RU3

Local music and theatre producer who recently released their debut EP Nostalgialite to 2,500+ plays online. Passionate about music production and supporting others through theatre. 

Laura Anne

16-year-old Derby-based performer who plays piano, guitar, and dances. Loves theatre and has been performing since the age of 3. 

Emma Parker 

Musical theatre-trained singer with a degree in primary education. Balances teaching with performing and auditioning, bringing energy and creativity to every role.