This Christmas, and throughout the run of Oliver Twist, Derby Theatre is delighted to partner with Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance – a city-wide network of community organisations, charities, faith groups and volunteers working together to tackle food insecurity across Derby. This collaboration strongly reflects the Theatre’s core values and beautifully complements the Alliance’s mission to support individuals and families in need – echoing the play’s powerful themes of compassion, resilience and the search for belonging.
Through their partnership projects, food hubs and community initiatives, Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance supports thousands of residents each year – helping people in crisis, reducing food waste and strengthening local communities. They work closely with partners such as Derby County Community Trust, Derby County Football Club and a wide range of local businesses, schools and organisations to make this vital work possible.
The partnership between the theatre and the charity will include a Reverse Advent Calendar, asking the theatre’s audiences and visitors to consider donating to food parcels during the festive season.
Now in its fourth year, the Reverse Advent Calendar is one of their most loved community projects. Instead of opening an advent calendar to receive a treat each day, participants add an item – such as a food tin, hygiene product, or Christmas treat – to a box. By the end, it’s filled with essentials that go directly to support local families and individuals struggling over the winter months. It’s a simple but powerful act of kindness that brings people together and makes a real difference at one of the hardest times of the year for many in our community.
Derby Theatre will support the Reverse Advent Calendar initiative as part of their 2025 Christmas Appeal. During the run of Oliver Twist, from 28 November 2025 to 3 January 2026 the theatre will also be collecting donations to support Acts of Kindness, their pay-it-forward ticket programme, where donations allow them to offer tickets to shows for anyone facing barriers to attend the theatre and enjoy a shared creative experience. As part of the partnership, tickets to Oliver Twist will be offered to Food 4 Thought, for them to gift to families in need.
Audiences and visitors who would like to support the Reverse Calendar Initiative will be able to make their donations in dedicated collection boxes located Front of House. All contributions will be delivered to Food 4 Thought, directly supporting local people and families in need this winter. Alongside the special collection, the staff team will also take part internally, encouraging everyone to join in and spread some festive cheer.
Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance are partnering with Derby Theatre this year, as the themes of Oliver Twist closely reflect their mission. The production follows the courageous young orphan, Oliver, on his journey from the workhouse to the streets of Victorian London in search of family, friendship, and a place to belong.
DF4TA’s aim is to ensure that no one in our city goes hungry and that every person has access to not just emergency food, but also advice, support, and pathways to longer-term stability.
A message from Deborah Jones, Senior Project Coordinator at DF4TA: “We’re so grateful to the Derby Theatre team for taking part in this year’s Reverse Advent Calendar and for inviting audiences to join in too. Every tin, treat, and essential item donated represents care, compassion, and solidarity within our community.
Linking this initiative with Oliver Twist is a perfect reminder that no one should have to go hungry or feel forgotten. With Derby Theatre’s support, we can continue to provide warmth, dignity, and hope to local families this winter. Thank you for being part of something truly special.”
Oliver Twist is a thrilling new adaptation by Deborah McAndrew of Charles Dickens’ classic and much-loved story. Join us this Christmas at Derby Theatre for an exciting, magical, and vibrant take on Dickens’ timeless tale. With a spectacular set, enchanting costumes, and a talented company of actor-musicians, this festive favourite promises a truly magical theatre experience for all ages.
By linking Oliver Twist with Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, the theatre is inviting audiences to carry the story’s themes of compassion, hardship, and community beyond the stage. As you enjoy this heartwarming production, we encourage you to give back by donating an item to help those most in need this winter – a simple act of kindness that can make a lasting difference.
For more information and OLIVER TWIST updates, visit the Derby Theatre website here: Oliver Twist – Derby Theatre or follow us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky and YouTube – @derbytheatre).
Follow Food 4 Thought on Facebook and Instagram: @DF4TA. Click here for more information.
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Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance Christmas Choir
Additional to this, Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance will be hosting this year’s Christmas Choir at Derby Market Hall on Friday 5th December from 12:00pm – 2:00pm, with the brilliant Rock of All Ages Choir! This is an all-Christmas extravaganza, which’ll involve sing along to festive carols, magical atmosphere, and chance to enjoy the beauty of Derby’s historic Market Hall. While you’re there, why not sample the delights from our fantastic local vendors too?
This event is also a chance to raise awareness of the vital work they do across the community – from tackling food poverty to supporting those in crisis – and to share how you can get involved.
The event is free to attend, but we kindly ask you to bring a donation of food to help support local families this Christmas. Come celebrate the season with them – festive fun, community spirit, and Christmas cheer all in one place!