We believe that theatre has the power to inspire change, spark conversation and celebrate identity. Our commitment to social justice and inclusivity, shapes everything we do – from the stories we tell on stage to the opportunities we create for learners of all ages. Through bold and brilliant performances that represent our community, we aim to provide a platform for groundbreaking voices and ensure that Derby Theatre continues to be a place where everyone feels seen, heard and celebrated.
Throughout the year, we have been privileged to work alongside a range of talented Black creatives, performers and partners across our productions and programmes, including:
A Christmas Carol, Of Mice and Men, Departure Lounge Festival, The Great Gatsby and Tortoise and the Hare; as well as through our community and learning initiatives such as Culture Cares Conference 2025, Youth Theatre, NT Connections, CANVAS Future Creatives, and Plus One. Representation has also been highlighted in our Community Casts, DT Communities Steering Groups, Creative Ambassadors and 50 Faces Exhibition Project.
As part of Black History Month, we’re proud to spotlight just some of the incredible voices who help shape the Derby Theatre story.
Dan, Creative Mentor at Derby Theatre, shared: “It’s been an amazing experience for me working with the Theatre because I get to work with such a wide spectrum of ethnicities. The creative mentoring and Plus One project, especially, have allowed me to share creativity with young people of different ethnicities, experience their cultures, and share mine. It’s always a positive experience, and especially during Black History Month, projects like these enhance and celebrate the vibrancy, colour and energy of all the cultures involved.”
Tandeka, Creative Producer has said: “As a Creative Producer that has had the opportunities to work and collaborate with Derby Theatre, The Quad, Deda, Derby CAN, Hubbub and In Good Company, going to the theatre opens my mind…thoughts and imagination to the vast tapestry of diversity out there in the world and brings it to life whilst drawing me into the pieces created as part of the real life performances happening in front of my eyes. I want to share these experiences with the rest of my community whilst opening opportunities for young people and other diverse groups within the community to the creative arts.”
Rukus, Co-founder and Creative Director of Baby People UK, writer on Four Walls and CANVAS partner, said: “Baby People UK is the UK’s first dedicated hip-hop school, and a music and arts organisation based in Derby. We have always worked to push for the representation of minority voices – myself in particular black young males like me– to encourage and show positive role models while educating others about our history and creativity here in Britain.
For the last five years I have been involved in the ‘And Still I Rise’ Tour which highlights emerging Black artists during Black History Month, and we have ongoing conversations with young people about the contributions of Black Britons to society, because our creative history here in the UK is rich and deserves to be celebrated.
As part of our partnership with Derby Theatre through the CANVAS project, we’ve brought creativity directly to young people across the city, participating in, workshops, mentoring and live events that celebrate diversity and expression.
Also, writing Four Walls for Derby Theatre was a powerful experience – a chance to explore themes of belonging and identity, and to share real voices from our communities. To shed light on marginalised communities in an interesting and real way using the magic that is theatre. For certain communities and age groups, going to the theatre isn’t a thing, and they don’t feel welcomed within theatres – whether that be the environment, preconceived ideas about who theatre is for, or simply lack of representation. For me it is important that our value and contributions to society is not overlooked, ignored or distorted.”
Donna, BSL (British Sign Language) Creative Consultant for Tortoise and the Hare shared: “Derby Theatre are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and thriving workplace. As a result, I have been able to be a positive role model for my communities as not only as a Black woman but as a Deaf Black woman. This can be seen via my multiple roles I have been encouraged to take on as a way to showcase my skills: Arts Administrator (Creative Programmes), Deaf Youth Theatre Lead, Actor and BSL Creative Consultant.
As a BSL Creative Consultant, it has been a fantastic experience working with the amazing talented actors on Tortoise and the Hare production as well as the wonderful artists creative team such as Director, Puppetry, Light Designer, Audio Describer, Creative Captioner, Company Stage Manager and Movement Choreographer. My main focus is to ensure the actors use BSL in a contextually and linguistically correct way to allow the audience to have full accessibility to our show. I also worked with the Movement Director/ Choreographer Stacey McCarthy, collaborating together as 2 Black women using movement, BSL and VV (Visual Vernacular) to create sign songs, using rhythm and repetition.
I have always loved and enjoyed working in theatre productions as it has given me a safe space to watch their acting skills and their confidence develop. It has been a joy to witness their smiles, their charisma, their warmth and their vibrancy be brought into the community.”
Bwalya, Artist and Community Company Member said: “I’m grateful for Derby Theatre for providing me with a creative outlet and a platform to showcase my acting and dancing. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the DT Communities Steering Group and Ambassador programmes. I’m excited about the opportunity to help engage more people in our community with the many aspects of the theatre.”
Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director and CEO at Derby Theatre has said: “Derby Theatre is proud to work with an array of Black artists, colleagues and partners. We celebrate their contribution to the artistic scene in Derby and to our programme. We know that moments like Black History month are an important celebration land mark but we also know that this commitment to represent our community in all we do needs to be more than just a moment in time. We know we have more work to do to ensure Black voices, Black Artists and Black audiences truly feel welcome at Derby Theatre and we commit to doing that work.”
As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we’re also spotlighting 50 Faces – Derby Theatre: My Story, a portrait and audio exhibition that honours 50 years of stories, people and performances that have shaped Derby Theatre’s journey. Featuring stories from Black audience members, creatives, actors, community participants and more, 50 Faces shines a light on the diverse individuals who have played a part in our history. Displayed in the lower foyer café, the exhibition reflects the true diversity of Derby and celebrates voices from across our strands of work – from main stage productions to learning and community projects. Each portrait, beautifully captured by photographer Holly Revell, is paired with a recorded memory by audio artist Seb Harcombe, creating a moving record of connection, creativity and belonging. Visit our café to explore the exhibition or listen online here
As we mark Black History Month 2025, Derby Theatre continues to champion representation and diversity on and off stage. We celebrate the artists, practitioners and community members who make our work possible, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that our theatre reflects the vibrancy and creativity of the community we serve.
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