Officially launching on Tuesday 7 October in the lower foyer café at Derby Theatre, the exhibition will shine a light on the people who feature in the portraits whose personal connections to Derby Theatre (formerly Derby Playhouse) reflect its enduring role at the heart of the city’s cultural life.
This unique exhibition started as an open call-out earlier this year, inviting actors, artists, audiences, creatives, staff, volunteers, young people and community members to share their memories and experiences. Hundreds of heartfelt applications were received, with stories spanning five decades – from first-time visitors to lifelong audience members, from childhood inspirations to life-changing careers. We are delighted that we have been able to represent the hugely diverse range of programmes and people with whom we engage. Photographer, Holly Revell has really captured their essence visually with their wonderful stories recorded by audio artist, Seb Harcombe.
Applicants shared moving reflections on the power of theatre in their lives:
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my 3 years at Derby. That’s the truth!” (Former Technical Theatre student)
“We quite literally owe our whole lives to Derby Theatre.” (previous staff members, who met at the theatre and got engaged on stage)
“The theatre feels like home to me… I wouldn’t be who I am without it.” (Youth Theatre alumni and Drama teacher)
“Derby Theatre didn’t just give me a stage to perform on – it gave me a platform to grow, to connect, and to become who I am today.” (Community Participant)
“Derby Playhouse changed my life. At the Playhouse, I gained valuable life experience, had fun, learnt, made lifelong friends and discovered the endless potential and power of theatre.” (Actor and Director)
Caroline Barth (Creative Learning Director, Derby Theatre) said:
“This project has been nothing short of extraordinary. Hearing these stories – stories of lives changed, friendships forged, careers born and passions ignited – has moved us deeply. Theatre has the power to inspire, to heal, to connect us and this exhibition is living proof of that magic. The voices and faces captured here are the heartbeat of Derby Theatre, and we are overwhelmed with pride and gratitude to be part of celebrating them. Together, we are not just remembering the past 50 years – we are honouring the soul of this theatre and the community that has made it what it is today.”
Holly Revell (Exhibition Photographer) said:
“What an absolute joy and an honour it was to be invited to photograph these 50 portraits for Derby Theatre’s 50th anniversary. It was lots of fun meeting so many different characters associated with the theatre from over the years and hearing about their connections and memories. I could feel and see how special this project was to those involved with a few tears, lots of hugs and so much love in the room. The challenge was to meet and photograph them all over a 2-day period, but their personalities kept me going and I’m thrilled with what we’ve created.”
Seb Harcombe (Exhibition Audio Artist) said:
“Fifty-odd voices – solos, duos, even the occasional quartet – clusters of memory weaving through time, individual threads forming a vibrant tapestry. Theatre has always been a place where all manner of stories have been welcomed, across generations – and the microphone continues that tradition in real time. Its intimacy captures what might slip off the page: nostalgia, delight, excitement, longing – echoes and resonances beneath the surface, lingering beyond thought – and the sheer happiness of being heard. Sometimes floating, delicate, airy; other times bursting, joyous, exuberant, full of sound. Each story, a gift, celebrated for its individuality, yet part of a shared pulse, a common theme: Derby Theatre treasured as a second home, voiced by a community chorus, speaking as one.”
The Exhibition
50 Faces – Derby Theatre: My Story forms part of Derby Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations, honouring the many people who have animated its spaces – from the Playhouse years through to Derby Theatre today.
This unique exhibition reflects the Theatre’s deep and lasting impact across generations and communities. From volunteers and backstage teams to students and professional artists, these stories capture how theatre can shape lives, create belonging and spark ambition. Audiences and members of the public are invited to view, listen and interact with the exhibition and discover a living archive of voices and faces that tell the story of Derby Theatre’s first 50 years – while also looking forward to the next 50.
Our 50 Faces: Derby Theatre: My Story is now live in the Theatre Café at Derby Theatre. Each image is accompanied by a QR code, unlocking a wonderful collection of memories and stories told in the voices of those who lived them. For the best listening experience, we recommend downloading and listening through the SoundCloud app.
Derby Theatre is a learning theatre owned by the University of Derby (as a wholly owned subsidiary). 50 Faces – Derby Theatre: My Story delivers against the University of Derby’s civic mission; recognising that culture is a driver for change and their promise and commitment to supporting people and place. Members of the UoD CivicLab team will be present at the launch to talk about their mission and to the people who have been directly involved with this project.
The 50 Faces Portrait and Audio Exhibition is free and open to all and just one the amazing activities and events taking place during this special anniversary year. Other celebratory events include: a 50th anniversary costume trail, an archive exhibition spanning 1975 to 2025, Derwent Brass Concert Night, a Fundraising Gala Performance of The Great Gatsby plus much more.