Stage set for £10m Derby Theatre expansion plan

Derby Theatre has been granted planning permission for a multi-million pound expansion project, paving the way for the next act in the venue's development.

The venue, based in the city's Derbion shopping centre, will see an expanded theatre, a new purpose-built studio theatre and new community spaces.

The development forms part of Derby Theatre's wider capital transformation programme, following the award of £10 million in UK Government funding in 2023, with the ambitious plans now set to take centre stage.

Sarah Brigham, CEO and artistic director at Derby Theatre, said: "This is an exciting step forward that will transform what we can offer audiences, artists, learners and participants."

The BBC understands work is set to begin next month and there will be no interruption to scheduled performances.

The new studio theatre is said to be a "flexible space" for intimate performances with audiences ranging from a few dozen people to up to 140, theatre bosses said.

They added that the space will "strengthen" their work with schools, community groups and emerging artists whilst enabling them to expand their programming.

The new building will also include a a rehearsal room for teaching, plus performance and events space, and additional dressing rooms.

This will be in addition to the theatre's main auditorium, which has a capacity of just over 500 seats.

Derby Theatre - which opened as Derby Playhouse in 1975 - is now operated by the University of Derby.

Brigham added: "We are delighted that planning permission has been approved for a new building to the rear of Derby Theatre. This is an exciting step forward that will transform what we can offer audiences, artists, learners and participants.

"Following a hugely successful year of popular produced shows, we know there is a real appetite for work made in Derby.

"These new spaces will give us even greater opportunities to develop, create and share that work, putting Derby artists and stories centre stage and enabling us to welcome even more people into the theatre."

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Derby and chair of Derby Theatre Board of Trustees, said planning approval "was a major milestone for the transformative project" and came at an "exciting time" as the theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary.

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