Derby Theatre: Latest Programme Unveiled
19 March 2010
The Wind in the Willows - picture credit Karate Grafika
We are all looking forward to this exciting season.
”Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne
Derby LIVE has announced its exciting programme of productions and events which will run from the summer to Christmas 2010 - across all of its sites in the city.
It includes the major events to take place at Derby Theatre, which is managed by the University of Derby, as well as Derby LIVE's other sites such as the Assembly Rooms and the Guildhall Theatre.
There's something to suit all theatrical tastes and styles - Derby honorary graduate Lucy Gannon's first stage play in over 20 years, Derby LIVE Community Theatre presenting Cranford the Musical, a pre-West End run starring Robert Lindsay, two fantastic family Christmas productions, comedians galore, top-class tours, traditional music festivals and parties and fireworks in the parks of Derby!
There is an action-packed programme of events, which will include the forthcoming Christmas Production at Derby Theatre: The Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Grahame, and adapted for the stage by Patrick Sandford, to be staged from Saturday, November 27 to Saturday, January 15.
Following on from The Snow Queen, Derby LIVE's highly acclaimed debut Christmas production at Derby Theatre, comes another family festive offering and classic of children's literature that has delighted children and adults alike for decades.
Derby LIVE's Professional Produced Theatre Season will begin by hosting the world premiere of Broken Hearted by acclaimed TV writer Lucy Gannon MBE and directed by Pete Meakin from Friday, May 7 to Saturday, May 29 at Derby Theatre.
This touching and comical play stars Kathryn Hunt (Coronation Street,Fat Friends and Where the Heart Is), and Derbyshire's own Steve Blakeley (PC Geoff Younger in Heartbeat and Benedick in Derby LIVE's first professional produced theatre production, Much AdoAbout Nothing in 2009). Kathryn lives in Ockbrook, Derby.
Lucy Gannon said: "It's daunting enough to be returning to theatre after a break of twenty years, but it's plain terrifying to return knowing what a difficult time theatre has had in Derby lately.
"Theatre must present an alternative which is lively, surprising, funny, thought-provoking, celebratory and relevant, which all sounds very exciting but it's a tall order when you're sitting at the lap top, trying not to think about your friends in the audience and the figures in the Box Office, and all the people, like Pete Meakin, who have worked so hard to keep Derby Theatre alive. I don't want to let anyone down."
Peter Ireson, Director, Derby LIVE said: "Quality, diversity and partnership are at the heart of Derby LIVE's vision and the new season from Derby LIVE shows that commitment in action. Whether it's making top quality theatre in Derby prior to a West End run, working with Derby Jazz on their first Biennale, or the groundbreaking partnership with the University, Derby LIVE continues to promote, produce and present one of the most diverse and exciting programmes of any arts organisation in the UK.
"Our commitment to developing local talent and being an organisation 'rooted' in Derby sees Derby LIVE Community Theatre staging Cranford the Musical at Derby Theatre, a chance to star in our pantomime through the Ram FM & Derby LIVE Fame Factor and the hosting of the re-launched Eagle Awards for excellence in local amateur theatre at Derby Theatre.
"Looking ahead the new brochure also contains details of the exciting Christmas programme at the Assembly Rooms and Derby Theatre for 2010."
University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne, said: "We are all looking forward to this exciting season; it is fantastic that Robert Lindsay, local boy and University of Derby honorary graduate, will be performing at the Derby Theatre.
"It has been a very rewarding experience working with Derby Live. The new season is varied and of a high quality with something for the entire theatre-loving public in Derby.
"The ability to showcase new professional work alongside visiting productions, and to support community theatre, is an important aspect of our desire to see Derby as the region's cultural capital!"
Derby LIVE Box Office is 01332 255800 and its website is: www.derbylive.co.uk/ for the full programme.
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For more details please contact Derby LIVE Communications Officer Heidi McKenzie on 01332 255530 or Simon Redfern, Deputy Head of Corporate Relations at the University of Derby on 01332 591942 or s.redfern@derby.ac.uk
