Entrance of Derby Theatre on Theatre Walk, with the red Derby Theatre sign above glass doors and festival posters
Theatre 2 hireable spaces Comedy

Derby Theatre

Producing and receiving theatre run by the University of Derby, with a 531-seat main house and a 110-seat studio in the Derbion centre on Theatre Walk.

15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Up to 531
capacity
2 spaces
hireable
Contact the venue for dates and times
available for hire

About this venue

Derby Theatre opened in 1975 as the Derby Playhouse and reopened under its current name in 2009. It is run by the University of Derby as a professional and learning theatre, and sits inside the Derbion shopping centre with its main entrance on Theatre Walk, opposite the Eagle Market. The theatre produces four to six shows a year in its main house and further work in the studio, including a Christmas show for young audiences, and its productions tour across the UK. It also hosts more than 70 touring productions a year across both spaces, from full weeks of drama and musicals to contemporary dance and comedy one-nighters, and the studio runs a programme of contemporary theatre, comedy and family shows. Visiting companies can approach the programming team about bringing a show. In August 2026 the theatre received planning approval for a major redevelopment. Access: step-free main entrance with automatic doors, a public lift to all three floors, accessible toilets on every level (with a ceiling hoist on level 1), wheelchair spaces in both the main auditorium and the studio, and assistance dogs welcome. Captioned, BSL-interpreted, audio-described and relaxed performances are scheduled. Parking is in the Derbion basement car park directly below (DE1 2PL).

The Spaces

Main House

Main auditorium

Capacity

Seated
up to 531

531 seats (originally 535), per Wikipedia.

Studio

Studio theatre

Intimate space for new, contemporary and family work; accessed via the Derbion basement car park.

Capacity

Seated
up to 110

110 seats, per Wikipedia.

Facilities

  • Bar
  • Box office
  • Parking: Derbion basement car park directly below the theatre (DE1 2PL)

Accessibility

  • Step-free access to venue
  • Lift access
  • Accessible toilet
  • Wheelchair spaces / viewing area
  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Sensory-friendly / relaxed performances available

Gallery

Derby Theatre's glazed entrance with its red sign and show posters, visitors walking in

Location

15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF

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