Derby Theatre 15 Theatre Walk, Derby DE1 2NF, UK

Derby Theatre is reimagining what a regional producing theatre can be. Through its unique relationship with the University of Derby, the theatre has placed learning, mentoring and artistic excellence as its heart, bringing together creative professionals with diverse audiences, to tell compelling stories.

Derby Theatre is a theatre situated in Derby, England. Formerly known as the Derby Playhouse, it was owned and run by Derby Playhouse Ltd from its opening in 1975 until 2008, when the company ceased operating after a period in administration

Access

Derby Theatre welcomes all customers and has an extensive range of services to ensure you have an enjoyable and comfortable visit. We are happy to show anyone around who would like to come and see the theatre during a quieter time to resolve any potential issues or concerns they may have in advance of their visit. Please contact Box Office on 01332 593939.

Derby Theatre has seating on all levels of the theatre and there are ushers there to assist in making your visit as comfortable as possible so please let us know your requirements. You can pre order your drinks, tickets, merchandise, ice creams and programmes when booking your tickets to avoid queuing. These can be brought to you when you arrive. Our staff can bring refreshments to your seat inside the auditorium at the interval. If you require specific seating in other areas then this can also be accommodated.

We have a fully accessible drop off point at the top of the theatre with a permanent ramped double door entrance. Alternatively you can park in Intu Basement car park blue badge area and our lift will bring you directly to all floors of the theatre. We have large accessible toilets on all levels. We have low counters at the Bar, Box Office and Theatre Café. We have designated wheelchair spaces inside the auditorium so please mention your requirements when booking.

You can be dropped off outside the lift that runs from the basement car park, to level 1 where the Theatre Café and Box Office is, up to level 2 where the auditorium, restaurant and bar is situated. There is a short walk into the auditorium from the lift. Or alternatively you can be dropped off at our drop of point at the top of the theatre where there is a short distance into the auditorium. We can provide seating around the theatre for rest intervals if required.

Derby Theatre has large fully accessible toilets on every level of the theatre. If you require urgent access to the toilet because of an impairment / disability you can make this known to staff at any time and they will ensure that you are quickly pointed toward the nearest toilet with discretion and dignity. This can and will include both accessible toilets and staff toilets where necessary. Access Card holders need only to show their card with the WC symbol.

Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the building. Please talk to the Box Office about any special requirements when booking.

We operate a scheme for those who require somebody to be present in order to assist them to readily access theatre shows and as such we allow members to buy a seat for themselves at the standard rate and one for an essential companion at no cost.*

An Access Card with the +1 symbol automatically entitles the cardholder to a free essential companion ticket.* If you do not have / do not want an Access Card you can register to join Derby Theatre's Assited Access Scheme below. Both schemes will require you sending in information to support your request for a free companion ticket and you are free to choose which one you feel meets your needs.

Access Cards can be purchased for £15 for 3 years from CredAbility. CredAbility is an independent scheme.

Audio Described Performances

Ideal for blind and partially sighted people, audio description is a form of audio-visual translation that uses the natural pauses in dialogue and critical sound elements to provide a live verbal commentary through a personal headset. All of Derby Theatre's in-house productions are audio described, as well as some touring productions. 

Touch Tours

A touch tour enables blind and partially sighted people to explore and familaries themselves with the stage, props and costumes before seeing a show. Touch Tours are free and take place 1 hour before an audio described performance starts. Please advise Box Office if you would like a touch tour when booking an audio described performance.

BSL Interpreted Performances

Provided for people for whom British Sign Language is their first language. Please let Box Office know where you would like to sit: directly in front of the interpreter or on the opposite side, looking across the stage/action. 

Captioned Performances

Provided for Deaf, hard of hearing or deafened people. Captioning converts spoken word into text and is presented on a screen at the side of the stage. Captioned performances are currently available for some productions in the studio. We are in the process of buying captioning equipment, which will enable us to caption Derby Theatre's in-house productions.

Captioning using the Difference Engine

Some performances provide captioning using the Difference Engine - a tool that can be downloaded onto your smart phone or tablet prior to the show. 

• Please try to arrive 30 minutes before the show so that we have time to give clear instructions to each individual audience member
• The captioning is streamed directly to your phone so we recommend that your mobile device is fully charged prior to the performance
• There will be battery packs available for audience members whose phone is low on battery
• This is not a replacement for BSL and we appreciate it will not be suitable for all d/Deaf audiences

Relaxed Performances

We offer relaxed performances that are aimed to appeal to audience members who are on the autistic spectrum or have sensory sensitivities, or those who would benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere as regards to making noise or moving around. 

Each relaxed performance will be adapted for the specific needs of the audience – house lights may remain on at a low level throughout, other lighting effects will be toned down and the volume of sound effects reduced. Audience members will also be free to leave the auditorium during the performance and a ‘chill out’ area will be available.

Support materials such as a visual story and a synopsis of the production are made available before each relaxed performance. All of these adaptations are intended to make the theatrical experience less stressful for our patrons with specific needs.