Derby Live is unveiled as the future of the city’s producing theatre

Published Friday 15 February 2008 at 12:25 by Alistair Smith

Derby City Council has unveiled its plans for the future of producing theatre in the city, following the recent closure of Derby Playhouse.

The local authority is forming a programme called Derby Live, which it says will “bring producing theatre, dance, music, poetry and mime by performers from international stars to community-based amateurs to the most appropriate Derby stage for its technical requirements, likely audience and intended impact.”

These stages will include the Assembly Rooms, Guildhall Theatre and open spaces across the city. Meanwhile, if Derby Playhouse Limited - the company which currently runs the beleaguered venue - does not succeed in coming out of administration, the council will also use the playhouse’s two venues for performances.

The programme of work will be funded in 2008/9 by £395,275 from the local authority and £742,810 from Arts Council England. ACE has also committed a further £762,865 and £783,460 in the following two years.

Councillor Alan Graves, cabinet member for leisure and direct services, said: “Our plans will reconnect Derby with its theatre. The new arrangement is designed to give producing theatre and the Derby Playhouse building a firm future as decisions are made on Derby Playhouse Limited.

“Theatre produced in Derby will be as strong under the new arrangements as it was before, and will have greater freedom in the use of venues. Theatre co-produced with local, regional and national partners will be delivered consistently and successfully as an integral part of the Derby Live programme.”

For more on this story, see next week’s print issue of The Stage.