The Stage

Derby Playhouse celebrates success

Published Tuesday 20 January 2004 at 12:35 by Jeremy Austin

Derby Playhouse has had its most successful 12 months for more than a decade, with its artistic team citing a broader programme as the reason.

Audiences in 2003 increased by 17,500 to almost 60,000 and the theatre is expecting an equally successful year this year with an advance of £180,000 for the spring/summer season. Artistic directors Stephen Edwards and Karen Hebden, who replaced Mark Clements after his departure in December, 2002, said the broader choice of plays and musicals and improving artistic standards across the board have contributed to the improvement.

Said Hebden: “Eighteen months ago when Stephen and I walked through the door there was a stark choice facing us - invest or close. It is therefore with enormous pride that we announce on behalf of the entire organisation these tremendous results for our first year.”

A two and a half decade, year-on-year decline in cast sizes is being reversed and longer rehearsal periods introduced, effectively doubling the number of actors employed at the theatre. Edwards said he is also investing in artists through the use of live music throughout all productions and through the use of video and sound recordings. However, he called for more investment from Arts Council England than the annual £660,070 grant provided.

He added: “It was a brave choice for the theatre board to invest in productions and artists and it has begun to pay off but we are not out of the financial woods yet. We need to work with our funders to address the historical under funding of the theatre. Until this is addressed, Derby Playhouse continues to compete on an uneven playing field.”

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Churchill Theatre, Bromley, is the most successful show at the venue after breaking box office records. More than 42,000 people saw the show, starring Linda Lusardi as the Wicked Queen and Sam Kane as the Prince. Extra performances have already been scheduled for next year’s show, Aladdin.