By Grace Hatchell, 2nd Act Couriers
Right then, Derby. I’ve not been yet… but after this little lot landed in my satchel, I’ve officially added you to my postal rounds. I might need a bigger bag.
With a new year comes a brand-new spring season, and Derby Theatre’s Spring 2026 programme is positively bursting at the seams. From big, bold MADE IN DERBY productions to touring blockbusters, one-night wonders, family favourites, community celebrations and ways to get properly stuck in, this is a season that clearly didn’t fancy doing things by halves.
Let’s start at the top of the pile. Opening the spring season from Derby Theatre’s own produced work is their MADE IN DERBY co-production of Macbeth, created alongside Bolton Octagon and Hull Truck Theatre. Running from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 18 April 2026, this chilling take on Shakespeare’s tragedy strips ambition right back to the bone. Set in a war-ravaged country clinging to a fragile peace, it follows Macbeth returning from battle and encountering three witches whose prophecy sparks a brutal chain of events. It’s bloody, it’s bleak, and it sounds like one to sit very upright for.
Later in the season comes something with slightly more teeth… and a lot more plants. The summer MADE IN DERBY co-production with Northern Stage is Little Shop of Horrors, running Saturday 30 May to Saturday 20 June 2026. Directed by Sarah Brigham with musical supervision and orchestration by Matthew Malone, this cult classic promises dark humour, tongue-in-cheek horror and all those songs that get stuck in your head at the worst possible moments. Skid Row (Downtown), Suddenly Seymour and Feed Me (Git It) are all present and correct, with music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. All performances include creative captions, which I always like to see neatly stamped on the envelope.
Spring also brings a hefty stack of touring theatre, and it kicks off with The Signalman, an extended adaptation of Derby Theatre’s hugely successful ghostly Dickens production. Running Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 January, this 1880-set story stars Chris Walker and John Burton as it follows a haunted signalman plagued by visions of disaster on his isolated stretch of railway line. If you like your Dickens served with a proper chill, this one’s got your name on it.
Next up is Glorious!, the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the American socialite famed for her flamboyant outfits, unwavering confidence and spectacularly off-key singing voice. This 20th anniversary production stars Wendi Peters and Matthew James Morrison and runs Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 February. Dubbed the worst singer in the world, Florence remains a firm audience favourite — proof that enthusiasm can sometimes outsing talent.
Then comes Glitch: The True Story of the Post Office Scandal, running Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 March. Based on the real experiences of Pam Stubbs and her colleagues, this inspirational production tells a story very close to my own heart. Post offices, justice, and truth eventually being delivered — consider this one personally recommended.
Murder arrives in the countryside with the theatrical world premiere of Midsomer Murders. Daniel Casey returns to the franchise, this time as Inspector Tom Barnaby, in England’s deadliest county. This stage adaptation runs Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 March and promises a cosy evening of murder, suspicion and very polite menace.
In May, Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty arrives from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 May. Set in London in 1901, this thrilling adventure combines powerful performances, a haunting soundscape and innovative design as Holmes and Watson race against time against the darkest forces of Empire.
Also in May, Frankie Goes to Bollywood returns after a smash-hit UK tour, running Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 May. Bigger, bolder and bursting with Bollywood glamour, this joyful production celebrates music, dance and powerful British storytelling. Tuesday 12 May also includes a post-show afterparty with Jin & Seetal, the UK’s first male and female Bhangra duo, which feels like a very good reason to miss the last bus home.
There’s no shortage of one-nighters either. Dance and live music lovers can enjoy Roshni, an intimate piece inspired by everyday stories, while music fans can step back into cinematic history with Pulman and Stilgoe – Hooray for Hollywood, celebrating nearly a century of movie musicals. Comedy comes courtesy of The Comedy Store, bringing the best in stand-up from across the globe, alongside Geoff Norcott’s Basic Bloke 2 – There’s No Bloke Without Fire.
Talks and storytelling feature heavily too, with evenings from Toyah Willcox, Adam Frost, Pam Ayres and Craig Revel Horwood, whose Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing promises glamour, tales and Strictly sparkle. Further one-nighters include Alfie Moore: Apocalypse Now – Fair Cop, Lear’s Shadow starring Colin Hurley, plus a packed studio programme including Meet Fred, Please Do Not Touch, Ram Comedy Club, When We See Ourselves, Antony and Cleopatra, Nine Sixteenths, Fun! with Barbara Nice and more still to be announced.
Families are very much catered for as well. Pied Piper, a musical reimagining packed with beatboxers, musicians and local performers, runs Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 February. Top Secret – The Magic of Science brings colourful chaos on Sunday 1 March. Noughts and Crosses returns from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March, followed by There’s a Snake in My School, based on the bestselling David Walliams book, running Thursday 19 to Friday 20 March. And that’s before more family fun drops through the letterbox later in the year.
Derby Theatre also continues its 50th anniversary celebrations with a DT Communities’ Cultural Celebration Party on Sunday 18 January 2026, featuring fashion, performances, sip and paint and a DJ party — all created with the theatre’s community steering groups and welcoming new voices into the fold.
Young people are very much at the heart of this season too, which I clocked straight away when a whole bundle of youth theatre post landed in my satchel. NT Connections Festival returns from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April, celebrating new writing, workshops and performances by 13–19 year olds. I always like these deliveries — there’s something special about watching the next generation find their voice, their confidence and occasionally their volume. Over the summer, Youth Theatre double bills will once again take over the stage, showcasing the energy, imagination and sheer graft of Derby’s young theatre-makers, and I’ve already pencilled in a longer stop on my route for those.
Community events continue with a Dementia Poetry Session on World Poetry Day, Saturday 21 March. This one made me slow my steps a bit. Members of the Dementia Carers’ Café will take to the stage to share new writing created through workshops, performing their work publicly for the first time. These are the kind of envelopes you handle carefully — deeply personal stories, shared with courage, warmth and a lot of heart.
Looking a little further ahead on my route map, Departure Lounge Festival returns from Thursday 2 to Saturday 4 July. For a few days, Derby Theatre transforms into a buzzing festival hub, filled with contemporary performance, panel discussions and conversations that spill out into corridors and cafés. This year’s theme explores unity and community — how theatre brings people together, not just in what’s made, but in how it’s made. One festival pass unlocks all the weird, wonderful and unexpected, which feels like very good value for money if you ask me.
There are also a few practical notes neatly tucked into the envelope. Friends of Derby Theatre memberships start from £30 per year and come with discounts, priority booking and the warm feeling of knowing you’re supporting work with young people and local communities. Spring savings are also on offer, including special ticket deals for Macbeth and weekday performances of Little Shop of Horrors. Consider these stamped, sealed and very much worth opening.
Access remains a priority, with a wide range of services including audio description, BSL interpretation, captioned, relaxed and dementia-friendly performances available across the season.
For full season details, accessible performance schedules and all the ways you can get involved, head over to Derby Theatre’s digital brochure or visit their website. As for me, I’ll see if I can squeeze Derby into my rounds soon. Something tells me it’s well worth the delivery.
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