Derby’s Hubbub Theatre offers a new programme for 2026 with inspiring performances, ‘get involved’ sessions and professional training workshops

Journeys – Thursday 26^th February from 3:30pm to 5pm

The premiere of a new dance film ‘Journeys’ is part of an event which celebrates the artistic development of one of Hubbub Theatre company’s lead dance artists, Bethany Smith. Sharing her journey as an Autistic dance artist, Bethany has developed the choreography for ‘Journeys’ as part of a mentoring programme with East Midlands Dance Network. A joyful and powerful celebration of dance, movement, creative growth and leadership; the event also includes live performances and a chance to ask Bethany questions about her own journey. Presented by Hubbub Theatre Company, Journeys takes place on Thursday 26^th February from 3:30pm to 5pm. The event is open to all, suitable for all ages and tickets are available to book on ‘a pay what you can’ basis via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/journeys-tickets-1982361164607

The Journeys film was created on residency at LEVEL Derbyshire, in collaboration with Sophie Thorpe and Adam Robertson, and the event forms part of a wider project funded by Arts Council England, supporting professional dance and movement artists to develop inclusive practice. and Derby City Council through their Small Arts Grants.

Get Involved ‘Tuesday Creatives’ – Tuesdays from 10am to 3pm

Hubbub Theatre are looking for new members for their Tuesday Creatives group, part of their ‘Get Involved programme’. Tuesday Creatives focuses on life skills and wellbeing for independent learning disabled, autistic and/or neurodivergent adults who want a space to be creative, explore their identity, meet new friends, have their voice heard and to get involved in social events and celebrations. Get Involved is a great way for the learning disabled, autistic and/or neurodivergent community to interact with new people, develop social skills and confidence, and make new friends. The weekly sessions also include time to visit the café and socialise with other group members. Tuesday Creatives is open to those aged eighteen and above. To find out more about how to get involved, e-mail: Stevie@hubbubtheatre.org or see https://hubbubtheatre.org/tuesday-creatives/

CPD training programme ‘The Hubbub Way’ – 19^th & 20^th March

Hubbub’s innovative training programme ‘The Hubbub Way’ is a chance for arts practitioners to bring accessibility into their creative practice; to facilitate devising theatre and performance for people of all ages and abilities. Led by Jen Sumner and performers from Hubbub’s professional team of performers, The Company, to show a unique method of co-creation with co-leadership, equity and kindness. The two-day training programme offers participants ways to improve their practice to create a more accessible, co-creative process and skills to communicate effectively to learning disabled, autistic and/or neurodivergent people in creative practice. The programme also offers ways to manage diverse groups in school and community settings and advise on how to improve wellbeing for self and those that they are working with. The Hubbub Way methodology is endorsed by Derby Theatre, Derby University and Central School of Speech and Drama as a model of best integrated practice. There are limited places. For more information, or to submit an expression of interest in taking part, see https://hubbubtheatre.org/hubbub-way-intro/

There is a chance to find out more about Hubbub’s organisation, programme of activities at a free open event on Saturday 7^th March from 10am to 2pm, taking place at Chapel Street Arts Centre. Visitors can explore the building and experience workshops, performances and creative activities and Hubbub will be presenting a performance at 11:30am and a movement workshop for those aged eighteen and above from 1:30pm to 2pm. For details please see: https://www.derbylive.co.uk/about-derby-live/news/discover-chapel-street-arts-centre-at-free-open-day/