21.04.2021
Summer isn’t that far away and Derby LIVE has an exciting programme of events and theatre to enjoy with family or friends in an environment where we all feel more comfortable at the moment – the great outdoors!
The Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season returns to Markeaton Park, with family-friendly Shakespeare from Oddsocks with A Comedy of Errors, Derby Shakespeare Company’s 1990s update of John Godber’s Bouncers, and Babbling Vagabonds’ Here Be Dragons for all the family. Bring your picnic and chair for award winning films with a musical flavour – Bohemian Rhapsody, Chicago, Rocketman and A Star is Born.
August Bank Holiday will bring a weekend of events to the stunning surroundings of Darley Park. Enjoy the Balearic beats of Ibiza Classics, watch a double bill of family films – Frozen II and Singalonga The Greatest Showman – before the Sunday’s grand finale, the return of The Hannells Darley Park Concert.
Looking ahead to the autumn, we are hopeful that this will bring a time when we’re able to be together again and enjoying great music, comedy and much more, all under one roof.
We will be following national government guidelines very closely when it comes to planning and delivering our events, whether that be outdoors or indoors. Each event will have more details of any COVID-secure guidelines on our website nearer the event date or sent to them on our pre-show emails for ticketed events.
For more information on any of the below shows, please contact inderby.media@derby.gov.uk. Shows can be booked online at www.derbylive.co.uk or by calling the Derby LIVE Sales and Information Team on 01332 255800.
St George’s Day Celebrations at Home
Traditional English St George’s Day events delivered right to your home. Follow our traditional clog dancer and dancing dragon through the streets of Derby, watch The Lost Boys re-enact the dragon-slaying legend in silent movie style, join in with the Derby Dragon song and enjoy traditional dance. Fun for all the family from the comfort of your own home.
Available from Friday 23rd to Friday 29th April, on demand
FOLK3D, Online Folk Dance
Delivered into your living room via Zoom. Live musicians, easy called dance instructions and other dancers in their own homes to share the evening with. Show us your moves, have a laugh, or simply sit and enjoy the music. Have some fun and share these St George’s Day frolics in style!
Friday 23rd April, 7pm – 8:45pm with interval
Derby Market Place
Book a chalet or table, order from one of our participating eateries or bring a takeaway, and enjoy our outdoor dining experience from Fri 23 Apr. With an exciting new performance area, Derby Market Place will be transformed into a vibrant area for meeting and entertainment over the summer months, with the venue offering alfresco dining alongside an events programme. Watch this space!
Oddsocks | The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare
A servant and master arrive in Ephesus in search of their long lost twin brothers. Tormented by a wild wife, a moody mistress, challenged by a crazy jeweller and damned by a demonic doctor the terrified twosome run headlong into a climactic happy ending which defies all probability. A summer delight not to be missed!
Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company | Bouncers by John Godber
Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company bring you the well loved, extremely successful and energetic comedy Bouncers from acclaimed writer John Godber. Join Lucky Eric, Les, Ralph and Judd as they take you on a hilarious journey through a typical night out in the 90s, through the eyes of the bouncers… and the lads, lasses and characters they encounter. A nostalgic look back that’ll have you laughing out loud.
Babbling Vagabonds | Here Be Dragons!
Be aware! Be very aware! Those fabulous funsters, Babbling Vagabonds are bringing their own brand of adventure theatre back this summer. Their award-winning outdoor show, Here Be Dragons! is returning to Derby this July and they are inviting fearless families to come and join in the fun.
Markeaton Park Outdoor Cinema | Bohemian Rhapsody – Cert. 15
This is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound.
Markeaton Park Outdoor Cinema | A Star is Born – Cert. 15
Seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) meets and falls in love with struggling singer songwriter Ally (Lady Gaga). Jack coaxes Ally to follow her dreams while he battles with alcoholism and his personal demons.
Markeaton Park Outdoor Cinema | Rocketman – Cert. 15
An epic musical fantasy about the incredible story of Elton John’s breakthrough years in the 1970’s. Set to his most beloved songs, watch as the shy piano prodigy, Reginald Dwight, becomes one of the most iconic figures in pop history. Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell and Richard Madden.
Markeaton Park Outdoor Cinema | Chicago – Cert. 12A
Oscar-winning big screen adaptation of the popular Broadway show. In 1920s Chicago, nightclub singer Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta Jones) and aspiring starlet Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) are placed in jail together, where they both try to further their quest for wealth and fame.
Classic Ibiza
Join the party in summer 2021. Witness the Urban Soul Orchestra, DJ Goldierocks and a host of critically acclaimed vocalists bring a heady blend of Balearic beats to life in the beautiful grounds of Darley Park. All the family are guaranteed a night to remember.
Frozen II – Cert. U
A showing of Frozen II on a huge screen in Darley Park as part of a weekend of events. Elsa has an extraordinary gift – the power to create ice and snow. But no matter how happy she is to be surrounded by the people of Arendelle, Elsa finds herself strangely unsettled. After hearing a mysterious voice, Elsa travels to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond her kingdom – a journey of self-discovery.
Singalonga The Greatest Showman – Cert. PG
Look out ‘cause here it comes… from the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music, the smash hit film musical with lyrics on screen that everyone can’t stop singing. Cheer, boo and hiss as you sing your heart out with our live host who will teach you some dance moves and show you how to use your free props bag. Please note this is a screening of the movie not a live stage show.
The Hannells Darley Park Concert
An evening of classical music and fireworks – don’t forget your picnic! 2021’s theme is built around the exciting reopening of Derby Silk Mill and the celebration of Derby’s 300-year history of technological innovation. Come along and be part of one of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts, in the stunning natural amphitheatre that is Darley Park.
Derby Folk Festival
Now in its 15th year, Derby Folk Festival is delighted to return to the live stage in 2021 in the heart of the city centre. A number of artists who were due to perform in 2020 will be returning for 2021, along with past favourites and familiar faces in a range of concerts and other events taking place over the festival weekend. The Mick Peat Stage will be located in the Market Place marquee, keeping the festival embedded in the city centre; Derby Cathedral will host concerts during Saturday, and The Old Bell Hotel will be a hub of activity with fringe events and more.
Early bird save £5 by booking before Wed 30 Jun
www.derbyfolkfestival.co.uk
Queen Machine Symphonic featuring Kerry Ellis
The music of rock legends Queen is to be celebrated like never before as West End leading lady Kerry Ellis joins Scandinavian tribute stars Queen Machine for a fully orchestrated UK tour with the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra. An unforgettable night of rock anthems from We Will Rock You, Killer Queen, Somebody To Love, Barcelona and, of course, Bohemian Rhapsody.
Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour
The best Elvis show in the world… just got even better! Direct from the USA, Shawn Klush & Dean Z have now been joined by fellow US Elvis Tribute Artist Cody Ray Slaughter, making this an all-American spectacular not to be missed by any Elvis fan.
Jimmy Carr – Terribly Funny
Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo. Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket.
Professor Brian Cox – Horizons, A 2021 Space Odyssey
Having set two Guinness World Records with his previous sell-out World Tour, Professor Brian Cox is back with a brand-new Arena show for 2021. Horizons takes audiences on a dazzling cinematic journey; a story of how we came to be and what we can become.
Sarah Millican – Bobby Dazzler
Sarah Millican is back on tour with a Bobby Dazzler of a new stand-up show. In her sixth international tour, you’ll learn about what happens when your mouth seals shut, how to throw poo over a wall, trying to lose weight but only losing the tip of your finger, a surprisingly funny smear test, and how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be.
Seven Drunken Nights
Direct from the West End and having sold out venues worldwide, the story of The Dubliners returns to theatres in 2021 with a brand new production for its incredible 5th anniversary tour. This hugely talented cast of musicians and singers bring the music of this iconic group back to life and will have you singing and dancing in the aisles.
Little Wolf Entertainment and Derby LIVE | Sleeping Beauty
One of Britain’s best loved TV actresses and former Eastenders icon, Rita Simons, is to star in Sleeping Beauty this year.
She’s been locked down and had her 100 years of beauty sleep (well, one), so come and enjoy the brand new spin on a much-loved yarn for Christmas 2021 with a spellbinding new pantomime at Derby Arena. With daring duels, doting dragons, lavish sets and costumes and bucket loads of laughs, the team behind Beauty and the Beast, Jack and the Beanstalk and Peter Pan are back to lift the spell over Derby with this magical new pantomime.
The Circus of Horrors
The almighty cast that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent is now a West End & World-wide hit. Circus of Horrors is a circus like no other and a show you simply can’t afford to miss.
Early bird save £5 by booking before Sunday 31st October.
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
After a fantastic sell out debut tour across the UK, Tina Turner fans will have the time of their lives as What’s Love Got To Do With It? is back for 2022. Expect a night of high energy and feel-good rock-and-roll. Featuring all the hits including Proud Mary, River Deep, Simply The Best, Private Dancer, and many more.
Whitney: Queen of the Night
Join us for an unmissable evening as we pay homage to the Queen of Pop with a sensational cast and a stunning live band. Taking audiences on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of hits that include: I Wanna Dance With Somebody, One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You, My Love Is Your Love, So Emotional Baby, Run to You, Saving All My Love and many more.
John Bishop: Right Here Right Now
Comedy superstar John Bishop returns to Derby Arena with his highly anticipated brand-new stand up show. This will be John’s eighth stand up show and it is shaping up to be his best yet.
The Magic of Motown
Forty back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience. Celebrate the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and more.
Dreamboys: Too Hard to Resist
The Dreamboys is without a shadow of a doubt the UK’s most famous and successful show of its kind in history. Their breath-taking show spectacular has been perfectly created for hen nights, birthday parties and girls’ nights out with all your friends.
Jason Manford: Like Me
It’s been some time since Jason’s last smash-hit stand up show but he’s back with Like Me, his latest comic offering set to hit the road!
Spring
The Museum of Making
The Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill opens this spring, celebrating Derby’s 300-year history of innovation and making to inspire new creativity. Located in the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, on what is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first modern factory, the Museum of Making is a contemporary space, designed and made by the people and industries of Derby.
May
Derby Walking Festival
A celebration of walking with a wide variety of self-led and virtual walks, there’s something for everyone. Whether you are looking to keep fit, enjoy some fresh air or try something new, we invite you to move more! For more information and local walking opportunities join us on @movemorederby and #derbywalkfest
Mayfest Online
Derby Arboretum’s Village Fayre
Friends of Derby Arboretum will be online this year, with workshops, videos and activities. Just look on the facebook page at facebook.com/friendsofderbyarboretum or email friendsderbyarbo@gmail.com for more details.
June
Derby Book Festival
A range of events for all ages and interests, including outdoors to enjoy nature in city parks plus live in venues and online events.
Vegan Market
Find a whole host of mouth-watering food stalls, eye-opening lifestyle brands, luxury cosmetics, ethical clothing, interesting charities and much more.
July
The Lost Boys | Schools’ Public Speaking Competition Final
After receiving professional training from The Lost Boys Theatre Company, students from schools across Derby will compete in a public final at Derby’s Speakers’ Corner.
Furthest From The Sea Festival
Performance, participation and piratical shenanigans for all the family. Come and enjoy this free family festival on Cathedral Green with some of Derbyshire’s finest homegrown actors, dancers, poets, musicians, makers and more. It’s Arrrrr 8th year!
The Lady Boys of Bangkok – Flight of Fantasy
The Flights have been rescheduled and The Lady Boys of Bangkok will be touching down with their most sensational show yet for 2021. Climb aboard for the trip of a lifetime as 16 of the world’s most glamorous showgirls (who just happen to be men!) send you soaring to spectacular musical destinations, with over 400 stunning diamante dripping costumes. Comedy turbulence is the in-flight order of the day as your cabin crew take you mile high at the biggest party in the sky!
The Derby Retro and Classic Car Show
Cars, vans, motorcycles, trikes, scooters, bicycles, whether original or modified will be on show, literally anything with wheels of all shapes and sizes. Sure to make for a fantastic and fun event not only for the car enthusiasts but for the entire family.
Caribbean Carnival
See the colourful 45th Caribbean carnival parade process from Derby City Centre to Osmaston Park where a family fun day can be enjoyed. Take part in the carnival activities at the Cathedral Green and Osmaston Park.
Superhero Picnic in the Park
All you need to do to take part in the fun is dress up like a superhero, bring a picnic and enjoy the activities! Prizes for the best dressed superhero.
August
The Big 1
All the family favourites that guarantee a great day for everyone. Enjoy a selection of stalls, international foods, dance, funfair, live entertainment and the fantastic dog show.
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