ABOUT US
Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company is one of the few amateur companies in the UK dedicated to performing the work by "The Man of the Millennium", William Shakespeare. We celebrated our centenary year in 2008 and have a strong reputation for presenting accessible and lively productions of the Bard and other authors. We have our own headquarters at Shakespeare House on Kedleston Road which offers rehearsal space, wardrobe store, props department and scene dock. In addition we are able to create our own studio-style theatre which seats approx 60 people to present in-house productions. Our in-house studio theatre is also available to rent - this could be for businesses hosting workshops or meetings, or for other companies looking for an intimate performance space.
Membership is open to anyone interested in theatre production, including acting, back-stage support, administration and publicity. But we also welcome supporters who do not wish to become actively involved.
DERBy VEnues
Over the years we have performed in the city of Derby, UK, and surrounding county. Venues have included Derby's Grand Theatre, The Railway Institute, the old Derby Playhouse (Sacheverel Street), the Guildhall Theatre and the present Derby Playhouse, both the main house and studio theatres. We have also performed at open air venues including Elvaston Castle Country Park, Markeaton Park, Carsington Water, Locko Park and even the City's streets!
The Minack Theatre
We have become regular visitors at the famous Minack Theatre in Cornwall, close to Land's End. The theatre has strong links with Derby; its founder and builder was Rowena Cade, born at The Homestead in Spondon and a relation to Joseph Wright. Our first production at The Minack in 1991, "Much Ado About Nothing", won the coveted Minack Trophy for the best production of the season.
BARD NEWS
We have our own regular members newsletter, Bard News, which includes details of events, copies of production reviews and articles about the company, its members and activities. Bard News is distributed to all members.
SONNETSPHERE & BARD ON A BUS
Sometimes we take Shakespeare out into the community. DSTC members perform sonnets, soliloquies, readings, speeches and poems in a variety of locations, including the streets of Derby and on the city’s buses. Often these mini performances are part of local events such as Derby Book Festival.