Theatre In and Around Derby

Over the last two weeks I have had the pleasure of experiencing some fine, original plays performed by three of Derby’s Independent Theatre companies.

First was Maison Foo with “Memoires of a Biscuit Tin” which played to a full house at Nottingham Lakeside Theatre. This touching piece opens with the premise that in a “lost, lost street there is a lost, lost house” and goes on to explore the theme of loss through the eyes of the house which has misplaced its owner.  A fantastically visual story with some stunning imagery and infused with Maison Foo’s distinctive style.  If you are heading up to Edinburgh Fringe Festival this Summer I would highly recommend going to see this as you won’t be disappointed.

Back in Derby I was privileged to be among the first audience members at the Waterfall Theatre (formally the old Railway Institute). For the past two weeks Lostboys Productions have been performing and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society and to restore the Building to its former glory. This beautiful theatre was last in use some 40 years ago and it was fantastic to see actors treading the boards there again!

My first visit took me “Around the World in 80 Plays” which was pure light-hearted entertainment crammed with theatrical references. The Lostboys light up the stage with their humour and wit…  it really is a show with something for everyone!

Supporting them in their effort s was 1623 Theatre Company with a one-off performance of “Ellen Terry” which celebrated her life and work and lent itself nicely to the space.  The subject matter and the theatre complemented each other greatly and gave a real feel of days gone by. It was interesting to see a play reflecting on the past in a theatre which was last used so long ago. It made the whole experience very theatrically poignant.

All in all it’s an exciting time for independent theatre in Derby and I for one am proud to be a part of it!