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Theatres & Shows in Derby
Derby Theatre is the obvious starting point, right in the city centre with shows pitched from under 5s upwards, youth theatre groups and proper access support if you need it. For something further out, Nottingham has a good cluster: Lakeside Arts at the University of Nottingham does puppetry and storytelling by the lake, and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham brings in big touring family shows, handy for the tram at Lace Market. Nottingham Playhouse rounds that out with children's theatre and seasonal productions, priced show by show. For toddlers, Derby Theatre or Lakeside's puppetry shows are the gentler options indoors. If panto season is the plan, Loughborough Town Hall does relaxed and signed performances from £22, plus Christmas parties for a sit-down do. Nottingham is a longer trip from Derby but worth it for the arena's touring shows or a wet-weather afternoon at Lakeside. Booking ahead is the norm across all of these, so check what's on before you set off.
5 places 10 upcoming events From £22
What's on: theatres & shows
SUN 11 OCT
Saucebox!
Derby Theatre
TUE 20 OCT, 19:30 · +4 MORE DATES
East is East
Derby Theatre
From £22.50
SAT 24 OCT, 16:00
The D-Day Juniors: Back Home
Century Theatre
From £13
TUE 27 OCT, 19:30 · +4 MORE DATES
We Will Rock You
Derby Theatre
From £22
WED 4 NOV · +4 MORE DATES
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Derby Theatre
FRI 6 NOV, 19:30
Festival of Remembrance
Century Theatre
From £10
SAT 14 NOV, 19:30
Bye Bye Baby
Century Theatre
From £25
MON 7 DEC, 19:00
Christmas Sign & Sing 2026
Derby Theatre
SAT 19 DEC, 14:00
Singing for the Soul Showcase
Century Theatre
SAT 30 JAN, 19:30
Titanic Tales
Century Theatre
Places for theatres & shows
Derby Theatre
Derby · ages 0+
A city centre theatre with family shows for under 5s upwards, plus youth theatre groups and proper access support.
ToiletsWheelchair accessibleBooking requiredCafé
Lakeside Arts
Nottingham
Family theatre shows with puppetry, live music and storytelling at the University of Nottingham's arts centre by the lake.
Birthday partiesCaféFree parkingGift shop+11 more
from £22Loughborough Town Hall
Loughborough
A proper theatre panto with relaxed and signed performances, plus Christmas parties if you fancy a sit-down do.
Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingBooking requiredEV charging+1 more
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Nottingham · ages 0+
A big Nottingham arena that hosts touring family shows, ice hockey and concerts, right by the Lace Market tram stop.
Accessible toiletBooking requiredCaféGroup bookings+3 more
Nottingham Playhouse
Nottingham
Sit in on children's theatre and big seasonal shows in Nottingham - pick a title on what's on (show-led prices).
Gift shopBooking required
Good to know: theatres & shows in Derby
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £22 at Loughborough Town Hall. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find theatres & shows in Derby, Nottingham and Loughborough. Every place we list is in or around Derby, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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