CATEGORY · RAINY DAY APPROVED
Theatres & Shows in Leicester
For a proper theatre trip from Leicester, Loughborough Town Hall is the closest option, with panto tickets from £22 and relaxed, signed performances for anyone who needs a calmer show. Beyond that it's a drive out to Nottingham and Derby. Lakeside Arts, at the University of Nottingham, does family theatre by the lake with puppetry and live music, while Derby Theatre puts on shows for under 5s upwards alongside its youth theatre groups. If you want the closest option without a long drive, Loughborough is the one to go for, and its accessible toilets, blue badge parking and booking system make it easy to plan around. For younger children, Derby Theatre and Lakeside Arts both pitch shows at little ones. Older kids and teens might prefer Nottingham Playhouse's seasonal programme or a touring show at Motorpoint Arena, which sits right by the Lace Market tram stop if you're going by public transport.
5 places 11 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 · +7 MORE DATES
Calendar Girls The Musical
Rugby Theatre Society
From £25
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 Leicester
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 Leicester, and each listing has the full address and directions.
More ways to plan a day out
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