Derby Theatre

This is one of the best single tier theatres in the UK, but suffers from its location. The theatre is embedded within a shopping centre which is limiting in terms of both expansion and of ambiance.

Within the covered Mall, the front elevation appears no more than an entrance, with chunky canopy, flanked by shops at ground floor level. Brown brindle brickwork at first floor is punctured with oblong portholes windows. The same brick is used for the flytower and the exterior, which clearly shows the circular shape of the auditorium whose flat roof has been troublesome in the past, suggesting inadequate maintenance provision.

The auditorium reflects the single rake of Ham's early project at Leatherhead (q.v.) but the walls here are rendered rather than brick. Brick is, however, used in the public foyer spaces at Derby. These are dominated by a staircase to the first floor, and although comfortable are perhaps somewhat utilitarian.

The well-equipped proscenium arch stage has a grid with 28 single purchase counterweight sets, in addition to 13 hemp sets. There is a curved forestage/orchestra pit on an elevator, which provides space for 12 musicians. Lighting is enclosed on bridges within the ceiling but is visible from some parts of the house.

The Studio Theatre primarily presents new work by local writers and has a capacity of 110.