Guildhall Theatre

Situated in Derby’s Market Place, opposite the Assembly Rooms, the Guildhall is Grade II listed. The building was constructed in the classical style in 1828 as Derby’s Guildhall. In 1841 this building was damaged by fire and the interior and facade were remodelled and the clock tower added in 1842. It was converted to a theatre in the 1970s by Derby City Council. The building is constructed in ashlar, the ground storey is rusticated. The building is in five bays, the edge two both featuring pilaster sides and a sash window in a moulded architrave. The central bay projects the furthest out from the rest of the building with the square clock tower with cupola and weather vane. To either side of the tower are relief sculptures by John Bell. The archway at the base of the tower leads to a cobbled passage way which runs through the building at ground level, the building above being supported on cast iron columns. This leads to the the Market Hall behind the theatre. The entrance to the foyer space is to be found inside this passage way. On entering the foyer (which is also used for art exhibitions) a double staircase leads to the intimate courtroom style auditorium and bar area on the first floor. The auditorium is on two levels, raked stalls and balcony. The auditorium walls feature pilasters and are partially wood panelled. There is a soft proscenium, which does not meet the ornate ceiling. Wing and backstage space is limited, although two clubrooms can be used as additional dressing rooms. The venue predominantly hosts local amateur theatre groups and dance schools, but is also used for music, comedy and touring theatre.