Established in 1908 we are one of the oldest amateur theatre companies in the UK, proudly producing the works of William Shakespeare. Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company is an amateur theatre company with professional standards. We are one of the few amateur companies in the UK dedicated to performing the work of "The Man of the Millennium", William Shakespeare. In 2008 we celebrated our centenary y
ear and have a strong reputation for presenting accessible and lively productions of the Bard and other authors. Over the years we have performed in the city of Derby, UK, and the surrounding county. Venues have included Derby's Grand Theatre, The Railway Institute, the old Derby Playhouse (Sacheverel Street), the Guildhall Theatre and the present Derby Theatre, both the main house and studio theatres. We have also performed at open air venues including Elvaston Castle Country Park, Markeaton Park, Carsington Water, Locko Park and even the City's streets! In recent years we have become regular visitors at the famous Minack Theatre in Cornwall, close to Land's End. The theatre has strong links with Derby; its founder and builder was Rowena Cade, born at The Homestead in Spondon and a relation to Joseph Wright. Our first production at The Minack in 1991, "Much Ado About Nothing", won the coveted Minack Trophy for the best production of the season. We have our own headquarters at Shakespeare House on Kedleston Road which offers rehearsal space, wardrobe store, props department and scene dock. In addition we are able to create our own Studio style theatre to present in-house productions for family and friends. There is a regular newsletter, Bard News, which includes details of events, copies of production reviews and articles about the company, its members and activities. Membership is open to anyone interested in theatre production, including acting, back-stage support, administration and publicity. But we also welcome supporters who do not wish to become actively involved, with our Patron and Benefactor schemes. An annual fee entitles them to priority information on forthcoming productions, reduced rate tickets, regular copies of Bard News and invites to in-house productions and other events. Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company is a registered charity, number 228898.
