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2 unusual facts about Derby Playhouse


David Farmer

Two UK tours including residencies at Lyric Hammersmith, Watermans Arts Centre and Derby Playhouse.

Derby Playhouse

In 1987, Annie Castledine succeeded Christopher Honer as Artistic Director, and for the next three years, the Playhouse saw a completely different style of theatre.


Al Hunter Ashton

His first professional acting work was with a Theatre in Education company in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, and he was subsequently cast in Willy Russell plays such as Breezeblock Park (at the Liverpool Playhouse) and Blood Brothers (at the Derby Playhouse).

Privates on Parade

It was revived in 1979 at the Derby Playhouse, and again in 1982 with Bruce Payne as Flight Sergeant Kevin Cartwright and Tim Barlow.


see also

BoyBand the Musical

The show premiered at Derby Playhouse in 1999, transferring to London's West End later that year where it ran at the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Derby Theatre

It was officially opened as the Derby Playhouse on 20 September 1975 by the 11th Duke of Devonshire.