Derby Playhouse Refurbished

Derby Playhouse Refurb
A note about the changes and the launch party

Balloons galore and a drop of booze greeted anyone going to the press night performance of WAY UPSTREAM on October 8th: the theatre was launching its newly refurbished foyer areas.I've always had an affection for visiting the theatre at Derby.

The Playhouse has one of the most uninspiring entrances slotted into an even less inspiring 60s shopping mall. However once inside the story has always been quite different. The scale of the auditorium is comfortable with loads of leg room for the tall ones like me, the standard of performance is high and, best of all, there's a friendly audience who have a sense of ownership of their theatre.

And here it is now, all freshly done out and ready to welcome guests again. The general intention has been to open up spaces (or knock down walls) so the feeling is modern and airy. Light coloured furniture replaces the old darker wood and the upstairs restaurant is opened out too. Under pressure from women patrons new and more numerous loos are available (I am informed): these are in a newly built extension. And you can still get out on the roof for easy pick-up if you've ordered a taxi.

The party was opened by Alan Bates, Derby man and patron of the Playhouse. He talked of the passion of earlier Derby people to create the first Playhouse. Their spirit is alive and well, and if my experience of the Playhouse is anything to go by, will be for some time to come.

2002-10-09 21:45:06