Christmas Shows Dazzle Crowds

Wed 4 Jan 2017

Many thousands of theatre goers enjoyed the all-star family pantomime Cinderella at Derby Arena and Captain Sprout and the Christmas Pirates at the Guildhall Theatre over the festive period.
More than 30,000 people went to see Cinderella with its all-star cast starring Richard Blackwood from EastEnders as Buttons, Eilish O'Carroll from Mrs Brown's Boys as the Fairy Godmother and Art Attack presenter Lloyd Warbey as Dandini. It was a highlight of the festive season for over 14,000 children who came to see Cinderella.

Almost a quarter of the visitors were from outside of the county, some coming as far as USA, Canada, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and UAE. With visitors coming from far and wide it demonstrates the draw of pantomime and the great economic benefits for the city.

Cinderella received generous reviews from both the press and from audience.

"This is a lavish family show with bucketfuls of slapstick and special effects, beautiful dancers and stunning costumes... Book your tickets now and go see for yourself." - Arstbeat


"The spirit of Christmas was alive and well by the end." - Derby Telegraph


"Watched it last night and loved every minute, for anyone who is unsure about going, just go, you won't be disappointed." - Samantha, audience member


"If you want laughs a plenty, singing, dancing and some solid #familyfun - you have to go and see #Cinderella." - @DerbyDaysOut via Twitter


"...it moves at a cracking pace and the hardworking cast members give it their all." - The Stage


Captain Sprout and the Christmas Pirates co-produced by Derby LIVE and Derbyshire based Babbling Vagabonds proved to be a hit with audiences. More than five thousand theatre goers went to see performances of the fantastic Christmas show, including thousands of children.

Captain Sprout and the Christmas Pirates also received great reviews from show goers.

"It's funny, feel-good and the crowd loved it. A definite contender for the best Christmas show in Derby." – Burton Mail


"We've had a swashbuckling time at Captain Sprout and The Christmas Pirates today - an absolutely fantastic show!" – Derby Days Out

Tickets are now on sale for the 2017, Derby LIVE pantomime the classic love story of Beauty and the Beast. Be our guest for Christmas 2017 and join an all-star cast at Derby Arena for a traditional family Pantomime.

A trip to the pantomime is sure to get the family into the Christmas spirit. Derby Arena will be transformed into magical theatre space, with spectacular pyrotechnics and amazing special effects. It will bring together sensational sets and costumes, hilarious comedy, fabulous music and dazzling dance routines.

Beauty and the Beast will be on stage at Derby Arena from Tuesday 5 December 2017 until Sunday 31 December 2017, tickets priced from £14.75 with concessions, group, school and family tickets available. Save £2 when you book before 31 Oct, with other savings available.

With tickets already on sale and 3,000 people already booked in, it's never too early to book for this fantastic festive treat and make use of the Early Bird discount of £2 per ticket.