Great music shows to see in Derby this summer

Viva Neil Diamond, Daoiri Farrell and Mad About Movies

Tue 10 Apr 2018

We're bringing you plenty of music shows this summer, so whether a dancing queen, folk fan or mad for musicals, we have something for everyone!

On Thursday 10 May prepare to be blown away by Bob Drury’s vocal likeness to Neil Diamond in Viva Neil Diamond. A celebration of the songs of Neil Diamond, this year’s show at the Guildhall Theatre will include all the favourites such as Cracklin’ Rosie, Love on the Rocks, Play Me, Forever in Blue Jeans, I’m a Believer, Red Red Wine and Sweet Caroline

A true born Irishman, and one of Ireland’s best kept musical secrets, Daoiri Farrell will be delighting you at the Guildhall on Saturday 12 May at 8pm. Daoiri, winner of the Horizon Award for the best new comer, and the Best Traditional Track for Van Diemen’s Land, at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017, will be presenting traditional Irish songs at their best. Audiences will also enjoy the sounds of English music on fiddle and melodeon from Sarah Matthews and Doug Eunson. 

Hollywood lovers are in for a treat on Wednesday 16 May as award-winning singer Robert Habermann sings the top movie songs of all time in Mad About Movies. This unique story-book show will be filled with over 40 songs from films, such as Over the Rainbow, The Jazz Singer, My Heart Will Go On and Skyfall, and peppered with plenty of stories and anecdotes about the songs, films and film stars who contributed to their success. Hear the story of the Hollywood musical at the Guildhall Theatre on Wednesday 16 May, at 7:30pm. 

The iconic sound of the 80s and 90s is brought to the Guildhall Theatre this May in the form of And Finally… Phil Collins. This is the show to see if you grew up with the sounds of music legends Phil Collins and Genesis, And Finally…Phil Collins will bring you all of your favourites from Against All Odds to Easy Lover. Hear two hours of the best-known songs, presented by the ten-strong line-up of the group twice awarded ‘The UK’s Number 1 Tribute to Phil Collins’ by the Agents Association of Great Britain. Be prepared for an evening of reminiscing with outstanding musicians who adore the music they perform. 

Step back in time to the golden era of music, where the jukebox roared and feet didn’t touch the floor with Lipstick On Your Collar. From the birth of Rock n Roll, to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, this show is packed with over 40 hits from the 1950s and 60s. Performed by a full live band and featuring some of the country’s top musicians direct from the West End, this incredible show will feature excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun. Lipstick On Your Collar will be coming to the Guildhall Theatre on Thursday 24 May at 7:30pm.

On Friday 25 May Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita will be delighting the Guildhall Theatre audience with their stunning exhibition of world-class musicianship. The sublime, critically acclaimed and multi award-winning collaboration between these two adventurous virtuoso musicians, Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita, promises to deliver a thrilling live experience. Drawing on their own diverse traditions and transforming them with remarkable synergy, Catrin and Seckou have built a formidable reputation for extraordinary performances. This entrancing, mesmeric, intricate and ethereal show will be taking place on Friday 25 May at 8pm.

Calling all Dancing Queens to the Guildhall Theatre on Thursday 31 May, and Friday 1 June to relieve the authentic ABBA experience with Sensation ABBA Tribute show. The unique ABBA sound is recreated live on stage matched with stunning replica costumes, dynamic choreography, captivating harmonies and a sprinkling of light-hearted humour. Sensation will produce an exciting, satin filled, jaw dropping show with plenty of audience participation and sing-a-long moments. 

Open Road Productions will be presenting their brand new musical Grace- The Lighthouse Girl from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 June. Featuring a gifted cast and a 12 piece band, this show is bound to delight as they present the remarkable and moving story of Grace Darling. Phil Baggaley’s music and songs bring to life the story of how a hardworking Northumberland lass is catapulted to fame after being involved with a brave rescue at sea. Grace- The Lighthouse Girl will be showing at the Guildhall Theatre from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 June. Begin your theatre experience at Grace with a cream tea before the matinee performance on either Thursday 28 or Saturday 30 June. You can enjoy your choice of tea or coffee along with a scone, cream and jam for just £4.75.

Coming to Derby Arena this summer is Fastlove, a show that is packed with crowd pleasing George Michael anthems. From the Wham classics of the new pop revival to the chart-topping success of the eighties album Faith, plus the awesome tunes of the nineties and noughties, this is a spell binding experience that can’t be missed. The audience will be getting up (to get down) to all their favourite songs including Careless Whisper, Freedom, Faith, Jesus to a Child and many more. 

We're inviting music fans to Derby Arena for the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over a 1 million people all over the world and recently performed for the Royal Variety Performance 2016. Audiences must prepare themselves for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience. Celebrate the sound of a generation as the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and many more are sensationally recreated by an exceptionally talented cast and band. Tickets for this show are limited so don't miss out - book now!