Panto additional information
More information about your visit to Derby Arena and some performances.
Book now for our pantomime
Access performances
Wheelchair access and toilet facilities at Derby Arena
Derby Arena is fully accessible with the lifts and ramps located throughout the building.
Our printed materials are available in large print, on audio CD and in Braille. Visit the Access page for more details,
There are several toilets available throughout the building. There are also unisex toilets for disabled people available throughout the Arena.
Derby Arena has a Changing Places toilet, providing enough space for disabled people and their carers, and the right equipment, including a height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist.
Audio Described performances
The following performances are Audio Described performances: Sun 15 Dec at 12:30pm and Mon 30 Dec at 3:30pm.
These shows are ideal for blind and partially-sighted people, audio description is a form of audio-visual translation, using natural pauses in dialogue or between critical sound elements to insert a narrative that translates the visual image into a sense form.
Free touch tours take place 75 minutes before the performance, with the chance to look closely at the set and costumes and often with a chance to meet some of the actors! Please let Box Office know if you want to attend the touch tour, tickets are free but should be booked in advance.
Relaxed performance
The following performance is a Relaxed performance: Fri 27 Dec at 4:30pm.
Relaxed performances are specifically designed and adapted for customers with a wide range of disabilities and those on the autistic spectrum. They have a less formal, more supportive atmosphere in order to reduce anxiety levels. The relaxed performance is still the same show but there are small changes to the sound levels, and lighting and no pyrotechnics or strobe lighting are used.
If you want to sit somewhere quiet before, during, and after the show then you can sit in the chill-out area. The chill-out area will be quiet during the performance in case you want to relax in there before going back to see the rest of the show. A TV in this area will show what is happening on the stage so that you don't miss anything!
Relaxed performances are available to book by phone on 01332 255800 or in person at the Sales and Information Centre.
We also provide a Relaxed Performance booklet.
BSL Interpreted performances
The following performances are BSL Sign-Interpreted performances: Fri 13 Dec at 10am; Sun 15 Dec at 12:30pm and Mon 30 Dec, 3:30pm.
British sign language (BSL) interpreted performances feature a signer at the side of the stage (usually on the right) who signs the dialogue from the performance. When you book, please let Box Office know where you would like to sit: directly in front of the interpreter or on the opposite side, looking across the stage/action.
Captioned performances
The following performances are captioned performances: Mon 30 Dec at 11am and 3:30pm
In a captioned performance, words appear on screens on either side of the stage at the same time as they are spoken - ideal for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or if you'd just like to read along.
Important information
Car Parking
Car parking will be available at Derby Arena for £3, cash or card. Please see information below for performances clashing with the DCFC football matches.
Security, searches and prohibited items
What security measures are in place?
We respectfully ask for your cooperation on bag searches and approaches from security personnel to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
What items are not allowed into the pantomime?
For your comfort and safety and that of other audience members, we’d ask that you don’t bring any of the following to the pantomime:
- Dangerous or hazardous items
- Laser devices
- Anything that may be used as a weapon or compromise safety
- Unauthorised professional photography or recording equipment, including zoom lenses
- Audio/visual or cinematographic devices
Random searches will be in place and you will be asked to take any prohibited item(s) back to your car or allow them to be disposed of.
DCFC football matches
Derby County Football Club match fixtures will overlap with some performances. This will affect traffic and parking arrangements for these performances.
There will be limited pre-bookable parking available for these performances. Other match day parking is available on Pride Park or visitors can use the park and ride service available from the city centre.
General COVID-19 precautions for all events
To ensure we are able to provide a comfortable and safe experience for everyone, there are a few things we would like you to do and know ahead of your visit. Please take a moment to read the information below.
We work closely with the National Arenas Association and UK Theatre to ensure best practice and share ideas across venues throughout the UK.
We also work with Derby City Council Health and Safety advisors alongside the COVID-19 Safety Committee to ensure all our events are as safe as possible and successful.
Look out for key information on the event pages or in any emails we send you in advance of your bookings.