Chapel Street Arts Centre unveils new name

19 Chapel Street

Derby City Council is driving forward Chapel Street Arts Centre, the former premises of Déda, as part of the city’s vibrant art scene and launching an exciting new programme of events.

As the building’s owner, the Council has been working with partners and stakeholders to explore options to ensure the premises remains a vital cultural and community asset for the city for years to come.

It has supported organisations like Hubbub, an integrated theatre company working with learning disabled adults, Derby College and a host of grassroots cultural and community providers to continue their activities in the building since Déda ceased operating. Culture Derby, the city’s new strategic development agency are now also based in the building.

The newly renamed Chapel Street Arts Centre is now welcoming audiences to a diverse programme of events facilitated by the Council’s Derby LIVE events team, from concerts and dance classes to innovative theatre and a spectacular drag pageant.

A group of dancers practice.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

“We recognise the huge value that cultural institutions bring to the vibrancy and wellbeing of our city. That’s why it was so important to me that we stepped in to fill the hole that Deda left and why we’re committed to keeping this building as a cultural space for dance and the arts.

“The new programme at Chapel Street Arts Centre is a testament to this commitment, and we’re thrilled to see it come alive once again with fantastic performances and workshops for everyone to enjoy.”

Young performers rehearse in a studio space.

The centre will continue to nurture young talent in the city. This September will see the launch of LIVE Wires, a collaboration between Derby LIVE, Ancestories, and The Lost Boys. This dynamic new program will offer weekly arts and theatre workshops for young people aged 16+ and 18+. Participants will get hands-on training and mentorship in a wide range of skills, from acting and directing to stage design and lighting. It's the perfect opportunity for aspiring young artists to get a head start in the industry!

The building has always been a hub for dance and there continues to be a wide variety of weekly classes . You can join in on everything from jazz, commercial, tap, salsa, street dance, ballet, and burlesque. Meanwhile, the popular Cube Salsa Evenings are back on the first Saturday of the month from September, offering a lively night of Latin rhythms.

A lady sings into a microphone.

Music lovers can look forward to a series of performances, presented by Derby Jazz. Hejira, on Friday 26 September, will see Hattie Whitehead lead a seven-piece band in a stunning tribute to the late works of Joni Mitchell.

On Friday 17 October, catch the award-winning pianist Robert Mitchell and his new electric power trio, Little Black Book, with their unique and exceptional sound. The musical journey continues with an international quartet re-imagining the music of Ahmed Abdul-Malik in أحمد [Ahmed] on Sunday, 16 November.

Looking ahead to the new year, The Pocket Ellington will recreate the classic Duke Ellington sound with a small but mighty ensemble on Friday 13 March.

A performer dressed as Florence Nightingale.

Our autumn program is packed with a fantastic mix of theatrical and variety performances you won't want to miss!

First up, get ready for the inaugural Derbyshire Drag Pageant on Sat, 18 Oct. Eight fierce competitors will go heel to heel showcasing extravagant costumes and original performances to be crowned the county's next drag superstar.

Then, join Oddsocks Productions on Sat 25 Oct with their hilarious new story, Florence Nightingale: The Lady With the Hammer,  This play challenges the ‘men know best’ medical establishment with Florence's radical, yet effective, ideas.

Get into the spooky spirit with The Bad Flower Burlesque Revue is a spooky theatrical spectacular to celebrate on Fri 31 Oct.  Join Derby's queen of cabaret, Fleur du Mal, and a host of haunting stars for a night of thrilling and exciting Halloween entertainment.

Finally prepare to become part of the action with The Lost Boys’ and Derby LIVE’s co-production of 1984: The Thought Police. Running from Thu 6 Nov to Sat 8 Nov, this immersive experience puts the audience in the middle of a Thought Police Training Seminar, where they must decide whether to enforce the Party’s rules or resist.

Finally, plans for the festive season are already well underway as Merry Elwin drops in for a magical Christmas adventure! Paul Broesmith and The Lost Boys will present their latest production, The Adventurous Elf, a heartwarming show perfect for families that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and the beauty of cultural diversity.

Want to explore more? You can find all the Chapel Street Arts Centre events on the Derby LIVE website or in our latest What's On guide for Sep-Dec or by heading to derbylive.co.uk. Enquiries about the building should be directed to spacehire@derby.gov.uk.