Derby dances into new year with Steinbeck and Whittington

Published: 26 November 2024
Reporter: Steve Orme

Of Mice and Men: a co-production of a John Steinbeck classic
Kiss Me Quickstep: a journey of “ambition, sacrifice and resilience”

A new production of a John Steinbeck classic and a “glorious, glitterball-filled show full of stunning ballroom dancing, sequins and secrets” are among the highlights of the programme at Derby Theatre in 2025.

Derby Theatre, Bolton Octagon, Hull Truck Theatre and Theatre Lake will present their co-production of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men at Derby Theatre from Thursday 6 February until Saturday 1 March.

Amanda Whittington’s Kiss Me Quickstep, a “thrilling journey of ambition, sacrifice and resilience”, takes over from Friday 6 until Saturday 21 June. The play had its première at the New Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme in 2016 and follows the fortunes of three couples as they try to make the final of the national amateur championships.

In autumn 2025, Derby Theatre in partnership with Pitlochry Festival Theatre will produce Elizabeth Newman’s new adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby from Friday 3 until Saturday 25 October.

Touring productions include Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers from Tuesday 14 until Saturday 18 January, John Godber’s comedy about northern soul Do I Love You? from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 March and James Graham’s adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff from Tuesday 15 until Saturday 19 April.

The full programme is available at the Derby Theatre web site.

Related listings

  • Of Mice And Men - John Steinbeck (Octagon Theatre Bolton, Derby Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre & Theatre By The Lake)

  • Boys From The Blackstuff - Alan Bleasdale, adapted by James Graham (Liverpool’s Royal Court & Stockroom Productions)

  • The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald, adapted by Elizabeth Newman (Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Derby Theatre)

  • Do I Love You - John Godber (John Godber Company)

  • Kiss Me Quickstep - Amanda Whittington (Derby Theatre)

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