What’s on at Derby Arena in 2023: from sports and tribute acts to stand-up comedians

A variety of sporting events and stage performances are coming to Derby Arena in 2023.

We’ve rounded up a list of tribute acts, cycling events, stand-up comedians, musicals and pantomimes that you can enjoy with your family and friends this year.

With prices starting at as little as £11, take a look below at the events you should add to your calendar.

Michael Starring Ben - Music

Michael Starring Ben is a hit theatre production starring the UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman.

The show features a live band, dazzling costumes and the King of Pop’s iconic dance routines.

It also showcases the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and of The Jackson 5, including Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller and Man in the Mirror.

Date(s): Friday 21 April (8pm)

Price(s): From £30 to £32.50

Running time: Two hours including interval

Anything For Love: The Meat Loaf Story - Music

Anything For Love – The Meat Loaf Story is a brand-new production featuring over 25 of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits.

The show features an incredible stage set and a 10-piece live band, combined with Steve Steinman’s well known sense of humour and stage presence.

It showcases some of Meat Loaf’s greatest hits including Anything For Love, Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer For Love and Total Eclipse Of The Heart.

Date(s): Saturday 22 April (8pm)

Price(s): £33.50

Running time: Two hours and 40-minutes including interval

The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour - Music

The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour sees the world’s biggest, best and most successful Elvis tribute show come to Derby, directly from the USA.

The show stars three winners of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest; Shawn Klush (USA), Dean Z (USA) and Ben Thompson (UK).

It also features an incredible live band and orchestra.

Date(s): Saturday 13 May (8pm)

Price(s): From £37 to £57

Running time: Two hours and 20-minutes including interval

That’ll Be The Day - Music

That’ll Be The Day celebrates the golden age of Rock ’n’ Roll and Pop from the 1950s to the 1980s.

The show combines hilarious comedy sketches and impersonations with brilliant vocals and superb musicianship.

Join Trevor and the exceptional cast for the ultimate feel good experience that will have you singing and dancing, and leave you wanting just a little bit more.

Date(s): Friday 19 May (8pm)

Price(s): £28

Running time: Three hours and 10-minutes including intervals

Jimmy Carr - Comedian

Jimmy Carrs’ Terribly Funny tour contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things - terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love.

The show features the star of the UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021, and viewers should be warned that having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo.

Date(s): Sunday 21 May (8pm)

Price(s):£34.50

Running time: Two hours including interval

Thank You for the Music - Music

Thank you for the Music is an international smash-hit tribute show that brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage.

The show, now in its 20th year, combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances from an all-star cast.

It features all the hits, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia.

Date(s): Friday 26 May (8pm)

Price(s):£31.50

Running time: Two hours and 20-minutes including interval

Magic of Motown - Music

Magic of Motown celebrates the sound of a generation with breathtaking live tribute acts.

The show features glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship

You will hear Motown classics from artists such as, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5 and Smokey Robinson.

Date(s): Saturday 17 May (8pm)

Price(s): £35.50

Running time: Two hours and 20-minutes including interval

National Madison Championships - Sport

The Madison evening will consist of National Women’s and Men’s Championship races over 120 and 200 laps respectively.

The racing consists of sprints every 10 laps where riders will compete for points: 1st-5 points, 2nd -3 points, 3rd -2 points and 4th -1 point.

Riders will also be looking to gain laps, these are worth 20 points per lap gained.

Date(s): Friday 22 September (7pm)

Price(s): £11 to £13

National Derny Championships - Sport

The National Derny Championships is a high speed (in excess of 60KPH) motor paced event

There are up to eight riders and motorbikes per heat, with the qualification heats culminating in a national final.

It will also feature a support racing programme in between heats to ensure that the evening is packed with the nation’s best riders.

Date(s): Saturday, 23 September (4pm)

Price(s): £11 to £13

Fairytale of New York - Music

Fairytale of New York starts the 2023 festive season with an Irish-inspired Christmas show, direct from the West End.

The show will feature an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers as well as all of your favourite Christmas songs including Driving home for Christmas, White Christmas, Oh Holy Night, Winter’s Tale, Silent Night and The Fairytale of New York.

This world class show also features some of the greatest Irish sing-along songs of all time including The Galway Girl, The Irish Rover, Danny Boy, Dirty Old Town and The Black Velvet Band.

Date(s): Wednesday, 1 November (8pm)

Price(s): £28.50

Running time: TBC

Lost In Music - Music

Lost in Music recreates the magical 1970s and takes you on a musical journey straight to the heart of disco.

The show boasts a sensational live band, an incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals - and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles.

It will feature some of the greatest songs of all time from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.

Date(s): Friday 3 November (8pm)

Price(s): £31.50

Running time: Two hours and 20-minutes including interval

Mother Goose - Pantomime

Mother Goose is an action-packed pantomime guaranteed to have the whole family honking with laughter.

Mother Goose has a loving family who drive her quackers, a bird sanctuary for peaky poultry in the village of Squalkstone and even a magical goose that lays golden eggs.

She has everything anyone could possibly wish for, except the one thing she really wants, to be beautiful. When she makes a deal with Demon Vanity a little fowl play means she gets a lot more than she bargained for. The show features spectacular sets, breathtaking special effects, exquisite costumes and mountains of mayhem.

Date(s): Friday 8 December to Sunday 31 December (25 public shows, 16 schools only shows)

Price(s): £16 to £28

Running time: Two hours including interval

Derby Arena address: Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8JB

Derby Arena booking platform: https://www.derbyarena.co.uk/events-and-corporate/whats-on/