Real life fairy story is being brought to life by Theatre Arts students in Derby

University of Derby 3rd year Theatre Arts Students are proud to announce their productions for 2026: "The Light Burns Blue". Based on the true story of the Cottingley fairies, The Light Burns Blue asks us to reflect on the ethical dilemmas oftruth and lies, and the whether we can believe all that we see, and to consider, in a world of darkness, what do we really need?spoke Theatre Arts students & actors Olivia Osbourne, who plays Elsie, and Liv Murphy who plays Winifred as well as Isaac Raven, student marketing assistant and Senior Lecturer Amanda Wallace about the true story inspiration behind “The Light Turns Blue”. They also talk about what it is like to be students at a professional “learning theatre” which gives them access to key areas, besides acting, such as stage management, wardrobe and marketing.Tickets are on sale, now, for “Light Burns Blue” which runs on 22 & 23 May, with both matinee and evening shows available. All performances will also be captioned. Tickets can be bought via the Derby Theatre website, for just £10 with discounts available for under 26s and University of Derby students.Derby Theatre offers valuable industry experience and contacts. This course (Theatre Arts) is unique; no other university level course is housed in a producing theatre. You will be at the centre of this professional environment developing skills in acting, devising and directing for your career as a professional theatre artist. This theatre arts programme will develop your theatre and performance skills such as acting, directing and devising for your career as a professional theatre artist. For more details on the course please see the Derby University website.