after a lengthy period of financial uncertainty, derby playhouse closed in february 2008. it was resurrected in september of that year after a new financing package was put together but forced to close again just two months later because of further financial problems. the lease was later bought by derby university and the building was renamed derby theatre. along with the assembly rooms and guildhall theatre, it was operated by derby live, the cultural arm of derby city council. in 2012 derby university took over as sole operator of derby theatre; sarah brigham was appointed artistic director, and has been in post since january 2013.