The Magic of Motown

The Magic of Motown comes to Derby Arena on Sunday 9 May 2027, starting at 7:30pm. It's a live tribute show built around Motown classics, and the set list draws from a long list of the label's biggest names: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5 and Smokey Robinson. If you've spent any time listening to the Motown catalogue, you'll recognise the names, and the show brings them together in one evening.

It's not just about the music, though. The production leans on the glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and musicianship that helped make the Motown sound a global phenomenon, so there's a fair bit of stagecraft to go with the songs. It's a full-scale tribute rather than a stripped-back set, with the dance and costumes playing as much of a part as the band.

There's some history behind it, too. The Magic of Motown has been seen by more than a million people and is now in its 20th year, which the production describes as one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. They bill it as 'the biggest Motown party of the year'. It's worth keeping in mind that it's a tribute show, not the original artists themselves: the production isn't affiliated with any of the original artists, estates or management companies.

Practically, the show runs for about two hours and twenty minutes, including any intervals, and is rated PG. Tickets are £37, with standard seats at £33. It's at Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8JB, on Sunday 9 May 2027, starting at 7:30pm.