It is oddly uplifting...

DerbyWorld was invited to an exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal of Mr Burns, an Anne Washburn play brought to life by director Omar Khan.

Rehearsals took place at the Forman Street studio, but watching the actors weave their way through a series of hair-raising scenes, it was easy to be transported to an unknown locale set in the not-too-distant future.

The play focuses on the aftermath of society’s collapse.

What happens when rules go out of the window and you’re struggling for some sort of survival while attempting to rebuild civilisation in a post-apocalyptic world?

As far as dystopian dramas go, Derby Theatre’s latest show is one that is oddly uplifting.

The cast of seven (Daniel Rainford, Hazel Monaghan, Ida Regan, Nathan Richard Smith, Ines Sampaio, Matthew Heywood and Helen Potter) bring heft and gravitas to create a thought-provoking narrative exploring climate, energy and nuclear crises that are very much topical issues today.

It is more than just providing commentary about challenges in the 21st century.

According to Omar, Washburn’s writing “serves as a warning of what could happen if society doesn’t modify its behaviour in relation to some of the issues already mentioned”.

He added: “We go from the ‘not too distant future’ to nearly 100 years later, exploring what culture, society and survival looks like in a world poisoned by global warming and radiation; its survivors fighting over whatever resources are left - but still have in their hearts a desire to tell a story and connect to the past.”

During rehearsal, one scene that stood out for me was when a male protagonist (unnamed to avoid spoilers) was attacked, his mental anguish on display through his brilliant, somewhat terrifying, wild-eyed performance.

It is undoubtedly a play that will get people talking.

Speaking about what Derby audiences will get out of a play that was first performed in 2012 in Washington D.C. to a polarised audience, director Omar said: “I’m a big believer in cultivating the creative landscape of the Midlands.

“I hate the split that exists between London and ‘the regions’ and I think that where you live shouldn’t dictate what kind of art and culture you have access to.

“Access to the arts is an essential stepping stone for young people accessing a creative career.

“The world we build in this play is born from conversations we are all having at the moment: energy crisis, resource scarcity and a fear of the rising threat of nuclear war.

“These themes are universal and are even more pressing now than they were a decade ago.”

Despite the short run - the show will be performed over two days from this Friday to Saturday - it still required extensive research and planning.

Omar said: “I’ve treated it the same as any other production.

“I’ve been on an RTYDS (Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme) 18-month residency at Derby Theatre and this production marks the end of my time there.

“It’s a chance for me to bring together all the work I’ve done in that time.

“It’s still been months of research, pre-production and planning, and a full four-week rehearsal process to make sure the lucky few that get tickets get the best possible version of the show we’ve built together.”

Derby Theatre is one of the city’s leading cultural hotspots while the rehearsal space at Forman Street studio is affiliated with the University of Derby.

Reflecting on the importance of cultural spaces like theatres in Derby, Omar said: “I think Derby Theatre is unique in its genuine desire to be a space for communities to connect in and with.

“There is so much going on in the space that isn’t just plays being put on stages that feels really vital.

“It also provides a space to tell stories that raise questions and provoke discussions at a time where polarisation has led us to only think about ‘winning’ an argument - it provides something that you can’t get online or in other forums.”

Mr Burns’ showing times can be found on the Derby Theatre website.