Rosie Jones: I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying Tour At Derby Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Sheridan Brown
A dose of midweek stand-up comedy can be just the tonic on a gloomy November evening. So, I was thrilled to be invited to Derby Theatre, to see BAFTA-nominated powerhouse Rosie Jones in her brand-new show, ‘I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying’. Rosie Jones is a TV stalwart on many a panel show – and I’ve always enjoyed her cheeky and forthright comedic style. So, seeing her live promised to be a real treat.
Rosie’s show was hilarious! Her comic timing, sassy repartee with the audience, and spicy language all came together to create a feel-good experience for everyone. There was a lot of love in the room. Rosie’s themes for her new show are being single, the ‘magic’ of 1997, gravy and boobs!! Fabulously supported by a BSL interpreter (we got to learn some interesting spicy new signs!) added another layer of accessibility to the show. It’s the first time I’ve seen a comedy set signed in this way.
Alongside her laugh-out-loud comedic observations, Rosie was able to create a real sense of light and shade in the material she used. We were taken on a journey where, alongside the laughs, some edgy and potentially controversial topics were explored. Rosie also shared her reflections on growing up, not seeing herself represented in the media and the weight of being a ‘national treasure’, representing wide sections of the population. For me, it’s fabulous when a comic can make you think deeply, as well as laugh with abandon.
It has been some years since I have visited Derby Theatre and much has changed in the immediate vicinity of the theatre itself, some really positive changes, I felt. And being located within Derby’s largest shopping centre, Derbion, meant that it was easy to find a wide range of pre-show eating and drinks venues, just a stone’s throw away.
I was struck by how welcoming Derby Theatre felt. The staff at the box office were very friendly and couldn’t do enough to help me get the most out of my visit. The foyer, box office and café on the ground floor had a lovely contemporary feel, with plenty of seating for patrons. The bright and airy feel of the venue was continued up the well-lit, sweeping staircase to the first-floor bar – with plenty more seating available. Finding our seats in the auditorium, I was struck how comfortable they were, with plenty of legroom. There was also a good amount of space available for guests who are wheelchair-users.
Parking is easy and inexpensive in the evening in the large basement carpark that serves Derbion. Best access is from Traffic Street. If you prefer to use public transport, the bus-station is just across the road, and the railway station is just a 12-minute walk away.
All in all, I felt that Derby Theatre was the perfect venue for Rosie Jones’ warm, witty and intimate material. The main auditorium has just over 500 seats, enough of a crowd to create a great atmosphere, but not so large a venue as to feel disconnected from the comic on the stage. We had a thoroughly good time and whole-heartedly recommend both Rosie Jones’ new show, and Derby Theatre as a venue!
Rating: 5/5
Dates: 6th November 2025 in Derby – but Rosie’s tour continues nationwide
Tickets: £20. Advisories: Contains strong language and adult themes. Age guidance 14+
Remaining shows are bookable here: https://rosiejonescomedy.com/live/
Derby Theatre website https://derbytheatre.co.uk/