Northampton BID

Lucy Worsley
2022-10-15 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Spend an evening with the Queen of History, Lucy Worsley, as she delves into the fascinating life of the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.
For these unique, live illustrated talks, Lucy will present one of the most elusive and enigmatic figures of the twentieth century. Why did Agatha Christie spend her career pretending that she was ‘just’ an ordinary housewife, when she clearly wasn’t? Agatha went surfing in Hawaii, she loved fast cars, and she was intrigued by the new science of psychology, which helped her through devastating mental illness. So why – despite all the evidence to the contrary – did she present herself as a retiring Edwardian lady of leisure?
Sharing her research based on the writer’s personal letters and papers, Lucy will uncover the real Agatha Christie – the story of a person who, despite the obstacles of class and gender, became an astonishingly successful working woman.
This promises to be an entertaining and enlightening evening, emphasising not just Agatha’s unique gifts as a storyteller but her revolutionary qualities as a determined, successful, and thoroughly modern woman.
Lucy is Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces and a hugely popular writer, broadcaster and speaker. Her recent TV series include Blitz Spirit with Lucy Worsley (BBC One) and Lucy Worsley Investigates (BBC Two). Lucy has an OBE for services to history, and her series Suffragettes with Lucy Worsley won the BAFTA.

10cc
2022-10-16 19:30 - 21:30
Among the most inventive and influential bands in the history of popular music, 10cc are one of the very few acts to have achieved commercial, critical and creative success in equal measure.
The line-up features Graham Gouldman (bass, guitar, vocals), Rick Fenn (lead guitar, bass, vocals), Paul Burgess (drums, percussion) – both of whom have been with the band since the early years – Keith Hayman (keyboards, guitars, bass, vocals) and Iain Hornal (vocals, percussion, guitar, keyboards) to perform many of their classic hits including Rubber Bullets, Dreadlock Holiday and I’m Not In Love.

Al Stewart With His Band The Empty Pockets
2022-10-17 19:30 - 21:30
Al Stewart reprises’ his 2019 touring line-up with The Empty Pockets. His first major tour since finding himself side-lined for most of 2020 due to the pandemic.
Once again Al and the Pockets will be joined by saxophonist Marc Macisso. He will be playing his old favourites Year Of The Cat, Time Passages, On The Border, Nostradamus and Roads To Moscow along with selections from his deep catalogue.
The Scottish-born singer-songwriter has released nearly 20 introspective and lyrically powerful records featuring brilliant backing musicians (Jimmy Page, Phil Collins, Richard Thompson, Peter White, etc.). His biggest platinum successes, Year Of The Cat and Time Passages, were released in 1976 & 1978 respectively. He’s had several top 20 singles, including the above-mentioned titles, as well as On the Border and Song On The Radio.

The Pundits
2022-10-18 19:30 - 21:30
Come and join football punditry royalty. Host Jeff Stelling is joined by the ultimate panel of pundits including Paul Merson, Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas. The boys are really back in town!
Jaw-dropping revelations and hilarity ensue as the quintet with an opinion on absolutely everything, do what they do best – talk football…from players to managers and everything in between. Anecdotal stories of the guests’ colourful playing days on and off the field make this a dream night for any soccer fan.
The event will feature a Q&A, enabling YOU to ask the lads whatever you want. Make sure you don’t miss out on what is sure to be the best football pundit show that you will see live this year!

Jon Richardson: The Knitwit
2022-10-19 20:00 - 22:00
Will the recycling be put out on the right day? Who is going to smooth over the top of the margarine? How many lights are on upstairs when everybody is downstairs? Watch Jon pretend that these aren’t his foremost concerns as he leaves home on his first tour since the last one.
Best known as a team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Cats Countdown (Channel 4), host of Dave’s Ultimate Worrier, and upcoming sitcom Meet The Richardsons. As well as Would I Lie To You (BBC One), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC One), and Taskmaster (Dave).

Al Murray – Gig For Victory
2022-10-21 19:30 - 21:30
As the dust settles and we emerge blinking into the dawn of a new year, the men and women of this great country will need answers. Answers that they know they need, answers to questions they never knew existed.
And when that moment comes, who better to show the way, to provide those answers, than the people’s man of the people, the Pub Landlord? Steeped in the deep and ancient barroom wisdom of countless lock ins, the Pub Landlord is there to show the way. Wherever you are, he will – within sensible travel limits and theatre booking policy – come, offering people thirsty for common sense a full pint of the good stuff.

Sean McLoughlin – So Be It
2022-10-22 08:00 - 17:00
International microstar Sean McLoughlin is back on the road with a scintillating new stand-up show.
The world may be a strange and scary place but there’s no need for the b******s to get you down. Come sit in a dark room and listen to some jokes told by “an impassioned and uniquely brilliant talent” (The List). Widely acclaimed for his hilarious and incisive stand-up, Sean has recently supported Ricky Gervais in arenas across the globe having previously opened for Bill Burr at the Royal Albert Hall. He has made multiple TV appearances, been nominated for a Chortle Award and released two extremely successful U.S. comedy albums.

Sir Bryn Terfel – Songs And Arias
2022-10-23 19:30
The Welsh bass-baritone, Sir Bryn Terfel performs an evening dedicated to the world of Songs And Arias.
A concert that brings together some of his signature roles from opera along with famous tunes from musical theatre and music-hall. Bryn will perform songs and arias he adores to sing, accompanied by Annabel Thwaite on piano and Hannah Stone on harp. The personal playlist from one of the world’s most sought-after singers will include music from Mozart to Wagner, to some sublime music from his native Wales, in an evening that will be one to remember!
The Songs And Arias tour is a wonderful chance for Sir Bryn Terfel’s fans to reconnect with one of the world’s most cherished and esteemed live performers.
“I’m delighted to be hitting the road with a UK tour of my favourite ‘Songs and Arias’ this October and bringing my wife Hannah Stone on harp and Annabel Thwaite on piano, with me on my journey. I’ve chosen a selection of my best-loved pieces from opera to musicals and Welsh songs…a bit of everything and I can’t wait to present this programme to the audiences of Scotland, England and Wales.” Sir Bryn Terfel

Upfront Comedy Slam
2022-10-23 20:00 - 22:00
A blockbuster line up to warm the autumn cockles, featuring comedy heavyweight Kane Brown, Athena Kugblenu (Athena’s Cancel Culture), award winning Ali Woods, Jay Droch (Asian Comedy Network), hosted by comedian & Teletubbie John Simmit.

NC Jazz Presents – Toni Kofi Quintet: A Tribute to Cannonball
2022-10-24 20:00 - 22:00
Alto-sax master Tony Kofi fronts this loving celebration of the jazz giant (in every sense) Julian ‘Cannnonball’ Adderley. With Andy Davies (trumpet), Alex Webb (piano), Andrew Cleyndert (bass) and Alfonso Vitale (drums) the group traces the explosive music of Cannonball from his first session as leader in 1955 through work with Miles Davis to the soul-jazz of the 1960s. The repertoire includes Adderley brothers classics like Things Are Getting Better, Work Song, Del Sasser, Sack o’Woe and many others.

Derren Brown – Showman
2022-10-25 19:30 - 21:30
The multi-award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, is back, launching his first brand new theatre show in six years: Showman.
Derren is at his very best on stage. His one-man shows have received wide critical acclaim and more Olivier wins and nominations than any other in history!
The content of Showman remains a closely guarded secret, but if you’ve seen him before, you know you’re in for a powerhouse treat!

Maisie Adam – Buzzed
2022-10-25 19:30 - 22:00
Fresh from Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, and The Last Leg, Best Newcomer nominee Maisie Adam is back with a brand new show for 2022, Buzzed.
Rammed with witty observations, high-octane energy, and some right good jokes. This high-energy show promises to be better than whatever else you had planned (unless you had plans to go dancing with Cher).

Kiri Pritchard-McLean – Home Truths
2022-10-26 19:30 - 21:30
Kiri Pritchard-McLean (Have I Got News For You?, Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You?, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown) is back with a brand new tour.
It’s been a big few years for most of us and Kiri is no different. She’s moved back to her home island of Anglesey, struggled with lockdown and got herself some rescue chickens. You can expect jokes about skinny jeans, learning Welsh and white supremacy – something for everyone.

Rich Hall
2022-10-26 20:00 - 22:00
Fresh on the heels of his critically acclaimed memoirs, Nailing It, Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with new rants, knife-edge observations, thrilling musical interludes and an ever-formidable knack for laughs on the fly. You’ll pay for the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge of it.

Chris McCausland – Speaky Blinder
2022-10-27 19:30 - 22:00
One of the UK’s top stand-ups Chris McCausland is on tour with a stand-up show about life, family, and loads of other nonsense as well!

Ralph McTell
2022-10-28 19:30 - 21:30
Ralph McTell is touring his album Hill Of Beans. Produced by the legendary Tony Visconti, it is Ralph’s first album of original material for 10 years. The performance will feature plenty of songs from his 50+ year career in addition to showcasing some of his most recent work.
A singer songwriter of international acclaim who has played across the world, McTell brings his exquisite song writing to life with virtuoso guitar picking and evocative stories. His spellbinding songs and wry humorous anecdotes take the audience from his busker days in Paris, to concert halls in Australia and America and through the Streets of London.

Sh*t Faced Shakespeare – Macbeth
2022-10-29 20:00 - 22:00
The smash-hit, internationally acclaimed, multi sell-out fringe phenomenon is touring the UK with one of Shakespeare’s most loved plays: Macbeth.
Sh*t-faced Shakespeare is the hilarious combination of an entirely serious adaptation of a Shakespearean classic, with an entirely sh*t-faced cast member. With one cast member selected at random and given four hours to drink before every show we present to you classical theatre as it was always meant to be seen. With a gin in one hand, a cup of wine in the other and a flagon of ale in the other…What could possibly go wrong?
Sh*t-Faced Shakespeare seeks to introduce a new generation of theatre-goers to the works of the Bard by reviving the raucous, interactive and vibrant nature of Elizabethan theatre with a very modern twist – reminding them as we go to always enjoy Shakespeare responsibly.

Sofie Hagen – Fat Jokes
2022-10-29 20:00 - 22:00
Edinburgh comedy award winner Sofie Hagen presents; Fat Jokes. A show bursting with big jokes and fat punchlines. Sofie returns to her craft of devastatingly brilliant joke writing and storytelling and has created this collection of fat jokes and unforgettable moments that you can laugh at without feeling like sh*t. Come as you are and enjoy an actual fat person at the top of her game.

The Mirror Crack’d
2022-10-31 19:30 - 21:30
1960s England and a wind of change is blowing through the land.
It has even reached the sleepy village of St. Mary Mead. There’s a new housing estate to make the villagers curious and fearful. And even stranger, a rich American film star has bought the Manor House.
Jane Marple, confined to a chair after an accident, is wondering if life has passed her by.
Then there is a vicious murder, and Miss Marple must unravel a web of lies, tragedy and danger.
This adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous novel brings real emotional depth and psychological insight to a thrilling story of revenge and the dark secrets that we all hide. But can anything be hidden from Miss Marple, the sweet old lady with a mind like a steel trap?

Calendar Girls The Musical – Northampton Musical Theatre Company
2022-11-01 19:30 - 21:30
A Musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth
The death of a much-loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women’s Institute to raise money for charity by doing an extraordinary thing – creating a ‘nude’ calendar.
This musical, based on the true story and the hit film Calendar Girls, is coming to Royal & Derngate in November.
Having performed over 30 shows on the Derngate stage, including most recently Shrek The Musical and Made In Dagenham, Northampton Musical Theatre Company return once again to perform this heartwarming and funny story by Tim Firth, accompanied with music and lyrics by Gary Barlow.
Originally Produced by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers and The Shubert Organisation Based on the play Calendar Girls written by Tim Firth and on the motion picture Calendar Girls written by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi

An Evening With Noel Fitzpatrick - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-06 19:30 - 21:00
Noel Fitzpatrick returns to the stage this autumn with a brand-new show which will delight animal lovers of all ages and anyone who feels like they need some love, hope and healing in their lives.
Following his hugely popular tour in 2018, An Evening With Noel Fitzpatrick will give audiences a unique opportunity to gain an intimate insight into Noel’s extraordinary bionic world and the animals who have inspired him along the way.
Noel will share a rollercoaster ride of successes and failures, demonstrating why love really is all that matters – and how our animal friends can teach us very important life lessons, which can make us better people.
There will be some unexpected surprises and thoughts about the nature of stress and survival against the odds – and the future of humans and animals on our planet – that will truly give you cause to stop and think about your own future too.
Noel continues to strive toward a more loving and understanding society for humans and animals alike – in a world that needs healing now more than ever.

That’ll Be The Day – Christmas Show - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-07 19:30 - 21:30
That’ll Be The Day is back with another timeless Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas Show, so get ready to kick off your festive season in the best possible way.
Completely refreshed year after year, the show combines all of your favourite pop Christmas classics and traditional Christmas songs with hilarious comedy sketches and world-class impersonations.
Boasting brilliant vocals and first-class musicianship, the Cast will take you on a seasonal, nostalgic sleigh ride through the golden age of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Pop for an experience like no other. Guaranteed to lift your spirits and leave you wanting more, the That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show is the must-see Christmas show of the year.
Come and see it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

Level 42 – Lessons In Live - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-08 19:30 - 21:30
The Lessons In Live Tour follows the hugely successful From Eternity To Here Tour, which celebrated the band’s fifth decade.
Level 42 is a band with nothing to prove, but all the desire to continue their run at the top. To date, the band and Mark have released 14 studio albums, 7 live albums, the Sirens’ EP, and 6 compilation albums, had 18 top 40 singles, including the era-defining Lessons In Love, Something About You, Leaving Me Now, Running In The Family, and Hot Water, and sold in excess of 30 million albums worldwide. In short, they have proven to be one of the most successful British bands ever and it is clear they continue to set the benchmark for British Jazz Funk.

Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-09 19:30 - 21:30
Musical master of ceremonies Jools Holland and his much loved Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are back and joined by Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall alongside special guest Roland Gift.

Paul Chowdhry – Family Friendly Comedian - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-10 20:00 - 22:00
Following his global smash hit Live Innit, the star of Taskmaster and the first British-Asian stand-up to sell-out London’s Wembley Arena is back.
After barely surviving the pandemic, and with two years of pent up killer material, Paul tackles the UK’s handling of the pandemic, why the rules of six only worked for white people, fame, England football fans and Tom Cruise landing his helicopter in someone’s garden. Don’t miss it!

Jen Brister – The Optimist - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-11 20:00 - 22:00
If Jen Brister has learned anything in the past 18 months, it’s that she’s no good in a crisis. (Unless you count getting into the foetal position in under 30 seconds.) Has the pandemic changed her for the better or is she the same old pessimistic naysayer she’s always been? I think we all know the answer to that. Let’s just hope she can make it funny.

Strictly Northampton 2022 - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-12 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for the 11th Anniversary of Strictly Northampton run by Step by Step Dance School! Now in it’s 11th year, this competition will see local superstars take to the stage in this Ballroom and Latin extravaganza. Leading up to this, contestants will be paired up with students from Step by Step Dance School for just 8 weeks and dance to live band Jazz Colossus for the first time in the history of Strictly Northampton! In support of Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity. A night not to be missed!

Jamali Maddix – King Crud - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-12 20:00 - 22:00
As seen on Taskmaster, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and his critically acclaimed series Hate Thy Neighbor For Vice, Jamali Maddix is heading out on tour. With a brand new show for 2022 Jamali will be tackling more home truths and universal issues. A master of the craft this latest show is not to be missed.

NMPAT – Youth In Concert - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-13 18:00 - 20:00
Northamptonshire Music And Performing Arts Trust presents the first major event of the season, Youth in Concert, with performances by the five award-winning senior ensembles of NMPAT: County Youth Concert Band, County Youth Choir, County Youth Brass Band, County Youth Big Band and County Youth Orchestra.

Flo & Joan – Sweet Release - Royal & Derngate
2022-11-13 20:00 - 22:00
Multi-award winning musical comedy duo (and sisters) Flo & Joan are climbing out of their pits, armed with a piano and percussion section to bring you a brand new show of their critically acclaimed songs and comedy. Their unique, sharp-tongued style has taken them around the world with multiple sell-out tours and appearances at the Just For Laughs Festival Montreal and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Now they are back with their biggest ever UK national tour, poking around all the classic topics of the day: over-thinking, alien lovers and fringes.
As seen on Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance, The Russell Howard Hour, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, online with over 50 million views of their viral songs, in your personal nightmares, and in Alive on Stage, their own special available worldwide on Amazon Prime.
