National Theatre Connections Festival 2026

The Sensational ’60s Experience

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

The Sensational ’60s Experience is the biggest ’60s show on tour. Featuring an incredible ensemble of original artistes and band members, this is the ultimate festival of nostalgia that will have you stepping back in time to that magical decade of music and memories. Whether you’re reliving the soundtrack of your youth or discovering what your parents have been raving about, this is the must-see show of 2026! Starring Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, The Trems (featuring Jeff Brown former member of The Tremeloes), The Fortunes, Spencer James (40 years lead singer with The Searchers), and Vanity Fare, this unforgettable night is packed with timeless classics like The Legend Of Xanadu, Silence Is Golden, Storm In A Teacup, Needles And Pins, Hitchin’ A Ride, plus many more! Get ready to be transported to a time when pop music was at its very best. The Sensational ’60s Experience is a show you’ll never forget! Dancing is welcome during this performance! Please listen for announcements from the stage, stay considerate of those around you and for your safety ensure fire exits remain clear.

Recurring

Frankie Goes To Bollywood

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

After a smash-hit UK tour, Frankie Goes To Bollywood returns – bigger, bolder, and bursting with Bollywood glamour. This dazzling musical comedy-drama dives deep into the glitzy, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are mass-produced, identities are reshaped, and women are expected to smile and play by the script written for them. At the centre of it all is Frankie, a young British woman with little interest in fame. But her quiet suburban life is turned upside down as she is thrust into a world of dazzling lights, choreographed perfection and media obsession. Frankie must decide: Can she become a star without losing who she really is? What must she give up to succeed in a man’s world – and what is she willing to fight for? With show-stopping choreography, lavish costumes, and a cast of unforgettable characters, Frankie Goes To Bollywood is a bold, uplifting story of ambition, transformation, and the power of telling your own story. Featuring original Bollywood songs by hit composer Harry Anand, this is Rifco Theatre Company’s most ambitious production yet – a celebration of love, identity and courage, packed with joy, drama, and spectacular entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, Bollywood films, or powerful British stories, this is...

James B Partridge: Primary School Bangers

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

Get ready for the ultimate throwback as Primary School Bangers comes to Royal & Derngate. James B Partridge, the singing teacher turned viral star, has taken nostalgic school assembly songs from the classroom to some of the UK’s biggest stages. With millions of TikTok views, sold-out tours across the country, and a Glastonbury set so popular the field had to be shut, James has become a true live phenomenon. Expect all the assembly classics you remember – from He’s Got the Whole World, to This Little Light Of Mine – plus surprises and mash-ups that guarantee a night of laughter, memories and unforgettable singalongs.

Recurring

Frankie Goes To Bollywood

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

After a smash-hit UK tour, Frankie Goes To Bollywood returns – bigger, bolder, and bursting with Bollywood glamour. This dazzling musical comedy-drama dives deep into the glitzy, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are mass-produced, identities are reshaped, and women are expected to smile and play by the script written for them. At the centre of it all is Frankie, a young British woman with little interest in fame. But her quiet suburban life is turned upside down as she is thrust into a world of dazzling lights, choreographed perfection and media obsession. Frankie must decide: Can she become a star without losing who she really is? What must she give up to succeed in a man’s world – and what is she willing to fight for? With show-stopping choreography, lavish costumes, and a cast of unforgettable characters, Frankie Goes To Bollywood is a bold, uplifting story of ambition, transformation, and the power of telling your own story. Featuring original Bollywood songs by hit composer Harry Anand, this is Rifco Theatre Company’s most ambitious production yet – a celebration of love, identity and courage, packed with joy, drama, and spectacular entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, Bollywood films, or powerful British stories, this is...

Recurring

Frankie Goes To Bollywood

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

After a smash-hit UK tour, Frankie Goes To Bollywood returns – bigger, bolder, and bursting with Bollywood glamour. This dazzling musical comedy-drama dives deep into the glitzy, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are mass-produced, identities are reshaped, and women are expected to smile and play by the script written for them. At the centre of it all is Frankie, a young British woman with little interest in fame. But her quiet suburban life is turned upside down as she is thrust into a world of dazzling lights, choreographed perfection and media obsession. Frankie must decide: Can she become a star without losing who she really is? What must she give up to succeed in a man’s world – and what is she willing to fight for? With show-stopping choreography, lavish costumes, and a cast of unforgettable characters, Frankie Goes To Bollywood is a bold, uplifting story of ambition, transformation, and the power of telling your own story. Featuring original Bollywood songs by hit composer Harry Anand, this is Rifco Theatre Company’s most ambitious production yet – a celebration of love, identity and courage, packed with joy, drama, and spectacular entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, Bollywood films, or powerful British stories, this is...

Fastlove

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

The George Michael Tribute Direct from London’s West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael celebration! Few shows have reached the dizzy heights of Fastlove, now touring in 18 countries, selling over 250,000 tickets worldwide. Join us for one very special night as we celebrate the late great George Michael. Our talented cast will recreate for you a night like no other! Make new memories whilst reliving old classics – this one is for the fans as we celebrate one of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen, and we say thank you! This show has it all, the power, emotion and star quality in this stunning production with full video and light show, as we respectfully recreate the soundtrack to your life. Playing all the hits, from Wham! right through his glittering career, including Wake Me Up, Too Funky, Father Figure, Freedom, Faith, Knew You Were Waiting, Careless Whisper and many more. If you want a fun night out – I would definitely hotfoot it to Fastlove” North West End “Executed with precision and passion, capturing the essence of George Michael’s music” Five Things Today  “. . . the real deal. Own it, you’ve earned the right to be called the best George...

Recurring

Frankie Goes To Bollywood

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

After a smash-hit UK tour, Frankie Goes To Bollywood returns – bigger, bolder, and bursting with Bollywood glamour. This dazzling musical comedy-drama dives deep into the glitzy, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are mass-produced, identities are reshaped, and women are expected to smile and play by the script written for them. At the centre of it all is Frankie, a young British woman with little interest in fame. But her quiet suburban life is turned upside down as she is thrust into a world of dazzling lights, choreographed perfection and media obsession. Frankie must decide: Can she become a star without losing who she really is? What must she give up to succeed in a man’s world – and what is she willing to fight for? With show-stopping choreography, lavish costumes, and a cast of unforgettable characters, Frankie Goes To Bollywood is a bold, uplifting story of ambition, transformation, and the power of telling your own story. Featuring original Bollywood songs by hit composer Harry Anand, this is Rifco Theatre Company’s most ambitious production yet – a celebration of love, identity and courage, packed with joy, drama, and spectacular entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, Bollywood films, or powerful British stories, this is...

Celebrating The Music Of Richard Rodgers (Friday Night Is Music Night)

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

Join us for a glittering evening of timeless melodies as BBC Radio 3’s Friday Night is Music Night comes to Northampton with a special concert celebrating one of the greatest composers of the 20th century – Richard Rodgers. From the sweeping romanticism of Carousel to the bold optimism of Oklahoma!, Richard Rodgers redefined the sound of American musical theatre. Tonight, the BBC Concert Orchestra and conductor Richard Balcombe bring together some of his most beloved works, including those from his legendary collaborations with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein. Expect a night of unforgettable classics, including Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, My Funny Valentine, The Lady is a Tramp, South Pacific Overture, Carousel Waltz …and many more! With lush orchestral arrangements and sensational vocal performances, let the music of Richard Rodgers remind you of the elegance of Broadway’s golden age. This concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Full Programme: Rodgers Oklahoma – overture Rodgers & Hammerstein O, What a Beautiful Mornin’ (Oklahoma) Rodgers & Hammerstein Hello Young Lovers (The King and I) Rodgers This Can’t Be Falling in Love (The Boys from Syracuse) Rodgers Victory at Sea Rodgers & Hart I could write a book (Pal Joey) Rodgers & Hart My Funny Valentine (Babes in Arms) Rodgers The Carousel Waltz (Carousel) Rodgers South Pacific –...

Golden Gloves Gala

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

The Golden Gloves Gala offers an unforgettable evening of sport, entertainment and philanthropy, marking its debut. Guests will experience, for the first time at Royal & Derngate, white-collar boxing, unlicensed bouts, and Muay Thai fights with traditional Wai Kru ceremonies, alongside live music, a DJ, a 40-person choir, a dazzling fire-eater and much more. VIP ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive gala dinner with premium views of the action. The event raises vital funds for the TOR-ROX Foundation, supporting cancer patients through exercise during treatment. More than sport, the Gala celebrates community, culture, and an unforgettable experience.

Recurring

Frankie Goes To Bollywood

Royal and Derngate Theatre 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

After a smash-hit UK tour, Frankie Goes To Bollywood returns – bigger, bolder, and bursting with Bollywood glamour. This dazzling musical comedy-drama dives deep into the glitzy, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are mass-produced, identities are reshaped, and women are expected to smile and play by the script written for them. At the centre of it all is Frankie, a young British woman with little interest in fame. But her quiet suburban life is turned upside down as she is thrust into a world of dazzling lights, choreographed perfection and media obsession. Frankie must decide: Can she become a star without losing who she really is? What must she give up to succeed in a man’s world – and what is she willing to fight for? With show-stopping choreography, lavish costumes, and a cast of unforgettable characters, Frankie Goes To Bollywood is a bold, uplifting story of ambition, transformation, and the power of telling your own story. Featuring original Bollywood songs by hit composer Harry Anand, this is Rifco Theatre Company’s most ambitious production yet – a celebration of love, identity and courage, packed with joy, drama, and spectacular entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, Bollywood films, or powerful British stories, this is...

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