Musical maestro Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra return to Royal & Derngate for their 2025 Autumn/Winter tour, with special guest Imelda May. One of Ireland’s most celebrated artists, Imelda May has had many high-profile collaborations with Jeff Beck, and performed with music legends including Lou Reed, Bono, Tom Jones, Noel Gallagher, and Robert Plant. With a dynamic blend of blues, rock, soul, gospel, and jazz, Imelda’s self-written and produced album Love Tattoo remains the best-selling album by a homegrown female artist in Ireland. Her electric performances promise an unforgettable experience for audiences. The tour will also mark an exciting new chapter as Ed Richardson is welcomed in as the orchestra’s new drummer, following the retirement of the legendary Gilson Lavis. After starting out together in Squeeze, Gilson became a cornerstone of Jools’ Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, keeping the beat over a span of several decades and retiring with an incredible legacy. Fans will be thrilled to hear that the shows will once again feature the incredible ‘Queen of Boogie Woogie’ Ruby Turner, as well as the outstanding vocals of Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Together with the skillful musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Jools Holland will be performing songs from throughout his career. With a...

Poetry legend Michael Rosen presents his new one-person show Getting Through It, formed of a double-bill of monologues: The Death of Eddie and Many Kinds of Love. In The Death of Eddie, Michael recounts the death of his son from meningitis at the age of 18. In Many Kinds of Love, Michael recalls how he contracted COVID-19 and spent 48 days in intensive care. He was put into an induced coma and had a 50% chance of dying. Getting Through It is a powerful one-person show exploring grief and mortality.

After a barnstorming 2024 which saw Myra sell-out venues across the UK and Ireland with her critically acclaimed show ‘Be Well’, registered empath Myra DuBois returns to the stage with a brand-new show Cosmic Empath. The empath strikes BACK! Boldly caring where compassion has never cared before. An adventure giving you time (and space) to heal. When questioned on her upcoming tour, Ms DuBois stated: “Most people would spend some time idling on the shores of some far off semi-private island after enduring the workload 2024 dumped on my plate, but not me! How could I desert my public, right as I need them most? I’ve consulted my own wellness guide, the very Reverend Dr Guru Malcolm, and he tells me that right now every star of the cosmos is looking at me with expectation. I don’t think my new show Cosmic Empath” shall let them down!” Cosmic Empath sees Myra DuBois questioning where her great gift for compassion comes from. Her up-bringing? Her ancestors? The COSMOS? Who can say? All we know is that with Myra’s trademark killer wit and a singing voice that’s truly like no-one else’s, it’s going to be out of this world!

‘Dogger, Fisher, German Bight’: Charlie Connelly brings the shipping forecast vividly to life in this hilarious and moving celebration of an iconic cultural institution. Charlie explores the broadcast’s remarkable history, unlocks its beguiling mysteries and tells riproaring stories of his own adventures among the sea areas, ensuring the forecast will never sound the same again. How did a weather forecast for ships capture the hearts of a nation, from salty old sea dog to insomniac landlubber? How is it possible for ‘rain later’ to be ‘good’? And where the hell is North Utsire? Delving into the history of the forecast and the extraordinary people who made it, Charlie explains what those curious phrases really mean, celebrates its wide cultural impact, shares riproaring adventures from his own extraordinary journey through the 31 sea areas – the times he was accused by the media of trying to annex Rockall from the British government and sang sea shanties with Tom Hardy in a Manx hotel bar while Scary Spice pulled the pints – and presents his case for the shipping forecast being our finest achievement. Inspired by Charlie’s bestselling book, which has sold more than a quarter-of-a-million copies worldwide, this pacy, moving and hilarious show...

Dave O’Higgins – tenor sax Rob Luft – guitar Jim Watson – organ Billy Pod – drums Saxophonist Dave O’Higgins & guitarist Rob Luft may be more than a generation apart, yet are very much of one musical mind. Now recording their 3rd album together, they have been touring with extensively since 2019. The line-up at Northants tonight is the classic organ combo, drawing on influxes from George Benson, Joe Henderson, Grant Green, Michael Brecker and many more as a springboard for Luft’s lush soundscapes & O’Higgins’ impassioned tenor. Joining them on organ is the virtuosic Jim Watson, and the magically swinging drummer form Greece, Billy Pod.

On a single day in May 1915, nearly 11,000 British and Indian soldiers were wounded or killed during the ill-fated Battle of Aubers Ridge. Among them were hundreds of young men from Northamptonshire, many of whom never made it more than a few metres from their trenches. Performance poet Toby Thompson presents a powerful reflection on the lives lost during this devastating chapter of the First World War. Through vivid and evocative poetry, the piece delves into not only the brutality of the battle but also the youthful hope of the summer of 1914, and how modern generations continue to connect with the legacy of the Great War. Featuring a rich soundscape by Buster Grey-Jung, and direction by award-winning theatre maker and Artistic Director Jesse Jones, A Day To Remember brings history into sharp focus through the voices of the present. Originally commissioned by Royal & Derngate in 2015 as part of a wider project exploring the impact of the First World War on local communities.

Featuring stars of the West End show The Rat Pack, Live From Las Vegas, this stylish, fully-choreographed show has something for everyone. Including all your favourites such as Fly Me To The Moon, Mr Bojangles and That’s Amore, not to mention the songs you simply cannot help singing along to, such as New York, New York and My Way. Truly emulating the ‘Kings of Cool’, The Rat Pack: Swingin’ At The Sands, will bring flair and class that only Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr could. So take three outstanding singers, add perfectly timed comedy, rousing camaraderie with a pinch of the greatest songs ever written and what do you get? The perfect night’s entertainment with The Rat Pack: Swingin’ At The Sands.

Rave On is the 50s and 60s musical sensation sweeping the nation. Featuring leading performers from West End Productions The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet and Dreamboats & Petticoats, Rave On transports you back to the fabulous 50s and swinging 60s in stunningly authentic style. Charting the meteoric rise of Rock and Roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades. Prepare to be enthralled with an evening of singing along, vibrant vintage costumes, colourful staging and dancing in the aisles! Featuring note perfect renditions of the most loved 50s and 60s songs, Rave On is performed by an incredibly talented, era-obsessed group of musicians. From the emergence of rock and roll at Sun Records in Memphis, to the British Invasion and beyond, this is a musical adventure you won’t want to miss! Rave On features hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, The Who, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boys and many more.  Rave On is a musical experience like no other.

Described as ‘the funniest dad on Instagram’, stand-up comedian George has racked up hundreds of millions of views for his hilarious online sketches about the big things in life, like owning an air fryer, watching a David Beckham documentary, and the excruciating experience of trying to do a jigsaw with your kid. Now he’s bringing his brand new stand up show to the stage. It won’t just be about parenting though, because he has done loads this year. He’s bought a new hoover, watched some more stuff on Netflix… loads. Between #makingmemories with his kids, George has also appeared on The Stand Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central Live, written a best selling book (Don’t Panic! All the stuff the expectant dad needs to know) and has supported Romesh Ranganathan, Tom Allen, Russell Kane and Josh Widdicombe on their national tours. So, activate the parents’ whatsapp groups, dump the kids with whoever is willing to have them, and join George for a brilliant night out.

Why not come and join us on Sat 15 November for an afternoon of music, dance, and much more with Amazon and some great performers from SEND Schools and Community Partners. Tickets are £2.50 per person. We will have enterprise stalls and raffle. All of the proceeds will go to the schools and community partners.

What happens when a psychopath is in power? Could you learn to spot a psychopath? Are you working for a psychopath? Is there a little bit of psychopath in all us? Following a box-office busting, sell-out tour in 2024, Jon Ronson’s Psychopath Night returns with new live dates. Sixteen years have passed since Jon embarked on the adventure that became his ground-breaking and best-selling work, The Psychopath Test. Now, the renowned journalist, filmmaker, and author reopens the case with exclusive anecdotes and fresh reflections, taking you on a thrilling exploration of madness and the elusive psychopathic mind. Join Jon in 2025 for another electrifying journey into the enigmatic world of psychopaths and the perplexing concept of normalcy. In an age where society’s rationality is called into question, Jon will deliver an evening of incisive inquiry, seasoned with his trademark wit and profound insights. This unmissable show prominently features mystery special guests whose extraordinary, twist-filled true tales are central to the story but not found in the original edition of the book. The less you know about them, the better… Don’t miss this unforgettable night of revelation, intrigue, and mind-bending insights. With a chance to ask Jon your own questions…book your tickets now before they’re...

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust presents the first major event of the season, Youth In Concert, with performances by 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.

Red Rosa, inspired by Kate Evans’ graphic novel, illuminates the remarkable life of revolutionary thinker Rosa Luxemburg. Rosa rose from oppression to become a fearless leader, founding the German Communist Party and challenging capitalism, war, and patriarchy. She lived radically – politically and personally as a Jewish, disabled woman. This project explores her intellectual fire, her humanity, and her relevance today, through historical archives, cats and a little live music. Red Rosa is a call to courage, resistance, and imagination. no more superheroes. is a bold, boundary-pushing company creating original theatre, digital work and participatory projects that speak to a new generation. We make work that’s urgent, playful and socially resonant. From national stages to grassroots spaces, we’ve partnered with organisations like the National Youth Theatre and the National Trust to nurture creatives and challenge how stories are made – and who gets to tell them. www.nomoresuperheroes.com Part of Genfest 2025 Discover the full line-up of performances, workshops and artist one-to-one’s taking place across GenFest, Sun 16 – Sat 22 November. Each event is part of our annual festival celebrating artist development and new work. View the GenFest Brochure Online here | Find out more about the full GenFest line up here

The beloved former tennis pro turned experienced broadcaster is hitting the road for a brand new tour. From winning the Wimbledon and Australian Girls’ Tournaments in 1984 to becoming British No. 1 and representing Great Britain in the Fed Cup, Annabel has solidified her status as a national treasure. After hanging up her racquet, she seamlessly transitioned into the commentary box, captivating audiences as a presenter and pundit for major networks including Amazon Prime, BBC, ESPN USA, Eurosport, and Sky Sports. Annabel also wowed audiences on the dance floor during her recent thrilling run to the final four on Strictly Come Dancing with her dance partner Johannes Radebe. In her first ever theatre tour, Annabel invites you behind the scenes of the world’s greatest tennis tournaments, sharing unforgettable moments from her career including interviewing legends like Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. This is an unmissable experience for tennis and dance enthusiasts everywhere!

Four scientists. One year. Sealed away from the world in The Biosphere – an airtight dome; a great glass ark humming with natural life, technology and ambition. Their mission: to prove life can survive beyond Earth. But as the atmosphere of their meticulously crafted world begins to change, passions fray and hunger bites, and the line between experiment and existence blur. What will they sacrifice to succeed? Inspired by the infamous 1991 experiment, Olivia Foan’s BIOSPHERE is a new play about our relationship to nature, technology and the planet we call home. BIOSPHERE is directed by Olivia Munk and produced by Part of the Main Productions. Previous praise for THE TINKER, written by Olivia Foan & directed by Olivia Munk at VAULT Festival 2023: “All the ingredients are in place for a spooky gothic affair, and on the whole this piece from Part of the Main Productions is grandly successful… Olivia Munk keeps things moving at a suspenseful pace, the threat of derailment always coiled in the air but never quite ruptured.” ???? LOST IN THEATRELAND “Foan has produced a fascinating script which explores the question of belief: confronting what you have chosen to believe in the past to make the present work and what you go on to believe in order to...

“Horror author Nick Steen is having visions… A sinister Black Steeple; eerie lights in the sky that look like a Catherine wheel but are not remotely a Catherine wheel… Plus a giant skeleton with a moustache. Are they omens? Auguries? Portenderings of things to come? (Spoiler – yes, they are). For Nick Steen’s imagination is bursting out of his brain and threatening to burst in turn the entirety of Stalkford. Can Nick stop the aforesaid bursting? Or have things already slightly burst regardless? And will there ultimately be a grand finale to this three-book series (aka a trilogy) or a more open-ended conclusion in order to leave potential room for further sequels? (That, btw, will ultimately be Garth’s decision.) From the fevered imagination of Horror Fiction’s Grand Frightener Garth Marenghi, author of Sunday Times-Bestselling Garth Marenghi’s Terror Tome and Garth Marenghi’s Incarcerat, come three freshly rancid tales of…This Bursted Earth… “So dense with brilliant jokes that it cannot safely be read while drinking hot liquid” – Inews.co.uk “puts the ‘boo’ into book tour” – The Guardian “had the crowd hooting and hanging, insatiably, on every line.” – The Telegraph Hardback copies of This Bursted Earth will be available for purchase...

Darren Clark is a two-time Olivier Award winning composer and lyricist working in the theatre in the UK and internationally. Since beginning his professional career in 2012, he has been commissioned to write music and lyrics for several national touring shows and his work has been heard in London’s West End, at The Royal Shakespeare Company, Off West End, Off-Broadway and in many of the UK’s finest regional theatres. Following his days as an Otago University student in NZ performing in countless musicals and plays, Darren left NZ for the UK to pursue a career as a songwriter in London town. Following several years on the singer/songwriter circuit and with his band Columbus Giant, Darren began to write music & lyrics for the theatre. Darren has written the music and lyrics for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button which one three Olivier awards in 2025 including Best New Musical and the Off-West End Award for Best Musical Production in 2024. Button is currently running at The Ambassadors Theatre on London’s West End. Along with Rhys Jennings, he is the inaugural recipient of the Music Theatre International Stiles & Drewe Mentorship Award and his songs have appeared as finalist in the...

Are you (or could you be) a producer of musical theatre in the Midlands? Do you make live events happen, perhaps as a creative yourself, perhaps co-ordinating things for collaborators or your local community? Are you interested in finding out more about being a producer of musical theatre in the Midlands? And about opportunities to get involved locally with new musicals/music theatre? Or are you an early career producer of musical theatre or music in the Midlands and want to find out more about opportunities, and meet some like-minded individuals? If your answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then we’d love to invite you to a free event hosted by Musical Theatre Network, China Plate and Royal & Derngate. We will share some industry insights, signpost relevant opportunities, and give you the chance to meet other producers/future producers, and discuss what would help you achieve your ambitions in this area.You don’t need to already be a producer. If musical theatre interests you, and you’re someone who likes making things happen – come join us for a conversation!     

Dorothy and Her Very Many Friends is a synth-pop musical about the true story of the persecution of gay sailors in 1980s America and the futile search for the elusive Dorothy who connected them all. In 1980s America, the Naval Investigative Service are intensively hunting down and discharging gay sailors in the US Navy at an unprecedented rate. But if they truly want to win their war on homosexuality, they know that they must first defeat the one woman standing in their way: Dorothy. Who is Dorothy? What does Dorothy want? How can she possibly be friends with every gay sailor? Can she bring down the entire Navy, and perhaps the country, too? Only one man, with a predictable secret of his own, can stop her. Powered by an 80s synth pop score, ‘Dorothy and Her Very Many Friends’ is a surreal musical comedy inspired by a lesser-known chapter of queer history. Part of Genfest 2025 Discover the full line-up of performances, workshops and artist one-to-one’s taking place across GenFest, Sun 16 – Sat 22 November. Each event is part of our annual festival celebrating artist development and new work. View the GenFest Brochure Online here | Find out more about the...

A new show about extinct gigantic, charismatic, megafauna from 3-time Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominated Comedian, and very good comedian Josie Long. In these troubled times, in this wicked world, it can feel like apocalypse is everywhere but did you know 11,000 years ago there were some really big armadillos? I’m talking about as big as a car. Really big. And they were vegetarian so don’t even worry about them. Also my daughter has a hamster and I’m not saying distract yourself from everything, but I’m saying he’s also part of everything. Josie is back with a new show about discovery, wonder, extinction and how to walk through a landscape of monstrous disaster. There is also a good tip about silt, guaranteed. ????? The Skinny ???? The Telegraph

Step Into Christmas for the most magical show of the year. This Christmas feel-good show brings all the magic of the season to life, with all your favourite songs you will know and love! Including All I Want for Christmas Is You, Last Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Stay Another Day, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Do They Know it’s Christmas, A Winter’s Tale, Merry Xmas Everybody, and many many more!

Josh Widdicombe is back on tour… not again! By now he has almost certainly mastered the art of stand-up, either that or he has wasted the last 15 years of his life. Come along and decide for yourself. Expect it to be shorter and with lower production values than Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, but funnier and with more references to tea. Josh co-hosts the hugely popular podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett, which has somehow become so popular that they undertook a live arena tour in 2023 and released a book which topped the Sunday Times Bestseller Charts. He’s co-hosted in over 30 series of the multi-award-winning Channel 4 series The Last Leg, is a team captain on Sky Max’s Rob Beckett’s Smart TV and co-hosts Sky’s Hold The Front Page. And he has an almost complete collection of Panini football sticker books.

Hampshire country music duo Ward Thomas have announced an intimate, acoustic UK tour for 2025. Hailed as the UK’s most successful country act, twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas will tour across the country with a special show with stripped back versions of songs from across their career. Recording their debut album, 2014’s From Where We Stand, whilst still in school, the duo have since cemented themselves as pioneers in the UK Country and Americana scene; not least for the follow-up album Cartwheels released in 2016 going to No.1 in the UK Album Charts, the first by a UK country act to top the charts. In 2019, the band were presented with the Country Music Association’s Jeff Walker Global Achievement Award in recognition of their success and impact on country music in the UK. Music In The Madness was hailed by critics for its live sound mixed with country-pop style, whilst of their Barbican show earlier this year, The Upcoming said: ‘It’s safe to say Ward Thomas delivered a magical performance that left us on a high – an evening to remember.’ This unique show will take Ward Thomas back to their early days of performing and writing together, seeing the duo perform and share the stories behind the...

From the team who brought you the hit show That’ll Be The Day, comes a brand new Christmas show! Nothing says Christmas quite like That’ll Be Christmas! This year is extra special as the cast of That’ll Be The Day celebrates their 40-Year Anniversary. Packed with your all-time favourite Christmas classics, laugh-out-loud comedy sketches, and heart-warming festive cheer, this is the perfect family night out.

Gareth Malone – the man who got the nation singing – returns to stages across the UK this autumn with Sing-Along-A-Gareth: 50 Years Of Song. After decades spent inspiring choirs in schools, workplaces and communities, Gareth now invites audiences to join him in a live, immersive celebration of the music that’s shaped his life – and been the soundtrack to so many of ours. Backed by his stellar live band and singers, Gareth, with his signature infectious energy and joy for music, will lead the audience through a setlist of iconic songs from the ‘60s to today. Full of uplifting pop hits, anthems we all know by heart, and a few personal surprises, Sing-Along-A-Gareth: 50 Years Of Song is more than just a concert, it’s a shared experience. And just when you think there couldn’t be room for any more hit the show will culminate in a super-medley of increasing intensity and joy which has everyone dancing in the aisles.

Join us for the 14th Anniversary of Strictly Northampton run by Step by Step Dance School! Now in its 14th 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. In support of Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity. A night not to be missed!

Britain’s Got Talent finalists Northants Sings Out electrified audiences with their SOLD-OUT 2024 homecoming show – and now they’re back for 2025! Northants Sings Out (NSO), wowed millions with show-stopping performances praised by celebrity judges and even Madonna herself after their viral rendition of Music received over 1 million views online Since leaving BGT, NSO has toured UK festivals, supported chart-topping group G4, recorded tracks with international producers, performed for Rudimental at BGP F1, led the Heathrow UK Christmas campaign, and become award-winning, all whilst captivating audiences nationwide with their stand-out live show. Now, this iconic vocal ensemble returns for their ONLY 2025 homecoming show. Prepare for an unforgettable evening as over 200 vocalists, led by award-winning maestro Gareth Fuller (credits: Liam Gallagher, Elton John), deliver a high-energy party set list. From the classic It Is Well to ‘90s anthems like Show Me Love, Dreamer and Fatboy Slim’s Praise You plus so much more, prepare for your Christmas party playlist to come alive… on stage!!! Dubbed “the best choir ever on BGT” by Amanda Holden and “SENSATIONAL” by Bruno Tonioli, NSO has earned praise from stars like Chris Evans, Zoe Ball, and Chaka Khan. This show promises the joy, showmanship and energy of a world-class production. Don’t miss this exhilarating evening that will leave you thrilled...

A brand-new tour of the joys of the English language with Britain’s best-loved wordsmith. Following on from her hit show The Secret Life of Words, Susie Dent is back with a brand-new collection of facts and stories from the wonderful world of words. Have you ever wondered whether there’s a word for going to the fridge for the umpteenth time in search of something new? Or puzzled over the reason why a group of crows is called a ‘murder’, while owls form a ‘parliament’? Is teen slang actually designed to make us tear our hair out? And just how many words do we need for being drunk? With the help of funny, insightful, and head-scratching examples, Susie will entertain and educate us with her pick of language’s greatest hits. Word Perfect will remind us just how unpredictable, wayward, and utterly magical our mother tongue can be.