Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell
2025-07-17 19:30, 2025-07-18 19:30, 2025-07-19 19:30 (Europe/London) | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Midnight Bell comes to Northampton for the first time in 2025.
In 1930s London ordinary people emerge from cheap boarding houses nightly to pour out their passions, hopes and dreams in the pubs and fog-bound streets of Soho and Fitzrovia. Step inside The Midnight Bell, a tavern where one particular lonely-hearts club gather to play out their lovelorn affairs of the heart; bitter comedies of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption.
Inspired by the great English novelist Patrick Hamilton (Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky, Hangover Square) who created some of the most authentic fiction of his era; stories borne out of years of social interactions with the working man and woman at his favourite location – the London Pub.
Hailed by The Observer as ‘the undisputed king of dance theatre’, master storyteller Bourne has produced some of the most successful dance theatre productions of the last 30 years including Swan Lake, Cinderella, The Red Shoes and Edward Scissorhands.

In Conversation with Matthew Bourne
Join us after the performance on Tue 15 July 7:30pm for a fully BSL interpreted chat with Matthew Bourne himself for a unique opportunity to discover the insights of creating this show. This event is free with a ticket to the performance that evening.

Young Company: Boudica
2025-07-18 19:00, 2025-07-19 19:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
“I’d rather walk in blood than walk a slave”
On the furthest outreaches of the Roman Empire, the edge of the known world, rebellion is brewing…
The King of the Iceni has died. His widow, Boudica, comes to claim her rightful throne and territories in defiance of the occupying force, Rome. For daring to try and take what is hers the native queen is flogged, her daughters raped, and they are banished from their homeland. But now Queen Boudica has returned. And this time, she has an army.
She will take back her land, her freedom, and more, much more: she will have revenge. She will have blood.
Join us for Boudica (written by Tristan Bernays, directed by Anna Simpson with fight choreography by Kiel O’Shea) and watch the Royal & Derngate Young Company bring this play based on ancient history hurtling into the 21st century, exploring urgent and provocative questions about occupation and oppression, the legacy of colonial violence, and how people try to hold on to their humanity amidst war’s brutality.
Performed in arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
From our Community.

Content Warning: Contains strong language, depictions of violence and death, and references to sexual assault.

Bernie Keith presents Handbag Heaven
2025-07-19 19:30 - 23:30 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Doors 7 pm Main Feature: 7:30 pm – last dance at 11:30 pm
Live on Stage
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“It’s a night of Old Skool disco! Where do people who used to tear up the dancefloors in the 60s/ 70s/ 80s or even 90s go to now if they want to dance? To a Handbag Heaven Club Night at The Old Savoy! A riot of memories, camp fun and iconic tunes hosted by Radio Northampton’s Bernie Keith, it’s a return to the dance floors we grew up with. 4 hours of non-stop dancing at The Deco – Handbag Heaven Club Nights will be the place to bring it all back!”
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Get your tickets now. Doors 7pm fun starts 7.30pm

Top Hat Theatre: There’s No Place Like Home
2025-07-20 12:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
For the very first time at Royal & Derngate, join us for There’s No Place Like Home, our spectacular
End of Year Show!
Experience an unforgettable journey as our talented students take to the stage with passion, energy, and outstanding performances in dance, singing, and acting. From our youngest rising stars to our most accomplished performers, this show is a true celebration of theatre, creativity, and dedication at Top Hat Theatre School.
Don’t miss this inspiring showcase of talent and hard work!
VIP Tickets include front row seats, tote bag, programme and goodies!

Anton & Giovanni: Together Again
2025-07-21 19:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
The nation’s favourite double act, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, are Together Again in 2025 with a brand new show.
Anton & Giovanni – Together Again is going to be the smash-hit tour of the summer…
More fun, more dance, more song, and even more entertainment than ever before!
The show will be an enthralling experience for all ages, showcasing the duo’s incredible talents and irresistible chemistry on stage.
With a collection of breathtaking routines, stunning choreography, and a seamless blend of Ballroom, Latin, and Musical Theatre, Anton & Giovanni – Together Again is guaranteed to be an unforgettable show full of entertainment.

Dinosaur World Live
2025-07-22 14:00, 2025-07-23 14:00, 2025-07-24 14:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Roarsome fun for all the family!
Looking for fun days out with the kids? Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family!
Discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend. Don’t miss this entertaining and mind-expanding jurassic adventure, live on stage.
Olivier Award winner for Best Family Show 2024!

GamesWorld: Interactive Video Gaming Experience
2025-07-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-31 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
**EARLY BIRD OFFER** Just £6 a ticket and £25 for Groups of 5+ when purchased before Fri 30 May

Back by popular demand and it’s even bigger!
Player One: Ready? Player Two: Ready? Then prepare to level up your nostalgia as GamesWorld spawns in to Royal & Derngate for seven days of interactive video gaming mayhem.
With 100 consoles and a high-score-worthy selection of games spanning the last 50 years – from Atari to Xbox, Sega to PlayStation and Virtual Reality experiences, there is something for every kind of gamer.
Whether you’re an old-school joystick warrior or a competitive button-masher, challenge your friends and family in multiplayer battles, rediscover your childhood favorites, and press X to relive gaming history.
Book your start time and stay to play all day!
Slots run from 10am with last admittance at 3.30pm. Event closes at 5pm.

All Child Under 16 ticketholders must be accompanied by an adult.
There will be a Relaxed Event on Monday 28 July

Group Offer: Buy 5 Tickets for £35

Terms & Conditions: The experience is open 10am – 5pm, with last entry at 3.30pm. You should arrive at your allocated arrival time that is displayed on your ticket, however during quieter periods you may be admitted into the experience earlier at the discretion of the venue. The average visit to the experience lasts 90 minutes, although there is no time limit imposed on your stay. Please note there is no re-admission into the experience if you leave the venue.

Holiday Club: Dragon Masters
2025-08-04 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-05 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-06 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-07 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
How do you teach a Dragon…?
Come and join a magical adventure this summer in this dragon-themed camp for little people (aged between 4 and 8) with big imaginations!
Using storytelling, theatre, crafts and more, young Dragon Masters will explore and hone their creative skills over the week to create their own original fiery stories.
For more information, please email getinvolved@royalandderngate.co.uk
Bursaries and Lunch Clubs are available.
(For older adventurers aged 9-13 we have Holiday Club: Myths, Legends & Monsters from Mon 11 – Fri 15 Aug)

We Will Rock You: Young@Part
2025-08-06 14:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
This is VCL’s first Summer Youth Project in Northamptonshire the cast comprises of young performers from around the county who are “breaking free” to showcase their talents in the dynamic musical “We Will Rock You: Young@Part.”
Is a special adaptation of the iconic Queen musical is tailored for a younger cast and offers a vibrant platform for our aspiring actors, singers, and dancers to bring the legendary music and story to life.
Set in a dystopian future where musical instruments and rock music are banned, “We Will Rock You” follows a group of rebels led by Galileo and Scaramouche as they fight to restore freedom and individuality through the power of rock ‘n’ roll.

Holiday Club: Myths, Legends & Monsters
2025-08-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-12 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-14 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-15 09:00 - 17:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Give your young adventurer (aged between 9 and 13) an epic summer experience exploring Gods, heroes, monsters and mayhem in our mythology themed camp.
Using theatre, storytelling, crafst and more, they will explor and take inspiration from tales from different ancient partheons whilst honing their imaginations and creative skills to become the hero of their own legendary story.
For more information, please email getinvolved@royalandderngate.co.uk
Bursaries and Lunch Clubs are available.
(For younger adventurers aged 4-8, we have Holiday Club: Dragon Masters from Mon 4 – Fri 8 Aug)

We Will Rock You: Young@Part
2025-08-16 14:00 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
