GamesWorld: Interactive Video Gaming Experience
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 (Europe/London) | 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

BBC Radio Northampton Make a Difference Awards 2025
2025-08-16 19:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
The show will be on sale to the general public on Mon 21 July at 9am

Join Bernie Keith and Annabel Amos as they host this year’s BBC Radio Northampton Make a Difference Awards.
The awards are a chance to say, Thank You and celebrate all the people, community groups and even animals who love to make life better for others.
Join us on Wed 10 September at the Royal & Derngate for a night of entertainment with special guests, Born to Perform and Northampton Male Voice Choir.
And if that wasn’t enough, tickets are free!
We’ll find out who Northamptonshire’s Young Hero under the age of 16 is.
The Community Group that has helped to change the lives of others.
The Fundraiser that’s gone the extra mile for a good cause.
We’ll recognise those using physical activity or sport to improve the lives of their community with the new Active Award.
Find out who looks after or protects their local environment with Green Award.
Who will be given the Volunteer Award?
And everyone’s personal favourite – the Animal Award – given to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or a human that helps animals.
Come and celebrate the Northamptonshire’s unsung heroes and enjoy a night of laughter, music and uplifting stories.
Doors will open at 6pm and the ceremony will begin at 7pm
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Rosie Jones: I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying
2025-08-20 19:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Join self-professed prick and star of Taskmaster, Rosie Jones as she heads back out on the road with her brand-new stand-up show. She’s talking about the big stuff: being single, the pressures of representing huge sections of the population, and gravy. Oh, and boobs. The BAFTA-nominated powerhouse returns with her loveable blend of cheek and charm following a nomination for Most Outstanding Show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2023.
As seen on nearly everything, including Taskmaster, Live At The Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Royal Variety Performance, QI, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Cats Does Countdown, The Last Leg, Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, Mock The Week, and soon to be on her very own upcoming sitcom.
“Seldom can an hour in a prick’s company have been more enjoyable” The Guardian
“Her jokes are beautifully crafted with no beat wasted and punchlines that take you by surprise” iTalkTelly

Luke Combs UK
2025-09-07 19:30 - 22:00 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
The World’s leading tribute to the Grammy-nominated country megastar Luke Combs!
Get ready to experience the heart and soul of country music as we pay homage to one of the genre’s biggest stars. Join us for a night of incredible songs, authentic Southern vibes, and a whole lot of boot-stomping fun.

PLEASE NOTE DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS SHOW THERE IS A STRONG POSSIBILITY THAT PEOPLE MAY STAND UP AND DANCE AROUND YOU AND IN FRONT OF YOU

Immerse yourself in the world of Country as we bring together fans of all ages to celebrate the timeless tunes and modern classics that have made Luke Combs a household name.

With sold-out shows up and down the UK and Ireland, Luke Combs UK does not disappoint. The image of Luke Combs and more importantly that North Carolina Country vocal and sound are on full display in this incredible show, with a jaw-dropping closeness to the real thing.
The live 5 piece band perform all of Luke’s hits and fan favourites from across all of his albums and continues to wow audiences who come for their Country fix!
If ‘beer never broke your heart’ and y’all wanna get ‘beautiful crazy’ then this show is for you.

The Horne Section’s Hit Show
2025-09-11 19:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
They have two series of their own Channel 4 TV show, an iTunes-chart-topping podcast and now they’re tuning up their instruments once more to tour the country: it’s The Horne Section’s Hit Show!
“Britain’s Funniest Band” (The Guardian) have made appearances on The Last Leg (Channel 4), Peter Crouch’s Year- Late Euros (BBC One),?they are Dictionary Corner regulars on?8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown?and the only band to ever host? Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Separately, members of The Horne Section have performed with recording artists including Robbie Williams, Madness, Florence and the Machine, Amy Winehouse, George Ezra, Basement Jaxx, Disclosure and Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds.
Unruly, ridiculous, and surprisingly satisfying, the six-headed comedy band includes five outstanding musicians and one non-musical stand-up. There’ll be comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about. A brand-new show from the hugely talented band and Alex Horne, the creator and co-host of the BAFTA and National Comedy Award winning Taskmaster.

An Evening with Nigel Owens MBE
2025-09-12 19:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Northampton are delighted to bring you an evening with one of the world’s top Rugby Referees Nigel Owens MBE. After playing to a sell-out crowd across venues in the UK, Nigel returns to celebrate the release of his book The Final Whistle with tales from on and off the field.
Nigel is one of the most engaging and humorous characters in the game of Rugby Union.
He is also the only referee to be appointed for three consecutive Heineken Cup finals and forever will be renowned and admired for displaying a dry sense of humour and sharp wit when dealing with players during the heat of battle.
This an evening simply not to be missed for any sports fan, as he recounts stories from his life and career.
There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A in the second half of the evening

Heritage Open Days Tour
2025-09-13 10:00, 2025-09-17 10:00 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Heritage Open Days Tour

Will be held on Saturday 13th September & Wednesday 17th September 2025
First tour at 10:00 am, last tour at 3:00 pm

This is a free event

The Old Savoy and The Deco Theatre are now one of Northampton’s premier venues available for hire for theatrical productions, conferences, meetings, wedding receptions, parties and other social or corporate events, and although it certainly didn’t start that way when it was first built, it has always been a home of family entertainment.

The building first opened on Saturday 2 May 1936 in a blaze of publicity as “the Savoy”, described as “Northampton’s only super Cinema” and reported to be “the last word in comfort”. It was part of the ABC group, designed by their prolific house architect WR Glen and built in under nine months on the site of the original Technical College. It was constructed in the International Modernistic style and is arguably the best remaining example of Glen’s work, with all the main features still in place and sympathetically renovated.

The Savoy was very popular and originally held almost 2000 people in the 696 seat circle and 1200 seat stalls. It was designed both as a cinema and theatre complete with orchestra pit. It hosted shows and concerts as well as films.

In the 1950s it was renamed the ‘ABC’ in line with the group’s national branding policy and was the local venue of choice for the touring bands of the ’60s, including the Beatles in both March and November 1963, the Rolling Stones in 1965 and infamously PJ Proby in 1965, when he was arrested for splitting his trousers on stage!

A number of the ’60s bands have returned to play The Deco Theatre in recent years, including the Hollies, the Searchers and Billy J Kramer.

In 1974, it was converted to a three-screen complex by using the rear of the stalls with a dividing wall for the 2 smaller screens and leaving the main auditorium circle as the main ‘ABC 1’.

By the mid-’90s, however, the ABC now renamed Cannon cinema was unable to compete with the modern multi-screen complexes and it finally closed its doors in 1995 with the appropriately named “Terminal Velocity”.

The building was derelict for five years until 2000 when it was converted to a multi-purpose venue opening in October 2004.

Sophie McCartney
2025-09-13 20:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
After last year’s phenomenal 70 date international tour, award-winning comedian and number one bestselling author Sophie McCartney is back with a brand-new show!
Recently kicked out of club 18-30, a new decade now beckons and she DOES NOT BELIEVE IT. Tackling her perimenopausal panic with denial, delirium, and a shot of tequila – what does life look like when you’re too old to be young, but too young to be old? Desperate for a mad night out (as long as she’s home by 9pm), this mum of three, and optimistic raver, is by no means down and out – she’s up and in… watching Netflix.
Grab your glow sticks and join Sophie as she embarks on life’s next big chapter with sequins, snorty laughs, and a pair of killer orthopaedic heels.
Pre-Show Meet and Greet tickets are available, which includes a Meet and Greet with Sophie, a photo opportunity and premium seating.

NC Jazz: The Edison Herbert Quartet
2025-09-13 20:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Get ready for a night of pure jazz fire as The Edison Herbert Quartet meets Simon Spillett at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate Theatre. This collaboration promises an evening of swinging grooves, foot-tapping rhythms, and soul-stirring ballads — performed by some of the UK’s most exciting jazz musicians.
At the heart of the night is guitarist and bandleader Edison Herbert, whose melodic flair and deep sense of swing have made him a standout name on the UK jazz scene. He’s joined by the ever-tasteful Sean Hargreaves on piano, groove-master Neville Malcolm on bass, and the dynamic Andrew Wood on drums — a lineup known for its chemistry, creativity, and sheer musical class.
Adding serious firepower to the evening is special guest Simon Spillett, one of the UK’s most electrifying tenor saxophonists. Known for his high-energy performances and deep connection to the jazz tradition, Spillett brings intensity, passion, and a fearless sense of swing that’s guaranteed to lift the roof.
This is not just another gig — it’s a rare opportunity to experience live jazz at its best: spontaneous, soulful, and thrilling from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or simply love great live music, this promises to be a night to remember.

The Great Fire of 1675: A showcase presented by the young people and community groups of Northampton
2025-09-14 16:30 - 18:30 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Northampton Remembers…The Great Fire of 1675: A showcase presented by the young people and community groups of Northampton
Marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton, we invite you to join us in a powerful celebration of the town’s resilience, community spirit, and history. Northampton Remembers…The Great Fire of 1675: A showcase presented by the young people and community groups of Northampton aims to bring together local performers, artists, and residents to honour the lives impacted by the fire and showcase the strength and unity of the community.
Call the box office to reserve your seats

The Billy Joel Songbook
2025-09-14 19:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
The electrifying celebration of a timeless legend is back for 2025!
The hugely acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist Elio Pace and his incredible band are set to thrill audiences once more with the smash-hit award-winning show The Billy Joel Songbook after a sell out tour in 2024.
This exciting live show pays homage to one of the most iconic musicians, singer-songwriters and composers of the 20th Century, transporting the audience through a catalogue of Joel’s music. Elio and his band will perform more than 30 hits, including The Longest Time, She’s Always A Woman, An Innocent Man, Uptown Girl, Tell Her About It, The River of Dreams, We Didn’t Start The Fire and Piano Man.

Breaking The Code
2025-09-18 19:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
“It’s not breaking a code that matters, it’s where you go from there”
Mastermind. Code breaker. Maverick. Arguably one of the most important and inquisitive minds of the twentieth century. Alan Turing is famed for cracking the Enigma code at Bletchley Park, effectively securing victory for the Allied forces in WWII.
From triumph to tragedy, get to know a human being who loved, lost and never stopped asking questions in a quest for truth and understanding in this new production of Hugh Whitemore’s Breaking The Code.
For the first time, taking into consideration his recent Royal pardon and the development of Turing’s law, the original play will feature a new epilogue by Neil Bartlett that speaks to Turing’s lasting legacy on modern Britain.
Stay after the audio described performance on Wed 24 September for an exclusive Post-Show Q&A with director Jesse Jones and the cast of Breaking The Code. Dive deeper into the story, the production, and the creative process in this engaging discussion, which will be audio described for accessibility.
A ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON, LANDMARK THEATRES AND OXFORD PLAYHOUSE CO-PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN & PLAYHOUSE AND HOME
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