The National Theatre Connections Festival is a celebration of young people, theatre and the importance of access to the arts. Each year the National Theatre commissions a collection of new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK’s most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow. Royal & Derngate hosts the largest and most diverse of the regional festivals that take place across the country, and we are delighted to welcome hundreds of young people to Northampton again this Spring. Royal and Derngate’s own Young Company: Acting Group will be taking part in the festival performing Saba’s Swim by Danusia Samal. Content Warning: Please note National Theatre Connections plays do contain some swearing and themes of an adult nature. The performance of Saba’s Swim contains flashing lights which may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and comedy with That’ll Be The Day, the UK’s longest-running theatre show. Experience a captivating journey through music history from the 50s to the 80s, filled with electrifying performances and iconic tunes. This unforgettable show combines talent, energy, passion, and nostalgia, allowing you to sing, laugh, and dance along to the greatest hits of the past. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration of rock and pop that will leave you wanting more.

Cast, The La’s, and Me – An Intimate Evening With Singer/Songwriter John Power John Power had the best rock’n’roll apprenticeship ever – playing bass as an 18-year-old in The La’s. Forming Cast in 1991, he sang, wrote songs, and played guitar for one of Britpop’s pre-eminent bands – securing two platinum-selling records before returning to the charts in 2024 with the magnificent Love Is The Call. Power’s solo career produced some of his best work – and now it’s time to reflect on Britpop, the hits – Alright, Sandstorm, Walkaway, Flying and more – in this intimate show that mixes John’s best-loved songs with wild, funny, and tender stories. Meet’n’Greet packages available.

The Real Thing, with original vocalists Chris Amoo & Dave Smith, are on tour promoting their first new album of original material in 44 years, A Brand New Day. They also have their new soulful single Hang On Never Let Go this track will be special for all the lovers who grew up listening to their classic hits. On the reverse of this single is a live version of their classic composition Children of the Ghetto which has been covered by the likes of Courtney Pine, Paul Hardcastle, Mart J Bligh & Philip Bailey. This is the first time that a recording of this track has been made featuring lead vocals by Chris Amoo. The Real Thing enjoyed success in both the 70s & 80s with 3 Top 10 singles; the No 1 Hit, You To Me Are Everything, Can’t Get By Without You and Can You Feel The Force. All these tracks are still featured daily on all the major UK Radio stations. They also have around one million plays or more on Spotify each month. The band also had hit movie Everything which played nationally in cinemas & was also aired on both BBC and Channel 4 in August 2020. This was followed by their Greatest Hits Album which made the official National...

You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards, this interactive show promises to entertain and educate in the most spectacular way. Family Ticket Offer £58 for 2 adults & 2 concessions

The Sensational 60’s Experience is not only the biggest 60’s show on tour, but also the only 60’s package show out on the road today. 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 2025! Starring Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, The Fortunes, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Mike d’Abo (former lead singer with Manfred Mann) and Vanity Fare, this spectacular afternoon show is packed with timeless classics such as: The Legend of Xanadu, Mighty Quinn, Hippy Hippy Shake, Storm in a Teacup, Hitchin’ a Ride, plus many more! Get ready to be transported to a time when pop music was at its very best. The Sensational 60’s Experience is a show you’ll never forget!

Get Ready for a Hairspray Extravaganza! The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the talent is through the roof! Join us for an unforgettable evening of singing, dancing, and acting as we bring the magic of Hairspray to life. This isn’t just a performance – it’s a full-on celebration of creativity and hard work, featuring showstopping numbers that will leave you singing and dancing in your seat, including The Nicest Kids In Town, You Can’t Stop The Beat, and I Can Hear The Bells. Starring the incredible clients of Cube Arts College, familiar faces from our other centres, and talented students from local schools, this is your chance to witness a spectacular display of passion, energy, and heart as we celebrate the power of the arts. Our clients have been working super hard on their skills throughout the months to achieve this show, and their dedication will leave you amazed. It’s going to be bigger, bolder, and more fabulous than ever before. Don’t miss it!

Paul Young broke into the big time 40 years ago when No Parlez went to number one and spawned iconic hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home). More success followed with the number one album The Secret Of Association and the worldwide hit Everytime You Go Away, not forgetting an appearance at Live Aid and more. Paul sustained that success – while having fun in his tex-mex band, Los Pacaminos. Now, he’s looking back during these intimate shows, that combine conversation and acoustic versions of songs. Paul’s meeting fans, singing songs, and telling stories about his incredible career. It’s time to revel in the classic hits and learn the stories behind them in this intimate show. Pre-Show Meet & Greet – Includes a meet and greet with Paul, customised tote bag with photo, VIP lanyard, best seats in the house. VIP Tickets – Includes a customised tote bag with photo, VIP lanyard, best seats in the house.