Northampton BID

Heritage Open Days Tour
2025-09-17 15:00, 2025-09-17 14:00, 2025-09-17 13:00, 2025-09-17 12:00, 2025-09-17 11:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

The Mystery Tours - 'The Great Fire of Northampton'
2025-08-31 17:30
The Mystery Tours â€“ â€˜The Great Fire of Northamptonâ€™

Sunday 29th June at 5pm, Sunday 31st August at 5.30pm and Saturday 20th September at 5.30pm.
Step Into the Flames of History!

Join us for an immersive journey back to September 20th, 1675, when a single spark ignited a catastrophic fire that reduced much of Northampton to ashes. Guided by our enigmatic Time Traveller, you’ll witness the unfolding disaster, hear the tales of survival, and see how the town rose from the ashes.
Tour Highlights
St. Mary’s Street
Stand at the very spot where the fire began and discover how a single flame in a thatched house led to devastation.
Market Square
Hear the dramatic accounts of desperate townsfolk, the crumbling of historic buildings, and the narrow escapes from the inferno.
All Saints’ Church
See how this iconic landmark rose from the ashes, thanks to King Charles II’s donation of timber.
Sessions House
Marvel at one of the first buildings to be rebuilt, symbolizing the town’s determination to recover.
Meeting Point: St. Peter’s Church, Northampton (Outside main gate)
End Point: Top of Abington Street
Duration: 90 minutes (approximately)
Suitable for: Adults & children over 10
Tickets: £15 (including booking fee)
Important Information
This is a walking tour—please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Book Your Spot Now!
Suitability: Adults and children over the age of ten. Lasts approx 1hr. Tickets: £15 inc booking fee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystery.tours/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themysterytours
To book, click the link.

We Will Rock You: Young@Part
2025-08-16 18:00 | 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.

Dinosaur World Live
2025-07-24 11:00, 2025-07-23 11:00 | 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!

Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell
2025-07-19 14:30, 2025-07-17 14:30 | 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
2025-07-19 14:00 | 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.

Actors Company: Jekyll and Hyde
2025-07-05 14:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
How far would you go to fight for change? Unravel the world of 19th century Victorian England through the eyes of Mrs Jekyll and watch how the lines between past and present collide in this powerful adaptation by Evan Placey on Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, directed by Tonia Daley Campbell and Gemma Boaden.
With the oppressive nature of patriarchal England looming over the recently widowed Mrs Jekyll she finds herself facing continued confrontation and challenge. Torn between her polite societal desire to act against injustice and her growing rage to transform into something, or maybe someone, who might just be able to fight back. This story cleverly brings the past into the future and the present into the past, with this wonderful unique adaptation that leaves you questioning exactly how much has changed for women in the last 200 years.
Watch this thrilling, bloody and provoking play brought to life by The Actors Company in the very beautiful Victorian Royal Theatre.
Performed in arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
From our Community

The King’s Speech
2025-06-21 14:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Britain is in crisis, and so is The King.
As Hitler threatens Europe, a concerned nation needs to hear from its monarch. But facing the biggest moment of his life, King George VI is unable to find his voice.
Based on the Academy Award-winning film starring Colin Firth, this is the moving story of how The King overcame his fear of public speaking through the help of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue
The King’s Speech details the unlikely relationship between royalty and a tough Australian speech therapist, who empowers the stammering future King with the ability to speak to, and for, the nation.
From our community.

Only Fools and Horses: The Musical
2025-06-07 14:30, 2025-06-04 14:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Stick a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back and coming to a town near you! The smash hit show Only Fools and Horses: The Musical – direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run-in London’s West End – featuring Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil and Mickey Pearce.
Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s best loved TV series. With a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan, and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs.
Fans and critics alike praised Only Fools and Horses: The Musical in their droves during its triumphant West End run: The Sun awarded five stars, hailing it “One Del of a show!”; the Daily Mirror said it was “a treat for Trotter fans” in their five-star review. The Sunday Times bestowed four stars and remarked that “Only Fools is a blast from our wide-boy past. A hearty stage adaptation of the 1980s BBC television comedy”. Evening Standard also awarded four stars, complimenting the “unashamedly British night out. A jubilant lovely jubbly!”. While the Daily Mail urged its readers to “raise a glass of Tittinger to Del Boy and Rodney as Only Fools and Horses storms the West End!”
Join us as we take a trip back in time, where it’s all kicking off in Peckham. While the yuppie invasion of London is in full swing, love is in the air as Del Boy sets out on the rocky road to find his soul mate, Rodney and Cassandra prepare to say ‘I do’, and even Trigger is gearing up for a date (with a person!). Meanwhile, Boycie and Marlene give parenthood one final shot and Grandad takes stock of his life and decides the time has finally arrived to get his piles sorted.
With musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave, the beloved theme tune as you have never heard it before, and an array of brand-new songs full of character and cockney charm, you’re guaranteed to have a right ol’ knees-up! Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a feel-good family celebration of traditional working-class London life in 1989 and the aspirations we all share.
So don’t delay, get on the blower, and get a ticket for a truly cushty night out – only a 42 carat PLONKER would miss it!

The Smeds and The Smoos
2025-06-07 13:00, 2025-06-07 10:30, 2025-06-06 10:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Tall Stories presents The Smeds and The Smoos
A stellar show based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A joyful tale of star-crossed aliens
Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?
Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall Stories – the company who brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage.
The Smeds and The Smoos© Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2019, published by Scholastic

BA Acting: Earthquakes In London
2025-05-30 19:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Earthquakes In London by Mike Bartlett weaves together the lives of three sisters – Sarah, Freya, and Jasmine – against the backdrop of a world on the brink of environmental catastrophe. The narrative spans several decades, exploring themes of climate change, family dynamics, and personal responsibility.
Sarah, a government minister, grapples with political and ethical dilemmas. Freya, pregnant and anxious about the future, seeks stability. Jasmine, the youngest, rebels against societal norms. Their estranged father, Robert, a climate scientist, adds complexity with his dire predictions and revelations.
Earthquakes In London challenges audiences to reflect on their impact on the planet and the legacy they leave behind. It’s a powerful call to action, urging us to consider the consequences of our choices and the importance of hope and resilience in the face of global challenges.
This production comes to Royal & Derngate from the 3rd Year BA Acting students at the University of Northampton.

BA Acting: A Dream
2025-05-30 14:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
A Dream by Chris Bush transports Shakespeare’s most beloved characters into the chaos of a modern-day hospital. This dramatic comedy is packed with songs, mischief, and mistaken identities, creating a vibrant and engaging experience for the audience.
The play features numerous twists on familiar characters like Romeo and Jules, who are recovering from an accidental overdose, Antony and Cleo reminiscing in the waiting room, and Beatrice and Benedict bickering over a knee operation. As night falls in the A&E department, Pharmacist Puck begins to distribute medicine, leading to a series of whimsical and chaotic events reminiscent of a midsummer night’s madness.
This production comes to Royal & Derngate from the 3rd Year BA Acting students at the University of Northampton.

Pig Heart Boy
2025-05-24 18:00, 2025-05-24 14:00, 2025-05-23 10:30, 2025-05-22 14:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Is it better to have a pig’s heart that works … than a human heart that doesn’t?
Cameron is thirteen, and all he wants is to be normal – have friends, go to school, and dive to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But he desperately needs a heart transplant and time is running out. When he’s finally offered a new heart, Cameron must choose how far he’ll go to get his life back.
From the multi-award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, author of Noughts and Crosses, this brilliant novel is brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by Winsome Pinnock, and is directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu in a Unicorn co-production with Sheffield Theatres and Children’s Theatre Partnership.
Pig Heart Boy was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and adapted by the BBC into a Bafta award-winning TV series.

The Pirates of Penzance
2025-05-03 14:00 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
‘Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group return to the stage with a brand-new production of that much-loved classic, The Pirates of Penzance.
This perennial favourite sees the Pirate King, the Major General, hordes of swashbuckling pirates and hapless policemen come to blows over orphans, daughters and indefatigable piratical deeds.
Combining the razor-sharp wit of Gilbert with Sullivan’s much-loved music, and under the unique vision of director Leon Berger, this brand-new production of The Pirates of Penzance promises to be a riotous new adventure for all the family.
Tickets from £16?

There’s a Monster in Your Show
2025-04-22 11:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved Who’s in Your Book? series returns to Royal & Derngate in this musical show adaptation.
A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.
A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre.
Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together.
There’s a Monster in Your Show… and he can’t wait to meet you!

GamesWorld: Interactive Video Gaming Experience
2025-04-20 16:00, 2025-04-20 14:00, 2025-04-20 12:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Join us for an Epic Gaming Extravaganza this Easter!

Player One: Ready? Player Two: Ready? Then prepare to level up your nostalgia as GamesWorld spawns in to Royal & Derngate for three 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.
90-minute bookable sessions and All Day passes available.
Plus a special adults only event on Sat 19 April at 7pm
