Northampton BID

Only Fools and Horses: The Musical
2025-06-04 14:30 (Europe/London) | 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!

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, 2025-04-19 19:00, 2025-04-19 16:00, 2025-04-19 14:00, 2025-04-19 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

Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors
2025-04-19 18:30, 2025-04-17 18:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Easter Holidays Family Fun!
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!
So it’s time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!
Terrible Tudors: From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience!
Awful Egyptians: From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you enter through the Gates of the afterlife?
It’s history with the nasty bits left in!
Terrible Tudors: Wed & Fri 2pm, Thu & Sat 6.30pm
Awful Egyptians: Wed & Fri 6.30pm, Thu & Sat 2pm

Family Ticket Offer
Off-Peak: Family of three: £54 / Family of four: £72 (Wed and Thu performances – Price Band A and B)
On-Peak: Family of three: £69/ Family of four: £92 (Fri and Sat performances – Price Band A )

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
BOOK 3 OR MORE SHOWS AND SAVE!
Book 3 or more – save 15%
Book 5 or more – save 20%
Book 7 or more – save 25%
Members enjoy an additional 5% off!
Book 3 or more of these shows and make great savings:
Treasure Island | Pig Heart Boy | The Smeds & Smoos | The King’s Speech | Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell | Breaking The Code | Bat Out of Hell | Top G’s Like Me

Horrible Histories – Awful Egyptians
2025-04-19 14:00 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP

Murder, She Didn’t Write
2025-04-16 14:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure.
They’ll create a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this ingenious improvised comedy. You, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. At each show this extraordinarily talented company use audience suggestions to create a unique, original and extremely comical murder mystery just for you. All you have to do… is solve it!
Ms Gold poisoned at a synchronised swimming gala? Dr Blue exploded by cannon during a hot air balloon race? Professor Violet crushed to death at a Love Island recoupling? You decide!
But will you guess whodunnit before the killer is revealed?

Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
2025-04-12 20:30 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
? Dearest Reader, Lady Whistledown has already given her verdict: the event of the season is here! Join us for a magical live music performance with Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings in Northampton. Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, listen to your favourite melodies from Shondalandâ€™s ‘Bridgerton’ series on Netflix, reimagined by a talented string ensemble. Ready to make amazing memories? Get your tickets today!
General Info
? Venue: Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
? Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
? Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
? Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
? Accessibility: the venue is wheelchair accessible
? View the FAQs for this event here
? Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
?? If you would like to book a private concert (30+ people), click here
? Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Northamption
? To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here
? Dear guest, there’s no strict dress code for this special occasion, but we encourage you to dress in your finest Bridgerton-inspired style!
Programme â€“ Top hits from the acclaimed Shondaland series on Netflix

Performers
11-April/ String Quartet â€“ Ensemble M
12-April/ String Quartet - 41 Degrees Quartet

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical
2025-03-22 14:30, 2025-03-21 20:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Following sell-out seasons in London and New York, the brand-new smash hit musical Cruel Intentions is coming to Northampton. Based on the iconic film and inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses, it’s packed with ‘90s pop classics including the songs of Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, R.E.M., Ace of Base, Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, *NSYNC and many more!
Step siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil engage in a cruel bet: Kathryn goads Sebastian into attempting to seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s virtuous daughter.
Weaving a web of secrets and temptation, their crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school. It’s not long before the duo become entangled in their own web of deception and unexpected romance, with explosive results…
The iconic movie set to the decade’s best songs is an irresistible combination and with over forty 4 and 5 star reviews, it’s the ultimate 90s night out.
Bill Kenwright Ltd presents
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical
Created by Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin and Roger Kumble
Based on the original hit film by Roger Kumble
Originally produced by Eva Price

Tambo & Bones
2025-03-15 14:30, 2025-03-13 14:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Tambo and?Bones are stuck in a minstrel show.
It’s hard to know what’s real when you’re stuck in a minstrel show.
Their escape plan: get out, get rich, get even.
AN ACTORS TOURING COMPANY, STRATFORD EAST AND ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON CO-PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH BELGRADE THEATRE, LEEDS PLAYHOUSE AND LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN
In this exhilarating, funny and provocative satire, Tambo and?Bones journey from comedy double-act, to hip-hop superstars, to activists in a future America, contending with the alarming repercussions of a nation torn apart by race.
Spanning 500 years of history, Tambo & Bones laughs through our past, blows the roof off our present and imagines an explosive future for our world and for theatre.
Tambo & Bones was one of the most talked about cultural events of 2023 when it received its UK premiere at Stratford East. Directed by Matthew Xia, this Made In Northampton co-production opens in Northampton before embarking on its first ever UK tour.
Join the Conversation – Post-Show Discussion with the cast and associate director.
Wednesday 12 March
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to engage directly with the creative team behind Tambo & Bones! Join Director Matthew Xia, Associate Director Dubheasa Lanipekun, Jesse Jones, Artistic Director of Royal & Derngate, and some of the cast for a thought-provoking discussion about the show, its themes, and the bold, satirical exploration of race, identity, and revolution.
Ask your questions, share your thoughts, and dive deeper into the conversation.
This post-show event is free for ticket holders of the evening performance on Wed 12 March. Spaces are limited, so book your tickets now to secure your spot!
We have a dedicated Sensory Space available to all audience members throughout the show. This quiet, low-stimulation area offers a place to take a break, decompress, or step away if needed. It features dimmed lighting, comfortable seating, and show-specific resources for Tambo & Bones. Our aim is to provide a calm and supportive environment so that all audience members can engage with the production in the way that feels right for them. Please ask a member of staff for directions.

Content warning
This satirical show contains?sounds of gunfire, strong language, repeated use of a racial slur, references to ethnic violence and war crimes,?and discusses themes some may find upsetting relating to race.

Pinocchio
2025-03-13 19:00 - 2025-12-21 19:54 | The Old Savoy â€“ The home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Anton Benson Productions return to The Old Savoy with their hilarious new Easter Pantomime… with no strings attached!
Join Pinocchio as he sets off on his adventure to Fantasy Island, where he hopes to learn right from wrong and fulfil his dreams of becoming a real boy. But will he follow his conscience or will the wicked Stromboli have other plans?
Starring Bobby Davro & Katie Price who will be joined by Kate Salmon, Ryan Greaves and Phyl Harries. There will also be a special guest appearance from Zippy & George from Rainbow!!
Showtimes 3pm and 7pm

Saba’s Swim
2025-03-08 14:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Seven months ago, Saba walked out of her GCSE mocks and didn’t come back. Her friends don’t understand why. Now, on prom night, Saba’s finally made contact, challenging her friends to track her down via a series of cryptic clues. But when the friends are finally reunited, Saba is different. The way she sees the world has changed. And what she’s asking of her friends… is it more than they can give?
This new play written by Danusia Samal, directed by Anna Simpson, and performed by the Royal & Derngate Young Company, asks probing questions about the responsibility of the individual in a troubled globalised world, as well as growing up, growing apart, and how far should you go for what you think is right.
The Young Company will also be performing Saba’s Swim as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival.

Content Warning: This performance contains flashing lights which may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
2025-02-01 18:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Fever ExclusiveTickets Selling Fast
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

? Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Northampton. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery under the gentle glow of candlelight.
General Info
? Venue: Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
? Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
? Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
? Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
? Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible
? View the FAQs for this event here
? Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
?? If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
? Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Northampton
? To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here
Programme

I Want to Break Free
We Will Rock You
Somebody to Love
Radio Ga Ga
Donâ€™t Stop Me Now
Killer Queen
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Who Wants to Live Forever
Bohemian Rhapsody
Love of My Life
We Are the Champions
Another One Bites the Dust
And more!

Performers

11-January / Sollar Music
25-January / Ensemble M

Our Man in Havana
2025-01-18 14:30 | Royal and Derngate Theatre, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
White Cobra return to Royal & Derngate with a 90 minute roller coaster comedy, full of colourful characters, and ideal for all ages looking for a fun evening. The play is adapted by Clive Francis from Graham Greene’s iconic satirical novel, which was made into a classic British film starring Alec Guinness and Noel Coward.
Jim Wormold, an under-employed vacuum cleaner salesman living in 1950s Cuba, is struggling to pay for his teenage daughter’s increasingly extravagant lifestyle. So when the British Secret Service asks him to become their Man in Havana he can’t afford to say no.
There’s just one problem: he doesn’t know anything! To avoid suspicion he begins concocting a series of intricate fictions. But Wormold soon discovers that his stories are closer to the truth than he could have ever imagined.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
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Venue:Royal

From Dock to Drop - Tour of Sessions House and Gaol Block
2024-09-15 14:00 | Sessions House
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From Dock to Drop â€“ Tour of Sessions House and Gaols Site
Step back in time with our exclusive tour of the historic Sessions House and Gaols site—a rare gem that stood as the heart of law and order from 1678 to 1992.
Tour Dates:

Friday, 6th September: 10:30am & 2:00pm
Saturday, 7th September: 10:30am & 2:00pm
Sunday, 8th September: 10:30am & 2:00pm
Friday, 13th September: 10:30am & 2:00pm
Saturday, 14th September: 10:30am & 2:00pm
Sunday, 15th September: 10:30am & 2:00pm

What to Expect:

Explore the Grade I listed Sessions House—a unique survivor from the past.
Discover the stories behind its magnificent decorative plaster ceilings, full-length Royal portraits, and the intriguing â€˜Iron Machine.â€™
Stand at the very site where executions took place, and reflect on the grim reality of justice served.
End the tour at the Victorian County Gaol, now home to the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

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This is not just a tour—itâ€™s an immersive experience where youâ€™ll walk in the footsteps of history, sit in the courts, and even face the hangmanâ€™s noose. All in just 90 minutes—and itâ€™s completely FREE!
Booking is recommended due to limited spaces. Call 07746 116569 or email museums@westnorthants.gov.uk to secure your spot today!
Meeting Point: Outside Sessions House
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Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness history come alive!
