Christmas cheese and wine masterclass

Master cordwainer, shoe historian, and calceologist (shoe archaeologist) Brett Walker will introduce the topic of Northampton's renowned shoemaking industry during Britain's proto-industrial ascendancy in the global market, during an era when superlative-quality handmade shoes were still accepted as commonplace. Drawing on over 23 years’ experience as a traditionally educated boot- and shoemaker and professional historian, Mr. Walker presents an engaging look at what was one of the most common skilled trades in Great Britain. Highlights will include examples of shoes within the collection of the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, and previously unpublished information on contemporary calceology discoveries.

Steve Barratt from Liverpool University. The science fact and science fiction of black holes. Hoe are they formed, what are their properties and how can we observe them? what about tv and the movies? does Hollywood ever get it right?

Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group are thrilled to return to Royal & Derngate with their 69th Anniversary production, Ruddygore. Ruddygore is Gilbert & Sullivan’s well-loved satirical take on Victorian Melodrama, with a plot that has everything; ghosts, witches, curses, disguises, a wicked villain who tries to make off with the fair maiden, and of course love. Ruddygore follows the spooky goings-on in a peaceful Cornish fishing village, a painfully shy farmer, Robin Oakapple, trying to work up the courage to ask the beautiful Rose Maybud for her hand, a family secret that has the potential to change everything, and an ancient picture gallery brought to life to haunt its owner, much to the annoyance of the ancestral ghosts! Under the direction of Leon Berger and musical direction of David Chambers, join us as ‘the night wind howls’ to cheer the hero, weep with the heroine and boo the villain as we head to the peaceful village of Rederring, and Gilbert & Sullivan’s supernatural opera Ruddygore, presented in its original version.

A chance to see some of the best colour and mono images from the 2022 competitions run by the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.

Across the world, Sir Geoff Hurst certainly needs no introduction. He is a football legend who is still the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final. Sir Geoff made his name with club side West Ham United, with whom he made 499 league and cup appearances, scoring 248 goals. He was Player of the Year three times and won the FA Cup with West Ham in 1964 and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1965.

The Story of Swing: ‘From Bobby Darin to Buble’ Returning for the second year running, The Story of Swing is hosted by renowned singer/entertainer Gareth John with 20-piece big band, Jazz Colossus. The show takes you on a journey through the much-loved style of swing and big band music through the hits of Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, right through to modern day crooners such as Michael Buble and Harry Connick Jr. While Gareth is known for his top-class showmanship, having shared the stage with members of the Beautiful South, The Specials and many more through his career, he will be joined by some very special guests on the night.

After an incredible sold-out debut run, the man who asked us “do you ski?” is leaving his home in the Tower of London (for good). Catch him as he departs on a second triumphant tour across our nation armed with even more outrageous takes, unbelievable tales and biblical chat to leave you bowled over with laughter. Having amassed a loyal fan base of over a quarter of a million followers the multi-viral, social media sensation is delving even deeper into his ludicrous life as he tries to smarten up the not so honourable aspects of himself. Take a look at the pitfalls of online celebrity, the perils of post-palace living and find out, that in an age where everyone is so obsessed with the veneer of virtual contentment, maybe it takes crashing back down to reality to discover where happiness truly lies.

Live on Stage You’ve made it through the wilderness, somehow, you’ve made it through and now we’re never gonna give you up! Get ready as we bring you the biggest 80s party show to tour the UK! 80s Live!

Allergy performing at The Wig and Pen

Roy And The Saracens performing at The Wig And Pen