Royal & Derngate - Autumn 2023 Season Brochure

What’s On AUTUMN

DRAMA DANCE MUSIC COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WORKSHOPS FAMILY SHOWS COMEDY MUSICALS

Access Performances

Please use the symbols throughout this brochure and the listings on page 61 for access performances this season. For more Access information at Royal & Derngate please see page 60.

Cover images: Shrek The Musical, Beverley Knight, Six, Bridget Christie

ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Fri 29 September 7.30pm

Smetana Overture, The Bartered Bride

Dvořák Cello Concerto

Brahms Symphony No.4

Conductor Domingo Hindoyan Cello Pablo Ferrández

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Fri 20 October 7.30pm

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra promises to take you to double-0-heaven with The Music Of Bond featuring West End star Alison Jiear and legendary singersongwriter Lance Ellington.

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Fri 24 November 7.30pm

Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Overture, Nocturne & Scherzo

Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations

Elgar Enigma Variations

Conductor Adam Hickox Cello Richard Harwood

Book 2 or more concerts and save*

Book 4 Concerts

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Sun 25 February 2.30pm

Beethoven Overture Leonora No.3

Haydn Cello Concerto in C

Dvořák Symphony No.9, ‘From the New World’

Conductor Shiyeon Sung Cello Zlatomir Fung

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Sun 19 May 7.30pm

Verdi Requiem

Conductor Adrian Partington

Northampton Bach Choir

Daventry Choral Society

*Please note The Music Of Bond concert is not included in this offer, Discount is applied when tickets are purchased in a single transaction

Save 20% Book 3+ Concerts

Save 15% Book 2+ Concerts

Save 10%

Members enjoy an extra 5% off

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Celebrating 40 years of Derngate

40 YEARS OF DERNGATE

Complementing our bumper artistic programme of shows and concerts, we are curating an inaugural exhibition, 40 Years Of Derngate. This exhibition will acknowledge the variety of acts to have graced the Derngate stage, those who have worked behind the scenes and the audiences who have filled the auditorium, using material from the theatre archive. Items will include rarely seen photos, programmes, press clippings, quotes and fun facts that pay tribute to Derngate and its history. Due to launch in September, the exhibition will decorate the Derngate foyers, whilst more information and content, including oral histories, can be accessed online.

GALA DINNER

Join us on this special celebratory evening to reminisce and look back at 40 years of our wonderful Derngate auditorium, whilst indulging in a delicious three-course meal. The evening will include music, entertainment and shared memories, all in aid of our Derngate 40 campaign. To purchase a ticket, please go to www.royalandderngate.co.uk/derngate-40

For businesses – If you are interested in sponsoring this event, contributing to our silent auction, or would like to make a donation, then please email our Development Manager Chris Smith via development@royalandderngate.co.uk

and then THERE WERE NONE

DIRECTED BY LUCY BAILEY

The best-selling crime novel of all time

Ten strangers are lured to a solitary mansion off the coast of Devon. When a storm cuts them off from the mainland, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear. “None of us will ever leave this island”

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, the best-selling crime novel of all time, will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Reuniting the creative team behind the smash-hit Love From A Stranger, director Lucy Bailey (Gaslight, Witness For The Prosecution) returns with UK Theatre Award-winning designer Mike Britton (A Tale Of Two Cities) to direct this spellbinding new production of Christie’s greatest murder mystery. For the first time in many years we are bringing a home-grown Made In Northampton production to the Derngate stage in this, our 40th anniversary year.

HHHH “GRIPPING ENTERTAINMENT” The Times on Lucy Bailey’s Love From A Stranger

HHHH “BAILEY TURNS THE SCREW WITH EVERY SCENE” WhatsOnStage on Lucy Bailey’s Gaslight

And Then There Were None © 1939, 1943 Agatha Christie Limited. All rights reserved. AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, AGATHA CHRISTIE and the Agatha Christie Signature are registered trademarks of Agatha Christie Limited in the UK and elsewhere. All rights reserved.

Prior to a major national tour

A Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Fiery Angel & ROYO co-production

Thu 7 – Sat 16 September

Eves 7.30pm (Wed 13 September 7pm)

Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm (Excl. Sat 9 September)

DERNGATE

Tickets from £15

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described

Touch Tour

Captioned

Post-show Talk

Recommended for ages 12+

Subscribe & Save! - See page 2

Director Lucy Bailey

Designer Mike Britton

Lighting Designer Chris Davey

Sound Designer & Composer

Elizabeth Purnell

Movement Director Ayse Tashkiran

Fight Director Renny Krupinski

Casting Director Ellie Collyer-Bristow

CDG

Relight Your Fire with this sensational new production of Take That’s smash hit musical Greatest Days

Greatest Days features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs, alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love and laughter from Tim Firth, the award-winning writer of Calendar Girls, that will make your heart Shine.

The musical follows five boy band obsessed best friends in the 1990s, who reunite over 20 years later to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Day of their lives.

Greatest Days stars Jennifer Ellison, best known as Emily Shadwick in Brookside and now returning to the stage after acclaimed performances in Chicago, Legally Blonde and Calendar Girls

Previously titled The Band, the show broke box office records and delighted audiences around the United Kingdom when it performed from 2017-2019.

Coinciding with the summer 2023 release of the movie of this smash hit musical, Greatest Days is sure to be a night out you will Never Forget.

Mon 2 – Sat 7 October

Eves 7.30pm

Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described

Subscribe & Save! - See page 2

‘TAKE THAT’S FEEL GOOD SENSATION REALLY IS BACK FOR GOOD’ THE SUN

More than a century on from the Armistice, Oh What A Lovely War remains a classic of the modern theatre and a powerful reminder of the atrocities of a war that cost twenty million lives.

Wildly satirical, visually stunning and deeply moving, Oh What a Lovely War is a theatrical experience like no other; a fusion of live music, movement, songs and sketches bringing to life the folly, farce and tragedy of the First World War. Now, more than ever, it holds a mirror up to the world and speaks to us all.

“ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE, AUDACIOUS COMPANIES WORKING IN CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH THEATRE” The Stage

Mon 2 & Tue 3 October

Eves 7.30pm, Tue Matinee 2pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17

Explore the wonderful world of colours with a curious little owl, who is determined to stay awake and see what daylight brings.

From the warm, pink glow of dawn through to a day filled with the bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, white clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow — ‘WOW!’. But despite the beauty of the daytime world, the little owl decides that the night-time stars are the most beautiful of all.

WOW! Said The Owl, the acclaimed children’s book by award-winning author, Tim Hopgood, is brought to life through a blend of beautiful storytelling, puppetry and music. Directed by Joy Haynes, this show will delight and excite very young audiences.

“WOW, WOW AND DOUBLE WOW... MAGICAL”

WhatsonStage

This production of WOW! Said The Owl is based on the book WOW! Said The Owl © 2009 Tim Hopgood, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, a division of Macmillan Publishers International Ltd.

Tue 24 – Thu 26 October 11am & 1pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £10

Ideal for ages 2-5

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENT

ANTONY LAWRENCE

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, the Broadway and West End smash hit Shrek The Musical is a fun-filled and hilarious musical comedy with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrek-tackular’ score.

Featuring the beloved Princess Fiona, the evil Lord Farquaad, a host of magical fairy-tale characters and fabulous songs including the smash hit I’m A Believer, Shrek The Musical is a “musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike”. With a star cast including Antony Lawrence (The Lion King, Mary Poppins) as Shrek, Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton as Fiona, James Gillan (Everybody’s talking About Jamie) as Lord Farquaad and Brandon Lee Sears (Dreamgirls) as Donkey, this is a perfect night out for the young, and the young at heart. The award-winning Shrek The Musical is guaranteed fun for all ages and will have you dancing and laughing all the way home.

Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire

Music by Jeanine Tesori

Tue – Sat Eves 7.30pm Wed, Sat & Sun Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

BSL Interpreted Audio Described Touch Tour

Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire Music by Jeanine Tesori Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions This show is presented by permission of Music Theatre International (Europe) and DreamWorks Theatricals

Directed by SAM HOLMES & NICK WINSTON

Choreographed by NICK WINSTON

Designed by PHILIP WITCOMB

Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions

What happens when the lights go out?

This thrilling new ghost story by acclaimed writer Torben Betts will thrust you into darkness and have you on the edge of your seats until the final chilling twist.

Are you brave enough for Murder In The Dark?

Starring TV and stage favourite Tom Chambers (Holby City, Casualty, Waterloo Road, Father Brown and Strictly Come Dancing champion) and produced by the award-winning Original Theatre (The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie, Alan Bennett’s The Habit Of Art).

More star cast to be announced.

“A KILLER THRILLER TO KNOCK EM DEAD” Daily Mail on Original Theatre’s Night Must Fall

“AN UNCOMMONLY TALENTED PLAYWRIGHT” Time Out on Torben Betts

Mon 16 – Sat 21 October Eves 7.30pm, Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £27

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described

Recommended for ages 14+

Subscribe & Save! - See page 2

Northampton Musical Theatre Company present

Book by Harvey Fierstein

Music and Lyrics by

Cyndi Lauper

Northampton Musical Theatre Company continue to build on the success of Calendar Girls, Made In Dagenham and Shrek, and are delighted to bring their fantastic new production of Kinky Boots to the stage.

With wonderful music by Cyndi Lauper, this tale about a struggling shoe factory, based on a true story, will lift your spirits and have you dancing in your seats.

NMTC are once again proud to be making the Derngate auditorium their home for Kinky Boots, coinciding with its 40th birthday year.

HHHHH ”AN INCREDIBLE EVENING” What’s Good To Do on Calendar Girls

Tue 24 – Sat 28 October Eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £19

BSL Interpreted

Recommended for ages 12+

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots. Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth.

amateur

with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

HHHH “MOVING STAGE ADAPTATION”

The Observer

HHHHH

HHHHH

The Stage

The Evening Chronicle

I, DANIEL BLAKE

Dan is a carpenter. A Geordie through and through. Just on the mend after a heart attack.

Katie has just arrived from London. Finally got a council house for her and the kids. A fresh start.

I, Daniel Blake is one of the most important stories of a generation. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens when the political system is stacked against you. With 14.5 million* people living in poverty in the UK, this is not fiction. It is reality. A touching and vital story of how people come together in the face of adversity and how sometimes creating a family to support you just isn’t enough. The show is adapted for stage by Dave Johns who played Daniel Blake in the award winning 2016 film.

*Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2022 Poverty Report.

Tue 31 October – Sat 4

November, Eves 7.30pm

Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described

Touch Tour

Captioned

Recommended for ages 14+

Subscribe & Save! - See page 2

Adapted from the film directed by Ken Loach, written by Paul Laverty, and produced by Rebecca O’Brien for Sixteen Films. A tiny dragon Productions and ETT co-production in association with Northern Stage. Originally co-produced with Birmingham Rep and Oldham Coliseum.

“AN ANGRY, DEFIANT HOWL OF PROTEST”

“STILL RAW, REAL AND RELEVANT”

Royal & Derngate’s artist support programme Generate, proudly presents the fifth festival dedicated to supporting emerging and established theatre‑makers in the East Midlands.

In November, artists are invited to present scratch performances and plays in development, discussions, workshops, one to one support opportunities and networking events. Each scratch performance will be followed by a Q&A session allowing audiences the opportunity to directly give feedback and support the future life of the work. We are very proud to have developed this festival with direct input from independent artists and to highlight some of the work by those on our Generate Associate Artists programme, as well as artists making new work across the region.

Mon 6 – Sun 12 November 7pm 7 Stories (sound installation) John Franklin’s

Tue 7 November 7.30pm Mental Underground

Wed 8 November 7.30pm Distance  Underground

Thu 9 November 7.30pm Landfill Of Memories Underground

Fri 10 November 1.15pm Band In A Van Underground

Fri 10 November 2.15pm What The Stars Saw Underground

Sat 11 November 7.30pm Purdah Underground

Sat 11 November 6pm & 6.30pm Conduction Underground

Sun 12 November 3pm Mr Edmund Underground

Mon 13 November 7.30pm This Is A Carton Of Orange Juice Royal

Sun 26 November 3pm Writing Doesn’t Have To Be Lonely Showcase Royal

Sun 26 November TBC Workshops With Writer Dawn King Underground

Further masterclasses and productions to be announced.

TICKETS SELLING FAST

HHHHH

“EXHILARATING ENTERTAINMENT FROM SIX KILLER QUEENS” Daily

HHHHH

“SMART. SASSY. I’D GIVE THIS RIDICULOUSLY FUN MUSICAL SIX STARS IF I COULD” Sunday Express

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Royal & Derngate, following its previous sell-out success!

Winner of the Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ and ‘Best Costume Design’, double winner of the Whatsonstage Award for ‘Best West End Show’ and a GoldDisk winning album, this Tudor take-off has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message’ (The Australian) and is ‘pure entertainment’ (New York Times).

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.

Think you know the rhyme, think again… Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE!

HHHHH “SIX IS A MARVELLOUS SHOW. A ROYAL TREAT” Daily Telegraph

HHHHH “THE MOST UPLIFTING NEW BRITISH MUSICAL I HAVE EVER HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO WATCH” Evening Standard

Tue 28 November – Sat 2

December

Tue & Thu 8pm, Wed & Fri 6pm & 8.30pm, Sat 4pm & 8pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £12.50

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described Touch Tour

WHITE COBRA PRESENTS

One of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time is coming to the Royal stage this year.

It’s A Wonderful Life has entertained generations with its heartwarming story of a young man whose life is saved by Clarence, the mysterious Christmas angel. In this version of the story, the actors of WBFR radio station gather in their Manhattan studio, Christmas Eve 1946, in front of a live audience to bring the story to life.

A true classic story bringing the Christmas spirit to everyone.

Thu 30 November – Sat 2 December

Eves 7.30pm, Sat Matinee 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £19

From our community

Subscribe & Save! - See page 2

You Are The Sun is a very first opera for babies and grown-ups that explores the magic of nature.

Combining the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play, it is an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be our guides.

Celebrate the gift of nature as we conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil in this magical musical adventure for 0-2 year olds.

HurlyBurly Theatre make playful theatrical experiences for babies and adults with classical singing at their heart. We make shows where babies are free to be themselves and grown-ups have a chance to relax, bond and play.

Tue 12 & Wed 13 December

10.30am, 12.30pm & 2pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £17

Recommended for ages 0-2

CELEBRATE STICK-MAS AT ROYAL & DERNGATE

ONLIVE STAGE

Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is coming to the Royal stage for Christmas 2023!

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog And The Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

HHHH “MORE FUN THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A STICK AT” DAILY MAIL

HHHH “ZESTY AND DELIGHTFUL. A CLEVER COMPELLING TREAT” THE INDEPENDENT

Stick Man © 2008 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.

Thu 7 – Sun 31 December

Times vary, see website

ROYAL

Tickets from £16

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

All ages welcome

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described

Touch Tour

Captioned

Relaxed

BASED ON THE BOOK BY

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL BOOK NOW FOR THE FAIREST PANTO OF THEM ALL!

Don’t miss this year’s hilarious, fun-filled family pantomime, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

Playing the dashing Prince Charming will be TV presenter, actor and Strictly winner Ore Oduba, while Coronation Street superstar Wendi Peters will play the Wicked Queen, with the hilarious and much-loved Bob Golding returning as our dame, Nurse Nellie. The Magnificent Seven will be lead by Sarge, played by Dean Whatton (Game Of Thrones).

The show will be written by Paul Hendy and produced by the award-winning Evolution, the same team behind last year’s smash-hit Jack And The Beanstalk and 2021’s brilliant Dick Whittington

With lavish sets, hilarious jokes and fun for the whole family... Hi-ho, Hi-ho it’s off to panto you go!

What’s

“5 STAR RATING IS JUST NOT ENOUGH!”

Good To Do HHHHH “ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!”

Toddle About “AN UPLIFTING TRIUMPH… STONKING GOOD FUN!” Beyond The Curtain

“HAD ME CRYING WITH LAUGHTER!”

DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END

A GHOST STORY

The Hit Play By DANNY ROBINS

Directed by MATTHEW DUNSTER & ISABEL MARR

‘A MODERN CLASSIC’

SUNDAY TIMES

The new stage phenomenon that has taken the West End by storm now comes to Northampton.

Winner of Best New Play at the Whatsonstage Awards, this edge-of-your seat, supernatural thriller is written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, and comes fresh from record-breaking seasons at five West End theatres with a host of acclaimed star performances (including among others Lily Allen, Cheryl, Stephanie Beatriz, Tom Felton, Jake Wood and James Buckley).

It’s a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear… What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?

Casting to be announced.

“A CRACKING SUPERNATURAL THRILLER” Time Out

Fri 5 – Sat 13 January

Eves 7.30pm, Wed & Second Sat Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £12

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described

Recommended for ages 12+

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running play. This thrilling West End production is the genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time… case closed!

As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst! Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself?

Now celebrating 70 years, The Mousetrap has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. Could you be next?

“THE CLEVEREST MURDER MYSTERY OF BRITISH THEATRE” The Telegraph

“A TRULY ENTERTAINING CLASSIC THRILLER” The Sunday Times

“DESERVEDLY A CLASSIC AMONG MURDER THRILLERS” The Observer

Mon 12 – Sat 17 February Eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described

Recommended for ages 7+

SLEEPING BEAUTY SWAN LAKE THE NUTCRACKER

Varna International Ballet returns for a new season in 2024, brought to life by magical special effects and accompanied by a live orchestra.

Sleeping Beauty: Every child’s favourite fairy tale, this is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. Stunning choreography, sumptuous costumes and wonderful sets form this fantasy world.

Swan Lake: The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

The Nutcracker: This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath.

Sleeping Beauty:

Thu 22 February 7.30pm

Swan Lake:

Fri 23 February 7.30pm

The Nutcracker: Sat 24 February 2.30pm & 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £22

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance, still lands with a bang-crash-thump. Together with his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, they tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu. However, Pearl’s uncle, the King, has other ideas about whether princesses should be doctors, and she’s soon locked up in the castle back in a crown and a silly frilly dress!

With a bit of help from some friends and half a pound of cheese, can Pearl make her uncle better and prove princesses can be doctors too?

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man) are back with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe for this truly modern take on the classic fairy tale.

Fri 15 – Sun 17 March

Fri 4.30pm, Sat & Sun 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £16

Recommended for ages 3+

The Kings of comedy, Le Navet Bete, return to the stage with a brand-new comedy for the ages. This hilarious retelling of the Arthurian legends, suitable for the whole family, will have audiences crying with laughter and become part of the legend themselves!

Camelot is in trouble. King Arthur knows that if he doesn’t turn things around, this civilisation will be forgotten, and be known as nothing more than a rather dull time in British history. But when three hapless squires approach him about changing that legacy… a legend is born.

“IF YOU ONLY SEE ONE SHOW…THIS IS IT.

EXCELLENT” British Theatre Guide on Le Navet Bete’s Robin Hood

Thu 25 – Sat 27 April

Eves 7.30pm, Sat Matinee 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17

Recommended for ages 7+

Subscribe & Save! - See page 2

WINNER OF EVERY MAJOR PLAY AWARD INCLUDING 5 OLIVIERS

Based on the best-selling book by Yann Martel, the five-star hit show comes to Royal & Derngate.

Winner of five Olivier Awards, including Best New Play, and three Tony Awards, the HHHHH ‘theatrical phenomenon’ (Telegraph) embarks on its biggest adventure yet.

Jaw-dropping visuals and world-class puppetry combine in a unique and ‘breath-taking’ (The Times) theatrical event that is ‘a wonder to behold’ (Daily Mail).

Life Of Pi is the hugely popular story of an epic journey of endurance and hope. Don’t miss the West End and Broadway spectacle on its first ever UK tour. “IT WILL MAKE YOU BELIEVE IN THEATRE. A TRIUMPH” Sunday Times

Tue 2 – Sat 6 April

Eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £15

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

BSL Interpreted

Audio Described

Made In Northampton On Tour

Many of our Made In Northampton shows go on to be enjoyed by audiences around the country after premiering on our stages. Unexpected Twist and Wuthering Heights have finished major national tours this summer and Mog continues to wow audiences. Don’t forget that our interactive experience Who Cares 2032 is available online now.

Also this season...

A bumper crop of comedy, tales of adventure, live podcasts, classical concerts, theatrical capers and top live pop - take your pick of the best entertainment on offer at Royal & Derngate this autumn.

Why not consider a Stage & Screen

Membership to gain access to a whole host of juicy benefits including priority booking and best available ticket prices?

Sign up at royalandderngate.co.uk

MARKUS BIRDMAN

Platinum

Sat 9 September 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £17.50 I 16+ June 5th 2021, I had a stroke. It was my second. I found myself in hospital, mid lockdown, with no visitors allowed. I’ve permanently lost half my eyesight. One night I went to the toilet and sat down on another naked blind man, already there. I was too blind to see him. He was too blind to stop me! So it’s not ALL doom! I have had a unique experience about a topic, often sniggered over, but I’m keen to make you laugh, but also to raise a little awareness. Well done me! (Ahem!)

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Markus Birdman has thundered back into comedy with his Edinburgh Fringe show earning him a nomination for the 2023 Chortle Awards.

“GRAB A TICKET. HE’S BRILLIANT”

Sarah Millican

An Evening with THE HOLLIES

Sun 17 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £34.50

Icons of British music, The Hollies have been entertaining audiences for over the last 60 years with their timeless hits such as Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress), The Air That I Breathe, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and Bus Stop

The band’s music has transcended generations and their live performances continue to captivate fans worldwide.

The line-up includes powerhouse drummer Bobby Elliott and singer, songwriter and lead guitarist Tony Hicks, both of whom are original members of the band. They are joined by lead singer Peter Howarth, as well as bass player Ray Stiles, keyboardist Ian Parker and Steve Lauri on rhythm guitar.

JORDAN GRAY Is It a Bird?

Sun 17 September 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £27 I 16+

Fresh off a sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, a historic performance at The London Palladium, a game-changing set on Channel 4’s Friday Night Live and a triumphant season at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, Jordan Gray returns to the UK to take on babies, boobies, bigots and Batman in this blistering music and comedy show.

After 10 years in the music biz (and a memorable run on The Voice), Jordan has suddenly become one of the UK’s most exciting and celebrated rising comics, recently winning the Channel 4 Comedy Breakthrough Star Award. Jordan has been featured on the BBC, ITV, Sky and Comedy Central, and recently had ITV commission a pilot alongside Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.

THE WONDER OF STEVIE

Mon 18 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27.50

The ultimate celebration of the genius of Stevie Wonder!

Award-winning vocalist Noel McCalla, saxophonist Derek Nash (Jools Holland’s R&B Orchestra) and their world-class band present a diverse catalogue of back-to-back Stevie Wonder hits including Superstition, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Isn’t She Lovely, I Wish, Sir Duke, Master Blaster and many more.

Featuring musicians who have previously performed with legends including Bill Withers, Amy Winehouse, The Bee Gees, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, Nile Rodgers, Martha Reeves, Chaka Khan, Jamiroquai, Booker T. Jones, Gregory Porter and Alfie Boe.

“BREATHTAKING” Sunday Times

“SPINE-TINGLING” The Guardian

YIPPEE KI YAY

Tue 19 September 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £19 I 14+

James Seabright presents Yippee

Ki Yay, an acclaimed retelling of the classic film Die Hard by Richard Marsh – a Fringe First winner, London poetry slam champion, BBC Audio Drama Best Scripted Comedy Drama

Award-winner and New York cop (one of these is untrue).

This joyfully funny show heads out on tour following rave reviews for its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe, which also won it a London transfer.

When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. This uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) pays affectionate tribute to the iconic ’80s festive fan favourite. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber superfans and newcomers alike.

Content warning: divorce, foot trauma, German terrorists.

MAGICAL BONES Soulful Magic

Wed 20 September 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22

VIP Package available

Following sell out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK, the Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with a brand-new show full of the most awe-inspiring and high energy magic you’ll see this year.

Direct from appearances on America’s Penn & Teller Fool Us, BBC1’s BAFTA Awards, ITV1’s This Morning and Sky’s Around The World In 80 Tricks

CUBE LOVE 2023

Wed 20 September 7pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

Returning to Royal & Derngate for their second year in a row, The Cube Disability Arts Academy presents Cube Love 2023

A show that has something for everyone from musicals, street dance and singing solos! Come and support all of our clients’ hard work as they take to the stage to share their hard work and amazing talent with you for one night only!

Set to be even bigger than last year’s production, this is a show you will not want to miss! Book early to avoid disappointment and spread the Cube Love!

TIM VINE Breeeep!

Thu 21 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27 I 16+

It’s Tim Vine and he’s back with a brand new stand-up show. Come and enjoy a mountain of nonsense, daft one-liners, joyful songs, wobbly props and ridiculous humour. (Plus utter drivel.)

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Witness the stupidity. Then leave. Switched on the Christmas lights in Cheam two years on the run. All tickets non-repundable.

SH!T-FACED SHAKESPEARE® Much Ado About Nothing

Thu 21 September 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £26 I 16+

“I do love nothing in the world so well as BOOZE – is not that strange?”

FASCINATING AÏDA

The 40th Anniversary Show!

Fri 22 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £30.75 I 14+

NC JAZZ

Art Themen’s New Directions

Fri 22 September 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17

Celebrating 40 years on the road in 2023, Dillie, Liza and Adèle, Britain’s raciest and sassiest musical cabaret trio, are bringing their brand-new show to Northampton.

Much Ado About Nothing

Stumbling out of their London local (Leicester Square Theatre) and straight onto a UK-wide theatre crawl, hoping to not get BARD along the way, Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® go on tour with an all new production of their hit show

Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® is the classic combination of a hackedto-bits Shakespeare script, half a dozen professional actors and a bucket load of booze! Sounds classical to us.

Warning: Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® is an adult show for big sensible grownups and therefore contains rude stuff!

Fascinating Aïda have racked-up millions of internet followers, performed in the world’s most prestigious venues and been showered with awards and plaudits since they sashayed onto the scene back in 1983.

Uniquely charming, with diamondsharp satire, filthy, hilarious and outrageous, this indomitable trio are still the mistresses of their craft.

Marking this astonishing milestone, the show will feature much-loved favourites and some wickedly hilarious new songs.

Art Themen formed this new band to showcase some of jazz’s lesser known gems from composers such as Thelonious Monk, bringing musicality to material that you wouldn’t normally hear. It reflects his desire for a fresh though accessible examination of this music and the additional firepower of compositions by Messrs Williams, Somogyi and Fishwick add further variety to the repertoire.

The band’s stellar lineup includes pianist Gareth Williams, trumpeter Steve Fishwick, bassist Arnie Somogyi and drummer

Winston Clifford.

“A COLLECTIVE THAT MIGHT STAND COMPARISON WITH ANY IN THE WIDER WORLD OF JAZZ”

The Guardian

GYLES BRANDRETH Can’t Stop Talking

Sat 23 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

He’s back – and he’s unstoppable. Gyles Brandreth just Can’t Stop Talking. The jumper-loving This Morning star, who keeps popping up on Pointless, QI, Would I Lie To You?, Sunday Brunch and The One Show, has been burbling and babbling since he was a baby, and in his hilarious new one-man show the award-winning raconteur (and holder of the world record for the longest-ever after-dinner speech – 12 and a half hours!) is trying to work out why.

What’s it all about? He’s going to tell you – because this is his life story: a roller-coaster of tales and revelations from his unlikely life in showbusiness and politics. There will be surprises too when the audience spins a wheel to decide what he’s going to talk about next.

SEANN WALSH Back From The Bed

Sat 23 September 8pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17 I 14+

Hello, Seann here. Did you know that comedians have to write their own blurb? I find that absolutely insane. What am I meant to say?

“I’m fantastic, come and look at me talk?” I don’t know. It’s me. I do stand-up.

I guess I can start with the fact I renamed the tour. Sticking with Same Again? felt a bit triggering after the year we’ve had. So it is now called Back From The Bed Some of the material will be the same as I had always planned and some of it will be new because it will be difficult to avoid mentioning the last year in which millions of decent people tragically lost their lives to TikTok.

The previous leg of this tour got a lot of standing ovations, which was pleasing. Either that or they were leaving early.

MORGAN & WEST’S MASSIVE MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS!

Sun 24 September 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £14 I 5+

Roll up, roll up! Morgan & West are back with a massive magic show for kids (and their childish grown-ups)!

Expect gawps, gasps, and guffaws in this relentlessly funny and fantastical magic filled extravaganza, guaranteed to delight those aged five and 105, and indeed everyone inbetween!

This brand new magic show is full of Morgan & West’s trademark wit, whimsy and wall-to-wall silliness. Conjuring capers, mysterious magic tricks, larger than life laughs and fantastic facial furniture are all crammed into one hour of non-stop fun for all the family.

HHHH “SUPERBLY CRAFTED”

The Stage

40 years of Derngate GALA DINNER

Sun 24 September 7pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £120 per person or £1000 for table of 10

MARK SIMMONS Quip Off The Mark

Wed 27 September 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £19 I 16+

As seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of oneliners’ Mark Simmons brings his brand-new show on the road.

Mark recently joined Dara Ó Briain and Hugh Dennis on BBC2’s Mock The Week as a semi-regular on the show and now brings you his hotly-anticipated show Quip Off The Mark. He’s also been appearing on BT Sport’s DIY Pundit and The Rugby’s On

This isn’t your average one-liner show as there is the running theme throughout. This year Mark’s parents have sold the house he grew up in and has to collect his box of stuff from the loft. Come discover what’s in the box in this top-level one-liner show structured in a way you’ve never seen before.

“THE QUICKEST QUIPSTER IN SHOWBUSINESS” Evening Standard

Join us on this special celebratory evening to reminisce and look back at 40 years of our wonderful Derngate auditorium, whilst indulging in a delicious three-course meal. The evening will include music, entertainment and shared memories, all in aid of our Derngate 40 campaign.

To purchase a ticket, please go to www.royalandderngate.co.uk/derngate-40.

MIRIAM MARGOLYES

Oh Miriam! Live

Tue 26 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £37 I 16+

SOLD

OUT

Join us for an unforgettable adventure through the extraordinary life and strong opinions of Miriam Margolyes, live on stage in her biggest tour yet to mark the launch of her new book.

BAFTA-winning actor, voice of everything from Monkey to the Cadbury’s Caramel Rabbit, creator of a myriad of unforgettable characters from Lady Whiteadder to Professor Sprout, Miriam is one of the most recognisable actresses working today.

From being escorted off the Today programme (for saying what we were all thinking) to declaring her love to Vanessa Redgrave, she is our most loved and most outspoken national treasure – and Oh Miriam! takes you both inside her head and her heart.

JIMMY CARR

Terribly

Wed 27 September 8pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £34.50 I 16+

Star of the UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021, Jimmy Carr returns.

Jimmy’s show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love.

But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things.

Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo.

Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket.

Please note this is the same show that was performed on Fri 19 May.

PHIL WANG Wang In There, Baby!

Thu 28 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £26.50 I 16+

Hot off the heels of his criticallyacclaimed Netflix special, David Letterman appearance, and role on Life & Beth with Amy Schumer, Phil Wang is bringing a brand new stand-up show to venues nationwide.

He’s chatting race, family, nipples, and everything else that’s been going on in his Philly little life.

IVO GRAHAM Organised Fun

Thu 28 September 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £18 I 16+

After dismantling a barge, doxxing himself in the Doubletree and blanking on the 1992 Ipswich Town crest, Ivo Graham (Taskmaster, Off Menu, University Challenge) ropes his audience into more chaos against the clock.

“Humiliation’s your thing, right?” his brother asked him at Christmas, and, with the full existential ramifications of that still being processed, he’s lining up a show with more risk than ever before (NB: previous shows have broadly been quite low risk). Expect quizzes, tangents and fluster.

Funny 2.0

AXEL BLAKE In Style

Fri 29 September 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22 I 16+

Britain’s Got Talent 2022 winner

Axel Blake is heading out on the road with his new show In Style

From the wilds of Dunstable, Axel Blake arrived on the country’s living room screens in style as Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent. His observational comedy paired with his witty charm captivated the audience propelling him to be crowned 2022 Champion of the hit show.

Axel is continuing to chase his dreams. Fresh from appearing on the 2022 edition of the Royal Variety Show he is on the road with his first ever national tour –Axel Blake is coming to your town – In Style

SCREAMING BLUE MURDER COMEDY CLUB

Doors 7.45pm, Show 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £13.50 I 16+

Line

Fri 29 September

Lost Voice Guy

Jenny Collier

Finlay Christie

Fri 20 October

Mark Maier

Sharon Wanjohi

Stefano Paolini

Fri 24 November

Steve Day

Harriet Dyer

Sol Bernstein

Fri 15 December

Darius Davies

Erika Ehler

Michael Legge

Royal Liverpool

Philharmonic Orchestra

BRAHMS

SYMPHONY NO.4

Fri 29 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

Smetana Overture, The Bartered Bride

Dvořák Cello Concerto Brahms Symphony No.4

Conductor Domingo Hindoyan

Cello Pablo Ferrández

The bridge is love: far from his homeland, Dvořák heard of the death of his childhood sweetheart and poured his heart and soul into a Cello Concerto that burns with sorrow, tenderness and beauty.

The fabulous Pablo Ferrández joins forces with Domingo Hindoyan in a concert that begins under the summer skies of Smetana’s joyous Czech comedy and ends in heroic style with the mighty final symphony by Dvořák’s greatest musical friend – Johannes Brahms

JOHN ROBINS Howl

Sat 30 September 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £23.50 I 16+

Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning comedian and ARIA awardwinning broadcaster John Robins embarks on his first stand-up tour since 2019.

If you’ve seen him before you know what to expect; rage, anxiety and a lot of laughs. If you haven’t seen him before, strap in.

BABATUNDE ALÉSHÉ

Babahood

Sun 1 October 8pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17 I 16+

Join the multi-award-winning star of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Gogglebox as he talks family and fatherhood in this highly anticipated debut tour.

A powerhouse performer, his stand up presents a hilariously fresh perspective, oozing charisma whilst showcasing impeccable stagecraft and comic timing.

A firm TV favourite, the hugely popular award-winning comedian, actor and podcaster has appeared in shows including Guessable (Comedy Central), House Of Games (BBC), Sorry I Didn’t Know (ITV), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains (Comedy Central), Comedians Giving Lectures (Dave) as well as a cast regular in the BAFTA-nominated Celebrity Gogglebox (C4).

KAE KURD Kurd Immunity

Fri 6 October 8pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £20 I 16+

After his sell out debut tour

The Spoken Kurd, one of the UK’s fastest rising comedy stars returns in 2023 with a brand new show Kurd Immunity

Smart, sharp and brilliantly funny, Kae Kurd is making a serious name for himself. Fresh from hosting Live At The Apollo and voicing of ITV’s smash hit series Loaded In Paradise, join Kae as he guides us through his hilarious journey of trying to be the best man he can be. As seen on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Comedy Central.

HHHH “SOON TO BE A HOUSEHOLD NAME” Evening Standard

HHHH“THE SELL-OUT CROWD ARE HOOKED. WE’RE A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE” The Herald

CRIMES ON CENTRE COURT

Wed 4 & Thu 5 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £24

Subscribe & Save! - See page 2

Lord Knows, the chair of The Whombledun International Invitational Tennis Tournament, has died and his son, Hugh, is suspicious. The police won’t take the case so Hugh calls in Perry & Penny Pink, private investigators.

What transpires has all the hallmarks of multi-award-winning New Old Friends particular brand of theatrical hilarity: a cast of four performers play countless characters with quick-fire changes and quicker wits. Expect mirth, murder and mayhem, with a side of tennis.

Crimes On Centre Court, based on a story from the award-winning podcast (#2 in iTunes fiction chart), toured to great acclaim in 2021 and is an ace of a show which you’re sure to (fifteen) love.

RISE OF THE EMPRESS

Sat 7 & Sun 8 October 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £11

Two women explore the impact of the Black Lives Matter experience and the realities of being Black and British; using storytelling with emotion.

Rise Of The Empress goes beyond theatre and into the realms of transformation and empowerment. Written and starring Sharon De Leonardis (CEO of SpectaculARTS) and independent artist and acclaimed anti-racism author Nairobi Thompson, this show skillfully challenges societal norms around race, whilst providing an unforgettable evening of education, inspiration, laughter and music, leading to a collective ‘call to action’.

All performances will be followed by a Q&A session.

CARA DILLON Coming Home

Sat 7 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £26

Few singers are as celebrated and revered as Cara Dillon. Known for her captivating live performances she seldom fails to leave audiences spellbound.

Ahead of an official release in 2024, this autumn sees Cara unveiling Coming Home, her first new material in almost six years, in which she effortlessly blurs the lines between spoken word and song to stunning effect.

Skilfully interspersed with songs from her catalogue throughout the set, join Cara and her band as she shares this truly unique and inspiring collection accompanied by original music written by Sam Lakeman. This will be a very special opportunity to experience a revealing and emotive performance by this internationally acclaimed singer – not one to miss!

UPFRONT COMEDY SLAM

Sun 8 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £13.50 I 16+ Comedy’s Don Curtis Walker headlines this Autumn comedy special.

The evening also features comedy livewire Anette Fagon and guests. Hosted by comedian turned Teletubbie John Simmit.

AN EVENING WITH HARRY REDKNAPP

Sun 8 October 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £39.50

VIP Package available

After a sell-out two years of touring in over 60 venues, Harry Redknapp returns to regale us with stories from his football and TV career.

Once again featuring Terry, your host for the evening and the ever popular Noel Brodie as question master, this entertaining evening is one of the funniest, most entertaining talk shows on the circuit.

PETE FIRMAN

TrikTok

Wed 11 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £18

With over 175 million online views and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete Firman is firmly established as the UK’s top comedy magician. You may have seen him on ITV1’s Tonight At The London Palladium and The Next Great Magician, BBC1’s The Magicians, The John Bishop Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme, or caught one of his massively popular viral videos on social media.

Pete is an award-winning performer who is not to be missed live. Expect an evening of jaw-dropping magic and laugh-out-loud comedy. TrikTok takes Pete’s magic from the small screen to the stage and gives audiences a chance to see his critically-acclaimed magical skills in the flesh.

DO I LOVE YOU?

By John Godber

Mon 9 & Tue 10 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17

Join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this hilarious comedy as they develop a love for Northern Soul. What started as a college project has grown into a passion. Far beyond their home city of Hull our trio find excitement, purpose and the tribe they’ve been looking for. Now they can’t get enough; from Brid Spa to Stoke, from Northampton to the Tower Ballroom our young soulies are determined to keep the faith!

This is Northern Soul for a new generation, but with rising costs, unemployment, and small town blues, has anything really changed? Is this England 1973 or 2023? The pubs are closing and strikes are everywhere; but when you’re out on the floor...

So spread the talc and grab your loafers, our trio are heading for a weekender!

PAUL ZERDIN Puppetman

Thu 12 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22 I 14+

The America’s Got Talent winner is back with a brand-new comedy show for 2023. Join Paul Zerdin and an array of ‘funny and sharp-tongued’ (The Observer) creations including Sam, Albert, Baby, Roger the bodyguard and an urban fox, as he takes to the road with a show which promises that ‘when you are not laughing, you will simply be left in awe’ (Three Weeks).

As seen on Lost Voice Guy’s Christmas Comedy Club (ITV), Michael McIntyre’s Big Show (BBC1), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), and Tonight At The London Palladium (ITV).

THE MISTAKE

Fri 13 & Sat 14 October 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £13 Post-show Q&A

One of the successes at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this urgent new play by Michael Mears explores the events surrounding the catastrophic ‘mistake’ that launched our nuclear age. 1942. On a squash court in Chicago a dazzling scientific experiment takes place, which three years later will destroy a city and change the world – forever.

Michael Mears and Riko Nakazono enact the compelling stories of a brilliant Hungarian scientist, a daring American pilot and a devoted Japanese daughter.

Rosamunde Hutt directs this fastmoving drama about the dangers that arise when humans dare to unlock the awesome power of nature.

HHHH “THE PAST COMES ALIVE; A GRIPPING PIECE OF STORYTELLING“ The Times

ROSIE JONES Triple Threat

Fri 13 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17 I 16+ BSL Interpreted

Rosie Jones is on the road for a UK tour and, boy, she is excited. Join Rosie as she ponders whether she is a national treasure, a little prick, or somewhere in between!

This show is guaranteed to be full of unapologetic cheekiness, nonsensical fun and unadulterated joy from the triple threat herself. Best known for her hit travel series’ Trip Hazard and Mission: Accessible, and for numerous appearances on shows such as The Last Leg, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Hypothetical, Mock The Week, The Ranganation and Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back to name just a few!

TOM STADE

Natural Born Killer

Sat 14 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £20.50 I 16+

The legendary Canadian superstar returns with a killer new hour!

A master of his craft; unabashed and mischievous with an inate ability to connect to audiences. This is a show for iGens, Millennials, Gen Xs, Baby Boomers and beyond.

Join Tom Stade as he toys with the complexities of our everchanging world; muses on societal conundrums and navigates his way around progressiveness and pronouns – not to mention 27 years of marriage and adult kids who refuse to respect him (and like to remind him just how dumb they think he is).

Serially hilarious, he’s wowed sellout audiences across the UK for the past two decades and remains one of the most compelling and instinctive stand-ups around.

BRIDGET CHRISTIE

Who Am I?

Sun 15 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22 I 16+

Bridget Christie is hot, but not in a good way. The 51 year old critically-acclaimed stand-up leaks blood, sweats, and thinks that Chris Rock is the same person as The Rock.

The Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning comedian cannot ride the motorbike she bought to combat her mid-life crisis because of early osteoarthritis in her hips and RSI in her wrist; and wonders why there are so many films, made by men, about young women discovering their sexuality, but none about middle-aged women forgetting theirs. It’s a menopause laugh-a-minute with a confused, furious, sweaty lady who is annoyed by everything.

HHHH “EXQUISITE” The Times

HHHH “RAZOR-SHARP” Telegraph

DIVERSITY Supernova

Mon 16 – Wed 18 October 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £32 Meet & Greet Package available Britain’s most-successful dance group, Diversity bring their brand-new family show Supernova to Northampton. Diversity took the nation by storm when they won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and have since sold out multiple tours, with countless television and live performances.

Supernova follows Diversity’s sold-out Connected tour in 2021, which combined playful, comedic routines with powerful statements on human connectivity. Big, relentless and energetic, the tour dazzled fans across the UK.

Book now to secure your tickets to this dazzling dance experience!

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Thu 19 October 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

International sensation What’s Love Got To Do With It? is back. The exciting live show celebrating the music of Tina Turner is getting back on the road with a huge tour across the UK.

In this exciting touring theatre show, audiences can expect a night of high energy with feelgood rock-and-roll featuring Tina’s greatest hits performed by the amazing vocal talent of Holly Bannis (Whitney - Queen Of The Night, ITV’s Starstruck) supported by a full 10-piece live band.

Audiences can look forward to hearing Tina’s most-loved classic hits including Private Dancer, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Proud Mary, River Deep, Nutbush City Limits, Simply The Best and many more

STEVE OCEAN

BACKSHALL

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra MUSIC OF BOND

Fri 20 October 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra promises to take you to double-0-heaven with this sensational concert!

Sat 21 October

Fresh from a sell-out Film Music Gala in February 2023, conductor Stephen Bell will take to the podium to lead you through a night of iconic theme songs and thrilling Bond anthems.

Highlights to include: Goldfinger, Licence To Kill

, You Only Live

Twice, Thunderball, Diamonds Are Forever, Live And Let Die, From Russia With Love, Casino Royale, Spectre and many more.

Featuring star of Britain’s Got Talent and the West End Alison Jiear and legendary singersongwriter Lance Ellington, this is a night you will want to re-live at least twice!

love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas.

Stunts, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV, will all help Steve to bring the icons of the Big Blue to life. From great whites to great whales, seals to sardine shoals, orca to the oddities of the deep: this is a fantastic opportunity for fans of all ages to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves.

A must-see for all the family!

ALFIE BROWN

Red Flags Galore!

Sat 21 October 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £18 I 16+

In his new show, award-winning comedian Alfie Brown is showing signs that he probably can’t have a healthy relationship and proceeding down the road with him would be emotionally dangerous. But what are these signs?

Alfie Brown is the most hated man in an internet forum that he is not even the main subject of. But perhaps reading the worst things about yourself can be an educational experience? Is the digital age turning us bad, or is it merely shining a light on the bad previously unseen?

PROJECT DICTATOR (Or Why Democracy Is Overrated And I Don’t Miss It At All)

Thu 26 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £14 I 12+

Their choice? To die onstageor off it.

Beautiful and bonkers - it’s the clown show about totalitarianism we never knew we needed.

Informed and inspired by conversations with international artists living under authoritarian regimes.

Rhum + Clay return after 2019’s smash hit The War Of The Worlds and 2018’s The Stage Awardwinning Mistero Buffo.

HHHHH “VIVID, ATHLETIC AND SENSATIONAL... DESPERATELY MOVING” WhatsOnStage

HHHH “POWERFULLY RESONANT POLITICAL COMEDY... DECEPTIVELY PLAYFUL” The Stage

NC JAZZ Alison Neale/ Colin Oxley Quartet

Fri 27 October 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £14.50

American born altoist Allison Neale’s beautifully crafted lines evoke the spirit of Paul Desmond and Art Pepper with whom she has a particular affinity.

For this special project Alison joins forces with guitarist Colin Oxley to recreate the magical pairing of Paul Desmond, best known for his long standing association with Dave Brubeck, and Jim Hall, guitarist with Sonny Rollins. Drawing from these influences, they explore their own unique musical partnership, while staying true to the nature of the original recordings, beautiful in their simplicity and elegance. They are joined by wonderful bassist Simon Read and superb drummer Matt Fishwick to complete the lineup.

TOM DAVIS Underdog

Sat 28 October 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £23 I 16+

Sweet sweet soul Tom Davis is best known for hit shows King Gary, The Curse, Murder In Successville, Live At The Apollo and his hugely popular podcast Wolf And Owl with Romesh Ranganathan.

Embarking on his biggest tour to date with his brand new show, Underdog, Tom will be exploring life as the longshot. From leaving school with no qualifications to years working on building sites, all the way to the difficult road to fatherhood, acting in blockbuster films and yet still being told he’s punching by a waiter.

Big Tom Davis’ return to stand up should not be missed.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

STEPHEN K AMOS

Oxymoron

Sat 28 October 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £20 I 16+ Oxymoron*

Luverly! Stephen K Amos is back with a brand new show, after treading the boards of London’s West End in the smash hit musical My Fair Lady, playing the iconic role of Alfred P. Doolittle.

What a mad couple of years it’s been! How did you get through it all? Stephen’s solution… find the funny. The opportunity in the crisis, the joy in the sadness, the wisdom of fools, after all comedy equals tragedy. Join him for an hour of solid jokes and guaranteed belly laughs. Fresh from a sell-out tour in Australia and the US and as seen on QI, Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome, The Project and Live At The Apollo. So what are you waiting for? He’s awfully good!

*A serious comedian

BEVERLEY KNIGHT

Sun 29 October 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £34.50

Beverley Knight has been one of the UK’s most consistent artists for almost three decades. Celebrating her incredible career over the years, her latest tour also marks her milestone 50th birthday. Back together with her live band expect a fun-filled night where she will perform all of her classic hits and fan favourites along with brand new songs.

Beverley said “I am so looking forward to finally getting back on the road with my band again! There is nothing like the energy of a live audience showing love in return for you giving them everything you’ve got.”

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

CARL HUTCHINSON Watch Till The End

Fri 3 November 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £17 I 16+

Carl Hutchinson is back with a brand new show for 2023.

After a mammoth 87 date run in 2022, Carl capitalised and got right to work to produce his best show yet.

If you’ve seen the Geordie in action before you know exactly what type of amazing night you’re in for. If you haven’t seen Carl, prepare to be dazzled by the UK comedy scene’s best kept secret. “ANIMATED DELIVERY OF UNIVERSALLY IDENTIFIABLE MATERIAL ALL TOLD WITH AN EASY, ENGAGING CHARM”

Chortle

“UNEXPECTED PUNCHLINES AND OCCASIONAL SLAPSTICK. A VERY CLEVER MIND AT WORK HERE”

Fringe Review

JIMEOIN The Craic!

Fri 3 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £21.50 I 16+

An hilarious evening of worldclass stand-up from live comedy’s internationally acclaimed Irish master!

You’ve seen him on The Royal Variety Performance, Live At The Apollo, Sunday Night At The Palladium, Conan O’Brien or perhaps online where he has clocked up hundreds of millions of views of his comedy clips... but NOTHING beats seeing Jimeoin live.

Award-winning, with a wide appeal and a cheeky, no-gimmicks and superbly observed sense of humour, Jimeoin has audiences in stitches across the UK, Europe, USA and of his adopted homeland of Australia. Catch his brilliant smash-hit show, Jimeoin: The Craic!, at Royal & Derngate.

MAXIMUM RHYTHM N BLUES

WITH THE MANFREDS

Sat 4 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £33.50

Join legendary pioneers of UK Rhythm and Blues, The Manfreds as they celebrate a remarkable 60 years in the business and see Paul Jones and Mike D’Abo on tour together for the last time alongside long standing members Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie

A massive part of the ’60s British Invasion, The Manfreds’ music still retains a timeless quality. The band defined a decade with their unique sound and hits including Pretty Flamingo, 5-4-3-2-1, The One In The Middle, Come Tomorrow, Sha

La La, Ha Ha! Said The Clown, Fox On The Run, Mighty Quinn and Do Wah Diddy Diddy, one of the most popular and instantly recognisable songs of the decade.

PIERRE NOVELLIE

Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?

Sat 4 November 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £15.50 I 16+

Before the plague and WW3 I was a chortling, apple-cheeked blacksmith and now I am a scowling wretch in a tattered cloak. The show is observational comedy for people who think they don’t like observational comedy. A mixture of high-brow and low-brow references from fivestar receiving, award-winning, hit-podcasting, Frank Skinnersupporting Pierre Novellie

Co-host of the hit podcast BudPod. As seen on The Mash Report, Stand Up Central and as heard on The Now Show

TWO MR PS IN A PODCAST LIVE The Show & Tell Tour

Sun 5 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £24.50 I 16+

Join the Two Mr Ps as they take their award-winning podcast on the road again with the ultimate show and tell lesson.

As well as sharing their own experiences and stories from the classroom, the Two Mr Ps will be telling some of the most embarrassing, cringey and downright hilarious stories from teachers all over the UK.

Audiences can also submit their own tales to be read anonymously to the rest of the class…

SIMON REEVE To The Ends Of The Earth

Mon 6 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £30.50

Author and TV presenter

Simon Reeve‘s unique brand of documentary filmmaking combines travel and adventure with current affairs, history, wildlife, culture and conservation. Now he’s returning to Northampton with new tales and his new tour To The Ends Of The Earth

This brand new show will offer stories, surprises, thrills, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs. He wants to nudge and encourage audiences to get out of their comfort zone, take a few gentle risks in life and embrace the great outdoors and the wider world.

With behind the scenes footage and stunning imagery, Simon will inspire and remind audiences that we all need more journeys in our lives.

REGINALD D HUNTER

The Man Who Could See Through Sh*t

Tue 7 November 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £26 I 18+

In these supercharged socio-political times the challenge is more and more becoming separating what’s true and what’s real. Lucille Hunter proudly proclaimed “It’s easy to see through sh*t, the hard part is pretending you haven’t.”

Join Reginald D. Hunter for an hour of exploring this phenomena in this progressive work in a pre next-variant world. As seen on Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown

KILLER QUEEN

Wed 8 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £29.50

Killer Queen have been performing their tribute to Queen’s concerts since 1993. Their expert musicianship, extraordinary energy and accurate portrayal of the world’s greatest live band have rightfully earned them the title of Queen tribute royalty.

Fronted by Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, Time Out described Patrick’s resemblance to Freddie Mercury as “Spooky,” his uncanny likeness was further proven when he recorded a number one hit single singing as Freddie Mercury on Fat Boy Slim’s record The Real Life

This quality, combined with a powerful 3 1/2 octave tenor range and dynamic stage presence, has captivated audiences the world over.

World Cup After Party THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE RUGBY

Thu 9 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £37 I 16+

The UK’s top sporting podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby is back on tour for a World Cup After Party, with hosts England Rugby heroes James Haskell and Mike Tindall, and former Sky Sports rugby presenter Alex Payne sharing their own World Cup stories and recapping the action from the 10th men’s Rugby World Cup in France this Autumn… In their very own, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby style.

The trio will take to the stage to recreate their trademark on-air banter, as The Good (Alex), The Bad (James) and The Rugby (Mike) share tales from on and off the pitch for what promises to be a night filled with surprises and laughter with audience interaction, fun and games.

RICHARD HERRING

Thu 9 November 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22 I 16+

Richard Herring is taking his critically acclaimed podcast, RHLSTP, on the road.

Richard has enjoyed phenomenal success as a writer and performer, and is an innovator in the world of podcasts. Join the “Podfather” (Guardian) and “The UK’s online comedy pioneer” (The Times) as he chats with hilarious star guests.

RHLSTP sees him interview top comedians in front of a live audience for his podcast but includes all the chat that is too controversial for broadcast! Previous guests include Stephen Fry, Michael Palin, Katherine Ryan, Dawn French, Stephen Merchant, Kathy Burke, Grayson Perry, Nish Kumar and James Acaster.

“HERRING IS A SUPERIOR COMEDIAN … HILARIOUS”

The Guardian

UNCANNY

JOOLS HOLLAND

I

Know What I Saw with Danny Robins

Fri 10 November 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £20

Do you believe in ghosts?

Are UFOs real?

Is the impossible possible?

Join Danny Robins, creator of the smash hit BBC Radio 4 paranormal podcasts Uncanny, The Battersea Poltergeist and The Witch Farm and award-winning West End play 2:22 – A Ghost Story, for the biggest investigation into the paranormal – ever.

In Uncanny: I Know What I Saw, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds and scares of brand new, real-life stories of the supernatural, from ghosts and poltergeists to UFO sightings and other strange encounters. Are you #TeamBeliever or #TeamSceptic?

Warning: This show will make you jump, laugh, think and question the very nature of reality!

Fri 10 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £48

Musical master of ceremonies Jools Holland and his much-loved Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are back and joined by special guests Pauline Black and Arthur ’Gaps’ Hendrickson of The Selecter.

Fans will be thrilled to hear that the show will once again feature the outstanding vocals of Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, as well as the highly talented Sumudu Jayatilaka, who joined Jools for the first time in 2022.

Together with the inimitable musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which features drums from original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, Jools Holland will be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career. With a catalogue that reaches through decades, prepare to enjoy the greatest boogie-woogie party in town!

ANDREW BIRD Taken Seriously

Sat 11 November 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £19 I 16+

Everything is taken so seriously now. If it’s going to be up to Andrew Bird to point out how ridiculous it all is then he’s willing to take that job on. From race and religion to deodorant adverts, being diagnosed with sleep apnoea, and people that have a flag on their house.

Andrew grew up in Towcester, Northants and the first comedy night he ever went to was Screaming Blue Murder right here at Royal & Derngate. He has since regularly appeared at the night himself and supported Rhod Gilbert and Rob Brydon here.

After his TV appearance on The Russell Howard Hour Andrew supported Russell Howard on a massive national tour. He has also supported Michael McIntyre on an entire arena tour including Wembley and the O2.

NORTHANTS SINGS OUT

Sat 11 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £20.50

The critically acclaimed Northants Sings Out (NSO) are returning with their annual, much anticipated, sell out show. Join NSO for a night of spine tingling, show stopping live music that must be experienced to be believed!

200 voices from the County’s finest, musically energetic and vocally unstoppable combined choirs, dazzle you with their charismatic, unforgettable performance. Featuring uplifting, popular songs from soul to pop, reggae to gospel, prepare to dance all night!

With musical accompaniment by a full live band, The Collective and led by nationally esteemed Choir Director, Gareth Fuller, enjoy an energetic performance that will make you smile and move for the entire evening!

Northamptonshire Music And Performing Arts Trust

YOUTH IN CONCERT

Sun 12 November 6pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £10 From Our Community

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust presents the first major event of the season, Youth In Concert, with performances by five award-winning senior ensembles of NMPAT: County Youth Concert Band, County Youth Choir, County Youth Brass Band, County Youth Big Band and County Youth Orchestra

SUZI RUFFELL

Snappy

Sun 12 November 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17 I 16+

Suzi Ruffell likes things snappy: her stand up, her decisions and her suits. Suzi’s brand new show is all about settling down (but not settling), becoming a mother (without becoming mumsy) and still worrying about everythingof course she is - have you seen the news?

Multi-award-nominated comedian Suzi Ruffell’s last tour, Dance Like Everyone Is Watching, received critical acclaim and was recorded as an Amazon special. Suzi has also appeared on numerous shows such as Live At The Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, QI, The Last Leg and Womanhood to name but a few. Suzi is also best known for her hugely popular podcasts Like Minded Friends and Out

“A CROWD-PLEASING SHOW PACKED WITH PUNCHLINES” Evening Standard

AN

EVENING

WITHOUT KATE BUSH

Wed 15 November 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22 I 12+

Howl with the Hounds Of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights!

She’s not there – but you are. Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the Stranger Things phenomenon, release your inner Bush and celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show.

Following its sold-out, critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe runs, two Soho Theatre seasons and 2020-2022 UK tours, this smash-hit, award-winning show is back!

Sarah-Louise Young and co-creator Russell Lucas pay glorious homage to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music.

White Cobra LILIES ON THE LAND

Thu 16 – Sat 18 November

7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £15

From Our Community

BSL Interpreted

Subscribe & Save! - See page 2

Lilies On The Land is an extraordinary piece of theatre telling the story of Britain’s Women’s Land Army of World War II.

Based on hundreds of actual letters with original Land Girls, the play focuses on four very different women who all come together during Britain’s darkest hour determined to “do their bit” for King and Country.

At times hilarious, at times heartbreaking, this story of some of the country’s unsung heroes is a wonderfully rich piece of theatre performed by award-winning Northamptonshire theatre company White Cobra.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY Christmas Show

Mon 20 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £28

That’ll Be The Day is back with another timeless rock ‘n’ roll Christmas Show, so get ready to kick off your festive season in the best possible way. Completely refreshed year after year, the show takes you on a seasonal, nostalgic sleigh ride through the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll and pop for an experience like no other.

Boasting the very best rock and pop classics, as well as all your favourite Christmas songs, expect nothing less than brilliant vocals and first-class musicianship, combined with hilarious comedy sketches and world-class performances. Guaranteed to lift your spirits and leave you wanting more, the That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show is the must-see show of the year.

THE ILLEGAL EAGLES

Tue 21 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £34.50

The Illegal Eagles make a welcome return to Northampton with a brand new production, promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship.

This critically acclaimed show features the very best from the Eagles’ catalogue of classics including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy, New Kid In Town, Life In The Fast Lane and many more.

The latest all-star line-up of the show, produced as ever by Phil Aldridge, features Tony Kiley (The Blow Monkeys) on drums, Trevor Newnham (Dr Hook) vocals and bass, Greg Webb vocals and guitars, Mike Baker vocals, guitars and keys and Garreth Hicklin vocals, guitars and keys.

SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK

The Rod Stewart Story

Wed 22 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27.50

Endorsed by Rod’s own family, Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Rod Stewart Story is back in theatres in 2023 with its hotly anticipated new production.

Direct from the West End, the show brings to the stage an incredible live concert celebrating one of rock music’s most influential icons, Rod Stewart, and takes you on a musical journey that spans six decades from humble beginnings in the R ‘n’ B clubs of the 1960s to world-famous rock sensation.

HHHHH What’s Good To Do

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

ELGAR’S

ENIGMA VARIATIONS

Fri 24 November 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra return for a performance of some of the most-loved classical music in the orchestral repertoire.

Regarded as one of the greatest orchestral works of the twentieth century, Elgar’s Enigma Variations continue to intrigue audiences, with its main theme hidden amongst a characterful set of musical dedications to the composer’s friends and loved ones.

Mendelssohn captures the wonder and wit of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream filled with fairies, mischief and, of course, love.

ANDY PARSONS

Bafflingly Optimistic

Fri 24 November 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £19 I 14+

As seen on Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Live At The Apollo & Mock The Week

“FOR THOSE WHO WORRY THAT WE ARE GOING TO HELL IN A HANDCART, PARSONS WILL AT LEAST MAKE YOU ENJOY THE RIDE” The i

“HYSTERICAL” The Mirror

“VERY FUNNY” The Times

“PUNCHLINE KING” The Guardian

“LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY”

Sunday Telegraph

HHHHH The List

HHHHH The Scotsman

HHHHH The Herald

“SURPRISINGLY RIPPED”

Rob Beckett

STRICTLY NORTHAMPTON

Sat 25 November 7pm

Junior shows 10am & 1pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £14

Join us for the 12th year of Strictly Northampton run by Step By Step Dance School

This competition will see local dancers take to the stage in this Ballroom and Latin extravaganza.

Leading up to this, contestants will be paired up with students from Step By Step Dance School for just eight weeks to raise money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity. A night not to be missed!

Join us at 10am & 1pm the same day for fabulous Ballroom and Latin dance from Dancing Schools UK Year 5 & 6 Northamptonshire.

RHYS JAMES

Spilt Milk

Sat 25 November 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £20 I 16+

Following a sold out nationwide tour, Rhys James is right back where he belongs: on tour around the country, with a markedly different schedule to Chelsea’s fixture list to prove he is not the footballer.

One of the final Mock The Week regulars and star of Live At The Apollo, Rhys’s previous tour sold out over 70 dates nationwide. Since then he’s released a third, ARIA nominated, Radio 4 series; starred in The Great American Joke Off for US network The CW; and been hurled through the air on a bungee cord by Micah Richards on A League Of Their Own Also seen on Richard Osman’s House Of Games (dressing gown, luggage, decanter), Celebrity Mastermind (The US Office, 3rd place) and Pointless Celebrities (wore a tuxedo, out in round 2).

SAM AVERY

How Not To Be A Terrible Parent

Sat 25 November 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £18 I 16+ (A comedy show for mums and dads.)

You’re a good parent, right?

You love your kids. They’re everything to you.

You make them eat vegetables and avoid petty crime. You read bedtime stories and don’t let them play with chainsaws.

So why the nagging feeling that you could do better?

In a world filled with bad advice, empty mantras and online ‘experts’, how do we celebrate the small victories of parenthood and stop ourselves from feeling truly terrible?

How Not To Be a Terrible Parent is the hilarious new stand-up show from award-winning comedian and best-selling author Sam Avery

WRITING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LONELY

Sun 26 November 3pm ROYAL FREE Writing Doesn’t Have To Be

Lonely was established in 2018 as a monthly happening for writers, allowing them to hear their work read by actors at an early stage in its development. The group, led by artist and dramaturg Dan McGarry, supports writers, actors and producers, as well as those interested in connecting with artists developing work in Northampton.

As part of GenFest 2023 (see page 13) this performance showcases some of the best scripts that have been discovered and presented during the monthly sessions.

NABIL ABDULRASHID

The Purple Pill

Sat 9 December 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £18.50 I 16+

A show about trying to be a good person while staying a badman. Join the star of Live At The Apollo for this “unapologetically funny” (Telegraph) exploration of empathy, morality and political contradiction.

As seen on Have I Got News for You, The Big Narstie Show, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Unapologetic “URGENT, UNCOMPROMISING AND REFRESHINGLY RADICAL FARE” Telegraph

“HIS SET – EDGY, THOUGHTFUL, BEHOLDEN TO NO ONE – RAISED THE ROOF” The Guardian

“DEFIANT AND FEARLESS” Metro HHHH Evening Standard

Coming Soon...

Fri 26 January 7.30pm

Tickets from £28

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sat 27 January 7.30pm

Tickets from £17

Let Me Entertain You

Sun 4 February 5pm

Tickets from £44

BAILEY

Wed 28 February 7.30pm

Tickets from £30

Basic Lee

Fri 1 March 7.30pm

Tickets from £27.50

Guv Island

Sat 2 March 7.30pm

Tickets from £32

SCUMMY

Greatest Hits

Fri 8 March 7.30pm

Tickets from £28

Thu 14 March 7.30pm

Tickets from £25

AURIE

Sat 27 April 8pm

Tickets from £17

THE ELO SHOW

STYLA

MUMMIES

STEWART LEE

THE ’80S SHOW

DR MICHAEL MOSLEY & DR CLAIRE

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM

AL MURRAY

GIOVANNI PERNICE

Get Together With Groups

Why not join us with a group of 6+ and take advantage of a host of benefits, including:

• Savings on ticket prices

• Extended payment dates

• No postage charge

• Free group organiser ticket for groups of 20+

• Pre-ordering of drinks and snacks

Make A Night Of It

Our bars are open from one hour before a show begins and are the perfect place to enjoy a pre-show or interval drink. Why not pre-order your interval drinks so that they will be ready and waiting for you at the interval? You can pre-order your drinks at any open theatre bar.

The main Foyer Bar offers a selection of beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Two further bars are open on busy nights, in the Royal Foyer and Derngate Circle.

The Theatre Shop is your destination if you have a sweet tooth, offering a range of confectionery, grab bags and ice creams. We sell a variety of flavours of Marshfield Farm ice cream, including plant based ice cream.

We proudly support local suppliers, serving Wharf Distillery’s English Single Malt Grain Spirit, Stonyfield Wine’s Sparkling wine, Phipps IPA, Saxby’s Cider and various flavoured gins from Warner’s Distillery.

Members benefit from a 10% discount at all our bars – just show your membership card when ordering.

Get Involved...

in being creative together... in developing new skills... with singing... with acting... with youth theatre... with your community... with inspiring artists...

THE ACTORS COMPANY

For those aged over 21, our non-professional Actors Company perform classic, contemporary and new work commissioned by Royal & Derngate. Led by theatre practitioners, members enjoy masterclasses in performance skills such as voice, movement and text, as well as working alongside professional directors to devise, rehearse and perform productions.

Email: erica.martin@ royalandderngate.co.uk

ROYAL & DERNGATE COMMUNITY CHOIR

Our resident choir provides opportunities to develop singing skills and be part of live performances. Members are diverse in terms of age, background and culture, but all share a passion for singing and performance. Explore different musical genres, increase your musical confidence and have fun singing with others. A great way to relax and boost your wellbeing through song. Email: rdcc@royalandderngate.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS ACTORS WORKSHOP

A supportive network for professional actors based in the region, providing professional development opportunities to develop your acting craft. Sessions are held at Silhouette Youth Theatre with monthly workshops at Royal & Derngate. For more information, please contact eastmidlandsactorsworkshop@ gmail.com

WRITING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LONELY

We are currently supporting writers and their development through the Writing Doesn’t Have To Be Lonely group led by artist Dan McGarry

This is an opportunity to develop writing skills, bounce ideas and share your work on the first Thursday of every month. To sign up or for more information, please contact danwmcgarry@gmail.com

DANCE ELDERS

A gentle but fun dance class led by DanceMind, specifically aimed at the over 60s that allows you to work at your own pace. It has the potential to change the way you feel by enhancing your confidence and self-esteem, and supporting you to feel better about yourself! As well as getting you fitter, the group offers a social support network of likeminded people.

There is also an optional 30-minute extension to the class, for those who would like to create a dance piece to perform to audiences. Sessions run on Mondays for 11 weeks starting in September.

If you would like further information about Dance Elders, please visit the Get Involved page on our website or contact tina@tinaheeley.com

Opportunities For Young People

NEXTGEN PROGRAMMES

Want to develop skills in non-performing roles? Then our NextGen programmes are for you! NextGen courses are currently running in Stage Management, Technical Theatre, Operations and Wardrobe.

NEXTGEN: ARTS LEADERSHIP

Suitable for ages 13-21

YOUTH THEATRE AND YOUNG COMPANY

Do you love acting and performing? Enjoy being creative? Want to develop your skills further in a fun and friendly theatre environment? Want to gain industry experience working with theatre professionals? Then our Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre and Young Company groups are for you! Weekly sessions provide a great way to build confidence and social skills, develop key theatre skills and make new friends who share your love of theatre.

SATURDAY YOUTH THEATRE

Act One suitable for ages 8-10

Act Two suitable for ages 11-13

Come and work with some brilliant professional theatre makers to increase confidence, express ideas, collaborate with other young people and explore theatre skills such as script-writing, developing characters and creating your own theatre. No previous experience required –just a playful, positive attitude.

MUSICAL THEATRE GROUPS

Youth Theatre Musicals suitable for ages 10-13

Young Company Musicals suitable for ages 14-21

Royal & Derngate’s popular Musicals groups are perfect for young people who love acting, singing and dancing. Members attend fun weekly sessions to develop key theatre skills such as acting through song, choreography, vocal technique and performance.

ACTING GROUPS

Young Company suitable for ages 14-21

Interested in developing your acting skills working with texts? Want to experience working with a director? Then sign up to our Young Company acting group and journey through character development, script work and methods of staging plays.

A unique opportunity for young people to work with arts professionals to develop producing, events management, marketing and leadership skills whilst designing and delivering their own social action arts projects. Gain industry experience, complete Arts Award qualifications and build your own portfolio of creative work.

NEXTGEN: ASSISTANT PRACTITIONERS

Suitable for ages 16+

Interested in supporting young people to get the most out of their experience and collaborating with theatre professionals? Then sign up to be an Assistant Practitioner and receive training, mentoring and practical experience that could lead to paid work. Perfect for anyone interested in a career working creatively with young people.

Terms usually run for 10 weeks and a limited number of free bursary places are available upon request. Contact getinvolved@ royalandderngate.co.uk for more information.

Royal & Derngate’s CreatEd programme offers a range of opportunities, resources and training programmes to support teaching and learning across all key stages.

As lead partner of the Northants Cultural Education Partnership, this includes digital resources providing young people, schools and communities across the county with information about local arts provision, valuable insights into career pathways and creative learning resources.

CreatEd activities and Northants CEP digital resources include:

INDUSTRY INSIGHT VIDEOS

Providing access to professionals working in the arts is an important part of Northants CEP’s mission and the Resources Page on the Northants CEP website has lots of digital videos to support young people, schools and emerging artists to explore creative career paths.

Recent Beyond The Stage Royal & Derngate videos include cast and creatives from Unexpected Twist discussing the process involved in creating a theatre production adapted from a novel and how beatboxing influences the sound design for the show. Take a look

at Royal & Derngate’s Unexpected Twist Beyond The Stage webpage or visit the Resources Page on the Northants CEP website www.northantscep.com to watch.

If you’re interested in creative industry careers or would like to contribute to our Industry Insights resources, then get in touch at getinvolved@royalandderngate. co.uk

BEYOND THE STAGE

Royal & Derngate’s CreatEd programme includes Beyond The Stage activities and resources that provide engaging and valuable insights into both Made

in Northampton and touring productions, enabling audiences of all ages to experience theatre on and off stage.

Activities include Unlock Theatre ticket offers, events at the theatre, school projects, creative digital work and online resources, all designed to engage young people in the process of making theatre.

Look out for Beyond The Stage pages in the Get Involved section of the Royal & Derngate website for activities and resources linked to previous Made in Northampton productions, including The Night Before Christmas and Unexpected Twist

JOIN US FOR THE VERY BEST INDEPENDENT, BLOCKBUSTER AND EVENT CINEMA IN THE COMFIEST SEATS IN TOWN!

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Northampton Filmhouse offers the discerning cinema-goer an affordable, unrivalled experience in Northampton.

You can expect a warm welcome every time you visit, then sit back in the comfort of luxury, reclining leather seats to enjoy a range of snacks and drinks while you watch the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream films. As well as live screenings, and the best selection of alternative content in Northampton, you can also enjoy early booking and discounts on concession with a Filmhouse Membership.

On top of our standard programme, our screenings include shows exclusively for parents and their babies, silver screenings for our more mature visitors, captioning, audio description and audio enhancement, and regular screenings of LGBTQIA+ cinema. You can even hire a cinema for private screenings, small conferences and presentations.

Just a small selection of the amazing films we have planned for this year. Our website is regularly updated with all the latest titles and more.

Mission: Impossible –Dead Reckoning Part One

Now booking: screening from 14 July

Oppenheimer

Now booking: screening from 21 July

Barbie

Now booking: screening July/August

Past Lives

Screening from September

A Haunting In Venice

Screening from September

Poor Things

Screening from September

The Old Oak Screening from September/October

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Screening from October

Dune: Part II

Screening from November

www.northamptonfilmhouse.com @NNFilmhouse

Access Information

ACCESS TICKETING SCHEME

We invite all access users to register as part of our Access Scheme. This gives you the opportunity to tell us about specific needs you have and to apply for free or discounted tickets should you need extra assistance during your visit. By confirming your requirements, we can ensure that your tickets and seating are taken care of, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the show. To request an application form please call the Box Office, email access@royalandderngate.co.uk or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk/access

ACCESS HOSTS

All of our Box Office and Front of House staff are happy to provide assistance, but there are also dedicated Access Hosts, who wear orange ties so they stand out from our Front of House team in the foyer upon your arrival. They have been trained to assist you to your seats via our lifts and ramps, to provide hearing loops, and are always happy to look after any support dogs while you enjoy the show. They will also provide assistance to patrons with additional access needs in the case of an emergency.

BUILDING ACCESS

Royal & Derngate has level access into the building and each auditorium, with wheelchair spaces in each and lift access to each floor (excl. Upper Circle).

In order to ensure we cater for individual needs we ask all those looking to book a wheelchair seat to call us on 01604 624811 so that we can ensure that these needs are met during your visit.

BROCHURE

Large print, audio and Braille versions of this brochure are available on request. Please call Box Office on 01604 624811

PARKING

There are a number of disabled badge holders’ parking spaces to the front of Royal & Derngate in Albion Place surface car park (NN1 1UD), and disabled badge holders can park free along Derngate (NN1 1TY) in permitted spaces.

TOILET & CHANGING FACILITIES

Accessible toilet facilities are available. Baby changing facilities are located on both our entrance and Underground levels. In addition we have an adult changing facility with hoist located next to Underground 1&2, accessible by lift; a RADAR key is required to gain entrance to this facility.

GUIDE & HEARING DOGS

Guide and hearing dogs are welcome and water can be provided. We also offer free “doggy” ice cream for all service dogs visiting the theatre for a performance. If you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, please let Box Office know when booking so that suitable seats can be allocated for you.

MOBILITY SCOOTERS

Should you need to use a mobility scooter to get to your seat, a staff member will be able to assist with a wheelchair we have for use in these instances. Scooters can be safely left outside the auditorium.

NORTHAMPTON FILMHOUSE

A range of Access Screenings are also available at Northampton Filmhouse. These include Audio Described, Dementia-Friendly, Autism-Friendly, Subtitled and Parent & Baby. All films now have Audio Enhancement available. To find out more visit www.northamptonfilmhouse.com/access

Please use the symbols throughout this brochure and the listings below for access performances this year. For performances after May 2024 please visit our website.

RELAXED

These specially adapted performances are provided for customers with a wide range of disabilities and for those on the autistic spectrum. There may be some small changes to the show in terms of lighting and sound but the overall content does not change. There is also a more relaxed atmosphere in the auditorium to reduce anxiety and ensure an enjoyable visit.

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Sat 30 Dec 1pm

Stick Man Sun 17 Dec 1pm & Thu 28 Dec 1pm

CAPTIONED

In these performances television screens on either side of the stage present the text as it is spoken onstage. And Then There Were None Wed 13 Sep 2.30pm

I, Daniel Blake Thu 2 Nov 7.30pm

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Tue 19 Dec 7pm

Stick Man Sat 30 Dec 4pm

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE (BSL) INTERPRETED

These performances are interpreted in British Sign Language by someone standing to the side of the stage:

And Then There Were None Thu 14 Sep 7.30pm

Greatest Days Wed 4 Oct 7.30pm

Shrek The Musical Thu 12 Oct 7.30pm

Murder In The Dark Wed 18 Oct 7.30pm

Rosie Jones Fri 13 Oct 7.30pm

NMTC Kinky Boots Thu 26 Oct 7.30pm

I, Daniel Blake Thu 2 Nov 7.30pm

Lilies Of The Land Sat 18 Nov 7.30pm

Six Thu 30 Nov 8pm

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

Sun 17 Dec 5pm & Thu 28 Dec 2pm

Stick Man Wed 20 Dec 1pm

2.22 A Ghost Story Thu 11 Jan 7.30pm

Giovanni Pernice Sun 4 Feb 5pm

The Mousetrap Thu 15 Feb 7.30pm

Life Of Pi Thu 4 Apr 7.30pm

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Thu 30 May 7.30pm

AUDIO DESCRIBED AND AUDIO ENHANCED

The following performances include Audio Description: And Then There Were None Fri 15 Sep 7.30pm

Greatest Days Thu 5 Oct 7.30pm

Shrek The Musical Wed 11 Oct 7.30pm

Murder In The Dark Thu 19 Oct 7.30pm

I, Daniel Blake Wed 1 Nov 7.30pm

Six Wed 29 Nov 8.30pm

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

Fri 15 Dec 7pm & Fri 29 Dec 1pm

Stick Man Sat 16 Dec 1pm

2.22 A Ghost Story Wed 10 Jan 7.30pm

The Mousetrap Wed 14 Feb 7.30pm

Life Of Pi Wed 3 Apr 7.30pm

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Wed 29 May 7.30pm

Sennheiser Mobile Connect

We are delighted to have introduced Sennheiser Mobile Connect, a Wi-Fi based audio enhancement system. This enables us to provide Audio Description for certain performances and Audio Enhancement all shows, which can be listened to using your own smartphone/tablet and headphones. Find out more at www.royalandderngate.co.uk/ sennheiser-mobile-connect

TOUCH TOURS

Before selected Audio Described evening performances, we hold a Touch Tour prior to the show to introduce our visually impaired audience members to the set and costumes. Spaces on these tours are limited, so please call Box Office to book your place. And Then There Were None Fri 15 Sep 6.30pm

Shrek The Musical Wed 11 Oct 6.30pm

I, Daniel Blake Wed 1 Nov 6.30pm

Six Wed 29 Nov 7.30pm

Stick Man Sat 16 Dec 12pm

Booking Information

BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS

Box Office telephone lines are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm. Our Box Office counter service is available Tuesday-Friday 12pm-6pm and Saturday 10am-6pm. If a performance is scheduled on Sunday or Monday our Counter will open no later than 1 hour before, and remain open until 15 minutes after the start of the last scheduled performance. If there are no performances we remain closed on a Sunday and Monday.

We encourage customers to use cashless payment options in order to reduce contact at our bars and Box Office. We accept all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can also pay with National Theatre Tokens or Royal & Derngate gift vouchers.

DISCOUNTS/CONCESSIONS

Under 16s, Over 60s, Students, Job Seekers and Disabled Patrons may be able to claim a discount on their tickets. Please let us know if you are eligible for a concession at the time of booking and note that at some performances only certain types of concession may apply.

• Stage & Screen Members also often make savings on our regular ticket prices.

• For selected performances an allocation of tickets can be purchased at reduced prices by Groups, who also benefit from extended payment terms and a dedicated team member to support their booking. For more information email group.bookings@ royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 620066

• Our Subscribe & Save and Orchestral Season packages offer reduced prices when booking for three or more shows – details on page 2 and 4.

• Only one discount can be applied per ticket and all discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.

• When booking performances that allow free entry for babes-in-arms, please inform Box Office how many you will be bringing. Age limits for free babes-in-arms tickets can vary.

TICKET DELIVERY

Tickets can be sent electronically free of charge and may be printed at home or displayed on a smart phone upon entry. There is a £1.50 fee applicable to post your tickets to a UK address. We recommend that we do not post any tickets booked within 10 days of the performance, and instead will hold them at the Box Office for collection and a £1 fee applies for this service.

TRANSACTION FEE

A transaction charge of £4 applies to all bookings of £20 and over, except for Members, Disabled Patrons and Group Bookers. This charge is only applicable per-transaction and not per-ticket. The transaction charge exists to support the running costs of Royal & Derngate. As ticket revenue is divided between many different parties, an increase in ticket prices may not necessarily benefit the theatre. By adding a transaction charge, we ensure that every penny goes directly to Royal & Derngate. We will continue to tell you about these charges when you book tickets with us.

CONDITIONS OF SALE

Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable except where a show is cancelled or postponed. Ticket exchanges may be offered for the same production on payment of a small per ticket fee. For sold out shows we will accept returned tickets for re-sale up to 24 hours prior on the understanding that a gift voucher (less transaction fees) will be provided if the tickets are re-sold. Any tickets found to be sold via an unauthorised agent may be void without refund and the ticket holder refused entry.

When booking, customers now have the option to add refund protection to their tickets via a third party provider, Booking Protect. This protects your ticket should you be unable to attend a show for reasons outside of your control such as illness. Please visit our website for full details on our conditions of sale.

STAYING IN TOUCH

Our Box Office and website will ask when you book if you wish to receive further information from us about Royal & Derngate’s events and activities. We will record your wishes and use them to inform what you receive from us in future. You can update these preferences at any time by accessing your account via our website or by calling Box Office. Full information on how we use your data can be found at www.royalandderngate.co.uk/privacy

Visitor Information

GETTING HERE

Royal & Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Rd, Northampton NN1 1DP

The Royal and Derngate auditoria and our Underground Studio spaces are all accessed via our main entrance. This is situated on Swan Street, off Guildhall Road. Two more entrances, situated on Guildhall Road and on Derngate, are in use for certain performances. The Northampton Filmhouse is located adjacent to Royal & Derngate in Albion Place and can be accessed from Derngate. Both venues are located in the centre of Northampton, approximately 15 minutes by car from the M1 and an hour from London by train. The postcode for SAT NAV devices is NN1 1DP. The train station is a 15 minute walk from the theatre.

CAR PARKING

The closest car parks are St. John’s Multi-Storey Car Park and Albion Place Car Park. See the map for additional car parks. There are also a number of pay and display on-street options available. Please don’t hesitate to talk to Box Office at time of booking if you have any concerns about your visit. For further information, including parking charges,please visit www. northampton.gov.uk/parking.

RESPECTING EVERYONE IN OUR SPACES

We have introduced a new set of guidelines to encourage all of our visitors to be respectful and have the best possible time while attending our venues.

BE AN ALLY – Everyone deserves to feel valued and supported. Racism, homophobia, and other hateful behaviours have no place in our society, and will not be tolerated in our spaces.

BAG CHECKS – These keep everyone safe. Please make your bags are available so that we can check these quickly.

ENJOY THE SHOW – Be considerate of the performers and the people around you. We love to see you enjoy the shows; it’s why we do what we do. However, if behaviours become obstructive or create an unsafe environment, we will ask that they stop.

FORGET YOUR PHONE FOR A WHILE –Switch to silent. Please do not take pictures or film during performances.

EATING AND DRINKING – Super loud or smelly foods are best avoided in the theatres and cinema. Please don’t bring your own alcohol. It will be confiscated and you can collect it as you exit.

WHAT IF I’M LATE? – We might ask you to wait a few minutes until there’s a good point for you to go in.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All details were correct at time of going to print. We reserve the right to make any alterations to the programme, performers, times, ticket prices and Box Office opening hours. All concessions are subject to availability and some may only be available for a limited period. All prices are subject to change. Proof of status will be required on the first purchase of a concessionary ticket and can be checked on any subsequent ticket purchase. Some events or performances may be advertised in the national media prior to publication in the brochure and this is beyond the control of the Management. For full T&Cs see www.royalandderngate.co.uk/terms-conditions

What’s On

For full Access Performance listings please see pages 60-61.

Join Our Business Club

Looking to put your brand in the spotlight and have a great night out along the way? We’ve got just the ticket. Whether you’re interested in staff recognition, client entertaining, or unique ways to increase your brand exposure, a business club membership is a great way to get involved!

To find out more, email businessclub@royalandderngate.co.uk.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEMBERS

STAGE & SCREEN MEMBERSHIP

Our memberships are designed to save you money and give you more. Whether you’re a theatre lover or film buff, there’s something for everyone, and with our Stage & Screen Membership you can enjoy the very best in entertainment from across both Royal & Derngate and Northampton Filmhouse.

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

Our Director’s Circle memberships give you everything from the Stage & Screen Membership and more! Get closer to the action at the level that suits you, all of which include a donation as part of the membership fee to help us continue our ongoing charitable work.

royalandderngate @royalderngate @royalderngate

Box Office 01604 624811

www.royalandderngate.co.uk