Royal & Derngate - Spring 2023 Season Brochure

Welcome

A big thank you to all the audience members who joined us over the last year!

We’re looking forward to our Made In Northampton season continuing in the spring with Michael Rosen’s Unexpected Twist, Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Shakespeare’s Henry V. Highlights also include blockbuster musicals The Cher Show, Jersey Boys and Strictly Ballroom and classic drama Quality Street directed by former Artistic Director Laurie Sansom. Before that there’s still time to catch our pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk and under 7s show The Night Before Christmas

In 2023 we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of our Derngate auditorium, built on the site of the old bus station in 1983, as a state of the art, ultimately versatile venue for the town. Presenting spectacular musicals, top comedians, pop and rock artists and world class orchestras, the space has also played host to snooker tournaments, fashion shows, award ceremonies and gala dinners, and regularly welcomes thousands of students a year for university graduation ceremonies.

If you experienced your first pantomime here, or witnessed Kinky Boots The Musical opening its first national tour, or saw now arena-filling comedians such as John Bishop or Tim Minchin playing here, or have proudly watched your children perform in a schools concert on the Derngate stage, you will understand the unique role that the theatre plays in our local community.

In this anniversary year, amongst the many highlights, we look forward to the relaunch of our Orchestral Season, starting with the return of the BBC Concert Orchestra, and our Made In Northampton production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, opening on the Derngate stage in September ahead of a major national tour.

We’ll also have another birthday to celebrate with Northampton Filmhouse turning 10 in June.

We look forward to welcoming you here soon.

Derngate

Directed by James Dacre

Anna

An

It

by David Lefeber

by Thomas Hicks

Get ready to TURN BACK TIME in this spectacular new musical! Pop goddess turned Hollywood royalty, the multi-award-winning Queen of re invention has conquered it all! From the Tony award-winning writer of Jersey Boys, The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn. Three Chers is better than one! Three West End stars play Cher as we span her iconic career across six decades: Millie O’Connell (SIX, RENT) as BABE, Danielle Steers (Bat Out Of Hell, SIX) as LADY and the Olivier Award-nominated Debbie Kurup (Prince Of Egypt, The Bodyguard) as the ultimate diva, STAR. In a dazzling glitter fest sparkling with Cher’s signature wit and style, you’ll be spinning in the aisles to the sounds of her biggest hits, including If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps And Thieves, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe and Believe. Written by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys) and directed by Arlene Phillips (Grease), with choreography by Oti Mabuse (double Strictly winner) and costumes by Gabriella Slade (SIX), don’t miss this joyous party musical fit for the Queen of pop!

THE NUTCRACKER SWAN LAKE

Raymond Gubbay presents Varna International Ballet in its UK debut season, accompanied live by the Varna International Ballet Orchestra

Giselle: The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave. The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score by Adolphe Adam.

The Nutcracker: This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. Be swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and travel to an enchanted place where the magic really begins...

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.

Giselle: Thu 16 February 7.30pm

The Nutcracker: Fri 17 February 7.30pm

Swan Lake: Sat 18 February 2.30pm & 7.30pm

DERNGATE

from

Unexpected Twist is a re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist, by one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world, Michael Rosen

Combining two stories in one; Rosen’s new tale alongside the Dickens classic that inspired it, Artistic Director James Dacre (Olivier Award-nominated Our Lady Of Kibeho) and designer Frankie Bradshaw’s (Two Trains Running) production brings to vivid life

worlds of both Shona and Oliver as their stories twist together, unexpectedly!

Adapted for the stage by BAFTA award-winning playwright Roy Williams (Soul, Sucker Punch) with original music by rising R&B star Yaya Bey and BAC Beatbox Academy’s Conrad Murray, Unexpected Twist is a thrilling new production from the producing partnership behind Holes and The Jungle Book that will tour the UK following its Northampton premiere.

&

Northampton and Children’s

February)

by Roy Williams

by Conrad Murray & Yaya Bey

James Dacre

Frankie Bradshaw

...You young men of the Tunnelling Brigade, you are all dead. Not counted among the dead because your bodies were not buried with the dead. But dead inside...

A new dance theatre event, delving into the story of Tommy Shelby and the Peaky Blinders, written by the creator of the global hit television series. Dazzling, athletic dance and stunning dramatisation, with an iconic eclectic Peaky soundtrack, and a live on-stage band.

Tommy and the Peakys fought together at Flanders and the show opens in the trenches. Bound by this experience, a really personal story unfolds as the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate and Tommy is intoxicated by the mysterious Grace.

A Rambert production in association with Birmingham Hippodrome. Co-produced with The Lowry. Executive Producers Rambert, Robin Saunders and Simon Sinek. Inspired by the television series Peaky Blinders created by Steven Knight. In association with Caryn Mandabach Productions. Peaky Blinders TM © Caryn Mandabach Productions 2022. Licensed by Caryn Mandabach Productions.

The

This

has

Go

Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they discover the wonderful world around us! Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat.

The funny, loveable Twirlywoos are brought to life on stage with beautifully inventive puppetry promising an hour of colourful fun and laughter. From the producers of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Sarah And Duck Live on Stage, Twirlywoos Live is an enchanting introduction to theatre for all ages.

TWIRLYWOOS and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of DHX Worldwide Limited dba WildBrain.© 2021 Ragdoll Productions Limited/DHX Worldwide

dba WildBrain.

Rights

HHHHH “A LOVELY SHOW FOR ALL LITTLE CHILDREN

Wed

The National Theatre Connections Festival is a celebration of young people, theatre-making and the importance of access to the arts. Each year the National Theatre commissions new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK’s most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow.

Royal & Derngate hosts one of the largest and most diverse of the local festivals that take place across the country, with hundreds of young people performing exciting new plays, including Samphire by Shamser Sinha, Innocent Creatures by Leo Butler, Old Times by Molly Taylor and Is This Good Enough by Avaes Mohammad.

Royal & Derngate’s Young Company Acting group

also performing (Circle Dreams Around) The Terrible, Terrible Past by Simon Longman in March

Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group are thrilled to return to Royal & Derngate with their 69th Anniversary production, Ruddygore

Ruddygore is Gilbert & Sullivan’s well-loved satirical take on Victorian Melodrama, with a plot that has everything; ghosts, witches, curses, disguises, a wicked villain who tries to make off with the fair maiden, and of course love. Ruddygore follows the spooky goings-on in a peaceful Cornish fishing village, a painfully shy farmer, Robin Oakapple, trying to work up the courage to ask the beautiful Rose Maybud for her hand, a family secret that has the potential to change everything, and an ancient picture gallery brought to life to haunt its owner, much to the annoyance of the ancestral ghosts!

Under the direction of Leon Berger and musical direction of David Chambers, join us as ‘the night wind howls’ to cheer the hero, weep with the heroine and boo the villain as we head to the peaceful village of Rederring, and Gilbert & Sullivan’s supernatural opera Ruddygore, presented in its original version.

From the writer of Peter Pan, this delicious farce was such a sensation in its day that it gave its name to the UK’s most loved chocolates.

Phoebe Throssel runs a school for unruly children on Quality Street. Ten years since a tearful goodbye, an old flame returns from fighting Napoleon. But the look of disappointment on Captain Valentine’s face when he greets an older, less glamorous Phoebe spurs our determined heroine to action.

She becomes the wild and sparkling Miss Livvy, a younger alter-ego who soon beguiles the clueless Captain. As their romance is rekindled, can she juggle both personas? Or will the deception scandalise the town and wreck any future with the man she loves?

Northern Broadsides revive their hit regency comedy directed by Laurie Sansom (former Artistic Director at Royal & Derngate), stirring in a good helping of Yorkshire wit from the retired workers of the Halifax factory where Quality Street have been proudly made since 1936. Think Bridgerton meets Inside the Factory

THE

WEST END MUSICAL

ON STAGE

ANDREW

BY DEBORAH MOGGACH BASED

DIRECTED BY LUCY BAILEY

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous comedy about taking risks, finding love and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places. Get ready for the journey of a lifetime. Star cast to be announced. Prior to West End.

FURTHER?

Also this season...

We’ve got an amazing line up of events in Spring 2023. Whether you’re a comedy fan, a music enthusiast or a sport lover there’s something for everyone this season. As part of our commitment to fantastic value, our Stage & Screen Members enjoy discounts on most performances. We also offer discounts for concessions, groups and schools on many shows. Visit us online for further details at royalandderngate.co.uk

SOUNDS OF THE ’60S hosted by Tony Blackburn Wed 18 January 7.30pm DERNGATE Tickets from £32

An evening of ’60s classics performed by the Sounds Of The ’60s All Star Band & Singers, hosted by Radio 2’s legendary DJ, Tony Blackburn

Every week, more than a million people tune in to BBC Radio 2 to hear Tony Blackburn wax lyrical about the biggest stars of the ’60s. Join him for this spectacular show featuring stories and songs from this most loved decade.

ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS

Thu 19 January 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

Lee Memphis King recreates the essence of the King with consummate ease and an almost unbelievable combination of stunningly accurate vocals and incredible passion in every performance.

In this latest production, Lee portrays Elvis Presley at his peak celebrating the iconic ‘Vegas Years’ from 1969 1977.

With an orchestra of world class musicians and backing vocalists, coupled with impressive video screen projection mapping out Elvis’s life and music, Lee Memphis King recreates with stunning authenticity – the voice and equally important for Lee – the passion and energy that Elvis put into his songs.

JOE STILGOE & THE BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Fri 20 January 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

Artists: Joe Stilgoe singer/piano Tom Richards conductor BBC Concert Orchestra

Singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe presents his latest album, Theatre with the BBC Concert Orchestra, celebrating the greatest music of theatre in a thrillingly new and dynamic way. Featuring songs from Cabaret to Cats, and music by Sondheim, Frank Loesser and Joe Stilgoe himself. The orchestra is joined by players from the British jazz scene and guest singers from the world of theatre.

CBEEBIES: OCEAN ADVENTURE with the BBC Concert Orchestra

Sat 21 January 2pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £10.50 I For all ages

All aboard for a fun-filled CBeebies musical ocean adventure for all the family!

Take a deep breath and dive underwater in the concert hall submarine with its musical crew, the BBC Concert Orchestra

CBeebies friends JoJo & Gran Gran are on board with a Gran Gran plan, and Andy has his safari sub at the ready. Join the crew to search for endangered creatures, find out fascinating facts, and collect sounds and pictures for your very own musical ocean scrapbook.

A magical multi-media event featuring CBeebies theme tunes, orchestral treats, live action film and animation with a few surprises along the way.

THE BURLESQUE SHOW

Sat 21 January 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £29.50 I 16+

Back by popular demand!

Welcome to a stunning night of sophisticated tease with wonderful comedy and music, featuring the UK’s finest artistes of the genre. Beautiful choreography, hilarious routines and classic humour combine to deliver the most highly regarded production of its kind in the UK. The award-winning performances will delight and excite, and guarantee to refresh parts you never knew you had!

For a truly delicious night of tassels, tease and titillating laughter, join us for our fun-filled evening of Burlesque and Cabaret.

STEWART LEE

Basic Lee

Mon 23 January 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27.50 I 14+

After a decade of ground-breaking high concept shows involving overarched interlinked narratives, massive sets and enormous comedy props, Stewart Lee enters the post-pandemic era in streamlined solo stand-up mode with this brand-new show.

One man, one microphone, and one microphone in the wings in case the one on stage breaks. Pure. Simple. Classic. Basic Lee. “The world’s greatest living stand-up.”

Times)

LLOYD GRIFFITH

One Tonne Of Fun

Tue 24 January 7.30pm ROYAL

Tickets from £21.50 I 16+

Since school, Lloyd has always been a show off, doing anything he can to make people laugh, and 20 odd years later, nothing’s changed. There’ll be his unique bag of stand up, dubious impressions, and obviously a sprinkling of his (incredible) singing. Lloyd Griffith is: One Tonne Of Fun.

As seen on Ted Lasso, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Soccer AM, Comedy Central At The Comedy Store, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, Can You Beat The Bookies, Roast Battle, Question Of Sport, Not Going Out, House Of Games and loads of other stuff.

“USEFUL IDIOT” The Guardian “BURSTING WITH TALENT. HE IS A FUNNY, CHARMING, SELF EFFACING COMIC”joe.co.uk

Wed 25 January 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £33.50

Now in its 20th year Vampires Rock starring Steve Steinman returns to Royal & Derngate, with an incredible cast of singers, dancers and musicians.

A tongue-in-cheek and laughout loud storyline, it’s a show like no other.

Featuring over 25 of the greatest classic rock anthems of all time and original songs from Steve’s very own number one Rock album Take A Leap Of Faith, you are guaranteed a night to remember.

REMAINS ONE OF THE BEST STAND UPS IN THE COUNTRY”

NO‑ONE ELSE TO TOUCH HIM” Mail On

Steve Steinman’s VAMPIRES ROCK

DAVID O’DOHERTY

Whoa is me

Thu 26 January 7.45pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £25 I 14+

Here he comes again, trotting on to the stage with all of the misplaced confidence of a waiter with no pad. There’ll be lots of talking, some apologising and some songs on a glued together plastic keyboard from 1986.

As seen on Channel 4’s Along For The Ride With David O’Doherty, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and BBC’s Live At the Apollo “WHEN A STAND UP GIG GOES THIS WELL, YOU DO GET A SENSE OF HOW RELIGIONS ARE STARTED!” Guardian “HE HAS A WARM, LOVABLE PERSONALITY AND DRAWS THE AUDIENCE IN WITH HIS QUICK‑ FIRE DELIVERY” British Theatre Guide

THE GREATEST HITS OF MOTOWN How Sweet It Is

Fri 27 January 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £32

Back by popular demand. This stunning 100% live show combines first class music with the slickest choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have!

This show will have you Dancing On The Ceiling, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many, many more. The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown. Let’s Get Ready… to Go Loco, Down in Acapulco

NC JAZZ PRESENT THE ALAN BARNES OCTET

Fri 27 January 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £16

Like the Dickens classic itself, Alan Barnes’ Copperfield has something for everyone. A great night out that is also a treat for the jazz connoisseur; it will delight anyone who loves music or literature – or just being entertained!

This new suite of pieces, touring for the first time this year, takes the audience through the characters and scenes of David Copperfield. Readings from the original Dickens tell the story, and after each scene eight virtuoso musicians bring the characters and scenes to life, switching audiences from hilarity to pathos with a skill that would have done credit to Dickens himself!

SCREAMING BLUE MURDER

Doors

Join

THE ’80S SHOW

Sat 28 January 7.30pm

The greatest tribute to the greatest decade, brings you the best ’80s party on the planet!

The ’80s Show covers as many of these eras as possible and has gone to monumental lengths to get all the sounds and music absolutely perfect to take you on a journey of nostalgia to the golden days when it was all about fun!

Featuring only the best musicians and singers around with a female sax and percussionist, this band are hard to tell the difference from the record!

Add to that an amazing light, video and laser show, you can sing and dance away to the massive hits of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Duran Duran, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet, Wham, Go West, Level 42, OMD, Erasure, Elton John, David Bowie and many more, with a few nice surprises.

Frankie says “Don’t miss it!”

GARY DELANEY

Gary in Punderland

Sat 28 January 7.45pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22 I 16+

Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world – star of Live At The Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is back!

One of the most sought after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock The Week special guest, Gary has been through the laughing glass and he’s ready to bring you a brand new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only a master could craft. If you’re hunting for snark, Gary’s got it covered.

The Guardian

The Times

FASTLOVE

Sun 29 January 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £30

Direct from London’s West End, the world’s favourite George Michael celebration returns with a brandnew show for 2023.

Make new memories whilst reliving old classics, this one is for the fans as we celebrate one of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen, and we say thank you!

This show has it all, the power, emotion, and star quality in this stunning production with a full video and light show, as we respectfully recreate the soundtrack to your life.

Playing all the hits, from Wham! right through his glittering career, including,Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Too Funky, Father Figure, Freedom, Faith, Knew You Were Waiting, Careless Whisper and many more.

Fastlove: for the fans.

HENRY BLOFELD

My Dear Old Things

Thu 2 February 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £24

In My Dear Old Things, Blowers recalls his days as a young England hopeful, how an Eton bus knocked him off his stride – and his bike – recoiling from a career in the City to work as a cricket journalist before finding his way into the TMS box.

There are hilarious tales of Johnners, Arlott and other larger-than-life characters in the box and on tour with England. Henry also has plenty of hysterical stories from his post-retirement appearances on Would I Lie To You? and The Real Marigold Hotel

Backed by film and rare personal pictures on our big screen, My Dear Old Things is an absolute treat for the cricket connoisseur and a wonderfully engaging evening for all.

HHHH “A CAVALCADE OF BRILLIANTLY INVENTIVE PUNS”

HHHH “A MASTER CRAFTSMAN”

TOM

During these

times,

been flying by the seat of his

trying to remember

was important before responsibility and fear got in the way. He’s

his life; sold his house (and most of his retro possessions)

on his latest round of misadventures.

Join him, on a no-holds-barred trip as he tackles all manner of gritty issues: What does Lovehoney have to do with Covid? Can Vicks Vapour Rub be used as a lubricant? How far would your dog go to protect you and what does Grandpa really want for

impeccable style, and his usual sense of mischief, the Canadian comedy legend goes to places that others dare not tread. Join this

trip as Tom travels the High Road… “GLORIOUSLY

As

An Evening With Tim Rice, His Band And Singers CIRCLE OF WORDS

Mon 6 February 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £32

“Circle Of Words is a show in which I reveal all (well, nearly all) of the secrets behind the creation of some of the best-known songs featuring my lyrics. I have had the good fortune to work with some of the greatest composers of our time, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, Elton John and Alan Menken, without whose wonderful melodies I’d be at home watching television.

You’ll probably know quite a few of the songs – and will therefore be relieved to hear I won’t be singing them. There will be plenty of stops in between the hits during which I’ll tell you how they happened and, in some cases, nearly didn’t.”

– Tim Rice

PRUE LEITH Nothing In Moderation

Wed 8 February 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

Nothing is off the menu in this frank, revealing and very funny all new show.

In her first ever live show, Prue will take audiences through the ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Bake Off judge - feeding the rich and famous, cooking for Royalty and even poisoning her clients.

In the second half she will be joined on stage by Clive Tulloh, who will put questions to Prue from the audience, that they’ve always wanted to ask, making the show a unique night to remember.

JOHN BARROWMAN

I Am What I AmWest End To Broadway

Thu 9 February 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

John Barrowman is the epitome of show business! He is a whirlwind of talent, the ultimate crossover artist; he can sing, dance, act, present and on occasion he judges. He has mapped out a very successful career on both sides of the Atlantic starting in 1989 in musical theatre with his debut West End role as Billy Crocker opposite Elaine Paige in Cole Porter’s musical Anything Goes

I Am What I Am – West End To Broadway is a celebration of career highlights and a magical journey through the very best of musical theatre.

FILM SPECTACULAR

Fri 10 February 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra transports you to Hollywood in this Film Spectacular, conducted and presented by Stephen Bell

This concert is perfect for film lovers, families, newcomers and regular concertgoers, so if you have never been to a classical concert before, why not give something new a try?

The concert features music from your all-time favourite blockbuster film scores, including Jurassic Park, Out Of Africa, Schindler’s List, Lord Of The Rings, Gladiator, Star Wars and many more.

ALFIE MOORE

Fair Cop Unleashed

Fri 10 February 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £19 I 14+

Join BBC Radio 4’s cop-turnedcomedian Alfie Moore for his latest stand-up tour show. Fair Cop Unleashed is based on a dramatic real-life incident from Alfie’s police casebook.

Relive with him the thrilling ups and downs of the night a mysterious clown came to town and more than one life ended up in the balance. It was no laughing matter – but this show certainly is!

Enjoy Alfie’s unique brand of humour hilariously woven together with his personal insights into his life on the front-line of the police force.

It’d be a crime to miss it!

QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA

Sat 11 February 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £20.50

Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute band produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, is returning to the UK!

The band, who began touring back in 2012, is made up of a rolling cast of gifted musicians who have been hand-picked by Roger Taylor and Brian May. These talented musicians have earned much love and respect from their ever growing fan base, playing the music perfectly.

This 90-minute show features more than 20 Queen classics drawn from the band’s biggest hits: Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Under Pressure, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, A Kind Of Magic, Radio Ga Ga, Somebody To Love and Killer Queen as well as other fan favourites.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

JON RICHARDSON

The Knitwit

Sun 12 February 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £25 I 14+

Will the recycling be put out on the right day? Who is going to smooth over the top of the margarine? How many lights are on upstairs when everybody is downstairs? Watch Jon pretend that these aren’t his foremost concerns as he leaves home on his first tour since the last one.

Best known as a team captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4), host of Dave’s Ultimate Worrier and sitcom Meet The Richardsons As well as Would I Lie To You?  (BBC One), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC One) and Taskmaster (Dave).

RAY BRADSHAW

Deaf Com 1

Sun 12 February 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £17 I 14+ Signed

Following his ground-breaking 2018 show, Deaf Comedy Fam, Ray Bradshaw’s new stand-up show, Deaf Com 1, covers his recent fatherhood, teaching his young son sign language and a disastrous trip to Bahrain!

Ray was the first comedian to ever win a Scottish Culture Award and is a regular host of Scotland’s most popular radio show, Breaking The News

Ray is a CODA (like in the Oscar winning film) and grew up with deaf parents. All of his shows are performed in both BSL and English, with Deaf Comedy Fam becoming the first ever live comedy experience for more than 800 deaf audience members.

Ray’s clever, charming and very funny comedy has received critical acclaim from critics and fans alike.

CHRIS DE BURGH

His Songs, Stories & Hits

Mon 13 February 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £47

Few artists can lay claim to international success spanning five decades but, beginning with his very first release, Chris de Burgh has achieved just that.

On his latest tour, Chris will be performing live on guitar and piano tracks from his new album The Legend Of Robin Hood together with many of his hits from throughout the years.

The show has been a great success across Europe this summer and it promises to be an exciting evening full of all your favourite songs.

SUZANNE VEGA

An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories

Wed 15 February 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £34.50

Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been called contemporary folk or neofolk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs.

Known for performances that convey deep emotion, Vega’s distinctive, “clear, unwavering voice” (Rolling Stone) has been described as “a cool, dry sandpaper-brushed near-whisper” by The Washington Post, with NPR Music noting that she “has been making vital, inventive music” throughout the course of her decades-long career.

SARAH KEYWORTH

Lost Boy

Thu 16 February 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £14.50 I 14+

If comedy equals tragedy plus time, then boy, this is going to be good.

Sarah Keyworth is an awardwinning stand-up comedian who performs live regularly across the UK.

As seen and heard on Live At The Apollo, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Dark Horse (Comedy Special), Mock The Week, The Guilty Feminist Podcast and Are You A Boy Or A Girl?

HHHHH “POWERFUL, POIGNANT AND ACHINGLY FUNNY” Herald

HHHH “UTTERLY ENGAGING” Daily Telegraph HHHH The Times HHHH Chortle

MIKE BUBBINS

Throwback

Fri 17 February 8pm UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £21.50 I 18+ Mike Bubbins, star of hit podcast The Socially Distant Sports Bar, and of BBC television comedies Mammoth, Tourist Trap and The Unexplainers, unleashes Throwback, his first ever solo UK stand-up tour. And things may never be the same again.

Throwback is a powerful, thought-provoking, visceral hour of stand-up comedy, that pushes boundaries and challenges the audience…

As if it is! – It’s actually an hour and a half of really funny stories, pretty impressive characterisations, possibly a song (he said he’ll see how that goes), a bit of nostalgia about the good old days, a bit of optimism about the good new days, and Mike generally having a laugh about life and not taking himself, or anything else, too seriously.

Wriggle Dance

SQUIDGE

Sat 18 February 11am & 2pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £11 I 5+

Squidge is a fun interactive dance film with music and digital projection, which takes a lighthearted look at our sense of touch and how it influences our everyday lives. At the heart of the film is a tale of friendship, compromise and how each and every one of us need touch to make us feel alive!

Immerse yourself in this shared experience for children aged 5-9 years and their grown-ups. Each family (max. 2 adults & 3 children) will be seated in their very own interactive seating area, which will magically light up at moments throughout the cinema experience. Squidge is produced in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome and The Core at Corby Cube with support from Arts Council England and is ‘See It Safely’ approved’ which certifies that we are complying with the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines.

ESHAAN AKBAR

The Pretender

Sat 25 February 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £17 I 14+

Whether it’s you, the person you go on a date with, your boss, or the opinion-makers on TV, we’re all pretending we know what we’re doing. We don’t. And it’s about time we all had a proper laugh about it.

After supporting some of the biggest acts in the UK, be sure to buy tickets for this muchanticipated debut tour.

As seen on Mock The Week, QI , heard on award-winning podcasts Have A Word, Ninetwentynine, and Spitting Image, as well as LBC, Times Radio, and Radio 4. Eshaan Akbar brings us his debut tour, The Pretender

Royal & Derngate Young Company (CIRCLE DREAMS AROUND) THE TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE PAST by Simon Longman

Fri 3 March 7.30pm & Sat 4 March 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £6

Someone has a recurring dream. It’s a bit weird. There are fish, chickens, cows, who all look and sound like people - people who look kind of familiar. And there’s a butcher, killing people. The dream feels like a circle – going round and round and back to the start again. And there doesn’t seem to be any way out.

Directed by Andy Routledge (60 Miles By Road Or Rail), our Young Company Acting cast will also be performing this play as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival in April (see page 18).

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust

SPRING FESTIVAL OF MUSIC: ORCHESTRA

SPECTACULAR

Sun 5 March 6pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £10

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust presents an opportunity to share inspiration and aspiration with three generations of orchestras, the County Junior Orchestra, County Training Orchestra and County Youth Orchestra

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust BIG SING: SCHOOL OF ROCK Mon 6, Wed 8 & Thu 9 March 6.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £10

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust presents a youth group production of School Of Rock. A celebration of vocal work across Northamptonshire with massed choirs of 500 young singers from schools across the county, also featuring NMPAT County Choirs

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust

SPRING FESTIVAL OF MUSIC: WIND BAND SPECTACULAR

Sun 12 March 6pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £10

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust presents an opportunity to share inspiration and aspiration with three generations of wind orchestras, the County Junior Wind Orchestra, County Training Wind Orchestra and County Youth Concert Band

ROB AUTON

The Crowd Show

Fri 3 March 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £14 I 14+

The Crowd Show is a comedy/ theatre/spoken word show about crowds by award-winning writer, actor and podcaster Rob Auton The Crowd Show is a show suitable for anybody who wants to be in the crowd for this show.

Rob Auton is an award-winning writer, actor and podcaster, named the “Brian Cox of Comedy” by the Guardian. In 2020, he started The Rob Auton Daily Podcast which went on to amass over two million listens and win a gold award for Best Daily Podcast at the British Podcast Awards.

“IN THIS TENDER RESPONSE TO THE ISOLATION OF LOCKDOWN, ROB AUTON – THE KING OF STAND UP PROFUNDITY –OFFERS A TOUCHING PAEAN TO THE JOY OF CROWDS” Chortle

THE LEVELLERS

Tue 7 March 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £29.50 I 14+

Five years after they set out on their hugely acclaimed 2018 Acoustic Tour, and released its companion album We The Collective, The Levellers will embark upon a brand new Acoustic Tour in 2023 which will be accompanied by a second volume of acoustic reworkings of some of their finest compositions. The 2018 album, which was produced by John Leckie, resulted in their highest chart position in twenty years.

SARA PASCOE Success Story

Fri 10 March 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17 I 14+

Sara decided she wanted to be famous at 14 years old. Since then, she has auditioned for Barrymore, scared Pete Burns and ruined Hugh Grant’s birthday – but look at her now… (please look, she needs you to look. And clap. And laugh. And then clap again).

The star of her very own stand-up special Sara Pascoe: LadsLadsLads is back. Sara Pascoe is a highly acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor. She wrote and starred in her recent sitcom Out Of Her Mind, and is the celebrated host of The Great British Sewing Bee, Last Woman On Earth, Comedians Giving Lectures and Comedy Central’s Guessable

HHHH “SHE IS A COMIC IN HER PRIME” The Times

NATHAN CARTER

Sat 11 March 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £30

Nathan Carter has established himself as one of the most popular and best all-round entertainers in Ireland, packing the biggest venues.

Following the phenomenal success of the iconic hit song Wagon Wheel in 2012, Nathan became an established star in Ireland, outselling both One Direction and Drake.

He has recorded six number one albums in Ireland and has had a top 20 UK album release with Beautiful Life. Nathan’s latest album The Best of the First Ten Years released in November 2020 went straight to Number One in the Irish Album Charts – at a time when he was unable to perform live gigs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

FIREDANCE

Mon 13 March 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £29.50

The rhythm, the passion and the chemistry reignites for 2023!

Strictly stars Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and their scintillating cast return with Firedance, featuring fresh flavours and super-charged choreography.

Join the stars in a captivating dance off inspired by Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Carmen, and West Side Story featuring an eclectic mix of Latin, Rock and Pop music from artists such as Camilla Cabello, Jason Derulo, Gregory Porter, Gypsy Kings, J.Lo, Marc Anthony and many more.

With sizzling dancers, mesmerising fire specialists and a sensational live band, Firedance will ignite passion as we turn up the heat for 2023.

LOST IN MUSIC

Tue 14 March 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £32

Get ready to get Lost In Music! The show that everyone is talking about, now even bigger.

Join us as we recreate the magical ’70s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of disco.

Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.

Boasting a sensational live band, incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals this show is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. It’s the feel-good show of the year. Lose yourself with us and leave your troubles at home!

THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

Wed 15 March 8pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £32 I 14+

The Classic Rock Show is back in the UK, bigger and even better, and celebrating, once again, the very best of Classic Rock.

Paying tribute to its favourite rock heroes The Classic Rock Show thunders through legendary performances from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, The Who, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Queen, The Eagles and many more.

Performed with note-for-note precision, the show brings the original iconic and era-defining recordings back to life on stage, with an amazing sound and light show to match. Anthem after anthem, riff after riff and solo after solo, it culminates in a show-stopping guitar duel that is definitely not to be missed.

“A REAL GEM OF A ROCK SHOW” Chicago Tribune

Steve Steinman’s ANYTHING FOR LOVE –THE MEAT LOAF STORY

Thu 16 March 7.30pm

DERNGATE Tickets from £32

Following his 2022 sell-out tour the highly acclaimed and No.1 recording artist Steve Steinman brings you his brand-new production featuring over 25 of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits. For over 30 years Steve has toured the world with his musical tribute to Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf With an incredible stage set, ten-piece live band combined with Steve’s well known sense of humour and stage presence, the show can only be described as awesome.

THE ELO SHOW

Fri 17 March 7.30pm

DERNGATE Tickets from £28

Join internationally acclaimed musician Brian Cummins for this stunning show celebrating the music of Jeff Lynne and ELO.

With a band of amazing musicians including a female string section, an amazing light and laser show and 3D video screens, this will be a fabulous night of hit after hit from such a vast back catalogue.

Expect songs like Evil Woman, Don’t Bring Me Down, Telephone Line, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Turn To Stone, Wild West Hero, The Diary Of Horace Wimp and of course the legendary Mr. Blue Sky plus many more with a surprise or two.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic night of nostalgia and classic tunes.

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES

Sat 18 March 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £31.50

From Love Me Do to Let It Be, from the Cavern Club to the Apple rooftop, from black and white to psychedelic technicolour, the world’s premier Beatle band returns to take you on a whistle-stop journey through the most vibrant revolutionary and divisive decade of all – the Swinging Sixties. It’s all here… the iconic mop tops and the Chelsea boots, the Sgt Pepper tunics and the Chesterfield suits. Each tiny vocal inflection and each witty Beatle quip, all meticulously studied on this Magical Mystery trip. With a little help from their orchestral ensemble and featuring a special set to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of Please Please Me, this multi-media show is an absolute must-see for Beatles fans of all ages.

TOM HOUGHTON

Absolute Shambles

Sat 1 April 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £17 I 16+

After an incredible sold-out debut run, the man who asked us “do you ski?” is leaving his home in the Tower of London (for good). Catch him as he departs on a second triumphant tour across our nation armed with even more outrageous takes, unbelievable tales and biblical chat to leave you bowled over with laughter.

Social media sensation Tom Houghton is delving even deeper into his ludicrous life as he tries to smarten up the not so honourable aspects of himself. Take a look at the pitfalls of online celebrity, the perils of post-palace living and find out, that in an age where everyone is so obsessed with the veneer of virtual contentment, maybe it takes crashing back down to reality to discover where happiness truly lies.

GORDON BUCHANAN

30 Years In The Wild The Anniversary Tour

Tue 4 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £24.50

One of the most prominent wildlife presenters and filmmakers working today, Gordon’s journey is a remarkable story to tell. Having produced some of the most popular wildlife programmes on the BBC, we have been able to see his incredible passion for the animal kingdom and the unique ability he has for presenting such hidden animal worlds to an audience.

This will be a rare opportunity to discover what has driven his career and what are his most favourite wildlife encounters.

“THE WILDLIFE FILM MAKER HAS A RICH RESERVE OF STORIES FROM WHICH TO PICK FOR HIS LIVE TOUR” The Times

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

Sun 16 April 8pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £32

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac, returns to the stage in 2023 celebrating the very best of Fleetwood Mac.

Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time.

Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Sat 8 April 10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm UNDERGROUND Tickets from £11 I 4+

From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved river bank to the fearful frights and wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, join Mole and Ratty on their marvellous adventures, along with gruff old Badger and magnificent Mr.Toad.

A beautiful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic by award-winning theatre company Box Tale Soup, featuring wonderful puppetry, innovative theatre and a charming original score.

“THEIR BEAUTIFULLY

TEST MATCH SPECIAL LIVE –THE ASHES

Mon 17 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £22

Join the Test Match Special team as Jonathan ‘Aggers’ Agnew and Australia bowling legend Glenn McGrath share stories, memories, and predictions ahead of a massive Ashes summer.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the greatest fast bowlers the game has seen and a veteran of 16 Ashes series behind the microphone. With the chance to ask them anything you like – when it comes to the Ashes, it doesn’t get bigger or better than this.

FRAN LEBOWITZ

Tue 18 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE Tickets from £27

In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Fran Lebowitz stands out as one of our most insightful social commentators.

In this rare opportunity, the star of Netflix’s Pretend It’s A City will be live in conversation, offering forthright, unapologetically opinionated insights on such timely issues as gender, race, gay rights, and the media, as well as on her own pet peeves – including celebrity culture, tourists, and baby strollers.

“No animal should ever jump up on the dining room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation” Fran Lebowitz

THE SENSATIONAL ’60S EXPERIENCE

Thu 20 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE Tickets from £33

Join us for this festival of nostalgia. The show with the definite feelgood factor will transport you back to that magical decade that was the 1960s.

Starring Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, The Trems (former members of The Tremeloes), The Fortunes, Mike d’Abo (former lead singer with Manfred Mann) The Swinging Blue Jeans and Vanity Fare.

Full of timeless classics, hits include The Legend Of Xanadu, Silence Is Golden, Storm In A Teacup, Mighty Quinn, Hippy Hippy Shake, Hitchin’ A Ride, plus many more.

Step back in time to when pop music was at its very best.

An Evening with ANTON DU BEKE AND FRIENDS

Fri 21 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE Tickets from £40

Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, takes to the stage with his show in 2023.

With his live band, a guest singer and his dancers, expect a fab u lous evening of song, dance and laughter.

Anton will be performing some of his favourite songs and dances that have inspired his career throughout his life. Expect behind the scenes stories from his time on Strictly that will have you laughing out loud.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to get up close to the king of the ballroom in 2023.

DICK & DOM IN DA BUNGALOW

– LIVE

Fri 28 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £29 I 16+ Meet & Greet Package available

Grab a pint and get ready for the messiest night out in the UK! 20 years after the hit BBC show Da Bungalow first burst on to our screens, quadruple Bafta award winners Dick & Dom are bringing their own special kind of mayhem live on tour!

This is Dick & Dom like you’ve never seen them before - with familiar favourites including TwoWord Tango, Musical Splatues, The Grunty Song, Pants Dance, What A Sweaty Flap and of course BOGIES!

Expect the unexpected as the legendary Creamy Muck Muck game returns and with appearances from Diddy Dick and Dom, and D.I Harry Batt, no one is safe!

Meet and greet tickets are available and every audience member has a chance to be part of the show!

LUCY PORTER Wake-Up Call

Sat 29 April 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £20 I 16+

A brand new stand-up show from the TV and radio favourite. As heard on The News Quiz and The Now Show and seen on Would I Lie to You?, QI and Live At The Apollo Wake-Up Call is a show about revelations, realisations and epiphanies – both large and small. Subjects covered include: Bin collection schedules, the novels of Jean Rhys, cats, school fair booze tombolas, the Scottish Enlightenment, pressure washers and Huel. It’s an exuberant, silly show with some wisdom sprinkled on top.

MIKE + THE MECHANICS

Refueled!

Sun 30 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £44.50

Mike + The Mechanics, who have sold over ten million records worldwide – announce their Refueled! 2023 Tour – all the hits and a drop of Genesis.

Mike + The Mechanics are Genesis founding member Mike Rutherford (guitar), one of the UK’s most prolific R&B singers Andrew Roachford (lead and backing vocals) whose previous hits include Cuddly Tour and Family Man, and Canadian-born singer Tim Howard (lead and backing vocals) who formed and toured with his band Vantramp with the likes of Rod Stewart and Paulo Nutini.

The Refueled! tour will include tracks from their critically acclaimed album Out Of The Blue plus some Genesis.

Get Involved...

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

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

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

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

MIDLANDS

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 on how to sign up, please contact eastmidlandsactorsworkshop@ gmail.com

Opportunities For Young People

NEXTGEN PROGRAMMES

Want to develop skills in non-performing roles? Then our NextGen programmes are for you!

NEXTGEN: ARTS LEADERSHIP

Suitable for ages 13-21

YOUNG 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. This year Young Company Acting are performing in the National Theatre Connections Festival in April (see page 18).

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 facilitating workshops, 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. See Opportunities for Young People section on our website to see which groups currently have places available. 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:

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 Made in Northampton productions, including The Night Before Christmas and Unexpected Twist

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 Royal & Derngate videos include cast and creatives from Mog The Forgetful Cat discussing their creative process. 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.

THEATRE CRITICISM INSIGHTS

Royal & Derngate are delighted to offer free Industry Insight videos

discussing approaches to theatre criticism and reviews, delivered by leading industry critics. Great for anyone interested in the process of writing about live performance, including GCSE and A Level students. Visit the Resources Page on the Northants CEP website at www. northantscep.com to watch.

THEATRE HUBS

Royal & Derngate offers after school theatre hubs led by professional theatre practitioners where students can develop key theatre skills such as devising, script work, physical theatre and storytelling. Arts Award can also be built into weekly sessions.

For more information, please email getinvolved@royalandderngate. co.uk.

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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 packages offer reduced prices when booking for three or more shows – details on page 27.

• 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 £1 fee applies for this service.

TRANSACTION FEE

A transaction charge of £3.50 applies to all bookings of £20 and over, except for Members, Disabled Patrons and Group Bookers. This charge is only applicable per booking 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

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 are situated on Guildhall Road and on Derngate. The Northampton Filmhouse is located adjacent to Royal & Derngate in Albion Place and can be accessed from Derngate or Royal & Derngate’s main entrance. 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

are St. John’s Multi-Storey

COVID SAFETY

can read all about the ways we continue to ensure the safety of our visitors at www.royalandderngate.co.uk/covid-guidelines

auditorium and front of house spaces are subject to rigorous cleaning. They are sanitised quickly and efficiently between every performance.

Touch free sanitising points are available for your use around the building.

Park

Albion Place Car Park. See the map for additional car parks. There are also a number of pay

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. Parking

for St. Johns Car Park can be validated at Box Office. For

information, including

Please be considerate of other customers when moving around the venue.

We encourage customers to use cashless payment options at the theatre bars.

are proud to be a See It Safely accredited venue, in association with Society of London Theatres and UK Theatre.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All details were correct at time of going to print.

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

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.

Access Information

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES

Please use the key throughout this brochure and on the diary for our range of access performances. More information and an ‘at a glance’ list of access performances this season are available via the website, or please ask at Box Office.

Audio-Described

Interpreted

ACCESS TICKETING SCHEME

We would like to 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

ACCESSIBILITY

• Sennheiser Mobile Connect is available throughout Royal & Derngate and Northampton Filmhouse. See below for more details.

• 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).

• Guide & hearing dogs are welcome and water can be provided. If you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, please let Box Office know when booking so that seats can be allocated.

• We are unable to accept mobility scooters in the auditorium. Should you need to use a 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.

Sennheiser Mobile Connect

Audio Enhancement/Audio Description

We are delighted that Royal & Derngate and Northampton Filmhouse are introducing Sennheiser Mobile Connect, a Wi-Fi based audio enhancement system which is available on your own personal device such as your smartphone or tablet. Mobile Connect enables us to provide Audio Description for certain performances, which are indicated in this brochure or via our website, and Audio Enhancement for many other shows. These streams can be listened to using your own

Smartphone/tablet and headphones.

To use Mobile Connect you simply download the FREE Sennheiser Mobile Connect App from either the Apple Store or Google Play and then within the app, scan the QR code for the space/performance as you enter. You will then be able to choose from two streams, Audio Enhanced - to help enhance the general audio of the show, or Audio Description (available for advertised designated performances) which will provide Audio Description of the show.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

What’s On

NOVEMBER SHOW TIME

VENUE

PAGE

Tue 22 November Dreamgirls 7.30pm Derngate 5

Wed 23 November Dreamgirls 7.30pm Derngate 5

Thu 24 November Dreamgirls 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 5

Fri 25 November Dreamgirls 7.30pm Derngate 5

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6

Sat 26 November Dreamgirls 7.30pm Derngate 5 The Night Before Christmas 11am, 2pm & 4pm Underground 6

Sun 27 November The Night Before Christmas 11am, 2pm & 4pm Underground 6

Tue 29 November The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Wed 30 November The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

DECEMBER SHOW TIME VENUE PAGE

Thu 1 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Fri 2 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Sat 3 December The Night Before Christmas 11am, 2pm & 4pm Underground 6

Sun 4 December The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6

Tue 6 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Wed 7 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Thu 8 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Fri 9 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 7pm Derngate 7

Sat 10 December The Night Before Christmas 11am, 2pm & 4pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2.30pm & 7pm Derngate 7

Sun 11 December The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2pm & 6pm Derngate 7

Tue 13 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Wed 14 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Thu 15 December The Night Before Christmas 10.30am & 1.30pm Underground 6

Fri 16 December Jack & The Beanstalk 7pm Derngate 7

Sat 17 December The Night Before Christmas 11am, 2pm & 4pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2pm & 7pm Derngate 7

Sun 18 December

Tue 20 December

Wed 21 December

Thu 22 December

Fri 23 December

Sat 24 December

Mon 26 December

Tue 27 December

Wed 28 December

Thu 29 December

Fri 30 December

Sat 31 December

The Night Before Christmas 11am, 2pm & 4pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 11am & 7pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2.30pm & 7pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2.30pm & 7pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2.30pm & 7pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am, 2pm & 4pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2.30pm & 7pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am, 2pm & 4pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 1pm & 5pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 1pm & 3pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 1pm & 5pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 1pm & 5pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2.30pm & 7pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 2.30pm & 7pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 1pm & 5pm Derngate 7

The Night Before Christmas 11am & 2pm Underground 6 Jack & The Beanstalk 1pm & 5pm Derngate 7

JANUARY SHOW TIME VENUE PAGE

Mon 2 January Jack & The Beanstalk 1pm & 5pm Derngate 7

Tue 10 January The Cher Show 7.30pm Derngate 8

Wed 11 January The Cher Show 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 8

Thu 12 January The Cher Show 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 8

Fri 13 January The Cher Show 7.30pm Derngate 8

Sat 14 January The Cher Show 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 8

Wed 18 January Sounds Of The '60s 7.30pm Derngate 29

Thu 19 January One Night Of Elvis 7.30pm Derngate 29

Fri 20 January Joe Stilgoe & The BBC Concert Orchestra 7.30pm Derngate 30

Sat 21 January Cbeebies Ocean Adventure With The BBC Concert Orchestra 2pm Derngate 30 The Burlesque Show 7.30pm Royal 30

Mon 23 January Stewart Lee 7.30pm Derngate 31

Tue 24 January Lloyd Griffiths 7.30pm Royal 31

Wed 25 January Vampires Rock 7.30pm Derngate 31

Thu 26 January David O'Doherty 7.45pm Royal 32

Fri 27 January The Greatest Hits Of Motown 7.30pm Derngate 32 NC Jazz Presents The Alan Barnes Octet 7.30pm Royal 32 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club 8pm Underground 33

Sat 28 January The '80s Show 7.30pm Derngate 33 Gary Delaney 7.45pm Royal 34

Sun 29 January Fastlove 7.30pm Derngate 34

FEBRUARY SHOW TIME

VENUE PAGE

Thu 2 February Henry Blofeld 7.30pm Royal 34

Fri 3 February Tom Stade 7.30pm Royal 35 Babatunde Aleshe 8pm Underground 35

Sun 5 February Giovanni Pernice 5pm Derngate 35

Mon 6 February An Evening With Tim Rice 7.30pm Derngate 36

Wed 8 February Prue Leith 7.30pm Derngate 36

Thu 9 February John Barrowman 7.30pm Derngate 36

Fri 10 February RPO: Film Spectacular 7.30pm Derngate 37 Alfie Moore 7.30pm Underground 37

Sat 11 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10 Queen Extravaganza 7.30pm Derngate 37

Sun 12 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10 Jon Richardson 7.30pm Derngate 38 Ray Bradshaw 8pm Underground 38

Mon 13 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10 Chris De Burgh 7.30pm Derngate 38

Tue 14 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10

Wed 15 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10 Suzanne Vega 7.30pm Derngate 39

Thu 16 February Unexpected Twist 2pm & 7pm Royal 10 Varna International Ballet: Giselle 7.30pm Derngate 9 Sarah Keyworth 7.30pm Underground 39

Fri 17 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10

Varna International Ballet: The Nutcracker 7.30pm Derngate 9 Mike Bubbins 8pm Underground 39

Sat 18 February Squidge 11am & 2pm Underground 40 Unexpected Twist 2pm & 7pm Royal 10

Varna International Ballet: Swan Lake 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 9

Mon 20 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10

Tue 21 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10 Rambert Dance: Peaky Blinders 7.30pm Derngate 12

Wed 22 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10 Rambert Dance: Peaky Blinders 7.30pm Derngate 12

Thu 23 February Unexpected Twist 2pm & 7pm Royal 10 Rambert Dance: Peaky Blinders 7.30pm Derngate 12

Fri 24 February Unexpected Twist 7pm Royal 10 Rambert Dance: Peaky Blinders 7.30pm Derngate 12 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club 8pm Underground 33

Sat 25 February Unexpected Twist

2pm & 7pm Royal 10

Rambert Dance: Peaky Blinders 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 12

Eshaan Akbar 8pm Underground 40

Mon 27 February Strictly Ballroom 7.30pm Derngate 13

Tue 28 February Strictly Ballroom 7.30pm Derngate 13

MARCH SHOW TIME VENUE PAGE

Wed 1 March Strictly Ballroom

2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 13

Thu 2 March Strictly Ballroom 7.30pm Derngate 13

Fri 3 March Strictly Ballroom 7.30pm Derngate 13

Royal & Derngate Young Company 7.30pm Royal 40 Rob Auton 8pm Underground 42

Sat 4 March Strictly Ballroom

2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 13

Royal & Derngate Young Company 2.30pm Royal 40

Sun 5 March NMPAT: Orchestra Spectacular 6pm Derngate 41

Mon 6 March NMPAT: Big Sing 6.30pm Derngate 41

Tue 7 March Henry V 7.30pm Royal 14

The Levellers 7.30pm Derngate 42

Wed 8 March Henry V 7pm Royal 14

Thu 9 March NMPAT: Big Sing 6.30pm Derngate 41 Henry V 2.30pm & 7.30pm Royal 14

Fri 10 March Henry V 7.30pm Royal 14

Sara Pascoe 7.30pm Derngate 42

Sat 11 March Henry V 2.30pm & 7.30pm Royal 14 Nathan Carter 7.30pm Derngate 43

Sun 12 March NMPAT: Wind Band Spectacular 6pm Derngate 41

Mon 13 March Henry V 7.30pm Royal 14 Firedance 7.30pm Derngate 43

Tue 14 March Henry V 7.30pm Royal 14 Lost In Music 7.30pm Derngate 43

Wed 15 March Henry V 7.30pm Royal 14

The Classic Rock Show 8pm Derngate 44

Thu 16 March Henry V 2.30pm & 7.30pm Royal 14 Anything For Love 7.30pm Derngate 44

Fri 17 March Henry V 7.30pm Royal 14

The ELO Show 7.30pm Derngate 44

Sat 18 March Henry V 2.30pm & 7.30pm Royal 14

The Bootleg Beatles 7.30pm Derngate 45

Tue 21 March Jersey Boys 7.30pm Derngate 16

Wed 22 March Twirlywoos

11am & 1.30pm Royal 18 Jersey Boys 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 16

Thu 23 March Twirlywoos 11am & 1.30pm Royal 18 Jersey Boys 7.30pm Derngate 16

Fri 24 March Twirlywoos 11am & 1.30pm Royal 18 Jersey Boys 7.30pm Derngate 16 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club 8pm Underground 33

Sat 25 March Twirlywoos 11am & 1.30pm Royal 18 Jersey Boys 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 16

Mon 27 March Jersey Boys 7.30pm Derngate 16

Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group: Ruddygore 7.30pm Royal 19

Tue 28 March Jersey Boys 7.30pm Derngate 16

Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group: Ruddygore 7.30pm Royal 19

Wed 29 March Jersey Boys 2.30pm & 7.30pm Derngate 16

Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group: Ruddygore 7.30pm Royal 19

Thu 30 March Jersey Boys 7.30pm Derngate 16

Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group: Ruddygore 7.30pm Royal 19

Fri 31 March Jersey Boys 7.30pm Derngate 16

Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group: Ruddygore 7.30pm Royal 19