Royal & Derngate - Summer 2023 Season Brochure

What’s On SUMMER 2023

DRAMA DANCE MUSIC COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WORKSHOPS

FAMILY SHOWS COMEDY MUSICALS

RODDY DOYLE’S

Welcome & Thank You

This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our Derngate auditorium. We are so proud of all that the Derngate has been able to offer audiences across our region and would love you to join us to celebrate this extraordinary auditorium as we announce soon a series of anniversary events. Please do visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk for regular updates.

Our celebrations don’t just stop here as Northampton Filmhouse has its 10th birthday in June. This special and unique space has cemented its place in the hearts of Northampton’s cinemagoers with its carefully tailored programme and luxurious surroundings.

Inside this brochure you will find a brilliant selection of live events from West End musicals, comedians and drama as we take pride ensuring we provide a programme for all of our communities. A brand-new Orchestral Season welcomes a number of renowned orchestras (page 29) as we also look forward to hosting, once again, the National Theatre Connections Festival (page 14) and promoting positive mental health and well-being at our weeklong Headfest ‘23 (page 29) in partnership with BBC Northampton.

This Spring, we say a fond farewell to James Dacre as he stands down as Artistic Director of Royal & Derngate after 10 years in this role. During this time, James has firmly kept Royal & Derngate at the forefront of creativity, surpassing all expectations producing more than 120 shows, with accolades including Olivier, Evening Standard, What’s On Stage and The Stage Awards. Royal & Derngate has welcomed over two and a half million audience members and has twice been shortlisted for Regional Theatre of the Year by The Stage (2022 and 2016) and been chosen as 2020 Outstanding Theatre of the Year by Michael Billington. Touring Made In Northampton productions have been seen by a further 1 million audience members nationwide, winning three UK Theatre Awards. They have been broadcast to many more audiences on Sky Arts, BBC, On Demand and in cinemas.

Daily Telegraph

As audiences, we’re sure you’ll wish to join us in thanking James for his achievements and the ambitious, thrilling and engaging work that he has given us, and wishing him every luck for the future.

“JAMES DACRE CAN BOW OUT AS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF ROYAL & DERNGATE AFTER 10 YEARS WITH HIS HEAD HELD HIGH”

Access Performances

Please use the symbols throughout this brochure and the listings on page 57 for access performances this season, for more Access information at Royal & Derngate please see page 56.

Become A Member

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.

WANT TO GO FURTHER?

How about priority booking, discounts in local restaurants or behind the scenes experiences?

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 in the county.

To find out more, please visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk/ membership

*some exclusions apply

**excluding live screenings

For full Terms & Conditions please visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk/membership

Celebrating 40 years of Derngate

The Big 4-0 is such an iconic number and we are proud to be celebrating such an important year for the Derngate. A space with so many stories as we celebrate with a programme which is bigger and better than ever. For the first time in many years our Made In Northampton series moves on to the Derngate stage with an Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None, reuniting the creative team behind the smash-hit Love From A Stranger including director Lucy Bailey. As they did first 40 years ago, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the Derngate as we reintroduce our popular Orchestral Season - alongside Sinfonia Viva and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert season tailored for all musical tastes. There is so much more to shout about as we prepare to launch an important fundraising campaign, culminating in a 40th extravaganza evening of variety and local community groups all hosted by a well-known face. Please do visit our website for further details

But it‘s you, our audiences, who we thank the most. Your support is invaluable to us as we look to a future where we continue to entertain, to inspire emerging talent, to encourage the next generation of theatre goers, and provide a home for all our local communities.

AN INTERACTIVE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE WITH INTEGRATED BSL, CREATIVE CAPTIONS AND AUDIO DESCRIPTION

Anna is a junior doctor with frontline experience of caring for people. If anyone knows about care, it’s Anna. But Anna has a problem. She’s dead. She’s inside your computer – a ghost in your machine who can take you into the future…

It’s 2032. The Connect App has changed everything. It could be the answer to the social care crisis. Anna is not so sure. She needs to talk to you about it. She needs your help. Ready to Connect?

Co-created by Jem Wall & Nathan Crossan-Smith

Written by Chloe Todd-Fordham, Thea Gajic & Rebecca Saffir

Films directed by Nathan Crossan-Smith

Interactive design by John Hunter

Website by Studio Renton

Coming Soon at www.whocares2032.com

ONLINE

Tickets – pay what you can

Season sponsored by Michael Jones Jeweller

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.

HHHHH “A LOVELY SHOW FOR ALL LITTLE CHILDREN TO ENJOY” What’s Good to Do

HHHH “ALL THE FUN, MISCHIEF AND COLOURFUL CHARACTERS OF THE HIT SHOW. MY SON ADORED EVERY SECOND” Manchester Evening News

Wed 22 – Sat 25 March 11am & 1.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £14.50

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

Recommended for ages 1+

© 2022 Ragdoll Productions Limited/DHX Worldwide Limited dba WildBrain.

THE WEST END AND BROADWAY HIT MUSICAL

The West End and Broadway hit musical, Jersey Boys, is coming to Northampton. This smash hit musical has won 65 major awards and has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide.

They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Working My Way Back To You

Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Olivier Award-winning, original Broadway sensation, Jersey Boys. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.

Tue 21 March – Sat 1 April Eves 7.30pm

Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Touch Tour

Recommended for ages 12+

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Ruddygore Or

The Witch’s Curse

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.

Mon 27 March – Sat 1 April

Eves 7.30pm

Sat Matinee 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

HHHH

“A LOT OF GIDDY FUN”

Daily Telegraph

HHHH

“A SWEET AND SLIGHTLY NUTTY CONFECTION”

Mail on Sunday

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

Tue 4 – Sat 8 April

Eves 7.30pm

Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £22

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Subscribe & Save! - See page 28

DIRECTED BY ROYAL & DERNGATE’S FORMER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LAURIE SANSOM

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family.

Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!

A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.

Don’t miss this entertaining and mind-expanding jurassic adventure, live on stage. Book now before tickets become extinct!

Thu 6 – Sat 8 April

Thu 2pm, Fri & Sat 11am & 2pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £15

Recommended for ages 3+

The National Theatre Connections Festival is a celebration of young people, theatre and the importance of access to the arts. Each year the National Theatre commissions a collection of 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 the largest and most diverse of the regional festivals that take place across the country, and we are delighted to welcome hundreds of young people to Northampton again this April. Groups from across the region will perform a host of exciting new plays, including Is My Microphone On? by Jordan Tannahill, Model Behaviour by Jon Brittain, Old Times by Molly Taylor, Strangers Like Me by Ed Harris, The Heights by Lisa McGee and Tuesday by Alison Carr.

Royal & Derngate’s own Young Company: Acting group will be taking part in the festival performing (Circle Dreams Around) The Terrible, Terrible Past by Simon Longman.

Tue 11 - Sun 16 April

Times vary, see website for details

ROYAL & UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £6

RODDY DOYLE’S

THE SMASH HIT WEST END MUSICAL

LINNIE

LIVE ON STAGE

Five years after a record-breaking run in London’s West End and a subsequent sell-out tour, The Commitments is back! Based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic, join us for a five-star fantastically feel-good celebration of soul that will have you up on your feet dancing!

Adapted from the iconic novel by Booker prize-winning author Roddy Doyle himself, and directed by Andrew Linnie, this smash hit production stars

Coronation Street legend Nigel Pivaro. With over 20 soul classics performed live on stage including Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High, In The Midnight Hour, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Save Me, Mustang Sally, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Thin Line Between Love And Hate, Reach Out, Uptight, Knock On Wood, I Can’t Turn You Loose and more!

Come and see the West End smash hit spectacular that is a guaranteed “fabulously fun night out” (Daily Mail) you will simply never forget.

Mon 10 – Sat 15 April

Eves 7.30pm

Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £11

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Subscribe & Save! - See page 28

DIRECTED BY ANDREW

“We don’t in general take to foreigners here… unless they take to us first”

With characteristic humour, passion and pathos, Inspector Sands offer a fresh take on the infamous love story of doomed heroes Catherine and Heathcliff, with its devastating impact across several generations.

Channelling Emily Brontë’s piercing wit and intense emotion, Inspector Sands will throw the classic novel into sharp contemporary focus, exploring the way violence generates violence and the relationship between social alienation and radical behaviour.

Wuthering Heights will contain violence, passion, peril, social awkwardness, high winds, heavy rain, loud music and mud.

Inspector Sands’ work is highly accessible and entertaining whilst also pushing the boundaries of form, a combination the company are thrilled to be bringing to a larger canvas. Finely crafted physical performances and fearless comedy have been at the heart of Inspector Sands’ work, allowing them to create an intimate relationship with a broad range of audiences.

“THEY ARE BRILLIANT AND RECKLESS, PRECISE AND INVENTIVE, INTELLIGENT AND FRANK” NEW YORK THEATRE GUIDE ON INSPECTOR SANDS

A Royal & Derngate, Northampton, China Plate, Inspector Sands and Oxford Playhouse co-production

Mon 24 April – Sat 6 May

Eves 7.30pm (Fri 28 April 7pm)

Thu 27 April, Sat 29 April & Wed 3 May Matinees 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £13

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members discounts

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Captioned

Recommended for ages 14+

Contains strong language Subscribe & Save! - See page 28

Created by Inspector Sands

Adaptation conceived & developed by Lucinka Eisler and Ben Lewis

Writer Ben Lewis

Director Lucinka Eisler

Associate Director Chris Yarnell

Design Jamie Vartan

Costume Design Johanna Mårtensson

Lighting Design Ben Ormerod

Sound Design Elena Peña & Dan Balfour

Casting Annelie Powell CDG and Hayley Kaimakliotis

Artistic Associate Giulia Innocenti

Times vary, see website for details

BBC HeadFest is back, bigger and better for 2023. We’ve lived through some extraordinary times, with challenges to both our physical and mental health, and we want to do something to help. BBC HeadFest 23 is here to support you. We’ll bring useful tools together under one single roof. You’ll be able to access services, discussions and answers in an informal friendly environment to support your mental health.

This action-packed weeklong festival by BBC Radio Northampton brings together services from NHS Northamptonshire in a series of talks, workshops and comedy. Most events are free and guests are welcome to drop in for a cuppa or to talk to our roaming mental health first-aiders.

There’s lots to choose from, including High Performance – the podcast sensation featuring duo Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes and Joe Tracini’s lively but frank account of living with a personality disorder. There’s also comedy including the hilarious Simon Brodkin in his show Screwed-Up. For more details please see pages 38-40. For the full festival schedule, including relaxation sessions, masterclasses, workshops and talks, see our website at www.royaladnderngate.co.uk/headfest23

Sun 7 – Sun 14 May

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.

Starring Belinda Lang (2 Point 4 Children, Oklahoma!), Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar, Just Good Friends, EastEnders), Tessa Peake-Jones (Only Fools And Horses) and Graham Seed (The Archers, The Mousetrap). Also featuring Rekha John-Cheriyan (Four Weddings And A Funeral, Tomb Raider, Hollyoaks), Nishad More (King Lear, My Mother’s Wedding) and Marlene Sidaway (Coronation Street, Pride And Prejudice).

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!

Tue 9 – Sat 13 May

Eves 7.30pm

Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £13

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Touch Tour

Subscribe & Save! - See page 28

Direct from the West End, the Olivier Awardnominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came To Tea returns to Royal & Derngate!

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!

HHHH “THIS TIGER IS THE CAT’S MEOW”

The Times

HHHH “A RARE AND GRRREAT ACHIEVEMENT”

Mail On Sunday

Fri 2 – Sun 4 June 11.30am & 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £15

Recommended for ages 3+

Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet… a duel with knight, Sir Gadabout the Great!

The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Zog And The Flying Doctors and Stick Man) is back and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before!

With lively songs from Joe Stilgoe and directed by Emma Kilbey, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages.

Thu 29 June – Sat 1 July Thu 4.30pm, Fri 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Sat 10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £16

For all ages

“VERY FUNNY”

“A BRILLIANT PLAY’’

The Johals are celebrating Sunita’s birthday in Mum’s new kitchen, and you’re invited to the surprise party. It’s not just the dhal that’s bubbling under the surface – with decades of unfinished business, everyone’s true selves start to burst out when they least expect it. And it’s up to the family to pick each other back up and celebrate themselves for who they truly are.

Unexpected guests, butter-free roti and skeletons in the cupboard aren’t enough to stop them busting out some classic Punjabi shapes in the kitchen! Join the Johal family for a wild ride that will leave you laughing, crying, and talking all the way home.

Rifco Theatre Company revives this sell-out comedy, with a new cast and fresh script. Put on your birthday party finery and get ready for a samosa saga.

“A COMIC FAMILY DRAMA THAT EXPLORES BRITISH ASIAN BI-CULTURALISM WITH WIT, HUMOUR AND INTELLIGENCE” What’s On Stage

Quotes refer to the 2014 production

Box Office 01604 624811

Tue 6 – Sat 10 June

Eves 7.30pm

Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Subscribe & Save! - See page 28

RIFCO THEATRE COMPANY IN ASSOCIATION WITH WATFORD PALACE THEATRE

Lyca Radio

British Theatre Guide

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 terrible storm cuts them off from the mainland, and with their hosts mysteriously absent, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear, as secrets from their past come back to haunt each and every one of them.

With twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is the bestselling crime novel of all time with more than 100 million copies sold worldwide.

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 Made In Northampton production of Christie’s greatest murder mystery. For the first time, 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.

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

Fri 8 – 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

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Touch Tour

Captioned

Recommended for ages 12+

Subscribe & Save! - See page 28

Director Lucy Bailey

Designer Mike Britton

GD_130x130_Northampton_OL.indd 1

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, loss and laughter from award-winning writer Tim Firth 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 Days of their life.

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

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Take That’s first ever UK number 1 single Pray and coinciding with the summer 2023 release of the official movie of this smash hit musical – Greatest Days is sure to be a night out at the theatre 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

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Starring

ANTONY LAWRENCE JOANNE CLIFTON JAMES GILLAN

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 Faquaad 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

Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions

BRANDON LEE SEARS

Tue 10 – Sun 15 October

Tue - Sat Eves 7.30pm

Wed, Sat & Sun Matinees 2.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

What happens when the lights go out?

New Years’ Eve. Wealthy musician Charles Rodgers and his extended family arrive to see in the new year at an isolated holiday cottage in rural England. Yet from the moment they arrive a sequence of inexplicable events begin to occur. When a power-cut leaves them in complete darkness, Charles summons the help of the owner Mrs Smith with disastrous consequences. This thrilling new ghost story by acclaimed writer Torben Betts will thrust you into darkness and have you on the edge of your seats.

From the award-winning Original Theatre (Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d, Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art and Birdsong).

“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

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Recommended for ages 14+

Subscribe & Save! - See page 28

Book

Fierstein

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell

Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots

Written

by

Geoff Deane and Tim Firth

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

Sign Language Interpreted

Recommended for ages 12+

Royal & Derngate’s artist support programme

Generate proudly presents its fifth festival dedicated to supporting emerging and established artists. This November artists are invited to attend scratch performances, discussions, workshops, one-to-one support opportunities and networking sessions. Each scratch event 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 highlight some of the work by those on our Generate Associate Artists programme. Past artists have included Michaela Blackburn, Tristan Jackson-Pate, Chris Lowe and Georgia Tillery Randak.

Over 800 people saw performances and took part in events at GenFest 2022. Whether you are an artist working in the region, or you are interested in finding out more about how theatre is created, GenFest 2023 is the first place to see shows as they are created and get support with your career development.

Mon 6 – Mon 13 & Sun 26 – Tue 28 November Times vary, see website for details

VARIOUS

Tickets for most performances are free, selected Royal performances are from £5

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI

by Harvey

Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper

Northampton Musical Theatre Company present

‘EXHILARATING ENTERTAINMENT FROM SIX KILLER QUEENS’

‘SMART. SASSY. I’D GIVE THIS RIDICULOUSLY FUN MUSICAL SIX STARS IF I COULD’

Reigning on Broadway and in the West End, the international smash hit musical SIX is back by popular demand.

Winner of the 2022 Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ and ‘Best Costume Design’, double winners of the WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Best West End Show’ (2022/2023) and a Gold-Disk winning album, this sell-out 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

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Touch Tour

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 for details

ROYAL

Tickets from £16

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

All ages welcome

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Touch Tour

Captioned

Relaxed

BASED ON THE BOOK BY

BOOKEARLY FORTHEBEST PRICES

Don’t miss this year’s fun filled, family pantomime, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, with the hilarious Bob Golding returning as our fabulous dame, and a star-studded cast to be announced soon.

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!

HHHHH “5 STAR RATING IS JUST NOT ENOUGH!” What’s Good To Do

HHHHH “ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!” Toddle About

“HAD ME CRYING WITH LAUGHTER!” Northampton Chronicle & Echo

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

Fri 8 – Sun 31 December

Times vary, see website for details

DERNGATE

Tickets from £12

Concessions, Groups and Stage & Screen Members

discounts

Sign Language Interpreted

Audio Described

Captioned

Relaxed

Reviews from Dick Whittington 2021 and Jack And The Beanstalk 2022

Now booking...

Directed

Orchestral Season 2023/24

A sensational season of orchestral music is back for 2023/24 as we welcome several renowned orchestras to the Derngate stage. A significant highlight of the season is the return of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 40 years since they first performed on the Derngate stage. Sinfonia Viva perform their exciting programme debut in Northampton and we welcome back the fond return of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra who will bring with them a popular season of orchestral classics.

SINFONIA VIVA

Fri 7 July 7.30pm

Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges Overture to L’Amant

Mozart Piano Concerto No.20

Beethoven Symphony No.3 “Eroica”

Conductor Delyana Lazarova

Piano Ariel Lanyi

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 Ferrandez

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.

Book 2 or more concerts and save*

Book 4+ Concerts

Save 20%

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Fri 24 November 7.30pm

Mendelssohn Midsummer Night’s

Dream: Overture, Nocturne & Scherzo

Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations

Elgar Enigma Variations

Conductor Adam Hickox

Cello Richard Harwood

Box Office 01604 624811

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

Book 3+ Concerts

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Book 2+ Concerts

Save 10%

Members enjoy an extra 5% off

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

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.

Also this season...

From spectacular orchestral concerts to side-splitting standup, you’ll find a broad range of events on the coming pages. Why not try something different 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

TOM HOUGHTON Absolute Shambles

Sat 1 April 7.30pm & Fri 30 June 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND & ROYAL

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.

NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA & TOMMY BLAIZE PERFORM RAY CHARLES

Mon 3 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

National Youth Jazz Orchestra is touring a programme in celebration of the history and immeasurable talent of Ray Charles, to whom all jazz musicians and fans alike owe so much. The show features Tommy Blaize, lead singer of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing band.

A fantastic opportunity to see a 19-piece band of some of the most talented young jazz musicians in the UK take to the stage with one of the country’s finest vocalists.

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

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 CRAFTED MICRO-SHOWS ARE LIKE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS” The Stage

“THEY ARE WONDERFUL” The Times

KATE MOSSE OBE

Warrior Queens And Quiet Revolutionaries

Wed 5 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £30

International bestselling author Kate Mosse OBE embarks on her first ever theatre tour.

Audiences can expect a fabulous evening of entertainment; part detective story, part love letter about how history is made, part celebration of extraordinary, brilliant trail-blazing and inspirational women throughout history. Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built the World will surprise, amaze, challenge and perhaps even encourage some to undertake a little family history of their own.

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.

Channelling 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.

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.

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 latest show.

With his live band, special guest singer Lance Ellington, 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.

ALFIE MOORE Fair Cop Unleashed

Fri 21 April 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!

Please note this is the same show performed on Fri 10 February 2023.

SOLD

NADIYA AND KAI Once Upon A Time

Sat 22 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

Once Upon A Time is a fairy tale like no other. It is the brand-new dance show starring Strictly superstars Nadiya and Kai, for the first time on stage together.

Our two stars have created a stunning show that highlights their different backgrounds, showcasing their incredible ballroom journeys whilst shining a spotlight on their love affair with dance.

It also celebrates their wonderful relationship on and off the dance floor, whilst following their journey from childhood dancers to ballroom and Latin champions, becoming TV stars and more.

It will be a lavish production with beautiful choreography, stunning costumes and a talented cast of dancers and musicians

It’s an on-stage romance that you will not want to miss!

EMMANUEL SONUBI

Sun 23 April 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £17 I 16+

Born and raised in North London, Emmanuel Sonubi’s Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated show Emancipated covers his time as a doorman in some of the scariest clubs in London, his career in musical theatre and life as a parent to two young children.

Emmanuel made his TV debut on Comedy Central UK and was recently on The John Bishop Show for ITV1, The Stand Up Sketch Show on ITV2, Comedy Central Live on Comedy Central and Sorry I Didn’t Know on ITV, and has been heard on a number of BBC Radio shows including The Now Show, The Likely Dads and the Edinburgh Fringe Award Nominees show.

“SIDE-SPLITTINGLY FUNNY, THERE ARE ROARING LAUGHS”

The Independent

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!

Tue 25 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £12

Join the rising stars of Birmingham Royal Ballet on BRB2’s inaugural tour in this exciting new partnership with Royal & Derngate.

Some of the very best young ballet graduates from around the world get their moment in the spotlight in this programme presented with a full orchestra. The evening will feature sparkling classical highlights from Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody, created in 1981 for Mikhail Baryshnikov and Lesley Collier, Carlos’s own temperature-raising Carmen, Bournonville’s delightful La Sylphide, Petipa’s explosive Diana and Actaeon pas de deux, and Carlos’s own new interpretation of Fokine’s The Dying Swan, featuring two dancers.

BRB2 is a brand-new company for dancers fresh from ballet schools around the world as they transition into permanent jobs with BRB and other international companies. For this inaugural tour, the first five members of the company are joined by other talented young dancers from BRB’s ranks.

Image credit: Drew Tommons, Main image: Carlos Acosta (centre) with BRB2 dancers Mason King , Jack Easton, Mailene Katoch, Frieda Kaden and Oscar Kempsey-Fagg

SCREAMING BLUE MURDER COMEDY CLUB

Doors 7.45pm, Show 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £13.50 I 16+

Line up may be subject to change, advance booking is recommended.

Join us for our popular Friday night comedy club with compère Dan Evans. This season features many of comedy’s rising stars:

Fri 28 April

Peter Brush

Joey Page

Don Biswas

Fri 26 May

Addy Van Der Borgh

Eleanor Tiernan

Paul Ricketts

Fri 23 June

Julian Deane

Sarah Callaghan

Jon Long

MYTHOS –RAGNAROK

Sat 29 April 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £22 I 12+

Join Odin and Loki in their struggle to overcome primeval giants, rival Gods and Goddesses, and each another’s ambitions in this dark comic adaptation of Norse mythology.

Weaving ancient myths, legends, and folk tales into original pieces of theatre, Mythos utilises a cast of actors who specialise in professional wrestling to create some of the most intense and thrilling fight scenes in the history of theatre. Named a “Must See Show” of Edinburgh Fringe 2022, the show earned more positive public reviews than any other show of the festival and was nominated for the Brighton Fringe Award For Excellence.

Proudly presented by The Mythological Theatre and Phil McIntyre Live Ltd.

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.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Sun 7 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £31.50 I 14+

Join one of Britain’s bestrespected sports broadcasters, Jake Humphrey, and psychologist Professor Damian Hughes, as they turn the lived experiences of the planet’s high performers into your life lessons. Jake and Damian are the hosts of High Performance, a podcast which has grown into a movement with people invested in improving their mindset and finding their own version of High Performance. This dynamic and impactful theatre show will introduce you to some very special guests as Jake and Damian reveal the secrets used by the world’s most remarkable athletes, coaches and entrepreneurs to excel, and teach you how to do the same. SEE PAGE 14

PERFORMING AS PART OF

JOE TRACINI

Tue 9 May 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £20 I 18+

Actor, author, presenter, comedian and British champion magician Joe Tracini (Hollyoaks, Coming Of Age, The Great Outdoors) will be discussing his book Ten Things I Hate About Me, which delivers a frank and honest account of living with Borderline Personality Disorder that reveals essential information about the complexities of the condition in an accessible, entertaining and even uplifting way.

15% of people with BPD die by suicide, and 40% try. Joe is in the 40%, and has written this book about what staying alive has taught him, and how being honest about what’s happening in our heads is so important.

Themes of self-harm and suicide will be discussed

HAL CRUTTENDEN It’s Best You Hear It From Me

Wed 10 May 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £21 I 14+

After 21 years and 224 days Hal Cruttenden is back being single. But it’s all going to be fine. Instead of getting the therapy he clearly needs, he’s made a cracking show about it.

He’s lost enough weight to almost get his wedding ring off and, while he may be flying solo, he’s far from alone; he’s got his grown-up daughters, his dogs and his divorce lawyer.

The fickle finger of fate has turned Hal’s life upside down but he’s sticking a finger right back at it.

SIMON BRODKIN Screwed Up

Thu 11 May 8pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £24.50 I 14+

Following his sold-out, critically-acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run and becoming the most viewed British comedian of all time on TikTok, world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator Simon Brodkin is back with an outrageous new stand-up show. In Screwed Up Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and Jesus. Nothing is off limits in this hilarious show, including his own mental health, his family, his five arrests and how he once found himself at an underground sex party.

RICHARD HARDISTY Silly Boy

Fri 12 May 8pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £14 I 18+

In his intimate and highlyanticipated debut hour, Rich Hardisty (Channel 4, Netflix, BBC) takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of his unusual life.

Expect anecdotes and observations about momentous movies, missing dads and mania, all from his warm, inquisitive, childlike perspective. Rich tries to convey what mental illness looks and feels like, celebrating the beauty and silliness of it all.

HHHH “A THRILLING LIFE STORY, BRILLIANTLY TOLD”

Richard Gadd

HHHH “HARD TO BEAT.. DEEPLY AFFECTING AND CANDIDLY HILARIOUS” The Scotsman

FOX

Sat 13 May 7.30pm & Sun 14 May 11am

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £11 I 14+

Inspired by true events, Katie Guicciardi’s Fox is a brutally honest and insightful exploration of new motherhood in an increasingly isolating society. A sharply observed drama that examines our complex relationship with ‘help’ - our desire to give it and the need to seek it for ourselves.

This “small but perfectly formed” play (Telegraph) is “a brave, eyeopening show” (What’s On Stage).

Directed by Offie Award nominee, Lisa Cagnacci, Fox is “a compelling monologue [which] rings relatably true to life” (Telegraph).

HHHHH Feminist Fringe

HHHH The Telegraph

HHHH What’s On Stage

DANCING SCHOOLS UK

Sun 14 May (Heats)

10am (Years 1 & 2), 2pm & 6pm (Years 3 & 4)

Sun 16 July (Grand Final)

10am (Years 1 & 2, 2pm (Years 3 & 4) & 6pm (Years 5 & 6)

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

From Our Community

Join us for fabulous Ballroom and Latin dance from Dancing Schools UK Northamptonshire!

This is the 10th year of this fabulous Ballroom and Latin dance event designed to encourage school children from across the region to have a try at dancing and nurture team work.

From its early days as Strictly Junior, the show has now evolved to Dancing Schools UK and seen over 3000 children having braved the stage, stepped out into the spotlight and done something they never thought they would do – dance in front of hundreds of people.

UPFRONT COMEDY

Sun 14 May 8pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £14.50 I 16+

Spring season belly laughs from Upfront Comedy with globetrotting comedy heavyweight Stephen K Amos joined by woman on a mission, with a new book and even newer jokes, Sukh Kaur Ojla Completing the line-up is LondonIrish gagster John Ryan who has wit for hours, but less time than that on the night. Host is sardonic streetwise and silly comedian turned Teletubbie John Simmit

Upfront Comedy nights are just that: upfront, in your face and funny.

AN EVENING SHARED WITH JASPER CARROTT AND ALISTAIR MCGOWAN

Mon 15 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £32

Comedy legends Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan join forces to split the bill and your sides with a night of comedy stand-up and impressions. The two masters of comedy present a show of pure laughter and entertainment that is not to be missed.

When the pair first teamed up for a one-off festival appearance it proved a match made in comedy heaven. The chance to work together was too good to miss. Splitting the evening between them, the mix of Jasper’s inimitable stand up and Alistair’s peerless impressions is a terrific experience for audience and artists alike.

BEN FOGLE Wild

Wed 17 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £30.50

“Adventures, expeditions, and journeys have helped shape and mould me. They have strengthened me emotionally, physically, and mentally and armed me with the skills for life.” Ben Fogle

Ben Fogle’s new show Wild brings to life on stage, stories and tales of hope, possibility and positivity. From his extraordinary encounters with the human and natural world; the wilderness of Northern Sweden to the jungles of Honduras; the hostile extreme environments of Chernobyl to the mountains of Nepal; Ben will take you on a journey with inspiring and uplifting tales of self-discovery, that will leave you enchanted, enlightened and entertained.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY

Thu 18 May 8pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £28 I 12+

That’ll Be The Day is back with another incredible show celebrating the golden age of rock ’n’ roll and pop from the ’50s to the ’80s.

Hilarious comedy sketches combine with brilliant vocals and superb musicianship to bring you the ultimate feel good experience that will leave you singing and dancing.

THE WITNESS

Wed 17 & Thu 18 May 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £13

His story became History. Her story became Heresy.

The sacred and profane collide in a new performance by interdisciplinary artist Jo Blake, inspired by the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. Three copies of the gospel have been found – all of them with missing pages. As the only gospel written in the name of a woman, it reveals Mary as a most formidable and courageous spiritual leader, confidante and companion of Christ. Moving through humour, bold physicality and intricate storytelling; The Witness reveals how one woman’s 2000 year old testimony comes clattering into the life of a contemporary woman, initiating a reckoning and demanding that the missing pages be written anew.

JIMMY CARR

Terribly Funny 2.0

Fri 19 May 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.

SHEWOLVES

Fri 19 May 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £11 I 12+

Armed with a backpack full of Pop-tarts and a hunger to tackle climate change, Priya and Lou embark on a covert expedition into the wild. But when the wilderness closes in around them, can they overcome their differences to make their voices heard?

Shewolves is an uplifting comingof-age comedy for teenagers and anyone who has ever been a teen. One of The Stage’s ‘Best Shows of the Year 2022’

HHHHH “A STAND-OUT FRINGE PRODUCTION”

Everything Theatre

HHHH “SPARKY AND DELIGHTFUL” The Stage

HHHH “A JOY TO WATCH”

BroadwayWorld

HHHH “A HOWLING SUCCESS”

ThreeWeeks

WHITNEY QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

Sat 20 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £30

Direct from The West End, Whitney – Queen Of The Night is back for 2023 celebrating the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time with a sensational cast and stunning live band.

This phenomenal production consistently delivers an outstanding concert that has been described as “a powerhouse performance that delivers on every level.”

Taking audiences on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of nostalgic hits that include: I Wanna Dance With Somebody, One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You, My Love Is Your Love, So Emotional Baby, Run To You, Saving All My Love, How Will I Know, Million Dollar Bill, The Greatest Love Of All, and many more.

Northampton Musical Theatre Company GUYS AND DOLLS

Sat 20 May 2.30pm & 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £20 From Our Community

Following their previous successes with Calendar Girls, Made In Dagenham and Shrek, Northampton Musical Theatre Company return to Royal & Derngate this spring with a concert version of the classic and wellloved musical Guys And Dolls, presented on the Royal stage, for two performances only.

Established 125 years ago, Northampton Musical Theatre Company are fourteen-time winners of the “Best Musical” Award from the East Midlands region of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International

TRACY BORMAN How To Be A Good Monarch

Sun 21 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27

1000 years of Kings and Queens.*

*The good, the bad, the great and the mad!

The British monarchy has survived rebellion, revolution and war.

Royal Historian, broadcaster and Chief Curator of Hampton Court and The Tower of London, Tracy Borman takes us on a gripping, entertaining and informative audio-visual tour of 1000 years of the twists and turns of the British monarchy.

From William the Conqueror to Charles III this show is packed with the good, the bad, the great and the mad along with birth, romance, beheading, coronation, abdication, marriage, divorce, disaster and triumph.

JOHANNES RADEBE Freedom Unleashed

Mon 22 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £35

VIP Package available

Following his sell-out debut tour in 2022, TV dancing sensation and international champion Johannes Radebe is hosting a party like no other in this electrifying brand-new production for 2023.

Freedom Unleashed sees the ‘Irresistible’ Johannes joined by a diverse, world-class cast of talented dancers and singers in this melting pot of South African rhythms and huge party anthems – with a touch of ballroom magic thrown in to make this a pulsating and jubilant celebration of culture, passion and freedom. Leave your inhibitions at the door and get ready to dance to your own tune in this super-charged “must-see show”.

MIDGE URE Voice & Visions

Tue 23 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £31.50

Midge Ure and Band Electronica are delighted to return to Northampton with the Voice & Visions tour, celebrating 40 years since the release of Ultravox’s Rage In Eden and Quartet albums. At the start of 1981, Ultravox were laying their claim to be one of the defining acts of the ’80s following the global success of hit Vienna. Heading back into the studio the same year invigorated, they recorded their second album with Ure as frontman, Rage In Eden, which hit the Top 5 in the UK album charts. Quartet, their third album with Ure, came in quick succession in 1982 with production from Beatles producer George Martin. Continuing the band’s impressive chart run, it became their third Top 10 album, featuring four Top 20 singles including the anthem Hymn

BOYZLIFE

Thu 25 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £32.50

Boyzlife is the supergroup formed by long time pals Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden who previously appeared as members of ’90s and ’00s boybands Boyzone and Westlife respectively.

In May 2023, they will be heading out on tour, which will see them perform songs from their original material studio album, Old School, which was released last year, plus all the classic Boyzone and Westlife hits.

THE PROCLAIMERS

Fri 26 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £40

The Proclaimers are heading to Northampton.

Strikingly individual, twin brothers

Craig and Charlie Reid emerged 35 years ago with their debut album This Is The Story and top three single Letter From America. Since then their enduring appeal across generations has, over the years, seen them enjoy huge success across the globe.

The Proclaimers’ songs are timeless, capturing a gamut of human emotions, written with poignancy, emotional honesty, political fire and wit. Their songs feature at weddings, funerals and everything inbetween and there is one song, an early celebration of falling head over heels in love, that is known the world over and has become a staggering global anthem.

Streets Ahead CHEERS TO 20 YEARS

Sun 28 May 1pm & 5pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £18.50

From Our Community

Streets Ahead Dance Studios are back with a bang.

Celebrating two decades of dance with their spectacular variety show suitable for all the family. This show will be guaranteed to have you bopping in your seat, tapping your toes, clapping your hands and cheering at the top of your voice for all the talented dancers taking part.

Jam-packed with street dance, ballet, tap, contemporary and musical theatre, there is something for everyone, including some very special performances. If you love dance, then you will 100% love this.

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

Mon 29 May 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £25.50

Following sold-out performances in London’s West End, a worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to stun audiences across the globe, making it a must-see international sensation.

Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more. Get your tickets fast as this is an evening not to be missed!

“FANTASTIC” Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2

“AUTHENTIC AND EXCITING”

The Stage

NC Jazz Present QUINTET BLUE

Fri 2 June 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £17

Pianist Alex Webb leads this group with a front-line of two of the UK’s greatest jazz improviser, tenor saxophonist Denys Baptiste and guitarist Nigel Price. Together they celebrate the bluesy, swinging jazz of the 1950s and ’60s, with a repertoire of pieces from Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Ahmad Jamal and others, as well as more recent works from Charlie Haden’s Quartet West.

Quintet Blue is completed by two young lions of the UK scene, bassist Michele Montoli, and drummer Shaney Forbes of Empirical.

You can also book now for NC Jazz’s Art Themen’s New Directions on Fri 22 September.

THE KING OF REGGAE The Man, The Music

Sat 3 June 7.45pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £23.50

From the company that brought you the critically acclaimed RUSH

A Joyous Jamaican Journey this narrated musical tells the story of The King Of Reggae whose iconic music fused elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady.

Get ready to enjoy songs like One Love, No Woman No Cry and Is This Love, all played live on stage by the incredible JA Reggae Band, as we tell the story of the man who brought Reggae music to the world.

STACEY DOOLEY

Sat 4 June 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £23

Stacey Dooley is heading back on the road to celebrate the publication of her new book Are You Really OK? Understanding Britain’s Mental Health Emergency, which explores the mental health crisis in Britain and its particular impact on young people, inspired by Stacey’s two most recent documentaries on mental health.

In conversation for these limited events, Stacey will open up the conversation about mental health in young people, to challenge the stigma and stereotypes around it. Join her for what promises to be a thought-provoking, inspiring and informative evening. With a chance to try your own hand at journalism and ask Stacey the questions, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

DRAGONS & MYTHICAL BEASTS

Wed 14 & Thu 15 June 4.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £15 I 3+ Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical Olivier Award-nominated show for all the family.

Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth.

From the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, don’t miss this spell-binding adventure, live on stage!

HHHH ”SPELLBINDING”

The Guardian

HHHH “MIND-BLOWING PUPPET MONSTERS!” Time Out

MCCARTNEY SONGBOOK

Sat 17 June 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27.50

Starring Peter John Jackson (Let It Be, The Sessions At Abbey Road, That’ll Be The Day), The McCartney Songbook takes you on a musical journey of Sir Paul’s career from the early beginnings with the Fab Four, The Wings days and his prolific solo career.

With authentic costume and instrumentation, this fantastic production features over 40 monster hits including Band On The Run, Can’t Buy Me Love, Yesterday, Live And Let Die, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Hey Jude and many more! An amazing showcase of some of the greatest songs ever written that is certainly not to be missed!

“PERFECT” Evening Standard

“FIVE STARS” London Standard

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust THE FESTIVAL

Tue 20 & Wed 21 June 7pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £10

From Our Community

An opportunity to share in and celebrate Arts performances by young people from some of the county’s primary and secondary schools, who will be showcasing their talents, skills and irrepressible energy for you.

In partnership with Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust, this promises to be a truly memorable experience for the young people, their teachers and leaders and you, their audience.

CALLING PLANET EARTH

Fri 23 June 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £28.50

A New Romantic Symphony that goes on a journey through one of the greatest musical eras of all time – the electrifying ’80s

Featuring songs from now legendary artists such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, The Human League, Ultravox, Tears For Fears, Depeche Mode, OMD, Japan, ABC, Soft Cell and many, many more. Performed by an incredible live band with awesome symphonic arrangements combined with stunning vocals and cast, this is the must see show that simply defines a decade.

LIMELIGHT THEATRE SCHOOL Groovy Baby

Sun 2 July 1pm & 5pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17.50

From Our Community

Limelight Theatre School are thrilled to be back once again with another sensational show.

These talented pupils are taking you on a journey back through the glorious time of the ’60s and bringing you the best numbers and songs from that swinging decade of music. A great show for all the family.

David Ross Education Trust THE LOST WORDS

Wed 5 July 6pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £5

From Our Community

Choirs from across the primary and secondary schools of the David Ross Education Trust (DRET) perform the UK premiere of James Burton’s The Lost Words, conducted by the composer. Inspired by the bestselling children’s book by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, The Lost Words celebrates the wonder of the natural world through a series of spell-poems, each describing a word in danger of disappearing from children’s language - acorn, dandelion, otter, bramble - and brings them to life again through song.

This performance, suitable for all the family, will be accompanied by digital art created by pupils from DRET schools.

SINFONIA VIVA

Beethoven’s Symphony No.3 “Eroica”

Fri 7 July 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £17

Conductor Delyana Lazarova brings her dynamic and electrifying conducting style to Northampton with Sinfonia Viva, the orchestra of the East Midlands, in one of Beethoven’s most celebrated works. Beethoven’s Symphony No.3 is a bold musical statement that revels in drama and flamboyance, igniting the spark for what became the Romantic period.

Exciting young Israeli pianist Ariel Lanyi brings his precise and lyrical playing to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.20, and the concert opens with Joseph Bologne’s overture to the comic opera L’Amant

SEE PAGE 29 TO MAKE GREAT SAVINGS WHEN YOU BOOK TWO OR MORE CONCERTS IN OUR ORCHESTRAL SEASON 2023/24

UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE

Sat 8 July 7.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £27.50

Celebrating 50 years since the release of their iconic album The Dark Side Of The Moon, UK Pink Floyd Experience recreate the sights and sounds of the legendary band in concert.

This highly authentic show recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live, featuring top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and over two hours of incredible music!

Come and share the passion for Pink Floyd’s music as the UK Pink Floyd Experience perform iconic songs from seminal albums such as The Dark Side Of The Moon, Animals, Wish You Were Here, The Wall and new for 2023 the much requested masterpiece, Echoes! A true celebration of all things Floyd.

THE BIG TOP MURDERS

A Musical Double Bill

Murder Mystery 1: Youth Theatre Musicals

Fri 7 July 6.30pm & Sat 8 July 2.30pm

Murder Mystery 2: Young Company Musicals

Fri 7 July 8.30pm & Sat 8 July 7.30pm

UNDERGROUND

Tickets from £6

From Our Community

It’s murder putting on a new musical – literally! Join Royal & Derngate’s Youth Theatre and Young Company Musicals at The Big Top this July in a double bill of musical murder mysteries set in the wonderful world of the circus. Brace yourself for twists and turns and toe-tapping tunes as intriguing plots of love, deceit and shattered dreams unfold.

Immerse yourself in the action as you meet suspects and examine clues. Can you identify the culprit? Or will the case remain unsolved? The. Choice. Is. Yours!

Directed by Jonathan Stewart with scripts co-created with Youth Theatre and Young Company Musicals members, this double bill of family-fun murder mystery musicals is sure to test your powers of detection through cunning characters, devious dealings and puzzling plots.

Northamptonshire

Music and Performing Arts Trust

GENERATIONS

Sun 9 July 12pm & 6pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £10

From Our Community

New Generation Concert 12pm

Performances by the County Junior Orchestra, Junior Wind Orchestra, Junior Brass Ensemble, Junior String Orchestra and Jazz 3

Second Generation Concert 6pm

Performances by the County Training Orchestra, Training Wind Orchestra, Guitarlactica, NMPAT Singers and Jazz 2

Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre & Young Company

Royal & Derngate’s Actors Company

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

Fri 14 July 7.30pm & Sat 15 July 3pm & 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £10 I For all ages From Our Community

When the young and naive D’Artagnan sets out on his quest to become a King’s musketeer, he immediately encounters the dangerous and wily Milady de Winter. After discovering that the musketeers have been disbanded, he makes it his riotous mission to get them reinstated with ridiculous repercussions.

The Actors Company, directed by Dan McGarry (The Night Before Christmas, Bert’s House, Writing Doesn’t Have To Be Lonely), perform this funny, high-energy, swashbuckling adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel by John Nicholson and Le Navet Bete

Open Stage Performing Arts

ANY WAY WE WANT IT!

Sat 15 July 3.30pm

DERNGATE

Tickets from £21 I 5+ From Our Community

Open Stage Performing Arts Company is excited to return to the Derngate stage with their entire performing arts school of children and adults, plus special guests for their latest production. Their show will feature Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and Jazz Dance, Acrobatic Arts and Musical Theatre. It is the highlight of their year!

Open Stage Performing Arts is a professional theatre school for ages 2+. They also deliver community arts sessions across a wide variety of genres including the Open Stage Choir that will also feature in this show!

Royal & Derngate Community Choir WINDRUSH 75

Fri 21 July 7.30pm & Sat 22 July 2.30 & 7.30pm

ROYAL

Tickets from £3 From Our Community

It’s been 75 years since HM Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks and Royal & Derngate invite you join us for this vibrant and poignant new piece that will reflect and celebrate the positive impact of Windrush here in Northamptonshire and nationally.

Part verbatim, part theatre and part musical, join the wonderful Royal & Derngate Community Choir and actors from the local community in this brand new show with original songs inspired by local people. Directed by Sharon De Leonardis (Spectacularts) and created with Musical Director Gareth Fuller and artist Weekes Baptist, this will be a significant opportunity to celebrate, discuss and reflect.

Coming Soon...

THE WONDER OF STEVIE

Mon 18 September 7.30pm

Tickets from £27.50

TIM VINE Breeeep!

Thu 21 September 7.30pm

Tickets from £27

SH*T-FACED SHAKESPEARE

Thu 21 September 7.30pm

Tickets from £23

FASCINATING AIDA

Fri 22 September 7.30pm

Tickets from £30.75

GYLES BRANDRETH

Sat 23 September 7.30pm

Tickets from £27

SEANN WALSH

Sat 23 September 8pm

Tickets from £17

MIRIAM MARGOLYES

Tue 26 September 7.30pm

Tickets from £37

Box Office 01604 624811

JOHN ROBINS

Howl

Sat 30 September 7.30pm

Tickets from £ £23.50

BABATUNDE ALÉSHÉ

Sun 1 October 8pm

Tickets from £17

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

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

DANCE ELDERS

This programme offers new and exciting dance opportunities for those over 60 in Northamptonshire with two weekly dance groups led by DanceMind

OPEN DANCE CLASS

A relaxed fun class where everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary, just a willingness to explore the creativity of dance, whilst enjoying the physical and mental health benefits.

PERFORMANCE COMPANY

A dynamic class for those who enjoy the challenge of learning Contemporary dance technique, and working together to choreograph and create performances for audiences.

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

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

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. This year Young Company Acting are performing in the National Theatre Connections Festival in April (see page 10).

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 previous 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 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.

BEATBOXING WORKSHOP VIDEOS

In this video, join Musical Director and beatbox artist, Conrad Murray, and actor Kate Donnachie, from our recent prduction of Unexpected Twist, as they take you through the foundations of beatboxing in this fun interactive video for all ages. You’ll be creating your own beatboxing tracks in no time!

Visit the Resources Page on the Northants CEP website at www.northantscep.com to watch.

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.

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.

BROCHURE

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

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

AUDIO DESCRIBED AND AUDIO ENHANCED

The following performances include Audio Description:

Jersey Boys Wed 29 Mar 7.30pm

Quality Street Wed 5 Apr 7.30pm

The Commitments Wed 12 Apr 7.30pm

Wuthering Heights Wed 3 May 7.30pm

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Wed 10 May 7.30pm

Happy Birthday Sunita Wed 7 Jun 7.30pm

And Then There Were None Thu 14 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

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

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 for many other 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.

Jersey Boys Wed 29 Mar 6pm

Wuthering Heights Wed 3 May 6.30pm

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Wed 10 May 6pm

And Then There Were None Thu 14 Sep 6pm

Six Wed 29 Nov 7.30pm

Stick Man Sat 16 Dec 12pm

NORTHAMPTON FILMHOUSE

CAPTIONED

In these performances television screens on either side of the stage present the text as it is spoken onstage.

Wuthering Heights Wed 3 May 7.30pm

And Then There Were None Wed 13 Sep 7.30pm

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Tue 19 Dec 7pm

Stick Man Sat 30 Dec 4pm

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED

These performances are interpreted in sign language by someone standing to the side of the stage:

Jersey Boys Thu 30 Mar 7.30pm

Quality Street Thu 6 Apr 7.30pm

The Commitments Thu 13 Apr 7.30pm

Wuthering Heights Thu 4 May 7.30pm

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Thu 11 May 7.30pm

Happy Birthday Sunita Thu 8 Jun 7.30pm

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

NMTC Kinky Boots Thu 26 Oct 7.30pm

Six Thu 30 Nov 8pm

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

Fri 15 Dec 7pm & Fri 29 Dec 1pm

Stick Man Wed 20 Dec 1pm

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

A range of Access Screenings are also available at Northampton Filmhouse in order to enable as many people as possible to enjoy cinema. 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

Box Office 01604 624811

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 28.

• 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 £3.50 (increasing to £4 from Sat 1 April) 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

P1 St. John’s NN1 1HA

485 spaces

P2 Albion Place NN1 1UD

71 spaces

P3 Hazelwood Rd NCP NN1 1LG

37 spaces

P4 The Ridings NN1 2BT

55 spaces

P5 Commercial St. NN1 1PN

42 spaces

P6 Mayorhold NN1 3HA

1073 spaces

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

COVID SAFETY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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

All 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.

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

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

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.

What’s On

For full Access Performance listings please see pages 56-57

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 THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS

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

Sit back in the comfort of luxury, reclining leather seats and enjoy a range of snacks and drinks as you watch the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream films and live screenings.

You should expect a warm welcome every time you visit. Our programme includes screenings exclusively for parents and their babies, silver screenings for our more mature visitors, and regular QFilm screenings. You can even hire us for private screenings, small conferences and presentations

4.8 star rating on Google reviews

www.northamptonfilmhouse.com