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.

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.