The Mousetrap, Burlesque and big-name comedy coming to Northampton theatre

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Beauty and the Beast at Royal & Derngate | Royal & Derngate

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A packed programme of musicals, drama, comedy, dance and family entertainment is heading to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate over the coming months.

The Northampton theatre has revealed its line-up stretching from autumn 2026 into spring 2027, featuring major touring productions alongside its own Made in Northampton shows, with tickets on sale now.

Musical highlights include the first UK tour of feel-good hit The Choir of Man, while Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers returns to Northampton and Burlesque The Musical arrives in January following its West End success.

Northampton Musical Theatre Company will also present Elf The Musical during October half-term.

Drama fans can see the 75th anniversary tour of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, alongside The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful and thriller The Other Side of Murder.

Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton programme includes the world premiere of Inua Ellams’ Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, followed by a new production of Shakespeare’s Othello.

Christmas will bring two major family productions. Beauty and the Beast stars EastEnders actor Steve McFadden alongside Dani Harmer, best known as Tracy Beaker, while What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas is adapted from the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks.

Comedy is also strongly represented, with Lenny Henry, Maisie Adam, Al Murray, Harry Enfield, Simon Brodkin, Judi Love and Ivo Graham among those appearing.

Other highlights include Strictly stars Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite joining forces for The Legends in Vegas: After Hours, while the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns for two concerts.

Sporting names and personalities heading to the venue include England cricket great Jimmy Anderson, Chris Packham, Nigel Havers, Michael Portillo and Jason Fox.

October half-term will also see the return of GamesWorld, featuring 100 consoles and games spanning 50 years.

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