Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From a wild exploration of modern parenting to the nostalgic sound of a brass band, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Mother Goose – Easter Pantomime, The Deco, Northampton, Tuesday March 31, 3pm and 7pm
Starring the one and only Basil Brush alongside Darren Day, Coronation Street’s Helen Flanagan, Casualty’s Amanda Henderson and Easter panto favourite Ryan Greaves, the show tells of events on Goose Farm, where Mother Goose and her silly son Wally are the proud owners of the magical Priscilla. That is until Demon Vanity arrives in town and convinces Mother Goose to sell Priscilla in return for eternal good looks. Families are promised song, dance, splendid sets, colourful costumes and lots of laughs. Visit theoldsavoy.co.uk or call 01604 491005 to book.
2 Coldplace, The Core at Corby Cube, Saturday March 27
The acclaimed tribute show features all of Coldplay’s hits from the last 20-plus years including Yellow, Paradise and A Sky full of Stars, right through to Higher Power and My Universe from their latest album, Music of the Spheres. It aims to recreate the magic of Coldplay’s record-breaking live tours – featuring lasers, confetti, video screen and the Xyloband LED wristbands that have become synonymous with Coldplay concerts, and make the audience part of the show. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
3 Party Season, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday April 2 to Saturday April 11
The sharp new comedy is billed as a show about “privilege, party rings and the pressures of being a parent”. Class identities collide, social niceties unravel and underslept parents do their best to hold it all together when three children’s parties take place across one weekend. Party Season is created by The Wardrobe Ensemble, long-term collaborators with Royal & Derngate and the multi-award-winning creators of The Last of the Pelican Daughters and most recently Mog’s Christmas, with the group having gained a name for their energetic and irreverent plays about life in the 21st century. The run in Northampton will include a relaxed performance, offering a welcoming environment for parents and carers with babes-in-arms and anyone who would benefit from a more informal theatre setting. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
4 Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday March 29
The band are a true British institution. National and British Open Champions on numerous occasions, the band’s contest successes remain legendary. They are also well known for their contributions to the global hit film Brassed Off. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
5 The ELO Show, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday March 28
The tribute to Jeff Lynne and ELO are back on the road with a new stage production, featuring a band of top musicians complemented by a string section and playing hit after hit from ELO’s vast back catalogue. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
6 Man in the Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday March 27
Starring renowned tribute artist CJ and supported by a cast of performers and musicians, the production features all of Jackson’s greatest hits, including Thriller, Billie Jean, Beat It, Smooth Criminal and, of course, Man In The Mirror. Audiences are promised dazzling choreography, stunning visual effects, a light show and authentic costumes. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
7 Dead Ringers 25th Anniversary, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday March 26
BBC Radio 4’s multi-award-winning topical satire show is hitting the road with a full UK tour for the first time. Featuring much-loved long-standing cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, and Duncan Wisbey, the live show promises a comical journey through a quarter century of classic sketches, uncanny impressions and the cutting-edge political and cultural satire that has defined the series. Audiences can expect the trademark Dead Ringers mix of wit, mischief, and the sharpest impressions in the business, all delivered live by the show’s masterly cast. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
8 An Audience with Aggers: Beyond the Boundary, The Core at Corby Cube, Thursday March 26
Get ready for some wicket wisdom with cricket legend and renowned BBC correspondent Jonathan Agnew. He promises an evening of stories, laughter and cricketing gold – this time with clips and unseen footage to bring the action to life on screen. Join Aggers as he shares the highs, lows and hilarious moments from his illustrious career, from covering the Olympics in Rio to calling the unforgettable Super Over finale of the 2019 World Cup. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
9 Blood Brothers, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, until Saturday March 28
Willy Russell’s epic tale of Liverpool life tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children, she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again - this time with twins. In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show's shattering climax. Few musicals have been received with such popular and critical acclaim as Blood Brothers, which has won four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway. It surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. The score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True. Willy Russell is one of this country's leading contemporary dramatists, with credits including Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
10 Taylormania 2026, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Sunday March 29
The award-winning extravaganza plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. It’s fronted by Katy Ellis backed with a live band and dancers and has been a hit with ‘Swifties’ across the world. The show features songs including Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do and I Knew You Were Trouble. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.