Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From a feast of nostalgia to a wrestling and Greek mythology, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 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.
2 That’ll Be the Day 40th Anniversary Tour, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday April 3
Nostalgia, music and mirth await as the smash-hit sensation That’ll Be The Day returns with its celebration of pop culture from the ‘50s through the ‘80s. With songs by The Ronettes, The Beatles, Cliff Richard, ABBA, Tom Jones, Barbara Dickson, and Elaine Paige, That’ll Be The Day promises plenty of blasts from the past. It features more than 60 nostalgic hits and timeless treasures some may have forgotten, with musical accompaniment from a multi-talented band. In addition to the music, That’ll Be The Day delves into the cultural soul of the past, journeying audiences through the period’s most beloved comedy sketches, adverts and more, for an evening of time travel through one of music’s golden eras. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
3 Mythos: Ragnarök, Royal & Derngate, Saturday April 4
The comedy and grandeur of Norse mythology meets the high-octane spectacle of professional wrestling in this unique show. Mythos: Ragnarök follows relationships and power struggles between figures such as Loki and Thor, as they attempt to avert the prophesied end of the world, Ragnarök. Already one of the top-selling shows of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Mythos: Ragnarök is now touring as a full-length one-of-a-kind theatrical spectacle to be enjoyed by fans of theatre, wrestling and history alike.
Aiming to blend classic Shakespearean-style theatre with the palpable excitement of live combat, the play is also unusual in that the entire cast is composed of professional wrestlers. It stars writer and creator Ed Gamester as the trickster Loki alongside seasoned professional wrestlers Howard Drake as Odin, Fin McCarthy as Borr and Fenrir, Louise Young as Gullveig, Beau Charles as Baldr and Heidi Katrina as Freyja.
Joining them is wrestler and stuntman James Dunn as Thor, Sam Gardiner as Surtr and Jormungandr, Daisy Jenkins as Hel and the show’s designer and costume maker, Melanie Watson, as Skuld. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
4 Robin Hood, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Monday April 6
In this Easter panto, families can join Robin Hood and his band of Merry Folk as they outwit the wicked Sheriff of Rottingham, save the townsfolk, and help our hero win the hand of the fair Maid Marion – all in true pantomime style. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
5 Disney's The Little Mermaid, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, until Saturday April 4
Kettering’s KOS Musical Theatre Company presents the much-loved story. Join Ariel as she makes a daring journey to follow her heart. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
6 Luther Live and Velvet Voices, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Saturday April 4
Step into a world of soul, romance and unforgettable grooves with Luther Live & Velvet Voices, celebrating the golden era of R’n’B. The show brings the smooth sounds of Luther Vandross, Alexander O’Neal and many others to life, with powerhouse vocals, a top live band and emotion aplenty. The show also pays tribute to a roll call of R’n’B royalty, including Marvin Gaye, Bobby Brown, and George Benson – delivering hit after hit from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Expect to hear Never Too Much, Shine, Give Me the Reason, Dance with My Father, Criticize, Saturday Love, If You Were Here Tonight, Sexual Healing, Give Me the Night and many many more. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
7 Sister Act The Musical, The Core at Corby Cube, Wednesday April 8 to Saturday April 11
Following their successful productions of Shrek The Musical and The Addams Family at The Core, Rutland Musical Theatre return to present the showstopping Sister Act The Musical. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
8 Paul Merson: Laid Bare, The Core at Corby Cube, Thursday April 2
With a career spanning playing and punditry at the highest levels, Paul Merson takes to the stage for a night of unfiltered stories, laughter, and behind-the-scenes revelations. He will be sharing tales and anecdotes, not just from his time on the pitch, but also from the challenges he has faced off it, including his well-documented battles with gambling and addiction. Following the success of his Netflix documentary, this live conversation promises a raw and entertaining look at his life. And of course there will be plenty of football banter, as Merson lifts the lid on life at Arsenal, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and England – from dressing room pranks and training ground bust-ups to classic matches and the game’s biggest characters. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
9 Easter Craft Fair, St Matthew's Church Rooms, The Drive, Northampton, Saturday, April 4
Browse work by talented crafters and pick up some unique Easter treats. Free entry.
10 Here & Now - The Steps Musical, Milton Keynes Theatre, until April 4
It’s Friday night and the vibe is right as Caz and her fabulous friends dream of the perfect summer of love. But when Caz discovers her ‘happy ever after’ is a lie, and the gang’s attempts at romance are a total tragedy, they wonder – will love ever get a hold on their hearts, or should they all just take a chance on a happy ending? With producers including Steps and Pete Waterman, Here & Now includes the hits One for Sorrow, Better The Devil You Know, Deeper Shade of Blue, 5, 6, 7, 8 and more. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.