Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From stories of guns to musical fairy mischief, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Tuesday May 5
Known for his acclaimed documentaries Black and British: A Forgotten History and A House Through Time, David Olusoga uncovers the story of four firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors. He will talk about the Thompson Sub-Machine Gun from the First World War which became the infamous ‘Tommy Gun’ in the hands of the gangsters; the Maxim gun, which enabled Europeans to conquer Africa in the 1890s, later became one of the biggest killers in European history and is still being used on the battlefields of Ukraine; the Brown Bess flintlock musket, standard issue to the British Army from the early 18th to mid-19th century; and the Lee Enfield rifle, which was woven into the lives of two generations when it was the weapon the British Army took to war in 1914 and 1939. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
2 Mark Smith: For Valour – The Story of the Victoria Cross, The Core at Corby Cube, Thursday April 30
Step into history with Mark Smith, the medals and militaria expert from BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow, where he’s captivated audiences since 2014. Experience history brought to life as Mark delves into the origins of the Victoria Cross, debunks long-standing myths and shares remarkable stories of the extraordinary heroes who earned the prestigious honour. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
3 Pete Firman – Tricks & Giggles, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday May 1
Join arguably the UK’s top comic magician for an evening of Tricks & Giggles, as Pete brings his trademark blend of magic and comedy from the small screen to stages around the UK. Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand and big laughs from one of magic’s most popular performers. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
4 Ruby Wax – Absolutely Famous, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday May 3
It’s almost easier to say whom Ruby Wax didn’t meet, interview and coax fascinating insights from in her huge TV shows. With her lifelong friend and A-list producer, Clive Tulloh, they review clips from the extraordinary shows, tell scandalous stories never before heard – and take the audience along for the ride. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
5 Troy Hawke – Never Stop, Never Change, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday May 3
Following last year’s sell-out world tour, Troy Hawke is back to his globe sweeping in 2026 with new show. Angry security guards, barked compliments and crossed wires abound as Troy navigates various conversational minefields, both online and in real life. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
6 Michaela Strachan: Not Just A Wild Life, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday April 30
Much-loved presenter and Bafta award-winning wildlife enthusiast Michaela Strachan will celebrate a remarkable 40 years of television in her new show. She’s been “Wide Awake” on Saturday mornings, cuddling orangutans, wrangling Chris Packham and skating to the final of Dancing on Ice. Now, to mark four decades on TV, Michaela promises a high-energy, heartwarming evening of shared highs, lows and unexpected moments as she celebrates her varied career. From Wide Awake Club to The Hitman and Her, The Really Wild Show, Countryfile, Springwatch and beyond, the live show will laugh at the chaos of TV, celebrate the beauty of nature and reflect on what it means to grow up - and grow older - on screen. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
7 Iolanthe, The Deco, Northampton, until May 2
Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group return to the stage with a new production of the magical comic opera, Iolanthe. The much-loved classic sees fairies clash with the House of Lords in a riotous tale of love, law and parliamentary absurdity. With Gilbert’s razor-sharp satire and Sullivan’s enchanting score, Iolanthe is a whimsical romp through politics, romance and fairy mischief. Leon Berger returns to bring his flair and imagination to this new production which promises laughter, lyrical beauty, and a touch of fairy magic for audiences of all ages. Visit theoldsavoy.co.uk or call 01604 491005 to book.
8 The Mersey Beatles, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Saturday May 2
With the costumes, instruments, cheeky Scouse wit and, of course, that brilliant era-defining Mersey sound, The Mersey Beatles’ live stage show is a hit-packed celebration of the music that changed the world. Their new show celebrates 60 years of the classic album Revolver. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
9 The Puppini Sisters, The Core at Corby Cube, Thursday May 7
Close harmonies and corsets, fabulous frocks and festival stages, platinum records and famous fans from Michael Bublé and Cyndi Lauper to Robbie Williams, and even King Charles – for two decades, The Puppini Sisters have brought vintage glamour and vocal fireworks to audiences around the world. Their debut, Betcha Bottom Dollar, saw their sassy, swing rearrangements transform songs from all eras – Mr Sandman, Jeepers Creepers and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (from Company B) – sit alongside Blondie’s Heart of Glass, Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights and Panic by The Smiths. The album went Top 20 in Britain and spent almost a year on the Billboard chart. The Puppini Sisters have toured the world ever since, spawning a new scene and watching as mainstream pop embraced their burlesque-inspired aesthetic.
With their trademark wit, glamour, and dazzling three-part harmonies, The Puppini Sisters continue to reinvent the golden age of swing for modern audiences. From intimate cabaret clubs to the world’s biggest stages, they continue to blend nostalgia with fresh invention. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
10 Fawlty Towers – The Play, Milton Keynes Theatre, until May 2
Arguably the greatest British sitcom of them all is back – this time on stage. Some 50 years since it first graced the nation’s TV screens, Fawlty Towers is now a new stage play adapted by John Cleese himself. Join Basil (Danny Bayne), the delightfully bumbling Major (Paul Nicholas) and Polly (Joanne Clifton), with an 18-strong cast as they bring to life all those favourite moments from the show’s unforgettable 12 episodes. Expect sharp wit, chaos and calamity at every turn. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.