Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days

1 Eric & Ern, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Monday June 15 to Saturday June 20

The hundredth birthdays of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise are being celebrated in an acclaimed show coming to Northampton. Eric & Ern is the new show from Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephen, the Olivier-nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated and critically revered West End hit Eric & Little Ern. It promises to take audiences back to the times when whole families would huddle around the television to watch those classic Morecambe and Wise Christmas specials, and is crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches.

From Greig’s Piano Concerto to Mr Memory, Eric and Ern is a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches - and of course their special musical guest. It is suitable for all the family.

Eric and Ern is created by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens based on the writing of Eddie Braben. Ian came into acting late in life after spending nine years in the Royal Navy as a radio operator. After seeing a play in Plymouth, Ian left the navy and went to The Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art, as it was then known, where he met and became friends with Jonty in 1983. That was in 1983 and the two have remained friends ever since. They came together to perform and write for the first time in their joint venture Eric and Little Ern, which toured and played in London’s West End in 2015 and was nominated for an Olivier Award. Ian also said the first words in the first programme broadcast on Channel 5, in his role as Chris Hart in Family Affairs.

Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

2 Seann Walsh: This Is Torture, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday June 12

Award-winning comedian and “class clown” Seann Walsh is bringing his new show Northampton – and his trademark high-energy exasperation is reflected in its potentially offputting title. Seann has has decided to name the show after the thing he says the most in life - This Is Torture. He promises to bring his signature blend of chaos and charm in the brand-new, “anxiety-soaked” hour of comedy. Seann said: “I know - it’s unbearable having to go to another thing. Remember it’s a thing I have to go to as well. We can share the pain together and on the upside, you get to laugh and I get to offload without being overcharged by my therapist. I look forward to seeing you there.”

Seann Walsh has become one of the UK’s most recognisable and respected comedians. The Guardian called him “unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation”, with the London Standard describing him as “one of comedy’s hottest properties… very talented, very funny”. Over the years, he’s made countless appearances on television, including Live at the Apollo (three times), The Wheel, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Last Leg, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, World’s Most Dangerous Roads, Battle in the Box, and, of course, Series 22 of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

3 Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday June 14

Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for an epic orchestral afternoon with internationally acclaimed violinist Clara-Jumi Kang. The first five bars of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony are possibly the most famous opening motif in classical music history, and leads into a work filled with turmoil and beauty. The evening opens with a short new piece from the RPO’s Joe Hisaishi (Spirited Away), and Clara-Jumi Kang brings her world-class insight to Sibelius’ brooding yet passionate Violin Concerto. Ben Glassberg conducts. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

4 What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday June 18

The tribute show celebrates the music and remarkable career the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner. Expect the likes of Proud Mary, River Deep Mountain High, Simply The Best, Private Dancer, Nutbush City Limits, and many more. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

5 Tubular Bells Live, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday June 13

Internationally renowned maestro Phil Toms and his ten-piece electro orchestra perform the music of Mike Oldfield performed at the highest level. Based on note-for-note transcriptions, additional highlights include Moonlight Shadow, To France and selections from Oldfield’s instrumental albums including Hergest Ridge, Ommadawn, Return To Ommadawn, The Songs Of Distant Earth and Tubular Bells 2. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

6 Scott Bennett: Stuff, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday June 13

Award-winning comedian and award-winning product designer, Scott Bennett is desperately trying to cleanse his life of stuff – but is this even possible anymore? Scott has been tour support for Mickey Flanagan, Rob Brydon Jason Manford and John Bishop. He’s also starred on Live At The Apollo, The News Quiz, The Now Show and more besides. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

7 Limehouse Lizzy, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday June 12

Now in their third decade, the tribute act promise to capture the energy, spirit and unmistakable sound of the Celtic rock greats Thin Lizzy. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.

8 Michelle Wolf: Best Job in the World, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday June 12

Primetime Emmy Nominee Michelle Wolf has established herself as one of the most influential voices in the comedy landscape. Her stand-up specials across HBO and Netflix have garnered critical acclaim and top viewing figures. Wolf has headlined across the world, including her infamous appearance at the White House Correspondents Dinner. She has had two sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs and scored an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

9 Phantoms Of The Popera – starring G4, The Deco, Northampton, Saturday June 13

The vocal harmony quartet and original X Factor stars return to unleash their unique sound on some of the greatest showstoppers that musical theatre has to offer. Jonathan Ansell, Michael Conway, Mike Christie and Duncan Sandilands present a blend of uplifting melodies, heart-rending ballads and climactic anthems from musicals including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Hamilton, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Greatest Showman, Rent, Miss Saigon, Book of Mormon, The Lion King, Aspects of Love, We Will Rock You, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, The Rocky Horror Show and many more. Visit grovetheatre.co.uk or call 01582 60 20 80 to book.

10 The Karate Kid The Musical, Milton Keynes Theatre, Tuesday June 16 to Saturday June 20

The much-loved 1984 film comes to life on stage in this musical adaptation. The heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with musical numbers and inventive choreography. Daniel LaRusso’s journey is reimagined through movement, music, and energetic storytelling. At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel and Mr Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting – it’s about balance, dignity, and respect. Adrian Pang leads the company as Mr Miyagi, with Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book or for more information.