Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From an F1 great to an Irish dance spectacular, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Kai: Evolution, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday June 26
Sharing his evolution from where it all started as a young competition dancer to becoming a star of Strictly Come Dancing, Kai Widdrington takes audience members on a mesmerising journey through an array of dance genres, showcasing his versatility and passion for dance. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
2 Alfie Moore: Acopalypse Now, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday June 28
The Four Horsemen of Rising Crime, Global Warming, AI and Culture Wars are galloping towards us, says Alfie. Are we on the road to hell – and can we avoid the potholes? In his new show, Alfie promises to have the antidote to the “breakdown of law and order, fake news and the price of baked beans”. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
3 An Evening With Nigel Mansell CBE, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday July 3
The F1 legend shares stories and insights from his remarkable career. Mansell started racing in British Formula Ford at age 15 and soon progressed to Formula 3. His talent was noticed by Colin Chapman of Lotus, who hired him as a test driver before he joined the Formula 1 team’s main lineup in 1980. Mansell’s F1 career spanned 15 seasons (1980-1992, 1994-1995) and during this time he drove for Lotus, Williams, Ferrari, and McLaren. He won the F1 World Championship in 1992 with Williams. Nigel spent two years with Ferrari and is the last driver to be personally selected by Enzo Ferrari. He was nicknamed ‘II Leone’ – The Lion – for his brave and determined racing style. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
4 The Illegal Eagles, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday June 26
The Illegal Eagles are celebrating 30 years on the road with their new Hotel California Tour. The show features a full performance of the classic Hotel California album, played in its entirety – including classics like Life In The Fast Lane, New Kid In Town, and of course, the unforgettable title track. Alongside this, audiences can expect a set packed with all the greatest hits from across the Eagles’ timeless back catalogue. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
5 The Corby Male Voice Choir and Friends 50th Anniversary Concert, The Core at Corby Cube, Saturday June 27
The choir performing to its hometown audience to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a special programme of songs and some favourite support acts. Steeped in the town’s history, the choir has been a major fundraiser for many charities and, on this occasion, is supporting The Alzheimer’s Society. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
6 The Bon Jovi Experience, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Friday June 26
Direct from London’s West End, the acclaimed tribute show rocks through the band’s classics with energy to spare, promising a return to the heyday of stadium rock. Expect the likes of Livin’ On a Prayer, Always, It’s My Life, You Give Love a Bad Name, Bad Medicine and many more. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
7 The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, July 1
The show has enjoyed multiple sold-out nights in more than 50 countries worldwide and more than 20 headline performances in London's West End, including multiple appearances at the London Palladium. Using large-scale projection photos and original film footage, the show tells the story of the origins and meteororic rise of Simon & Garfunkel blended with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Homeward Bound. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
8 Lost Is Found, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday July 2 and Friday 3
Lost is Found is a joyful, family-friendly musical set at a lively summer camp, where children discover friendship, belonging and second chances. With a cast of talented local children and adults, the show bursts with songs, humour and heart as Jesus' parables, including the Lost Sheep and the Good Samaritan, come to life in fresh, imaginative ways. Featuring music from Sovereign Grace Music, this uplifting Compass Theatre Company production celebrates hope, forgiveness and the joy of being found. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
9 La Grande Façade, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday June 26 and Saturday June 27
Join the theatre’s Front of House Team as they step into the spotlight with their new musical La Grande Façade, with new music, new faces, and a whole new dream. Theatregoers are promises “an evening of high class art, from singing to dancing, acrobatics to operatics,” as the team take their talent to a new level. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
10 Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary, Milton Keynes Theatre, until June 28
The global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance returns to celebrate its 30th anniversary. This milestone event promises to be a grand celebration of the production’s legacy, captivating over 60 million fans in 60 countries since its debut in 1996. Michael Flatley’s visionary show continues to awe audiences worldwide with its blend of dance, music and storytelling. The show will feature new choreography, striking costumes, state-of-the art special effects and cutting-edge lighting. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.