Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From ‘80s favourites to sharp stand-up, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Derren Brown: Only Human, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Tuesday July 21 to Saturday July 25
‘Mind-control’ master and psychological illusionist Derren Brown is coming to Northampton with his hugely successful new show. The details of the production, titled Only Human, are being kept a secret – and Brown likes it that way. He said: "Only Human seems to be going down very well, and people are keeping the show secret for which I’m very grateful. Try and come without knowing anything about it.”
Only Human is Derren Brown’s 11th show. Among his many previous productions are Derren Brown Showman, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Enigma, Derren Brown Svengali and Derren Brown Miracle.
His shows have garnered a record-breaking five Olivier Award nominations for Best Entertainment, winning twice – the largest number of nominations and wins for one-person shows in the history of the awards. His 2017 show, Secret, won the New York Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and returned for a sell-out run on Broadway in 2019. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
2 Anglia Comedy Allstars, The Deco, Northampton, Friday July 16
A top comedy line-up comes to Kettering: Russell Kane, Nick Helm, Stephen Bailey and Jacob Hawley. Multi-award-winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter Russell Kane is a regular on Channel 4, BBC and ITV with recent TV appearances include The Apprentice You’re Fired, The One Show, Live at the Apollo, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and Antiques Road Trip, as well as regular appearances on Steph’s Packed Lunch. Nick Helm is one of Britain’s most beloved comedians for his multiple, memorable and moving television appearances and legendary rollercoaster live shows. Nick is a firm TV favourite with appearances on shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News and Celebrity Mastermind. Comedian, presenter, actor and writer Stephen Bailey describes himself as a “proud northern, working class, gay man”. The multi-award nominated star’s indecorous brand of gossipy humour has led him to become one of the UK’s most sought-after comedy talents. His credits include co-host on BBC One’s Date or Drop alongside Amanda Holden, Would I Lie to You, Live at the Apollo, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Roast Battle, Celebrity Mastermind and The Apprentice: You’re Fired. And Jacob Hawley has become a critically acclaimed new voice in comedy. He’s host of the smash-hit Screen Rot podcast and a regular on TalkSport, and his TV appearances include The Russell Howard Hour. Visit theoldsavoy.co.uk or call 01604 491005 to book.
3 Dead Dog In A Suitcase, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday July 17 and Saturday July 18
Mayor Goodman has been assassinated. Contract killer Macheath has just married pretty Polly Peachum and they plan to escape to a better world – but Mr and Mrs Peachum aren’t happy about it. With betrayal, murder and their world having been turned upside down, the truth won’t stay hidden for much longer. But does Mac have one last trick up his sleeve – or is it the hangman’s noose after all?
The new re-imagining of John Gray’s classic The Beggar’s Opera is directed by Kitty Benford and performed by The Actors Company and the award winning Royal & Derngate Community Choir. Bursting with wit, wonder and weirdness, it follows an extraordinary cast of characters as they shoot, hoot and sing their way through this twisted morality tale. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
4 Five and The Wanted, Delapré Abbey, Friday July 24
Get ready for a huge summer throwback as Five bring some of the biggest hits of the 1990s and 2000s in a show packed with era-defining anthems and crowd favourites, set to the backdrop of one of the region’s most stunning venues. The boyband’s top 10 hits include Slam Dunk (Da Funk), When the Lights Go Out, Got the Feelin’, Everybody Get Up, Until the Time Is Through, If Ya Gettin' Down, Keep On Movin’, Let’s Dance and Closer to Me. Support comes from The Wanted 2.0. Visit yoursummerlive.co.uk to book.
5 Made in the 80s Live, Delapré Abbey, Friday July 17
Wet Wet Wet and ABC co-headline a huge open-air summer concert packed with timeless ‘80s hits. There’s also special guest Marc Almond and support from Johnny Hates Jazz. Expect wall-to-wall anthems, big choruses and pure throwback magic on a feel-good summer evening of live music, nostalgia and classic ‘80s pop. Visit yoursummerlive.co.uk to book.
6 Simon Brodkin: Warm-Up Show, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Wednesday July 22
From the unique comedy mind that brought the world Lee Nelson and Theresa May’s P45 comes new material ahead of a major tour. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
7 Divina de Campo – Back On The Road Tour, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday July 24
Divina De Campo, renowned for electrifying performances on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, teams up with acclaimed pianist Ric Neale for an evening of musical magic. This unique cabaret experience promises to blend powerful vocal prowess with infectious wit and spontaneous entertainment. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
8 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday July 24
The popular stand-up night returns, with performances from Gerry K, Harriet Dyer and James Cook. Compère for the night is Brendan Dempsey. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
9 Operation Mincemeat, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, until Saturday July 18
The Olivier Award-winning musical has been a sensation in London and New York, with 113 five-star reviews in the West End history and a Tony nomination for Best New Musical on Broadway. Billed as “Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train,” Operation Mincemeat is a fast-paced, comical and barely believable true story telling of a secret mission that helped the Allies win the Second World War. How did a dead body, a fake love letter, and – of all people – Ian Fleming come together to wrongfoot Hitler? Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
10 The Sound of Springsteen, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Tuesday July 21
Celebrating 40 years since the Born in The USA album was released, The Sound of Springsteen promises to recreate the pure rock ‘n’ roll euphoria of Bruce Springsteen from Greetings from Asbury Park to 2020’s Ghosts via the legendary hits Born in the USA and Born to Run. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.