Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From a daring moral experiment to K-Pop energy, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Sins, The Deco, Northampton, Saturday August 1
An innovative theatrical experiment in which the audience takes key decisions is coming to Northampton. Sins is billed as “a dark live experience where theatre, psychological challenge and audience power collide”. It is guided by a mysterious figure known only as The Examiner. Seven individuals have been taken and brought before him, each representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, lust, gluttony, sloth, envy, greed and wrath. One by one their stories unfold on stage, revealing how ordinary choices can quietly spiral into something far more destructive.
The audience is drawn into a series of escalating moral trials. Using their own phones, guests anonymously shape the direction of key moments within the live performance, all from the safety of their seats. Each performance ends differently. The producers say that no one will be brought on stage and no one will be singled out, with every decision remaining completely anonymous. But every decision matters and every judgement has consequences – and by the end of the night, audiences may discover far more about themselves than they expected.
The individuals behind the creation of Sins have chosen not to reveal their identities. This decision was made early in production. They say they have done this “not out of necessity but intent”, and that Sins was “designed to stand on its own - without names, without credit, without distraction”. They add: “The names behind Sins will never be revealed.”
The show’s writer and director said: "Everyone believes they would make the right decision. The Sins experience asks a different question: if no one would ever know what you chose, what would you be capable of?"
The performance is being professionally filmed to create official trailers, promotional content and marketing material for the production’s upcoming UK tour.
The show is suitable for ages 16 and above. Visit theoldsavoy.co.uk or call 01604 491005 to book.
2 The Ultimate Irish Hooley, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Wednesday August 5
A cast of award-winning musicians and singers perform classic Irish songs and party anthems. Expect favourites from acts like The Pogues, The Dubliners, Christy Moore, The Saw Doctors, Thin Lizzy, Luke Kelly, Van Morrison, The Fureys, The Tumbling Paddies, Celtic Thunder, The Hoslips and many more, coupled with comedy sketches, pulsating reels and jigs from a fiddling maestro. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
3 Showaddywaddy, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Sunday August 2
Formed in the 1970s, the rock’n’roll revivalists have sold more than 20 million records, with hits including Under The Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll, When, Blue Moon and Pretty Little Angel Eyes. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
4 KPop Fantasy - The Ultimate Tribute to The K Pop Phenomenon, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Saturday August 1
Expect a high-energy theatrical celebration of the global K-pop phenomenon, blending sharp choreography with live vocals and promising to bring the spectacle, precision and passion of K-Pop to life. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
5 The Ultimate MOD Revue, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Friday July 31
Enjoy hit after hit from massive Mod acts including The Kinks, The Who, The Jam, Ocean Colour Scene and Small Faces. The show is performed by The Goldhawks, whose previous tours include Quadrophenia - the album, Live and Tommy. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
6 The Sound of Magic, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Saturday August 1
‘Military illusionist’ Richard Jones was first and only magician to win Britain’s Got Talent. His new show will highlight the special link between music and imagination. Richard said: “Join me on a journey where we will experience truly impossible things come to life before our eyes.” Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
7 Mr Blue Sky: The Out-of-this-World Tribute to ELO, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday July 30
The production aims to capture the spirit, style and innovation of one of the most groundbreaking bands in music history, with songs including Mr Blue Sky, Livin’ Thing, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Evil Woman, Don’t Bring Me Down, Telephone Line and many more. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
8 Emilio Santoro as Elvis, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Friday July 31
Crowned 2024 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland, Emilio Santoro performs with his authentic 50’s live band as he celebrates Elvis’ younger years. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
9 K-Pop Icons, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Tuesday August 4
Featuring songs from Blackpink, Rosé, BTS, Twice, K/DA, Katseye and K-Pop Demon Hunters groups groups Saja Boys and Hunter/X, the show promises to be a K-Pop party for all ages. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
10 The Magic of Motown, Milton Keynes Theatre, Saturday August 1
Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship of Motown. The show features classics from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5 and Smokey Robinson. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.