Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From top-class comedy to lifelike tributes to legends, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Russell Howard: Don’t Tell The Algorithm, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday September 12 to Sunday September 13
After breaking records with sold-out shows across the globe, the superstar stand-up says he’s “inviting you back into the room: no phones, no distractions, just humans and jokes”. The Mail on Sunday said of him: “You’ll not find a slicker, more personable performer the length and breadth of the land”. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
2 AfroFest, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday September 11
African, Caribbean and Black culture and creativity will be celebrated at AfroFest, an event bringing together artists of all kinds with local businesses, charities and community organisations. AfroFest is being organised by Banke Adetumbi, also known by many people in Northampton as singer Banke Naya, with staff at the Royal & Derngate, where the festival will be held in the run-up to the theatre staging the world premiere of Inua Ellams’ play Once Upon a Time in Sokoto.
Banke Adetumbi said: “AfroFest is about creating a bridge – it’s an opportunity for African, Caribbean and Black communities to see themselves reflected in the theatre through local artists, performers, businesses and community organisations, while also inviting people from every background to celebrate and learn together. It's about building connections, celebrating Black excellence, and showing that the theatre is a place for everyone.”
As part of AfroFest, there will be live performances on the Royal stage by artists including T-bone Afrika All Stars, Banke Naya and The Childish. Exhibitors will include fashion designers like 5kwomen by Koyinsola and House of Dees, with African crafts from Tiptoe Ventures. Food vendors include Velora Loaves and Joyous Cupcakes.
Adetumbi added: “I thought it would be good to create something familiar in a space that can sometimes feel unfamiliar, giving people a reason to walk through the doors, experience the theatre in a different way, and hopefully feel encouraged to come back for productions like Once Upon a Time in Sokoto.”
The play tells the epic story of an unlikely friendship forged between a slave and her former master. Differences in faith, culture and heritage are overcome in the face of new enemies, in a gripping family drama set against the backdrop of events leading to the creation of Nigeria. Nigerian-born Inua Ellams is an internationally celebrated poet, playwright and artist, perhaps best known the hugely popular and critically acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles which played at the National Theatre before touring nationally and internationally.
Tickets are free. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk/afrofest or call 01604 624811 to book.
3 The Best Of The Bee Gees, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday September 11
Endorsed by the Gibb family and original Bee Gees musicians, the show features chart busters and memories which defined the decade – Massachusetts, To Love Somebody, I Started A Joke, Jive Talking, Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever, How Deep Is Your Love, Too Much Heaven, Nights On Broadway, You Should Be Dancin’ and many more. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk/afrofest or call 01604 624811 to book.
4 Paul Zerdin: Shut Your Mouth, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday September 17
World-renowned ventriloquist Paul Zerdin will bring his gang of madcap characters to life when he takes to the stage in Wellingborough. The America’s Got Talent winner promises a night of “non-stop laughs and a ton of fun”. He’ll be joined by Sam, the cocky teen who thinks he’s got it all figured out; Albert, an outrageous 96-year-old; and the Baby, who’s convinced the universe revolves around him. Add in Paul’s not-so-bright American bodyguard Roger, the outrageously mischievous Urban Fox, and the return of TV and radio oddball Alasdair Rimmer—this time stepping up as Paul’s link man and host MC—and a night of comedy chaos is in store.
But that’s not all—making his debut is Tutti Frutti, a mafiosa ice cream. And Paul’s human dummy routine makes a comeback – reinvented with an unexpected twist.
Paul said: “I can’t wait to hit the road with Shut Your Mouth. This show is bigger, funnier, and packed with brand-new surprises – including some characters the audience has never met before. Get ready for a night of chaos, comedy, and plenty of laughs – I’ll do the talking so you don’t have to!”
Over the last few years, Paul has a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Last year saw Paul do a Vegas stint at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, following his inaugural Vegas headline residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2016, after which in 2017 and 2018 he appeared on spin-off TV shows America’s Got Talent - The Champions and Britain’s Got Talent - The Champions.
Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
5 The Upbeat Beatles, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Friday September 11
Known for their joy and energy, the band takes fans along the Fab Four’s long and winding road from the early Cavern days through Beatlemania to Sgt Pepper to Abbey Road, featuring She Loves You, Hey Jude, Penny Lane and many more. Call 01933 270 007 or visit castletheatre.co.uk to book.
6 This is Floyd - A Tribute to Pink Floyd, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Saturday September 12
Join the acclaimed tribute act on a captivating journey from the ethereal Echoes to the haunting beauty of High Hopes, with the band promising “meticulously crafted” renditions of the tracks. The show includes custom-designed thematic light shows, laser effects and the trademark circular video screen. Call 01933 270 007 or visit castletheatre.co.uk to book.
7 Totally Gaga, The Core at Corby Cube, Saturday September 12
Starring the Georgia Crandon, her live band and dancers, the show features all of Lady Gaga’s greatest hits, including Bad Romance, Just Dance, Shallow, Poker Face, Born This Way and many more. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
8 Supreme Queen, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday September 10
Promising “stunning production values, authentic stage settings and specialist sound and lighting effects,” the show pays homage to the halcyon days of one of the greatest rock bands ever. Call 01933 270 007 or visit castletheatre.co.uk to book.
9 Jive Talkin’, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Friday September 11
Just like The Bee Gees, the group to which they pay tribute, Jive Talkin’ are a true family affair. Brothers Gary and Darren Simmons take on the roles of Barry and Maurice Gibb, while Darren’s son Jack aims to capture the spirit and sound of Robin Gibb. The seven-piece includes a string section, promising to ensure every note is performed with precision and passion. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
10 Lindisfarne, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Wednesday September 16
Lindisfarne emerged from Tyneside in the 1970s and quickly carved out a unique place for themselves as one of British rock’s most original bands. Their pioneering sound, combining acoustic instruments like mandolin and fiddle with their electric blues roots, proved the perfect medium to deliver the catchy, memorable songs provided by the band’s resident writers Alan Hull and Rod Clements. Their first hit, the Clements-penned Meet Me On The Corner, paved the way for their classic Fog On The Tyne to become the UK’s top-selling album of 1972. The original band finally called it a day in 2003, but now Lindisfarne are back with a classic five-piece line up of long-time members fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements and Alan Hull’s son-in-law Dave Hull-Denholm. Call 01933 270 007 or visit castletheatre.co.uk to book.