Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From roaring engines to otherworldly music, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Monday September 28 to Saturday October 10
The award-winning Once Upon A Time In Sokoto by Inua Ellams tells the epic story of a beautiful but 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. Winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award for Once Upon A Time In Sokoto, Nigeria-born Inua Ellams is an internationally celebrated poet, playwright, and artist. He has published four poetry collections and his plays include the hugely popular and critically acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles, the award-winning The 14th Tale and his retelling of Three Sisters (National Theatre). Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
2 Be Like Blippi, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday September 27
Join the much-loved children’s characters Blippi and Meekah live on stage for a one-of-a-kind interactive adventure that inspires young ones to move like, play like, and explore just like Blippi. The energetic Blippi is known around the globe for his signature blue and orange outfit and his entertaining and educational videos. Blippi aims to turn the world into a playground for preschoolers, and has evolved over the past decade from a singular YouTube creator to a worldwide sensation with more than 100 million fans and over one billion average monthly YouTube views.
Families are promised packed with high-energy music and surprises, featuring fan-favorite songs like The Excavator Song, Monster Truck, Dino Dance and Curious Like Me. With Blippi’s signature mix of play, learning, and exploration, families can get curious together while singing, laughing, and dancing along. Blippi’s live shows productions have already delighted millions of families worldwide, with tours across North America, Mexico, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and of course the UK. The Be Like Blippi Tour continues this tradition with professional stage performers bringing Blippi and Meekah to life in an energetic, interactive production.
Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
3 An Orchestral Tribute To Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy By Moonlight, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday September 26
An enchanting live performance of whimsical and otherworldly dark fantasy film music, brought to life by the Illuminated Orchestra, beneath the glow of a giant moon. The concert celebrates the music from cinema’s most whimsical and eerie masterpieces – from Tim Burton’s gothic fantasy films to cult classics of the dark and magical. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
4 Rave On - The Ultimate '50s and '60s Experience, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Friday September 25
From the emergence of rock’n’roll at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee to the British Invasion and beyond, Rave On is a tour through music’s most revolutionary decades.The show includes hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boys and many more. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
5 Oh What a Night, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Saturday September 26
Journey through the remarkable career of of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Valli’s unmistakable voice dominated the airwaves for more than two decades with classics such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, December 63 (Oh What A Night), Bye Bye Baby, Who Loves You and many more. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
6 Maisie Adam: Whatsherface, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Tuesday September 29
Straight off the back of Taskmaster, A League Of Their Own and Last One Laughing, Maisie Adam is back with her brand new show Whatsherface. Join Maisie as she returns with her trademark wit, firecracker gags, and probably a few angry outbursts along the way. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
7 Bollywood Mehfil Night With Bhavik Haria, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Friday September 25
Acclaimed artist Bhavik Haria and a top ensemble of live musicians promise a deeply immersive musical journey, bringing the music up close and personal in the atmospheric setting of theatre’s Underground Studio. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
8 The History of Soul, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday September 25
The show transports theatregoers through the greatest eras of soul music, featuring timeless hits from legends Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and many more. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
9 The Story of Guitar Heroes, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday September 24
The epic guitar-fest travels through five decades of music from 1950s rock’n’roll to the most influential guitar heroes of the modern era. Expect classic hits from legends Hank Marvin, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Jimmy Page, Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour, Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Van Halen, Slash and many more. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
10 Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props, Sywell Aerodrome, Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27
Classic motoring and aviation enthusiasts are invited to head to Sywell Aerodrome as Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props returns for a spectacular two-day celebration of everything automotive and airborne. The event will bring together some of the finest classic cars, motorcycles and historic racing machines alongside classic and modern aircraft, live music, vintage entertainment, food, shopping and family attractions. Described as a celebration of classic motoring both on the ground and in the air, Sywell Classic promises a packed weekend of action for enthusiasts and families alike. One of the major attractions will be the Racing Runway, where around 75 historic racing cars, hot rods and motorcycles will provide high-octane entertainment throughout the weekend. Visitors can expect to see an eclectic mix of machinery taking to the track, including historic racing cars, hot rods, dragsters, motorcycles and iconic competition vehicles. Adding even more horsepower to the weekend will be Oklahoma Willy, the extraordinary jet-powered VW pickup truck. And while there will be plenty of action on the ground, visitors will also be looking skywards as classic, vintage and modern aircraft take to the skies, with breathtaking aerial displays and acrobatics planned throughout the weekend.
Away from the track and runway, visitors can enjoy live music, classic vehicle clubs, vintage stalls, a shopping village, food and drink, and a traditional vintage funfair.
Visit sywellclassic.co.uk for more information.