Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days

1 Crown Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Wednesday October 28

A true masterpiece of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire, The Nutcracker is a charming fairy tale that takes theatregoers nter a magical world where a humble nutcracker may transform into a handsome prince, and dreams come to life in a whirlwind of wonder. Based on Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the story follows young Marie, a melancholy girl who receives a Nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift from her godfather. Through her vivid imagination, the Nutcracker transforms into a prince, setting the stage for a magical adventure filled with bravery and beauty. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.

2 Michael Spicer: Hope All’s Well, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Wednesday October 28

Michael Spicer, the online sensation behind the award-winning viral hit The Room Next Door, brings another entertaining satirical stage show packed with sketches, short films and stories. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

3 The Michael Portillo Show, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday October 22

He’s been a Secretary of State, traveller and TV star – and now, Michael Portillo is heading to Northampton to share stories from his rich and varied life. The Michael Portillo Show will give theatregoers the chance to hear the remarkable tale of a life that has taken him from the heart of Westminster to some of the world’s greatest railway journeys. The son of a refugee, Portillo rose to become one of Britain’s leading politicians and most popular broadcasters. As a politician, he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become a broadcaster, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew Neil and enthralling millions with his travels on the world’s greatest railways. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

4 T*ts Up!, The Deco, Northampton, Friday October 23

An acclaimed theatre production that began life in the North East of England is heading to Northampton as part of a nationwide tour - before making the leap to the big screen next spring with a host of high-profile names already involved in the film. T*ts Up!, written by Leah Bell and Alison Stanley, follows four women from vastly different backgrounds who find themselves brought together by a shared set of circumstances – and discover that friendship can come from the most unexpected places. Leah and Alison also star in the stage production alongside Katie Rose Potts and award-winning actress, stand-up comedian and author Crissy Rock. Leah, 73, the Newcastle-born entertainer, actor, writer, comedian and theatre producer whose career spans almost six decades, said: “Although breast cancer is a huge part of the story, T*ts Up! isn’t a play that leaves an audience feeling heavy of heart. There is plenty of laughter, warmth, honesty and a lot of truth, which makes the story so relatable.”

Visit theoldsavoy.co.uk or call 01604 491005 to book.

5 Judi Love: All About the Love, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday October 24

Judi Love is back with a brand-new show packed with home truths about the hustle of juggling parenting, work and everyday life. Known for her honesty and humour, Judi offers fresh insights into how a big heart navigates a world full of surprises, struggles and transformations. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

6 James Phelan: The Man Who Was Magic, The Core at Corby Cube, Thursday October 29

The renowned magician appeared on Britain's Got Talent earlier this year and is the first magician in history to sell out a two week solo run at the world-famous Magic Circle in London. He’s just come off the back of sold-out West End and Edinburgh Fringe runs. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.

7 Andy Hamilton’s Night to Remember, Royal & Derngate, Thursday October 22

Writer and comedian Andy Hamilton returns with a new one-man show where he explores the wonders and the weaknesses of human memory and how laughter oils the wheels of the brain. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

8 Malcolm Arnold Festival, Cripps Hall and St Matthew’s Church, Northampton, Saturday October 24

Celebrated cellist Julian Lloyd Webber opens a day of live performances honouring Sir Malcolm Arnold in the composer’s hometown. The Malcolm Arnold Festival, now in its 21st year, showcases the Northampton-born composer’s music performed by guest ensembles including the Northampton Symphony Orchestra and Towcester Studio Band. The Oscar-winning composer’s best-known works include his symphonic showpieces and internationally famous film score classics such as The Bridge on the River Kwai, Whistle Down the Wind and The Belles of St Trinian’s. During his life, Sir Malcolm was awarded many fellowships and honours and was knighted for services to music in 1993. Festival highlights include a world premiere performance of Arnold’s unfinished Violin Concerto, orchestrated from the composer’s detailed sketches by Jonathan Whiting and performed by rising star Elif Cansever. Visit malcolmarnoldfestival.com to book.

9 Tracy Borman: Tudors on Tour, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Tuesday October 27

In Tudors On Tour, historian and broadcaster Tracy Borman OBE, chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces and one of the UK’s most trusted voices on Tudor history, brings the secrets of the Tudors to the stage in a theatrical experience. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

10 Boeing Boeing, Brackley Baptist Church, Wednesday October 28 to Friday October 30

Written in the 1960s by French playwright Marc Camoletti, Boeing Boeing remains one of the most performed French plays throughout the world. The popular farce, translated for the English-speaking stage by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans, has enjoyed huge success in the West End and on Broadway regular revivals over the years. Now it’s taking to the stage in Brackley, courtesy of Brackley Players. In Boeing Boeing, architect Bernard is living the high-life in his Parisian bachelor pad, juggling relationships with three air hostesses, flying in and out on different routes. As old school friend Robert arrives to visit, bad weather and a newly introduced faster jet throw a spanner into works of Bernard’s careful timetabling. Chaos ensues in a whirl of mayhem and matchmaking. Boeing Boeing is directed by Jim Howson, whose directorial credits with Brackley Players include The Mrs Hudson Mysteries, Blithe Spirit, Neighbourhood Watch and Gaslight. Jim said: “This is a classic farce, fast-paced and hilarious, as Bernard, Robert and housekeeper Berthe are pushed to their limits to try to stop the three fiancées meeting each other, developing a tangled web of lies. We’ve had huge fun rehearsing this play and we are delighted to be welcoming some new members to the company to tread boards in Boeing Boeing and work behind the scenes.” Tea and coffee will be available, and audiences are welcome to bring along their own cold food and drinks. Visit the Old Hall Bookshop in Brackley town centre or visit brackleyplayers.org.uk to book.