Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From local singing heroes to offbeat stand-up, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Mark Smith: Antiques Expert On The Road, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday November 15
Mark Smith, the medals and militaria expert from the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, shares his extensive knowledge as he explores and explains the instigation of the Victoria Cross, expels some of the myths and presents breathtaking stories. An acclaimed author, Mark has written five authoritative books on the First World War, cementing his place as a respected voice in military history. This is a chance to see Mark’s expertise and enthusiasm live on stage in a journey through courage, sacrifice and history. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
2 Northants Sings Out: Christmas Party Playlist Live On Stage, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday November 14
Britain’s Got Talent finalists Northants Sings Out are back for their 2026 homecoming show. The viral vocal powerhouse praised by celebrity judges – and even Madonna herself after their performance of her hit Music racked up more than 1 million views – continue to captivate audiences nationwide with their explosive, feel-good sound. The festive celebration is packed with energy, nostalgia and explosive vocals. Since winning the hearts of millions on Britain's Got Talent, Northants Sings Out have completed their first UK tour, supported chart-topper James Morrison at The London Palladium, joined the Big Feastival line-up and performed at other major festivals and events across the UK, shared the stage with leading West End and pop artists, warmed up the stage for Rudimental at the British Grand Prix, featured live on Scott Mills’ BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, performed with DJ AG in London, fronted the Heathrow Christmas campaign, and become award-winning – all while building a reputation for unmissable, high-energy live shows. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
3 The Class of 55: The History of Rock 'n' Roll, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday November 12
Step back in time and relive the golden age of rock and roll as the Class of ’55 reunites to celebrate the legendary sounds of Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis, promising to take audiences back to an era when the music was raw and the energy was electric. The show promises to capture every riff, rhythm and piano-pounding moment with energy and authenticity, from Buddy Holly’s infectious melodies to Jerry Lee’s wild energy and show-stopping piano antics. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
4 Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Wednesday November 18
The award-winning and highly unusual comedy troupe are back. The cast will present what it calls “an unconventional, no-holds-barred interpretation” of Romeo and Juliet. The company warns the show may feature “foul language, nudity and occasionally, some Shakespeare”. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
5 Ivo Graham: Orange Crush, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Tuesday November 17
The acclaimed comic has been wondering what the best orange thing in the world is – and he wants his audience to wonder along with him. The show is billed as being about “hats, haters, hometown heroes, and whether Hare Krishnas are better than Hobnobs”. Ivo has appeared on TV shows including Have I Got News for You, QI, The Last Leg, Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo and quizzed with varying degrees of success on Pointless, House of Games, Mastermind and University Challenge. There have also been appearances on Radio 4’s The Now Show, The News Quiz, Just a Minute, and the drama Unite, and his panel show Ivo Graham’s Obsessions. The Telegraph said of him: “Few stand-ups can waffle so winningly.” Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
6 Flo & Joan: With Feeling, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday November 12
Comedy musical duo Flo & Joan make their highly anticipated return to the stage with their new show. The pair say they will “try and take up as much of the stage and as little of your patience as possible” as they use another band’s setlist to write their own show – ruminating on themes such as ‘what is music?’, ‘how do you be a band?’, and ‘what is comedy’ in their sharp-tongued, deadpan way. Flo & Joan have been seen on Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance, Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day Live 2023 and their own comedy special Alive on Stage for Amazon Prime. Rolling Stone called them “truly exceptional” and the Guardian named theirs the number one comedy show on 2024. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
7 Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust Youth In Concert, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday November 15
Join Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust for the first major concert of their annual season, Youth in Concert, celebrating outstanding young musical talent from across Northamptonshire. The show features the County Youth Concert Band, County Youth Choir, County Youth Brass Band, County Youth Big Band and County Youth Orchestra. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
8 Step into Christmas, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Monday November 16
The feel-good show brings all the magic of the season to life, packed with songs everyone knows, Including All I Want for Christmas Is You, Last Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas, Do They Know it’s Christmas, A Winter’s Tale, Merry Xmas Everybody and many more. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
9 Sindhu Vee: Swanky, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday November 14
Sindhu Vee is taking her outspoken and frank stand-up across the country for her first UK tour in five years. From the award-winning star of Live At The Apollo comes a show billed as being about “falling through the cracks you didn’t make, avoiding the friendships you don’t want and embracing the self-love you definitely need”. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
10 Made In Tennessee, The Core at Corby Cube, Saturday November 14
Country fans can get a taste of Nashville with Made in Tennessee. With a band made up of some of UK’s finest country musicians, Made in Tennessee takes theatregoers through the decades of the nation’s fastest growing music genre, from country’s origin in the southern states of America to modern day country heard around the world. The show features classics from Johnny, June, Dolly and Hank, legends like Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood and modern country superstars such as Kacey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.