WHAT’S ON

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Technique Until February 12, 2023 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery presents an exhibition exploring the processes artists go through and the techniques they employ. The show includes a wide cross-section of works from the Museum’s Fine Art Collection, including drawings, prints, sculpture and watercolours. Making a splash: northamptonmuseums.com

The Reluctant Dragon Saturday, September 3, 2.30pm Kenneth Grahame’s touching, sweet and funny tale of bravery, friendship and derringdo for the family visits Stantonbury Theatre for an afternoon showing fit for ages three years and up. Dragon delight: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show Saturday, September 3, 8pm Air guitars at the ready for this hard rockin’ show at The Stables which will deliver music from artists including Led Zeppelin, Queen, Deep Purple, Free and Hendrix, and that’s just for starters. For those about to rock: stables.org

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club Saturday, September 3, 7.45pm Take your seat at the Underground and let the funnies flow – with Stephen Bailey, Stephanie Laine and Sid Singh. Are you kidding me? Royalandderngate.co.uk

Ascension of the Watchers Monday, September 5 Former Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell comes to town with his goth rock musical partner Jayce Lewis. Get the week off to a loud and heavy start. Translations: thecraufurdarms.com

Scottish Country Dancing

Monday, September 5th, 8pm Classes restart at Bradwell Village Hall. Like dancing ? Try Scottish Country Dancing. No need to bring a partner or special clothing. All welcome. Just be prepared to enjoy the experience. Also Wednesdays, Shenley Brook End Jan Jones: 07877 153 259 email: info@rscdsmk.co.uk And Tuesdays, Weston Favell, Northampton Eileen Brown: 01604 407205 www.northamptonscottishdance.org.uk

Ageing Well Talks – Home Instead Milton Keynes

Home Instead Milton Keynes will be hosting a series of talks on Ageing Well by Jitka Vseteckova phD, D.Prof. SFHEA from the Open University (Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies). The talks are to be held at Global House, Vincent Avenue, Crownhill, Milton Keynes MK8 0AB at 11am and are approximately an hour long (plus time at the end to ask questions). There will be a different topic each month: 6th September 2022 - Nutritional Needs While Ageing 1st November 2022 - Pharmacotherapy While Ageing 22nd November 2022 - Move It and Breathe 13th December 2022 - Standing Tall The talks are FREE and are available to everyone – care staff, charities, clubs and societies, and anyone who is interested in this subject and feel that they can gain from the information. Ample car parking available and refreshments will be provided. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/ageing-welltalks-home-instead-milton-keynes-6sessions-tickets-321267970147 For more information, please email sarah.freshwater@homeinstead.co.uk/ miltonkeynes or call 01908 774333 www.homeinstead.co.uk/miltonkeynes

Newport Pagnell and District Probus Club Tuesday, September 6, 12.15pm A friendly and diverse social club for retired and semi-retired men and women from all walks of life, meeting at the Swan Revived Hotel for lunch and a talk, ‘Saving Lives at Sea’, by Paul Gibbons. Chat happy: Call 01908 605378 or email johnbrimley37@btinternet.com Spikedrivers Tuesday, September 6 A combination of gutsy slide guitar, rock solid bass, infectious grooves and highly distinctive vocals create a sound that is very much their own. Travel from the Southern Juke Joints to the lazy front porches to the open spaces of dust bowls and railroad tracks disappearing in the distance. Music goes live from 7.30pm. Fine sounds: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Dr John Cooper Clarke & Special Guests: I Wanna Be Yours Tuesday, September 6, 8pm The original ‘people’s poet’ is back with his unique show. A chance to sit back in the company of the man who shot to fame in the 1970s and has been entertaining us, in unrivalled fashion, ever since. The Luckiest Guy Alive: stables.org

Heritage Open Days: Newport Pagnell Historical Society Open Days and Town Trails Friday, September 9, Saturday, September 10, Sunday, September 11, Saturday, September 17 & Sunday, September 18, 11am-4pm daily An opportunity to explore the Museum with many previously unseen artefacts relating to the historic town. The Museum is in Chandos Hall, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell – there is no need to pre-book. Exploring the past: heritageopendays.org.uk

Russell Kane – The Essex Variant Saturday, September 10 Russell comes to town with his new show, a gut-punch funny, searing award-winning take on the past two years. Pant-wetting observations are promised. Funny fella: royalandderngate.co.uk

The Comedy Cow Saturday, September 10, 8pm (last entry 7.45pm) Join Dane Baptiste, Matt Price, Craig Deeley and your MC Rich Wilson for a night of funny business. The Venue in Walnut Tree is the place to be. Punchline: thecomedycow.co.uk

Heritage Open Days – Church of St Edmund King and Martyr Friday & Saturday, Sept 9 & 10, 9am-5pm and Sunday, Sept 11, midday - 5pm A chance to explore the 13C parish church, with early 17C memorials and many plaques to the Hardingtone and Delapre families, Learn more: heritageopendays.org.uk

The people’s poet – Dr John Cooper Clarke is at The Stables

Stamp Fair Saturday, September 10, 10am - 4pm A first-class event hosted by Milton Keynes Philatelic Society. Stamp and cover dealers, including for the first time Buckingham Covers, Folkestone and Ian Perry Stamps, plus regular Stamp Dealers including KandK Halls, and member dealers - so you never know what you will find to get stuck into. Refreshments available, at The Methodist Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2HB Visit miltonkeynesphilatelicsociety.co.uk or call 01908 521220.

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps – Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone Saturday, September 10, 7.30pm The man behind Trigger Happy TV is embarking on his first UK tour since 2011 where he will discuss his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travels spots; from North Korea to Chernobyl. The man who went to school with Osama Bin Laden has certainly been to some unusual places. He’s engaging and very smart. Expect an excellent night out at Stantonbury Theatre. A Powerpoint production: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

Festive Road are taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days: Designed in Deanshanger – Astounding Inventors and Inventions Saturday, September 10, midday-5pm Discover astounding inventors and see where and how they lived and worked. Take a peek inside the factory laboratory and enjoy the have-a-go free activities for children and families. The event will be housed at Deanshanger Memorial Community Hall, Little London, Deanshanger. No booking required. Invention, industry, innovation: heritageopendays.org.uk

Heritage Open Days: ‘Hats Galore’ Saturday, September 10 (10am-5pm) & Sunday, September 11 (midday-4pm) An exhibition of all things that can be worn on the head – from a helmet, to a hat from Harrods! The head gear will date from across the decades. At St John the Baptist Church in Hartwell. Hat’ll do nicely: heritageopendays.org.uk

Northamptonshire Good Food and Drink Festival Sunday, September 11, 11am-4pm The county’s best food and drink suppliers and producers will descend on Kettering Park Hotel for a mouth-watering day out as the annual event returns. From locally brewed beer to vegan, dairy free and gluten items, this festival really will cater for all. Entry is free. Very, very tasty: northantsfoodfestival.co.uk

Heritage Open Days: Astonishing Inventions & Mechanical Marvels Sunday, September 11, 11am-4pm Pop to 28 Burners Lane in Kiln Farm and immerse yourself in the wondrous world of Festive Road. Learn how they fuse art with engineering to fabulous effect, creating unique giant moving puppets and creatures. Activities for children and adults will be running, so you’ll be able to create your own astonishing invention to take home. No booking necessary. Power to the puppets: heritageopendays.org.uk

Pine Tree Farm Open Day Sunday, September 11, midday-4pm Visit the home of Animals in Need, meet the staff and learn more about the charity. Stalls will include a tombola/lucky dip, cards and crafts, bric a brac and refreshments. Perfect for all the family and great vegan choices to eat. Barking great: animals-in-need.org

September Highlights

The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz Thursday 8 September, 8pm (18+) Fancy five free drinks? Two of the world’s leading alcohol experts return with a hilarious quiz show that gets the rounds in. In more ways than one. With a pen and question sheet in one hand and several world-class drinks in the other, join them on a uniquely absurd, fact-filled journey through time.

Bye Bye Baby: A Celebration of Frankie Valli Friday 16 September, 8pm Bye Bye Baby is a jawdropping tribute to the musical phenomenon ‘Jersey Boys’ and the timeless, iconic music of ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’.

Laurence Jones Sunday 18 September, 8pm Laurence Jones is firmly established as one of the UK’s hottest guitar players. He’s got a string of accolades and awards to his name winning “Young Artist Of The Year” in the British Blues Awards three years in a row. Laurence and his band have supported and toured with the likes of Sir Van Morrison, Sir Ringo Starr, Status Quo and many more.

Penguin Café

Tuesday 20 September, 8pm Arthur Jeffes much-loved collective – Penguin Cafe – are back in 2022 performing their eclectic array of genre-defying evocative pieces mixing

Arthur’s beautiful compositions with some iconic PCO classics.

Some Kinda Wonderful presents… The Wonder of Stevie Saturday 24 September, 8pm Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder, mesmeric vocalist Noel McCalla and award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash and their world-class live band present a diverse back catalogue of classic hits.

The Stables, Wavendon Milton Keynes MK17 8LU Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org

Cloudbusting: The music of Kate Bush Sunday, September 11 It’s been quite a few months for this group; following the resurgence of interest in Kate’s music after featuring on Stranger Things, Cloudbusting have been soaking up the interest, even appearing on This Morning with Holly and Phil. They are back on familiar soil this month though, with a show at The Stables in Wavendon. Love & Anger: stables.org

Denton & District Gardening Club Flower and Produce Show Sunday, September 11, 2.30pm - 4.30pm Free entry, raffle, homemade refreshments, plant stall and auction of surplus produce at Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, NN7 1DT In bloom: Info, schedules and entry forms m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk or call 01604 890875

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Monday, September 12 – Saturday, September 24 The new production of the Tim Rice and Lloyd Webber smash-hit comes to Milton Keynes Theatre for a two week stay with Alexandra Burke as the narrator. Any Dream Will Do: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Catch The Ultimate Classic Rock Show at the Stables on September 3

Milton Keynes Aviation Society

Presents: “The Falklands Remembered”

September 13 2022 MKAS are proud to present a special evening commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Joining us to deliver their own unique perspectives of the air war are: Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry CBE PhD RN Commodore Neill Thomas CBE DSC RN retd Squadron Leader Bob Tuxford AFC RAF retd Venue: The Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation The Hunt House, Paulerspury, Towcester NN12 7NA Doors open 6.15pm, lecture commences at 7.00pm Places must be booked in advance - £10.00 per head. Please register with Chris Bosworth on 07860 629494 or cj.bos@ntlworld.com More details on www.mkas.co.uk

Left to right: Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry CBE, Wessex 3 observer – rescued 16 stranded SAS troops and disabled Santa Fe submarine, Commodore Neill Thomas CBE DSC – Commanding Officer 899 Naval Air Squadron HMS Hermes, Squadron Leader Bob Tuxford AFC – Victor K2 tanker pilot – first ‘Black Buck’ mission Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, September 12, 7.30pm A talk, ‘A Blaze of Glory; by Timothy Walker at Denton Village Hall, members free, visitors pay £3. There will be a raffle, refreshments and plant sale. All welcome, whether novice or experienced gardener. Root of the issue: m.pateman@yahoo. co.uk or call 01604 890875

Fabulous Duck Brothers Tuesday, September 13, 7.30pm A group of ace players pay tribute to Eric Clapton’s solo career; including 24 Nights, The Blues Era, Derek and the Dominoes and Cream. Support comes from Big Al Duncan. Wonderful (on Tuesday) Night: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Heritage Open Days: The Heritage of Ouzel Valley Wednesday, September 14, 10am – 11.30am Book your free spot on a walking tour through areas used as grazing land, and find out more about the natural heritage and historical features, including the Scheduled Ancient Monuments and the abandoned medieval village at Woughton on the Green. Step back in time: theparkstrust.com

Heritage Open Days: British Rail – An Amazing Invention Wednesday, September 14, 7pm-9pm Respected railway historian and writer Christian Wolmar will be talking about his new book British Rail, and why it was wrong to break the company up. Prebooking is necessary for the event at Stony Stratford Library. On the right track: Call 01908 562025 to secure your space or email info@stonywords.org.uk

Friendsical Wednesday, September 14 & Thursday, September 15 It was a smash hit at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, and now the new parody musical inspired by the iconic show comes to Northampton. The gang will take on naked Thursday’s, a power cut and a dinosaur convention. Central Perk: royalandderngate.co.uk

Heritage Open Days: Milton Keynes Museum Open Day and Beer Festival Thursday, September 15 - Sunday, September 18 Discover Milton Keynes Museum during HODs as well a chance to sample a selection of ales and ciders – mouthwatering drinks at thirst-quenching prices. Held in the Museum courtyard and gardens in Wolverton, it is the perfect way to enjoy a late summer’s day. No need to book. Raise a glass: heritageopendays.org.uk

Heritage Open Days – 78 Derngate: The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House Friday, September 16, 1pm-4pm Businessman W J Bassett-Lowke commissioned Mackintosh to completely transform his marital home in Northampton, which is now open to visitors. Guided tours are offered to those who wish to learn even more about the owner and the designer. Who would live in a house like this? Pre-booking essential on 01604 603407

Heritage Open Days: Islamic Centre tour Friday, September 16, 3pm-4.30pm Join Mohammed Ageli, the architect of the MK Islamic Centre in Coffee Hall, for a tour of the centre he designed. A Q&A session will follow and refreshments will be served. No booking is necessary. Design ace: heritageopendays.org.uk

Sinderella Friday, September 16, 7.30pm The adult panto returns with the naughtiest tale of them all. Drag Rave stars Detox and Janet Jacke are signed up, and sparkly sets and costumes, and a filthy ‘laugh a minute’ script will blend with cheesy anthems, frolics, fun and audience participation. Charming but rude: theoldsavoy.co.uk Make a Miniature Garden Saturday, September 17, 2pm For children and families aged six-10 years old. Build a miniature garden to take away using resources in the garden at Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney. Usual admission fees apply. Email: info@cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

Heritage Open Days: National Badminton Museum Saturday, September 17, 11am-4pm An opportunity to find out more about the sport, which evolved from the old game of ‘battledore and shuttlecock’ way back in 1863. Volunteers will be on hand to show you around and answer any questions. No booking is required – just pop along to the venue on Bradwell Road at Loughton Lodge. Sporting fun: heritageopendays.org.uk

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club Saturday, September 17, 7.45pm The Underground invites you to a smile inducing night out – with Adam Bloom, Naomi Cooper and Robert White.Are you having a laugh? Royalandderngate.co.uk

Heritage Open Days: Cowper & Newton Museum Sunday, September 18, 11am-4pm The historic house, gardens and gallery are open all day, including the new exhibition, Amazing Grace. Olney’s finest: heritageopendays.org.uk

Scottish Country Dancing Introduction course

Monday, September 19th, 6.45pm till 7.45pm An 8 week course taught by qualified RSCDS teachers. Bradwell Village Hall, MK13 9AG. Intro2scd@gmail.com www.rscdsmk.co.uk

Big Dez Tuesday, September 20 Stop right here if you fancy electric blues mixed with humour and melancholy, strongly tinged with funk, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. Energetic sounds: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Inner Wheel Newport Pagnell Tuesday, September 20, 2pm A talk from the Old School House in Wolverton about the community building which is now operated by the not for profit benefit society, Future Wolverton. The talk will be followed by refreshments and an update on the club activities for the remainder of the year. Newcomers welcome from Newport Pagnell, Olney and surrounding villages. Spinning: innerwheelnewportpagnell@gmail.com or call 01908 217356

September & October Highlights

Enjoy live international and national theatre and dance performances from the best seat in the house at MK Gallery’s Sky Room independent cinema.

Event Cinema NT Live: Prima Facie (15) New autumn dates to be announced Jodie Comer makes her West End debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning play, Prima Facie which takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience collide with the rules of the game.

NT Live: Much Ado About Nothing (12A) Thursday 8 September | 7pm Simon Godwin directs this irresistible comedy, broadcast live from the National Theatre stage.

NT Live: Jack Absolute Flies Again (12A) Saturday 8 October | 7pm Emily Burns directs this spectacularly entertaining new version of Sheridan’s The Rivals. Featuring Caroline Quentin, Laurie Davidson, Natalie Simpson and Kelvin Fletcher.

Royal Opera House Live ROH Live: Madama Butterfly Tuesday 27 September | 2pm Set in 19th-century Japan, Puccini’s heart-rending opera tells the tale of Cio-Cio-San, a young geisha who falls in love with an American soldier – and pays the ultimate price.

ROH Live: Mayerling Sunday 9 October | 2pm Dangerous desires, family secrets and political intrigues – a true story told through ballet.

ROH Live: Aida Sunday 16 October | 2pm Love and duty collide, and nations clash in Verdi’s political drama, starring Elena Stikhina and conducted by Antonio Pappano.

Exhibitions Vivian Maier: Anthology Until 25 September The first exhibition in the UK of acclaimed photographer Vivian Maier (1926 – 2009) – celebrating the talent and remarkable story of a Chicago nanny who took hundreds of thousands of photographs of everyday life, carefully storing them during her life and posthumously becoming one of the greatest street photographers of the 20th Century.

Vivian Maier, Self-portrait, New York, 1953 © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY.

Dan Evans & Rebecca Hallworth Tuesday, September 20, 8pm Join dulcimer player, guitarist and composer Dan and actress and classically trained singer Rebecca as they team up for an evening of moving folk songs, beautiful traditional airs and original compositions at Northampton Folk Club, The Old White Hart (NN4 8BS) £8 on the doors. Never a dul-cimer moment: english-dulcimer.com

Remembering Live Variety Thursday, September 22 Roll back the years and enjoy good old fashioned music and laughter, with faces you remember – TV comedian Duncan ‘Chase Me’ Norvelle will be joined by singer Phil Harrison and his band, singer Shelley James and Phil Hoyles, who will deliver his tribute to Tommy Cooper. Variety is the spice of life: thecorecorby.com

Justin Hayward Thursday, September 22 The frontman with the Moody Blues, responsible of course for classics including Nights in White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon, visits Northampton Derngate. Justin will deliver the music he loves, with a truly personal touch. Five decades of style: royalandderngate.co.uk

Cycle4Cynthia Sunday 25th September, 9am Participants will leave Althorp House for five, 10, 25 or 50 mile routes. In the saddle: Registration at www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/event/ C4C2022 or by calling 01604 973340

Plenty to tackle – Martin Bayfield’s Rugby Legends at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate Rebecca Hallworth and Dan Evans join together at The Old White Hart this month

The Art of Textiles Saturday, September 24 & Sunday, September 25, 10am-4pm daily An exhibition created by textile artists Sandra Jenkins, Karin Kirk, Alyssa Robinson, Jane Stock and Val Taylor as part of Northants Open Studio. Abstract and realistic stitched tectile and mixed media art, accessories and cards to inspire and buy, at Welford Village Hall, NN6 6HU. Demonstrations will feature and entry is free. A stitch in time: visualise.online

Inglorious Tuesday, September 27 The hard rock exponents are masters at what they do, and they are making their Milton Keynes return to do it for you again as part of their Until We Die tour. Support comes from A New Tomorrow. We Will Ride: thecraufurdarms.com

Great West Groove Tuesday, September 27 A semi-acoustic band playing old style blues. GWG are one of Bob Hokum’s bands and he is the man behind the Ealing Blues Festival. If you are looking for quality, you’ve come to the right place! Still got the blues: bletchleybluesclub.uk

An Inspector Calls Tuesday, September 27 – Saturday, October 1 Written at the end of the Second World War and set before the first, JB Priestley’s compelling and haunting thriller returns. Revelatory: Atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes Buckingham Canal Society Thursday, September 29 Help needed at nature reserve sites – a chance to get fit, improve the environment and make new friends. Get involved: Email info@buckinghamcanal.org.uk

Martin Bayfield’s Rugby Legends Friday, September 30, 7.30pm From the police beat to the Hollywood movie screen to a Five Nations Grand Slam and MasterChef final, Martin has had a varied life, and he will join with former players to reveal an incredible insight into the sport. Like rugby? You’ll love this! ‘Try’ for tickets: royalandderngate.co.uk

Jon Culshaw: Les Dawson Flying High Friday, September 30 Jon will deliver a funny and affectionate celebration of the comedy legend who entertained the nation. ‘Les’ will summon a wealth of characters and incidents from his life and career. May include adult material and strong language - you’ve been warned! Another one about the mother-in-law: stables.org

Scott Bennett – Great Scott Friday, September 30 He’s already written for artists including Chris Ramsey and Jason Manford, and now Northampton Underground welcomes the stand-up familiar who is on the up and up to show his own flair. Funny times: royalanaderngate.co.uk