WHAT’S ON

#WhatsOnPulse

Jimmy Buckley in Concert Friday, April 1 From country sounds to big ballads and tribute medleys, Jimmy will give you a night of musical memories to remember when he plays The Core at Corby. Aside from being a grade A singer, he is also a hilarious mimic of many major stars. Who knows just ‘who’ will sing for you at the show? On song: thecorecorby.com

The Liquid Engineers Saturday, April 2, 7.30pm Recreating the sounds of Gary Numan, from 1978 all the way through to 2021 with a set comprising hits and album tracks. Support comes from Northampton’s own Venus Fly Trap at The Black Prince show. Complex: FB @blackprincenn

Danesborough Chorus spring concert Saturday, April 2 Enjoy Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna and Rheinberger’s Requiem in D minor with the choral aces when they host a concert at St Mary’s Church in Woburn. On song: danesborough.org.uk

Merry Hell & Ranagri Sunday, April 3 Folk with an edge arrives at The Stables in Wavendon with festival favourites Merry Hell and alt-folkers Ranagri who bring voices, guitar, bouzouki, flutes, whistles, harp and bodhran together for your entertainment. Sounds great: stables.org

Feast of Fiddles Tuesday, April 5 It started as an idea in a folk club and has turned into a national folk-rock institution. Enjoy a musical extravaganza covering almost every genre and involving quite a few fiddles when they return to the Wavendon venue. Feast on this: stables.org

Wilko Johnson play The Roadmender on April 9

Amazing Animation Workshop Tuesday, April 5, 10am-4pm Children aged 7-11 are invited to make a mini-animation like Wallace and Gromit or Charlie and Lola using their favourite models or cut outs, or make a Godzilla and battle it out with Kong. A fun all-day workshop with Animation Station, at Yardley Arts, Yardley Hastings. Book for creativity: bookings@yardleyarts.org

Milton Keynes National Trust Association: Down Among The Gypsies Thursday, April 7 A lecture by Diane Sutton at the Oak Tree Centre, Shenley Brook End. Monies raised will support National Trust projects. Get more details: Email sue-davedee@talktalk.net

Catch Me If You Can Monday, April 4 – Saturday, April 9 A new production of the psychological thriller with a superb cast headed by Dallas legend Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl (Happy Days). Mysterious happenings: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Pic: Leif Laaksonen

Wilko Johnson Saturday, April 9, 7.30pm Unique and exceptional, don’t miss the chance to spend the evening with Canvey Island’s finest as Wilko brings his band (comprising the equally awesome Blockhead Norman Watt-Roy on bass and drummer Dylan Howe) to the Roadmender in Northampton. Support comes from John Otway. Don’t keep this to yourself: theroadmender.com

Barbara Dickson Saturday, April 9 From her folk roots to global hits like Another Suitcase in Another Hall, multi-million selling singer Barbara will deliver a range of tracks covering her career – and what a career she has had! Belting it out: stables.org

‘All about Daylilies (Hemerocallis)’ a talk with Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, April 11, 7.30pm Paula Dyason will share her knowledge at the event, being hosted at Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, Denton NN7 1DT Blooming great: m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk

Family Archaeology Afternoon Tuesday, April 12, sessions from 2pm5pm Join Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society and the Friends of Great Linford Manor Park on a family-friendly afternoon to discover the archaeology that has been happening in the area. Dig deep: theparkstrust.com

Walk & Talk: Nature At Night – Nocturnal Walk Tuesday, April 12, 7.30pm-9pm Join The Parks Trust to explore the habitats within Howe Park Wood. Learn why animals are nocturnal and how they adapt in the dark. Suitable for adults and families with children over eight years old. When the sun goes down: theparkstrust.com

Dawg ‘n’ Bonz Tuesday, April 12 A heady mix of energetic stone-cold classic blues, rocking self-penned originals and a sprinkling of Latin rhythms arrives at the Bletchley Blues Club. bletchleybluesclub.uk

Easter Fun & Egg Hunt Friday, April 15 - Monday, April 18 Follow the trail to win some yummy prizes at Milton Keynes Museum, and enjoy all of the usual attractions too; explore the farmhouse, have fun in the communications gallery, take a trip along the Street of Shops, and much more. History on your doorstep: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Good Friday Concert Friday, April 15, 6pm Fiori Musicali Choir perform a traditional concert of choral music for Good Friday featuring the beautiful Miserere by Allegri, plus pieces by Gesualdo, Tallis, Palestrina, Victoria, Byrd and Lotti, at All Saints Church, Lamport. Beautiful music: fiori-musicali.com

Towcester & District Art Society Saturday, April 16 - Monday, April 18, 10am-4.30pm Join the creatives for their Spring Art Exhibition and Sale at Towcester Town Hall, admission is free. Paint it up: towcesterart.com

Catch The Untanks at Northampton’s Royal on April 21

Inner Wheel Newport Pagnell Tuesday, April 19, 2-4pm A monthly meeting where ladies gather to enjoy each other’s company and listen to interesting speakers. Their speaker this month will be from Newport Pagnell Fire Service, talking about safety in the home. The talk at the Olney Centre will be followed by refreshments and an update on the club plans and events for 2022. Join the gathering: 01908 610200

The Unthanks Thursday, April 21, 7.30pm After two years off the road, The Unthanks are back and showcasing their forthcoming album, Sorrows Away, at Northampton’s Royal. They will also play some of the familiar tunes from their career to date – and there have been 14 records so far, so there is plenty to choose from. Say thanks: royalandderngate.co.uk

Hue and Cry Friday, April 22, 7.30pm Brothers Patrick and Gregory came together as Hue and Cry nearly four decades ago, and they are still going strong. Eighties hits Labour of Love and Looking For Linda have stood the test of time – now go hear them live. Never stop looking: theroadmender.com

The Blackheart Orchestra Friday, April 22 The Blackheart Orchestra are two voices and 13 instruments that create a unique musical experience – the award-winning electronic prog-folk pioneers will be showing their class with an intimate date at The Stables. Mesmeranto: stables.org An Evening with Herman’s Hermits Saturday, April 23, 7.30pm The Hermits chalked up 23 hit singles, 10 hit albums, appeared in three movies and have sold more than 75 million records worldwide. And the 60’s successes aren’t done yet! Join them for a run through the hits at The Core in Corby. A Kind of Hush: thecorecorby.com

Noasis Saturday, April 23, 8pm A supersonic show playing the hits of the Gallagher brothers, and there were more than a few of those. Tribute bands come no better than these fellas – active for more than 15 years and with more than 1100 gigs under their collective belt, they’ve got the swagger and the sounds down to a tee. Roll with it: thepicturedrome.com

Toddle Tours and Child Tours at MK Gallery Saturday, April 23 Child Tours are artist-led sensory tours for families with children with additional needs, including autism spectrum disorder and profound and multiple learning disabilities. Toddle Tours accommodate families with youngsters under the age of five. Tours last 40 minutes each. Art for all: mkgallery.org

Alan Barnes & Dave Newton Sunday, April 24, 11.30am Join the multiple award winners as they cover a repertoire from Louis Armstrong to Chick Corea. Alan and Dave have been playing duets for 42 years and you should expect a programme of straight ahead jazz flawlessly played and interspersed with anecdotes and humour – well worth heading out on a Sunday morning for. Jazz up the day: stables.org

The Gondoliers Monday, April 25-Saturday, April 30 Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group return with the G&S favourite, The Gondoliers which combines razor-sharp wit and memorable music and a talented cast from the locality. Venice bound: royalandderngate.co.uk

Les Miserables Until Saturday, May 21 One of the world’s most popular musicals returns to Milton Keynes Theatre for a four-week run, a chance to enjoy the score of plenty – including Bring Him Home and I Dreamed A Dream – live. Storm the barricades: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes An Evening with Liverpool Legends Wednesday, April 27, 7.30pm One for the footie fans, with Phil Thompson, Sammy Lee and Bruce Grobbelaar on stage, sharing stories from their time playing with Liverpool – entertainment and banter will be plentiful! Back of the net: thecorecorby.com

Sam & Zoe V Evermore Saturday, April 30, 8pm Head to Northampton’s Underground and join Sam and Zoe on an epic theatrical quest. With your help they will battle ogres, solve Tolkienesque riddles and rescue orphan princes – but can they slay their own demons in the process? The stakes are high: royalandderngate.co.uk

The Northampton G&S Society in rehearsals for The Gondoliers King Kurt Saturday, April 30, 7.30pm London’s legendary psychobilly rock n’ rollers visit The Club House in Corby to shake up your Saturday night. Road to Rack ‘n’ Ruin: FB @theclubhousecorby

HARPOLE BOWLS CLUB Larkhall Lane, Harpole. NN7 4DP. Open Day.

Sunday 1st May.

Come along anytime 10:30am to 4:00pm.

 Bowls & coaching provided;  Bring flat soled footwear please.  Refreshments available;  Ample parking;  Outdoor green & indoor short mat. FREE coaching sessions Wednesday evenings during May at 7:00pm.

New Members Welcome.

More details www.harpolebowlsclub.com

SPRING 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

For full listings, visit castletheatre.co.uk

THE PARTY IS GONNA BE BIGGER THAN EVER!

DAN LOONEY, ADAM PAULDEN, JASON HAIGH-ELLERY AND RICHARD KLIN FOR DLAP GROUP SUE GILAD AND LARRY ROGOWSKY

PRESENT

BARBARA DICKSON

IN CONCERT

Thu 31 Mar, 7.30pm Mon 4 Apr, 7.30pm

Sun 1 May, 1.30pm Wed 4 May, 8pm

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN · HERE I GO AGAIN · NOTHIN’ BUT A GOOD TIME · I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS · I WANNA ROCK WE’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT · WE BUILT THIS CITY AND MANY MORE...

TUE 7 - SAT 11 JUNE

BOOK: CASTLETHEATRE.CO.UK

Film Reviews by Jordan Adcock

THE DUKE

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5

The Duke is the increasingly rare film that’s comfortable being a breezy 90 minutes long. That might not sound like great praise. However, this film was director Roger Michell’s (Notting Hill) last before his untimely death last year and while The Duke isn’t destined to live on as a ground-breaking classic, it’s a sweet comedy drama that (a couple of aspects aside) isn’t indulgent, tells a quintessentially quirky British true story and reliably excellent performances from seasoned British actors (plus more swearing than usual for a 12A-rated film!).

In this film, it’s evergreen character actor Jim Broadbent as Kempton Bunton, the jovial aspiring script-writer from Newcastle who’s well-read and outspoken, especially about making TV licences free for pensioners. He’s not impressed when in 1961 the nation buys Francisco Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington for £140,000. One visit to London later, the painting goes missing and Bunton’s red-handed (or is he?).

Broadbent is perfect for the lead role which suiting his unassuming, gently comical onscreen presence, and ensures that Bunton’s likeable despite his motormouth and overall stubbornness, including physically removing the means to receive the BBC on his own TV to not pay the licence (spoiler alert: it doesn’t work). Mirren is equally welcome as Bunton’s wife Dorothy, who’s grown weary not just of his refusal to pay their own TV licence or give up his seemingly hopeless campaigns, but also working through their shared, unresolved trauma of their daughter’s death. Her character, particularly her interactions with Kempton and their spirited son Jackie (Fionn Whitehead), helps ground the film from ever lurching into outright triviality. ✪

THE BATMAN LUCA MORTAL KOMBAT

Star Rating: 3/5 Star Rating: 2.5/5 Star Rating: 2.5/5

When a character’s as lucrative as Batman, reboot after reboot is only inevitable. Director Matt Reeves’ new take, starring a worthy turn by Robert Pattinson as an especially moody and troubled Batman, certainly puts the ‘dark’ in ‘dark knight’. Namely, its impressively gloomy atmosphere in Gotham that rains almost every night and the Riddler (Paul Dano), here reworked as an unnerving internet-dwelling killer eliminating the city’s corrupt elite. The film gets sloppier the further it drags on with certain plot points introduced right as they’re paid off, which is less forgivable given the three-hour runtime and how it continually extends shots and scenes longer than necessary. It’s not up there with Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight films but mercifully much better than Warner Bros.’s rushed universe-building featuring Ben Affleck as Batman. ✪ Luca is the latest Pixar film sent straight to streaming on Disney+ (and later Blu-ray/ DVD), presumably for mid-pandemic business reasons rather than artistic ones. Still, if this isn’t Pixar’s worst film it might well be their slightest. Luca the young sea creature discovers one day that he turns human when out of water (literally “fish out of water”?) and makes friends with Alberto and Giulia, though is forced to hide his true self from the seaside town that fears his kind. Too much of the story, and themes of friendship overcoming fear and suspicion, have already been done in other animated films with more imagination and depth, including by Pixar in Monsters, Inc. The attention to detail of its Italian riviera setting and the sweet character relationships aren’t enough. ✪ Released last year and now available to stream, this is Hollywood’s second stab at filming the very violent beat-em-up video game series. Whereas the 1990s Mortal Kombat films remain very poor adaptations but are very silly and funny regardless, this one’s a better adaptation with fight scenes that are better choreographed and blood and gore closer resembling the games. Yet, despite its main cast including someone who gains robotic arms, an ice-wielding assassin and a foul-mouthed brawny Australian, the film’s determined to mostly focus on its bland-as-anything ‘Chosen One’ protagonist, with his motivations to protect his family even blander than his dialogue. Thank goodness this film’s main stakes are in its realm-hopping, magic-powered martial arts. ✪

UNCHARTERED

Star Rating: 1.5/5

Speaking of video game adaptations, adventure film Uncharted is much closer to the typical Hollywood butchering they’ve subjected to series like Tomb Raider, Warcraft, etc. The film stars Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, despite them not at all resembling the original game characters Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan, professional thieves who form an uneasy partnership to find hidden gold before the powerful Moncada family does. The lead pair coast on their honed screen charm (Holland’s performance is essentially him as Peter Parker again), because the script certainly gives them nothing to work with. The action’s ridiculous, the plot and logic even more so, and Antonio Banderas gets wasted; Uncharted chases gold but this film’s treasure is eye-rolling rather than dazzling. ✪