THEATRE

Pic: Matt Crockett

Waitress ‘service’ at The Derngate

There are more chances to catch The Gruffalo at The Royal, as the magical, musical adaptation continues until January 2.

Former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton brings the energy with Burn the Floor (Jan 5) a fiery, energetic and eclectic delivery that promises an abundance of infectious, rebellious energy and passion, with dances including the Tango, Waltz and Rhumba waiting to cut loose.

“Burn The Floor is the show that ignited a spark in me and changed me forever as a performer,” Kevin says.

The Night Sky Show (Jan 8) will use special effects to help you understand the heavens above and beyond as science fiction and science fact come together for a journey around the constellations, stars, planets and more.

Adrian West will lead you across the cosmos from our celestial backyard, giving you a Saturday night to remember – and this isn’t a heavy lesson in science. It is entertaining and easily absorbed.

Will you be taking a slice, or rather a ticket, to see the musical comedy Waitress (Jan 10-15)?

The month of January can feel Jenna is a waitress and expert pie-maker, but particularly sombre; grey days, what she really wants is a little happiness. Then a hot new doctor arrives in town and things get long dark nights and the post- complicated. Christmas lull do little to raise Thanks to the support of her work pals Dawn and Becky, Jenna overcomes challenges and spirits. And just WHEN will discovers that laughter, love and friendship is the payday arrive?! Break the drear perfect recipe for happiness. Busted bassist and co-frontman, and with a little theatrical cheer. Sammy Jones has the round-up. hubby to Emma, Matt Willis stars as Dr Pomatter. Pop-star credentials, massive music and pie. What a winning combination. The Core at Corby presents soul satisfaction with the American Four Tops Show (Jan 14) featuring the ace vocal abilities of William Hicks, a big man with a voice to match. Fans of The Temptations, Drifters, Platters, Stylistics and the like will be in musical heaven. Over at The Deco, one-time Britain’s Got Talent finalist Siobhan Phillips will be Live and Unhinged (Jan 15). Expect observational daft ditties from the lady described as ‘the love child of Peter Kay and Victoria Wood.’ Back at the Derngate, how about something with rock star credentials? Queen Extravaganza > Make your choices and click to book: The Core: thecorecorby.com Royal and Derngate: royalandderngate.co.uk The Deco: thedeco.co.uk

Catch Waitress (above left) and Rambert Dance Company performing Aisha And Abhaya (above right) at the Royal and Derngate this January. Then prepare for adventures with Jason Fox (inset below) at the end of the month (Jan 16) is the official tribute to Mr. Mercury and co. and comes with more than a nod from the real deal; Brian May and Roger Taylor hand-picked and produced this rolling cast of musicians. If you want a job done properly, it pays to get the right people in – not least when you’ve got a legacy like those guys do. “It’s our own official tribute band,” says Roger. The wonderful Rambert Dance Company deliver Aisha And Abhaya (Jan 18/19) which combines film, animation, music and live performance, and then the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) performs the music of Amy Winehouse (Jan 21), reimagining hits and revisiting the early works that she sang with NYJO at the turn of the millennium, while still in her teens. Whether big band jazz fan or Amy obsessive, this performance will wow you – not least with Winston Rollins as the event MD. His list of credits is phenomenal, spanning Tom Jones to the Spice Girls and Chaka Khan to Jamiroquai. And he worked with Amy on her debut album, Frank. The Deco delivers Sukh Ojla with her comedy show Life Sukh (Jan 21). From dealing with mental illness to moving back in with her parents, this hour long performance will explore identity and living a double life in a ‘searingly honest look at what happens when life doesn’t go to plan.’ If it’s a truly thrilling time you are after, SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jason Fox will share Sukh Ojla brings her details of his daring exploits with the show Life comedy show Life At The Limit (Jan 30) at The Derngate, before Sukh to The Deco the big and beautiful hit musical Hairspray arrives for a six-day stay from January 31.