THEATRE

Feeling Peaky?

Pop to The Old Savoy!

It’s a giant of a panto, and you’ve still got time to climb the biggest beanstalk in the land to enjoy the fe-fi-fo-fun at Northampton Derngate – performances of Jack and the Beanstalk continue until January 2. But there is plenty more for the taking as the new year begins. Sammy Jones has the lowdown...

The Cher Show (Jan 10-14) turns back time to tell the incredible story of the inimitable lady’s meteoric rise to fame. And meteoric is the word.

This cracking delivery – from the same writer who gave us Jersey Boys – utilises the talents of three West End stars to walk you through the life and times of Cher.

As for the soundtrack? This one manages to cram in morsels of 35 of her greatest releases; from Strong Enough to Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe, and Believe.

Directed by Arlene Phillips and choreographed by Oti Mabuse, The Cher Show is a show-stopper, just like the lady herself.

DJ Tony Blackburn will be hosting Sounds of the 60’s Live (Jan 18) at the Derngate.

Week in, week out more than a million of us tune into his Radio 2 show to hear Tony waxing lyrical about the biggest stars from the fondly remembered decade and now you get to see the master at his craft on the stage.

If you let him, Europe’s most successful Elvis tribute, Lee Memphis King will leave you All Shook Up (Jan 19), or maybe you’d rather a ‘carnival of theatrical experiences, where the stage and the orchestra meet without boundaries’? Singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe and The BBC Concert Orchestra can help you with that (Jan 20).

Little folks will be well catered for with the Cbeebies – Ocean Adventure (Jan 21), a magical multi-media event with added surprises. The BBC Concert Orchestra will be handling musical duties at this event too. Water-way to spend Saturday afternoon with the fam.

Over at The Royal the same night, something quite different – the return of The Burlesque Show. Tassels, teases and titillating laughter will excite and guarantee to refresh parts you never knew you had!

Having delivered high concept shows with overarched interlinked narratives, massive sets and enormous comedy props, Stewart Lee (Jan 23) is back on the road with a streamlined delivery – just one man and a microphone. Well, there is a spare mic in case of mishaps.

What to call this new show though? He’s opted for Basic Lee.

A day later, and over at The Royal, Lloyd Griffith, the man who was Jack Whitehall’s Arena tour support, will bring ticket-holders One Tonne of Fun – with stand-up, dubious impressions and singing.

Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock will cut loose 25 rock anthems during a tongue-

From the top: David O’Doherty, Gareth Gates sings the best of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, a Peaky Blinder night and Lloyd Griffith

in-cheek fang-tastic show (Jan 25) at The Derngate, and funny fella David O’Doherty (Jan 26) will be at The Royal with Whoa is Me.

He’ll trot to the stage with all of the misplaced confidence of a waiter with no pad, and a glued together plastic keyboard. Don’t knock it – there are people in power with less ability.

The Greatest Hits of Motown (Jan 27, Derngate), The Alan Barnes Octet (Jan 27, The Royal) and The 80’s Show (Jan 28, Derngate) will take care of musical business, before one of the most sought after joke writers in the country steps out in his own right – Gary Delaney is back on the stage with another chance to enjoy Gary in Punderland (Jan 28, The Royal).

Last up for the first month of the new year at the Derngate, Fastlove (Jan 29), a tribute to the much missed talent of George Michael.

Peaky Blinders fans will want to don their flat caps and head to The Eden Club at The Old Savoy (Jan 20) for an evening of food, drinks and table entertainment.

A bottle of prosecco will go home with the best-dressed, so go in your Peaky perfect clobber.

If it’s a tribute show where Rock And Roll Dreams Come True that you seek, The Meatloaf Songbook (Jan 27) is the one, or if wrestling is more your bag, book up for the Live & Loaded Tour (Jan 29).

Gareth Gates will be in Corby (Jan 25) with a high-pitched celebration of music from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Gareth will be joined by cast members from Jersey Boys and other hit West End shows for the date. Oh, What A Night you’ll be in for if you book for this.

> Tickets: The Old Savoy: theoldsavoy.co.uk Royal & Derngate: royalandderngate.co.uk The Core: thecorecorby.com