THEATRE

from NN Pulse magazine October 2022

COMPETITION

‘Slurring’ Shakespeare!

Maisie Adam Pic: Matt Crockett

Northampton has plenty of much-needed giggles this month, together with gritty drama, the Queen of History and a lesson in mind control. Sammy Jones walks you through the month ahead...

The Color Purple will tell the life-affirming story of courageous heroine Celie at the Derngate (October 4-8).

Abused and oppressed throughout her youth, she embarks on a journey through joy, despair, anguish and hope as the amazing women in her life help her to discover her own voice.

While suitable for ages 14+ it’s worth noting that the production contains themes of rape, abuse and incest, racism and sexism.

All is not well in theatre-land this month, with planned visits by George Clarke and The Da Vinci Code both cancelled, but there is a tasty new arrival in place of the latter mentioned – The Two Popes (October 11-15).

Anthony McCarten, the same fella who wrote the films Bohemian Rhapsody, Darkest Hour and The Theory of Everything is responsible for this too, a piece of work that is fascinating and humorous and shines a light into one of the world’s most secretive institutions.

Nine years ago, Pope Benedict XVI stunned the world when he became the first Pope in 700 years to resign. What drove this arch conservative to break with sacred tradition and make way for a one-time tango club bouncer, football-loving reformer with the common touch?

It asks an age-old question too; in moments of crisis, should we follow the rules or our conscience? Settle down and view at The Royal.

The Queen of History is with us at The Derngate (October 15) for a look into the life of one of the most elusive and enigmatic figures of the 20th century, Agatha Christie.

She might have given the impression that she was ‘just’ an ordinary housewife, but that wasn’t the reality; Agatha went surfing in Hawaii, had a love of fast cars, and was intrigued by psychology, which helped her through devastating mental illness.

Using personal letters and papers, Lucy Worsley will explain how Christie battled obstacles to become a thoroughly modern woman.

If everyone studying history was taught by Lucy, they would walk away with an A*

This will be an incredibly engaging night out, with more than a few giggles, one suspects.

Mind control and psychological illusion will be at the heart of the matter when Derren Brown returns with his first new show in six years.

Obviously the content is a secret, but Showman (October 25-29) will leave you wowed.

Sh*t Faced Shakespeare (October 29, The Royal) is a sell-out Fringe Festival phenomenon now touring with The Bard’s Macbeth, and it unravels like this; pre-show, one cast member is selected at random and given four hours to drink before the curtain rises.

Some might say that it’s classical theatre as it was always meant to be seen - with a gin in one hand, a cup of wine in the other and a flagon of ale in the other… What could possibly go wrong?!

The company promises to ‘always enjoy Shakespeare responsibly’!

We’ve bundled the comedy together this month, because there’s so much of it – here goes: Dave Gorman brings Powerpoint To The People (Oct 1), Jordan Brookes delivers This Is Just What Happens (Underground, Oct 7), Jon Richardson asks questions like ‘Who is going to smooth over the top of the margarine?’ in The Knitwit (Oct 19) and pub landlord Al Murray presents a Gig For Victory (Oct 21).

If your face isn’t already aching from the one-liners and tall tales after that lot, there’s plenty more: Sean McLoughlin invites you to sit in a dark room while he spills the funnies in So Be It (Underground, Oct 22), the stylish Maisie Adam will be Buzzed (Royal, Oct 25) and Kiri Pritchard-McLean will tell you some Home Truths (Underground, Oct 26) before Chris McCausland arrives with Speaky Blinder (Royal, Oct 27) and Sofie Hagen rounds off a giggleridden month with Fat Jokes (Royal, Oct 29).

The Deco hits the back of the net with its famous visitor on October 6 – An Evening with Geoff Hurst. He is still the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final.

Sir Geoff really is a football legend, and the man who made his name with West Ham United will have plenty of anecdotes to share. For something completely different check in with Jim Davidson and his latest show, Not Yet Cancelled (October 15).