WHAT’S ON

from NN Pulse magazine September 2022

YOUR STARS

#WhatsOnPulse

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

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 Northants Open Studios Art Festival Runs from Friday, September 2 until Saturday, September 25 Bigger and better than ever before, the popular arts festival returns and you are all invited to discover something new this September. The main events are all being held at Lamport hall, with the Central Exhibition running from September 3 – 25, 10am-4pm. The launch event is on Friday September 2 from 6pm and the closing event and Awards Ceremony is on Saturday September 24, from 5pm onwards. Brush up on the event information: www.northantsopenstudios.co.uk Be social: @northantsos

Sue Johnson is one of the many artists exhibiting for Northants Open Studios

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

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 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

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

Bringing the laughs to Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club – Sid Singh, Stephanie Laine and Stephen Bailey

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

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.

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

A Night at the Musicals Saturday September 10, 7.30pm at Rushden Athletic Club Join Standing In The Wings for A Night At The Musicals, with hits from the West End, Broadway and Hollywood. Featuring six of the best local singers from across Northamptonshire plus the Standing In The Wings House Band, this promises to be an evening of sparkling entertainment perfect for a late summer evening. Tickets £7 via: kathryn@standinginthewings.co.uk For more information please visit www.standinginthewings.co.uk or follow them on Facebook/Instagram.

All done in the best possible taste –Northamptonshire Good Food & Drink Festival

Heritage Open Days – Church of St Edmund King and Martyr Friday & Saturday, Sept 9 & 10, 9am5pm 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

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

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

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 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 – mouth-watering 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

A chance for some fun and games and to support Animals in Need at their Open Day at Pine Farm on September 11

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

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

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

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

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 Hayward will deliver the music he loves, with a truly personal touch. Five decades of style: royalandderngate.co.uk 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

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

Rebecca Hallworth and Dan Evans join together at The Old White Hart this month

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.

Cycle4Cynthia 2022 Sunday September 25, 2022 Register now for Cycle4Cynthia 2022! Get on your bikes at the Althorp Estate for the usual 50 mile, 25 mile and 5 mile routes and a brand new 10 mile route for 2022! Every Pound you raise by taking part goes towards caring for our patients and supporting their loved ones and families too. To register click: www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/event/ C4C2022 or call on 01604 973340

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

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

Jon Culshaw brings Les Dawson back to the stage at the Stables

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

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