Royal & Derngate Spring Brochure 2014

Spring drama dance comedy children’s shows opera music spoken word musical theatre Box Office 01604 624811 Book Online www.royalandderngate.co.uk

2014

Fiddler On The Roof

Coffee Tea Cake Cookies Using only the best ingredients, the Wicked Way Café creates a selection Muffins of delicious and freshly-made sandwiches and salads in its kitchen. Ask the team about our daily specials including mouth‑watering shredded beef ciabattas and wholesome vegetarian soups. You can also try one of Soups our indulgent treats, hot chocolates or speciality coffees.

Whether you are looking to ‘grab and go’, or stay a while and enjoy our Salads free wifi – The Wicked Way Café is an ideal place for a pre-show bite, a relaxing lunch with friends or an informal business meeting.

Wraps Chips Sandwiches More...

“Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”

Mae West

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

WELCOME...

At A Glance Look out for the following discount symbols on brochure pages:

Dreamboats And Petticoats

Eric And Little Ern

Concessions

Sat 1 February

Group discounts

Mon 27 January – Sat 1 February

Schools rates Family savings

Chariots Of Fire

Tue 18 – Sat 22 February

A Tale Of Two Cities

Fri 21 February – Sat 15 March

Friends savings Real discounts 14-26 year olds Full details of all discounts and concessions are available on page 62.

Peppa Pig

Blood Brothers

Susan Boyle

Fiddler On The Roof

Fri 7 & Sat 8 March

Thu 17 April

Mon 24 – Sat 29 March

Tue 22 – Sat 26 April

TRANSACTION FEE Please note that in addition to advertised ticket prices, all online and telephone bookings are subject to a £2.50 transaction fee. This charge is only applicable per booking not per ticket, and Friends, Gold Supporters, Disabled Patrons and Group Bookings are exempt. For more details see page 63.

Download an online copy of our brochure by scanning this QR code to your smartphone.

Classical Masterpieces Sun 4 May

Moominsummer Madness Thu 22 May – Sun 1 June

DIARY OF EVENTS Turn to the centre pages for our full season listings on our diary page.

Horrible Histories Tue 1 – Sat 5 July

Regeneration

Fri 29 August – Sat 20 September

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

3

Royal

based on the book by Kenneth Grahame

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Fri 29 Nov 2.15pm 7.15pm Sat 30 Nov 1.15pm 5.15pm Sun 1 Dec No Performances Mon 2 Dec No Performances Tue 3 Dec 10.30am 2.15pm Wed 4 Dec 10.30am 2.15pm Thu 5 Dec 10.30am 2.15pm Fri 6 Dec 2.15pm 7.15pm Sat 7 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Sun 8 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Mon 9 Dec No Performances Tue 10 Dec 10.30am 2.15pm Wed 11 Dec 10.30am 2.15pm Thu 12 Dec 10.30am 2.15pm Fri 13 Dec 10.30am 2.15pm Sat 14 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Sun 15 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Mon 16 Dec No Performances Tue 17 Dec 2.15pm 7.15pm Wed 18 Dec 2.15pm 7.15pm Thu 19 Dec 2.15pm 7.15pm Fri 20 Dec No Performances Sat 21 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Sun 22 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Mon 23 Dec 2.15pm 7.15pm Tue 24 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Wed 25 Dec No Performances Thu 26 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Fri 27 Dec 2.15pm 7.15pm Sat 28 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Sun 29 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Mon 30 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Tue 31 Dec 1.15pm 5.15pm Wed 1 Jan No Performances Thu 2 Jan 2.15pm 7.15pm Fri 3 Jan 2.15pm 7.15pm Sat 4 Jan 1.15pm 5.15pm Sun 5 Jan 1.15pm 5.15pm

Director Gary Sefton Designer Sara Perks Tue 17 Dec 7.15pm

Wed 27 November – Sun 5 January “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s story is brought lovingly to life on the Royal stage in a visually dazzling production, packed with magic, adventure and song.

Poop Poop! The peace of the countryside is shattered by Toad’s insatiable appetite for all things noisy and new. When his latest craze for the motor-car leads him into yet more trouble, shy Mole, faithful Ratty and sensible old Badger struggle to get their bombastic friend back onto the straight and narrow. This lively adventure takes them from the tranquil riverbank to the sinister Wild Wood and the battle for Toad Hall, meeting carol-singing hedgehogs and wicked weasels along the way.

After the huge success of A Christmas Carol last year, director Gary Sefton (Diary Of A Nobody) returns to cast his spell. Designer Sara Perks’ previous work at Royal & Derngate includes Alice In Wonderland and The Wizard Of Oz.

“SENSATIONAL... MISS IT AT YOUR PERIL” HHHHH WHATSONSTAGE.COM on A Christmas Carol (2012) Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Wed 18 Dec 7.15pm

& Thu 19 Dec 2.15pm Tue 2 Jan 2.15pm

Relaxed show Wed 11 Dec 2.15pm See page 63 for more details TICKETS Blue & Pink shows £21 £19 £16 £10 Blue shows

£2.50 off top 3 prices

15+ £18, 40+ £17, 60+ £16

Pink shows

4 off top 3 prices

15+ £16, 40+ £15, 60+ £14

10.50 (one teacher’s seat £ free with every 10 tickets)

£70

£4 off top 3 prices on all shows

Derngate PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Fri 6 Dec 7pm Sat 7 Dec 1pm 5pm Sun 8 Dec 1pm 5pm Mon 9 Dec No Performances Tue 10 Dec 2pm 7pm Wed 11 Dec 2pm 7pm Thu 12 Dec 2pm 7pm Fri 13 Dec 2pm 7pm Sat 14 Dec 1pm 5pm Sun 15 Dec 1pm 5pm Mon 16 Dec No Performances Tue 17 Dec 2pm 7pm Wed 18 Dec 2pm 7pm Thu 19 Dec 2pm 7pm Fri 20 Dec No Performances Sat 21 Dec 1pm 5pm Sun 22 Dec 1pm 5pm Mon 23 Dec 2pm 7pm Tue 24 Dec 1pm 5pm Wed 25 Dec No Performances Thu 26 Dec 1pm 5pm Fri 27 Dec 2pm 7pm Sat 28 Dec 1pm 5pm Sun 29 Dec 1pm 5pm Mon 30 Dec 2pm 7pm Tue 31 Dec 1pm 5pm Wed 1 Jan No Performances Thu 2 Jan 2pm 7pm Fri 3 Jan 2pm 7pm Sat 4 Jan 1pm 5pm Sun 5 Jan 1pm 5pm

Mon 30 Dec 7pm

Thu 12 Dec 7pm, Fri 27 Dec 2pm & Fri 3 Jan 2pm

FRI 6 DECEMBER – SUN 5 January Two of our most popular pantomime stars in recent years, Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane, return in our enchanting family pantomime – a laugh‑a‑minute extravaganza boasting stunning sets, fabulous costumes and hilarious song and dance routines.

Sleeping Beauty combines 3D film footage with live stage action for a pantomime unlike any you have seen before. Throughout the show you will enter a world of real time live 3D and find yourself dodging hurtling rocks, meeting dragons, ghosts and giants and spiralling up on a rollercoaster towards the stars.

An unmissable part of the festive season, Royal & Derngate’s annual, traditional pantomime offers high-quality and value‑for‑money entertainment and continues to receive rave reviews from the public and press alike.

“A TRUE FAMILY PANTOMIME, THE BEST I’VE SEEN FOR YEARS” THE NORTHERN ECHO ON Sam and Linda in SLEEPING BEAUTY AT DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE (2012/13)

Sat 14 Dec 1pm & Fri 27 Dec 7pm

TICKETS Green show £14 Purple shows £24 £22 £19 Gold shows £25 £23 £20 Purple shows

£3 off

15+ £18, 40+ £17, 60+ £15

£10.50 (one teacher’s seat free with every 10 tickets) Uniform rate £12 Applicable performances: Sat 7 Dec 1pm, Wed 11 Dec, Thu 12 Dec 7pm, Fri 13 Dec 7pm, Thu 2 Jan 7pm, Fri 3 Jan 7pm Available for groups of 20+ from accredited youth organisations and uniformed personnel when booking from a recognised office. Proof of affiliation may be required.

Uniforms do not need to be worn at the performance.

Senior rate £15 Applicable performances: Thu 2 Jan 2pm & Fri 3 Jan 2pm

Supported locally by £3 off purple shows £1 off gold shows

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

5

UNDERGROUND Studio

For under 6s to enjoy with their families

WED 11 DECEMBER – SUN 5 JANUARY Join us on a magical journey this Christmas, when Mole ventures out of his underground home for the very first time to explore the riverbank and the world beyond. When Mole meets Ratty he is swept along on an adventure which takes him from the river into the wild wood.

As well as meeting many of your favourite characters, you will be transported into the intoxicating world of The Wind In The Willows, brought to life with wonderful puppetry, live music performed by a talented cast of actor-musicians and plenty of interaction for children.

Royal & Derngate’s Associate Director Dani Parr (Humbug!, Flathampton) joins forces with Bamboozle’s Artistic Director Christopher Davies (Crazy Hair, Where The Wild Things Are) to create this multi-sensory delight for young audiences. Design and puppets are by Sue Pyecroft (Butterfly Lion, His Dark Materials).

Along The Riverbank is designed particularly for children under six, but can be enjoyed by all children and their families. Some performances have been created especially for families with children who have special needs – see the performance schedule for details.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Wed 11 Dec 10am 1.30pm Thu 12 Dec 10am 1.30pm Fri 13 Dec 10am 1.30pm Sat 14 Dec 11am 2pm 4pm Sun 15 Dec 11am 2pm 4pm Mon 16 Dec No Performances Tue 17 Dec 10am 1.30pm Wed 18 Dec 10am 1.30pm Thu 19 Dec 10am 1.30pm Fri 20 Dec No Performances Sat 21 Dec 11am 2pm Sun 22 Dec 11am 2pm Mon 23 Dec 11am 2pm Tue 24 Dec 11am 2pm Wed 25 Dec No Performances Thu 26 Dec 11am 2pm Fri 27 Dec 11am 2pm Sat 28 Dec 11am 2pm Sun 29 Dec 11am 2pm Mon 30 Dec 11am 2pm Tue 31 Dec 11am 2pm Wed 1 Jan No Performances Thu 2 Jan 11am 2pm Fri 3 Jan 11am 2pm Sat 4 Jan 11am 2pm Sun 5 Jan 11am 2pm

TICKETS Pink shows (families) £7.50 Green shows (families with children with special needs) £7.50 Blue shows (schools) £360 per performance (max. 60 pupils)

Don’t miss Peppa Pig’s Big Splash – page 29 Dinosaur Zoo – page 37 I Believe In Unicorns – page 37 Scooby Doo – page 44 Moominsummer Madness – page 46 Horrible Histories – page 48

WORKSHOP SESSIONS FOR UNDER 5s AND THEIR FAMILIES

Move, Make & Do SATURDAYS 2-3pm (18 & 25 Jan, 1 Feb & 1 – 22 Mar) Our hugely popular Move, Make & Do sessions offer a varied and fun-focussed programme that uses dance, music, art and drama to create an hour of weekend fun for Under 5s and their families to enjoy together. Anything can happen in a session; you could be exploring the night skies with Stella the Starcatcher, making magic potions with Wizard Wilhelmina, or even going on a polar bear hunt!

TICKETS £6 per child or £10 for 2 children, per session (up to two accompanying adults free)

HALF-TERM DRAMA COURSE

NARNIA

MON 17 – WED 19 FEBRUARY 10AM–3PM Royal & Derngate invites you to climb through the wardrobe and spend three magical days in Narnia!

Our friendly workshop leaders will take your child on a magical adventure, filled with arts and crafts, drama and magic, leading to a performance inspired by C. S. Lewis’s timeless stories. Suitable for ages 7-11 years.

Cost £60 per participant This course takes place at Looking Glass Theatre, 9 Derngate, Northampton, NN1 1TY, which is opposite Royal & Derngate’s stage door. Earlier drop-offs and later pick‑ups are available on request. For more information or to book, please contact Ashley Elbourne on 01604 627566 or email ashley.elbourne@royalandderngate.co.uk

LOOK OUT FOR OUR EASTER 2014 DRAMA COURSE! TUE 8 – FRI 11 APRIL 10AM – 3PM This course will take place at Royal & Derngate and is recommended for ages 7-11.

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA FAMILY DAY

Birthday parties Let us create a birthday party for your child that stands out from the rest in a way that only the theatre can. Our packages are packed with music, games and activities to thrill the senses and ignite the imagination, and can be tailored to suit children aged 3 to 14 years.

We can even provide a delicious selection of party food and party bags, so all that is left for parents to do is to enjoy the event in a relaxed, family friendly environment.

For more information or to book, please contact Ashley Elbourne on 01604 627566 or email ashley.elbourne@royalandderngate.co.uk

Join members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to explore the sounds of the Orchestra, from the magical music of the famous composer Mozart to a journey through the sounds of the Orchestra! Sessions include songs, musical games and insights from the players about life in the Orchestra, and they will help you to create your very own piece. Adults are welcome to join in too! Advanced booking is recommended.

Our upcoming workshops include:

MOZART MAGIC SUN 16 FEBRUARY 11.30am-12.30pm (ages 2-5 years) 1pm-2.30pm (ages 6-13 years)

ORCHESTRAL EXPLORERS SUN 16 MARCH 11.30am-12.30pm (ages 2-5 years) 1pm-2.30pm (ages 6-13 years) TICKETS £2.50 per child (accompanying adults free) No instrumental skills are necessary, but if you can play, please do bring along your instrument. If you come to the workshops, why not make a day of it and book for our evening concert too? Children’s tickets start from just £5, see pages 26 and 30 for details.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

7

Other

Tales By The Fireside Thu 12 December 7.30pm

Join us for folklore, fairytales and Christmas cheer as three wonderful storytellers, Jo Blake Cave, Daniel Morden and Rachel Rose Reid present a selection of glorious, festive tales – and wrap up warmly!

“YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE STORIES JO BLAKE CAVE CAN TELL” TIME OUT “ONE OF THE UK’S GREATEST STORYTELLERS” BBC RADIO 3 ON MORDEN “RACHEL ROSE REID... THE MISS OF MYTHS... A HIT!” EVENING STANDARD TICKETS £9.50

Recommended for ages 18 and above At The Holy Sepulchre Church, Sheep Street NN1 3NL Ticket price includes a free glass of mulled wine

Derngate

MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS HOW SWEET IT IS

THU 9 JANUARY 7.30PM The ultimate celebration of Motown is back by popular demand. Now in its 11th successive year, this stunning show combines first class music together with slick choreography and an amazing band, to deliver a truly outstanding performance. Featuring songs from The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and many more, the show is guaranteed to have you dancing All Night Long.

TICKETS £21

Derngate

Jason Manford FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS FRI 10 JANUARY 8PM Back with a brand new show, Jason Manford performs an evening of hilarious anecdotes, comic misunderstandings and audience banter, all delivered with his likeable charm and teasingly intelligent wit.

“WHAT MANFORD DOES BEST: CLASSIC, CHIRPY-CHAPPIE STAND-UP” THE GUARDIAN TICKETS £23.50

Please note this is the same show as on Fri 5 & Sat 6 July 2013 Recommended for ages 14 and above

Various

ALL IN THE TIMING

SAT 11, MON 13, TUE 14 & Fri 17 JANUARY 7PM Royal & Derngate’s community group The Actors Company invites you to their purpose built, theatrical cafe for an evening of drinks, light bites and six sketches from David Ives’ collection of short plays, All In The Timing.

Incisively intelligent and side-splittingly funny, these sketches will disorientate and delight you, and highlight that comedy is indeed All In The Timing! The first two performances take place at Royal & Derngate, with subsequent performances at other Northampton venues. Contact Box Office for details.

Recommended for ages 16 and above TICKETS £10 (includes one free drink from a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks)

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Royal

NORTHAMPTON GILBERT & SULLIVAN GROUP

H.M.S. PINAFORE 60TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION

MON 20 – SAT 25 JANUARY The Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group are delighted to be back in performance, with their latest production of the evergreen favourite, H.M.S Pinafore.

This piece typifies the essence of the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. When first written, its jolly tunes could be heard emanating from barrel organs on every London street corner and the sales of sheet music topped 10,000 copies in one day.

This talented local group will transport you to Portsmouth with a sparkling new production of one of the country’s most popular operettas. It is a firm favourite with both audience and performers alike, and provides a delightful evening of music, humour and wit for all the family.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Eves 7.45pm Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm TICKETS Mon & Tue £19 £18 Box (3 people) £44.50 Wed Eve & Sat Mat £19.50 £18.50 Box (3 people) £48.50 Thu – Sat Eve £20.50 £19.50 Box (3 people) £51.50

9

Derngate

25th anniversary tour

Moscow City Ballet MON 20 – SAT 25 JANUARY The internationally renowned Moscow City Ballet returns to Royal & Derngate with three of the most popular and enchanting ballets as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Currently at its artistic best, this outstanding company has repeatedly won rave reviews for its live orchestra, stunning choreography, beautiful costumes and sets and virtuoso performances.

Three exquisite ballets will be performed: Swan Lake, a signature piece of their repertoire, an original and exciting interpretation of The Nutcracker, and a one-off, special performance of the classic story, Don Quixote. Set to Tchaikovsky’s endearingly popular scores, all three ballets are unmissable post-Christmas treat for all the family.

“THE TALENTED MOSCOW CITY BALLET DANCERS BROUGHT THIS CLASSIC WINTER TREAT TO LIFE WITH STYLE” THE PUBLIC REVIEWS ON THE NUTCRACKER

HHHH “NOT TO BE MISSED”

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Critic’s Choice The Times

Mon Don Quixote Tue – Thu Swan Lake Fri & Sat The Nutcracker Eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm TICKETS Mon Eve & Wed Mat £30 £27.50 £26.50 £22 £18 Tue – Fri Eve £34 £31.50 £30 £26 £22 Sat Eve & Sat Mat £35 £32.50 £31 £27 £22.50 £3 off top 3 prices

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

THU 16 & FRI 17 JANUARY 7.30PM Anton Du Beke (Strictly Come Dancing) is back with a thrilling new show featuring his most memorable dances alongside sensational new choreography.

Enjoy timeless tunes You’re The Top, Anything Goes and Rhythm Of Life, performed by the Raymond Gubbay Big Band as world class dancers, including special guest Summer Strallen, join Anton to conjure up Ballroom at its best.

Derngate

FROM BALLROOM TO BROADWAY WITH ANTON DU BEKE

TICKETS £42.50 £37.50 £34.50

FRI 17 & SAT 18 JANUARY 7.45PM

Welcome to a stunning night of sophisticated tease, with wonderful comedy and music.

ROYAL

The Burlesque Show Beautiful choreography, classic humour and award-winning performances combine to create a delicious evening of tassels and titillating laughter in one of the most highly regarded productions of its kind in the UK.

TICKETS £19.50

A VIENNESE ROMANCE Sun 19 January 3pm

Irrepressible showman and conductor Rainer Hersch leads the Johann Strauss Orchestra and soprano Kirsty Swift on a journey through a sparkling assortment of music and dance. The Johann Strauss Dancers twirl their glorious period costumes in graceful unison and with distinctive elegance, to timeless classics that include Emperor Waltz, Lucifer Polka and The Blue Danube Waltz.

TICKETS £31.50 £28.50 £25.50 £20.50 £16.50

Derngate

JOHANN STRAUSS GALA

£75

THE RACIST

THU 30 JANUARY 8PM

ROYAL

TREVOR NOAH Fresh from a record-breaking season of shows at London’s Soho Theatre and a sell-out season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, South African comedian Trevor Noah is proud to present his critically acclaimed show, The Racist.

“SLICK, INTELLIGENT, BLISSFULLY FUNNY… THIS IS INSIGHTFUL, WARM, CLASSY COMEDY” HHHHH TIME OUT TICKETS £15

Recommended for ages 16 and above

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

11

Derngate

BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PRESENT

BOOK BY LAURENCE MARKS & MAURICE GRAN

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

“I LOVED EVERY MOMENT” DAILY TELEGRAPH

“A GREAT ROCKIN’ EVENING” Daily Express

“THE ULTIMATE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PARTY!” CBS NEWS

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

MON 27 JANUARY – SAT 1 FEBRUARY A phenomenal success last time it visited Royal & Derngate, the West End sensation Dreamboats And Petticoats is inspired by the six multi-million selling albums of the same name and features many of the greatest songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era.

In 1961 emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition – and more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue. But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons.

Dreamboats And Petticoats features classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran and Billy Fury, amongst others. You’ll be foot-tapping along with Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, Bobby’s Girl, Little Town Flirt, Only Sixteen, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Let It Be Me, Great Pretender, C’mon Everybody, Let’s Twist Again and many more hits from music’s golden era.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm Wed 29 Jan 2.30pm & 7.30pm Thu 30 Jan 7.30pm TICKETS Mon – Thu Eves & Sat Mats £30 £26.50 £22.50 £18.50 £15.50 Fri & Sat Eves £32.50 £29.50 £24.50 £20.50 £16.50 Wed Matinee £26 £24 £16 £15

2 for 1 on top 2 prices (Mon only) £3 off top 3 prices at other times (excl. Wed Mat & Fri & Sat Eves)

13

ROYAL

Julian LLOYD WEBBER With JIAXIN LLOYD WEBBER FRI 31 JANUARY 7.45PM

The ‘doyen of British cellists’, joins forces with his wife, fellow cellist Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, to present world premiere performances of duets for two cellos, with an accompanying pianist. Performed in the beautiful and intimate surroundings of the Royal auditorium, this exhilarating concert will also feature music from the great composers across the classical spectrum, from Rachmaninov, Arvo Pärt and Dvořák to Bach, Saint-Saëns and Schumann.

TICKETS £29 £25 £15

ROYAL

Eric and Little Ern SAT 1 FEBRUARY 7.45PM

A smash hit of the 2013 Edinburgh festival, this affectionate, moving and funny homage to Britain’s greatest comedy double act vividly brings back warm memories of a bygone era. Recreating some of the finest of Eric and Ernie’s TV and stage performances, Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens present cherished moments from the archives alongside new material.

“ASHPITEL AND STEPHENS HAVE GOT THE DUO’S MANNERISMS DOWN PAT TO SUCH A WINNING EXTENT” HHHH DAILY TELEGRAPH TICKETS £16

Derngate

N.DANCE 14

SUN 2 FEBRUARY 7PM Dance4 presents N.Dance, an annual show that provides an insight into the wealth of dance and creativity across the county and gives talented young people an opportunity to showcase their work. A live selection will take place during the evening, and the chosen groups will go on to perform at the Midlands Youth Dance Festival in Birmingham and potentially onto the U.Dance national event held in Nottingham in June.

TICKETS £9

Derngate

RENT

20th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT MON 3 February 7.30PM Celebrating 20 years since its first staged performance, West End leading lady and Broadway star Kerry Ellis returns to the role of Mimi in this concert version of the smash-hit musical Rent, now on its third and final UK tour.

“GRAB A TICKET WHILST YOU CAN” HHHH WHATSONSTAGE.COM “A POWERFUL MUSICAL PRODUCTION” HHHH LIVERPOOL ECHO TICKETS £28 £25

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT TUE 4 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

The Circus Of Horrors is back with its rock ‘n’ roller coaster of a show, London After Midnight, inspired by the sinister film of the same name. Packed with new shocks, it features some of the most daring, bizarre and beautiful circus acts you will ever see, including sword swallowers, dare devil balancing acts, hair hangers, demon dwarfs and astounding aerial acts, all performed to the devil-driven rock n’ roll of Dr Haze & The Interceptors From Hell.

TICKETS £26 £22 £19 £16

Derngate

THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS

Recommended for ages 16 and above

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS WED 5 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

Beyond The Barricade’s sensational new show looks back over fifteen years in concert and includes many of the musicals that have made it the UK’s leading concert of its kind, including Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Phantom Of The Opera, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Blood Brothers, The Jersey Boys and many more, climaxing with a spectacular finale from Les Miserables.

“FIGHT TO GET A TICKET FOR THIS DAZZLING SHOW!” Whatsonstage.com

Derngate

BEYOND THE BARRICADE

TICKETS £20.50

THE OPTIMUM TOUR

THU 6 FEBRUARY 7.30PM The Drifters present their most spectacular show to date, featuring the current line up of Pierre Herelle, Michael Williams, Ryan King and Carlton Powell.

They bring a fast-moving, exhilarating show that features the best of their back catalogue, including Under The Boardwalk, Saturday Night At The Movies, Up On The Roof and Kissin In The Back Row plus some brand new recordings.

Derngate

THE DRIFTERS IN CONCERT

TICKETS £26

Fri 7 February 7pm

Members of Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre present Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre’s Got Talent! Based on the popular talent show, members showcase their talents to raise money for Youth Theatre Bursaries. Full of silliness and fun, they are pulling out all the stops with guest judges, sob stories and specially made buzzers. Don’t miss this opportunity to help fundraise and experience what the Youth Theatre is all about.

Royal

R&D YOUTH THEATRE’S GOT TALENT!

TICKETS £5

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

15

Royal BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

MON 10 – SAT 15 FEBRUARY Jenny Seagrove and Sara Crowe star as best friends Julia and Jane in a sparkling new production of Noël Coward’s classic comedy, Fallen Angels.

With their passionless husbands away playing golf, a mutual, long-ago-lover announces his intention to pay Julia and Jane an impromptu visit. All in a fluster, there is clearly only one thing to do: hit the bottle. Or rather, pop open the champagne! Tongues start to loosen, hidden jealousies surface, the claws come out and all attempts at demure behaviour dissolve. But it’s not until the unexpected early return of their husbands that the evening really hits its frenzied peak.

Jenny Seagrove’s many theatre credits including Noël Coward’s Present Laughter, Brief Encounter, Volcano and The Country Girl.

She also starred in TV’s BAFTA award-winning Judge John Deed.

Sara Crowe’s vast array of film, TV and theatre credits include BBC’s Born And Bred, Radio Times at Royal & Derngate and on tour, and West End productions of Noël Coward plays Hay Fever and Private Lives, for which she won an Olivier Award.

“SUBLIMELY FUNNY AND SERIOUSLY SOPHISTICATED” SUNDAY TIMES

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm Wed 12 Feb 7.45pm & Thu 13 Feb 2.30pm Thu 13 Feb 7.45pm TICKETS Mon – Thu Eve £26.50 £22.50 £21.50 £17.50 Fri & Sat Eve £28.50 £25.50 £23.50 £19.50 Thu & Sat Mat £22.50 £19.50 £17.50

£3 off top 3 prices (excl. Thu Mat & Sat Eve)

FEATURING THE ZOMBIES, THE ANIMALS, THE YARDBIRDS, SPENCER DAVIS & MAGGIE BELL FRI 7 FEBRUARY 7.30PM With this amazing line up – that collectively had 37 hit records in the UK charts for over 300 weeks – here is the chance to hear the musical revolution of 1964 in an unforgettable show. Come and celebrate 50 years of rhythm and blues with the artists that shaped music for generations to come.

Derngate

ULTIMATE RHYTHM & BLUES

TICKETS £28.50 £26

SAT 8 FEBRUARY 7.45PM

Performance poet John Cooper Clarke is as vital now as he was in the ’70s.

With biting, satirical, political and very funny verse delivered in a unique, rapid-fire performance style, he found himself as one of the leading voices of punk and youth culture of the late 70s. His mark is seen in today’s pop culture and his live shows are renowned for leaving audiences ecstatic.

Royal

John Cooper Clarke

“JOHN COOPER CLARKE IS A TRUE ORIGINAL. CATCH HIM IF YOU CAN.” THE SCOTSMAN TICKETS £18.50 £16

TUE 11 FEBruary 7.30PM In this electrifying concert for Dire Straits fans, original band members Alan Clark and Chris White perform alongside five hand-picked, worldclass musicians: Terence Reis, Steve Ferrone from Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, Mickey Féat, Adam Phillips and Jamie Squire. Supporting the Straits is 2013 British Blues Award-winner Marcus Bonfanti.

Derngate

THE STRAITS

“A THOROUGHLY DESERVED STANDING OVATION” NEWCASTLE EVENING CHRONICLE TICKETS £26

THU 13 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

Steve Steinman, star of the hit show Vampires Rock, returns to deliver the best of the best from Meat Loaf’s incredible catalogue of albums. With video projected scenes, an incredible stage set, a superb band and Steve’s unique sense of humour and stage presence, the show will have you up and dancing to your favourite Meat Loaf songs, including Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Took the Words Right Out Of My Mouth, Anything For Love, Dead Ringer For Love, Bat Out Of Hell, and many more.

Derngate

THE MEAT LOAF STORY

TICKETS £23

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

17

Derngate

Time Out

Daily Mail

“pure exhilaration” Sunday Times

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

TUE 18 – SAT 22 FEBRUARY Direct from the West End, celebrate one of this country’s greatest and most thrilling sporting achievements when the critically acclaimed Chariots Of Fire arrives in Northampton.

Adapted from the Oscar-winning movie, this ingenious retelling of Eric Liddell’s and Harold Abraham’s quest to become the fastest men on earth is an electrifying and moving tale of two men’s rivalry and their unwavering determination to conquer the world in the face of prejudice, immovable beliefs and overwhelming odds.

Featuring a cast of 21, track races thundering off the stage and the original, iconic Vangelis score, Chariots Of Fire will leave you breathless with excitement.

Eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm Wed 19 Feb 2.30pm & 7.30pm Thu 20 Feb 7.30pm TICKETS Tue – Thu Eve £27 £22 £20 £16 £12 Wed Mat £23 £18 £16 £14 £12 Fri & Sat Eve & Sat Mat £33.50 £29.50 £26.50 £22.50 £18

£3 off top 3 prices (Excl Fri & Sat Eves & Wed Mat)

“CHARIOTS IS FLAMING FANTASTIC... GOLD MEDALS ALL ROUND” DAILY MAIL Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

19

The Body Of An American

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON 2014 SEASON It is with real excitement that I introduce my first Made In Northampton season at Royal & Derngate. Few theatres enjoy such a close relationship with their audience or as celebrated a reputation for exceptional work. As I take the helm from Laurie Sansom, I want our theatre to continue living at the heart of its community whilst also inspiring the country’s most brilliant writers, actors and directors to create original and vividly imaginative productions that will address the major concerns of our time. Northamptonshire’s extraordinary mix of the old and the new, the urban and the rural, the liberal and the conservative make it the perfect place to do that.

Our programme will reflect this energy and range, staging old stories in new ways or telling stories that have never been told before.

Our Made In Northampton 2014 season will celebrate the vibrancy of local cultural life and also bring some of the country’s most important writers, musicians and theatre-makers to Northampton.

Between them, they’ve won Olivier Awards, Oscars, Q Awards, Booker Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes and BAFTAs. And we’ll also continue to take work Made In Northampton elsewhere, touring our work to leading theatres nationwide.

All of the plays this season focus above all things upon relationships: within the family, the community and the workplace; amid colleagues, between warring countries, among lovers, against enemies and between man and God. By turns hilarious, heart-warming, nightmarish or magical, all of them explore how we relate to those who we’ve chosen to spend our lives around and to the communities in which we live. I am really happy to now be able to call Northampton my home.

As Britain commemorates the Centenary of the WW1 next year, Regeneration in the Royal and The Body Of An American in our Underground Studio will explore why – for a generation of Britons that, in the main, has been untouched by war – it is vital for us to understand the horror of armed conflict and consider its legacy.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Moominsummer Madness

At a time when governments across the world are facing down political unrest, A Tale Of Two Cities will transform Charles’ Dickens’ literary masterpiece on revolution into an epic theatrical event set to original music featuring one of the largest acting companies to appear on the Royal’s stage.

Every Last Trick brings together some of the countries’ top comic talents to stage a glorious comedy of infidelity and revenge from the master of French farce, Georges Feydeau. We’re delighted to build upon our relationship with Spymonkey by pairing them with the internationally renowned Told By An Idiot theatre company and playwright Tamsin Oglesby.

Moominsummer Madness draws upon puppetry and music to bring this heartwarming children’s classic story to stage for the first time. We’re thrilled that puppets will be designed by Lyndie Wright of Little Angel Theatre, one of the world’s most revered puppeteers.

Fresh from adapting Peter Pan for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Ella Hickson will take on the legends of Merlin next Christmas for Royal & Derngate, creating an enchanting play with music that mixes extraordinary adventures, mythical creatures, magic and romance.

And as Tennessee Williams enjoys a well deserved revival I’m personally thrilled to be directing one of my favourite plays, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

I do hope you enjoy this Made In Northampton season, and I look forward to welcoming you to Royal & Derngate soon.

Made In Northampton Season Ticket Subscribe to our full season of productions with the Made In Northampton Season Ticket. Not only will you enjoy sensational savings but you will guarantee yourself the best seats and a host of other benefits.

Use our full season guide on the reverse of this page and take a look through the brochure.

You can then use the details on page 54 to decide which ticket package is right for you. And if you can’t decide... come to them all! Or make this the year that you try something completely new...

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

21

The Body Of An American

Fri 21 February – Sat 15 March See page 25

Thu 27 February – Sat 8 March See page 23

Fri 18 April – Sat 10 May See page 39

Thu 22 May – Sun 1 June See page 46

To be announced...

We are still working on the details of our Made In Northampton show for this Summer slot and look forward to making an exciting announcement shortly. In the meantime, you can still add this show to your Season Ticket package and make great savings.

Fri 30 May – Sat 21 June

Fri 29 Aug – Sat 20 September See page 51 P O ST

Merlin Wed 1 – Sat 18 October See page 53

S ES PR

A Legendary Mythical Adventure

26 NOVEMBER 2014 – 4 JANUARY 2015 ON SALE NOW!

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Underground Studio

European Premiere

A CO-PRODUCTION WITH GATE THEATRE

The BODY OF AN AMERICAN

Winner of the 2013 PEN Award for Drama

by Dan O’Brien Thu 27 February – Sat 8 March Mogadishu, 1993. Paul Watson is a Canadian photojournalist who is about to take a picture that will win him the Pulitzer Prize.

Princeton, 2013, Dan O’Brien is an American writer who is struggling to finish his play about ghosts. Both men live worlds apart but a chance encounter over the airwaves sparks an extraordinary friendship that sees them journey from one of the most dangerous places on earth to the depths of the human soul.

Flying from Kabul to the Canadian High Arctic, The Body Of An American is an exhilarating new form of documentary drama that splices the dialogue with actual recordings and photographs by Paul Watson. Performed in an intimate studio space created in our Underground, this production places these two men’s battles – both public and private – against a backdrop of some of the world’s most iconic images of war.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Director James Dacre Designer Alex Lowde Lighting Designer Charles Balfour Video Designer Dick Straker for Mesmer Eves 8pm Thu & Sat Matinees 2.45pm (excl. Thu 27 Feb) TICKETS Eves £17 Matinees £15

Season Ticket

Buy for more than one Made In Northampton show and save.

See page 54 for details

Post Show Talk Back Mon 3 March

23

ROYAL

World Premiere

Fri 21 February – Sat 15 March Dickens considered his novel, A Tale Of Two Cities “the best story I have ever written.” Interweaving one family’s intensely personal drama with the terror and chaos of the French Revolution, it is an epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption amidst horrific violence and world changing events.

In an age when governments across the world seem impotent in the face of increasing unrest, this bold new dramatic adaptation by Mike Poulton (Fortune’s Fool, Old Vic; Wolf Hall, RSC) set to rousing original music by Oscar- winning composer Rachel Portman (The Cider House Rules, Beloved) seems more relevant than ever. It will feature one of the largest acting companies to ever appear on the Royal’s stage.

Composer Rachel Portman Director James Dacre Designer Mike Britton Featuring the Royal & Derngate Community Ensemble Eves 7.45pm (excl. Tue 25 Feb 7pm) Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm (excl. Sat 22 Feb) Tue 11 Mar 7.45pm Wed 12 Mar 7.45pm & Thu 13 Mar 2.30pm Thu 13 Mar 7.45pm TICKETS Mon – Fri Eves £28 £25 £22.50 £19.50 £14 £10 Sat Eves £29 £26 £23.50 £20 £14.50 £11 Matinees & Previews £22 £20 £18 £16 £13 £10

£3 off top 4 price bands (excl Sat eve) & 2 for 1 on opening night

Season Ticket

Buy for more than one Made In Northampton show and save.

See page 54 for details

Post Show Talk Back Mon 3 March

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

25

LDT SOOU

Derngate

RUSSELL HOWARD

WONDERBOX - WORK IN PROGRESS FRI 14 FEBruary 8PM

Returning to his first love, live stand-up, join Russell Howard as he tries out material and warms up for his sold-out arena tour. This is your chance to see the star and creator of the award-winning hit TV show, Russell Howard’s Good News doing what he does best.

“ENERGETIC, UNCYNICAL AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, VERY FUNNY” THE TIMES TICKETS £16

derngate

Killer Queen SAT 15 FEBruary 8PM

Thrilling sell-out audiences across the globe, Killer Queen recreate the phenomenon that was Queen live.

Fronted by Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, their expert musicianship, extraordinary energy and eerily accurate portrayal of the world’s greatest live band make this concert a must-see for all Queen fans.

TICKETS £22.50 £20.50

Derngate

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

MOZART REQUIEM SUN 16 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

This stirring evening opens with BBC Music Magazine’s ‘Rising Star’ Alexandra Dariescu performing Mozart’s popular Piano Concerto No.21.

Following this, his masterpiece, Requiem, will be conducted by Renato Balsadonna, Chorus Master from the Royal Opera House. Composed under mysterious circumstances, it is a work of intense drama and depth. Joining the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on stage is the Northampton Bach Choir.

TICKETS £32.50 £30 £27 £25 £21 £14.50

£68

Derngate

RICHARD & ADAM IN CONCERT SUN 23 FEBruary 7.30PM

These sensational Welsh singing brothers are bringing their glorious harmonies to Northampton. Millions watched this summer as Richard and Adam wowed the nation on Britain’s Got Talent. During the show they received numerous standing ovations and won third place in the final, and their debut album The Impossible Dream shot to the number one spot in the album charts. See them live as they perform a wide variety of music, including both classic love songs and songs from their album.

TICKETS £25

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Derngate

Derngate OPERA & BALLET INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS AN ELLEN KENT PRODUCTION

SARAH MILLICAN

FEATURING THE CELEBRATED CHISINAU NATIONAL OPERA AND PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH INTERNATIONAL SOLOISTS

HOME BIRD

TUE 25 & WED 26 FEBRUARY & Thu 15 May 8PM The British Comedy Award’s queen of comedy, Sarah Millican, is giving up the party scene (Ann Summers), easing off on the drinking (fizzy pop equals wealthy dentists) and is settling down (taking her bra off).

Join her for some hilarious domestic bliss and learn what to take on a dirty weekend, the easiest way to blend in in posh restaurants and how to teach a pensioner to swear.

“SARAH MILLICAN IS NEVER LESS THAN BELLY-LAUGH HILARIOUS” THE MIRROR

FRI 28 FEBRUARY 7.30pm Ellen Kent directs a brand new production of the most romantic opera ever written.

Traditionally staged with beautiful sets and costumes, La Boheme tells the tragic tale of the doomed Mimi and her love for a penniless writer with many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz.

The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period with a colourful carnival scene, real snow effects, a local brass band and even Muzetta’s dog.

“AUTHENTIC, TENDER AND PASSIONATE” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Recommended for ages 16 and above

TICKETS £26

TICKETS £35 £32 £28 £23 £19

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

£3 off top 3 prices

27

Derngate

essence of ireland SAT 1 MARCH 7.30PM

Set against the backdrop of Ireland, England and America in the 20th century and inspired by true events, Essence Of Ireland tells a moving story of the love, joy and heartache endured by two lovers separated by emigration.

The show features original choreography and music, together with Irish classics such as Galway Girl, Irish Rover, Song For Ireland, and Danny Boy. “AMAZING DANCE ROUTINES THROUGHOUT” WHATSONSTAGE.COM TICKETS £24 £22

Friends

From as little as £30, become a Friend and make fabulous savings throughout the year. Benefits include: symbol on our brochure pages) • Discounts (just look for • Advanced email information about shows going on sale • Priority booking and brochure mailing • Free exchange facility, no transaction or postage fee • Local business discounts, including at Wicked Way Café • Friends e-newsletter Call Box Office today and see how you could save.

Derngate

NMPAT Orchestra Spectacular Sun 2 March 6pm

Northamptonshire Music And Performing Arts Trust presents, for the first time ever, an Orchestra Spectacular.

The show features the county’s three youth orchestras: the County Junior Orchestra conducted by Matt Butler and Janet Gallacher, the County Training Orchestra conducted by Ruth Allen and Paul Truman and the Northamptonshire County Youth Orchestra conducted by Richard Roper and Andy Kirkwood.

TICKETS £14 £12 £10

Derngate

NMPAT Wind Band Spectacular Sun 9 March 6pm

Northamptonshire Music And Performing Arts Trust presents Wind Band Spectacular, an evening of music for symphonic wind orchestras featuring the County Junior Wind Orchestra, conducted by Jo Coventry and Caz Wolfson, the County Training Wind Orchestra, conducted by Giles Liddiard and Pam Carter and the Northamptonshire County Youth Concert Band, conducted by Peter Smalley.

TICKETS £14 £12 £10

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Derngate

FRI 7 & SAT 8 MARCH Fresh from the success of Peppa Pig’s Party and Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt comes Peppa Pig’s brand new show Peppa Pig’s Big Splash.

Come and join Peppa and her friends for another all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles.

The nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it – quick! As they set up a fete to raise the money for the repairs, they’ll need your help to make sure everything goes smoothly. Join Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig, as well as Danny Dog, Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep as they have fun putting up bunting, running stalls and organising a great day out.

HHHHH “A TREAT FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE’S EYES AND EARS” DAILY EXPRESS

Peppa Pig returns live on stage with cute puppets and brilliant sing-a-long songs in this brand new show that will brighten your day. So grab your wellies and brollies and get splashing!

Fri 4pm Sat 10am, 1pm & 4pm Running time: 90 minutes (no interval) TICKETS £15.50 £13.50 £54

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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Derngate

The Tenors

FRI 14 MARCH 7.30PM The Tenors – Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray, Fraser Walters and Remigio Pereira – delight audiences of all ages with their mix of classical and contemporary pop music, powerful voices and diverse vocal styles. Their first album, The Perfect Gift, was certified platinum and over the past five years they have performed to standing ovations worldwide. See them live in this electrifying concert.

TICKETS £26

Derngate

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

JOHN LILL’S 70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS SUN 16 MARCH 7.30PM

Join us for the 70th Birthday Celebration of acclaimed British pianist John Lill, who will perform Rachmaninov’s passionate Piano Concerto No.3. The concert also features Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and Dvorák’s Eighth Symphony. “still a majestic presence” The Independent TICKETS £32.50 £30 £27 £25 £21 £14.50

£68

Derngate

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC FLEETWOOD MAC FOREVER MON 17 MARCH 7.30PM Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac’s new show will showcase in meticulous, note‑for-note detail all the classic hits from one of the most outstanding and enduring catalogues in the history of recorded music.

“THEY DO FLEETWOOD MAC BETTER THAN FLEETWOOD MAC” MAIL ON SUNDAY TICKETS £23.50

Derngate

THE MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS PARK GORKOGO

WED 19 MARCH 7.30PM The Moscow State Circus returns with its latest and greatest production, set in the mystical centre of Moscow’s cultural and artistic quarter, Park Gorkogo.

Clowns Pavlik & Klava invite you into this wondrous and mysterious place to see magnificent feats of human achievement, including flying, back flipping, incredible balancing and pole juggling, not to mention a revolving Russian swing that catapults its 10-strong troupe high into the auditorium.

TICKETS £26 £22 £19 £16

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

ANIMAL FARM

THU 20 MARCH – SAT 22 MARCH THU 1.30PM, FRI 1.30PM, SAT 7.45PM

Royal

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON BA (HONS) ACTING

When the downtrodden beasts of Manor Farm oust the drunken farmer, all are awash in collectivist zeal. But soon the pigs succumb to the temptations of power and privilege. George Orwell’s classic dystopian tale explores what occurs when corruption and greed are met with indifference and ignorance.

TICKETS £17

LOVE & INFORMATION THU 20 MARCH – SAT 22 MARCH THU 7.45PM, FRI 7.45PM, SAT 1.30PM

Royal

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON BA (HONS) ACTING

Someone sneezes. Someone shares a secret. Someone won’t answer the door.

Someone put an elephant on the stairs. Someone is her brother’s mother.

Someone hates irrational numbers. Someone told the police. Someone got a message from the traffic light. Someone’s never felt like this before.

TICKETS £17

ROY ORBISON AND FRIENDS THU 20 MARCH 7.30PM

Barry Steele presents a stunning, multimedia tribute to The Big O. Featuring classic Orbison hits from the ’60s through to the late ’80s, including Oh! Pretty Woman, In Dreams, I Drove All Night, You Got It, Its Over and Only The Lonely, the show also includes special guests paying homage to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.

“TRUE IDENTIKIT BRILLIANCE” THE STAGE

Derngate

BARRY STEELE’s

TICKETS £21.50 £19.50

SMALLNESS

Fri 21 March 8pm The star of BBC3’s Staying In With Greg & Russell, Russell Kane brings Smallness, his brand new stand up comedy show to Northampton.

Derngate

RUSSELL KANE

“KANE’S TALENT AND TECHNIQUE REMAIN MIGHTY” THE TIMES “KANE IS AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME” THE GUARDIAN TICKETS £18.50

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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November Fri 29 Nov Sat 30 Nov December Tue 3 Dec Wed 4 Dec Thu 5 Dec Fri 6 Dec Sat 7 Dec Sun 8 Dec Tue 10 Dec Wed 11 Dec Thu 12 Dec Fri 13 Dec Sat 14 Dec Sun 15 Dec Tue 17 Dec Wed 18 Dec Thu 19 Dec Sat 21 Dec Sun 22 Dec Mon 23 Dec Tue 24 Dec Thu 26 Dec Fri 27 Dec Sat 28 Dec Sun 29 Dec Mon 30 Dec Tue 31 Dec January Thu 2 Jan Fri 3 Jan Sat 4 Jan Sun 5 Jan Thu 9 Jan Fri 10 Jan Thu 16 Jan Fri 17 Jan Sat 18 Jan Sun 19 Jan Mon 20 Jan Tue 21 Jan Wed 22 Jan Thu 23 Jan Fri 24 Jan Sat 25 Jan Mon 27 Jan Tue 28 Jan Wed 29 Jan Thu 30 Jan Fri 31 Jan February Sat 1 Feb Sun 2 Feb Mon 3 Feb Tue 4 Feb Wed 5 Feb Thu 6 Feb Fri 7 Feb Sat 8 Feb Mon 10 Feb Tue 11 Feb Wed 12 Feb Thu 13 Feb Fri 14 Feb Sat 15 Feb Sun 16 Feb Tue 18 Feb Wed 19 Feb Thu 20 Feb Fri 21 Feb Sat 22 Feb Sun 23 Feb Mon 24 Feb Tue 25 Feb Wed 26 Feb Thu 27 Feb Fri 28 Feb March Sat 1 Mar Sun 2 Mar Mon 3 Mar Tue 4 Mar Wed 5 Mar Thu 6 Mar Fri 7 Mar Sat 8 Mar Sun 9 Mar

DERNGATE

TIME

PAGE

DERNGATE

TIME

PAGE

Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty DERNGATE Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Motown's Greatest Hits Jason Manford From Ballroom To Broadway From Ballroom To Broadway

7pm 1pm/5pm 1pm/5pm 2pm/7pm 2pm/7pm 2pm/7pm 2pm/7pm 1pm/5pm 1pm/5pm 2pm/7pm 2pm/7pm 2pm/7pm 1pm/5pm 1pm/5pm 2pm/7pm 1pm/5pm 1pm/5pm 2pm/7pm 1pm/5pm 1pm/5pm 2pm/7pm 1pm/5pm TIME 2pm/7pm 2pm/7pm 1pm/5pm 1pm/5pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 PAGE 5 5 5 5 8 8 11 11

Johann Strauss Gala Moscow City Ballet Moscow City Ballet Moscow City Ballet Moscow City Ballet Moscow City Ballet Moscow City Ballet Dreamboats And Petticoats Dreamboats And Petticoats Dreamboats And Petticoats Dreamboats And Petticoats Dreamboats And Petticoats DERNGATE Dreamboats And Petticoats N.Dance 14 Rent In Concert Circus Of Horrors Beyond The Barricade The Drifters In Concert Ultimate Rhythm & Blues

3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm/7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm/7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm/7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm TIME 2.30pm/7.30pm 7pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

11 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 PAGE 12 14 14 15 15 15 17

The Straits

7.30pm

17

The Meatloaf Story Russell Howard Killer Queen Mozart Requiem Chariots Of Fire Chariots Of Fire Chariots Of Fire Chariots Of Fire Chariots Of Fire Richard And Adam

7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm/7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm/7.30pm 7.30pm

17 26 26 26 18 18 18 18 26 26

Sarah Millican Sarah Millican

8pm 8pm

27 27

La Boheme DERNGATE Essence Of Ireland NMPAT Gala Concert

7.30pm TIME 7.30pm 6pm

27 PAGE 28 28

Peppa Pig's Big Splash Peppa Pig's Big Splash NMPAT Wind Band Spectacular

4pm 10am/1pm/4pm 6pm

29 29 28

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

ROYAL The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows ROYAL The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows ROYAL The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows The Wind In The Willows

TIME 2.15pm/7.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm TIME 10.30am/2.15pm 10.30am/2.15pm 10.30am/2.15pm 2.15pm/7.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 10.30am/2.15pm 10.30am/2.15pm 10.30am/2.15pm 10.30am/2.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 2.15pm/7.15pm 2.15pm/7.15pm 2.15pm/7.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 2.15pm/7.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 2.15pm/7.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm TIME 2.15pm/7.15pm 2.15pm/7.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm 1.15pm/5.15pm

PAGE 4 4 PAGE 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 PAGE 4 4 4 4

The Burlesque Show The Burlesque Show

7.45pm 7.45pm

11 11

H.M.S. Pinafore H.M.S. Pinafore H.M.S. Pinafore H.M.S. Pinafore H.M.S. Pinafore H.M.S. Pinafore

7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm

9 9 9 9 9 9

Trevor Noah Jullian Lloyd Webber ROYAL Eric And Little Ern

8pm 7.45pm TIME 7.45pm

11 14 PAGE 14

Royal & Derngate's Got Talent John Cooper Clarke Fallen Angels Fallen Angels Fallen Angels Fallen Angels Fallen Angels Fallen Angels

7pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm

15 17 16 16 16 16 16 16

A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities

7.45pm 7.45pm

24 24

A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities ROYAL A Tale Of Two Cities

7.45pm 7pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm TIME 2.30pm/7.45pm

24 24 24 24 24 PAGE 24

A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities

7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm

24 24 24 24 24 24

Mon 10 Mar Tue 11 Mar Wed 12 Mar Thu 13 Mar Fri 14 Mar Sat 15 Mar Sun 16 Mar Mon 17 Mar Wed 19 Mar Thu 20 Mar Fri 21 Mar Sat 22 Mar Mon 24 Mar Tue 25 Mar Wed 26 Mar Thu 27 Mar Fri 28 Mar Sat 29 Mar Mon 31 Mar April Tue 1 Apr Wed 2 Apr Thu 3 Apr Fri 4 Apr Sat 5 Apr Sun 6 Apr Tue 8 Apr Thu 10 Apr Fri 11 Apr Sat 12 Apr Sun 13 Apr Thu 17 Apr Fri 18 Apr Sat 19 Apr Sun 20 Apr Mon 21 Apr Tue 22 Apr Wed 23 Apr Thu 24 Apr Fri 25 Apr Sat 26 Apr Sun 27 Apr Mon 28 Apr Tue 29 Apr Wed 30 Apr May Thu 1 May Fri 2 May Sat 3 May Sun 4 May Mon 5 May Tue 6 May Wed 7 May Thu 8 May Fri 9 May Sat 10 May Sun 11 May Mon 12 May Tue 13 May Wed 14 May Thu 15 May Fri 16 May Sat 17 May

DATE Wed 11 Dec Thu 12 Dec Fri 13 Dec Sat 14 Dec Sun 15 Dec Tue 17 Dec Wed 18 Dec Thu 19 Dec Sat 21 Dec Sun 22 Dec Mon 23 Dec Tue 24 Dec Thu 26 Dec Fri 27 Dec Sat 28 Dec Sun 29 Dec Mon 30 Dec Tue 31 Dec Thu 2 Jan Fri 3 Jan Sat 4 Jan Sun 5 Jan

The Tenors

7.30pm

30

John Lill's 70th Birthday Celebrations Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac Moscow State Circus Roy Orbison And Friends Russell Kane

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm

30 30 30 31 31

Blood Brothers Blood Brothers Blood Brothers Blood Brothers Blood Brothers Blood Brothers

7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm/7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm/7.30pm

34 34 34 34 34 34

DERNGATE

TIME

PAGE

Bless 'Em All Russell Brand Russell Brand Joe Brown Grimethorpe Colliery Band Illegal Eagles Dinosaur Zoo Dinosaur Zoo That'll Be The Day Bootleg Beetles Susan Boyle

2pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 12pm/2pm 12pm/2pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

35 36 36 36 36 34 37 37 40 40 40

Let's Hang On

7.30pm

40

Suggs – My Life Story

7.30pm

41

DERNGATE

TIME

PAGE

Classical Masterpieces

7.30pm

41

Scooby Doo Scooby Doo Scooby Doo Scooby Doo

6.30pm 7pm 2.30pm/6.30pm 1pm/4.30pm

Solid Silver ’60s

UNDERGROUND Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank

7.30pm

TIME 10am/1.30pm 10am/1.30pm 10am/1.30pm 11am/2pm/4pm 11am/2pm/4pm 10am/1.30pm 10am/1.30pm 10am/1.30pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm

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44 44 44 44

41

DATE Mon 30 Dec Tue 31 Dec Thu 2 Jan Fri 3 Jan Sat 4 Jan Sun 5 Jan Thu 27 Feb Fri 28 Feb Sat 1 Mar Mon 3 Mar Tue 4 Mar Wed 5 Mar Thu 6 Mar Fri 7 Mar Sat 8 Mar Thu 27 Mar Fri 28 Mar Sat 29 Mar Tue 15 Apr Wed 16 Apr Thu 17 Apr

A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities A Tale Of Two Cities

7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm

24 24 24 24 24 24

Animal Farm/Love & Information Animal Farm/Love & Information Love & Information/Animal Farm

1.30pm/7.45pm 1.30pm/7.45pm 1.30pm/7.45pm

31 31 31

Connections ROYAL Connections Connections Connections Connections Connections

Times Vary TIME Times Vary Times Vary Times Vary Times Vary Times Vary

35 PAGE 35 35 35 35 35

Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick

7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm

38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38

Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick ROYAL Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick

7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm TIME 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm

38 38 38 PAGE 38 38 38

Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick Every Last Trick

7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm

38 38 38 38 38 38

The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong

7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm/7.45pm

45 45 45 45 45 45

UNDERGROUND Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Along The Riverbank Body Of An American Body Of An American Body Of An American Body Of An American Body Of An American Body Of An American Body Of An American Body Of An American Body Of An American Elements Of War Elements Of War Elements Of War I Believe In Unicorns I Believe In Unicorns I Believe In Unicorns

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

TIME 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 11am/2pm 8pm 8pm 2.45pm/8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 2.45pm/8pm 8pm 2.45pm/8pm 7pm/7.45pm 7pm/8pm 2pm/2.45pm/7pm/8pm 11am/4pm 11am/4pm 11am/4pm

PAGE 44 44 44 44 44 44 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 35 35 35 37 37 37

33

Derngate BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

“A TRIUMPHANT EVENING... UNMISSABLE AND UNBEATABLE” THE SPECTATOR

MON 24 – SAT 29 MARCH Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi‑award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the Standing Ovation Musical, as inevitably it; “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (Daily Mail).

“EXHILARATING... ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS EVER WRITTEN” SUNDAY TIMES Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm Wed 26 March 2.30pm & 7.30pm Thu 27 March 7.30pm TICKETS Mon – Thu Eves & Sat Matinee £30 £26.50 £22.50 £18.50 £15.50 Wed Matinee £26 £24 £16 £15 Fri & Sat Eves £32.50 £29.50 £24.50 £20.50 £16.50

2 for 1 on top 2 prices (Mon only) £3 off top 3 prices at other times (excl. Wed Mat & Fri & Sat Eves)

Elements Of War THU 27 – SAT 29 MARCH

Elements Of War is a collection of four theatre pieces devised by Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre in conjunction with The Paper Birds, presenting the effects of war on an imaginary world. Join us for a story that explores what happens when the elements wind and fire collide.

Part 1 - Thu 7pm & Sat 2pm, Part 2 - Thu 7.45pm & Sat 2.45pm, Part 3 – Fri 7pm & Sat 7pm, Part 4 Fri 8pm & Sat 8pm

TICKETS £10 (includes all four shows)

Underground

RoYAL & DERNGATE YOUTH THEATRE

Workshops for schools are available in conjunction with this project. For more information call Georgia Munnion on 01604 655757 or email georgia.munnion@royalandderngate.co.uk

WED 2 APRIL 2pm

From the producers of We’ll Meet Again, this is a delightfully nostalgic tribute to our Armed Forces, filled with all the great songs and music of the 1940s.

Starring in Bless ’Em All is comedy entertainer Steve Barclay, alongside virtuoso of the ukulele Andy Eastwood and new singing star Lucia Mattess, plus support from singers Jamie Steen and Mervyn Francis and the live music of the Martyn St James Band.

Derngate

Bless ’Em All

TICKETS £13.50

Mon 31 March – Sat 5 April times vary

Royal

Connections

Each year the National Theatre invites ten writers to create new plays for young people to perform. This spring 220 youth theatre companies will present the premieres of these plays in Connections festivals held at venues from Scotland to Cornwall and Northern Ireland to Norfolk. Royal & Derngate is proud to be this region’s representative venue.

Ten of these companies will then go on to perform at the National Theatre.

Connections celebrates great new writing for the stage, and the energy, commitment and talent of young theatre‑makers.

The new plays that are part of the festival are: Pronoun by Evan Placey Horizon by Matt Hartley Same by Deborah Bruce Heritage by Dafydd James Hearts by Luke Norris Tomorrow by Simon Vinnicombe A Letter To Lacey by Catherine Johnson A Shop Selling Speech by Sabrina Mahfouz Angels by Pauline McLynn The Wardrobe by Sam Holcroft TICKETS £5 per performance

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

35

Derngate

RUSSELL BRAND MESSIAH COMPLEX

THURSDAY 3 & FRI 4 APRIL 7.30PM Russell Brand brings you his new show, Messiah Complex, causing bother and excitement and offering opinions that have been neither solicited nor thought through. Plus there’s sex. Obviously.

“HE PULLS OFF THE MIRACULOUS: WE LAUGH, WE CRY, WE THINK, WE THINK AS WE LAUGH” DAILY TELEGRAPH TICKETS £28.50

Recommended for ages 16 and above

Derngate

Joe Brown SAT 5 APRIL 7.30pm

Rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe Brown, who recently received MOJO magazine’s coveted Outstanding Contribution To Music Award, performs live with his five piece band that includes his son, record producer Pete Brown. Packed with timeless classics spanning rockabilly, gospel, country, folk and rock ‘n’ roll, the concert is interwoven with Joe’s effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences.

TICKETS £23

Derngate

Grimethorpe Colliery Band SUN 6 APRIL 3PM

The real stars of the hit movie Brassed Off, the Grimethorpe Colliery Band have won almost every brass band accolade. They have a highly acclaimed international reputation, with numerous television appearances and recordings to their credit. Enjoy the fabulous sound of this world famous brass band, performing your favourite classics with passion and style.

“A THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING SHOW AND A MUST FOR ALL MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS!” THE GUARDIAN TICKETS £21 £19.50

Derngate

Illegal Eagles TUE 8 APRIL 7.30PM

Following their acclaimed Heaven Heats Up tour, the Illegal Eagles are straight back on the road with their new Retrospective tour. This exhilarating concert features all the Eagles classic songs including Hotel California, Tequila Sunrise, One Of These Nights, Lyin’ Eyes and New Kid In Town, plus songs from The Long Road Out Of Eden.

“ACCOMPLISHED AND PROFICIENT PLAYERS, WITH A BEAUTIFUL AND PITCH PERFECT SINGER” THE INDEPENDENT TICKETS £25.50 £23.50

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Derngate

Underground Studio

HHHH

“PUPPET-TASTIC! THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING. A DELIGHT” TIME OUT – Critic’s Choice

THU 10 & FRI 11 APRIL 12PM & 2PM

TUE 15 – THU 17 APRIL 11AM & 2PM

Back by popular demand and following its West End run, the sell-out children’s show Dinosaur Zoo returns to Northampton with these prehistoric creatures, brought to the stage as you’ve never seen them before – up close and personal!

Tomas loves playing outdoors. He hates school, books and being dragged to the library by his mother. But his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn and the Unicorn Lady and is spellbound by their story.

Australian theatre company Erth will introduce you to cute baby dinos and teeth-gnashing giants, plus the show’s most recent addition, a carnivorous theropod known as the Australovenator, the most complete meat-eating dinosaur skeleton yet found in Australia.

Discover the power of storytelling to transform lives as Tomas, with his newfound love of books, becomes instrumental in saving his burning library when his village is devastated by war.

Observe and interact with these extraordinary life‑like dinosaurs in this fun, entertaining and highly imaginative live show. But watch out – not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem.

Children can watch wide-eyed from a safe distance or dare to get right up close to the creatures.

“EDUCATIONAL THEATRE AT ITS BEST” HHHH THE STAGE

Running time: 50 minutes (no interval) followed by a meet and greet with the dinosaurs!

Recommended for ages 3 and above

TICKETS £16 (Danger Zone Seats) £13.50

Olivier Award nominated Wizard Presents bring best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s enchanting tale to life in an “utterly magical interactive show” (The Stage) set in a library filled with books.

Directed by Royal & Derngate’s Associate Director Dani Parr (Flathampton, Humbug!), I Believe In Unicorns comes fresh from a highly acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe, and prior to the West End. “BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL AND UTTERLY CHARMING... A MUST SEE” PRIMARY TIMES “OUTSTANDING SHOW – THE BEST USE OF PROPS I HAVE EVER SEEN ON STAGE” HHHHH FRINGE REVIEW Running time: 65 minutes (no interval) Recommended for ages 5-12 years

TICKETS £7.50

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

37

ROYAL

World Premiere

Fri 18 April – Sat 10 May A charming politician and his glamorous new wife evoke a picture of marital bliss. Her first husband was a liar and a cheat.

Her second is a different batch of chromosomes altogether.

Not only is he chairman of the Feminist Forum but he clearly adores her. He says so, repeatedly, usually on Thursday nights when he goes out to ‘stretch his legs’. Her suspicions are obviously hormonal. But when he resorts to illusion to maintain the delusion, well, there’s a lot of confusion. If experience has taught her anything it’s the need to fight fire with fire, lies with more lies and every last trick with pure magic…

A comic marvel from the master of farce, Georges Feydeau, Every Last Trick is an ingenious look at the game of infidelity and marriage. Given fresh life by Tamsin Oglesby (Really Old, Like 45, National Theatre; The Mouse And His Child, RSC), directed by Paul Hunter and uniting the comic talents of leading theatre companies Spymonkey and Told By An Idiot for the very first time, audiences are promised a riotous evening of wall-to-wall laughter.

“IF THERE’S A FUNNIER THEATRE COMPANY OUT THERE, I CAN’T THINK OF IT” THE TIMES ON SPYMONKEY “THEATRE ABOUT AS INVENTIVE, IMAGINATIVE, AND FANTASTICAL AS IT GETS” TIME OUT ON TOLD BY AN IDIOT

Adaptor Tamsin Oglesby Director Paul Hunter A collaboration between Spymonkey and Told By An Idiot Eves 7.45pm (excl. Tue 22 Apr 7pm) Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm (excl. Sat 19 Apr) Tue 6 May 7.45pm Wed 7 May 7.45pm & Thu 8 May 2.30pm Thu 8 May 7.45pm TICKETS Mon – Fri Eves £28 £25 £22.50 £19.50 £14 £10 Sat Eves £29 £26 £23.50 £20 £14.50 £11 Matinees & Previews £22 £20 £18 £16 £13 £10

£3 off top 4 price bands (excl Sat eve) & 2 for 1 on opening night

Season Ticket

Buy for more than one Made In Northampton show and save.

See page 54 for details

Post Show Talk Back Mon 28 April

“My dear fellow.

Dreadfully sorry.

I’ll be marrying your wife.”

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

39

Derngate

That’ll Be The Day SAT 12 APRIL 7.30PM

Prepare yourself for a party as the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the nation’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll variety show, returns this spring with its brand new 2014 production. Featuring a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, plus loads more zany comedy routines, prepare for an unforgettable night of nostalgia, laughs and rock ‘n’ roll.

“WHAT A GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY SHOW THAT’LL BE THE DAY IS. NOT TO BE MISSED!” DAILY MAIL TICKETS £24.50 £23

Derngate

THE BOOTLEG BEaTLES IN CONCERT SUN 13 APRIL 7.30PM

Re-live the sights and sounds of the ’60s when The Bootleg Beatles return by popular demand with their superb multi-media stage production, featuring all the classic Beatles hits. Using film footage of the period and with a little help from their regular brass and string ensemble, the show traces the history of the Fab Four, from Liverpool’s Cavern Club through Sgt Pepper to The Apple Rooftop.

“MIND-BOGGLING ACCURACY” THE MAIL ON SUNDAY TICKETS £27.50

Derngate

Susan Boyle in concert THU 17 APRIL 7.30pm

For the very first time in her phenomenally successful career since she shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, Susan Boyle will captivate and enthral Northampton audiences. She will perform a sensational and contemporary repertoire of iconic album tracks, including I Dreamed A Dream and Wild Horses, as well as classics never performed live by Susan before.

“THE VOICE WHICH IS SURELY HEAVEN-SENT” DAILY RECORD TICKETS £46 £38.50

Select Premium Seats £61

Derngate

Lets hang On SAT 19 APRIL 7.30PM

Let’s Hang On captures the original magic of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons, taking you on a musical journey through their prolific career. A feel-good mix of nostalgia and electrifying music, this concert features all the greatest hits, including Dec 63, Beggin’, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Grease, Working My Way Back To You, Who Loves You, and Bye Bye Baby.

“YOU GUYS ARE DYNAMITE!” FRANKIE VALLI “THESE GUYS ARE ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT” PAUL O’ GRADY TICKETS £23

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

SUN 27 APRIL 7.30PM

Suggs, the Madness frontman, takes to the stage in a hilarious, yet moving, one man tour-de-force. The death of his beloved cat on his 50th birthday triggers a personal quest to discover what happened to the father he never knew. Stunned by what he learns, Suggs is taken back to his childhood on the tough streets of ’70s Soho and his first appearance on Top Of The Pops at the age of eighteen...

Derngate

SUGGS: MY LIFE STORY

“AN EFFORTLESSLY ENGAGING RACONTEUR” THE INDEPENDENT TICKETS £27

CLASSICAL MASTERPIECES SUN 4 MAY 7.30PM Forming the centrepiece of this concert, between Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Elgar’s ‘Enigma’ Variations, Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto is one of the most popular in the genre, full of romantic melodies and exuberant themes, and in the hands of violinist Chloë Hanslip, this is sure to be a performance of virtuosity and sensitivity.

TICKETS £32.50 £30 £27 £25 £21 £14.50

Derngate

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

£68

Mon 12 – Sat 17 May Times Vary

Flash is an alternative theatre festival, presenting original devised works created by BA (Hons) Acting students from The University of Northampton.

Various

FLASH THEATRE FESTIVAL Students have been working independently to produce engaging and entertaining performances in a variety of styles, from visual comedy to contemporary experimental work. Performances will take place in a range of spaces, both conventional and unconventional, in and around Royal & Derngate all week.

TICKETS £6 per performance

Festival Ticket (up to 5 performances) £21

FRI 16 MAY 7.30PM

Relive the sound of the ’60s with Solid Silver ’60s, now in its 29th spectacular year and featuring original artists performing their greatest hits.

The show reunites Brian Poole and The Tremeloes and features the unforgettable talents of Chris Farlowe, Chris Montez and Wayne Fontana, all backed by Vanity Fare.

Derngate

Solid Silver ’60s

TICKETS £25.50

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

41

Derngate

“Heartfelt and passionate”

HHHH Sunday Express

“This is a perfect Fiddler on the Roof.

The multi‑talented cast performed the characters superbly and played the music with aplomb.

A must see!”

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Whatsonstage.com

MUSIC & LYRICS IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON PRESENT Starring

Paul Michael Glaser

“Simply Unmissable”

Directed and choreographed

Craig Revel Horwood BOOK BY

JOSEPH STEIN

MUSIC BY

JERRY BOCK

LYRICS BY

SHELDON HARNICK

Tue 22 – SAT 26 APRIL From the award-winning producers of The King And I and High Society comes a new production of one of the world’s favourite musicals. Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, the nation’s favourite Strictly Come Dancing judge and master of the musical stage, Fiddler On The Roof stars the celebrated and acclaimed actor, director and writer, Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky in the iconic ’70s TV series Starsky & Hutch) in the lead role of Tevye.

Tevye, the local milkman in his village of Anatevka, has always stuck by his traditions, but suddenly his headstrong daughters make the controversial choice to marry for love rather than accept whatever Yente, the village matchmaker, decides. Tevye loves his daughters but has to convince his wife, as well as all the villagers, that their decisions are actually falling in with tradition.

It is not an easy task, but if anyone can do it, the wily Tevye can.

Filled to the brim with classic songs such as If I Were A Rich Man, Matchmaker Matchmaker, Sunrise Sunset and To Life, Fiddler On The Roof was the longest running production on Broadway for over 13 years and when you join Tevye, his family and friends, you will understand why.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

HHHH The Public Reviews

Tue - Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat Mats 2.30pm Wed 23 April 2.30pm & 7.30pm Thu 24 April 7.30pm TICKETS Tue – Thu Eve & Sat Mat £31 £25 £22 £18 £14 Wed Mat £24 £22 £14 Fri & Sat Eve £34.50 £28.50 £25.50 £21.50 £15.50

Friends £3 off top 3 prices (excl. Fri & Sat Eve & Wed Mat)

£90

43

Derngate

THU 8 – SUN 11 MAY Warner Bros.’ classic cartoon comes to life in this popular stage show, packed with hilarious physical comedy, popular tunes and brilliant special effects.

Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne arrive in Egypt, where they must solve the mystery of Pharaoh Hatchepsout’s Pyramid. Easy, you say? Not if the gang has to deal with endless obstacles, from mysterious mummies to the wrath of the pharaoh, who will transform anyone who dares to approach the pyramid into stone. Zoinks!

Shuddering with spooky, slapstick mystery, Scooby Doo offers adults a wonderfully nostalgic experience, and heaps of silly fun, suspense and excitement for children.

Thu 6.30pm Fri 7pm Sat 2.30 & 6.30pm Sun 1pm & 4.30pm TICKETS £20.50 Under 16s £15.50 Running time: 90 minutes (including interval)

£62

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Royal

HHHHH “I HAVEN’T LAUGHED SO MUCH FOR YEARS” INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

HHHH “RIDICULOUSLY FUNNY” THE TIMES

HHHHH “I FEARED I WAS GOING TO HYPERVENTILATE” DAILY MAIL

HHHH “GENUINELY HILARIOUS. BOY, DOES IT HIT THE FUNNY BONE” Daily Telegraph Eves 7.45pm Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

MON 12 – SAT 17 MAY Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off in this new, smash hit West End comedy.

When the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery, everything that could possibly go wrong does. Undeterred, the accident-prone thesps battle on against all the odds to get to their final curtain call.

This brilliant, laugh-out-loud comedy performed by Mischief Theatre Company has enjoyed two successful runs in the West End and was the sell-out hit of the 2013 Edinburgh Festival, receiving rave reviews, numerous accolades and awards. The Play That Goes Wrong is guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter!

“SPECTACULARLY FUNNY AND BITINGLY ACCURATE; WE LAUGHED UNTIL THE TEARS RAN DOWN OUR FACES. IT HAS TO BE SEEN” JOANNA LUMLEY

Wed 14 May 7.45pm & Thu 15 May 2.30pm Thu 15 May 7.45pm TICKETS Mon – Fri Eves £26.50 £23.50 £22.50 £21.50 £17.50 Thu & Sat Matinees £22.50 £19.50 £17.50 Sat Eve £28.50 £25.50 £24.50 £23.50 £19.50

2 for 1 on top 2 prices (Mon only) £3 off top 3 prices at other times (excl. Thu Mat & Fri & Sat Eves)

“A TRIUMPH OF SPLIT SECOND TIMING” HHHH METRO

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

45

Underground studio

World Premiere

A ROYAL & DERNGATE, Northampton AND POLKA THEATRE PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE

translated by Thomas Warburton adapted by Phil Porter Thu 22 May – Sun 1 June Puppetry, live music and heart-warming humour combine to bring Tove Jansson’s much-loved Moomins to life in a brand new adventure.

Moominsummer Madness finds the Moomins aboard a floating theatre after a huge flood sweeps through the valley.

Mysterious things start to happen. Why is there a door in the floor? Why does the scenery start changing? And where do Moomintroll, Little My and Snork Maiden disappear to? The only way of bringing all the family back together, it seems, is to put on a play!

Royal & Derngate’s Dani Parr (Flathampton, Humbug!), Polka Theatre’s Peter Glanville (We’re Going On A Bear Hunt) and Little Angel Theatre’s celebrated puppet-maker Lyndie Wright collaborate with Bruntwood Prize-winning writer Phil Porter (Starseeker) to create another example of brilliant and inventive children’s theatre.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Directors Dani Parr and Peter Glanville Designer Laura McEwen Composer Ben Glasstone Puppets made by Lyndie Wright TICKETS £10

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Thu 22 May 10am 1pm Fri 23 May 10am 1pm Sat 24 May 11am 2pm Sun 25 May 11am 2pm Mon 26 May No Performances Tue 27 May 11am 2pm Wed 28 May 11am 2pm Thu 29 May 11am 2pm Fri 30 May 6pm Sat 31 May 2pm 6pm Sun 1 June 11am 2pm

Blue Shows – schools performances

Derngate

“Beatlemania Is Back” Capital Gold

“YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST GO AND SEE LET IT BE” DAILY STAR

MON 26 MAY – SAT 31 MAY Following its hugely successful West End run, the hit Beatles musical Let It Be comes to Royal & Derngate for one week only.

Let It Be showcases the music of The Beatles in a spectacular concert charting the band’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the height of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces.

Packed with over forty of The Beatles’ greatest hits, including I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Hard Day’s Night, Day Tripper, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Strawberry Fields, When I’m 64, Get Back, the show has delighted audiences around the world.

“AFTER TWO GLORIOUS HOURS I LEFT THE SHOW FEELING AS HIGH AS A KITE. FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE BEATLES, THIS SHOW IS ABOUT AS GOOD AS IT GETS” HHHH DAILY TELEGRAPH

Eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm TICKETS Mon – Thu Eves & Sat Mat £33 £29 £26 Wed Matinee £29 £26 £23 Fri & Sat Eve £36 £33 £29

£3 off (excl. Sat Eve & Wed Mat)

“LET IT BE – FAB FOR ALL THE FAMILY” HHHH THE TIMES

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

47

Coming Soon Derngate

TUE 1 – SAT 5 JULY We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!

So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories, live on stage with a brand new show, Barmy Britain, featuring all-new, amazing 3D effects!

Can you beat battling Boudicca? Has William Wallace met his match? Would you lose your heart or head to horrible Henry?

Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? Can King Charles keep his head? Would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin? Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare, move to the groove with Party Queen Victoria and prepare to do battle in the frightful First World War. Ideal for schools and families alike, it’s the horrible history of Britain... with the nasty bits left in!

Horrible Histories® is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc. and used under authorization. All rights reserved. Based on the books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown. Illustration copyright © Martin Brown.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Tue & Fri 7pm Wed - Fri 10.30am Wed - Thu 1.30pm Sat 11am & 2.30pm TICKETS £17 Under 16s £13 £52

Derngate

Derngate

“terrific.

“THE FUNNIEST SHOW ON THE PLANET”

HHHHH DAILY MAIL

The National Theatre production

Simon Beaufoy’s rip-roaring adaptation

opened to rave reviews” The Sunday Times

MON 22 – SAT 27 SEPTEMBER Eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat Matinees 2.30pm

MON 10 – SAT 15 NOVEMBER EVES 7.30PM WED & SAT MATINEES 2.30PM

Now seen by over a million people worldwide, the National Theatre’s award-winning comedy One Man, Two Guvnors is a glorious celebration of British comedy – a unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners.

In 1997, a British film about six out of work Sheffield steelworkers took the world by storm. Now, they’re back. Live on stage. And this time they really are going to go The Full Monty.

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe. But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother – who has been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers – but to prevent discovery, he must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.

Directed by Nick Hytner and written by Richard Bean, One Man, Two Guvnors is based on The Servant Of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni, with songs by Grant Olding. The comedy director is Cal McCrystal, who directed Mr Whatnot at Royal & Derngate in 2013.

Wed 24 Sep 2.30pm & 7.30pm TICKETS £12-£33.50

Thu 25 Sep 7.30pm

2 for 1 on top 2 prices (Mon only) £3 off top 3 prices at other times (excl. Wed Mat & Fri & Sat Eve)

Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar winning writer of the film, has gone back to Sheffield where it all started to rediscover the six men, the women, the heartache and the hilarity of a city on the dole.

With songs from the film, by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, The Full Monty is coming to Northampton direct from London’s glittering West End. Go on... drop everything and book today.

“EVERY INCH A WHOPPING HIT… TICKS ALL THE RIGHT LUNCHBOXES – UPROARIOUSLY ENTERTAINING” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Wed 12 Nov 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thu 13 Nov 7.30pm

TICKETS £10-£30

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

£3 off top three prices (Mon only)

49

ROYAL

World Premiere

a co-production with Touring Consortium Theatre Company

Fri 29 August – Sat 20 September Craiglockhart War Hospital, Scotland 1917. Poet and soldier Siegfried Sassoon has been institutionalised in an attempt to undermine his public disapproval of the war. His Army Psychiatrist, Dr William Rivers, has been tasked with returning shell-shocked officers to the trenches, yet under Sassoon’s influence, has become tormented by the morality of what is being done in the name of medicine.

Marking the centenary of the start of the First World War, this new dramatisation of Pat Barker’s haunting Booker-nominated novel is adapted by Olivier Award-winning playwright Nicholas Wright (His Dark Materials, Vincent In Brixton) and opens at Royal & Derngate prior to its national tour.

Reminding us that some of the most intimate of friendships are borne from the most brutal of conflicts, Regeneration is a compellingly compassionate look at a nihilistic war and the devastating effect it had on a generation of young men.

“A brilliant novel. Intense and subtle” Sunday Times

Eves 7.45pm (excl. Tue 2 Sep 7pm) Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm (excl. Sat 30 Aug) Tue 16 Sep 7.45pm Wed 17 Sep 7.45pm & Thu 18 Sep 2.30pm Thu 18 Sep 7.45pm TICKETS Mon – Fri Eves £28 £25 £22.50 £19.50 £14 £10 Sat Eves £29 £26 £23.50 £20 £14.50 £11 Matinees & Previews £22 £20 £18 £16 £13 £10

£3 off top 4 price bands (excl Sat eve) & 2 for 1 on opening night

Season Ticket

Buy for more than one Made In Northampton show and save.

See page 54 for details

Post Show Talk Back Mon 8 September

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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ROYAL

A co-production with Northern Stage and the Royal Exchange theatre

Wed 1 – Sat 18 October The stifling heat of the plantation. A relationship on the brink.

A night of bourbon-soaked confrontations and a family dynasty in crisis. Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer prize-winning Cat On A Hot Tin Roof remains one of the stage’s most seductive evocations of the Deep South.

Brimming with emotional intensity, this powerful family drama sees Maggie the Cat and her husband Brick return to his home on the night of patriarch and cotton tycoon Big Daddy’s 65th birthday. Keeping from him the news that he is dying, the evening spirals into disaster as the family scramble to secure their part of his inheritance.

Life-altering secrets are revealed and tensions explode as Artistic Director James Dacre’s exciting new staging, with original music by MOJO and Q Award-winning band White Lies brings a scorching intensity to Williams’ classic tale.

“Tennessee Williams’ best play” Michael Billington, The Guardian

Director James Dacre Original music by White Lies Eves 7.45pm (excl. Thu 2 Oct 7pm) Thu & Sat Matinees 2.30pm Tue 14 Oct 7.45pm Wed 15 Oct 7.45pm & Thu 16 Oct 2.30pm Thu 16 Oct 7.45pm TICKETS Mon – Fri Eves £28 £25 £22.50 £19.50 £14 £10 Sat Eves £29 £26 £23.50 £20 £14.50 £11 Matinees & Previews £22 £20 £18 £16 £13 £10

£3 off top 4 price bands (excl Sat eve) & 2 for 1 on opening night

Season Ticket

Buy for more than one Made In Northampton show and save.

See page 54 for details

Post Show Talk Back Mon 13 October

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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MADE IN NORTHAMPTON 2014 SEASON tickets In order to give you even greater value for money, we have made a few changes to our Made In Northampton Subscription Season. With our new SEASON TICKETS we have simplified the prices you pay, and increased the benefits you receive. We want to make it even easier for you to enjoy a whole year of sensational, home-grown productions.

The following productions are included in our Made In Northampton packages: A Tale Of Two Cities, The Body Of An American (Underground Studio), Every Last Trick, Regeneration and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. You can also benefit from additional savings on the 2014/15 Christmas Show Merlin.

Just follow these simple steps to make your booking for our upcoming season: 1. D ecide how many shows you would like to see (remember the more you see, the more you save).

2. C hoose whether you would like to attend our evening shows or one of our matinees (this year, if you’d like to join us for evening preview performances, you can access the same excellent package rate as our matinee attendees).

3. Look at the subscription table below to see what you pay.

4. P op into the Box Office, call us on 01604 624811, complete an online subscription form which is downloadable from www.royalandderngate.co.uk or request a postal form.

SEASON TICKET GOLD SUBSCRIPTION

SILVER SUBSCRIPTION

See 6 shows for £108

See 4 shows for £88

MATINEE & PREVIEW SUBSCRIPTION*

See 5 shows for £100

See 3 shows for £69

See 6 shows for £78

See 2 shows for £48

See 5 shows for £75 See 4 shows for £68 See 3 shows for £54 See 2 shows for £38

BENEFITS • Best available seats on all performances

• Best available seats on all performances

• Best available seats on all performances

• Free exchanges, or transfer your tickets to your family and friends

• Free exchanges, or transfer your tickets to your family and friends

• Free exchanges, or transfer your tickets to your family and friends

• Discounts on 2014 Royal Christmas Show

• Discounts on 2014 Royal Christmas Show

• Discounts on 2014 Royal Christmas Show

• Reduced price show programmes

• Reduced price show programmes

• Reduced price show programmes

• One free programme per season • Additional guest tickets for any production £20

*Previews are the first three performances (excl The Body Of An American and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, first show only)

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Concessions: Additional £2 off per ticket or Friends & Gold Supporters: Additional £3 off per ticket

These packages include a ‘six show’ option as we have one production in May/June that is still to be confirmed. If you opt for this GOLD package, you will not know the title or the creative team at this stage, but you can be assured that it will be packed with all the usual quality ingredients of a Made In Northampton show.

Underground Studio

ROYAL & DERNGATE SUPPORTS TALENT NEW WRITING Doors 7.45pm Show 8.15pm If you’re a stand-up fan, don’t miss our Friday night comedy club on the Underground stage.

Our new season features many of comedy’s rising stars: Fri 17 January Anthony King Susan Murray Larry Dean Compere: Dan Evans

Fri 21 March Nick Doody Ninia Benjamin Elis James Compere: Simon Clayton

Fri 31 January Geoff Boyz Jessica Fostekew Luke Benson Compere: Dan Evans

Fri 11 April Tony Law Pete Cain Carly Smallman Compere: Dan Evans

Fri 14 February Alfie Moore Andrea Hubert Chris McCausland Compere: Dan Evans

Fri 2 May Jonny Awsum Chris Mayo Paul Pirie Compere: Kevin Dewsbury

Fri 14 March Bobby Mair Joey Page Chris Neill Compere: Dan Evans

Fri 16 May Andrew Bird Helen Arney Javier Jarquin Compere: Martin Coyote

Royal & Derngate and HighTide have joined forces to launch a major new writing award, to commission a play which explores and has its roots in those towns and rural communities that make up 65% of the population.

We are interested particularly in writers finding innovative ways to get under the skin of their chosen subject, and interesting ways to research the world of their play. The award will see one playwright awarded a full commission with the research and development for the project fully supported through residencies and readings at Royal & Derngate and HighTide. Following a full development process, the winning script will be co‑produced by Royal & Derngate and HighTide.

The award is open to all UK based writers, from playwrights and screenwriters to novelists and poets, at any stage in their career. For more details visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk

NEW MUSICALS

Perfect Pitch and Royal & Derngate are offering British writers and composers the chance to create a brand new musical. The winning team of writers will be awarded a commission of £12,000 to complete a full draft of a new musical over a twelve month period supported and mentored throughout by Perfect Pitch and Royal & Derngate. At the end of the year, once the show has been developed through workshops and readings it will be presented in a professional staged reading.

The deadline for this year’s award has already passed and we look forward to sharing news of the finalists and winners soon.

NEW PRODUCERS Royal & Derngate was selected as one of four regional theatres to host an Apprentice Producer, who is based at the theatre on a six month placement, in order to gain a thorough insight into all aspects of producing at a busy regional theatre.

Supported by Stage One, a charity to support new producers and productions, the Apprentice Producer is assisting the Producer and Artistic Director with all aspects of the management and administration of our Made In Northampton 2014 season.

NEW Directors Line up may be subject to change Advance booking is recommended Recommended for ages 16 and above

TICKETS £12.50 on the door

Royal & Derngate is thrilled to be working with the National Theatre Studio and the JMK Trust to offer masterclasses and other opportunities for emerging directors. For more information please visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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YOUNG PEOPLE

We regularly deliver project work in a range of different art forms that is aimed at engaging vulnerable and hard to reach young people.

We also have our own Youth Theatre, which gives young people aged 5 to 21 years the opportunity to train and perform in a professional theatre environment. We offer weekly workshops throughout term time that include acting, singing and dance, and we produce a number of professional youth productions every year.

During term time, we offer a contemporary dance class for 11-17 year olds every Monday and a Youth Theatre group for children that are home educated every Tuesday. We also offer creative projects for young people in the school holidays and frequent theatre trips.

Whether you want to be an actor, gain confidence or simply make new friends, please visit our website www.royalandderngate.co.uk/youththeatre to download an information pack. For families experiencing financial difficulties, Arts & Music Fund Bursaries are available via the Northamptonshire Community Foundation to cover the cost of your place. These can be applied for, on successful entry into the Youth Theatre, at www.ncf.uk.com For more information please call 01604 655777 or email arts@royalandderngate.co.uk

FAMILIES

Royal & Derngate is a family friendly theatre with a range of activities for children and their grown-ups to enjoy together. We have regular shows and family events in our Underground spaces, offering the very young a perfect introduction to theatre.

This spring we have the hugely popular Peppa Pig taking over the Derngate auditorium, followed by prehistoric fun when Dinosaur Zoo stomps into town. We will also have visits from the loveable Moomins and a host of historical figures in the brilliantly entertaining and educational Horrible Histories. Information on all of these shows can be found throughout this brochure.

Family activities include workshops with the acclaimed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, fun and engaging Move Make & Do sessions and exciting half term drama courses. See page 7 for more details.

We want to make your visit as easy as possible, so baby changing, high chairs and spare nappies are all available. Special family picnic boxes in our café and family ticket offers make Royal & Derngate the perfect place for a family day out.

To discuss how we can meet the needs of your family, contact Georgia Munnion on 01604 655757 or email arts@royalandderngate.co.uk

“I REALLY ENJOY THE SESSIONS! I FEEL A LITTLE MORE CONFIDENT EACH WEEK THANKS TO THE YOUNG ACTORS COMPANY” Kat Best, YOUTH THEATRE MEMBER

Birthday parties at Royal & Derngate “THE CHILDREN ALL HAD A GREAT TIME AND IT WAS VERY EASY FOR ME TOO!” NICKY HOLDEN, PARENT See page 7 for more information.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

g invoel t ved

COMMUNITY

We offer many groups, events and workshops with which you may like to get involved: Masterclasses We have an exciting programme of masterclasses to complement our Made In Northampton productions.

Please check www.royalandderngate.co.uk for updates on these classes.

The Actors Company A weekly acting group for those aged 21 and above.

Join this fun and friendly group for skill-based workshops and performance opportunities.

The Play’s The Thing Join this friendly group led by Mary Mestecky and meet like-minded individuals, see wonderful plays, discuss the themes and content and more.

The Writers Forum: Dissect, Debate, Develop Read and feed sessions are held on a monthly basis, where writers discuss and develop work in progress through critical feedback.

Royal & Derngate Community Choir A lively weekly choir group, with performance opportunities at Royal & Derngate as well as at other special events.

For further information about any of the above contact Erica Martin on 01604 655 757 or email arts@royalandderngate.co.uk

SCHOOLS

Royal & Derngate works closely with local schools to design and deliver a wide variety of bespoke projects, complementing and developing classroom learning across a range of subjects.

Our exciting and stimulating workshops empower young people to achieve outcomes relevant to English, Drama and Performing Arts. We work hard to offer projects for all kinds of students and young people, including gifted and talented young people, those with specific educational needs and those who have been excluded from mainstream education. Our current programme includes: • Show-specific workshops for both produced and programmed work, which can be tailored to support learning in a variety of subjects • Bespoke, one-off creative projects designed around the needs of individual schools and students • School Partnership Programmes, where a year‑long programme (including tickets to shows, show‑specific workshops, backstage tours and much more) is designed on a school by school basis For more information about our work with schools and how we can support yours, please contact our Creative Projects Manager, Georgia Munnion, on 01604 655732 or email georgia.munnion@royalandderngate.co.uk

“THE TOUR WAS FASCINATING AND THE SCOUTS REALLY ENJOYED THEIR TIME WITH YOU” ELLIE DOAK, 1ST EARLS BARTON SCOUTS ASSISTANT TEAM LEADER ON THEIR GROUP TOUR AT R&D (SEP 2013)

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

“THE WORKSHOP TODAY WAS FANTASTIC. THE STUDENTS (AND I) LOVED IT, AND IT WAS DELIVERED BRILLIANTLY” SARAH THURSBY, NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE ON a TO SIR, WITH LOVE WORKSHOP (SEP 2013)

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Ways to Support royal & Derngate

Artistic Director’s Circle This scheme directly supports the work we make at Royal & Derngate.

Membership includes: Join our Friends scheme from as little as £30 per year and enjoy a range of benefits: • D iscounts on every performance*, including £5 off and 2 for 1 tickets** • A dvanced email announcements or priority ticket allocations for news shows on sale • Priority brochure mailing • 1 0% off Made In Northampton programmes • No postage or transaction fees • Free exchange facility • L ocal business discounts, including at Wicked Way Café • Monthly Friends e-newsletter For more information about all of our memberships please speak to one of our helpful Box Office Advisors, call the membership line on 01604 635868 or email friends@royalandderngate.co.uk *Exclusions apply **Two discounted tickets per show per member. One ‘2 for 1’ per member, subject to availability.

A Gold Supporter membership enables you to become more involved in the life of your theatre, as well as contributing towards our creative projects with children and young people. Our Gold Supporters enjoy all the benefits of a Friends membership, plus: • M onthly Gold Supporters e-newsletter • I nvitations to exclusive events, discussions and networking events • P ersonal recognition in our Made In Northampton programmes

• A n annual dinner with Artistic Director James Dacre and Royal & Derngate staff • A n opportunity to watch rehearsals for our Made In Northampton productions • S neak previews of set and costume designs for upcoming productions • A credit in all Made In Northampton programmes and on our supporters wall • O ther unique invitations to creative projects activities • Y ou will also receive all Gold Supporter and Friends benefits

• F our complimentary Made In Northampton programmes per year

Membership costs £600 per person, or £1000 for a joint membership.

• D iscounted room hire and hospitality opportunities*

ARTISTIC DIRECTORS CIRCLE MEMBERS Mr & Mrs Greenwell Mr Gregory Steele Mrs S Wood

Membership costs £150 per year, £100 of which is donated towards our creative projects.

For more information call the membership line on 01604 635868 or email development@ royalandderngate.co.uk *Minimum of 10 guests and at least three days notice, subject to availability

NAME A SEAT Sponsoring a seat in either the Royal or Derngate auditoria is a great way to celebrate a friend, colleague or family member, a birthday or an anniversary.

In return for your donation, you will be able to choose your seat, on which we will mount a plaque bearing the name of your choice, as well as listing the name in our Made In Northampton show programmes and on our website. You will have the opportunity to tell us a little about why you have chosen to name a seat, helping us to create an archive of memories from our dedicated audience members.

“WE DECIDED TO NAME A SEAT IN BOTH THE ROYAL & DERNGATE AUDITORIA TO FEEL PART OF THE THEATRE WE BOTH LOVE” DR JANE AND DR IAN APPLEYARD Naming a seat costs £250 for an individual and £500 for a business. For more information please call the Development Team on 01604 655729 or email development@royalandderngate.co.uk Seats are subject to availability.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

If you would like more information about joining the Artistic Director’s Circle, contact Erica Martin on 01604 655757 or email erica. martin@royalandderngate.co.uk

BUSINESS CLUB By associating your company with Royal & Derngate, you will benefit from a host of commercial and marketing opportunities with a potential to reach 250,000 audience members a year.

We would like to thank our current Business Club Members for their ongoing support:

Membership can be specifically tailored to match your company requirements whether your priorities are corporate entertaining, brand awareness, staff incentives or fulfilling your corporate social responsibilities. There are many benefits of Business Club membership, including free room hire, branding opportunities, hospitality packages and free tickets to entertain clients or reward staff.

“ROYAL & DERNGATE IS AN IDEAL PARTNER FOR THE HOLIDAY INN NORTHAMPTON. OUR CORPORATE CLIENTS LOOK FORWARD TO THE WARM HOSPITALITY PROVIDED BY THIS EXCELLENT VENUE” THE HOLIDAY INN

We would also like to thank our current Business Club Supporters:

Sponsorship Whether you are a company or an individual, there are many opportunities to support the work of Royal & Derngate. Sponsors can support: • • • • •

Orchestral performances Creative Project activity Our Youth Theatre A Made In Northampton show A season of world class productions

We can tailor-make a package for you to deliver commercial and marketing opportunities including: • Profile in our brochure, mailed to 40,000 customers three times a year • Presence on our web pages, visited by 52,000 customers a month • Exposure to 250,000 audience members a year for Royal & Derngate work in Northampton and further afield • Branding opportunities throughout the building and in theatre programmes

For further information on Business Club membership or Sponsorship please call Sue Roberts on 01604 655729 or email sue.roberts@royalandderngate.co.uk

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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Your event at royal & Derngate Our contemporary Derngate auditorium is an exceptionally versatile space that can be set to a range of formats. It is ideal for large‑scale conferences, product launches, exhibitions, trade shows, fashion shows, standing concerts, sports events, banquets, wedding receptions and dances.

If you are interested in holding an event at Royal & Derngate please call Sue Roberts on 01604 655729 or email sue.roberts@royalandderngate.co.uk Gala Dinner, 2011

The University Of Northampton Freshers’ Party, with Professor Green, 2012

Future Fund Hoedown, 2012

Weddings, civil partnerships and proposals Royal & Derngate’s inspiring, creative surroundings provide the perfect venue for fabulously romantic wedding ceremonies, civil partnerships and even proposals. We are a fully licensed venue with an expert team who are passionate about delivering events of the highest quality, so you can be sure that your day will be a truly unforgettable experience.

We are working in partnership with Sweet Events to offer you a bespoke wedding service. For more information, or to book your event, please call Sue Roberts on 01604 655729 or email weddings@royalandderngate.co.uk We look forward to celebrating with you.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

The University Of Northampton Fashion Show, 2010

HOW TO FIND US The Corby Cube, George Street, Corby, NN17 1QG

Visit Corby’s arts venue for a wide range of entertainment including film screenings, theatre performances and Get Involved sessions.

Show highlights this season include:

The Royal and Derngate auditoria and our Underground spaces are all accessed via our main entrance. This is situated on Swan Street, off Guildhall Road. The Errol Flynn Filmhouse is located adjacent to Royal & Derngate in Albion Place and can be accessed from Derngate or Royal & Derngate’s main entrance. Both venues are located in the centre of Northampton, approximately 15 minutes by car from the M1 and an hour from London by train.

There are train connections approximately 15 minutes walk from the theatre.

Car Parking

Foggy & Whit – Givin’ It Gas Wed 15 January 7.30pm

The closest surface car park to Royal & Derngate is Albion Place Car Park (accessed via Derngate).

From January, local building work will reduce the number of spaces available. The second closest is St. John’s Multi-Storey. See the map below for the additional car parks we recommend. St. Michael’s Multi‑Storey is recommended for matinees audiences only. There are also a number of pay and display on‑street optionsavailable.

To ensure you have as smooth a journey to the theatre as possible, we advise customers to leave a little longer than usual for their journey during the winter months. Please don’t hesitate to talk to Box Office at time of booking if you have any concerns about your visit.

Motionhouse – Broken Fri 28 February 7.30pm

Mark Thomas – 100 Acts Of Minor Dissent Tue 11 March 7.30pm

John Berkavitch – Shame Wed 12 & Thu 13 March 7.45pm

For information on shows, Get Involved activities or the upcoming film programme at The Core, contact the Ticket Line on 01536 470 470 or visit www.thecorecorby.com

Albion Place NN1 1UD St. John’s Multi‑Storey NN1 1HA Hazelwood Road NCP NN1 1LG The Ridings NN1 2BT Commercial Street South NN1 1PN St. Michael’s Multi‑Storey NN1 3JU (matinee only) Mayorhold Multi-Storey

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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Discounts and concessions CONCESSIONS

Schools

Wherever you see , Under 16s, 60+, Students, Jobseekers and Disabled Patrons may be entitled to the following discounts (excluding Fri & Sat evenings and weekday matinees):

Wherever you see , discounts are available for Schools. Please call Box Office for information on prices.

£2 off top three prices Disabled Patrons can also claim a free carer/ companion ticket

Made In Northampton The following discounts are available on all performances excluding Saturday evenings.

Wherever you see , Under 16s, 60+, Students, Jobseekers and Disabled Patrons: £2 off top four price bands

On certain performances, schools prices are available in specific parts of the auditorium only, and at the discretion of the management.

Groups Wherever you see , Groups are entitled to the following discounts on the top three ticket prices (excluding Fri & Sat evenings and some matinees): Parties 8+ £2 off* Parties 20+ £3 off* Parties 40+ £4 off*

Wherever you see , Groups are entitled to the following discounts on the top 4 ticket prices:

*Plus one additional free ticket for the group organiser on all bookings

Parties of 8+ £3 off

Groups Hotline 01604 620066

Parties of 20+ £5 off Parties of 40+ £6 off Plus one free ticket for the group organizer on all bookings.

Wherever you see S, schools pay £9 per ticket plus 1 free for every 10 tickets Please note: Previews are the first 3 performances of all productions, excluding The Body Of An American and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (first performance only).

Season Ticket package information is available on page 54.

Family Wherever you see , a special price applies for your family group. Prices are highlighted on individual show pages. A family is classed as a maximum of 2 adults with 2 children.

REAL DISCOUNTS Wherever you see , a number of free or discounted tickets are available for 14-26 year olds. Ask Box Office for details.

FRIENDS, GOLD SUPPORTERS AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE MEMBERS Wherever you see or

,

members are entitled to the discounts

highlighted or £1 per ticket at all other times.

The above represent our usual discounts, however there are a number of shows every season where slightly different concessions apply. A separate discount structure applies to our Orchestral Season. Box Office will advise if these exceptions affect your tickets at time of booking.

Only one concession type applies per ticket. All concessions are subject to availability and some may only be available for a limited period.

Proof of status will be required on the first purchase of a concessionary ticket and can be checked on any subsequent ticket purchase.

FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS

Royal & Derngate is a trading name of The Northampton Theatres Trust Limited. Registered Charity Number 1075741. VAT No: 623532071

HOW TO BOOK PHONE Call 01604 624811 or visit the Box Office in person ONLINE Visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk and select your own seat EMAIL Email our Sales Advisors at box.office@royalandderngate.co.uk POST Royal & Derngate, Box Office, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP OPENING TIMES For Royal & Derngate performances, our Box Office is open from 10am until 15 minutes after the last performance commences, closing at 6pm when there is no evening performance. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, it is open from 1 hour 30 minutes prior to the first performance commencing.

BOOKINGS A postal charge of 75p applies. Tickets can be collected at Box Office for no charge. All online and telephone bookings are subject to a £2.50 transaction fee. Friends, Gold Supporters, Disabled Patrons, and Group Bookings are exempt. This fee does not apply to those booking in person at the Box Office and, unlike many other theatres, is only applicable per-booking and not per-ticket. It has been introduced to support the running costs of Royal & Derngate. As ticket revenue is divided between many different parties, an increase in ticket prices may not necessarily benefit the theatre. By adding a small transaction charge, we ensure that every penny goes directly to Royal & Derngate.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Please note that we are unable to refund or exchange tickets. Boxes in the Royal Auditorium are sold subject to technical requirements and may not be available for purchase. Ticket reservations must be paid for within 4 days of booking (excluding Group Bookings). We are unable to reserve tickets without payment within the 7 days prior to the performance.

Please note: Information is correct at the time of going to press. We reserve the right to make any alterations to the programme, performers, times, ticket prices and Box Office opening hours. Every effort will be made to advertise changes in the local press. Some events or performances may be advertised in the national media prior to publication in the brochure and this is beyond the control of the Management.

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES We are committed to enabling as many people as possible to enjoy performances at Royal & Derngate. We offer sign language interpreted, captioned and audio described performances for all Made In Northampton productions and a host of touring shows. Just on the brochure pages. look for these symbols We are also holding a relaxed performance of The Wind In The Willows (see page 4). This is a specially adapted and relaxed performance for customers with a wide range of disabilities and for those on the autistic spectrum. There may be some small changes to the show in terms of lighting and sound but the overall content will not change. There will also be a more relaxed atmosphere in the auditorium in order to reduce anxiety and ensure an enjoyable visit. A visual story and familiarisation meeting plus relaxation area will also be available.

• The Sennheiser Infra-red Enhanced Hearing System is available from Box Office. To ensure that you purchase tickets in seats with optimum coverage, please check with Box Office at time of booking.

• Royal & Derngate has level access into the building and each auditoria, with a number of wheelchair spaces in each and lift access to each floor (excluding upper-circle).

• Guide and hearing dogs are welcome and water can be provided. If you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, please let Box Office know when booking so that suitable seats can be allocated for you. o book, or if you have any queries, you can contact Box Office using Text Relay. Just call T 18001‑01604-624811. Alternatively, you can use our mobile service. Just text 07825 427492.

Large Print, Audio and Braille versions of this brochure are available on request. Please call Box Office on 01604 624811.

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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The Errol Flynn Filmhouse, adjacent to Royal & Derngate, promises the discerning film-goer an unrivalled experience. We host the best independent, world, documentary and mainstream releases, all viewed from the comfort of reclining leather seats, with a selection of carefully chosen alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and delicious, high quality snacks available.

Visit www.errolflynnfilmhouse.com to find out more about our programme and service.

What our audiences say: @WillyGilder I am even more impressed than ever by the overall fabulosity of the @ErrolFlynnFilm. World’s best cinema. @DamienGrimes3 Just got home from seeing ‘How I Live Now’. A great film made even greater by the staff @ErrolFlynnFilm @PatrickEchoEcho I miss Northampton a little, but I think I miss @ErrolFlynnFilm the most. And that includes my family. @hannahp100 Loved my first @ErrolFlynnFilm experience.

Comfy seats + wine + Alpha Papa = can’t get much better. @kardisom Finally tried @ErrolFlynnFilm - lovely new cinema reclining leather armchairs, beers, reasonable tickets #civilised We look forward to welcoming you very soon.