Royal & Derngate Autumn 2017

WHAT’S ON AUTUMN 2017

Patrice Naiambana in The Caretaker

spoken word dance comedy children’s shows drama music film musical theatre

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

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p7

LEGALLY BLONDE

p12

HEDDA GABLER

p17

MON 16 – SAT 21 OCTOBER

TUE 28 NOVEMBER – SAT 2 DECEMBER

p30 EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION

THE CARETAKER

TUE 19 – SUN 24 SEPTEMBER

RULES FOR LIVING

p28

FRI 8 – SAT 30 SEPTEMBER

p32

TUE 17 – SAT 28 OCTOBER

TUE 10 – SAT 14 OCTOBER

RIP IT UP

p40

THU 14 SEPTEMBER

YOUNG PEOPLE

COLLABRO

p45

TUE 31 OCTOBER

p55

HOLIDAY PROJECTS

RAY MEARS

p56

COMMUNITY

WELCOME SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

p48

THU 16 NOVEMBER

p57

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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VISITING PRODUCTIONS

ALADDIN

p18

PAGES 5-25

FRI 8 – SUN 31 DECEMBER

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON THE JUNGLE BOOK

p34

PAGES 26-38

TUE 28 NOVEMBER – SUN 31 DECEMBER

ONE NIGHT ONLY ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

p50

PAGES 39-53

SUN 26 NOVEMBER

GET INVOLVED PAGES 54-58 EVENTS

royalandderngate @royalderngate @royalderngate

p58

BUSINESS CLUB PAGE 59 AT A GLANCE DIARY PAGES 60-61 CHRISTMAS SCHEDULES & TICKET PRICES PAGE 62 DETAILED TICKET PRICES PAGE 63 DISCOUNTS & CONCESSIONS PAGES 64 BOOKING INFORMATION PAGE 65 ACCESS INFORMATION PAGE 66 VISITOR INFORMATION PAGE 67

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FRIENDS Royal & Derngate

JOIN NOW AND START SAVING TODAY! Single membership: £30 (2 discounted tickets per show) Joint membership: £40 (4 discounted tickets per show) • No transaction fees or postage charges • Free ticket exchange facility • Discounts £1, £3, £5 or 2 for 1s 2FOR1 – look for the symbol throughout the brochure • Priority booking • E newsletters • 10% off at our bars Call Box Office on 01604 624811 or add a membership when you next buy tickets online and you will start receiving your benefits immediately.

VISITING PRODUCTIONS

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JULY

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Direct from its sell-out London run, Derren Brown: Underground is the latest stage show from the multi-awardwinning master of psychological illusion. Bringing together a collection of the very best of Derren’s previous stage work, Underground is a spell-binding experience of showmanship and magical genius.

This is an opportunity to see Derren perform his own choice of some of his favourite work on the Derngate stage, for three performances only.

THU 27 – SAT 29 JULY EVES 8PM TICKETS £36, £40 & £43 DERNGATE

FOR AGES 12+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk SEPTEMBER

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HHHHH “IMAGINATIVE, INVENTIVE AND ENTERTAINING” HERALD EXPRESS

E. Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children is brought thrillingly to life in a stunning new stage production.

When their father mysteriously disappears with two strangers one evening, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are turned upside down. Forced to leave the comforts of their privileged London life in exchange for a simple existence in the depths of the Yorkshire countryside, this fractured family soon discover new friendships and an unexpected secret that will change their lives forever.

Complete with beautiful period costumes, digital projections and ingenious designs, this new production promises an uplifting theatrical experience for all ages, packed with intrigue, adventure, joy and jubilation.

TUE 19 – SUN 24 SEPTEMBER TUE-SAT EVES 7PM, WED MAT 2.30PM, SAT & SUN MATS 3.30PM TICKETS £11 – £27 (See page 63) DERNGATE

FOR AGES 6+

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS

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SEPTEMBER

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OLIVIER AWARD NOMINEE

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

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“A RARE AND GRRREAT ACHIEVEMENT” MAIL ON SUNDAY

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“THIS TIGER IS THE CAT’S MEOW” THE TIMES

a musical play adapted and directed by DAVID WOOD based on the book by JUDITH KERR The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea.

Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos!

This delightful family show is adapted and directed by David Wood OBE (The Gingerbread Man, The BFG and The Witches) and based on the book

by Judith Kerr.

FRI 22 – SUN 24 SEPTEMBER FRI 1.30PM, SAT & SUN 10.30AM & 12.30PM TICKETS £13.50 DERNGATE

Running time: approx 55 minutes (no interval)

FOR AGES 3+

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS

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OCTOBER

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W I L LY L L’ S R USS E

y e l r shi ne i t n vale D IR

ALFO W N Y E B L G ECTED

RD

Shirley is a Liverpool housewife. Her children have left home and she makes chips and egg for her husband while talking to the wall. Where has her life disappeared to?

Out of the blue, her best friend offers her a trip to Greece for two weeks. She secretly packs her bags, heads for the sun and starts to see the world – and herself – very differently.

Willy Russell’s heart-warming comedy premiered in 1986, took the world by storm, and was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film. Now, on its 30th anniversary, this is the first major revival of this national treasure.

“THE FUNNIEST AND MOST HEART-WARMING PLAY” DAILY MIRROR

MON 2 – SAT 7 OCTOBER EVES 7.45PM, THU & SAT MATS 2.30PM TICKETS £19 – £30.50 (See page 63) ROYAL

FOR AGES 14+

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS RD 14-26

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

OCTOBER

Young people aged 14-19 will perform a short dance piece ahead of the main performances. This is the culmination of the Alston Inspired project, which brings renowned dance artists and choreographers to Northamptonshire to work with young people.

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FILM SEASON

ALSTON INSPIRED

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Join us for a season of films in the Errol Flynn Filmhouse, curated

by Richard Alston, who draws inspiration from his enjoyment of dance on film. Visit our website or www.errolflynnfilmhouse.com for more information.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

OCTOBER

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HHHHH

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“CHEERS AND MORE CHEERS, WELL DESERVED”

“COME SEE THESE WONDERFUL DANCERS IN EXHILARATING FORM”

FINANCIAL TIMES

THE HERALD

Richard Alston Dance Company is an avidly followed UK dance company with some of the world’s most beautiful contemporary dancers. It returns with a programme of three works, including Alston’s newest dance, Carnaval, to the music of the same name by Schumann, played live by the fantastic pianist Jason Ridgway.

Alston’s Chacony is inspired by the Chaconne of Henry Purcell and Britten’s tribute to Purcell: the Chacony from String Quartet No. 2. The dance celebrates the richness and nobility of Purcell, reaching into darker places before reaffirming hope for humanity.

Gypsy Mixture, a great Alston favourite, has been newly revived for the first time in a decade. With exhilarating dancing to the infectious music of Romanian and Macedonian gypsy bands, this dance will lift your spirits and quicken your pulse.

“AS TELLINGLY MUSICAL AS ANY CHOREOGRAPHER ALIVE” THE NEW YORK TIMES

Join Richard Alston ahead of the performance on Thu 5 October for a free pre-show talk at 6.30pm. Please book your place by calling Box Office on 01604 624811.

THU 5 & FRI 6 OCTOBER 7.30PM TICKETS £15, £22 & £25 DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS RD 14-26 PRE-SHOW TALK

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OCTOBER

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So much fun it should be illegal!

MARTIN DODD FOR UK PRODUCTIONS BY ARRANGEMENT WITH MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (EUROPE) LTD. PROUDLY PRESENTS

The Musical

™

OMG you guys! Legally Blonde The Musical is coming to Northampton!

The smash hit Broadway and West End musical, based on the much-loved movie, follows beautiful and popular sorority sister Elle Woods, who loves to be pampered and is passionate about pink.

When she is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner Huntingdon III, for a more serious girlfriend she puts down the credit cards and picks up the books.

Packing up her trusty pooch, Bruiser, she bags herself a place at the prestigious Harvard Law

MON 16 – SAT 21 OCTOBER EVES 7.30PM, WED & SAT MATS 2.30PM TICKETS £19 – £42.50 (See page 63) DERNGATE

School to try and win him back. With the support of her new friends she learns that you can be both smart and fashionable.

With Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell in BBC’s EastEnders) playing Paulette Bonafonté, Lucie Jones (Rent, X-Factor, UK entry for Eurovision 2017) as Elle Woods, and Bill Ward (Emmerdale, Coronation Street) as Professor Callahan, this all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy is a fun-filled, feel-good pink fest, so bend and snap up your tickets today!

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS RD 14-26

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OCTOBER

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“HIGH QUALITY PERFORMANCE BORDERED ON PROFESSIONAL, THE SETS WERE PERFECT AND THE COSTUMES WERE FABULOUS” WHATSGOODTODO ON SOUTH PACIFIC IN 2015

Join Northampton Musical Theatre Company when they set off to see The Wizard!

Following their previous success with Sister Act and Grease, the company return in October halfterm with a magical adaptation of the colourful classic The Wizard Of Oz. The yellow brick road arrives at Royal & Derngate featuring all the magical songs from the 1939 Judy Garland movie, including Over The Rainbow, Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead), If I Only Had A Brain, We’re Off To See The Wizard and more.

THE WIZARD OF OZ (RSC VERSION)

By L. Frank Baum With Music and Lyrics of the MGM motion picture score

By Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg Background Music by Herbert Stothart Dance & Vocal Arrangement

by Peter Howard

This year, there will also be a Wednesday matinee – where you are all invited to dress up in your favourite Ozian outfit.

Adapted by John Kane from the motion picture screenplay

This is an amateur performance by arrangement with MusicScope and Stage Musicals Ltd of New York

TUE 24 – SAT 28 OCTOBER EVES 7.30PM, WED & SAT MATS 2.30PM TICKETS £10 – £22 (See page 63) DERNGATE

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS FAMILY

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OCTOBER

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01604 624811

“DUNBAR'S PLAY IS AS FRESH AS A STIFF NORTHERLY WIND OFF THE PENNINES. THE STORY IS BURSTING WITH A GUTSY VITALITY” LONDON EVENING STANDARD

r a b n u D a e r d

by An

t of Joint, oyal Court Theatre R ction by Ou A co-produ eatre Bolton and the Octagon Th

“As long as you’re alive, that’s all that matters”

Best friends Rita and Sue get a lift home from married Bob after babysitting his kids. When he takes the scenic route and offers them a bit of fun, the three start a fling that each of them think they control.

Andrea Dunbar’s semi-autobiographical play, written when she was just 19, is a vivid portrait of two school girls caught between a brutal childhood and an unpromising future, both hungry for adult adventure.

Told with wicked humour, startling insight and a great ear for dialogue, Rita, Sue And Bob Too was adapted into a cult ’80s film, the classic play’s original director, Max Stafford-Clark, directs this major new production.

TUE 31 OCTOBER – SAT 4 NOVEMBER

FOR AGES 14+

EVES 7.45PM, WED, THU & SAT MATINEES 2.30PM TICKETS £11 – £29 (See page 63) ROYAL

2FOR1

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS RD 14-26 POST-SHOW TALK

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NOVEMBER

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BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

“ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS EVER WRITTEN” SUNDAY TIMES

“A TRIUMPHANT EVENING” THE SPECTATOR

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have received 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. Lyn Paul returns to the iconic role she has played many times in the West End. Lyn rose to fame as a member of the pop group The New Seekers whose number one hits include I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing.

“GRITTY, GRIPPING, SUPERB”

It has been christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Photos include previous cast

MON 6 – SAT 11 NOVEMBER EVES 7.30PM, WED & SAT MATS 2.30PM TICKETS £18 – £35.50 (See page 63) DERNGATE

2FOR1

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS RD 14-26

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NOVEMBER

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Touching, funny and utterly original, Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

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THE TIMES

SUNDAY EXPRESS

TIME OUT

SUN 12 – TUE 14 NOVEMBER SUN 4PM, MON 10.30AM & 1.30PM & TUE 10.30AM TICKETS £13 ROYAL

FOR AGES 3+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

Stick Man © 2008 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.

Scamp Theatre and Freckle Productions present

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

NOVEMBER

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HHHHH ‘A triumph.’

Mail on Sunday

by Henrik Ibsen in a new version

by Patrick Marber

Just married. Bored already. Hedda longs to be free…

HHHHH

Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon and the relationship is already in trouble. Trapped but determined, Hedda tries to control those around her, only to see her own world unravel.

“A HEDDA UNLIKE ANY I HAVE SEEN”

This acclaimed new production of Ibsen’s masterpiece Hedda Gabler comes to Northampton following a sold out run at the National Theatre. Adapted by Olivier Award-winning playwright Patrick Marber (Closer, Three Days In The Country) and directed by Olivier and Tony Award®-winner Ivo van Hove (A View From The Bridge). Lizzy Watts plays the title role of the free-spirited Hedda Gabler, one of the greatest dramatic parts in theatre.

“A FEROCIOUS PRODUCTION”

TUE 28 NOVEMBER – SAT 2 DECEMBER EVES 7.30PM, WED, THU & SAT MATS 2.30PM TICKETS £15 – £33 (See page 63) DERNGATE

WHATSONSTAGE

HHHH SUNDAY TIMES

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS RD 14-26

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DECEMBER

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DECEMBER

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Jump aboard a high-flying magical carpet headed for Old Peking and make tickets for this year’s spectacular Northampton pantomime Aladdin one of your three wishes.

Join musical and television star Paul Nicholas, Union J’s Jaymi Hensley, The Three Degrees singer Sheila Ferguson and Britain’s Got Talent’s Kev Orkian on this spectacular adventure.

Aladdin, his hapless brother and, of course, his mother Widow Twankey all lead the way in this beautiful love story featuring flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp packed full of fantastic family entertainment.

Brought to you by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Aladdin features all of the ingredients of the perfect pantomime; a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.

Don’t miss your flight aboard the magic carpet.

Fly to the Box Office and book your tickets today!

FRI 8 – SUN 31 DECEMBER TIMES VARY – SEE PAGE 62 TICKETS £11 – £31 (See page 62) DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS

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JANUARY

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Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off in this multiaward-winning, West End smash-hit comedy returning to Northampton in January.

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong does. As the accident-prone thespians battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue.

Hailed “a gut-busting hit” by the New York Times, Mischief Theatre’s sell-out West End comedy, which is now playing on Broadway, has won a host of celebrity endorsements from the likes of Joanna Lumley, “We laughed until the tears ran down our faces, it has to be seen”, and Ant & Dec, “the funniest show we’ve seen! If you can get a ticket, go!”

Don’t miss this brilliantly funny comedy that is guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter.

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“GENUINELY HILARIOUS. BOY, DOES IT HIT THE FUNNY BONE”

“I FEARED I WAS GOING TO HYPERVENTILATE”

DAILY TELEGRAPH

DAILY MAIL

THU 4 – SUN 7 JANUARY THU – SAT 7.30PM, SAT & SUN 2PM TICKETS £16 – £33 (See page 63) DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

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JANUARY

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Join the ultimate, feel-good party at MAMMA MIA!, the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating, smash‑hit musical.

Set in a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she has never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they will never forget.

This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now it comes to Northampton, so there has never been a better time to see this fantastic musical. Whatever your age, you can’t help but have the time of your life at MAMMA MIA!

HHHHH “IT’S ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS” BRISTOL POST

HHHHH “THE ULTIMATE FEEL-GOOD SHOW” CLASSIC FM

TUE 23 JANUARY – SAT 3 FEBRUARY EVES 7.30PM, WED (31 JANUARY ONLY), THU & SAT MATINEES 2.30PM TICKETS £15 – £59.50 (See page 63) DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

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COMING SOONN

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SELLADOOR PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

Performed by

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia

Accompanied by

The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet From the producers of Avenue Q, The Crucible, American Idiot and Flashdance comes a new production of this American classic. Set during the Great Depression, Of Mice And Men is a powerful portrait of the American spirit and a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship.

This landmark play by Nobel Prize-winner John Steinbeck tells the story of George and Lennie, two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning their own ranch. Still relevant to modern times, it is a moving portrayal of threatened friendships and dreams during difficult times, and explores what it really means to be human.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia bring their outstanding performances and physical ability to the Derngate stage for the first time.

In Romeo & Juliet, Shakespeare’s tale of passion and tragedy is brought to life by Prokofiev’s soaring score, with emotionally charged choreography that befits the world’s greatest love story.

In Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s haunting score sets the tone for the greatest ballet of all time. From the splendour of the palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide, this tale of tragic romance has it all.

Mon 12 Feb – Romeo & Juliet Tue 13 & Wed 14 Feb – Swan Lake

MON 5 – SAT 10 FEBRUARY TICKETS £9 – £31 (See page 63)

ROYAL

MON 12 – WED 14 FEBRUARY TICKETS £17 – £34 (See page 63)

DERNGATE

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

COMING SOON

Cilla - The Musical is the spectacular and heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed, hit ITV television series by BAFTA Award-winner Jeff Pope, that tells the extraordinary story of the ordinary girl from Liverpool whose dreams of stardom led her to become one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers.

The musical score is the ultimate soundtrack to the ’60s including Cilla’s greatest hits Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Something Tells Me, Twist And Shout by The Beatles, California Dreamin’ by The Mamas And The Papas and many more.

TUE 20 – SAT 24 FEBRUARY TICKETS £17 – £41 (See page 63)

DERNGATE

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Sent by the ghost of his father to avenge his brutal death, Hamlet’s mission to expose the truth is a perilous journey of madness, murder and lost love.

What will ultimately become of a young man sent to kill?

Following a critically acclaimed run at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2016, Simon Godwin (Regeneration at Royal & Derngate in 2014) directs rising star Paapa Essiedu in a riveting and contemporary take on Hamlet.

TUE 27 FEBRUARY – SAT 3 MARCH TICKETS £15 – £33 (See page 63)

DERNGATE

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COMING SOON

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FAR FAR AND AWAY ‘THE MOST FUN YOU’LL EVER HAVE!’ DAILY MIRROR

Following a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour, the smash hit blockbuster is back – and larger than life!

Based on the story and characters from the Oscar‑winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairytales upside down in an all-singing, all‑dancing, must-see musical comedy.

Join Shrek, our unlikely hero, and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire-breathing, love‑sick dragon.

Add the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits and a biscuit with attitude and you have an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences.

“SHREK-TACULAR” SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

WED 14 – SUN 25 MARCH TUE–SAT EVES 7PM, THU (15 MARCH ONLY) & SAT MATS 2.30PM, SUN 1PM & 5PM TICKETS £16 – £49.50 (See page 63) DERNGATE

2FOR1

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COMING SOON

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BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

WED 28 – SAT 31 MARCH

Illustrations © Tony Ross, 2014. Lettering of author’s name © Quentin Blake, 2010

MON 19 – SAT 24 MARCH

With the winners from the BBCs LET IT SHINE

DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO GROW UP WITH A BOY BAND? TUE 10 – SAT 14 APRIL

TUE 29 MAY – SAT 9 JUNE

Illustration © Korky Paul

A new play by Mike Kenny based upon the best-selling picture books created by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON ON TOUR

SEASON SPONSORED BY

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON

With our Made In Northampton season of original productions visiting over 60 theatres nationwide following their premieres in Northampton this year, journeying has become a key theme in our work for 2017. Our next seven productions offer life affirming tales of characters who show heroism, humour and the power of hope on their journey to find a place where they belong.

This Christmas, on the 150th anniversary of Rudyard Kipling’s birth we premiere a vibrant new musical adaptation of his Nobel Prize-winning family classic The Jungle Book. Featuring all its memorable characters, Jessica Swale’s new adaptation promises to be a thrilling, funny and theatrical telling of this timeless story.

Director Max Webster’s production will include original music by internationally celebrated songwriter Joe Stilgoe. Meanwhile, in our Underground Studio, we collaborate again with Little Angel Theatre on the premiere of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved The Singing Mermaid for the Under 7s.

In September we welcome back former Associate Director Simon Godwin to direct the regional premiere of Sam Holcroft’s darkly funny Rules For Living and acclaimed young company The Wardrobe Ensemble then make their main stage debut with Education, Education, Education, charting the rise of New Labour through the lens of a secondary school staff room in 1997.

Several of our productions this year explore the ways in which we develop strategies for dealing with a changing world. Christopher Haydon’s production of Harold Pinter’s masterpiece The Caretaker starring Patrice Naiambana in the title role, continues this theme with Pinter’s characteristic blend of humour and humanity.

Next January, ensemble company simple8’s new adaptation of A Passage To India reimagines E.M. Forster’s sweeping masterpiece and features original music performed live by acclaimed composer Kuljit Bhamra. Finally, in February Lucy Bailey returns to direct Agatha Christie’s Love From A Stranger in a vivid new interpretation of Britain’s greatest crime writer’s work.

SEASON TICKETS James Dacre Artistic Director

Don’t forget you can make great savings on our Made In Northampton productions by subscribing to three or more shows (see page 64).

NO TRANSACTION FEE • PROGRAMME DISCOUNTS FREE EXCHANGES OR TRANSFERS

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01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Everyone creates their own rules for living. But what happens when an extended family gathers for a traditional Christmas dinner and each of them rigidly follows those rules?

Christmas Day will never be the same again. As the drinks flow and the obligatory games intensify, family resentments rise and relationships are pulled apart with a bang.

REGIONAL PREMIERE

We welcome back our former Associate Director, the Evening Standard Award-winning Simon Godwin (Regeneration) to direct Sam Holcroft’s brilliant and darkly funny play. Following its critically acclaimed run at the National Theatre in 2015, Rules For Living is now brought to the stage in a brand new production in conjunction with English Touring Theatre and Rose Theatre Kingston, with whom we won the 2016 UK Theatre Award for Best Touring Production for The Herbal Bed.

PART OF 2017 SEASON TICKET A co-production with

“INGENIOUS AND INSIGHTFUL” THE TIMES “A SHARP, SARDONIC DOMESTIC COMEDY THAT PUTS A FAMILY THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS WRINGER” WHATSONSTAGE “A HILARIOUS AYCKBOURN-STYLE FAMILY COMEDY” HHHH THE GUARDIAN

Director Simon Godwin

#RulesForLiving17

Designer Lily Arnold Lighting Designer Matt Daw Composer/Sound Designer Mark Melville Projection Designer Andrzej Goulding Movement Director Shelley Maxwell Casting Directors Gemma Hancock & Sam Stevenson

Quotes refer to the National Theatre’s 2015 production Contains adult themes

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS RD 14-26

FRI 8 – SAT 30 SEPTEMBER 2FOR1

EVES 7.45PM (EXCL. WED 13 SEP 7PM) THU & SAT MATS 2.30PM (EXCL. SAT 9 SEP) TICKETS £10 – £30 (See page 63) ROYAL

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON

THE SMASH HIT COMEDY

BY

Sam Holcroft DIRECTED BY SIMON GODWIN

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It’s May 1997. Blair has won the election and Katrina And The Waves have won Eurovision. Channel 5 is a month old. No one knows who Harry Potter is. Britain is the coolest place in the world.

WORLD PREMIERE ADD-ON Devised by The Wardrobe Ensemble A co-production with

With support from Kevin Spacey Foundation and Arts Council England

At the local secondary school it’s a different story. Miss Belltop-Doyle can’t control her Year 9s, Mr Pashley has been put in charge of a confiscated tamagotchi and for some unknown reason Princess Anne is attending the Year 11 leavers assembly. Tobias, the German language assistant, watches on.

Things can only get better...

Education, Education, Education is a love letter to halcyon ’90s schooldays – to smiley potato faces, to the TV being wheeled in on a Friday afternoon, to yoyos, to CGP, to setting fire to the bin, to pogs and furbies. A tribute to our teachers who were probably just as confused as we were.

The show is devised by The Wardrobe Ensemble, who won huge critical acclaim with their 2015 production of 1972: The Future Of Sex at the Edinburgh Fringe. Co-directed by Royal & Derngate’s former RYTDS Director in Residence Jesse Jones and The Wardrobe Ensemble’s Helena Middleton, they use their trademark inventive theatricality and irreverent humour to explore the stories that have shaped our recent political history, and to think about what the future might look like.

“THE MOST EXCITING YOUNG COMPANY I HAVE SEEN FOR QUITE A WHILE” THE TIMES #Education17

Directed by Jesse Jones & Helena Middleton Designer Lucy Sierra Lighting Designer Katherine Williams Sound Designer Ben Grant Dramaturg Bea Roberts

Contains adult themes

TUE 10 – SAT 14 OCTOBER CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS RD 14-26

EVES 7.45PM THU & SAT MATS 2.30PM TICKETS £16 ROYAL

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON

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Aston welcomes the homeless Davies into his dilapidated flat, sheltering him from the violence of the streets. Recognising an opportunity, Davies attempts to leave his past behind and start afresh. But what is he being offered? Friendship? Shelter? A job? Or a home?

When Mick, the landlord arrives, he confronts the unexpected guest and the three men begin to circle one other suspiciously, each desperate to turn this new situation to their advantage, whatever the cost.

Harold Pinter’s 20th century masterpiece explores everyone’s search for a sense of belonging in a world where the line between truth and reality is constantly in flux. Directed by Christopher Haydon (Grounded, Twelve Angry Men), and starring Patrice Naiambana (Othello, RSC; The Barber Shop Chronicles) as Davies, this bold new production explores the paranoia of living in an ever‑changing landscape.

“CHRISTOPHER HAYDON’S EXEMPLARY PRODUCTION...

ESSENTIAL VIEWING” THE TELEGRAPH ON DIARY OF A MADMAN #Caretaker17

PART OF 2017 SEASON TICKET A co-production with

Director Christopher Haydon Designer Oliver Townsend Lighting Designer Paul Keogan Sound Designer Elena Pena Casting Director Polly Jerrold

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS RD 14-26

TUE 17 – SAT 28 OCTOBER 2FOR1

EVES 7.45PM (EXCL. WED 18 OCTOBER 7PM) THU & SAT MATINEES 2.30PM TICKETS £10 – £30 (See page 63) ROYAL

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON

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A vivid new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic The Jungle Book is a wild and funny tale of family, belonging and identity. This production, specially created for the Royal stage this Christmas, is packed with memorable characters, new songs and brilliant storytelling.

Mowgli the man cub battles for survival in the heartwarming coming-ofage story about a boy raised by wolves in the jungle. With the help of his animal friends, including Bagheera the panther, Baloo the bear and Kaa the python, Mowgli outwits the cruel and powerful tiger, Shere Khan, and learns the law of the jungle.

A co-production with

Adaptor Jessica Swale

Adapted by the Olivier Award-winning Jessica Swale (Nell Gwynn), composed by internationally acclaimed songwriter Joe Stilgoe and directed by Max Webster (The Lorax, The Old Vic), The Jungle Book receives its premiere at Royal & Derngate before a major national tour. It promises to be the perfect festive entertainment for all ages.

HHHHH “THE BEST FAMILY SHOW SINCE MATILDA” THE GUARDIAN ON MAX WEBSTER’S THE LORAX

Composer Joe Stilgoe

“JESSICA SWALE’S WITTY PLAY... A DELIGHT” EVENING STANDARD ON NELL GWYNN

Director Max Webster

#JungleBook17

Designer Peter McKintosh Lighting Designer Charles Balfour Sound Designer Gregory Clarke Musical Supervisor Paul Herbert Movement Lizzi Gee Fight Director Kate Waters Casting Director Anji Carroll

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS RD 14-26

Running time approx. 2 hours 10 mins (incl. interval)

TUE 28 NOVEMBER – SUN 31 DECEMBER 2FOR1

TIMES VARY – SEE PAGE 62 TICKETS £10 – £30 (See page 62) ROYAL

FOR AGES 5+

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON

By JESSICA SWALE Music by JOE STILGOE Based on the stories by RUDYARD KIPLING Directed by MAX WEBSTER

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A co-production with

This play is based on the original book The Singing Mermaid Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks Text © Julia Donaldson 2013 Illustrations © Lydia Monks 2013 Published by Macmillan Children’s Books

Adapted by Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr Music & Lyrics by Barb Jungr Director Samantha Lane Designer Laura McEwen Puppets Lyndie Wright FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS

Did you ever go to Silversands On a sunny summer’s day?

Then perhaps you saw the mermaid Who sang in the deep blue bay...

One day, the singing mermaid is tempted away from all of her sea creature friends and her peaceful home at Silversands to join a travelling circus. The audiences love to hear her sing, but the poor mermaid was tricked! Instead of the swimming pool she was promised, she is kept in a small tank by the wicked circus master Sam Sly, and she soon longs to return to the freedom of the sea.

Will she ever escape? And who will help her along the way?

Through beautiful puppetry and performance, and with music by Barb Jungr (We’re Going On A Bear Hunt), Royal & Derngate collaborate once again with Little Angel Theatre (Moominsummer Madness, 2014), to bring Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ enormously popular story, The Singing Mermaid, to life. #SingingMermaidShow Running time approx. 50 minutes with no interval

SAT 2 DECEMBER – SAT 13 JANUARY TIMES VARY – SEE PAGE 62 TICKETS £10

UNDERGROUND

IDEAL FOR UNDER 7S

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON

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HHHHH

“A COMPANY POSSESSING THE SKILLS, DEDICATION AND INTELLIGENCE TO CREATE WONDER” THE TIMES

BASED ON THE NOVEL A PASSAGE TO INDIA BY E. M. FORSTER

PART OF 2017 SEASON TICKET

British India. A jagged collision of cultures split under Imperial pressure.

An Indian doctor befriends an Englishwoman and his kindness leads to disaster, an accusation of sexual assault and a farcical trial where bonds are broken and minds harden to hatred.

A co-production with

E. M. Forster’s sweeping masterpiece poses a question that is even more urgent today than when it was first asked: how can we love one another in a world divided by culture and belief?

Directors Sebastian Armesto & Simon Dormandy

simple8 are a breathtaking young ensemble company whose work is often compared to Complicite or Kneehigh in their ability to create richly imagined worlds out of nothing but a bare stage. Directed by Sebastian Armesto and Simon Dormandy, and featuring original music performed live by award-winning composer Kuljit Bhamra (Indian Summers, Bend It Like Beckham), this new adaptation of one of the great novels of the twentieth century reimagines A Passage To India for today’s Britain.

Composer Kuljit Bhamra Designer Dora Schweitzer

#PassagetoIndia18 CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS RD 14-26

THU 11 – SAT 20 JANUARY 2FOR1

EVES 7.45PM (EXCL. TUE 16 JAN 7PM) THU & SAT MATINEES 2.30PM (EXCL. THU 11 JAN) TICKETS £10 – £30 (See page 63) ROYAL

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

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PART OF 2017 SEASON TICKET A co-production with Fiery Angel Ltd

A whirlwind romance with a handsome and charming stranger sweeps Cecily Harrington off her feet and she recklessly abandons her old life to settle in the remote and blissful surroundings of a country cottage. However, her newfound love is not all that it seems…

Director Lucy Bailey

Lighting Designer Oliver Fenwick

Electric with suspense and with a shocking twist in its tail, this edge-of-yourseat, rarely seen thriller by the UK’s greatest crime writer is rediscovered in a brand new production from director Lucy Bailey (Gaslight, Dial M For Murder) and UK Theatre Award-winning designer Mike Britton (A Tale Of Two Cities).

Casting Director Siobhan Bracke

HHHH “SUPERBLY ACTED AND GRIPPINGLY DIRECTED” THE OBSERVER ON GASLIGHT

Designer Mike Britton

#LFASTour CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS SCHOOLS RD 14-26

FRI 23 FEBRUARY – SAT 17 MARCH 2FOR1

EVES 7.45PM (EXCL. TUE 27 FEB 7PM) THU & SAT MATINEES 2.30PM (EXCL. SAT 24 FEB) TICKETS £10 – £30 (See page 63) ROYAL

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

ONE NIGHT ONLY

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RIP IT UP

DANCING THROUGH THE ’50S THU 14 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM Strictly champions Jay McGuiness and Louis Smith, together with Strictly professional Natalie Lowe, join BBC Radio 2’s Leo Green, plus musicians, dancers and singers as they swing, bop, jitterbug, lindy hop, jive and ballroom through the greatest songs from the 1950s.

From the producers of Remembering Fred, Rip It Up features music that spans various styles, from romantic ballads and crooner songs through to classic pop hits and the shattering world of rock ‘n’ roll.

The songs include Smile, Mona Lisa, Cry, Unforgettable, When I Fall In Love, One For My Baby, Wonderful World, Mambo Italiano, Fly Me To The Moon, Young & Foolish, My Baby Just Cares, That’ll Be The Day, Summertime Blues, Only You, The Great Pretender, Fools Fall In Love, You Send Me, Hound Dog, Bye Bye Love, C’Mon Everybody and I Only Have Eyes For You.

TICKETS £20.50, £30.50, £36 & £56 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

JOHN BISHOP

WINGING IT – WORK IN PROGRESS SAT 16 SEPTEMBER 8PM

SUN 17 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM

Comedy superstar John Bishop is warming up his brand new show, Winging It, on the audiences of Northampton.

With numerous comedy, entertainment and documentary shows to his name, including The John Bishop Show, John Bishop’s Only Joking and appearances on The Royal Variety Performance, John has achieved huge success, and his new show is gearing up to be his biggest and best yet.

“KING OF THE ONE-HUNDRED-LINER” DAILY TELEGRAPH TICKETS £30.50 DERNGATE

FOR AGES 16+

DES O’CONNOR & JIMMY TARBUCK LIVE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

Two legends of television, show-business and The Royal Variety Performance come together, accompanied by music and video, to reminisce and entertain at Royal & Derngate.

Last year Des O’Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck performed on stage together for the very first time in Sunday Night At The London Palladium. The event was described

by The Guardian as “a night of theatrical history to be remembered for many years to come”. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Des and Jimmy perform together.

TICKETS £27, £30 & £40 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

OCTOBER

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© Mario Mintoff PhotoCity

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

PHIL WANG

ARIAS

FRI 29 SEPTEMBER 8PM

The highly acclaimed counter tenor James Laing brings you an evening of arias from the sublime operas of Europe and America. Accompanying him on the Royal stage for this exquisite evening is the outstanding soprano Becky Bertone and a supporting cast of talented musicians.

KINABALU

SUN 1 OCTOBER 7.30PM

Phil Wang is a son of the British Empire. But in a world suddenly intent on building walls and bolstering borders, what’s a Commonwealth man to do? A blistering hour of comedy gold – that’s what. A laidback ‘Eurasian’ standup comic with cerebral charm, Phil has appeared on Have I Got News For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Live At The Apollo and Would I Lie To You? HHHH “CERTAIN BELLY LAUGHS” SUNDAY TIMES

The repertoire of favourite arias features the wonderful scores of Jonathan Dove and the unmistakable music of George Gershwin.

“TALENTED UP-AND-COMER” THE GUARDIAN

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Cure Parkinsons and to support the work of St John Ambulance in Northamptonshire.

TICKETS £13

TICKETS £6, £26, £36 & £46

UNDERGROUND

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

ROYAL

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

SHANE FILAN

CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE

TUE 3 OCTOBER 7.30PM

FRI 6 OCTOBER 2.30PM & 8PM

LOVE ALWAYS TOUR Join Westlife’s Shane Filan, one of the UK’s most popular male solo artists on his Love Always Tour. Hot off the back of announcing his new album Love Always, Shane is delighted to perform his favourite classic love songs and ballads alongside some of his numerous hits.

Following the phenomenal, chart-topping achievements of Westlife and his own successful Right Here tour in 2016, Shane continues on his remarkable singersongwriter journey to share his music with his fans.

TICKETS £28.50, £34.50 & £51 DERNGATE

BLODEU(W)EDD UNTOLD “Myth itself is neither fact nor fiction. Myth is a species of truth that precedes that distinction” Robert Bringhurst The myth of Blodeuwedd says that she was a woman who was turned into an owl as punishment for committing adultery. But a myth is so much more than words written on the page; it is as alive, as real and as present as flesh, and bone.

Through dance, ritual, soundscape and storytelling, Jo Blake Cave unfastens a shapeshifting space where flowers become flesh become feathers, story and storyteller merge, and myth takes on a reality of its own.

TICKETS £10

UNDERGROUND

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

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GROUPS Royal & Derngate

BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

For selected performances, tickets can be purchased at reduced prices for Groups.

MILLER PLAYS THE MUSICALS SAT 7 OCTOBER 3PM

The Astor Big Band and singers, along with Northampton Musical Theatre Company’s Concert Group, present a host of Glenn Miller classics, including numbers by The Andrews Sisters and Frank Sinatra.

Sit back and enjoy over thirty big band classics, including Moonlight Serenade, In The Mood, Lullaby Of Broadway, Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing), South Of The Border and (I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo.

All Astor Big Band profits are donated to the Royal British Legion.

TICKETS £20 DERNGATE

• Groups 8+ £2 off • Groups 20+ £3 off • Groups 40+ £4 off •E ven greater savings on Made In Northampton productions • Extended payment dates • No transaction fee • No postage charge • Free group organiser ticket • Pre-ordering of drinks and snacks Call our dedicated Groups Line, open 8.30am-5pm, Mon‑Fri, on 01604 620066.

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

BEVERLEY KNIGHT MON 9 OCTOBER 7.30PM

Following the release of last year’s acclaimed Top 10 album, Soulsville, a string of sold out gigs in the spring of 2016, and the completion of a six month run in the smash hit West End musical The Bodyguard, Beverley Knight is taking to the road again.

SEAN KELLY AND THE STARS OF STORAGE HUNTERS TUE 10 OCTOBER 8PM

The new tour will see her perform favourite tracks from this latest hit album, including the self-written Radio 2 A-listed airplay hit Middle Of Love and Knight’s stunning version of the Ann Peebles classic I Can’t Stand The Rain as well as fan favourites spanning her recording career, with a nod to her newer role as leading lady of the West End.

Star of Storage Hunters, Sean Kelly, the ever-smiling, ever-shouting auctioneer, gives you an insight into his life in this raw and funny show. He will share hilarious tales, from holding a top secret military clearance to headlining the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and will be joined on stage

by T-Money and Green Mile who will perform their own stand-up sets and help with the show’s auction finale.

Audiences are encouraged to bring along an item to be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Help for Heroes.

TICKETS £29.50 & £37 (VIP Package £101)

TICKETS £22

DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

DERNGATE

FOR AGES 12+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

OCTOBER

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THE SOLID GOLD ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SHOW

STEWART LEE

WED 11 OCTOBER 7.30PM

THU 12 OCTOBER 8PM

Join us in celebrating Marty Wilde’s 60th anniversary in the business as he, together with Eden Kane, Mike Berry, and The Wildcats, as well as very special guest Mark Wynter, join forces in The Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll Show.

The hilarious Stewart Lee brings his brand new show to audiences in Northampton. Content Provider is Stewart’s first full-length show since the award‑winning Carpet Remnant World and his TV show Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle.

Teen idols of their day, Marty, Eden, Mike and Mark show us how rock ‘n’ roll with its fusion of sound and rhythm shaped the style of music that we listened to then and still do today.

CONTENT PROVIDER

“THE MOST CONSISTENTLY FUNNY SHOW OF HIS BRILLIANT CAREER… I LAUGHED TILL IT HURT” THE TIMES “CHARACTERISTICALLY TWISTS AND FREQUENTLY BRILLIANT” THE GUARDIAN Please note, this is the same show as on Sat 25 March 2017.

TICKETS £28.50 & £30.50 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

TICKETS £24 DERNGATE

FOR AGES 16+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS

KILLER QUEEN

Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist, Lee Memphis King, recreates the essence of The King with a combination of stunning vocals and incredible passion.

Fronted by Patrick Myers – with his uncanny likeness to Freddie Mercury – Killer Queen’s expert musicianship, extraordinary energy and accurate portrayal of the legendary band have earned them the title of tribute royalty.

FRI 13 OCTOBER 7.30PM

SAT 14 OCTOBER 7.30PM

One Night Of Elvis has headlined many prestigious venues for the last 10 years and has won numerous accolades. Featuring authentic costumes dedicated to the Vegas Years, be prepared to be taken back in time to see an Elvis concert the way it was supposed to be.

“LEE MEMPHIS KING IS CERTAINLY AMONG THE PREMIER LEAGUE OF TRIBUTES” THE STAGE TICKETS £26 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

Captivating sell-out audiences across the globe since they began performing 24 years ago, they recreate the high-energy phenomenon that was Queen live.

“THIS GUY IS NOT TO BE MISSED” EDITOR, OFFICIAL BRIAN MAY WEBSITE ON PATRICK MYERS

TICKETS £24.50 DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

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MALCOLM ARNOLD FESTIVAL WEEKEND

MALCOLM ARNOLD FESTIVAL GALA CONCERT

Join us for the 12th annual Malcolm Arnold Festival Weekend, a weekend packed with orchestral concerts, recitals, interviews and other exciting events.

SUN 15 OCTOBER 7.30PM

SAT 14 & SUN 15 OCTOBER

Highlights this year will include a performance of Arnold’s rarely played Harmonica Concerto by the brilliant young soloist Philip Achille and a major choral and orchestral work, The Return Of Odysseus, which will be played at the launch concert.

The weekend will also feature a recital of Arnold’s evocative songs by the ever popular Scottish soprano Claire Thompson and an interview with Dame Monica Mason, former Director of the Royal Ballet, on Arnold’s work as a ballet composer. The Festival will be launched by former MP and Classic FM presenter David Mellor, who has championed Sir Malcolm’s music for many years on his various radio programmes.

WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Arnold Heroes Of Telemark Arnold The Bridge On The River Kwai Grieg Piano Concerto Arnold Symphony No.5 Conductor John Gibbons Piano Arta Arnicane Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Join us for the chance to hear the sensational young Latvian pianist and multiple competition winner, Arta Arnicane, perform Grieg’s hugely popular Piano Concerto.

Malcolm Arnold composed the music for over 100 films and perhaps the two most famous are Bridge On The River Kwai and Heroes Of Telemark – the scores to both will be featured and this will be the first ever performance of the latter in a concert hall.

The concert concludes with Arnold’s great Fifth Symphony.

TICKETS Weekend Ticket £15, Day Ticket £7.50 (Gala Concert Tickets must be purchased separately) VARIOUS

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

TICKETS £15 – £35 (See page 63) DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS FAMILY SCHOOLS RD 14-26 PRE-SHOW TALK

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

OCTOBER

THE THINKING DRINKERS

HISTORY OF ALCOHOL SAT 28 OCTOBER 8PM

As seen on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and Jamie Oliver’s Drinks Tube, these award-winning, professional drink experts definitively prove that alcohol has influenced everything that has ever happened. Ever. Their brand new show is a hilarious, time-travelling journey through our drink-drenched past, pouring the entire history of human civilisation into a shot glass. You’ll laugh a lot, you’ll learn a lot and, if that’s not enough, you get five free drinks: the perfect aperitif to any evening.

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GHOST TOURS

SUN 29 OCTOBER 7PM, 9PM & 11PM When audiences go home and the theatre team lock the doors, are you brave enough to travel around the theatre at night?

This part-tour, part-performance will offer a unique opportunity to go backstage at the Royal and discover real life stories of mysterious happenings and unexplained events that have occurred around this beautiful old building. The question is, will you be alone?

Please bring a torch and dress in warm clothes. We regret these tours are not suitable for those with access needs.

“PIONEERS OF ALCOHOL BASED COMEDY” SUNDAY TIMES TICKETS £15

UNDERGROUND

FOR AGES 18+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

TICKETS £25 TOUR

FOR AGES 18+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

COLLABRO

LEE NELSON

TUE 31 OCTOBER 7.30PM

WED 1 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

Following a huge UK sold out tour last year, Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro embark on their third nationwide tour, Home, with support from Philippa Hanna and featuring special guest Carly Paoli.

Due to huge demand, Lee’s brand-new, best ever stand‑up show has been extended into Autumn 2017.

You’ve seen him sneaking into places he shouldn’t be, now come and see him where he most definitely should be: live on stage with his sensational Serious Joker Tour.

HOME UK TOUR

SERIOUS JOKER

Collabro met in 2014 above a pub in London for their first rehearsal and only a month later went on to rouse the whole of the Hammersmith Apollo into a standing ovation during their first audition for Britain’s Got Talent.

With a current line-up of Jamie Lambert, Michael Auger, Matt Pagan and Thomas Redgrave, the band are looking forward to releasing their third album in early 2017.

TICKETS £21.50 – £41.50 (VIP tickets £101) DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

“YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF” SEPP BLATTER “COMEDY LEGEND” THE SUN “COMEDY GENIUS” THE MIRROR Please note, this is the same show as on Fri 3 March.

TICKETS £21 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

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MILTON JONES IS OUT THERE

LULU

THU 2 NOVEMBER 8PM

FRI 3 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

In his brand new show, Milton Jones is holding up the mirror of truth to society. He will be putting his foot down to lift the lid on the pedal bin of media lies and scale the heights of fashion at the risk of falling into a terrible cravat.

Lulu returns with her biggest tour yet. The renowned singer, songwriter, actress and business woman has dedicated her career to being All About The Music.

ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC

Milton will be talking about his life so far – the ups, the downs and why buying his own see-saw was the best decision he ever made.

The Grammy and Novello Award Nominee delivers a powerful show packed with all the sensational hits from her incredible career and delights audiences with brand new songs.

“ABSURDIST ONE-LINE MASTERPIECES” THE TIMES

“THE THRILL IS THERE AS LULU RELIGHTS THE FIRE… HER VOICE SOARED THROUGH THE AUDITORIUM” THE NOTTINGHAM POST

TICKETS £27

TICKETS £36, £38 & £76

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

DERNGATE

DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL 2017

JASON MANFORD WORK IN PROGRESS

SAT 4 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

MON 6 – THU 9 NOVEMBER 7PM

With an array of hilarious appearances to his name, Jason Manford is known for getting the crowds laughing at Sunday Night At The Palladium and Live At The Apollo.

He returns with a work-in-progress show ahead of his national tour, promising to feature a wealth of comedy anecdotes, misunderstandings and audience banter.

“HE’S BLESSED WITH THE SORT OF LAID-BACK CHARM AND SHARP TURN OF PHRASE YOU CAN’T MANUFACTURE” DAILY TELEGRAPH

Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival. In the celebratory finale of their festival journey, 30,000 young people from primary, secondary and special schools will unite for thrilling performance evenings nationwide.

The event at Royal & Derngate will include a number of exciting stage productions by local schools.

This event will be on sale on Wed 6 September.

Tickets for this show are extremely limited, but Jason returns to Royal & Derngate with his 2018 tour, Muddle Class, on Wed 7 February and Thu 24 May. See website for details.

TICKETS £16 DERNGATE

FOR AGES 13+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

TICKETS £10.50 ROYAL

CONCESSIONS GROUPS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

NOVEMBER

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AUSTENTATIOUS

ANDY PARSONS

FRI 10 NOVEMBER 7.45PM

SAT 11 NOVEMBER 7.45PM

Featuring a cast of talented and quick performers, Austentatious brings you a ‘lost’ Jane Austen novel.

Based on nothing more than a title suggested by the audience, the wickedly funny cast conjure up a brand new show each time they perform. Previous ‘lost’ masterpieces have included Sixth Sense Sensibility, Double 0 Darcy and Mansfield Shark. Performed in period costume and accompanied by live music, the show is a delight to Jane Austen novices and fans alike.

Hilarious comedian Andy Parsons wants you to put on your lucky pants and your party shoes, and get yourself on a night out.

THE IMPROVISED JANE AUSTEN NOVEL

“SUPERSMART AND TERRIFICALLY FUNNY” THE SCOTSMAN TICKETS £15 ROYAL

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

GHOST HUNT

This evening starts with an insightful tour of the Royal, taking in the dark and unseen areas of the theatre and discovering some of its colourful and unexplained history.

Afterwards, you will meet the UK’s most exclusive paranormal research team, UK Haunted, who will use special equipment and scientific methods to investigate who and what could be haunting the theatre stage. Join them for this unique experience in the theatre – and remember, don’t be scared...

Please bring a torch and dress in warm clothes. We regret this event is not suitable for those with access needs.

VARIOUS

Worried about your job? Worried about your family?

Worried about yourself? Worried about the health service, education, climate change or World War 3?

Worried about worrying? Come and have a laugh about it. It’s one of the things we do best.

“CRACKING ADLIBBING… A JOKE-RICH RALLYING CALL FOR A BETTER BRITAIN” THE GUARDIAN TICKETS £16 ROYAL

FOR AGES 14+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS TRUST

SAT 11 NOVEMBER 10.30PM-2AM

TICKETS £50

PEAK BULLSH*T

FOR AGES 18+

YOUTH IN CONCERT SUN 12 NOVEMBER 6PM

Northamptonshire Music And Performing Arts Trust presents Youth In Concert, an annual celebration of musical excellence, with performances by the five award-winning senior ensembles of NMPAT: County Youth Concert Band, County Youth Choir, County Youth Brass Band, County Youth Big Band and County Youth Orchestra.

TICKETS £10, £12.50, £15 DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

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NOVEMBER

01604 624811

Michael Mears

RAY MEARS

MICHAEL MEARS

THIS EVIL THING

BORN TO GO WILD

TUE 14 NOVEMBER 7.45PM

THU 16 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

After premiering in 2016, accomplished and awardwinning actor Michael Mears (The Herbal Bed at Royal & Derngate in 2016) brings his gripping one-man show to Northampton. It tells the compelling, shocking and inspiring story of the men who in 1916 said ‘no’ to war; a rarely told story involving a dizzying journey from a chapel in Yorkshire to the House of Commons; from an English country garden to a quarry in Aberdeen; from a cell in Richmond Castle to a firing squad in France.

From a very young age Ray Mears discovered the joys of exploring the wilderness, the most intact, undisturbed, wild, natural areas left on our planet.

His fascination with this environment has greatly shaped his life. Ray will take you on a journey that he deeply values for cultural, spiritual, moral and aesthetic reasons and explain why he believes these are vital for the human spirit and creativity.

“A MOVING AND DYNAMIC RETELLING OF A HIDDEN STORY” THE LIST TICKETS £9, £13, £16 & £19 ROYAL

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

STUART MACONIE

JARROW; ROAD TO THE DEEP SOUTH THU 16 NOVEMBER 7.45PM In 2016, broadcaster and bestselling writer Stuart Maconie walked 300 miles from Jarrow to London, retracing the famous Jarrow Crusade.

From choral evensong to curry house, from austerity to affluence, from Wearside to Westminster, through a divided, complex country that echoes 1936 in many ways. The show shares his entertaining, enlightening and impassioned journey through Britain – then and now.

TICKETS £16 ROYAL

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

TICKETS £26 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA FRI 17 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

Musical virtuoso Jools Holland and his renowned Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are heading to Northampton for an evening of memorable music. The legend will be performing tracks from his recent album Piano, as well as songs from a career that has spanned multiple decades.

Special guests include Latin American star José Feliciano, introducing some of the songs from their recent collaboration. Also appearing will be Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Beth Rowley.

TICKETS £30.50 & £41 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

NOVEMBER

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SIMON AMSTELL

STRICTLY NORTHAMPTON

FRI 17 NOVEMBER 8PM

Now in its 8th year, Strictly Northampton sees local personalities from Northamptonshire put their best Strictly foot forward to raise money for charity.

WHAT IS THIS?

SAT 18 NOVEMBER 7PM

Following a series of sold out international tours, comedian Simon Amstell is on the road again. Promising to be deeply personal and funny, What Is This? explores beauty, intimacy, freedom, sex and love.

A winner of two British Comedy Awards, he has appeared on TV shows Carnage, Grandma’s House and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

“SIMON AMSTELL HAS A GIFT FOR TAKING A SOCIAL NORM AND GENTLY MOCKING IT UNTIL IT SEEMS UTTERLY RIDICULOUS” THE NEW YORK TIMES TICKETS £24 ROYAL

FOR AGES 15+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

Contestants have just eight weeks to don their dancing shoes and learn Ballroom and Latin American dance before taking to the Derngate stage for a fun and vibrant evening as they perform for the coveted Strictly Northampton Glitterball trophy.

STRICTLY NORTHAMPTON CHILDREN: 10AM & 1PM Join us for the toe-tapping Latin and Ballroom dance competition for local primary schools. See website for details.

TICKETS £18.50, £21 & £26 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

THE FOUR SEASONS

BY CANDLELIGHT

RUBY WAX

SUN 19 NOVEMBER 3PM

TUE 21 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

Gracing the stage in full 18th Century costume, the Mozart Festival Orchestra deliver Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, a sublime programme of musical classics performed in an evocative candle-lit style setting.

Drop dead gorgeous, sassy and smart, Ruby Wax brings her new one-woman show to the stage, based on her number one best seller, A Mindfulness Guide For The Frazzled.

In this enchanting performance, these skilful musicians will delight with their renditions of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No.3, Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Handel’s Let The Bright Seraphim, as well as many more.

She has been honoured with the title of ‘poster girl for mental illness’; once crazy, now less so, she gives a tour of the mind – how to use it, not lose it.

TICKETS £19, £24, £29 & £33

TICKETS £21

ROYAL

FRAZZLED

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

By the way, she graduated from Oxford with a Masters in Mindfulness–Based Cognitive Therapy (at a late stage) three years ago, so she should know her stuff.

DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

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NOVEMBER

01604 624811

JASPER CARROTT’S STAND UP AND ROCK

JOE BROWN

FRI 24 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

WED 22 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

The 2017 Stand Up & Rock tour sees Jasper Carrott return with a new stand-up show, before introducing his musical compatriots who have been rocking audiences all over the world. His friend Bev Bevan has rock star credentials that most dream of, as a founding member of The Move and ELO. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience these great artistes perform a night of fantastic songs and see Jasper back where he belongs, making us laugh.

Rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe Brown brings an evening of timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll and more to Northampton. The terrific live talent intersperses his music with humorous reminiscences in this fantastic evening of music and laughter, with special guest Henry Goss.

With over 50 years of performing experience, MOJO magazine’s coveted Outstanding Contribution To Music Award and an MBE to his name, Brown’s acclaimed live performing is not to be missed.

“A GREAT EVENING” REDDITCH STANDARD TICKETS £26 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

THAT’LL BE THE DAY SAT 25 NOVEMBER 7.30PM Topped with lashings of Christmas spirit get ready to party as That’ll Be The Day returns with its brand new 2017 Christmas show!

The UK’s most popular rock ‘n’ roll variety show celebrates the festive season with all your favourite Christmas classics from the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s, plus plenty of hilarious comedy!

“THE BEST ROCK & ROLL SHOW ON THE ROAD” TIME OUT

DERNGATE

DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

CHRISTMAS SHOW

TICKETS £25 & £26.50

TICKETS £27.50 & £29.50

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

FRANCESCA DEGO PERFORMS BRUCH SUN 26 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes in the winter with this enchanting programme of orchestral favourites. Beethoven’s fiery and dramatic Coriolan Overture is followed by Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No.6, which bursts with energy, imitating the lively nature of Hungarian folk music. Bruch’s Violin Concerto is performed by BBC Music Magazine Rising Star Francesca Dego, and the concert CONCESSIONS concludes with Brahms’ spectacular FRIENDS & MEMBERS FAMILY Symphony No.4.

TICKETS £15 – £35 (See page 63) DERNGATE

SCHOOLS RD 14-26 PRE-SHOW TALK

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

JANUARY

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MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS

ANTON & ERIN

SAT 13 JANUARY 7.30PM

FRI 19 JANUARY 7.30PM

This stunning live show combine’s first class music, slick choreography and an amazing band, delivering the ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown.

Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple when they return with an exciting new show for 2018.

HOW SWEET IT IS

BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD

You’ll be Dancing On The Ceiling to songs by legendary Motown artists, including Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many more.

Celebrating the golden age of Hollywood, the show features dazzling new choreography, sparkling costumes and the sensational London Concert Orchestra performing timeless classics, including Somewhere In Time, Cry Me A River, Mr Bojangles, Downtown, This Nearly Was Mine and New York, New York.

TICKETS £25

TICKETS £34.50, £38.50 & £44.50

DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET

FRI 26 JANUARY 7.45PM

SAT 20 JANUARY 7.30PM Birmingham Royal Ballet make a long-awaited return to Northampton with An Evening Of Music And Dance, featuring popular orchestral classics alongside highlights from the world of ballet.

The company’s acclaimed orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, share the stage with some of the leading dancers for an evening that includes show-stopping pas de deux and other short excerpts from the repertory, alongside spectacular music.

DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

THE BURLESQUE SHOW

AN EVENING OF MUSIC & DANCE

TICKETS £11 – £37 (See page 63)

DERNGATE

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

Back by popular demand, The Burlesque Show presents a stunning night of sophisticated tease, uproarious comedy, daring magic and spectacular music.

The UK’s finest artistes of the genre will delight and excite in this truly delicious night of tassels, tease, titillation and laughter.

“A BOMBSHELL OF UNEXPECTED DELIGHT​“ THE REAL CHRISPARKLE BLOG

TICKETS £23 ROYAL

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

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COMING SOON

01604 624811

SOFIE HAGEN

BRENDAN COLE

DEAD BABY FROG

THU 15 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

FRI 2 FEBRUARY 8PM TICKETS £13

UNDERGROUND

FOR AGES 14+

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

TICKETS £34, £36 & £38 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

VAMPIRES ROCK

DALISO CHAPONDA

SAT 17 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

WHAT THE AFRICAN SAID THU 15 FEBRUARY 8PM TICKETS £16 ROYAL

FOR AGES 14+

RPO – MICHAEL PETROV PERFORMS TCHAIKOVSKY SUN 18 FEBRUARY 3PM TICKETS £15 – £35 (See page 63) DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS FAMILY SCHOOLS RD 14-26 PRE-SHOW TALK

MADAMA BUTTERFLY DERNGATE

DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

PURPLE RAIN

A CELEBRATION OF PRINCE SUN 25 FEBRUARY 7.30PM TICKETS £23.50 & £26.50 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

JONATHAN PIE

MON 26 MARCH 7.30PM

TICKETS £18 – £35 (See page 63)

TICKETS £27.50

WED 28 MARCH 7.30M CONCESSIONS FRIENDS & MEMBERS

TICKETS £23.50 DERNGATE

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

SEASONS

53

SCREAMING BLUE MURDER DOORS 7.45PM SHOW 8.15PM

Don’t miss our Friday night comedy club in the Underground Studio. This season features many of comedy’s rising stars: FRI 8 SEPTEMBER

FRI 27 OCTOBER

Ben Norris Tamar Broadbent Alasdair Beckett-King Compere: Dan Evans

Mary Bourke Luke Kempner Paul Ricketts Compere Dan Evans

FRI 22 SEPTEMBER

FRI 3 NOVEMBER

Dave Fulton Ria Lina Tom Ward Compere Dan Evans

Paul Thorne Noel James Karen Bayley Compere: Dan Evans

FRI 13 OCTOBER

FRI 17 NOVEMBER

Andre Vincent Eleanor Tiernan Funmbi Omotayo Compere: Dan Evans

Jim Smallman Jess Fostekew Jonny Pelham Compere: Dan Evans

Line up may be subject to change, advance booking is recommended Recommended for ages 16 and above

TICKETS £13.50 UNDERGROUND

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

NEW FRIDAY JAZZ NIGHTS

NC JAZZ PRESENTS

THE DAVE O’HIGGINS QUARTET FRI 15 SEPTEMBER 8PM Dave O’Higgins, “one of Britain’s finest contemporary jazz musicians” (The Observer), is performing with his quartet made up of Graham Harvey on piano, Geoff Gascoyne on bass and Sebastiaan de Krom on drums.

THE KAREN SHARP QUARTET FRI 20 0CTOBER 8PM Karen Sharp first came to notice playing in Humphrey Littleton’s band. She is joined by pianist and prize‑winning composer, Nikki Iles, Dave Green on bass, and Steve Brown on drums.

THE ART THEMEN QUINTET FRI 10 NOVEMBER 8PM Art Themen is a highly original jazz musician and was one of the first to play for NC Jazz at Royal & Derngate. With Art tonight are Steve Fishwick playing trumpet, Gareth Williams on piano, Andy Cleyndert on bass and Winston Clifford on drums.

TICKETS £13.50 UNDERGROUND

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

We charge a £3 per-transaction fee for bookings of £15 and over, excluding Friends, Groups and Disabled Patrons.

GET INVOLVED

PERFORMANCES AND ACTIVITIES

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

GET INVOLVED

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YOUNG PEOPLE EDUCATION

YOUTH THEATRE

A wide range of activities for all ages can be booked as one-off workshops or as part of a partnership agreement that spans across year groups.

All activities can be designed to suit the specific needs of your students and staff – just tell us what you need and we can design it for you.

ARTSMARK

We can also help schools working towards Artsmark status through student arts activities and Arts Award.

A NEW SCHOOL FOR NORTHAMPTON

For information on our upcoming free school project, visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk/about-us/new-projects

ARTS LEADERS

Arts Leaders is a unique opportunity for young people to work together to shape their own arts projects, collaborate with professionals, gain an Arts Award qualification and make a difference to how their local community engages with the theatre. Recently nominated for The Mighty Creatives Regional Partnership Working Award for their Mothertongue Tales book project, Arts Leaders offers exciting ways for young people to have a voice within the arts.

SUITABLE FOR AGES 5-13 Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre offers weekly workshops for children and young people to Get Involved. Youth Theatre is a great way to build confidence, make new friends and learn new skills.

A term is usually 10 weeks long and members will regularly share work with family and friends at the end of each term.

YOUNG COMPANY SUITABLE FOR AGES 14-21

Royal & Derngate Young Company offers weekly workshops and rehearsals, focussing on a huge variety of different theatrical styles that range from musical to immersive theatre. There is a group to suit everyone.

“BEING PART OF THE YOUNG COMPANY MAKES A GREAT DIFFERENCE BECAUSE IT OPENS UP NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES” YOUNG COMPANY MEMBER @RDYouthTheatre

For more information on any of the above, please email getinvolved@royalandderngate.co.uk.

“I WAS SO PROUD OF HIS PERFORMANCE, IT WAS SUCH A HUGE DIFFERENCE FROM LAST YEAR, ESPECIALLY WITH HIS DELAYED SPEECH CHALLENGES” PARENT OF A YOUTH THEATRE MEMBER

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GET INVOLVED

01604 624811

Looking for something to do during the school holidays? Why not book onto one of our regular Holiday Projects and take part in creative activities, meet new people and have loads of fun doing it? No experience is necessary – just plenty of enthusiasm!

• All holiday projects take place from 10am to 3pm with early and late drop-offs available on request • Fully DBS checked professional theatre leaders • Informal performance at the end of the project for friends and family

A PLAY IN A WEEK… IF YOU DARE!

OCTOBER HALF TERM

SUITABLE FOR AGES 4-7 & 8-13

MON 23 – THU 26 OCTOBER

This is a chance to create, rehearse and perform a play, all in four days. But be prepared, Halloween is approaching and there are lots of ghosts and ghouls around the town…

MESSED-UP HISTORIES

SUITABLE FOR AGES 4-7 & 8-13

FEBRUARY HALF TERM

MON 12 – THU 15 FEBRUARY

Join us as we create an ‘after-dinner show’ themed on the ‘Terrific Tudors’ in only four days. Guaranteed to be packed full of silly games, mischievous fun and riots of laughter, this Holiday Project will be a blast… from the past!

A FAIRYTALE ADVENTURE SUITABLE FOR AGES 4-7

EASTER HOLIDAYS

TUE 3 – FRI 6 APRIL

You start with a magical book, full of stories and wonder. Turn the page and the adventure begins. Where will we go?

Who will we meet? You decide. This is a chance to create a brand new fairytale-themed play.

A PLAY IN A WEEK

SUITABLE FOR AGES 8-13

EASTER HOLIDAYS

This is a chance to learn, rehearse and perform a play by a top playwright, all in one week.

COST £100 (with sibling discounts available) To book, call Box Office on 01604 624811 or for more information contact Ashley Elbourne, Youth Theatre Manager by email at getinvolved@royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 627566.

TUE 3 – FRI 6 APRIL

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

GET INVOLVED

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COMMUNITY THE ACTORS COMPANY

For those aged over 21, our non-professional Actors Company perform classic, contemporary and new work commissioned by Royal & Derngate. Led by theatre practitioners, members enjoy masterclasses in performance skills such as voice, movement and text, as well as working alongside professional directors to devise, rehearse and perform productions in our performance spaces.

ROYAL & DERNGATE COMMUNITY CHOIR

Royal & Derngate Community Choir is the theatre’s resident choir, providing opportunities to develop singing skills and be part of pre-show performances and selected external events. The choir explores different musical genres reflecting the wide range of productions in the Royal & Derngate season. Members are diverse in terms of age, background and culture, but all share a passion for singing and performance.

THE PLAY’S THE THING This is the perfect group for anyone who loves going to the theatre and discussing their thoughts, experiences and opinions on different plays. Activities include reading texts, experiencing exciting productions at Royal & Derngate and other arts venues across the country and meeting theatre professionals.

JMK DIRECTORS GROUP

In collaboration with the JMK Trust, Royal & Derngate are delighted to be offering a series of workshops which will allow directors and theatre makers based in the East Midlands the opportunity to gain an insight into the processes other directors use when rehearsing a play and the workings of a busy regional theatre.

GENERATE Supporting and nurturing talent is a vital part of Royal & Derngate’s creative work and there are a number of ways in which artists can engage with us, including workshops, social events, complimentary tickets, advice surgeries, rehearsal spaces and funding support.

For more information on any of the above, please email getinvolved@royalandderngate.co.uk.

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GET INVOLVED

01604 624811

EVENTS FUN PALACES SAT 7 OCTOBER Fun Palaces are made by local people for their own communities, bringing together arts and sciences, crafts, tech and digital events, free and fun activities, all linked by the Fun Palace ethos: everyone an artist, everyone a scientist.

We believe that communities are stronger together and so we are looking for local people who want to make a Fun Palace at Royal & Derngate in October. We have the space, so why don’t you use it and share an activity for your local community to take part in for free?

From workshops and talks, to tours and demonstrations, we would love to have it all.

If you would like to find out more and get involved, please email getinvolved@royalandderngate.co.uk.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

EXCITING PERFORMANCE TOURS FOR GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND INDIVIDUALS It is 1884, it is opening night...

Explore the history of the Royal auditorium and find out how our Made In Northampton productions are made.

Upcoming tours take place on Thu 14, Friday 15 & Sat 16 September and Wed 11 & Friday 27 October – please visit our website for times.

To book a place on one of our scheduled tours or to arrange an exclusive tour, contact Box Office.

Running time: approx. 90 minutes. We regret that this tour may not be suitable for those with access requirements. Customers are advised to wear flat shoes.

COST £13

COMMUNITY SUMMER PROJECT: PLAY IN A DAY SAT 19 AUGUST 10AM-10PM Would you like the challenge of devising and creating a new piece of theatre using the morning newspapers for inspiration? Learn theatre-making and devising skills, work with our Arts Team, devise a new piece and then perform it to friends and family – all within 12 hours! For ages 18 and above.

To book your place, contact Box Office or visit our website.

COST £10

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT There is more to Royal & Derngate than just our main stages. With your help, not only have in excess of 360,000 people seen shows at our venue in the last year, but more than 26,000 people have accessed the benefits of our ambitious programme of participatory activity. The involvement of local businesses is crucial to this success.

Our flexible Corporate Membership Scheme provides you with a selection of benefits from which to shape a package… whether you are interested in client entertaining, employee recognition, giving back to the community or are just passionate about the theatre.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEMBERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT:

Call Jo Ibbotson on 01604 655735 or email jo.ibbotson@royalandderngate.co.uk to find out more.

“BEING PART OF THE BUSINESS CLUB ALLOWS US TO SUPPORT A GREAT NORTHAMPTON INSTITUTION WHILE ALSO SOCIALISING WITH COLLEAGUES AND CLIENTS. A TRUE WIN-WIN!” STEPHEN WOMACK, DIRECTOR, DAVID WILLIAMS IFA

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01604 624811

AT A GLANCE 2FOR1

Preview Pre/Post-show Talk Guest Night Friends & Members – 2 for the price of 1

JULY Thu 27 July Fri 28 July Sat 29 July SEPTEMBER Fri 8 September Sat 9 September Mon 11 September Tue 12 September Wed 13 September Thu 14 September Fri 15 September Sat 16 September Sun 17 September Mon 18 September Tue 19 September Wed 20 September Thu 21 September Fri 22 September

Sat 23 September Sun 24 September Mon 25 September Tue 26 September Wed 27 September Thu 28 September Fri 29 September Sat 30 September OCTOBER Sun 1 October Mon 2 October Tue 3 October Wed 4 October Thu 5 October Fri 6 October Sat 7 October Sun 8 October Mon 9 October Tue 10 October Wed 11 October Thu 12 October Fri 13 October Sat 14 October

ACCESS PERFORMANCES (see page 66) Captioned Audio-Described Sign Interpreted Relaxed performance Pre-Show Touch Tours Performance for audiences with special needs

SHOW Derren Brown Derren Brown Derren Brown SHOW Rules For Living Screaming Blue Murder Rules For Living Rules For Living Rules For Living Rules For Living Rules For Living Rip It Up Rules For Living NC Jazz Presents The Dave O'Higgins Quartet Rules For Living John Bishop: Winging It – Work In Progress Des O'Connor & Jimmy Tarbuck Live Rules For Living The Railway Children Rules For Living The Railway Children Rules For Living The Railway Children Rules For Living The Tiger Who Came To Tea Rules For Living The Railway Children Screaming Blue Murder The Tiger Who Came To Tea The Railway Children Rules For Living The Tiger Who Came To Tea The Railway Children Rules For Living Rules For Living Rules For Living Rules For Living Rules For Living Phil Wang Rules For Living SHOW Arias Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine Shane Filan: Love Always Tour Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine Richard Alston Dance Company Contemporary Performance: Blodeu(W)Edd Untold Richard Alston Dance Company Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine Miller Plays The Musicals Althorp Literary Festival Beverley Knight Education, Education, Education Sean Kelly And The Stars Of Storage Hunters The Solid Gold Rock 'N' Roll Show Education, Education, Education Education, Education, Education Stewart Lee One Night Of Elvis Education, Education, Education Screaming Blue Murder Malcolm Arnold Festival Weekend Education, Education, Education

TIME 8pm 8pm 8pm TIME 7.45pm 8.15pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7pm 2.30pm &7.45pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 8pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 7pm 7.45pm 2.30pm & 7pm 7.45pm 7pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 1.30pm 7.45pm 7pm 8.15pm 10.30am & 12.30pm 3.30pm & 7pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 10.30am & 12.30pm 3.30pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 7.45pm 8pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm TIME 7.30pm 7.45pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 8pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 8.15pm Times vary 2.30pm & 7.45pm

PAGE 6 6 6 PAGE 28 53 28 28 28 28 28 40 28 53 28 40 40 28 7 28 7 28 7 28 8 28 7 53 8 7 28 8 7 28 28 28 28 28 41 28 PAGE 41 9 41 9 9 9 10 41 10 9 9 42 42 42 30 42 43 30 30 43 43 30 53 44 30

LOCATION Derngate Derngate Derngate LOCATION Royal Underground Royal Royal Royal Royal Royal Derngate Royal Underground Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Underground Derngate Derngate Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Royal Royal Royal Royal Underground Royal LOCATION Royal Royal Derngate Royal Royal Royal Derngate Underground Derngate Royal Royal Derngate Derngate Derngate Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Underground Various Royal

www.royalandderngate.co.uk Killer Queen Malcolm Arnold Festival Weekend & Gala Concert Legally Blonde The Musical Legally Blonde The Musical The Caretaker Wed 18 October Legally Blonde The Musical The Caretaker Thu 19 October The Caretaker Legally Blonde The Musical Fri 20 October Legally Blonde The Musical The Caretaker NC Jazz Presents The Karen Sharp Quartet Sat 21 October Legally Blonde The Musical The Caretaker Mon 23 October The Caretaker Tue 24 October The Wizard Of Oz The Caretaker Wed 25 October The Wizard Of Oz The Caretaker Thu 26 October The Caretaker The Wizard Of Oz Fri 27 October The Wizard Of Oz The Caretaker Screaming Blue Murder Sat 28 October The Wizard Of Oz The Caretaker The Thinking Drinkers - History Of Alcohol Sun 29 October Ghost Tours Tue 31 October Collabro: Home UK Tour Rita, Sue & Bob Too NOVEMBER SHOW Wed 1 November Rita, Sue & Bob Too Lee Nelson: Serious Joker Thu 2 November Rita, Sue & Bob Too Milton Jones Is Out There Fri 3 November Lulu: All About The Music Rita, Sue & Bob Too Screaming Blue Murder Sat 4 November Rita, Sue & Bob Too Jason Manford: Work In Progress Mon 6 November Shakespeare Schools Festival 2017 Blood Brothers Tue 7 November Shakespeare Schools Festival 2017 Blood Brothers Wed 8 November Blood Brothers Shakespeare Schools Festival 2017 Thu 9 November Shakespeare Schools Festival 2017 Blood Brothers Fri 10 November Blood Brothers Austentatious: The Improvised Jane Austen Novel NC Jazz Presents The Art Themen Quintet Sat 11 November Blood Brothers Andy Parsons: Peak Bullsh*t Ghost Hunt Sun 12 November Stickman NMPAT: Youth In Concert Mon 13 November Stickman Tue 14 November Stickman Michael Mears: This Evil Thing Thu 16 November Ray Mears: Born To Go Wild Stuart Maconie: Jarrow; Road To The Deep South Fri 17 November Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Simon Amstell : What Is This?

Screaming Blue Murder Sat 18 November Strictly Northampton Sun 19 November The Four Seasons By Candlelight Tue 21 November Ruby Wax: Frazzled Wed 22 November Jasper Carrott's Stand Up And Rock Fri 24 November Joe Brown Sat 25 November That'll Be The Day Christmas Show Sun 26 November RPO: Francesca Dego Performs Bruch Tue 28 November Hedda Gabler Wed 29 November Hedda Gabler Thu 30 November Hedda Gabler DECEMBER SHOW Fri 1 December Hedda Gabler Sat 2 December Hedda Gabler Sun 15 October Mon 16 October Tue 17 October

61 7.30pm Times vary 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 8pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 7.45pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7.45pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 8.15pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 8pm 7pm, 9pm & 11pm 7.30pm 7.45pm TIME 2.30pm & 7.45pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 8.15pm 2.30pm & 7.45pm 7.30pm 7pm 7.30pm 7pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7pm 7pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 8pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7.45pm 10.30pm-2am 4pm 6pm 10.30am & 1.30pm 10.30am 7.45pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 7.30pm 8pm 8.15pm 7pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm & 7.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm TIME 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 2FOR1

2FOR1

43 44 12 12 32 12 32 32 12 12 32 53 12 32 32 13 32 13 32 32 13 13 32 53 13 32 45 45 45 14 PAGE 14 45 14 46 46 14 53 14 46 46 15 46 15 15 46 46 15 15 47 53 15 47 47 16 47 16 16 48 48 48 48 49 53 49 49 49 50 50 50 50 17 17 17 PAGE 17 17

Derngate Derngate Derngate Derngate Royal Derngate Royal Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Underground Derngate Royal Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Royal Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Underground Derngate Royal Underground Tour Derngate Royal LOCATION Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Underground Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Royal Derngate Derngate Royal Underground Derngate Royal Tour Royal Derngate Royal Royal Royal Derngate Royal Derngate Royal Underground Derngate Royal Derngate Derngate Derngate Derngate Derngate Derngate Derngate Derngate LOCATION Derngate Derngate

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ALADDIN – PAGE 18 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Fri 08 Dec 2pm Sat 09 Dec 1pm Sun 10 Dec 1pm Tue 12 Dec 2pm 2pm Wed 13 Dec Thu 14 Dec 2pm Fri 15 Dec 2pm 1pm Sat 16 Dec Sun 17 Dec 1pm Tue 19 Dec 2pm Wed 20 Dec 2pm 2pm Thu 21 Dec Fri 22 Dec 2pm Sat 23 Dec 1pm Sun 24 Dec 1pm Tue 26 Dec 1pm

7pm 5pm 5pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 5pm 5pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 5pm 5pm 5pm

Wed 27 Dec Thu 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Sat 30 Dec Sun 31 Dec Green Show Red Show Purple Show Silver Show Gold Show

7pm 7pm 7pm 5pm 5pm

2pm 2pm 2pm 1pm 1pm £19 £25.50 £28.50 £29.50 £31

£17 £24.50 £26.50 £28.50 £30

£15.50 £22.50 £25 £26.50 £28

£14 £20 £22.50 £24 £26.50

£13 £16.50 £18.50 £20.50 £23.50

£11 £11 £13 £17 £19.50

THE JUNGLE BOOK – PAGE 34 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Tue 28 Nov Wed 29 Nov Thu 30 Nov Fri 01 Dec Sat 02 Dec Sun 03 Dec Tue 05 Dec 10.30am Wed 06 Dec 10.30am Thu 07 Dec 10.30am Fri 08 Dec 10.30am Sat 09 Dec Sun 10 Dec Tue 12 Dec 10.30am Wed 13 Dec 10.30am Thu 14 Dec 10.30am Fri 15 Dec Sat 16 Dec Sun 17 Dec Tue 19 Dec Wed 20 Dec

1.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm 1.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm 1.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm

7.15pm 7.15pm 7.15pm 7.15pm 5.15pm 5.15pm

5.15pm 5.15pm

7.15pm 5.15pm 5.15pm 7.15pm 7.15pm

Thu 21 Dec Fri 22 Dec Sat 23 Dec Sun 24 Dec Tue 26 Dec Wed 27 Dec Thu 28 Dec Fri 29 Dec Sat 30 Dec Sun 31 Dec Green Show Red Show Silver Show Gold Show

2.15pm 2.15pm 1.15pm 1.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm 2.15pm 1.15pm 1.15pm £20 £22.50 £24.50 £26

£18 £20 £22.50 £24.50

£17 £18.50 £20 £21

£14.50 £16 £17.50 £18.50

7.15pm 7.15pm 5.15pm 5.15pm 5.15pm 7.15pm 7.15pm 7.15pm 5.15pm 5.15pm £12 £14 £15 £16.50

£10 £10 £10 £10

THE SINGING MERMAID – PAGE 36 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Sat 2 Dec 11am Tue 5 Dec 11am Wed 6 Dec 11am Sat 9 Dec 11am Sun 10 Dec 11am Sat 16 Dec 11am Sun 17 Dec 11am Wed 20 Dec 11am Thu 21 Dec 11am Fri 22 Dec 11am Sat 23 Dec 11am Sun 24 Dec 11am Tue 26 Dec 11am Wed 27 Dec 11am Thu 28 Dec 11am Fri 29 Dec 11am

2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm

4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

4pm 4pm

Sat 30 Dec Sun 31 Dec Tue 2 Jan Wed 3 Jan Sat 6 Jan Sun 7 Jan Sat 13 Jan

11am 11am 11am 11am 11am 11am 11am

2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm

4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

Additional schools performance available, please contact our Groups hotline on 01604 620066 or email groups@royalandderngate.co.uk.

Tickets £10 Blue Show – Special Needs Family performance

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DETAILED TICKET PRICES

The table below details full ticket prices for shows where more than three prices apply.

Made In Northampton: Rules For Living (p.28), The Caretaker (P.32), A Passage To India (p.37) Love From A Stranger (p.38) Mon-Fri Eves £28.50 £26.50 £23.50 £20.50 £15.50 £11 .50 Sat Eves £30 £28 £25 £22 £17 £13 Mats & Previews £24 £22 £20 £18 £14 £10 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Francesca Dego Performs Bruch (p.50), Michael Petrov Performs Tchaikovsky (p.52) £35 £33 £29 £27 £23 £15 Railway Children (p.7) Tue-Sat Eves & Mats

£27

£23

£20

£17

£14

£11

Shirley Valentine (p.9) Mon-Thu Eves £29 £26.50 £24.50 £22 Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat £30.50 £28.50 £26.50 £24.50 Thu Mat £27 £25 £24 £22

£20 £21 £21

£19

Legally Blonde (p.12) Mon-Thu Eves Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat Wed Mat

£36 £39 £31

£33 £36 £29

£31 £33 £25

£26 £29 £23

£22 £25 £19

NMTC: The Wizard Of Oz (p.13) Tue Eve, Wed & Sat Mats £18 Wed-Fri Eves £21 Sat Eve £22

£16 £19 £20

£14 £17 £18

£11 £14 £16

£10 £12 £14

£10 £10

Rita, Sue And Bob Too (p.14) Tue-Thu Eves £28 Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat £29 Wed & Thu Mats £23

£26 £27 £21

£23 £24 £19

£20 £21 £17

£15 £16 £14

£12 £12 £11

£29 £26 £30

£26 £24 £27

£24 £22 £23

£19.50 £18 £21

£30 £31 £28

£26 £28 £25

£22 £26 £21

£20 £21 £19

£16 £17 £15

£31

£28

£25

£21

Blood Brothers (p.15) Mon-Thu Eves Wed Mat Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat Hedda Gabler (p.17) Tue-Thu Eves Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat Wed & Thu Mats

£38 £42.50 £34

£33.50 £31.50 £30 £28 £35.50 £32 £31 £33 £30

The Play That Goes Wrong (p.20) Thu-Sat Eves, £33 Sat & Sun Mats Birmingham Royal Ballet (p.51) Sat Eve £37

£33

£28

£23

£19

Mamma Mia (p.21) Mon-Thu Eves, £54.50 £49.50 £42.50 £35 Wed & Thu Mats Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat £59.50 £53.50 £48.50 £40.50 Of Mice And Men (p.22) Mon-Thu Eves Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat Thu Mat

£25

£15 £16 £14

£10 £11 £9

Russian State Ballet (p.22) Mon-Wed Eves £34 Wed Mat £32

£31 £30

£30 £28

£28 £24

£24 £20

£20 £17

Cilla (p.23) Tue-Thu Eves Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat Wed & Thu Mats

£38 £41 £36

£35 £38 £33

£32 £34 £30

£28 £30 £25

£25 £26 £22

£19 £21 £17

Hamlet (p.23) Tue-Thu Eves Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat Wed Mat

£31 £33 £30

£29 £31 £28

£26 £28 £25

£22 £26 £21

£20 £21 £19

£16 £17 £15

£24 £20 £26

£18 £16 £20

£45.50 £42.50 £36 £28 £40.50 £36.50 £31.50 £25.50 £49.50 £46.50 £40 £32

The Pirates Of Penzance (p.25) Mon Eve £15 Tue - Thu Eve £17 Fri Eve £18 Sat Eve £19 Sat Mat £20 £35

£16

Awful Auntie (p.25) Tue Eve Wed & Fri Mats Wed & Thu Eves Fri & Sat Eves & Sat Mat

£15 £17 £17 £19

£11

The Band (p.25) Mon - Sat Eve Wed, Fri & Sat Mat

TOP UP YOUR TICKET

With your help, Royal & Derngate can continue to deliver exciting and life changing creative opportunities within our community.

Simply add a donation when you purchase tickets on our website or at Box Office. You can Gift Aid it too so that we can claim a further 25p at no extra cost to you.

Even the smallest donations make a huge difference to our work.

Registered Charity Number 1075741

£31

£26 £28 £21

Madame Butterfly (p.52) Mon Eves

www.royalandderngate.co.uk/donate-support

£15

£29 £31 £23

Shrek (p.24) Wed-Fri Eves Thu Mat Sat & Sun Eves & Mats

£23.50 £20.50 £25.50 £21.50 £19 £17

£25

£32

£28

£23

£49.50 £39.50 £29.50 £19.50 £49.50 £39.50 £29.50 £19.50

£18

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DISCOUNTS & CONCESSIONS CONCESSIONS

Under 16s, Over 60s, Students, Job Seekers and Disabled Patrons are able to claim a £2 discount on their tickets for most performances (excluding Saturday evenings). Please let us know if you are eligible for a concession at time of booking and please note that on some performances, certain types of concession may not apply.

FRIENDS & MEMBERS

Friends, Gold Supporters and Artistic Director’s Circle members are entitled to a saving on most performances. Discounts range from £1 off, £3 off and ‘two tickets for the price of one’. 2FOR1s are indicated on the show pages and the Diary on pages 60-61 with the symbol. Please ask at time of booking.

2FOR1

To join, call our Membership Line 01604 635868.

GROUPS

For selected performances, an allocation of tickets can be purchased at reduced prices by Groups.

GROUPS BENEFITS AT A GLANCE • Groups 8+ £2 off • Groups 20+ 3 off • Groups 40+ £4 off • Even greater savings on Made In Northampton • No transaction fee

• No postage charge • Free group organiser ticket on certain shows • Pre-ordering of drinks and snacks • Extended payment dates

GROUPS CHRISTMAS DISCOUNTS For this year’s Christmas shows, the following rates apply: Groups 8+ £4 off per ticket plus 1 free ticket for every 10 purchased Groups 20+ £6 off per ticket plus 1 free ticket for every 10 purchased Groups 40+ £8 off per ticket plus 1 free ticket for every 10 purchased Groups 60+ £9 off per ticket plus 1 free ticket for every 10 purchased

SEASON TICKETS Buy a season ticket and make considerable savings on every Made In Northampton production BOOK 4 SHOWS £5 off per ticket (Add ons £1 off per ticket) BOOK 3 SHOWS £4 off per ticket (Add ons £1 off per ticket) ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS (only one applies, cannot be claimed on’ add-ons’) Concessions can claim an additional £2 off per ticket (excl. Sat Eve) Friends & Members can claim an additional £3 off per ticket (excl Sat Eve) All season ticket discounts apply to the top two price bands only.

MAIN SHOWS: THE SMASH HIT COMEDY

BY

Sam Holcroft DIRECTED BY SIMON GODWIN

ADD ON: Subscribers can also claim discounts on The Jungle Book and all Youth Theatre, Young Company and Actors Company Shows

The Jungle Book – available on top three prices, excl. Sat 24 & Mon 26 December performances Aladdin – available on top three prices for Red, Purple and Silver performances, not available on Gold or Green performances Call Emma Harris or Janet Gordon on our dedicated Groups Line, open 8.30am-5pm, Mon‑Fri, 01604 620066.

SCHOOLS

For selected performances, an allocation of tickets can be purchased at reduced prices by Schools. Please call 01604 620066 for details.

FAMILY

On selected performances, a special price applies for your family.

Please ask Box Office at time of booking.

REAL DISCOUNTS

If you are aged 14-26, you can join our Real Discounts Scheme and access a number of free and discounted tickets for selected performances. Call or visit Box Office for details.

At Royal & Derngate, we are committed to an accessible pricing policy and offer discounts wherever possible. In some instances, ticket prices and available discounts are dictated by external promoters and there is no flexibility for the provision of discounts. This page represents our usual discounts, however there are a number of shows every season where slightly different concessions apply. A separate discount and pricing 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.

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BOOKING INFORMATION BOX OFFICE 01604 624811 WEBSITE www.royalanderngate.co.uk Royal & Derngate, Box Office, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP

HOW TO BOOK

IN PERSON On performance days, our Box Office is open from 10am until 15 minutes after the last performance commences. Non-performance days 10–6pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays, we are open from 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to the first performance commencing.

BY POST Please write to Royal & Derngate, Box Office, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP

PAYMENT OPTIONS You can pay by cash if booking in person or by Visa, Mastercard, Visa Delta or Electron.

RESERVATIONS Ticket reservations must be paid for within four days of booking (excluding Groups). We are unable to reserve tickets without payment within seven days prior to the performance.

POSTAGE FEE There is a £1 fee applicable to post your tickets to a UK address. We recommend that we do not post any tickets booked within seven days of the performance date, and instead will hold them at the Box Office for collection.

GIFT VOUCHERS

TRANSACTION FEES All online, telephone and counter bookings of £15 and over are subject to a £3 transaction fee. Friends, Gold Supporters, Disabled Patrons, and Group Bookings are exempt. Unlike many other theatres, this fee is only applicable per-booking and not per-ticket.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Please note that we are unable to refund or exchange tickets.

For sold-out shows only, we will accept returned tickets for re-sale, providing a gift voucher for the full amount in return.

Royal & Derngate actively discourages the selling and purchase of our tickets via third party sites. Any tickets found to be sold for individual profit via an unauthorised agent may be void without refund and tickets purchased from such sites may also be refused entry.

All information contained in this brochure 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.

Gift Vouchers for Royal & Derngate and the Errol Flynn Filmhouse are available to buy from the Box Office in any denomination. We also sell National Theatre Tokens.

SEATING PLANS Royal Auditorium Boxes in the Royal Auditorium are sold subject to technical requirements and may not be available for purchase.

Derngate Auditorium This seating plan gives a general overview of the Derngate auditorium in a standard format. Due to the great variety of events we put on there are a range of other formats. We hope that this image will assist you when choosing your seats, but would recommend that you check with Box Office which format is being used for any given event before purchasing.

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ACCESS INFORMATION At Royal & Derngate we are committed to enabling as many people as possible to enjoy our performances.

• 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.

Please use the key throughout this brochure and on the diary pages (60-62) for our range of access performances Captioned Performances

• 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‑circles).

Sign Language Interpreted Performances

• 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.

Relaxed Performances

Audio-Described Performances

Further information and an ‘at a glance’ list of access performances this season are available via the website, or please ask at Box Office.

Large Print, Audio and Braille versions of this brochure are available on request.

Please call Box Office on 01604 624811.

NEW ACCESS TICKETING SCHEME We are currently making important changes to our access ticketing policy by launching a new ticketing scheme. We are inviting people to register now, for free.

The registration process allows you to tell us about any specific needs you have which will affect your booking and to apply for free* or discounted tickets should you need extra assistance during your visit. In exchange, we will be able to prioritise specific areas or seating according to your needs.

If you, or someone you care for, qualify for tickets under our new scheme, we would encourage you to register by either downloading a form from our website, or requesting it by post or email via Box Office. Please note that even if you have had discounted tickets in the past, you will also need to register under the terms of the new scheme to qualify for discounts.

The access scheme has been developed in consultation with local charitable organisations and other venues around the UK. By taking a few minutes to tell us about your specific requirements, our staff and volunteers can ensure that your tickets and seating are taken care of, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the show.

To request an application form or for more information please call Box Office on 01604 624811 or email access@royalandderngate.co.uk. For more information, please see www.royalandderngate.co.uk/access. *Proof of eligibility will be required, see application form for details. From 4 September 2017, these tickets can only be allocated upon completion of a registration form.

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF OUR MAJOR FUNDERS:

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

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VISITOR INFORMATION HOW TO FIND US

PARKING VALIDATION

The Royal and Derngate auditoria and our Underground Studio spaces are all accessed via our main entrance.

This is situated on Swan Street, off Guildhall Road. Two more entrances are situated on Guildhall Road and on Derngate. 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. The postcode for SAT NAV devices is NN1 1DP.

Parking tickets for St. Johns Car Park can be validated at Box Office. The day charge for performances before 5pm is £2.40, tickets validated for performances after 5pm are charged at the evening rate of £1.

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

CAR PARKING The closest car parks to Royal & Derngate are St. John’s Multi-Storey Car Park, which offers free parking at weekends, and Albion Place Car Park. See the map for the additional car parks we recommend. There are also a number of pay and display on‑street options available.

Please don’t hesitate to talk to Box Office at time of booking if you have any concerns about your visit. We advise you to leave extra time for your journey for our most popular shows.

KEY CAR PARKS

ALTERNATIVE FACILITIES

t. John’s Multi‑Storey S NN1 1HA 485 spaces

Hazelwood Road

NCP NN1 1LG 37 spaces

Commercial Street South

NN1 1PN 42 spaces

Albion Place

NN1 1UD 71 spaces

The Ridings

NN1 2BT 55 spaces

Mayorhold Multi-Storey

NN1 3HA 1073 spaces

We recently opened our second screen, meaning you can enjoy the affordable, unrivalled Errol Flynn Filmhouse experience at even more screenings of the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream films and live screenings.

Every week we add extra screenings of the most popular films in our programme, so check our website weekly for the most up to date screening schedule. You can also join our mailing list and have it emailed to you each week.

Elegant Dining at Royal & Derngate Award-winning chef Lee Scott, in partnership with Tom Hewer, is bringing a new experience in dining to Royal & Derngate. Serving the very best, locally sourced food in relaxed and intimate surroundings, Restaurant Hibiscus will be the ideal place to enjoy a pre-show meal.

in r ng e ni mb pe e O ept S

To find out more and to book your table visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk/hibiscus or call 01604 911073

royalandderngate @royalderngate @royalderngate