Northampton's Royal & Derngate announces new season

Musicals, drama, dance and kids shows are all on the autumn programme at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton.
Dead SheepDead Sheep
Dead Sheep

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang starring Jason Manford as the lovable but wacky inventor Caractacus Potts arrives during September, with the story about the fantastic flying car, bombastic Baron Bomburst and the delightful Truly Scumptious.

The ever popular musical also features comedian Phil Jupitus and soap star Claire Sweeney.

Grease, packed with all the famous tunes including You’re The One That I Want, Greased Lightnin’ and Sandy will be presented by the Northampton Musical Theatre Company at the end of October.

Then Dirty Dancing, currently on tour at many theatres, arrives at the R&D at the very end of October and stays into November.

Based on the much loved film of the same name, you will be guaranteed to have the time of your life if you go to this musical.

The Buddy Holly Story arrives during November and tells the story of his meteoric rise to fame and his final legendary performance at The Surf Ballroom.

Drama to look forward to includes Dead Sheep about Mrs Thatcher’s downfall at the hands of Geoffrey Howe, the nerve shredding Woman In Black and Dickens’ classic, A Tale of Two Cities.

Richard Alston’s Dance Company returns in October with pieces including a work inspired by the sonatas of Scarlatti.

And in the autumn school half term, The Gruffalo’s Child will provide plenty of interest for children.

There will also be plenty of comedy coming to the Royal & Derngate with The News Quiz host Miles Jupp, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, Northamptonshire’s James Acaster as well as established comedians Rich Hall, Marcus Brigstocke, Ross Noble and Stephen K Amos, all of whom have made regular appearances on television.

Actress Joan Collins talks about her career in a new show in September while Cockney duo Chas N Dave appear in September while current Celebrity Masterchef contestant Jimmy Osmond performs a tribute show to the legendary Andy Williams.

UB40, Ralph McTell and Jools Holland will be among the other musicians appearing at the venue.

West End star Elaine Paige sings some of her classics in a new show towards the end of the year while pantomime sees Blue’s Simon Webbe and Britain’s Got Talent winner Ashleigh and Pudsey starring while there will also be a European premiere of Tony award winning show Peter and the Starcatcher on over the Christmas period.

Full details of all shows, times and ticket prices, and to buy tickets, go to www.royalandderngate.co.uk or alternatively call the box office on 01604 624811.

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