10 things to do in and around Northamptonshire

1 THEATRESome Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, May 3-5It will be the final few dates of this critically acclaimed stage adaptation of this popular 1970s sitcom all about the escapades of Frank Spencer. Comedian Joe Pasquale steps into the shoes of Michael Crawford to play the hapless Frank while Sarah Earnshaw and Susie Blake also star in the sitcom.www.royalandderngate.co.uk2 THEATREDear Liar, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, May 1-5A delightful, funny and moving dramatisation of the wit and wisdom, anger and affection between Shaw, the famous critic and dramatist, and ‘Mrs Pat’, the acclaimed stage actress. Shaw was inspired to write the role of Eliza Doolittle for Mrs Pat, and he became infatuated with her. This is their story, told in their own words, with more than a dash of Pygmalion. It is presented by the Cytringan Players.www.castletheatre.co.uk3 MUSICCraig Charles, Roadmender, Northampton, May 4The legendary actor and DJ Craig Charles will hitting the decks once again playing the very best of soul and funk.www.theroadmender.com4 BOOKJoe Pasquale, Waterstones, Northampton, May 5Before taking on two performances of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, comedian Joe Pasquale will be signing copies of his book Deadknobs and Doomsticks, a collection of 12 illustrated horror stories.5 THEATRESeriously Dead, Castle Theatre, Wellingbroough, May 5The play tells the hilarious tale of Thelma Henderson deceased who cannot gain entry through The Pearly Gates as the system has gone digitalised and she has the incorrect paperwork.Thelma is told to wait by the scrapyard gates until the issue can be resolved but she finds herself a rather reluctant Guardian Angel watching over her school friend and the one true love of her life, Billy Blenkinsopp.www.castletheatre.co.uk6 MUSICShane Filan, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, May 6Former Westlife star Shane Filan returns to the venue with this concert after a previous sell out performance and by popular demand.www.royalandderngate.co.uk7 FAMILYPrincess Showtime, The Deco Theatre, Northampton, May 7The show is ‘a tribute to all fairy-tale prince and princesses’, and among thehighlights are sing-a- longs, dancing, and fun for all. Showtime is at 12.30pm, andruns for an hour and a half.www.thedeco.co.uk8 MUSICMini Pop Festival, The Deco Theatre, Northampton, May 7Later in the afternoon, it is party time for the older children – though the younger ones are welcome too - as The Deco hosts a mini pop festival, with sounds fromTaylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Little Mixx and Ariana Grande.www.thedeco.co.uk9 COMEDYEd Byrne, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, May 7Is life that bad or have we good reason to complain about it? Are we filled with righteous anger at a world gone wrong or are we all just a bunch of whiny little brats? In short, are we spoiled? Come and watch as Byrne takes this question and handle it in a show packed with comedywww.castletheatre.co.uk10 THEATREThe Importance of Being Earnest, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, May 8-12Jack wishes to marry Algernon’s cousin the beautiful Gwendolen but first he must convince her mother, the fearsome Lady Bracknell, of the respectability of his parents and his past. For Jack, however, this is not as easy as it sounds, having started life abandoned in a handbag at Victoria station. Prepare to take a welcome turn with Wilde’s much-loved Algernon, Jack, Gwendolen and Cecily, as town and country clash in a brilliant and wildly funny story of romance, identity, perambulators and capacious handbags. Gwen Taylor, Susan Penhaligon, Thomas Howes and Kerry Ellis star.www.royalandderngate.co.uk