Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days

1 The All New Adventures Of Peter Pan, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, until New Year's Eve

Heading up the cast are award-winning actor, writer, comedian and presenter John Thomson, taking on the role of Captain Hook, and CBeebies presenter George Webster, who will be joining the pirate crew as George.

Following his appearance as Ugly Sister Aldianna in 2024’s Cinderella, seasoned pantomime performer Gordon Cooper returns to co-direct and play the part of the Mrs Sweet.

Also joining the cast are Simone Robinson as Myrtle and Miss Doodle, Oliver Scott as Charlie, Northampton local David Breeds as Peter Pan, Millie Davies as Poppy Sunshine and Georgia Brierley-Smith as Tink.

The award-winning Evolution Productions produce the spectacular show, the same team behind 2023’s smash-hit, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, and 2024’s hugely popular Cinderella. Call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk to book.

2 Mog’s Christmas, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, until New Year’s Eve

It's Christmas time, and the Thomas family are looking back on the past year and all the adventures they've shared with their cat, Mog - from catching a burglar in the spring to a dramatic summer chase at the V.E.T. Now as they prepare for the festive season, Mog is baffled by strange noises, peculiar smells, and – what’s this? A tree moving indoors! Join Mog and the Thomas family for a heartwarming Christmas adventure filled with surprises, snowy mischief, and the true meaning of family. Judith Kerr’s beloved stories are brought to the stage by acclaimed theatre company The Wardrobe Ensemble, allowing a new generation of children to fall in love with Mog. Call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk to book.

3 Beauty & the Beast, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, until New Year’s Eve

Witness the captivating story of a cursed Prince transformed into a Beast, whose only chance at breaking the spell lies in finding true love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Will our kind village girl be the one to see beyond appearances and discover the beauty within the Beast? Families are promised an enchanting experience filled with laughter, stunning sets, sensational costumes, catchy music and plenty of Christmas sparkle. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.

4 Winter Light Trail, Delapré Abbey, until New Year’s Eve

The grounds are transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, with glittering lights, festive delights and spectacular sights. The light trail features new installations, interactive experiences and captivating soundscapes. Pause at the pit stop to warm up by the fire, toast marshmallows and sip mulled wine or hot chocolate, and savour delicious food from local independent vendors. Families can visit Santa’s Grotto before or after their walk. Visit winterlighttrail.co.uk/northampton to book or for more information.

5 Beauty and The Beast, The Deco, Northampton, until Sunday December 28

Todd Carty – known to millions through his roles in Grange Hill and EastEnders – stars in the Deco's panto. Join Beauty, Dame Fifi and her cheeky son, Willy, as they are transported to an enchanting castle under a curse set by an Evil Enchantress. Can Beauty see beyond the Beast’s gruff exterior, break the spell and find her happily ever after before the rose drops its last petal? Visit theoldsavoy.co.uk or call 01604 491005 to book.

6 Cinderella, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Friday December 12 to New Year’s Eve

Cinderella dreams of a more magical and exciting life far away from her Wicked Stepsisters. Luckily, she has her ever-faithful companion, Buttons, to brighten her days. When the dashing Prince Charming decides to throw a grand ball to find his future wife, Cinderella sees her chance to turn her pumpkin of a life into a sparkling carriage ride to happiness. With a wave of the Fairy Godmother’s wand and a little pumpkin spice, anything is possible. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.

7 Beauty and the Beast, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday December 12 to New Year’s Eve

Shimmering sets, outrageous costumes, magic and mayhem await in this year’s pantomime at The Core at Corby Cube. The cast includes Rhian Lynch as bookish Belle, Samuel Wright and Elliot Coombe as Dame Betty Bon Bon and her comedic son Idle Jacques, Justine Marie Mead who is ready to be booed at as The Enchantress, Jonathan Houlston and Michaela Murphy as the vain Gaston and his besotted sidekick La Fool, and, last but not least, Gabriel Phelan as the Beast. Families will find out if true love will conquer all, if the curse of the Enchantress will ever be broken, and if Betty Bon Bon will drop a clanger.

Call 01536 470470 or visit www.thecorecorby.com to book.

8 Northampton Town & County Art Society Annual Exhibition, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, until January 11

Paintings, sculptures and original print work by some of the county’s best artists are currently on show in Northampton next month. Featuring the works of professional and celebrated local artists, this year’s exhibition – the 108th in the society's history – includes art by non-society members which bring a fresh edge to an already popular show, and adds to the rich variety of styles and media from the cream of Northamptonshire artists.

The exhibition remains a showcase for Northamptonshire's artists, and is a major event in the county's art calendar. The majority of work is available for sale, offering an ideal opportunity to buy a unique Christmas present. Visit northamptonmuseums.com or sites.google.com/site/northamptontandcartsoc for details.

9 Candlelight Concerts, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Friday December 19 and Saturday December 20, 6pm and 8.30pm

Thousands of flickering candles will transform Northampton Museum and Art Gallery for two special festive concerts. The popular Candlelight series of live concerts returns to the town for a pair performances from a string quartet.

Music from Love Actually, Home Alone and other seasonal films is in store on Friday December 19. Expect the likes of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Waltz, The Little Drummer Boy and White Christmas, along with Let It Go from Frozen, Glasgow Love Theme and Love Is All Around from Love Actually, and Rocking Around The Christmas Tree from Home Alone.

And then on Saturday December 20, it’s time for Christmas Classics. The programme includes Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky, Greensleeves, Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, O Tannenbaum and Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano, plus hits like Last Christmas by Wham!.

Visit https://feverup.com/m/142215 for tickets to the film music concert or https://feverup.com/m/198686 for tickets to Christmas Classics.

10 Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Milton Keynes Theatre, until Sunday January 11

Join comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley for this year’s panto as Milton Keynes Theatre is transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could happen. Brian will be joined on-stage by his daughter, Lucy Conley, who stars as Goldilocks along with a cast including renowned dame David Robbins as Dame Betty Barnum, panto villain Gary Milner as The Evil Ringmaster, magician Phil Hitchcock as the Magical Mysterioso, and, direct from Zippo’s Circus, The Timbuktu Tumblers. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.