Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From the story of a pioneering footballer to wild adventures in nature, there’s plenty to enjoy
1 Our Little Hour, The Core at Corby Cube, Wednesday February 11 and Thursday February 12
The acclaimed drama tells the inspirational story of how Walter Tull – grandson of a Barbadian slave and orphaned at just eight years old – rose to prominence as the first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK – in a career including spells at Northampton Town and Tottenham Hotspur – before achieving another historic breakthrough as the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an Officer in the British Army. Written by award winning playwright Dougie Blaxland, the show includes 16 original songs. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
2 Gordon Buchanan, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday February 12
Gordon Buchanan has dedicated his life to exploring the untamed beauty of the natural world, from the bamboo forests of China to the snowy landscapes of Russia, from the towering Himalayas to the depths of the Amazon, in order to capture the majestic big cats and bears on film and reveal their secrets to a global audience. Join Gordon as he recounts thrilling encounters with pandas, grizzlies, tigers, jaguars and more. Learn about the heart-stopping moments, the mud, sweat, and tears, and the tender interactions that have shaped his extraordinary career. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
3 Barry Steele's Roy Orbison Story, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday February 5
Celebrate 70 years of hits and Roy Orbison’s 90th birthday in this musical tribute. Barry Steele’s acclaimed Roy Orbison Story honours the unforgettable music of The Big O and the timeless sounds of the Traveling Wilburys. Barry Steele’s remarkable West End performances and international tours across New Zealand and Europe have earned rave reviews and standing ovations. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
4 Al Murray: All You Need is Guv, Royal & Derngate, Friday February 6
The globe’s favourite Pub Landlord returns with his like-nobody-else Common Sense hot-takes for the masses, offering what he calls “a much-needed truth tonic”. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
5 Sweet Caroline – A Tribute to Neil Diamond, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Sunday February 8
Celebrate 50 years of some of the greatest songs ever written, including Forever In Blue Jeans, America, Song Sung Blue and, of course, Sweet Caroline. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
6 The Classic Rock Show, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Tuesday February 10
Riffs galore are coming to town in a celebration of three decades of the world’s greatest classic rock music. The Classic Rock Show, which recently clocked-up an incredible 100 million YouTube views worldwide, perform with precision, with multi-million dollar sound and light show to match. Paying tribute to its favourite rock heroes, the live band thunders through legendary performances of music from the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, AC/DC, The Beatles, Dire Straits, Meat Loaf, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, Boston, Toto, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac and many more. Each show promises anthem after anthem, riff after riff and solo after solo, all culminating in a show-stopping guitar duel. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
7 The Radiohead Project, The Core at Corby Cube, Thursday February 12
The live tribute show that celebrates one of the greatest bands of all time – Radiohead. With Mercury Prize wins and multiple Grammy awards, their music has shaped the sound of modern alternative rock. The show aims to capture the depth and detail of Radiohead’s sound. From the groundbreaking work of OK Computer to In Rainbows, their music from every era is faithfully recreated. The set includes Fake Plastic Trees, No Surprises, Creep, Weird Fishes, Just and Karma Police, performed with the authenticity and focus of the original tracks. Powerful visuals and lighting add to the experience. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
8 An Evening with Arsenal Legends, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, February 5
The midfield maestro, Arsenal fan favourite and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson will bring his humour, insights and candid reflections on life in football, joined by Scottish sensation Charlie Nicholas with his larger-than-life personality amd clinical and thoughtful striker turned Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith. Former Arsenal midfielder and now a celebrated radio presenter, Perry Groves will keep the evening lively as host, adding his own anecdotes to the mix. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
9 Mercury – Ultimate Queen Tribute, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Saturday February 7
With more than 25 years on the road, Mercury tell the story of one of the greatest bands in history. In a show featuring the likes of Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and We Are The Champions, frontman Joseph Lee Jackson brings energy, nuance and a remarkable vocal range to each performance, while Glenn Scrimshaw channels the melodic genius of Brian May as the band bring harmonies and crowd-moving backbeats to the fore. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
10 Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes, Milton Keynes Theatre, Tuesday February 10 to Saturday February 14
A timeless fairytale and Oscar-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion. Matthew Bourne’s magical double Olivier Award-winning production inspired by the legendary Powell and Pressburger film features the music of Bernard Herrmann. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.