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

1 Blood Brothers, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Tuesday March 24 to Saturday March 28

Willy Russell’s epic tale of Liverpool life tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children, she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again - this time with twins. In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show's shattering climax. Few musicals have been received with such popular and critical acclaim as Blood Brothers, which has won four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway. It surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. The score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True. Willy Russell is one of this country's leading contemporary dramatists, with credits including Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.

2 Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Improv Show, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday March 19

Following critically acclaimed seasons in London and Edinburgh, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, two of the UK’s leading improvisers, present an evening of unscripted cutting-edge comedy. Expect a show full of fast, fabulously funny improvised games, scenes, stories and surrealism. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

3 An Audience with Aggers: Beyond the Boundary, The Core at Corby Cube, Thursday March 26

Get ready for some wicket wisdom with cricket legend and renowned BBC correspondent Jonathan Agnew. He promises an evening of stories, laughter and cricketing gold – this time with clips and unseen footage to bring the action to life on screen. Join Aggers as he shares the highs, lows and hilarious moments from his illustrious career, from covering the Olympics in Rio to calling the unforgettable Super Over finale of the 2019 World Cup. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.

4 ELO Again, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Sunday March 22

With meticulous sound reproduction, a light show and visual effects, the acclaimed tribute show features the likes of Mr Blue Sky, Livin' Thing, Sweet Talkin' Woman, Shine a Little Love, Confusion and Don't Bring Me Down. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.

5 Dead Ringers 25th Anniversary, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday March 26

BBC Radio 4’s multi-award-winning topical satire show is hitting the road with a full UK tour for the first time. Featuring much-loved long-standing cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, and Duncan Wisbey, the live show promises a comical journey through a quarter century of classic sketches, uncanny impressions and the cutting-edge political and cultural satire that has defined the series. Audiences can expect the trademark Dead Ringers mix of wit, mischief, and the sharpest impressions in the business, all delivered live by the show’s masterly cast. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

6 Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons, Royal & Derngate, Wednesday March 25

Jason’s been busy since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know the much-loved comedian hasn’t changed a bit. A Manford All Seasons is Jason’s latest comic offering, featuring what the Guardian called his “expert observational comedy”. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

7 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Tuesday March 24 to Thursday March 26

The critically acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets as it faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The beloved picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969, selling more than 48 million copies worldwide. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, now celebrating 50 years, has sold more than 18.2 million copies. Time Out called the production “a triumph”, with The Stage hailing it as “charming and ingenious”. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

8 The Simon and Garfunkel Story, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday March 20

Using projected photos and original film footage, the international hit show tells the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel blended together with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.

9 Brackley Wind Orchestra, St Peter’s Church, Brackley, Saturday March 21, 7pm

The special concert features renowned clarinettist David Campbell and celebrated flautist Lisa Nelsen. Brackley Wind Orchestra was formed in 2002 and has more than 30 members. Tickets cost £10 (cash only) on the door. Visit brackleywindorchestra.com for more information.

10 Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts, Milton Keynes Theatre, until Saturday March 21

A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance, and Detective Chief Inspector Morse embarks on a gripping investigation. What begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when the legendary inspector, together with DS Lewis, uncovers a connection to sinister events in his own past, 25 years earlier. Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the much-loved detective. ITV's long-running Inspector Morse, hailed by Radio Times as “the greatest British crime series of all time,” has inspired equally beloved spin-offs, Lewis and Endeavour. The productions stars Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.