Ten of the Best - Your guide to what to see around Northants in the coming days
From true crime to high camp, there's plenty to enjoy
1 Derren Brown: Only Human, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, until Saturday July 25
‘Mind-control’ master and psychological illusionist Derren Brown is coming to Northampton with his hugely successful new show. The details of the production, titled Only Human, are being kept a secret – and Brown likes it that way. He said: "Only Human seems to be going down very well, and people are keeping the show secret for which I’m very grateful. Try and come without knowing anything about it.”
Only Human is Derren Brown’s 11th show. Among his many previous productions are Derren Brown Showman, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Enigma, Derren Brown Svengali and Derren Brown Miracle.
His shows have garnered a record-breaking five Olivier Award nominations for Best Entertainment, winning twice – the largest number of nominations and wins for one-person shows in the history of the awards. His 2017 show, Secret, won the New York Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and returned for a sell-out run on Broadway in 2019. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.
2 Five and The Wanted, Delapré Abbey, Friday July 24
Get ready for a huge summer throwback as Five bring some of the biggest hits of the 1990s and 2000s in a show packed with era-defining anthems and crowd favourites, set to the backdrop of one of the region’s most stunning venues. The boyband’s top 10 hits include Slam Dunk (Da Funk), When the Lights Go Out, Got the Feelin’, Everybody Get Up, Until the Time Is Through, If Ya Gettin' Down, Keep On Movin’, Let’s Dance and Closer to Me. Support comes from The Wanted 2.0. Visit yoursummerlive.co.uk to book.
3 Divina de Campo – Back On The Road Tour, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday July 24
Divina De Campo, renowned for electrifying performances on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, teams up with acclaimed pianist Ric Neale for an evening of musical magic. This unique cabaret experience promises to blend powerful vocal prowess with infectious wit and spontaneous entertainment. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
4 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday July 24
The popular stand-up night returns, with performances from Gerry K, Harriet Dyer and James Cook. Compère for the night is Brendan Dempsey. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.
5 Sins, The Deco, Northampton, Saturday August 1
An innovative theatrical experiment in which the audience takes key decisions is coming to Northampton. Sins is billed as “a dark live experience where theatre, psychological challenge and audience power collide”. It is guided by a mysterious figure known only as The Examiner. Seven individuals have been taken and brought before him, each representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, lust, gluttony, sloth, envy, greed and wrath. One by one their stories unfold on stage, revealing how ordinary choices can quietly spiral into something far more destructive.
The audience is drawn into a series of escalating moral trials. Using their own phones, guests anonymously shape the direction of key moments within the live performance, all from the safety of their seats. Each performance ends differently. The producers say that no one will be brought on stage and no one will be singled out, with every decision remaining completely anonymous. But every decision matters and every judgement has consequences – and by the end of the night, audiences may discover far more about themselves than they expected.
The individuals behind the creation of Sins have chosen not to reveal their identities. This decision was made early in production. They say they have done this “not out of necessity but intent”, and that Sins was “designed to stand on its own - without names, without credit, without distraction”. They add: “The names behind Sins will never be revealed.”
The show’s writer and director said: "Everyone believes they would make the right decision. The Sins experience asks a different question: if no one would ever know what you chose, what would you be capable of?"
The performance is being professionally filmed to create official trailers, promotional content and marketing material for the production’s upcoming UK tour.
The show is suitable for ages 16 and above. Visit theoldsavoy.co.uk or call 01604 491005 to book.
6 The Makings of a Murderer: The Undercover Detective, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Friday July 24.
Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations. From the gritty realities of infiltrating criminal gangs to his own terrifying experience of becoming the target of a murder plot, Peter shares the untold stories of the most high-stakes cases. For over a decade, Peter worked undercover, posing as everything from drug dealers to contract killers. His double life gave him access to the darkest corners of humanity, uncovering secrets that would save lives – but at the cost of his own safety. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
7 Mr Blue Sky: The Out-of-this-World Tribute to ELO, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday July 30
The production aims to capture the spirit, style and innovation of one of the most groundbreaking bands in music history, with songs including Mr Blue Sky, Livin’ Thing, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Evil Woman, Don’t Bring Me Down, Telephone Line and many more. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.
8 The Best in Comedy, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Friday July 24
The stand-up night features a mix of big names from TV and top circuit comedians: Paul Zerdin, Tom Rosenthal, Alasdair Beckett-King and Keith Farnan. Paul Zerdin is a multi-award winning ventriloquist and comedian, best known as the winner of America’s Got Talent. A familiar face on stages and screens around the world, Paul has headlined in Las Vegas, appeared on The Royal Variety Performance and Britain’s Got Talent, and toured internationally with his unique blend of comedy and ventriloquism, featuring fan-favourite characters including Sam, Albert and Baby. Tom Rosenthal is an award-winning comedian and actor, best known for his roles in hit sitcoms Friday Night Dinner and Plebs. A familiar face on British television and the live comedy circuit, Tom has also appeared in Broadchurch and Taskmaster, alongside performing his critically acclaimed stand-up shows across the UK, known for their offbeat charm and inventive storytelling. Alasdair Beckett-King is an award-winning comedian and writer, known for his inventive stand-up, surreal humour and distinctive beard. A familiar voice and face across radio, television and online, Alasdair has appeared on Mock the Week and Taskmaster, as well as creating and starring in his own viral sketches and touring critically acclaimed shows across the UK and internationally. And Keith Farnan is an award-winning comedian known for his sharp, thought-provoking stand-up and fearless social commentary. A regular on the international comedy circuit, Keith has appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and performed at major festivals including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, earning acclaim for his intelligent, politically charged material and engaging stage presence. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
9 Emilio Santoro as Elvis, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Friday July 31
Crowned 2024 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland, Emilio Santoro performs with his authentic 50’s live band as he celebrates Elvis’ younger years. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
10 Annie, Milton Keynes Theatre, until Sunday July 26
In 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family. Claire Sweeney stars as Miss Hannigan in the beloved family musical, which features classic numbers including It’s The Hard-Knock Life, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.