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

1 GenFest, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday September 17 to Sunday September 20

Shows by emerging and established artists from Northamptonshire will take centre stage as GenFest returns. Today (September 17) there will be the chance to see three new family shows starting with Sophie Loosemore’s Lula, a playful first experience of sensory theatre for babies, in the Underground foyer. On the Royal stage, Riki Cycle: Food Waste is an eco-adventure aiming to inspire children and families to care for the planet. In the Underground Studio, Jo Blake and Mikael Oberg’s Before the Stars Fell brings together storytelling and innovative sound technology to explore a vast ecological time where humans, animals, rocks and stars speak a common mythic language.

Friday evening in the Underground Studio brings Spool, a psychological horror by Polis Loizou, followed in the Royal by We Had Fun by Emmeline Hartley & Jack Mullings, a distinctly unromantic dark comedy exploring the greyest area of sexual politics. Frank Wurzinger takes to the Royal stage on the Saturday for two performances of Drill Baby Drill, a one-man show performed by a polar bear, full of slapstick improvisations, clowning and puppetry, exploring loss, grief and “the endless search for hope”. The Sunday will see a series of scenes by local writers being performed in various spaces throughout the theatre, each inspired by its unique location.

Visit royalandderngate.co.uk/genfest or call 01604 624811 to book.

2 Stewart Lee VS The Man-Wulf, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Friday September 18

The renowned stand-up shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity. The Man-Wulf lays down a ferocious comedy challenge to the self-described “culturally irrelevant and physically enfeebled” Lee. Stewart Lee – described by The Times as "the world's greatest living stand-up comedian – fears he is “in danger of being left behind,” “approaching sixty with debilitating health conditions,” his “TV profile diminished,” and his “once BAFTA award-winning style of stand-up seeming obsolete”. But can Lee unleash his inner Man-Wulf to position himself alongside what he calls “comedy legends like Dave Chappelle, Ricky Gervais and Jordan Peterson at the forefront of side-splitting stadium-stuffing sh*t-posting”? Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.

3 Tez Ilyas – Tez Things I Hate About You, Royal & Derngate, Saturday September 19

Fresh from travelling the world, the UK’s self-described “leading de-influencer” returns with a new stand-up show. Expect fresh jokes, furious rants, and ridiculous stories — all delivered with Tez’s trademark smart, silly, and subversive humour. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

4 Paul Zerdin: Shut Your Mouth, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Thursday September 17

World-renowned ventriloquist Paul Zerdin will bring his gang of madcap characters to life when he takes to the stage in Wellingborough. The America’s Got Talent winner promises a night of “non-stop laughs and a ton of fun”. He’ll be joined by Sam, the cocky teen who thinks he’s got it all figured out; Albert, an outrageous 96-year-old; and the Baby, who’s convinced the universe revolves around him. Add in Paul’s not-so-bright American bodyguard Roger, the outrageously mischievous Urban Fox, and the return of TV and radio oddball Alasdair Rimmer—this time stepping up as Paul’s link man and host MC—and a night of comedy chaos is in store.

But that’s not all—making his debut is Tutti Frutti, a mafiosa ice cream. And Paul’s human dummy routine makes a comeback – reinvented with an unexpected twist.

Paul said: “I can’t wait to hit the road with Shut Your Mouth. This show is bigger, funnier, and packed with brand-new surprises – including some characters the audience has never met before. Get ready for a night of chaos, comedy, and plenty of laughs – I’ll do the talking so you don’t have to!”

Over the last few years, Paul has a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Last year saw Paul do a Vegas stint at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, following his inaugural Vegas headline residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2016, after which in 2017 and 2018 he appeared on spin-off TV shows America’s Got Talent - The Champions and Britain’s Got Talent - The Champions.

Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01933 270 007 to book.

5 Best In Comedy, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Friday September 18

Adam Rowe, Jen Brister, Jeff Innocent and Jack Barry form the line-up as the stand-up night returns. Adam Rowe as risen through the ranks of the UK comedy circuit to become one of the country’s most popular stand-up acts, selling out theatres across the UK and co-hosting the hugely successful Have a Word podcast. Known for his razor-sharp storytelling and quick-fire crowd work, Adam has been praised by Chortle for his “undeniable charisma and natural comic ability”. Jen Brister has appeared on television, radio and stages across the world, and is known for her fierce wit, storytelling and no-nonsense take on modern life. The Guardian said of her: “No one rages against life and the world better than Brister.” Jeff Innocent is a veteran of the UK comedy circuit and has built a devoted following with his unique blend of East End charm, razor-sharp observations and masterful storytelling. Winner of British Comedian of the Year, the Guardian called him “one of Britain’s funniest comedians”. And Jack Barry has appeared on television and radio while becoming a regular on the UK comedy circuit, earning a reputation for his infectious energy, clever storytelling and likeable stage presence. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.

6 Man in the Mirror: A Tribute to Michael Jackson, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Thursday September 24

This new tribute to Michael Jackson stars CJ supported by a talented cast of performers and musicians who aim capture the essence of Michael Jackson’s unique style and charisma. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

7 T.Rextasy, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, Thursday September 17

Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the original glam rock era. T.Rextasy have now been performing around the world for over 20 years, a career that has outlived Marc’s very own T.Rex. T.Rextasy are the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family and estate. Visit lighthousetheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.

8 The Big Top Boxing Extravaganza, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Saturday September 19

An action-packed programme featuring white-collar boxing, unlicensed bouts and Muay Thai contests, complete with traditional Wai Kru ceremonies. The evening will also include live music and entertainment throughout. The event will raise vital funds for local charity Born to Shine, which aims to transform the lives of young people through the power of the arts. Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.

9 The History of Soul, The Core at Corby Cube, Friday September 25

The show transports theatregoers through the greatest eras of soul music, featuring timeless hits from legends Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and many more. Visit thecorecorby.com or call 01536 470470 to book.

10 Waitress, Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes Theatre, Tuesday September 22 to Saturday September 26

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness. With a score by the Grammy award-winning Sara Bareilles, the acclaimed production stars stage favourite Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna and Les Dennis as her boss. Visit atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes to book.