What’s on at the theatre this February

New shows, funny shows, and cheeky shows – whatever takes your fancy, Northampton stage will probably be hosting it this month, says Pulse’s Sammy Jones…

If you are in the mood to sample a new comedy drama you are in luck, with the arrival of Dial M For Mayhem which will take over The Royal (Feb 3-8).

New work it may be, but the pen from which it came is well worn – the author and director behind courtroom phenomenon The Verdict is responsible for this, too.

‘Set in 1991, it follows a group of travelling actors from south of the Scottish border as they conquer the beautiful unforgiving landscape of the Highlands and Islands village hall circuit to perform Frederick Knott’s classic 1950’s thriller Dial M For Murder.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains and lochs, complete with unpredictable Scottish weather and internal company squabbling, Act 1’s gentle comic yarn gives way to Act 2’s gleeful back stage comedy of the play within the play!’

Jack Dee’s new show, Small World (Feb 6) will guide you through his life and career with that customary wit and charm that he is so revered for, and speaking of funny men, Jimmy Carr is back with Laughs Funny (Feb 13).

It’s a month oozing newness, and a fresh play from Jane Upton follows (Feb 13-15, The Royal).
(the) Woman is a funny and painful scream from the abyss of early motherhood.

2021’s Strictly winner Giovanni Pernice is back with The Last Dance (Feb 14, Derngate) and if you want to make the smoochiest time of the year last that bit longer, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra hosts a Valentine’s Gala (Feb 15, Derngate) with a promise that music from the worlds of film, opera and classical music will air; expect to hear themes from Spartacus, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and classics from Tchaikovsky and Bizet among the programme.

Clinton Baptiste – the clairvoyant medium psychic from Phoenix Nights – will bring the giggles with Roller Ghoster (Feb 16, Royal), and then join Shen Yun (Feb 17 & 18, Derngate) as they take you on a journey through China’s 5000 years of divinely inspired culture.

Half term is catered for with The Smartest Giant in Town (Feb 18 & 19, The Royal), a heart-warming little tale about friendship and helping those in need.

This puppet-filled adventure does justice to the bestselling book from author Julia Donaldson, and has a smart message that we can all heed.
More funny stuff follows with David O’Doherty (Feb 20, Royal). He’s the fella from 8 Out of 10 Cats who is a wee bit clever with keyboards. Yeah, that one. Eshaan Akbar (Feb 21, Royal) and Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn (Feb 22, Royal) will keep the smiles going.

There’s a change of tack towards the end of the month, when bestselling author Kate Mosse (Feb 28, Royal) takes the stage to celebrate the two decade anniversary of her global bestseller, with Labyrinth Live: Unlocking the Secrets of the Labyrinth.

Over at The Old Savoy, Jim Davidson (Feb 8) presents The Next Chapter.
‘Witness the ‘General’ in his latest comedic triumph and support him in the ‘ongoing saga against those who seek to rewrite British comedy culture with their radical sensibilities,’ is the invitation.

Space for another panto? This version of Wizard of Oz (Feb 14) is strictly for adults only though – take your seats and meet Dorothy’s pals as they go off to see The Wizard in a naughty tale full of camp and filthy fun. Leave the kids at home!
Drag Race faces Marina Summers, Divina De Campo and A’Whora star.

Bubbleologist (yep, it really is a thing) Ray will be delivering the best in soap bubble entertainment (Feb 19). Watch as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost and a tornado inside a bubble. For real.

You might expect his career to go pop at some point, but it’s not looking likely at the moment…

Get tickets:
Royal & Derngate: royalandderngate.co.uk
The Old Savoy: theoldsavoy.co.uk