What’s on at the theatre this November

Actors behaving badly, smart health advice, a poignant war exploration, a peek into Crimbo and more – Sammy Jones
walks you through the month ahead in theatre-land…

Super smart and funny in equal measure, Dom Joly gifted us with the smash-hit prankster show Trigger Happy TV. What a joy that was.
He’s also cheered up our screens and stages appearing on everything from I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity Hunted, through to The Rocky Horror Show.

Then there’s his work as a director, producer and celebrated author. Oh, and he’s made videos for artists including Blur and Ian Brown, and is a columnist who has penned for nigh on all the major national titles.

For his most recent book, Dom travelled the globe looking into some of the strangest conspiracy theories out there, and now he’s coming to the ‘fampton (Nov 3, Royal) as part of The Conspiracy tour, to tell us what he thinks.

He’ll be sharing the stage with conspiracy theorist, Dr Julian Northcote to defend the alternative view. Whether you be a cynic, believer or undecided, you’ll get plenty to tickle the brain matter from a night in the company of these two.

“Expect the unexpected, verbal reworks, public protests, unexpected knowledge and a lot of laughs…” Dom teases.
During the First World War, more than one million British Empire soldiers lost their lives – even today, half remain resting in unmarked graves.

Now John Nichol, former RAF Tornado Navigator and Gulf War POW, has embarked on a poignant journey to uncover the emotional tale of the Unknown Warrior (Nov 4, Royal), famously interred in Westminster Abbey.

Using evocative visuals and a stirring landscape, this production will take you back to that tumultuous era, presenting a personal journey of discovery and remembrance.

A reminder that Dr Louise Newson (Nov 5, Royal) will replace fiction with fact when she presents Hormones & Menopause, The Great Debate. For much more on that, take another look at September’s edition of Pulse, which carried our interview with her.
Not sure what on earth the Bard would make of it, but one would hope he would giggle just the same as other audience members who check in for Sh!t-faced Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Nov 6 & 7, Royal).

The collective wants to remind you that life is brighter when you are being stupid, and they do it by putting forward a cast member to get spiffingly splifficated before attempting to perform. For real.

‘Think drunken donkeys, fandangled fairies and mullered mechanicals…’ and you’ll be on the money.
A new story inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic gothic novel Frankenstein follows (Nov 12-16), and this electrifying reimagining of the enduring horror story takes the same name. Spines will tingle. And the rest!

We’ve held back as long as we can, but the C-word can’t be swerved any longer, with two festive shows upcoming: So This Is Christmas (Nov 19, Derngate) will blend comedy sketches and a plentiful supply of seasonal songs, and FairyTale of New York (Nov 20) returns with another Irish-inspired festive concert.

It is, say those responsible, ‘… like a St Patrick’s Day Party, on Christmas Day!’
Rock n roll legend Rick Black hasn’t had a hit for years and he’s broke. But as he settles into his brand new, expensive home, he is desperate to revive his fading career and reclaim his fame and fortune… and will do anything to get it back.

Set in the swinging 60s, Cluedo 2 (Nov 26-30, Derngate) is based on the board game with all the characters you know and love.
Strictly Come Dancing glitterball owner Ellie Leach will tackle the role of Miss Scarlett.

Over at The Old Savoy, Ann Lavelle’s The Farm Boy (Nov 12) will play for you. Set in a quiet boreen and surrounds in the West of Ireland, this work confronts the issues of greed and unhappiness – and those who suffer the consequences.

The story of A Christmas Carol (Nov 21) is familiar enough, and at this performance, so too are the cast leads – with a former Doctor of the Tardis and a Blue Peter presenter taking the spotlight, namely Colin Baker and Peter Purves.

It’s a hugely busy month for both venues, and you’ll find more shows listed overleaf on our What’s On pages – so definitely take a peek in there for heaps of comedy, music and more coming to your door.
Book your seats:
Royal & Derngate: royalandderngate.co.uk
The Old Savoy: theoldsavoy.co.uk