New county-wide ticketing and information app launched by Northamptonshire arts organisations

A group of Northamptonshire arts organisations have been working together to develop a mobile phone app offering an easy portal to the cultural highlights of the county, as well as a centralised ticketing facility.

The app, called Northamptonshire Arts & Culture, is now available to download free from both the App Store and the Android Store, and provides information about the participating organisations and key upcoming events, along with the facility to book tickets seamlessly from your smart phone. It also offers directions, parking information and restaurant recommendations. 

Users of the app will be able to access video and audio clips, blogs and other fascinating insights into the events and organisations, share information and recommendations with friends through social media.

Supported by Arts Council England funding, the app has been developed by the Strategic Arts Network, a group of ten independent, professional arts organisations from across Northamptonshire, encompassing a wide range of art forms, from theatre, cinema and music to dance and visual arts. The group of independent arts organisations has been working together for a number of years to promote cultural activity and encourage audiences and participants to attend or take part in arts in Northamptonshire.

The Strategic Arts Network consists of Royal & Derngate, NN Contemporary Art, Fiori Musicali, The Core at Corby Cube, Fermynwoods Contemporary Art, Dance4, Threshold Studios, Northants Touring Arts, The Castle Theatre and Corby Community Arts.

Royal & Derngate’s Chief Executive

 Martin Sutherland.

 Royal & Derngate’s Chief Executive Martin Sutherland, who chairs the Strategic Arts Network, commented:

 “This app provides a great way to get a snapshot of arts events coming up across the whole county, and with the ability to book tickets for all the organisations from one place, it’s quite a unique offering. This will be really helpful for tourists and visitors to the area, as well as those already in the County, who can have all this information readily at their fingertips.”

Four Seasons show brings sounds of New Jersey to Northampton

A spectacular celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons comes to  Royal & Derngate from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 June, when New Jersey Nights takes a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest-selling groups of all times.
Hailing from a tough Italian neighbourhood in New Jersey, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons forged a completely unique sound, combining sweet vocal harmonies with a gritty R&B edge. From their first hit, 1962’s number one Sherry, their success survived the British Invasion and beyond, with a brief signing to Motown yielding Northern Soul classics The Night and the recently revived Beggin’. The hits continued into the disco era with My Eyes Adored You and December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).

The Four Seasons’ astonishing catalogue of songs is the heart of New Jersey Nights, as four talented singers recreate the group’s flawless vocal harmonies and Valli’s extraordinary soaring falsetto lines. With stylish costumes, stunning sets, a rocking live band and tightly-choreographed dancers, this dazzling production features all of The Four Seasons’ greatest hits, including Walk Like A Man, Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby Goodbye), Big Girls Don’t Cry,  Let’s Hang On, Working My Way Back To You, Dawn (Go Away), Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Cry, and more.

New Jersey Nights is at Royal & Derngate from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 June at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets are priced from £15 to £30  Book

ROYAL & DERNGATE CHRISTMAS PANTO 2013, SLEEPING BEAUTY,starring Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane.

Sleeping Beauty

Fri 06 Dec - Sun 05 Jan

Venue: Derngate                                                                                Book

Join us for our enchanting pantomime starring Linda Lusardiand Sam Kane.

Fun for the whole family, Linda and Sam will join a superb cast to spin the magic in this unmissable production of the traditional fairytale. A laugh-a-minute extravaganza, Sleeping Beauty will feature stunning sets, fabulous costumes and impressive 3D special effects!

A traditional part of the festive season, Royal & Derngate’s annual pantomime offers high-quality and value‑for‑money entertainment and continues to receive rave reviews from the public and press alike.

Book early to ensure you secure the best seats – and be spellbound by the spectacular Sleeping Beauty.

"ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE PANTOS ON SHOW ANYWHERE IN THE UK THIS CHRISTMAS" NORTHAMPTON CHRONICLE & ECHO ON CINDERELLA 2012

"THIS AMAZING SHOW IS THE BEST PANTOMIME I HAVE SEEN" DAVENTRY EXPRESS ON CINDERELLA 2012

Tickets

£16 - £25

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Genre:

Panto/Christmas Show

Linda Lusardi

Sam Kane

Royal & Derngate Commnity Choir sing on Barb Jungr's new single River

 Barb Jungr

Mark Dean has a chat with singer,  Barb Jungr, to promote her single “River” which is out now to be Christmas Number 1! Barb also chats about her work with the Royal & Derngate Choir in the single.Mark starts by asking  Barb to tell us about the single.

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Royal & Derngate Community Choir

Royal & Derngate Community Choir are featured on a new single by internationally acclaimed singer, Barb Jungr. The single is a new version of the Joni Mitchell hit River. It is available to buy as a download from itunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/river-single/id582369571

Paul Weller plays in Delapre Park in July!

Paul Weller has announced an open-air date for next year that will kick off the Alive at Delapre Park gigs taking place in July 2013.

For over three decades Paul Weller has been at the heart of the English music scene. Often known as the Modfather, his changing musical styles have reflected English culture.

Since his early years as a member of the Jam and The Style Council, he has forged an enduring solo career. Ten albums later and he's going as strong as ever with this year's critically acclaimed NUMBER ONE release 'Sonic Kicks'

Weller's contribution to the British music scene has been recognised with a hatful of BRIT awards, an Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award and the Godlike Genius Award from NME.

He will launch the Alive at Delapre Park events in the historic parkland setting of Delapre – a key heritage site right in the heart of Northampton - putting it on the map as a music venue.

Paul Weller plus guests will be performing at:

Delapre Park , London Road , Northampton on Friday 19 July 2013.

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/Home/TheTheatres/Cinema

Sam Graham talks to IFM's Paddy Grady about A Christmas Carol and Sam's character 'Scrooge'

Paddy Grady has a chat with Sam Graham about the upcoming play “A Christmas Carol” ,

 what it is all about and how you can get tickets!

Paddy starts by asking Sam about his character Scrooge…


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A Christmas Carol

Wed 28 Nov - Sun 06 Jan
Venue: Royal

Royal & Derngate’s 2012/2013 Christmas Show

The most famous festive tale of all time is brought to life in a charming new version for all the family, in celebration of Charles Dickens’ 200th birthday.

Wealthy miser Ebenezer Scrooge is all set to greet Christmas Day with his traditional “bah humbug”! Not this year… the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future have other ideas and appear on Christmas Eve to show Scrooge the consequences of his bad-tempered ways.

Featuring some of the best-loved Dickensian characters including Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit and his son Tiny Tim, this heart-warming adaptation of the timeless classic is housed in the exquisite Victorian Royal auditorium and is directed by Gary Sefton, who was behind the hilarious, critically acclaimed Diary Of A Nobody and Travels With My Aunt for Royal & Derngate.

Tickets
£21, £19, £16, £10

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Genre:

Panto/Christmas Show

If you would like to book tickets over the phone,

 please call the Box Office on 01604 624811.

http://www.inspirationfm.com/

Work Starts On New Royal & Derngate Cinema Project

Work has commenced on the construction of a new cinema adjoining Royal & Derngate, with a ground-breaking ceremony.

Managed by Royal & Derngate, in partnership with Cityscreen, the leading independent cinema operator in the UK, this new venture will host the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream film, broadening the range of films available in the town centre to the discerning Northamptonshire movie-goer. The 90-seat cinema will have state of the art sound and digital projection equipment. It will benefit from luxurious leather seating, with individual side tables, allowing audiences to enjoy a glass of wine as they watch a film.

Along with additional events such as film-maker Q&A sessions, film festivals and themed seasons, there are plans to have specialised screenings, for example of matinee showings for the over 60s or baby friendly screenings.

Guests at the ceremony included Cllr David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council, and Joanna Dring, Carlsberg’s External Communications Manager. The cinema is expected to open in late spring 2013, and members of the public can follow the progress of the build, captured on a webcam, by going to http://cinecam.namtrust.co.uk.

Cllr David Mackintosh,

 Leader of Northampton Borough Council

The cinema development is part of a wider scheme, Northampton Alive, an initiative that brings together and promotes the town’s regeneration and heritage projects. Cllr Mackintosh said,

 “The Cinema will strengthen Northampton’s arts and entertainment offer and will be at the heart of the development of a new cultural quarter, which will revitalise the St John’s area and give a wide range of people even more reason to come to the town. Having a vibrant cultural scene is important to the bigger picture of regeneration and I’m pleased that we will soon have such an interesting and high quality new attraction.”

Martin Sutherland Chief

 Executive of Royal & Derngate 

Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Royal & Derngate commented:

 “We are delighted that construction is now getting started on the new cinema. We hope that this will be a wonderful new facility for the people of Northampton. We are grateful to all our supporters who have helped bring forward our plans.”

http://www.inspirationfm.com/

Ice rink adds festive cheer to Northampton Christmas celebrations

An ice rink will add to the festive fun on offer at Northampton’s Market Square over Christmas from Tuesday 20 November until 13 January.

The 24 x 14 metre covered ice rink, which is being brought to Northampton by John Thurston Funfairs, is suitable for people of all ages.  It will be stewarded and open weekdays 12 noon to 8pm and weekends and school holidays from 10.30am to 8pm.  Hour-long sessions, which include 50 minutes skating time, cost £7.50 per person or £25 for a family of four.

Councillor Brandon Eldred, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member responsible for events, said:

 “There’s something for everybody to enjoy in Northampton this Christmas.  We have had ice rinks before and they have always been very popular, particularly with young people and families.  I hope bringing the ice rink to town adds to the magic of Christmas in Northampton.  It should be a lot of fun.”

Skating is suitable for all, but children under 14 should be supervised by an adult.  Ice skates will be provided and there is no need to book in advance, just turn up.

For a full list of what’s happening when and everything else going on in Northampton this Christmas visitwww.christmasinnorthampton.co.uk. 

http://www.northampton.gov.uk/site/index.php

http://www.inspirationfm.com/

A Christmas Carol at Royal & Derngate Northampton

A Christmas Carol

Wed 28 Nov - Sun 06 Jan
Venue: Royal

Royal & Derngate’s 2012/2013 Christmas Show

The most famous festive tale of all time is brought to life in a charming new version for all the family, in celebration of Charles Dickens’ 200th birthday.

Wealthy miser Ebenezer Scrooge is all set to greet Christmas Day with his traditional “bah humbug”! Not this year… the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future have other ideas and appear on Christmas Eve to show Scrooge the consequences of his bad-tempered ways.

Featuring some of the best-loved Dickensian characters including Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit and his son Tiny Tim, this heart-warming adaptation of the timeless classic is housed in the exquisite Victorian Royal auditorium and is directed by Gary Sefton, who was behind the hilarious, critically acclaimed Diary Of A Nobody and Travels With My Aunt for Royal & Derngate.

Tickets
£21, £19, £16, £10

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Genre:

Panto/Christmas Show

http://www.inspirationfm.com/

'Mark Dean Talks To'Yvonne Spence (Discover Northampton) (Grand FInale of Fashion Show)

Mark Dean talks to Yvonne Spence about Discover Northampton & the grand finale of the fashion show and how you can go down and see it! 

Listen to the interview

Northampton Discovered: Exhibition and Fashion Show

Mon 01 Oct
Venue: Derngate

Come and see all the best that Northampton Town Centre BID Businesses have to offer at NORTHAMPTON DISCOVERED: Exhibition and Fashion Show

5.30pm - 7.30pm: Held in Royal & Derngate's concourse, find out more about the variety and choice available in our town in a free public exhibition of Northampton Town Centre BID Businesses.

At 7.30pm, discover the best from Northampton's fashion and beauty scene in an exciting catwalk fashion show showcasing the talent and vitality of local designers, revealing the trends for the winter season.

Fashion Show Tickets
£5

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Genre:

Spoken Word

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 http://www.northamptonbid.co.uk/index.html

http://www.inspirationfm.com/

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 fashion show,

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Youth Theatre in the Big Give Christmas Challenge!

Double your donations for Youth Theatre in the Big Give Christmas Challenge

Following on from the success of raising nearly £7,000 in last year’s Big Give, Royal & Derngate is one of only a few organisations in Northamptonshire to have been selected to participate in the Big Give Christmas Challenge for 2011. A nationwide scheme which unlocks £1 of matched funding for every £1 that the theatre raises, the Big Give Christmas Challenge takes place from Monday 5 to Friday 9th December. During this week the theatre aims to raise £8,000 towards Youth Theatre bursaries.

Royal & Derngate works with over 300 young people a week and its Youth Theatre provides an inspiring and creative opportunity for young people in Northampton to become engaged with the arts through weekly training sessions and regular productions, also helping to improve their confidence, social and communication skills at the same time.

Donations from the Big Give will help to cover the cost of Youth Theatre Bursaries for young people whose families would otherwise struggle to pay the membership fees of £55 a term and for whom financial hardship is a barrier to attendance. The funds will also pay for a series of outreach community workshops aimed at encouraging people from more diverse backgrounds to join the Youth Theatre.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation has given a generous pledge of £2,000, and the theatre needs to raise a matching £2,000 during the challenge week to release this money. If this target is reached, the theatre also has a fantastic opportunity to unlock additional bonus funding from the Big Give’s external sponsor doubling the public donations, meaning all donations could be worth twice their original value.

Donations of any size are very welcome and each £1 given unlocks another £1 of matched funding. Donations can be made online at www.thebiggive.org.uk/donate/royalandderngate from 10am on Monday 5 December.

Christmas Comedy Review

 

 Alternative festive fun with Christmas comedy was billed for the Royal stage,  at Royal & Derngate venue over the last few days, Tuesday , Wednesday , and Thursday.

Well alternative it was , with a compare, Carl Donnelly in between acts, very funny warm up man he was.  

There were gaps in the seats , he called them "laughter gaps", he then asked the audience to move forward and fill the empty gaps in the seating, this was very cosy , as i sat in the very front row.

The first act was Rob Deering , a multi- talented comedian he was, by playing with props, like a guitar, and asking for people to shout out rock numbers, and he played them with remarkable skill, and very funny too, as he changed the lyrics to the songs !

 

 

Rob Deering

 

Rob Deering first made his mark on TV when he joined the intrepid cast of 99 Things To Do Before You Die (on Five) and has since turned up consistently on TV and at comedy clubs around Britain, lambasting pop culture, promoting apple-based alcoholic beverages and playing widdly-widdly rock guitar, all with his inimitable cheesy egotism.

Mike Wilmot 

  There was an interval , and we all returned and was introduced to  Canadian comic Mike Wilmot, who jokes about beer and sex mainly , Mike was politically and anatomically incorrect , his humour is not for under 18's , as it was a no holds barred performance , but very funny show.

 

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