Royal and Derngate

Crosstown Concerts, Penguin Random House and Waterstones present James O’Brien in Conversation Our economy has tanked, our freedoms are shrinking, and social divisions are growing. Our politicians seem most interested in their own careers, and much of the media only make things worse. We are living in a country almost unrecognisable from the one that existed a decade ago. But whose fault is it really? Who broke Britain and how did they do it? In his forthcoming book, ‘How They Broke Britain’, LBC’s James O’Brien discusses the shady network of influence that has created a broken Britain of strikes, shortages and scandals. He maps the web connecting dark think tanks to Downing Street, the journalists complicit in selling it to the public and the media bosses pushing their own agendas. Taking this conversation on tour, one of the UK’s most popular talk radio hosts will discuss how a select few have conspired – sometimes by incompetence, sometimes by design – to bring Britain to its knees. The show will also include an audience Q&A and book signing.

Join the Two Mr Ps as they take their award-winning podcast on the road again with the ultimate show and tell lesson. As well as sharing their own experiences and stories from the classroom, the Two Mr Ps will be telling some of the most embarrassing, cringey and downright hilarious stories from teachers all over the UK. Audiences can also submit their own tales to be read anonymously to the rest of the class…

Simon is an author and TV presenter, and one of the world’s most adventurous travellers. His unique brand of documentary film-making combines travel and adventure with current affairs, history, wildlife, culture and conservation. His journeys have taken him to more than 130 countries, across jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans, and to some of the most beautiful, dangerous and remote regions of the world. In 2018 Simon’s first national theatre tour was completely sold out. Now he’s returning to venues across the UK with new tales and his new tour ‘To The Ends Of The Earth’. On his new UK tour Simon will offer stories, surprises, thrills, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs. He wants to nudge and encourage audiences to get out of their comfort zone, take a few gentle risks in life, and embrace the great outdoors and the wider world. With behind the scenes footage and stunning imagery, Simon will inspire and remind audiences that we all need more journeys in our lives, and plenty of wild experiences. His last tour was sold out, so book early!

Icons of British music, The Hollies, have announced a UK tour for 2023, celebrating embarking upon their 7th decade as a band. The Hollies have been entertaining audiences for over the last 60 years with their timeless hits such as Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress), The Air That I Breathe, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, and Bus Stop. The band’s music has transcended generations and their live performances continue to captivate fans worldwide. The line-up includes powerhouse drummer Bobby Elliott, and singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist Tony Hicks, both of whom are original members of the band. They are joined by lead singer Peter Howarth, as well as bass player Ray Stiles, Keyboardist Ian Parker, and Steve Lauri on Rhythm Guitar. Last year the band celebrated 60 years together with a hugely successful UK tour. The Hollies are one of the key bands of the 1960s British Invasion era alongside the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The band have over 20 world-wide hits, including number one singles in both the US and UK. Spending an astonishing 263 weeks in the UK top 40 official singles chart, and have been performing continuously since their formation in 1962.

Killer Queen have been performing their tribute to Queen’s concerts since 1993. Their expert musicianship, extraordinary energy and accurate portrayal of the world’s greatest live band have rightfully earned them the title of Queen tribute royalty. Thrilling sell-out audiences across the globe from the UK to Europe and annual tour of USA, Killer Queen recreates the high energy, powerful phenomenon that was Queen live. Fronted by Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury,Time Out described Patrick’s resemblance to Freddie Mercury as “Spooky,” his uncanny likeness was further proven when he recorded a number one hit single singing as Freddie Mercury on Fat Boy Slim’s record The Real Life. This quality, combined with a powerful 3 1/2 octave tenor range and dynamic stage presence, has captivated audiences the world over.

Hello, Seann here. Did you know that comedians have to write their own blurb? I find that absolutely insane. What am I meant to say? “I’m fantastic, come and look at me talk”? I don’t know. It’s me. I do stand-up. I guess I can start with the fact I renamed the tour. Sticking with Same Again? felt a bit triggering after the year we’ve had. So it is now called Back From The Bed. Some of the material will be the same as I had always planned and some of it will be new because it will be difficult to avoid mentioning the last year in which millions of decent people tragically lost their lives to TikTok. The previous leg of this tour got a lot of standing ovations, which was pleasing. Either that or they were leaving early. Come along if you like me. I’d be confident enough to say come along if you’re on the fence. Cheers. Here are some things I’ve been on… Seann has starred in series 1-3 of The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Netflix’s Flinch, Live At The Apollo (BBC2), Tonight At The London Palladium (ITV), Celebrity Juice (ITV2), Play To The Whistle (ITV), a team captain for Virtually Famous (C4), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (C4), Alan Carr’s Chatty Man (C4), Hey Tracey! (ITV2), Comedians...

The UK’s top sporting podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby is back on tour for a World Cup After Party, with hosts England Rugby heroes James Haskell and Mike Tindall, and former Sky Sports rugby presenter Alex Payne sharing their own World Cup stories and recapping the action from the 10th men’s Rugby World Cup in France this Autumn… In their very own, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby style. This will be the second tour from the hugely successful podcast team, who have gained more than 50million views online since launching in 2020, and follows a series of sold out shows in 2022. The trio will take to the stage to recreate their trademark on-air banter, as The Good (Alex), The Bad (James) and The Rugby (Mike), share tales from on and off the pitch for what promises to be a night filled with surprises and laughter with audience interaction, fun and games.

Richard Herring is taking his critically acclaimed podcast, RHLSTP, on a UK & Ireland tour in 2023 and 2024! His interview podcast is usually recorded in London’s glittering West End at the Leicester Square Theatre, but now it’s going on the road. Richard Herring has enjoyed phenomenal success as a writer and performer and is an innovator in the world of podcasts. Join the “Podfather” (Guardian), “King of the Internet” (Time Out) and “The UK’s online comedy pioneer” (The Times) as he chats with hilarious star guests at venues all over the country. RHLSTP sees him interview top comedians in front of a live audience for his podcast but includes all the chat that is too controversial for broadcast! Previous guests include Stephen Fry, Michael Palin, Katherine Ryan, Dawn French, Stephen Merchant, Kathy Burke, Grayson Perry, Nish Kumar and James Acaster. The show regularly receives 1 million downloads a month, won three Chortle Internet Comedy Awards and is the only non-BBC show to ever win a Sony Best Comedy Award.

Do you believe in ghosts? Are UFOs real? Is the impossible possible? Join Danny Robins, creator of the smash hit BBC Radio 4 paranormal podcasts Uncanny, The Battersea Poltergeist and The Witch Farm and award-winning West End play 2:22 – A Ghost Story, for the biggest investigation into the paranormal – ever. In UNCANNY: I KNOW WHAT I SAW, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds and scares of brand new, real-life stories of the supernatural, from ghosts and poltergeists to UFO sightings and other strange encounters. Watch as these creepy, thrilling tales are brought to life on stage by Danny and his ever-present team of experts. Is what happened genuinely supernatural or can it be explained? Are you #TeamBeliever or #TeamSceptic? You’ll even have a chance to share your own stories, if you dare. Warning: This show will make you jump, laugh, think and question the very nature of reality!

Musical master of ceremonies Jools Holland and his much loved Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are back and joined by special guests Pauline Black and Arthur ’Gaps’ Hendrickson of The Selecter. Fans will be thrilled to hear that the show will once again feature the outstanding vocals of Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, as well as the highly talented Sumudu Jayatilaka, who joined Jools for the first time in 2022. Together with the inimitable musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which features drums from original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, Jools Holland will be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career. With a catalogue that reaches through decades, prepare to enjoy the greatest boogie-woogie party in town! The support act will be Mark Flanagan. Maximum four tickets per household. Tickets will be posted up to a week before the event.

After his TV appearance on The Russell Howard Hour Andrew supported Russell Howard on his massive national tour including six straight shows at The London Palladium. Andrew grew up in Towcester, Northants the first comedy night he ever went to, two days before turning 18 was Screaming Blue Murder right here at Royal & Derngate. He has since regularly appeared at the night himself and supported Rhod Gilbert and Rob Brydon in the main theatre. Everything is taken so seriously now. If it’s going to be up to Andrew to point out how ridiculous it all is then he’s willing to take that job on. From race and religion to deodorant adverts, being diagnosed with sleep apnoea, and people that have a flag on their house. Having previously supporting Russell at Bristol’s Ashton Gate Football stadium he’s also supported Rhod Gilbert, Rob Brydon, America’s Brian Regan and Michelle Wolfe on their only London shows and Michael McIntyre on an entire arena tour including Wembley and the O2. He’s written on the TV shows Jon Richardson’s Ultimate Worrier and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

The critically acclaimed Northants Sings Out (NSO) are returning with their annual, much anticipated, sell out show. Join NSO for a night of spine tingling, show stopping live music that must be experienced to be believed! 200 voices from the Counties finest, musically energetic and vocally unstoppable combined choirs, dazzle you with their charismatic, unforgettable performance. Featuring uplifting, popular songs from soul to pop, reggae to gospel, prepare to dance all night! With musical accompaniment by a full live band, The Collective (who have worked with the some of the world’s best selling pop artists/bands) and led by nationally esteemed Choir Director, Gareth Fuller (whose credits include leading voices for Liam Gallagher’s recent sell out Knebworth Park shows and performing for HM The Queen), enjoy an energetic performance that will make you smile and move for the entire evening! You won’t want to miss a night with NSO’s vibrant, inspirational sounds that will touch the hearts of people from all walks of life. You will be lifted and inspired!