Derngate had a £5m facelift 2 years ago and locals ask - it's difficult to see where all money spent. Sound excellent though. Very nice foyer and booking offices. Easy to book and collect. Good views but first 5 rows are not tiered and can be too close to stage.  Drinks very expensive but can now take them into show which is bonus. If can afford the cost of extra drinks then buy 1/2 time drinks at start to beat queue, but this will +delay the buying process for the thirsty latecomers. The car parking is down the hill - mostly in multi-storey - can be difficult up hill if use a stick like me. Had been difficult to find a working ticket machine which meant period when many people late for show cos of queuing to pre-pay. Now sorted by council as now pay on exit but ensure you have 80p change for this or else stranded! This is premier music venue in town but in 50 years never got premier chart acts or shows. Acts either on way down or lesser known ones.  
Recently enjoyed Logical tramp, original Focus & Wishbone Ash, Frank Skinner and soon at Xmas will see Roy Wood's Wizzard (always a great show) with Mud and a great T-Rex tribute.
Last Xmas went to our only ever panto which was all due to the wonderful Julian Cleary - great show not sure about Jimmy Osmond.
Check out the gig guide and support this venue and the excellent adjacent Royal theatre for plays. See my separate review.

Event Date: October 13, 2009
Event Venue: Derngate Theatre

This was a professional show from the Northampton Amateur Operatic Company (and all the reviews in local press agree). The singing was superb, the dancing, costumes and set supreme, the humour well delivered and we loved being able to see the orchestra on view. I counted 40 performers on stage - what a production. Making this incredible value for money at £20 a seat - A West End trip for two would cost over £150 and you'd never be home by 11pm! We saw a similar Cole Porter production on Broadway, New York and this was it's equal. I'm sorry for all the doubters of so called 'amateur' shows - they missed a treat - this was professional in all but name. We're looking forward to their next offering. I just hope the group made enough this week to cover their costs? Saw the show on Friday 16th Oct - it ran for a week.

Royal Theatre - See my fuller review of Derngate for some tips. They have joint facilties for ticketing, car-parks and bars but the Royal has its own intimate theatre style. If staying overnight, or arrive early - chose to shop and eat in St Giles St / Derngate area at top of the hill which has the mega-impressive town hall facing downwards.
Very historical Rep theatre venue, probably spent much of £5m facelift here to reveal the old glory. In last year saw Laurel & Hardy, 39 Steps (funny 3-hander version) and Pluck comedy/music trio (See review) - all excellent shows. A friend sees just about every show here and states all are marvellous productions. Hope will add his views to this later.

First visit to Derngate Theatre

Went last night with my partner to see The Temptations and it was so good, we had seats in the upper circle and the view to the stage was so clear, seats were comfortable with plenty of leg room.  The Theatre is impressive and very clean.  The direction to our seats was a little unclear so we had to ask a member of staff who was very polite.  Have already booked to take the grand children to see Cinderella and since the Temptations were so good am looking today to book for the Sylistics if there's any seats left!

Went to see Evita yesterday what a fabulous production so convincing absolutely loved it. Great performance by all