Royal & Derngate is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northampton. It offers a diverse programme of work on its stages, from drama to dance, stand-up comedy to classical music and children’s shows to opera.

The Royal Theatre in Northampton opened in 1884. It was designed by the famous theatre architect C J Phipps, who also built the Theatre Royal in Bath and the Savoy Theatre in London.

It has been a ‘producing’ house since 1927 and develops multiple theatre productions a year. It is best known for its decorated safety curtain, which was painted by local artist Henry Bird in 1978.

In 1999, the Royal Theatre merged with the Derngate. Visitors can watch a show or see the theatre on Guildhall Road in Northampton.