Every Wednesday
17th April – 22nd May 2024
2-3.30pm

Beginners welcome, all materials provided.

Over 18s ONLY

6 x 90 minute weekly sessions

£45 total

This event will be held in the St Andrews Church rooms – access via the car park on Crown Street to the rear of the buildings.

Disability access

Join us at Kettering Arts Centre at St Andrews Church for an insightful evening with Natalie Bennett, former leader of the Green Party, as she signs her new book ‘Change Everything’. A practical guide to rethinking, repairing and rebuilding the way we live, for a fairer future.

About the Book

We are living in a social, political, economic and environmental emergency. The status quo is profoundly unstable; change is inevitable. Now is the time to get together to build a far healthier and more balanced world.

The decades-old political orthodoxy, that greed is good, inequality doesn’t matter and we can keep treating the planet as a mine and a dumping ground, has been a recipe for disaster. Our world needs a new vision, the Green vision. From Universal Basic Income to free education, from less stuff but more life, to genuine democratic opportunities for all, Natalie Bennett brings together a holistic, hopeful and practical vision for the future.

The foundations of Change Everything are conversations with many thousands of people. We need to engage millions to bring together the imagination, talents and energy of all to rebuild and repair our societies. Then a positive future is within our reach.

About the Author

Natalie Bennett, or Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle for really formal occasions, was leader of the Green Party of England and Wales 2012 – 2016, and entered the House of Lords in 2019. That’s meant a decade travelling the country speaking at public meetings, in schools, colleges and universities, and hearing about the many great grassroots efforts being made to tackle our polycrises. She has degrees in agricultural science, humanities and social science, reflecting her passion for joined-up, systems thinking, rather than reductionist, 20th-centurystyle approaches. She was editor of the Guardian Weekly, chief subeditor on the Bangkok Post, and a volunteer at the Thai National Commission on Women’s Affairs. She grew up on the lands of the Wallumedegal people in northern Sydney.

Reviews

“Natalie Bennett provides hope and inspiration by showing us how in a myriad of practical ways. If you want to ‘be the change you wish to see in this world’, read this book” – Christine Milne, former leader of the Australian Greens

“Natalie Bennett is the real deal, practising the politics that she preaches. Change Everything is a must read for anyone who wants a way out of our current political quagmire” – Jennifer Nadel, Compassion in Politics

Tickets ON SALE NOW £3 General Admission / £12 Book & Ticket

Doors 15 minutes prior to the event

Family friendly // Licensed bar with refreshments on sale // Disability access

LED BY NIC FROM NIXIEMADE & NEW FOR 2024, Kettering Arts Centre brings another series of ADULT ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Explore drawing, papercraft, yarn craft, printing, painting and clay

BOOK NOW!
ONLY £45 for 6 sessions
Every Wednesday
19th June – 24th July 2024
NEW TIME 10-11.30am

Beginners welcome, all materials provided
Over 18s ONLY
6 x 90 minute weekly sessions
This event will be held in the St Andrews Church rooms – access via the car park on Crown Street to the rear of the buildings
Disability access

Following a brilliant festival last year, KETTFEST is BACK to celebrate the best of the town in a one-day festival of all that’s good about Kettering.

GET INVOLVED! https://bit.ly/Kettfest-to-take-part

Kettering Arts Centre will once again showcase LOCAL BANDS on The Market Place Main Stage with live music, busking, spoken word and entertainment in other places throughout the town.

Follow the town council website for updated information and social media for more information on everything that is happening.

This is a family friendly feel good festival that will champion local talent and celebrate our community.

Family friendly // Licensed bar with refreshments on sale // Disability access

LED BY NIC FROM NIXIEMADE & NEW FOR 2024, Kettering Arts Centre brings another series of ADULT ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Explore drawing, papercraft, yarn craft, printing, painting and clay

BOOK NOW!
ONLY £45 for 6 sessions
Every Wednesday
19th June – 24th July 2024
NEW TIME 10-11.30am

Beginners welcome, all materials provided
Over 18s ONLY
6 x 90 minute weekly sessions
This event will be held in the St Andrews Church rooms – access via the car park on Crown Street to the rear of the buildings
Disability access

LED BY NIC FROM NIXIEMADE & NEW FOR 2024, Kettering Arts Centre brings another series of ADULT ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Explore drawing, papercraft, yarn craft, printing, painting and clay

BOOK NOW!
ONLY £45 for 6 sessions
Every Wednesday
19th June – 24th July 2024
NEW TIME 10-11.30am

Beginners welcome, all materials provided
Over 18s ONLY
6 x 90 minute weekly sessions
This event will be held in the St Andrews Church rooms – access via the car park on Crown Street to the rear of the buildings
Disability access

LED BY NIC FROM NIXIEMADE & NEW FOR 2024, Kettering Arts Centre brings another series of ADULT ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Explore drawing, papercraft, yarn craft, printing, painting and clay

BOOK NOW!
ONLY £45 for 6 sessions
Every Wednesday
19th June – 24th July 2024
NEW TIME 10-11.30am

Beginners welcome, all materials provided
Over 18s ONLY
6 x 90 minute weekly sessions
This event will be held in the St Andrews Church rooms – access via the car park on Crown Street to the rear of the buildings
Disability access

KETTERING ARTS CENTRE presents:

ROLLING IN THE AISLES COMEDY CLUB

TOP comedians and an MC perform cutting edge stand up at Kettering Arts Centre’s monthly RITA Comedy Club!

Headliner and BGT Semi Finalist 2018 MANDY MUDEN is the only woman ever to combine Comedy and Magic on the UK Comedy and Corporate circuits.

She has a striking personality with a razor sharp wit and so creates a fantastic rapport, offering a great line in audience participation. She can adapt her show to any type of event and audience. Having performed all over the world from Comedy Clubs to the most prestigious corporate events.

“Imagine Alison Steadman playing a beauty consultant doing Tommy Cooper-style magic. Can’t imagine it? Then go see Mandy!”
The Scotsman

“The digitally-enhanced magic of the superb Amanda Muden”
Evening Standard

“Mandy is going to be huge”
Billy Connolly

This year GEOFF WHITING celebrates 16 years on the stand-up circuit, during which time he has established himself as a one of the top UK comedians.

His funny, strong, versatile act lends itself to any occasion. Geoff has a wealth of experience in working at all the notable comedy clubs in Europe and many corporate and private events with audiences of 12 to over 1,000 people.

Geoff has supported Michael McIntyre, Harry Hill, Dara O Briain, Omid Djalili, Lee Mack, Ross Noble, Rhod Gilbert, Milton Jones, Micky Flanagan, Noel Fielding and Lee Hurst.

He has made regular appearances on TV and radio, as well as being an excellent TV warm up having cut his teeth on a series of the BBC’s Shooting Stars. After overcoming a fear of flying Geoff is now performing at comedy clubs and corporate events across Europe: from Budapest to Guernsey.

Geoff is one of only a handful of comics worldwide to have performed stand up comedy in a pod on the London Eye (for BBC: The One Show) and was the first English speaking comic to ever perform at Club 99 in Bucharest, Romania.

“Dry humour and crisp style, seriously entertaining”
The Stage

“Wonderfully confident, highly entertaining…”
Scene Magazine

“Skilful stand-up”
Time Out Magazine

“A master of the ‘That’s so True’ type of humour.”
Evening Standard

“He ad-libbed brilliantly and hooked the audience.”
Coventry Echo

YURIKO KOTANI is a UK-based Japanese comedian. She was named as ‘one to watch’ by Time Out and won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2015. She appeared on Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central, Pls Like (BBC3), Paul Hollywood Eats Japan (C4), Mandy (BBC2), Sorry, I Didn’t Know (ITV) and Comedy Central Live.

On radio she has guested on The Comedy Club (BBC Radio 4 Extra), BBC World Service’s The Arts Hour International New Year Comedy Celebration, The Verb (BBC Radio 3), Loose Ends (BBC Radio 4) and Tudur Owen: United Nations of Anglesey (BBC Radio 4).

Penguin invited her to be a part of the ‘Audio Comedy Festival Edinburgh Unlocked’.

Yuriko worked with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to make videos for Rugby World Cup 2019, detailing her top tips for rugby fans travelling to Japan.

‘Kotani has a magical way of telling a story… her imagination transforms everyday battles into something extraordinary’
★★★★ The Scotsman

‘A phenomenally feel-good show’
★★★★ BroadwayBaby

‘An uplifting story that will leave your heart filled and a smile on your face. I urge you to go and see this show’
★★★★ Entertainment Now

Since winning Channel 4’s So you Think You’re Funny at the 1991 Edinburgh Festival, ALAN FRANCIS has been a regular on the UK and International Comedy Circuit.

He has appeared in numerous TV shows including Psychoville, Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge, Knowing Me Knowing Yule, Alistair McGowan’s Big Impression, Ancona and Co, Alas Smith and Jones, The BBC Stand-Up Show, the Alan Davies Show, Alexei Sayle’s Stuff, Between the Lines and Taggart.

He has acted in the West End and at The Royal Court Theatre, for The National Theatre of Scotland and at the RSC.

Last year Alan ‘s show Inside Alan Francis was broadcast on Radio 4 Extra as was his comedy drama Eking which was on Radio 4.

A brilliant Observational Stand-Up….
**** The Scotsman

Brazen, dark and clever….
**** The List

Age 18+
Tickets £11 in advance // £14 on the door
Licensed bar // Unreserved seating // Disability access

*** PLEASE NOTE *** This is a private live music event, showcasing the incredible work and ability of ISM Music Academy students currently attending lessons and learning an instrument.

Kettering Arts Centre is pleased to host another ISM Student Showcase!

After the incredible success of our last student showcase, ISM Music Academy is returning to Kettering Arts Centre once more.

The ISM Student Showcase represents a great opportunity for their students to get up and perform in front of friends and family and is always a fantastic evening.

Tickets to go onsale SOON
(FREE entry for performing students)

http://www.ismmusicacademy.co.uk

Suitable for all ages // Disability access // Unreserved seating
Licensed bar // Refreshments on sale
Estimated running time of both shows separately 120 minutes (including interval)

LED BY NIC FROM NIXIEMADE & NEW FOR 2024, Kettering Arts Centre brings another series of ADULT ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Explore drawing, papercraft, yarn craft, printing, painting and clay

BOOK NOW!
ONLY £45 for 6 sessions
Every Wednesday
19th June – 24th July 2024
NEW TIME 10-11.30am

Beginners welcome, all materials provided
Over 18s ONLY
6 x 90 minute weekly sessions
This event will be held in the St Andrews Church rooms – access via the car park on Crown Street to the rear of the buildings
Disability access

Kettering Arts Centre is proud to present the BEST in LIVE standup comedy…

PHIL McINTYRE LIVE​
Proudly Presents
Milton Jones: Work In Progress

Join Milton as he tries out new material.
​
“He’s fast, absurd and very Funny”
Radio Times

miltonjones.com
facebook.com/miltoncomedyjones
twitter.com/themiltonjones

Age guidance: Universal
Running time: approximately 110 minutes including interval
Licensed bar /// Unreserved seating /// Disability access

LED BY NIC FROM NIXIEMADE & NEW FOR 2024, Kettering Arts Centre brings another series of ADULT ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Explore drawing, papercraft, yarn craft, printing, painting and clay

BOOK NOW!
ONLY £45 for 6 sessions
Every Wednesday
19th June – 24th July 2024
NEW TIME 10-11.30am

Beginners welcome, all materials provided
Over 18s ONLY
6 x 90 minute weekly sessions
This event will be held in the St Andrews Church rooms – access via the car park on Crown Street to the rear of the buildings
Disability access

Hold onto your meeples, we are excited to announce the first ever Northants Board Game Convention!

On Saturday 10th August at Kettering Arts Centre, we will bring together board gamers from across the county in this fun social gaming experience.

There will be over 350 games to play on the day from our board game library, attendees can, of course, bring their own to play too. There will be demonstrations of games to learn how to play, vendors selling board game-related wares, a Bring and Buy section for pre-used games, and competitions, tournaments and raffle.

We are inviting budding game creators who want to play test their game designs.

For those with sensory differences, there will also be quiet and less crowded rooms for those who need a peaceful place to play.

Kettering Arts Centre has its own licensed bar and there will be delicious food vendors too.

The event is the passion of Gavin Price, Dez Dell and Tom Houston who are all avid fans of board games, Gavin and Dez run Boards of Kettering who host a monthly board games cafe night at Johnny’s Happy Place and sell games at The Bean Hive in Kettering and The Galleria in Burton Latimer.

Rev Tom Houston is the vicar of St Andrews Church and manager of Kettering Arts Centre. He is a regular attendee at the board games cafe night and together they are organising the Northants Board Game Convention.

Northants Board Game Convention takes place on Saturday 10th August from 12pm – 9pm at Kettering Arts Centre, Lindsey St, Kettering, NN16 8RG.

Tickets ON SALE NOW £5 per person/£3 for concessions (under 5’s free).

Family friendly // Licensed bar with refreshments on sale // Disability access

Kettering Arts Centre is proud to present the BEST in LIVE standup comedy…

UK Comics’ Comic 2022 – Best Act

As Seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of one-liners’, and social media phenomenon MARK SIMMONS brings his sell-out tour show ‘Quip Off the Mark’.

Mark joined Dara O’Brian and Hugh Dennis on BBC2’s Mock The Week as a semi-regular on the show and now brings you his show Quip Off The Mark which has toured over 125 venues and sold over 15,000 tickets. He’s also been appearing on BT Sport’s DIY pundit and The Rugby’s On.

Mark has also appeared in other TV shows such as ITV’s Out There, BBC Radio 4ExtraStands Up, a Channel 4 pilot starring alongside Bridget Christie, as well as BBC3’s One For The Road.

Mark is enjoying further success with his solo podcast, Jokes With Mark Simmons, where he invites a fellow comic, such as Gary Delaney, Sarah Millican, and Milton Jones to discuss jokes that they’ve written but simply just haven’t worked.

This isn’t your average one-liner show as there is the running theme throughout. This year Mark’s parents have sold the house he grew up in and has to collect his box of stuff from the loft. Come discover what’s in the box in this top-level one-liner show structured in a way
you’ve never seen before.

“Master of one-liners…his (show) consist(s) of literally one liner after one liner, with one or two breaks for the audience to catch their breath before another assault on the laughter and muscles with the next segment.”
One4Review ★★★★★

“Absolutely hilarious.”
The Scotsman ★★★★

“A lot of excellent funny one-liners.”
Bruce Dessau

“A talented comic with an artisan’s grasp of joke writing.”
Chortle ★★★★

RUNNER UP DAVE’s Top 10 Jokes of the Fringe 2022
DAVE’s Top 10 Jokes of the Fringe 2019 (& 2017)
Nominee Amused Moose: Best Show 2017

Age guidance: 14+
Running time: approximately 100 minutes including support act & interval
Licensed bar /// Unreserved seating /// Disability access

KETTERING ARTS CENTRE presents:

KETTERING COMEDY CLUB

TOP comedians and an MC perform cutting edge stand up at Kettering Arts Centre’s monthly Comedy Club!

KEITH FARNAN – Irish raconteur

Best known for his appearance on BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, stand up comedian Keith Farnan is an engaging and sharp-witted performer who personifies Irish charm.

He has performed stand up all over the world, from Montreal to Amsterdam to Hong Kong. His many Edinburgh Festival shows have proved a powerful mix of personal and political and have sold out at major comedy festivals in the UK as well as the Soho Theatre and Royal Festival Hall in London.

Keith’s many TV appearances include Live from Amsterdam (Showtime), Live at The Comedy Store (Comedy Central), The Social (RTE), Most Annoying People (BBC Three), One Night Stand (Dave) and Money, Money, Money: Keith Farnan versus the Economy (RTE).

Brilliant, thought-provoking and laugh out loud funny. TIME OUT

Artful, satirical… with a lightness of touch and a hefty helping of roguish Celtic charm. THE SUNDAY TIMES

KAREN BAYLEY is a midlands based act hailing from Birmingham. Karen has been on the circuit for over a decade. She made a name for herself early on in her career reaching the semi-final of the prestigious BBC New Comedy Awards and was later crowned the winner of the 2001 Komedia New Act prize, Karen Bayley followed by becoming the first ever female winner of the prestigious Comedy Store King Gong award as well as reaching the finals of both the BBC New Comedy Awards Showcase and Babycham Funny Women.

Delightfully saucy, her friendly and confident stage presence, combined with a killer wit, an infectious giggle and some devastating one-liners make her a comedic force to be reckoned with a warm and welcoming with a delightfully saucy and spiky edge, her bold, no nonsense attitude strikes a perfect pitch with men and women alike.

Karen can be seen performing at all the established clubs and bookers across the UK and has recently been supporting Joe Lycett on his 2016 tour. Karen also appeared in the Aviva Goth Advert Campaign

“Bayley’s material surprises with inspired and sparkling punchlines…with comic timing that is rarely less than brilliant. An assured performer who doesn’t have much trouble getting audiences laughing”
Chortle

“I saw her recently and she blew my socks off. She doesn’t dwell too much on “lady issues”. Funny in her own right, she was brilliant, clever and she’s gonna be huge.”
BBC Online

“Likeable headstrong persona- packing a considerable performing punch”
The List

“the night’s star attraction”
Tamworth Herald

“Karen is one of the most consistently hilarious comedians I have had the pleasure of working with . She’s a sharp writer and an unflappable compère, able to cajole any room with her warm audience interaction and precise intelligent gags”
Joe Lycett

Lead writer and star of his own BBC Radio 1 sketch series The ANDY FIELD Experience, Andy has made an impact on the comedy scene with his silly style and refreshing approach to traditional stand up.

TV appearances include BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy (BBC 1 & BBC 3), As Yet Untitled (Dave), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2) and Pie and a Pint (Comedy Central)

A regular at festivals such as Latitude, Download, Bestival, Leefest, Secret Garden Party and Green Man, Andy is fast becoming a familiar face at top comedy clubs around the country.

BBC New Comedy Award Finalist / Chortle Student Comedy Award Winner / Leicester Square New Comedian Finalist / Dave’s Top 5 Jokes of the Fringe / Chortle’s One to Watch 2017

*****- Voice Mag

****- The Skinny

****- Broadway Baby

****- Fest

****- Ed Fest Mag

“A joyous insight into a truly bizarre mind” The Telegraph

“He has a surreal outlook, a set packed full of proper punchlines and a nerdy glee in sharing it.” Steve Bennett, Chortle

“This is what Milton Jones would be like if he had his pick of the mushroom fields” Broadway Baby

“Wonderfully weird” Ed Fest Mag

SPECIAL GUEST MC – NICK WILLS!

Nick Wills (Compere)”Yay! He’s coming back!”/”Oh no! Not him!”/”Never heard of him” (delete as applicable)

“Britain’s sweariest Vicar” (Mark Steel, BBC Radio 2) returns! Whiter of beard than ever before and with a well-developed palate for all things offal or deep-fried, honed over 4 and a half years in Scotland’s capital, where the cows, eggs and locally-produced soft drink of choice all make him feel proud to be ginger… And some of the residents make him embarrassed to be ginger…

What will he make of what the ravages of time and a global pandemic have wreaked on Kettering Town Centre?

How will he cope with a gig in a church which doesn’t have a clicky floor??

And will a hen party from Corby turn up again???

At least, if they do, he’ll have a chance of understanding their accents this time!

Age 18+
Licensed bar // Unreserved seating // Disability access

TICKETS LIVE 01.05.24 12 noon

Kettering Arts Centre & Impatient Productions are delighted to present…

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year’s funny and moving memoir, one of Britain’s most beloved and most scatterbrained stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it’s cluttered in there).

Among other things, this show will be a love-letter to letter-writing, a trip back through her early years as a comic and woman-about-town, and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious brain.

“Has the crowd in the palm of her hand”
The List

“I laughed all the way through and left inspired”
Funny Women

“Makes live comedy thrilling”
Evening Standard

http://www.shappi.co.uk

Age guidance: 14+
Running time: approximately 80mins plus interval
Licensed bar // Unreserved seating // Disability access

Kettering Arts Centre is proud to welcome EMPYRE to perform once again…

Empyre are on the rise. They signed to the record label Kscope in late 2022, and in March 2023 released their second electric album Relentless, the follow-up to 2019’s Self Aware.

Sonically, Empyre perform intense, atmospheric rock, with a dark and introspective edge to their writing. In the words of BBC Introducing their music ranges from “Triumphant, chest beating rock” to more subtle but just as arresting numbers inviting you to do the deepest of soul searching. They’ve also been described as the love-child of Pink Floyd and Soundgarden.

Plaudits have included being awarded a ‘High Hopes’ feature by Classic Rock Magazine, along with winning their “Track Of The Week” on three separate occasions. Kerrang! described their sound as “slick, vast and like the music was written with the help of an architectural blue print for an arena” and Planet Rock heralded the band as ‘Ones to Watch’.

Just as adept performing “unplugged” as they are fully electric Empyre have performed acoustic sets before rock legends Eagles, Shinedown and Alter Bridge at Arena Birmingham and been one of very few rock acts to be featured on ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris’ “Under The Apple Tree” Sessions. They released the acoustic studio album The Other Side in 2021. 2023 saw them release a new album, new singles, sell out headline shows and join the ITB roster. This year will see the release of their first ever live album.

“Empyre are formidable giant killers” Classic Rock Magazine

“Everything about Empyre’s beguiling music is colossal sounding” Planet Rock

“Empyre have become masters at taking the formula for British atmospheric rock and infusing it with their arena-ready signature sound” ​Guitar World

“No stage is too big for these guys” ​BBC Introducing

Doors: 7:00pm
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult

Licensed bar // Unreserved seating // Disability access

TICKETS LIVE 17.05.24 10am

Phil McIntyre Live Ltd proudly presents:

MARK THOMAS: GAFFA TAPES

If you don’t know what he does ask your parents.

In his time he has won awards (current total is now officially ‘fuckloads’), forced a politician to resign, changed laws on tax and protest, become Guinness Book of Records world record holder for number of protests in 24 hours, taken the police to court 3 times and on walked the length of the Israeli Wall in the West Bank and generally mucked about trying to have fun and fuck the right people off.

This show is more of the above.

“You’ll leave recommitted to the fight against this appalling authoritarian government, to keep that tradition alive.”
Guardian 2021

Age guidance: 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

Estimated running time: 110 minutes (including interval)
Licensed bar // Unreserved seating // Disability access

KETTERING ARTS CENTRE presents KETTERING COMEDY CLUB

TOP comedians and an MC perform cutting edge stand up at Kettering Arts Centre’s monthly Comedy Club!

STEVE ROYLE is an actor, writer, comedian, juggler, a “Gillard award” winning presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire and now a finalist on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent 2020.

Steve most recently completed his 17th consecutive pantomime at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool (and his 22nd Pantomime in total) and was also made an honorary member of The Friends Of The Grand in 2016 for his services to the theatre. Last year he starred, to critical acclaim, in the World premier tour of “Naturally Insane: The Life of Dan Leno” and is taking the show to the West End (Criterion Theatre).

In 2015 he performed 16 nights at The Manchester Arena as part of the “Phoenix Nights Live” show, helping raise well over £5 million in the process. He also appeared at the London Palladium twice within a month later that year when he performed as part of the TV show “Sunday Night At The Palladium” and as warm-up for “One Night With Neil Diamond”.

He spent many years as “Special Guest” on Dave Spikey’s Tours and has supported several other top comedic names including Peter Kay, Mick Miller, Roy Walker and The Lancashire Hotpots! He was also the first comic, ever, to act as “Warm-up” for The Royal Variety Show featuring Take That, Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow and Meatloaf. He is a regular Television “warm-up” for programs such as “The Rob Brydon Show”, “A Question Of Sport”, “Mastermind” and even survived over 150 episodes of “The Price is Right” with Joe Pasquale a few years ago.

Steve’s first love, however, is Stand-Up and it is a job that has taken him all over the world: Cruises in the Med, Norwegian Fjords and the Caribbean, hotels and comedy clubs in Hong Kong, Dubai, Crete, Cyprus, Turkey and Japan.

He is a regular headline act at The Comedy Store and other “alternative” venues and has several television appearances to his credit. “Phoenix Nights”, “Max And Paddy’s Road To Nowhere”, “Peter Kay’s Britain’s Got The Pop Factor…”, “Stand-up Britain”, “Give Your Mate A Break”, “The Afternoon Show”, “Talk Of The North”, a “Real Radio” advert, straight acting roles in “The Things You Do For Love” and “Magnolia”, and despite being one of the North West’s healthiest males, a medical insurance commercial for “Medicash”. He was also featured on the Granada Programme “Behind The Scenes” and “That’s Entertainment” (with Cannon and Ball) and was voted “Entertainer of the Year” at the inaugural Red Rose Awards. For over 12 years Steve could be found in the guise of “Mad Edgar” the court jester at Camelot theme park where he presented over 2000 “Crazy Juggling Shows”.

For years, the father-of-three has been encouraged by family and friends to audition for Britain’s Got Talent, but didn’t expect to get far. However in August 2020, Steve became the first act sent through to the final, impressing judges with his comedy juggling routines. For 51-year-old Steve, this is the latest journey in a rich history in the world of entertainment. Steve previously charmed the judges in the audition round, with his impressive juggling skills, using his mouth to juggle ping-pong balls before juggling three guitars. His semi final performance was a huge change for Steve, who is used to feeding off an audiences live reaction – the show had to be pre-recorded this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and social distancing, and saw Steve perform to a huge Zoom wall of viewers, as well as the shows judges. The judges unanimously chose to send him through. As Ant and Dec confirmed the news, Steve said it was “crazy and unbelievable” that he had made it through, although he left the entire panel in stitches. The grand final took place in October 2020 and Steve was placed THIRD OVERALL. Which was a wonderful conclusion to an amazing run on the show.

Acclaimed stand-up comic and accomplished TV writer MERYL O’ROURKE, revels in her bitterness. A potty mouthed potty trainer, she has delighted comedy audiences, written some of the best gags on telly and even hosted pop concerts (the last one to 12,000 people!). She supported Frankie Boyle for part of his last tour, at his request. She also supported him at the Hammersmith Apollo. In his book ‘Work! Consume! Die!’ he calls Meryl “Inspiringly funny”.

Meryl’s cheeky routines of dysfunctionality get her choice gigs with major promoters. These include Up the Creek, Screaming Blue Murder, Off the Kerb, Banana, Comedy Company and The Funny Side; amongst many others. She performs 20-60 min sets, MCs and is also a popular choice for private parties and corporate events. She runs her own club in Tooting where she is regular MC.

Her solo stand-up show Bad Mother… was a hit at Edinburgh and Brighton festivals. Directed by Foster’s Comedy Award nominee Thom Tuck, it received 5-star reviews and was The Times’ Critic’s Choice. 

“5* * * * * Truly astonishing show…a must see”
The New Current

“As near perfect as you can find.
British Comedy Guide

MAD RON, The Third Hardest Main in Uxbridge, is a comedy creation of Steve Lee, first appearing on the comedy circuit back in December 2015. Mad Ron has taken the circuit by storm. Now a multi award winning act, Mad Ron also finished 3rd in the prestigious 2019 NATY’s.

Not content with that Mad Ron has decided to expand his criminal comedy empire to the UK comedy festivals, having very successful runs at the Leicester, Cambridge, Telford, Hastings and Edinburgh Comedy Festivals. Mad Ron has now become a regular face on the London comedy scene popping up at clubs like The Stand_Up Club in Piccadilly, Backyard Comedy Club, Top Secret and Downstairs at the Kings Head to name a few.

Ron has now established himself on the UK circuit regularly opening and closing clubs all over the country.

“Amid his threatening manner, this unapologetic wrong’un bemoans such new fangled developments as vaping or email, and has amusingly intolerant lines to explain why. It’s a well-constructed, well-practised set providing a  dependable, gag-focussed start to the night…..”
Steve Bennett (Chortle)

RUSSELL ARATHOON is a likeable act who the audience instantly warm to. With his sharp and cheeky material Russell is a perfect act for any live audience. A solid MC he is fast building up a reputation as a very safe pair of hands. Russell is now regularly popping up at clubs such as The Frog & Bucket, Fuzzy Bear, Funhouse Comedy Club, Backyard Comedy Club, OTK, Avalon to name a few.

In 2018 Russell made his Edinburgh Fringe debut with his critically acclaimed show ‘The Curious Incidents Of The Gay In The Night Time’. Since then Russell has gone on to perform at festivals all over the country including Leicester, Nottingham, Manchester & Brighton. He even appeared on the Glee Cardiff Pride Stage alongside Robert White in 2019.

“Instantly connects with the audience”
Chortle

“His style is throughly engaging”
Chortle

“Guilty Pleasure”
Chortle

Age 18+
Licensed bar // Unreserved seating // Disability access

Kettering Arts Centre is once again excited to host:

The Incredible Makers Christmas Market – a brilliant event bringing together a supportive community of incredible makers to showcase all that small independent businesses can offer.

10am-3.30pm
Family friendly // Disability access // Licensed bar 

Kettering Arts Centre is delighted to host Kettering & District Flower Club again this Christmas.

Arnaud Métairie is a demonstrator based in the Cotswolds. He travels nationally to present great stage floral art demonstrations.

Frenchtouchfloristry.co.uk

Unreserved Seating // Disability access // Licensed bar 

Kettering Arts Centre is once again proud to present the BEST in improvised comedy…

Buckle up… You’re in for a hell of a ride!

The Noise Next Door are going hell for leather in this brand new show as they race through a priceless parade of off-the-cuff gags, scenes and songs, all based on your suggestions.

The Noise Next Door are twelve-time sell-out veterans of The Edinburgh Fringe and have appeared on ‘The One Show’ (BBC One), ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ (ITV1), and ‘Roast Battle’ (Comedy Central). They have also appeared alongside the likes of Michael McIntyre, Katherine Ryan, Romesh Ranganathan and Harry Hill.

“Hilarious… A superior kind of chaos” Telegraph

“21st century comedy at its finest and funniest.” The Stage

“Comedy gold… Staggeringly well executed.” Guardian

“Phenomenal” Daily Mirror

Age guidance: 15+
Running time: approximately 2 hours including interval
Licensed bar /// Unreserved seating /// Disability access
Concession tickets include: children, students, pensioners, the unemployed, and those with a long-term disability

Tickets

Students from Louise Wright Theatre School will perform a Christmas Concert.

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Disability access // Unreserved seating // Licensed bar

PLEASE NOTE This is a private event

KETTERING ARTS CENTRE presents:

ROLLING IN THE AISLES COMEDY CLUB

TOP comedians and an MC perform cutting edge stand up at Kettering Arts Centre’s monthly RITA Comedy Club!

Age 18+
Licensed bar // Unreserved seating // Disability access

St Andrew’s Community Christmas Fair is being held in St Andrew’s
Church, Kettering.

Stalls are manned by both local and national charities. Previous years have included: Cransley Hospice, KCU, Samaritans, Kettering MS Society, British Heart Society, Accommodation Concern, Stroke Association, Parkinson Association, Andi Bull Cancer Charity and many more.

Entrance is free and there is lots of entertainment : Choirs, Salvation Army Young People’s Band, plus carols on the organ and Christmas music.

Father Christmas will be in attendance and delicious snacks, lunches, mince pies, teas and coffee’s are available.

FREE ENTRY 

St Andrew’s Community Christmas Fair is being held in St Andrew’s
Church, Kettering.

Stalls are manned by both local and national charities. Previous years have included: Cransley Hospice, KCU, Samaritans, Kettering MS Society, British Heart Society, Accommodation Concern, Stroke Association, Parkinson Association, Andi Bull Cancer Charity and many more.

Entrance is free and there is lots of entertainment : Choirs, Salvation Army Young People’s Band, plus carols on the organ and Christmas music.

Father Christmas will be in attendance and delicious snacks, lunches, mince pies, teas and coffee’s are available.

FREE ENTRY 

Kettering Arts Centre and The Melody Choir are proud to present another Christmas Concert of traditional carols and Christmas songs in an evening of festive music.

Tickets ONSALE soon!

Suitable for all ages // Disability access // Unreserved seating
Licensed bar // Refreshments on sale
Estimated running time 120 minutes (including interval)

ACTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Kettering Arts Centre is proud to present Comedians & Carols again this Christmas!

This family friendly treat brings an amazing night of comedy, complete with sing-a-long carols on the big screen, jokes-a-plenty and seasonal snacks and drinks!

Licensed bar // Disability access // Unreserved seating
Free carer tickets available – contact the venue directly
All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

There will be songs for all ages to enjoy, from contemporary to Christmas Carols.

All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Disability access // Unreserved seating // Licensed bar

PLEASE NOTE This is a private event

FREE ENTRY!

After BRILLIANT events in 2022 & 2023, the HAVE A GO Arts Festival will return to Kettering Arts Centre to offer the public workshops and mini-masterclasses to produce art in many forms.

Kettering Arts Centre will once again showcase local groups to share their passion for their art form with others allowing the public to ‘have a go’.

Different groups will be housed in the main church and in the adjacent rooms. We welcome different artists to get involved and promote their talents.

This is a family friendly feel good festival that will champion local talent and encourage the community to try something new.

AMAZING FREE workshops on offer at our HAVE A GO Arts Day 2025!

BOOKABLE WORKSHOPS will be announced next year!

Family friendly // Licensed bar with refreshments on sale // Disability access