Vivaldi by Candlelight, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Fri 12 January

Britain’s best-loved classical touring ensemble, the Locrian, present a musical tribute to thegreat Venetian composer, Antonio Vivaldi.  Attired in lavish period costume, performing in front of a stunning classical set, these charismatic musicians perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, a composition which depicts 17th century Italian rural life in a wonderfully inventive manner.

Tickets cost £23.50 (£22.50 for concessions) and can be purchased by calling the Box Office on 01933 270 007, or online.

Castle Theatre, 10 Castle Way, Wellingborough, NN8 1XA

Beauty of light, Alfred East Gallery, Kettering 10am – 4pm, Sat 18 November – Sat 13 January

This one is close to my heart. When the Muddy Clan moved up to Northants nearly 20 years ago, two of the things we loved were the big skies and the early morning light.  This exhibition at one of the county’s most creative but hidden gems shows photo’s of mostly early morning light in and around Kettering and it’s absolutely free to all visitors.

OAN, Sheep Street, Kettering NN16 0AN

A Christmas Carol, Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Feb 4 2018

A brand new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic – one of the most loved short stories ever written. In one ghostly Christmas night, cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge learns to pity himself and to love his neighbour – but is that enough? A festive tale of redemption and compassion.

David Edgar is one of their greatest living writers. His rich history with the RSC stretches from Destiny in 1976 through the multi-award-winning adaptation of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby, to Written on the Heart (2011). Now he returns to Dickens to rediscover the social conscience of this timeless tale.

Rachel Kavanaugh (Alice in Wonderland, 2001; The Merry Wives of Windsor, 2003) directs, fresh from stunning the West End with her award-winning production of Half A Sixpence.

Suitable for ages seven and over and children go half price. Find out more about ticket prices and discounts.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YF

Dick Whittington, Palladium Theatre, Sat 9 December – Sun 14 January

The iconic Palladium theatre pantomime returns with an enchanting production of Dick Whittington. Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind the smash-hit Cinderella at the London Palladium.

London’s streets of gold are calling and, with his faithful cat by his side, our hero Dick goes searching for his fortune in the big city. But he won’t make it without your help! Be there to cheer Dick on along his journey, ‘boo’ at the biggest baddie of all time – King Rat – and ?ahh’ at the object of Dick’s affections, the beautiful Alice. Packed full of fabulous tunes, stunning dancing, fabulous costumes plus lots of festive sparkle and chances to join in, this is going to be one Christmas panto not to miss.

With an all-star cast, spectacular sets and plenty of laughs, you’ll need to book early to secure the best seats for the greatest pantomime adventure of them all!

london-palladium.co.uk/event/dick-whittington