Bonkers Playhouse

Theatre venues in market towns don't always leap out as essential stops, but Bonkers Playhouse in Kettering punches above its weight. It's a proper working theatre that takes on everything from amateur dramatics to touring shows, the kind of place where you can catch anything from pantomime to contemporary comedy depending on what's on.

The interior has that community theatre feel - intimate rather than grand, which honestly suits the programming better than a massive auditorium would. You're close enough to read an actor's expression, far enough to actually see the whole stage. Shows are reasonably priced and the bar does decent pre-show drinks without the West End markup.

This is genuinely worth considering if you're staying at Northfield Farm or Lakeview Caravan Park for a longer break. Both are within a few minutes' drive, so an evening show works perfectly as a night out without worrying about the drive home. Families with kids might find the panto season (November to early January) particularly good value - proper slapstick, singalongs, the lot.

Check what's scheduled before you book your park holiday though, because the programme varies. Off-season quietness means some weeks have nothing on. When there is a show you fancy, book ahead rather than banking on turning up. It's the kind of venue that fills up quickly for decent productions, especially at weekends.