Romans’ Got Talent showcasing at Roman festival, thanks to local theatre charity funding
Culture and tourism23 June 2025
The full lineup for Northamptonshire’s largest Roman festival has been revealed, featuring a new theatre show with local charity Laugh Out Loud Theatre group - Romans’ Got Talent!
Roman Fest, hosted at The Chester House Estate in Irchester on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June, is celebrating its fourth year with its largest line-up yet, including an expanded living history schedule, laboratory opportunities with the University of Leicester, and a host of games and activities for families to get involved with over the two-day festival.
The Roman theatre show, named Romans’ Got Talent, is the event's newest exciting addition, delivered by Laugh Out Loud Theatre’s enthusiastic cast. The show highlights key facts about life in Roman times, how they have influenced our modern way of living and what they think of today’s technology.
We are very grateful to have received this support as it has enabled us to stay true to our ethos of making theatre accessible and affordable for everyone. We can't wait to perform Roman's Got Talent at Roman Fest 2025. We really hope that it engages the local community, that they take away new knowledge and that it sparks an interest in young people to want to get involved in their local heritage. Thank you to Northamptonshire Community Foundation for granting us the funding to make this show a reality, and allow history to step off the page and into a fun, interactive and educational show.Emma Kendrick, Director of Laugh Out Loud Theatre
Step into the footsteps of the Romans at Chester House Estate—where over 400 years of Roman history come alive during our spectacular Roman Fest!Cllr Gregory Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities
This event is always a sight to behold where visitors can fully immerse themselves into Roman Life. This year is no exception, and we have a packed calendar full of activities alongside the fantastic new theatre show from Laugh Out Loud Theatre.
Alongside the theatre show, the Estate has a packed calendar of activities:
- Living history stalls, including Roman hairdressers, jewellery makers, pottery, bone crafters and cooking techniques
- An opportunity to see the excavation in progress and speak to archaeologists from University of Leicester
- Roman demonstrations from Ermine Street Guard re-enactment group
- Extended pop-up archaeological laboratory
- Finds washing with real artefacts found at the excavation
Although Roman Fest is free, you must book tickets to gain entry to the event. Tickets are limited for Roman Fest, book now on the Chester House Estate website to avoid disappointment.