Cinderella - MK Theatre 7th December - 6th January 2013

"Cinderella - The family show of the year"




I just LOVE Christmas!!! All the preparation that you do, wrapping gifts, the tree and tinsel, the turkey, seeing family and friends..Phew!!!...but once the big day comes and goes (like it has) what is there that will keep you feeling all Christmassy all the way into to the new Year??

A traditional magical, sparkling panto with real gorgeous white Shetland ponies - that's what! oh no it isn't...oh yes it is!!! (Sorry, I couldn't resist the chance to write that!)

Cinderella is at MK Theatre and it is the perfect way to treat all the family to a great night out.  It's such fantastic entertainment for the young and young at heart!

Cinderella, has all the perfect ingredients for the classic panto - cheesy songs, even cheesier jokes, too much glitter and THE campest Dandini you will EVER see?!!

Louis Spence (of Sky 1's smash hit series Pineapple Dance Studios) tops the bill as the flexible friend to the Prince Charming (Andrew Derbyshire)

Spence is hilarious from start to finish - he spins, twirls and pirouettes across the stage with enviable enthusiasm - the audience absolutely loved him..."we love you Louis" echoed around the theatre, he totally shone!

The beautiful down trodden Cinders is played by the CITV presenter Anna Williamson, she was as cute as a button and gave her all on stage.  Her voice lacked a bit of oomph but that didn't detract from her enjoyable performance.

The comedy throughout the show was all thanks to Kev Orklan as Buttons.  Orklan was able to showcase a little of his skills on the piano in a very funny sketch to keep him in the spot light on stage.  It's the usual mix of double entendre's and slap stick comedy - he made the whole theatre literally fall about laughing, just with his facial expressions!!

John Barr and Paul Burnham play the boo-able the ugly sisters - any panto wouldn't be complete without the men in drag!!?? The costumes are stunning, very clever - big, bright and just so OTT... Just brilliant!

The vocal highlight was most definitely courtesy of Denise Pearson, never has the Fairy God Mother sounded so good!!

For Pearson (Brit Award winner, Grammy Nominee and former lead singer with 80's pop group Five Star) this was her first panto appearance.  Luckily, there's not a lot of acting or dialogue needed for this role, but it didn't matter that the performance was a little wooden, her vocal talent shone through.  She still has an amazing vocal range, so much so, I wanted to hear more!

The live music, the laughter that rings in your ears and the silly songs that you hum as you leave - all adds up to a magical experience that is perfect for all the family to share.

Book it now and keep that Christmas spirit going!!

To book tickets go to  www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lily B X

Phantom of the Opera - MK Theatre
Thursday 25th October - Saturday 24th November 2012


Succumb to the music of the night...Andrew Lloyd-Webber's 2012 touring production of Phantom of the Opera has arrived at Milton Keynes Theatre.  In just a few words, this is intense and spectacular - it is breathtaking from the moment the curtain went up.

Cameron Mackintosh's amazing new production of Phantom is nothing but fantastic!

The costume, the set, the music...the whole show leaves a lasting memory of utter magical theatre moments.

The staging is wonderful - the set design by Paul Brown was simply amazing, add the stunning costumes by Maria Bjornson and the dazzling performances from the whole cast - I didn't want the interval to arrive!

The lead played by Earl Carpenter captured the iconic character magnificently.  His portrayal of the tourmented phantom was sublime.  His vocals were passionate, powerful and haunting.

Phantom is a bitter sweet love story, which is movingly told - I guarentee it will move you.

Christine is played by the wonderfully talented Katie Hall, her performance was breathtaking and beleivable - she posesses the voice of an angel.

Throughout this production, the iconic moments are still captured - a magical gondola ride deep beneath the theatre and the falling chandelier...it's a visual feast of dazzling theatrics.

This production of Phantom is simply sensational - it will stay with you long after you leave the theatre!

If you see nothing else this year - this is something you cannot miss!  This is five star theatre all the way!

To book tickets go to www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

Now open! - Milton Keynes Theatre's sylish new piano bar serving delicious cocktails to enjoy and complete an amazing night - why not try it, it will make a special night even more memorable!

Enjoy!
Lily B X

 Blood Brothers at MK Theatre

Tuesday 2nd - Saturday 6th October 2012




I absolutely love the theatre and have enjoyed many great performances, but Blood Brothers (celebrating its 28th anniversary) just blew me away. From the moment the show opened until the very last note, it had the packed MK Theatre totally captivated. Now I know why this is one of the longest running British musicals and has been called “The musical for all time.”

Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers is a heart wrenching story of twins, who are separated at birth, who grow up living very different lives but always seem to share an inner connection with each other without the true knowledge of why…until the very end. This story doesn't have a happy ending, it will move you to tears - I guarantee it.

This show has a fantastic score which includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the absolute tear jerker, Tell Me It’s Not True. The musicians led by musical director Kelvin Towse are superb - the icing to this quality production. The set is inspired, minimal yet realistic. I just loved the fact that Bill Kenwight, the shows producer and director is able to convey the message of his devotion to his beloved football club, Everton - with the club name graffiti-ed across the walls. It works so well, a touch of authenticity to the Liverpool inspired set - it's made even more believable by the outstanding talent of the entire cast.

There was a totally moving performance from the brilliant Niki Evans, who seems to have come a long way since appearing in the popular TV show X Factor back in 2007. She was superb in the role of Mrs. Johnstone, her acting ability faultless, and her vocal range strong and powerful. With each song she performed you could see that she felt every single word – outstanding.

Marti Pellow as the dark Narrator, fresh from his stint in the musical Jekyll & Hyde, shone in this role. He is enigmatic, charismatic and still has that twinkle in his eye.... Everyone should have a mention really - Sean Jones (Mickey) and Jorden Bird (Eddie) where absolutely fabulous! Grown men portraying seven year old lads and genuinely enjoying doing so, made it even more believable. I just loved every minute of their performance - they made me giggle at their naughtiness.

I have never encountered such an immediate reaction by an audience - a standing ovation for the cast, the whole theatre where on their feet before the last note had finished! This was a truly outstanding performance by a cast of very talented actors. This has got to be theatre at its very best – 5 star! PS…don’t forget your tissues!!

If you missed it at Milton Keynes Theatre....track it down. It's one musical not to be missed!

Lily B x

The first ever UK tour of....

Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap at Milton Keynes Theatre

Monday 24th - Saturday 29th September 2012



"The Mouse trap is famous around the world as being the longest running show of any kind in the history of British theatre - with almost 25,000 performances.  It's a play to be proud of. To celebrate 60 incredible years on stage, it is going on tour for the very first time, with a star cast to give you a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this masterpiece in your local theatre..."

The Mousetrap is an outstanding entertaining classic thriller...but also contains a lovely element of humor.

An eclectic, very suspicious collection of people are gathered in a country house cut off by snow. However, they discover there is a murderer amongst them. 

The casting is spot on – all characters very well portrayed by the very talented cast;  a spinster with a curious background, Mrs Boyle (Jan Waters), an architect, Christopher Wren (Steven France) who appears to prefer being a chef!?  The almost androgynous Miss Casewell (Clare Wilkie), Major Metcalf (Graham Seed) a retired army major and the owners of Monkswell Manor Giles (Bruno Langley) and Mollie Ralston (Jemma Walker) who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first paying guests. 

Throw an unexpected visitor who claims his car has run into a snowdrift and needs a roof for the night and wait for the fireworks!?

All of the inhabitants of Monkswell Manor have mysterious secrets and dark pasts that are slowly revealed by Detective Sergeant Trotter (Thomas Howes) to produce a nerve-shredding moment in the finale when the identity and the motive of the murderer are unveiled.

But you must remember - you will be asked to keep the secret! It is something that has made The Mousetrap last so many years.  You as the audience are sworn to secrecy lest the magic of Mousetrap be revealed!!

This is Agatha Christie at her best - I guarantee you will come away happy to have shared in such a brilliant piece of British theatre history.

Lily B x 

Chicago - The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre

Monday 10th - Saturday 15th September 2012



What a buzz! I love this show and have seen it many times in both London and here in Milton Keynes.  It is totally unique, the whole show is full on - everyone is on stage, not many costume changes and very little set and props. The cast is sat in the wings in full view of the audience and the superb jazz band staggered in tiers centre stage, all of which adds to this productions uniqueness.

This production is slick, sassy and so good...from the brilliant musicians to the very last member of the cast - the vocals are spot on, the dance routines nailed to perfection and the energy....it's totally electric.

Don't expect the film version - this is very different. However, the story is true to the film - bad girls Velma Kelly (Tupele Dorgu) and Roxie Hart (Ali Bastian) meet in prison awaiting the outcome of their murder cases.  Both in competition for the "stardom" that comes with being a client of top attorney Billy Flynn (Stefan Booth) It's fast moving and the scenes roll sleekly into each other.

Bernie Nolan as Matron "Mama" Morton was bold and well cast, her vocals were brilliant.  Tupele Dorgu as Velma was an absolute star, her stage presence shone through and Ali Bastian as Roxie was sexy, and played the part superbly.

Booth as Billy Flynn has big boots to fill....Marti Pellow, Jimmy Osmond to name just two have played the part - Booth rose to the challenge and was excellent.  Very strong vocal, handsome and charismatic, perfect for the part!

Search this production out...or wait until it comes back to Milton Keynes...it will be worth the wait.

Lily B x

Legally Blonde - The Musical MK Theatre Tuesday 31st July - Saturday 11th August 2012 

Review date Tuesday 31st July 2012


OMIGOD....you guys! The 2001 smash hit film as a musical works soooooo well!! It's an amazing new musical and guaranteed to make you smile from start to finish!

"Being a woman is a terribly difficult task, since it consists principally in dealing with men" Joseph Conrad, Novelist

The story of Elle Woods - a perfectly pink Malibu sorority girl, who needs to prove she's "serious" and not just a dumb blonde - and it's all to ensure she gets the love of her life...it's a story of over coming first impressions.

Elle (Amy Ross) has to seek the truth, quoting the Harvard motto "Veritas" (which the literal meaning is "Truth") Elle takes this motto to heart and makes this as her new outlook on life. Elle proves she's not a ditsy bubbly blonde who is trailing her wealthy handsome boyfriend (Gareth Gates) to Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back, in fact she excels at it!

Sadly, Gareth Gates was slightly plastic and looked like a rabbit in headlights at times but that said...he did look very hot! I would have loved to hear him sing more though...

Even though Elle was played by an understudy, Amy Ross, she rose to the challenge spectacularly well - she was funny and delivered a great vocal performance.

Jennifer Ellison (of Brookside fame) played Paulette Buonutoute - very funny and portrayed the quirky hairdresser brilliantly!

The film version lends itself very well to be made into a musical  - the story stays true to the original film with added bonuses.  The musical score by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin is totally original, memorable and very catchy! There are some really great songs, with witty dialogue interspersed within. Add a talented cast, and it's a recipe for success!

The "ahhhhh factor" is definitely in the shape of the canine companions on stage - Bruiser Woods (who should be a chihuahua but turned up as a beautiful Jack Russell and Rufus an adorable British Bull Dog) they stole the show!

The choreography by Jerry Mitchell was tight, well conceived and excellently executed, the stage sets where brilliant and the costumes wowed!

Legally Blond is utterly brilliant - you will want to see it again... I promise! This is escapism at it's best. In the words of Miranda Hart - "Good choice my friends. Sit Back. Relax. Let your cares of the day drop away."
It's a slick production, that gives you a real feel good factor....and don't forget to wear something pink!!!!!

Lily B x









To book your tickets - go to ATG tickets

Midnight Tango - MK Theatre

Midnight Tango at MK Theatre Tuesday 10th July - Saturday 14th July 2012

Review date 10th July 2012



To book your tickets visit www.atgtickets.com


Do you like "Strictly Come Dancing"? Well...if you do, this show is a must see for you!!

Even if you don't watch the TV show, you will just love the passion and chemistry that issues from multi-award winning professional dancers Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace.

Midnight Tango is produced by the amazing Arlene Phillips (OBE) and the talented Adam Spiegel, choreography by Vincent and Flavia - all I can say is that it's stunning combination!

"...tango isn't quite like any other dance and to understand why, you need to understand why Buenos Aires, Capital of Argentina, isn't quite like any other city..."

My favorite explanation of the tango is that it is "an improvised conversation created in the instant by two people, as a private moment in a crowded place..."

Vincent and Flavia do just that.  They have performed together for over seventeen years and their passion and professionalism absolutely shines through.  Together they are steamy, hot and very, very slick.

I reviewed this show for MK Theatre in 2011 and it was good then but now, it is so, so much better.  I said it then in my review and I will say it again - you can never fault the technical ability of Vincent and Flavia.  The speed and rapidity of their flicking heels leaves you astounded.  How is it possible to perform such intricate moves and make it look so effortless? (and the fact that Flavia's hair always falls perfectly back in place, she's never out of breath and still looks totally gorgeous!)...and Vincent isn't bad either ladies!!

The costumes and set are perfect - Flavia's dresses are to die for, I could hear my fellow lady theatre goers near by say that they wanted them all!

Vincent and Flavia are joined on stage by ten of the finest tango dancers in the world and are accompanied by an internationally renowned tango band.

The production is cleverly done with the band popping in one by one to take up their instruments, inside a steamy cafe, followed by the dancers, ready for a night of sensual, intense togetherness on the dance floor.

A comic relief throughout the performance is brought brilliantly by the cafe owners Rosa (Tricia Deighton) and Carlos (Teddy Kempner).  They have silent banter, with a slap stick quality all the way through, just enough to make you laugh but not distract you from the amazing dancing that is going on around.

I was sad when it ended, it's quite a short production, but very intense.  If, like me, you felt you could watch Vincent and Flavia strut their sexy moves one more time - you could always by the DVD of the show!

Enjoy!

Lily B x

Agatha Christie - Murder on the Nile

Agatha Christie - Murder on the Nile at MK Theatre from 2nd July - 7th July 2012

Review date 2nd July 2012




Calling all you wanna be super sleuths....The queen of crime, Agatha Christie's Murder on the Nile is at MK Theatre right now!

I can't go into too much detail about the plot - or you will guess "who dunnit" !!

I knew that this would be a class act with Bill Kenwright working with the Agatha Christie Theatre Company - and I wasn't wrong.

With an extremely talented cast of seasoned stage, television and film actors in one production, coupled with the legendary story lines of crime novelist Christie - its got to be a recipe for success!

With the multi talented Kate O'Mara as Miss ffoliot-ffoulkes (yes that's really the characters name and not a typo!?) who is well known for her roles in Dynasty, Triangle, Howards Way...the list is endless! O'Mara is an absolute star and she single handed made the ticket worth its price - the characters witty dry sense of political un-correctness was brought to life superbly!

Then add Denis Lill as Canon Pennefather, better known as Rodney Trotters father in law in Only Fools and Horses, Suzie Amy as Kay Mostyn (Footballers Wives) , Chloe Newsom as Jaqueline Severac (Coronation Street) and Ben Nealon as Simon Mostyn (Lt Forsythe in Soldier, Soldier) Need I say more....?

The action takes place on board a steamer awaiting its journey along the Nile under the scorching Egyptian sun.  Honeymooners Simon Mostyn (Ben Nealon) and his extremely wealthy wife Kay (Suzie Amy) find themselves stalked by Simons ex-fiance Jaqueline (Chloe Newsom).  A recipe for revenge? or maybe not...

Fingers are pointed at all on board the steamer...but who did it...and more to the point...who is the victim!?

The play is a little slow to start and with breaks in between scenes, it doesn't help the flow but that said, the acting quality was superb and kept you hanging on the edge of your seat, which meant you needed to get back to your seat after the interval to find out just who did do it!!

A definite winner, especially if you are an Agatha Christie fan!

Lily B xx



  

Sister Act - MK Theatre

Sister Act - MK Theatre Tuesday 19th - Saturday 30th June 2012

Review date Wednesday 20th June



Whoopi Goldberg who played the lead role in the original film version, has brought this fantastic musical comedy to stage, in association with Stage Entertainment - known for High School Musical and Hairspray.

Sister Act has hit Milton Keynes Theatre direct from its record breaking run at the London Palladium.  There are many highlights to this production, it starts a little slowly but once it gets going....WOW! It's non stop until the final curtain falls...

In a nut shell, the story surrounds "wanna be star" Reno lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier, who accidentally witnesses a murder by the hand of her mobster boyfriend.  Scared for her safety, she goes on the run and seeks protection from the police.  Police Chief, Eddy Souther (played by Edward Baruwa) is entrusted with keeping Deloris safe until he can bring the mob boss to trial.  Eddy hides Deloris in a place where no one would expect to find the sassy, larger than life singer - in a catholic church.....disguised as a nun!!?

The night of my review saw a few cast changes, namely the two main characters Deloris Van Cartier (billed with Cynthia Erivo - a relatively unknown on stage but known more so for her singing career) and Mother Superior (billed with Denise Black, otherwise known as hairdresser Denise from Coronation Street during the 90's)

In stepped Hannah Levane as Deloris - she was outstanding in the role.  Her vocals were spot on and her performance was superb.

Shirley Jameson was an excellent Mother Superior - her delivery of her lines showed comedic timing and had a strong vocal to boot!  Neither of them disappointed with their performances...

With a very strong cast and amazing musical score by multi Academy award winning Alan Menken and lyrics by Tony nominee, Glen Slater - this show is hard to beat.  I didn't miss the songs from the original film version of Sister Act - the new ones are totally original, catchy and fit the bill to a "T"!

The costumes have to have a special mention, designed by award winning  Lez Brotherston - the nuns sparkled in the finale, and was a visual feast, as was the set throughout.  But I think the most ingenuous was the costume change for Eddy - right before your eyes, he transforms to disco diva and then back to mild mannered police chief.  It is so smooth and slick, you won't quite believe what you see!

Baruwa (Eddy) was so so funny in this role and had a Luther Vandross quality to his voice - it was so good, I wanted to hear him sing more...

Sister Act is a totally fun packed, uplifting production - the audience definitely left on a high!  This show is one for all the family - it is an amazing production which has kept its west end feel for sure.  Who needs to to travel into London, when this sort of high class production comes to you?

This is top drawer stuff, just writing about how good it was makes me want to see it again!

It was FAB-U_LOUS!! and a definite must see!!

Lily B x

Dirty Dancing - MK Theatre

Review date 3rd May 2012

Dirty Dancing - MK Theatre

OMG! Guess what's arrived on tour at MK Theatre???

Yes!!! The iconic dance moves and timeless music of Dirty Dancing has arrived!  I was so excited to see my absolute all time favorite "chick flick" on stage....

We all know that the totally fantastic  Patrick Swaysee won't be strutting his stuff but I was still brimming with excitement when I got to the theatre....and I wasn't the only one!

The theatre had a real buzz as I entered, with groups of ladies flicking through the pink programme checking out the leading players in this classic show.

For those of you that may not be familiar with the film (where have you been....?) It's the story of Frances 'Baby' Houseman, a daddys girl who falls in love for the first time against her fathers wishes. She meets Johnny Castle, a dance instuctor and member of the entertainment staff at lavish hotel.

"It was the summer of 1963. When everybody called me baby and it didn't occur to me to mind. That was before President Kennedy got shot, before the Beatles came, when I couldn't wit to join the Peace Corps and I thought I'd never find a guy as great as my dad. That was the summer we went to Kellerman's...."

Baby is drawn to the "behind the scenes" exploits of the entertainment staff (who seem to have so much more fun that the paying guests). Intrigued, she finds herself in situations which challenge her beliefs about herself, her family and the world.

The iconic dances are there for you to experience, the stage script is almost word for word to the film.

I watched in awe as the talented cast brought the stage to life...Baby played by Emily Holt was exceptional, she was funny, beleivable - her performance was flawless.  Paul-Michael Jones as Johnny had a glint of Patrick, especially when he took his shirt off (I wanted to wolf whistle but restrained myself!)

The chemistry between the pair was a little lacking, but they danced brilliantly together - "the lift" was perfect.

The set and costumes were well done - it's not easy to transfer such an iconic well known film to stage but director Sarah Tipple has acheived this very well.

Dirty Dancing is a 5 star show and I would have happily sat through it all over again...I didn't want it to end.  It is amazing, fab-u-lous and a definate must see.

Beg, steal or borrow....get a ticket!!!

Lily B x

Wonderful Town - MK Theatre

Review date 24th April 2012

Wonderful Town - MK Theatre

Wonderful Town is based on a book - it has been a film, a play and a musical....all based on the true life experiences of Ruth McKenney.  A 26 year old "wanna be" journalist from Ohio who moves to 1930's New York to make her name along with her extremely sociable younger sister Eileen who is a starlet in the making.  The pair are set to take the Big Apple by storm!

It is hard to beleive that this zany, screwball comedy is actually based on true events!?

With an exhilarating jazzy score by Leonard Bernstein - this musical makes for great entertainment.

Connie Fisher (lead role in the recent stage musical Sound of Music) is back on stage after her spell out of the lime light.  I wondered what her performance would be like? Would it be as punchy as her vocals in the Sound of Music? I didn't need to worry...

Fisher, if anything, has grown in stature as not only a vocal talent but an extremely talented actress.  Her vocals were spot on and she gave an absolutely faultless, polished perforemance. She plays the sassy outspoken Ruth - Connie Fisher was a delight to watch as she made the role her own.

Lucy van Gasse as the feisty younger sister Eileen, complemented Fisher in both vocals and a genuiene chemistry between the characters.  Van Gasse has a simply devine, delicate tone to her voice and adds to the vulneralability that her character dictates.

The broadway style set was absolutely amazing and the brilliant costumes added to the visual fest - all designed by Simon Higlett.

The live orchestra conducted by James Burton was a real treat - and supported the vocals completely.

The uber talented cast filled the stage with such enthusiasm, pace and smiles - as I looked around the theatre, it reflected in the audiences faces, it was smiles all round!!

The show left me feeling happy, even though I didn't recognise the musical numbers, it didn't stop me from tapping my feet and clapping along to the songs.

Wonderful Town is a Wonderful show and definately has the feel good factor....I would recommend it to anyone.

Lily B x

Welcome!

                                                                                    

Every week I will be reviewing Milton Keynes Theatre's freshest shows to MK, and the hottest touring productions in the industry, giving all you theatre goers a insight on each performances so you know whats hot and what's not!

Please feel free to browse all of my reviews here -------------------->>>

All the best!