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