Jersey Boys - The story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Milton Keynes Theatre 3rd - 14th February 2015

The Jersey Boys is a gritty, well written, honest story of how four boys from the wrong side of the tracks make it big.

Winner of 55 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical 2009. 

The Jersey Boys is the story of the remarkable rise to stardom of one of the most successful bands in pop history.  The musical has got swearing, crime, the mob, gambling and cheating but most of all it features the amazing music that Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons produced and it's no wonder they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after selling millions of records worldwide.

"Four Guys...Four Stories...One unforgettable Musical"

This is the real story of The Four Seasons of how the boys from New Jersey made history in a roller coaster journey in the music business by selling over 175 million records.

We meet half of the band at the start, Tommy DeVito (Henry Davis) and Nick Massi (Lewis Griffiths) when they are still members of The Variety Trio...

but then add a young singer with a unique voice called Frankie Castelluccio (who becomes the one and only Frankie Valli) and songwriter Bob Gaudio.  

These four started their musical journey as The Four Lovers but after "a sign" quite literally, they became The Four Seasons.


It was after a very long hard slog that their first record "Sherry" sold over a million copies in just three weeks.  It doesn't matter how old or young you are, I guarantee you will recognise the songs that come thick and fast in this jukebox musical and you will be tapping your feet (and probably singing along too) with tunes such as "Big Girls Don't Cry, Bye Bye Baby, Let's Hang On, Oh What A Night and Walk Like A Man" to name only a few.

Frankie Valli's amazing vocal range is brought to life in Tim Driesen, he is absolutely fantastic.  His show stopping rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" was appreciated by the whole audience, the applause seemed to go on forever.

The whole cast are an extremely talented bunch and portray the heart aches and triumphs that the band encountered superbly well.  The four main characters Tommy, Bobby, Nick and Frankie all take turns to narrate the show, each having a unique story telling style and give their own perspectives on the bands journey.

The set was slick and used clever pop imagery on large screens, with characters wheeling in their own props to add to the sparse industrial scaffolding - it worked brilliantly.

There are some great moments when the band perform into on stage cameras and broadcast their concert onto black and white TV screens evoking a real 60's feel.

Expect slick colourful suits, nifty dance moves and of course the music!

You will be on your feet...guaranteed!

Oh what a night indeed!

Get a ticket...enjoy!

Lily B X 

The Full Monty - Milton Keynes Theatre 19th - 24th January 2015


"They may not be right good but they're here, they're live and for one night only they are going for the Full Monty!!"

The hit film of 1997 The Full Monty has taken to the stage, it follows out of work dad Gaz (a very game and sexy Gary Lucy) his son Nathan (Raif Clarke) overweight Dave (the brilliant Martin Miller), sad case Lomper (Bobby Schofield), Gerald (Andrew Dunn) whose life is a lie, Horse, who is not hung like one (Louis Emerick) and Guy (Rupert Hill) who definitely IS hung like one!!

Director Roger Haines ensure fans of the original film get enough of reliving their favourite moments from it, from the iconic "Hot Stuff" dole queue moment to the famous strip at the end.

Set in Sheffield at the end of the Thatcher years, the play highlights everything from the devastating effects of unemployment, poverty, depression to sexual politics.  It doesn't thrust it all down your throat however, it's a brilliant mix of poignancy and comedy that grows from these sometimes sad situations.

Wanting to raise some cash (and after seeing how much the Chip n Dales make in one night of wiggling their bodies in front of the lasses) Gaz comes up with an idea..."if they can bloody well do it, so can we!?"

So "Bums of Steel" is born, Gaz convinces the mottly crew to get their kit off!

The entire cast is fantastic, however I was slightly disappointed with Gary Lucy's accent which comes and goes a bit but saying that he does play the desperate dad Gaz brilliantly.

Andrew Dunn and Martin Miller are great at the one liners and Emerick busts some great moves.

Throughout, the set is imaginative and cleverly utilised.  This play will make you laugh, think and the final scene will have you screaming with excitement when the song "You Can Keep Your Hat On" starts to play!

And if you are wondering - YES! they do go for the Full Monty...so cleverly done with bright back lighting to spare the actors blushes.

This show is definitely HOT STUFF and a massive hit..enjoy!

Lily B X

Milton Keynes Theatre - New Season

What's on at Milton Keynes Theatre? Take a look at the guide - to book tickets go to www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or contact the box office on 0844 871 7652

JANUARY

CIRCUS OF HORRORS – 13 JAN 2015

The show that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent and now a West End smash, is back to mark its 20th Anniversary in spectacular style. The Night of the Zombie is set in a decrepit and corpse ridden London in 2020 and is performed by an almighty cast with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek and the devil driver of Rock ’n’ Roll, Dr Haze & The Interceptors from Hell.

ALL STAR WRESTLING – 15 JAN 2015

Top stars from all corners of the universe will be appearing at this very special event to face the very best of British wrestling personalities in this brand new, action packed event! Look out for the future stars of WWE and some faces from the past glory days of Saturday afternoon TV wrestling, as they join the audience to celebrate this history making achievement. All Star is the best there is, the best there was, and the best live shows ever.

ROY ORBISON & FRIENDS – 16 JAN 2015

If you love great music, then this is the show for you as Barry Steele presents the critically acclaimed Roy Orbison and Friends. Backed by a fabulous band and big screen, this celebration of the musical legacy of Roy Orbison is simply unmissable. Add to the mix special friends celebrating the sounds of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, and you have yourself a spectacular fusion of good old Rock ‘n‘ Roll and contemporary musical genius all on one stage.

ABBA MANIA – 17 JAN 2015

Featuring a special concert presentation, which celebrates the music of ABBA in a respectful and enjoyable way, reviving special memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves. ABBA Mania brings ABBA fans old and new a night not to be missed. If you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by the best music ever, then ABBA Mania is for you! So dig out those platforms, dust down those flares and thank ABBA for the music.

THE FULL MONTY – 19-24 JAN 2015

In 1997, a British film about six out of work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose, took the world by storm! Now they’re back and this time they really have to go, The Full Monty...live on stage. Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar winning writer of the film, has gone all the way on this adaptation that is getting standing ovations every night. With songs from Tom Jones, this smash hit comes to Milton Keynes direct from London’s West End.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY – 25 JAN 2015

It’s party time again as the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the nation’s favourite Rock ’n’ Roll variety show returns with another opportunity to see its latest production! This hugely entertaining Rock ’n’ Roll spectacular features a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, plus loads more hilarious comedy! Prepare for an unforgettable night of nostalgia, laughs and Rock ’n’ Roll!

AN EVENING WITH NOEL FIELDING - 29 JAN 2015

Noel Fielding (The Mighty Boosh, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Luxury Comedy) is embarking on his first live tour in five years: An Evening With Noel Fielding.  Expect a magical mix of Noel’s unique brand of stand up comedy,

live animation, music and some of Fielding’s best known TV characters (such as The Moon and Fantasy Man).

THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS – 30 JAN 2015

The Chicago Blues Brothers are back with a brand new action-packed show to celebrate over 30 years of the Blues Brothers phenomenon.  Backed by the hottest 10 piece band around, the stars of the show

entertain with classics from not only Jake and Elwood, but also Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Cab Calloway! This non-stop revue is packed with over 2hrs of the very best Blues, Motown and Soul music from both of The Blues Brothers movies and plenty of laughs too.

THE GLEN MILLER ORCHESTRA – 31 JAN 2015

Now in its 26th incredible year under the baton of Ray McVay, The Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to live up to its reputation as the world’s greatest big band! In a show the whole family can enjoy, experience the excitement of this incredible orchestra and the Jiving Lindy Hoppers in a show that features the fabulous

harmonies of the Moonlight Serenaders, the sublime vocals of Catherine Sykes and Colin Anthony and the swinging jazz band, The Uptown Hall Gang.

FEBRUARY

JERSEY BOYS – 3-14 FEB 2015

The internationally acclaimed stage sensation Jersey Boys is touring the UK and Ireland for the very first time! This smash hit musical won 55 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Jersey Boys tells the true life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, four boys from the wrong side of the tracks, who wrote their own songs, and sold 175 Million records worldwide. Jersey Boys is a story full of heart, humour and ‘Sheer Musical Razzamatazz’ you will simply never forget.

MATTHEW BOURNE’S EDWARD SCISSORHANDS – 17-21 FEB 2015

Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of Edward Scissorhands has carved a place in the hearts of thousands. Based on the classic Tim Burton motion picture, this touching and witty love story tells the bittersweet tale of a boy left alone and unfinished in a strange world. After global success with his inspired interpretations of Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty, this new production is guaranteed to delight the whole family.

OMID DJALILI – IRANALAMADINGDONG – 22 FEB 2015

He’s back on tour with a new show, following a sell-out four week West End residency and a sold out season at the Edinburgh Festival.  Omid was the winner of the Best Actor Award for his lead performance in The Infidel at the Turin Film Festival. The Infidel also picked up a Loaded LAFTA award for Funniest Film and Omid was short listed for the Peter Sellers Award at the London Evening Standard British Film Awards.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER – 24-28 FEB 2015

This brand new production of one of the most loved stories of all time is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees including the classic Stayin Alive. The date is 1976, and Tony Manero, a young man with a dead-end job, and an extraordinary ability to dance, has only one ambition in life, to become Disco King.

MARCH

CHAS & DAVE – 1 MAR 2015

Chas & Dave are great musicians and know how to give an audience a good time. They have gained a cult audience of both young and old and due to public demand they are about to be seen together on stage once more. Now celebrating their 50th Anniversary, prepare to hear all their hits including Gertcha, The Sideboard Song (Got My Beer In The Sideboard Here), Snooker Loopy, Ain’t No Pleasing You, Rabbit and many more!

PSYCHIC SALLY: ON THE ROAD – 2 MAR 2015

World-renowned psychic and star of TV’s Psychic Sally On the Road, Sally Morgan returns with her sensational live show. An ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift, she believes that she has been able to communicate with people beyond the grave. This is a fantastic and unique evening out not to be missed. Book your tickets now to see this phenomenal psychic in action!

JIMMY CARR – FUNNY BUSINESS – 3 MAR 2015

Jimmy’s been described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy’.  Which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive. It’s like being the ‘Tallest Dwarf’ or the ‘Healthiest Glaswegian’. Really not that big a deal. Funny Business is Jimmy’s brand new stand up show. Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition; stay for the knob gags.

THE HOLLIES – 4 MAR 2015

There is no doubt The Hollies helped shape the world of Pop and Rock as we know it. With Ivor Novello Awards and induction into the prestigious American Rock ’n’ Roll Hall Of Fame, they continue to perform with pride and passion around the world. No support act is needed as The Hollies perform classics including The Air That I Breathe, Just One Look, He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother and many more of their hits in a brilliant performance.

SING-A-LONG-A-SOUND OF MUSIC – 5 MAR 2015

The smash-hit musical show returns to the UK in celebration of the movie’s 50th anniversary. Yes, the original Sing-a-long-a is back, giving the movie a birthday party to remember! Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music is a screening of the Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen technicolor, with a host and free fun pack and subtitles so that everyone can sing along. The audience is the star of this interactive show - at Sing-a-long-a there are no rules!

OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE – 7-8 MAR 2015

Visit strange new worlds full of mysteries to unravel, with surprises around every corner this action packed interactive show features music and all your favourite characters live on stage for the very first time!

TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD – 10 – 14 MAR 2015

Set in the Deep South, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel sees racial injustice envelop a small-town community.  Through courage and compassion, lawyer Atticus Finch seeks the truth, and his feisty daughter, Scout - a young girl on the cusp of adulthood - brings new hope to a neighbourhood in turmoil.  This utterly enchanting and enthralling production from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre captures the warmth and poignancy of this best-loved classic with genuine heart and emotional depth. A story as moving and magical as you could ever hope to find.

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES – 15 MAR 2015

Re-live the sights and sounds of the 60s as the world’s premier Beatles band returns with their spectacular multi-media stage production featuring all the classic Beatles hits. Using film footage and, ‘with a little help from’ their regular brass and string ensemble, the show traces the history of the Fab Four in what has now become one of the ‘not to miss’ annual traditions of the season’s calendar.

ANTON & ERIN – THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT – 16 MAR 2015

A dazzling new production for 2015 featuring sensational choreography, sassy tunes and sparkling costumes in a wonderful show of music, song and dance. Join the UK’s favourite dance couple as they combine the sophisticated elegance of their quick step, foxtrot, tango and waltz with the showbiz razzmatazz of hits

and steps from stage and screen.

WNO

CHORUS!  - WED 18 MAR 2015

Chorus! Is a fully staged extravaganza of opera’s greatest moments, which puts the exceptional WNO Chorus centre stage with soprano Lesley Garrett.

THE MAGIC FLUTE – THU 19 & FRI 20 MAR 2015

The Magic Flute combines Mozart’s sublime music with Cooke’s surreal staging, to create an irrepressibly entertaining evening.

HANSEL & GRETEL – SAT 21 MAR 2015

Richard Jones’ endlessly inventive production of Hansel & Gretel the opera casts a magical spell over audiences.

COUNT ARTHUR STRONG – SOMEBODY UP THERE LICKS ME – 22 MAR 2015

Fresh from donkey’s years on his award-winning BBC Radio 4 series and the huge success of his BBC2 TV show, Count Arthur Strong gets back to doing what he does best. This show. In Somebody Up There Licks Me he’ll be doing all sorts of wonderful things for you to sit there staring at as you quietly suck your Maltesers and don’t

get up to go to the toilet, applauding loudly at the appropriate moments. You’ll laugh, cry and the other one.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK – 23-28 MAR 2015

Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt, everybody in theatre can hear you scream! Unanimously acclaimed by critics, The Woman in Black combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. Now celebrating its 25^th Year in the West End, over 7 Million people have lived to tell the tale of one of the most chilling and successful theatre events ever staged.

PAUL CARRACK – RAIN OR SHINE – 29 MAR 2015

Legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics returns to the road following his widely acclaimed recent album release, Rain or Shine, with a mix of new original songs and classic tracks. With a back catalogue of hits to his name including How Long, Tempted and The Living Years, Paul’s marvellously soulful voice is known to millions around the world.

APRIL

THE PRODUCERS – 30 MAR – 4 APR 2015

Based on Mel Brooks’ much loved Academy Award-winning movie, The Producers is the hilarious musical comedy that has taken Broadway and the West End by storm, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and 3 Olivier Awards.  Impoverished by a string of flops, New York producer Max Bialystock recruits timid accountant Leo Bloom to help him pull off Broadway’s greatest scam. They aim to produce the worst show ever and run away with millions, but they learn that show business can kick you in the teeth.

Featuring the all-time classic Springtime For Hitler and starring award-winning comedian Jason Manford and TV’s Louie Spence, The Producers is one of the funniest Broadway musicals of all time.

ALAN CARR – YAP, YAP, YAP! – 5 APR 2015

No stranger to yap, Alan Carr will be yapping his way around the UK and Ireland with his brand new stand up show Yap, Yap, Yap!  The BAFTA and British Comedy Award-winning comedian, author and chat show supremo returns to his stand up roots with his hilarious take on life. Yap it up!

JEEVES & WOOSTER – 7 – 11 APR 2015

Join Robert Webb (Peep Show, That Mitchell & Webb Look) as the effervescent, aristocratic fool Bertie Wooster in this hilarious new production. Layering joy on joy, joke on joke, Perfect Nonsense is a delightful evening of theatrical absurdity featuring P. G. Wodehouse’s iconic double act.  When a country house weekend takes a turn for the worse, Bertie Wooster is unwittingly called on to play matchmaker, but also to steal a silver cow creamer from Totleigh Towers. Naturally, the ever dependable Jeeves is there to prevent Bertie from making a fool of himself in front of a cast of Wodehouse’s finest characters.

SOLID SILVER 60s SHOW – 12 APR 2015

Celebrating 30 years of the UK’s original and premier 60s show with the most sensational line-up yet.  Headlining - and back in the UK for the first time since 1999 - is Billy J Kramer, with the original voice of The Searchers, Mike Pender as well as Chris Farlowe and PP Arnold all backed by The New Amen Corner. Plus very special guests The Merseybeats are back to round off this 30th birthday bash.

DANCE TIL DAWN – 13 – 18 APR 2015

Strictly Come Dancing favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace are back with Dance ’Til Dawn! After wowing audiences with Midnight Tango, the dazzling duo return in a sensational dance show straight from the Golden Age of Hollywood.  In 1940s LA, a romance unfolds between a beautiful starlet and her handsome lover. Dance ’Til Dawn will transport you to a time of elegance with stunning sets, a live band, world class

dancers and Vincent and Flavia themselves with their flawless footwork and spellbinding choreography.

Dance ’Til Dawn is a classic love story that brings vintage Hollywood glamour to the present. This unforgettable evening of timeless sophistication and breathtaking dance is a must see.

SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN – 19 APR 2015

Disney’s Frozen gets the full Sing-a-long-a treatment! Who hasn’t been singing Let It Go and

wanting to dress up as Elsa? Join in the experience with a screening of the film with lyrics on screen

and sing along with Elsa and Anna. Introduced by a live host who will show you how to use your interactive fun pack and judge the fancy dress competition. www.singalonga.net

LORD OF THE DANCE – DANGEROUS GAMES – 21 – 26 APR 2015

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games - a spectacular new staging of the traditional masterpiece - will return to Milton Keynes as part of the nationwide tour.  With all the visceral precision and thrills of the original, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, new costumes and choreography. With 40 of the world’s most outstanding young performers directed by Michael Flatley, and new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance.

NORTHERN BALLET – WUTHERING HEIGHTS – 28 APR – 2 MAY 2015

Immerse yourself in Cathy and Heathcliff’s turbulent love affair as the ‘best dance actors in the world’ capture the spirit of Wuthering Heights and the untamed beauty of the Yorkshire Moors.  Passionate and obsessive, Cathy and Heathcliff’s love is as unruly and dangerous as the Moors that surround them. As children they are inseparable, but over time their childish affection deepens into an overwhelming and devastating love.

MAY

NORTHERN BALLET – ELVES & THE SHOEMAKER – 1 MAY 2015

Northern Ballet presents their latest ballet for children, Elves & the Shoemaker.  A poor and kind-hearted shoemaker receives some much-needed help when his last piece of leather is transformed into the most magnificent pair of shoes overnight. He discovers that not only are the shoes beautiful; they are also

magical. Who is the mysterious maker of these marvellous shoes?

THE KING’S SPEECH – 5 – 9 MAY 2015

1936: King Edward VIII has abdicated for the love of Wallis Simpson. Bertie, his brother, is crowned King George VI of England.  At an office in Harley Street, London, Bertie and his wife Elizabeth  (the future much-loved Queen Mother) are meeting maverick Australian speech therapist and failed actor, Lionel Logue.  With the support of his wife, Bertie and Logue embark on an extraordinary journey to overcome his stammer and deliver the now iconic speech broadcast across the globe to inspire his people.  As the world stood against the Nazi threat, The King’s Speech is the true and heart-warming story of a greatly loved royal family who took this nation through its darkest hour.

Starring Jason Donovan (Festen, Sweeney Todd) as Lionel Logue and Raymond Coulthard (Mr Selfridge, Hotel Babylon) as King George VI.

BARNUM – 12-16 MAY 2015

This exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum portrayed by Brian Conley, America’s Greatest Showman, who lit up the World with colour, warmth and the excitement of his very own imagination.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC – 26 MAY – 6 JUN 2015

One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in a magnificent new production to enchant and enthral the young and the young at heart.  Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, this

wonderfully lavish new staging of The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII.

  

JUNE

DEAD SIMPLE – 8 – 13 JUN 2015

Following the critically acclaimed hit stage production of Peter James’ The Perfect Murder, the best-selling work of the No.1 novelist returns to the stage with the adaptation of his most famous and popular book to date - Dead Simple.

Michael Harrison thinks he has it all; great career, good friends and a beautiful fiancée. But when his stag night prank goes horribly wrong, Michael finds himself alone and staring death in the face.  As time runs out and the terror grows, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace tries to solve his mysterious disappearance, but begins to fear that Michael will never be found in time.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT – 15-20 JUN 2015

Direct from 3 years of the West End, and directed by Christopher Luscombe, Spamalot ‘Proves that the British sense of humour is alive and well’. The Multi-award winning comedy comes to Milton Keynes after recently being voted for ‘Funniest Musical in Britain’.

Spamalot is a kind-of-new musical with a book by Eric Idle and an entirely new score for the new production (well, almost), created by Eric Idle and John du Prez.

AUGUST

SHREK THE MUSICAL – 18 AUG-6 SEP 2015

Direct from the West End and larger than life! Based on the award-winning DreamWorks animation film, Shrek the Musical is this year’s must-see how for all the family. Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if a little temperamental) Princess Fiona from a love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad and a gang of fairytale misfits, and you’ve got the biggest and brightest musical around! Join the adventure.