Dick Whittington

Milton Keynes Theatre 8th December 2016 - 15th January 2017

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

Pack up your knapsacks, lace up your boots and book your tickets to see Dick Whittington at Milton Keynes Theatre this festive season!

Meet Eastenders star Samantha Womack as the evil Queen Rat, X Factor finalist Stacey Solomon as Fairy Bowbells and overseeing all of the mischief is funny man Kev Orkian appearing in his fourth Milton Keynes panto!

Dick Whittington features all the traditional pantomime ingredients - sensational songs, a live band, dazzling dance routines, stunning costumes, slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation. Don't forget to grab your 3D glasses for the amazing underwater section after the interval...brilliant.

This is a rags to riches tale of a young man and his cat on an exciting quest for fame and fortune. Dick and his trusty cat Tommy arrive in London seeking their fortune, but find the streets aren’t really paved with gold. 

After meeting Alice Fitzwarren, a merchant’s daughter, and taking a job for her father, things are looking up. But the evil Queen Rat has other ideas! 

Samantha Womack is fantastic as the boo-able baddie Queen Rat, listen out for her song "Feeling Good" - wow! 

With all of the bad press that Stacey Solomon received at the beginning of the panto run, I didn't know what to expect? But Solomon smashed it, her vocals strong and the banter between the characters was absolutely brilliant (and there wasn't a glittering clip board in sight)

Kevin Orkian as Idle Jack is a regular to panto and performed with his usual energy - making the audience laugh out loud (so much so many of my fellow audience members where actually crying with laughter!)

Chris Jenkins and Hannah Ponting as Dick and Alice gave solid performances as did Marc Pickering (Alderman Fitzwarren and the Sultan).

The live music, the laughter that rings in your ears and the silly songs that will make you hum them for ages after the show...especially a great version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas", which includes the line "and a bra that was made for three"...!? 

It all adds up to a magical experience that is perfect for all the family to share, don't miss Dick Whittington!

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

Enjoy...Merry Christmas and a very happy 2017!

Lily B X

English National Ballet - Nutcracker

23rd - 26th November 2016

Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life, with Tchaikovsky's glorious score played live.

This ballet is simply mesmerising from the start.  It has sumptuous sets, dazzling costumes and magical storytelling.  

On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger...

The corps and orchestra were superb throughout, the dancers simply enchanting. Alina Cojocaru as Clara and James Forbat as her beloved Nutcracker dance so beautifully together - both confidently and with such delicacy.

The attention to detail is superb, the dance students of the Tring Park School for Performing Arts (Sophia Mucha as the young Clara and Euan Garret as the young Freddie) worked so impressively with the ENB dancers.

From the sound of the orchestra tuning up, to the final bows and rapturous applause - a trip to see the English National Ballet perform Nutcracker is an unforgettable Christmas treat!

An absolute timeless Christmas classic, a show for all ages to enjoy.

Lily B x

The Commitments

Milton Keynes Theatre 1st - 5th November 2016

The Commitments is unashamedly exuberant and frenetic, this staging of the Roddy Doyle book/film as a musical can be described in just two words...bloody brilliant!

There is nothing to be faulted about the cast, the music or the clever stage set.

Roddy Doyle's tale of the rise and fall of a young Dublin soul band began life as a novel in 1987 and was turned into a smash hit movie by Alan Parker in 1991. 

The Commitments is a fantastically feel good celebration of soul music.  The storyline provides a cast iron excuse for romping through a plethora of classic soul and Motown numbers, including In the Midnight Hour, What becomes of the Broken Hearted and Mustang Sally to name just a few.  There was just enough without toppling into the realms of the dreaded "jukebox musical" category and all performed live on stage.

The Commitments is the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends into an amazing live act, the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced.  Placing a classified advert in a music paper, Jimmy auditions a number of wannabes before finalising the new line up who he names The Commitments..."the world's hardest working bad, bringing soul music to the people of Dublin"

Brian Gilligan is phenomenal as the obnoxiously big-headed Deco, his fantastic voice ranging from a sexy falsetto to a deep rasping boom (even when stuffing his face with chips whilst singing I heard it through the grapevine!)

Andrew Linnie as Jimmy plays his part incredibly well and it was nice to see Kevin Kennedy (Coronation Street's beloved Curly Watts) as Jimmy's dad, he genuinely looked like he enjoyed every moment on stage.

The whole cast are uber talented, mix the amazing music in and hey presto - you have one fantastic show and one great night out!

Lily B x

CATS - Milton Keynes Theatre

Monday 24th - Saturday 29th October 2016

Let the memory live again!

Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking 2015 Olivier Award nominated musical Cats returns to Milton Keynes Theatre, direct from its sell-out seasons at the London Palladium.

Adapted from TS Elliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, this musical is set on the night that the Jellicle Cats meet for the Jellicle Ball and comes together in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse.

With "timeless music, spectacular sets and a superb cast" (Daily Mirror), breathtaking choreography and of course the unforgettable song Memory, Cats is a magical musical like no other.

Let Cats thrill you once again, don't miss out on a seat - book your tickets today!

"It's the cats whiskers!" (The Times)


Tickets are on sale now!  Book at Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (booking fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (booking fee)

The Full Monty - Milton Keynes Theatre 3rd October - 8th October 2016


"They may not be young, they may not be pretty, 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!!"

Based on the hit film of 1997 The Full Monty, it follows out of work dad Gaz (a very game and sexy Gary Lucy) his son Nathan (Reiss Ward) overweight Dave (Kai Owen), sad case Lomper (Anthony Lewis), Gerald (the brilliant Andrew Dunn) whose life is a lie...Horse, who is not hung like one (Louis Emerick) and Guy (Chris Fountain) who definitely IS hung like one!!

Director Jack Ryder 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.

"Who would have thought a film in which there is impotence, unemployment, despair and suicide attempts would be described as 'feelgood'??"

Needing to raise some cash to be able to continue seeing his son, Gaz comes up with an idea after seeing how much money the Chip n Dales make in one night of "wiggling their bodies in front of the lasses"

 ..."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 Kai Owen are great at the one liners and Emerick busts some great moves (even with a dodgy hip!).

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...it is so cleverly done with bright back lighting to spare the actors blushes.

This show is definitely HOT STUFF and a massive hit...you can not miss this one!

Enjoy!

Tickets are on sale now!  Book at Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (booking fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (booking fee)

Lily B X

Keep Dancing - The Ballroom Dance Sensation

If you love Strictly Come Dancing, or indeed are a fan of the pop group The Wanted, you will love this show.

It features 2015 winners Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani plus Robin Windsor and Anya Garnis - all doing their stuff on the Milton Keynes Theatre stage.

This is a new production that celebrates Ballroom and Latin dance, the show features all of the favourite styles of dance in a mega fast paced, high octane production.

As you would expect there are stunning costumes (and the obligatory glitter ball) fantastic supporting dancers and great vocalists backing the dancers on stage.

Jay McGuiness and Aliona receive top billing but sadly don't live up to the high expectations. Jay actually dropped Aliona, she recovered with such grace - I wish she had danced with featured fellow strictly dancer Robin Windsor, it would have been stunning.

McGuiness seemed so uncomfortable on stage, which you could really feel (a real shame)

All that said, the girls that were seated in the front two rows of the auditorium cheered him through - they were definitely Wanted fans!

I have to mention the fabulous vocalist Lisa-Marie Holmes and her rendition of Stormy Weather, it was truly mesmerising.

Keep Dancing is guaranteed to have Strictly fans itching to dance - FAB-U-LOUS!

Lily B X

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE AUTUMN SEASON

As the nights draw in you can look forward to a whole host of world-class entertainment at Milton Keynes Theatre as they announce their Autumn season of shows.

This season, jam packed with musicals, will also see Gareth Gates bring legendary 80’s musical sensation Footloose to the stage in the re-mastered show sure to get your toes tapping. 

Say Hallelujah for the all new production of Sister Act welcoming Alexandra Burke back to MK in the divine musical comedy, and enjoy a feel good celebration of soul with The Commitments, direct from a record-breaking run in the West End. 

Dance phenomenon Cats also makes a welcome return to Milton Keynes following it’s sell out run at the London Palladium.  Make sure you don’t miss the Jellicle ball and let the memory live again!

Bridging the gap between musicals and drama are two plays with music.  Featuring great songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones drop everything and keep your eyes peeled for The Full Monty with an all-star cast including Andrew Dunn, Joe Absolom, Chris Fountain, Gary Lucy, Louise Emerick and Kai Owen.  

Georgia May Foote stars in the classic role of Holly Golightly in the stylish and sophisticated Breakfast at Tiffany’s with memorable songs from the era it’s guaranteed to sparkle like a diamond in a Tiffany’s window.

Prior to the West End, drama fans can also look forward to Theatre Royal Bath productions Relatively Speaking as Robert Powell and Liza Goddard take to the stage in Alan Ayckbourn’s wonderful, funny and charmingly British play.

Spectacular dance and breath-taking ballroom is guaranteed to keep you dancing into the night with Strictly stars Jay and Aliona along with Robin Windsor and Anya Garnis.  FAB-U-LOUS!  

While the whole family can enjoy a little bit of seasonal magic from English National Ballet as over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life for an unforgettable Christmas treat.

Escape to a world of opera with Glyndebourne who this year bring Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Mozart’s Don Giovanni, with the chance to go ‘Behind The Curtain’ with an exploration of opera designed for first time opera goers of aficionado’s who’d just like to get to know opera a little better!

A number of special events for one night only include music from, The Chicago Blues Brothers, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Illegal Eagles, One Night of Elvis, Motown’s Greatest Hits How Sweet It Is, That’ll be the Day Christmas 2016 and Bowie Experience.  With comedy from Adam Hills and Des O’Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck you can also have a taste of something a bit different with Psychic Sally, Professor Brian Cox and of course Peppa Pig in her brand new Live show Peppa Pig’s Surprise.

Pack up your knapsacks and lace up your boots ready for Christmas with this years ‘Purrrrfect’ family panto Dick Whittington. Join Samantha Womack as the Evil Queen Rat attempting to scupper Dick’s plans to seek his fortune (and remember if you book before 07 Nov you could win a prize bundle in the #DickWINNINGton competition)

A peep into 2017 (but on sale now) you can also book for Broadway’s award-winning comedy Thoroughly Modern Millie, Peter James’ thrilling new play Not Dead Enough, Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of The Red Shoes, the iconic Funny Girl direct from the West End, WNO’s trio of opera’s, the all new production of Dirty Dancing, an MK debut of smash-hit show MAMMA MIA! and two fantastic shows from the National Theatre, Jane Eyre and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time .

Tickets are on sale now!  Book at Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652* (bkg fee**) or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes  (bkg fee**)  for dates and ticket prices check the website for details or follow the theatre on Facebook www.facebook.com./miltonkeynestheatre, Twitter or Instagram @MKTheatre.

After Miss Julie
A version of Strindberg's "Miss Julie" by Patrick Marber
Milton Keynes Theatre 18th - 23rd July 2016

Set in 1945 in an English country house, on the eve of Labour's landslide victory at the end of the World War II, this compelling and erotic psychological thriller is by Strindberg's 1888 masterpiece.

During a summer ball, the beautiful daughter of the peer who owns the house, wanders into the servants' quarters.

As she flirts with  her father's handsome chauffeur, indifferent to the presence of his fiancee, what beings as game playing ignites into passion with devastating consequences.

Helen George plays Miss Julie. Well known for her role as Trixie Franklin in Call the Midwife, she recently received huge praise for her thrilling performances in Strictly Come Dancing.

Patrick Marber's plays include Dealer's Choice, which won the 1995 Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy and the phenomenal international hit, Closer, which won the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy, the Critic's Circle and Olivier awards for Best New Play and was made into a BAFTA Award winning film in 2004.

"No one, but no one writes about sex wars like Patrick Marber" - Tribune

Tickets are on sale now!  Book at Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (booking fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (booking fee)