Blood Brothers
2nd - 7th October 2017 Milton Keynes Theatre

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).

Lyn Paul returns to the iconic role she has played many times in the West End, in fact she was the show’s final Mrs Johnstone when it closed at The Phoenix Theatre in 2012. 

Lyn also starred in Bill Kenwright’s tour of Cabaret with Will Young in 2013 and rose to fame as a member of the pop group New Seekers whose numerous number one hits include ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’ which sold over 20 million copies.

 The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

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

Lily B x

Cilla - The Musical
Milton Keynes Theatre 26th - 30th September 2017

Based on the hit television series, from BAFTA award winning Jeff Pope's Cilla.

This is the new, spectacular and heart warming musical adaptation of the TV series, brought to stage by Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson.

The story of the teenage girl from Liverpool, whose dreams of stardom lead her to become one of Britain's best loved entertainers.

It all starts with an introduction by a young John Lennon to music mogul Brian Epstein that changes Pricilla White's life forever.  By the age of just 25, she would be known as singer and TV star, Cilla Black.

The musical score is the ultimate soundtrack to the 60's, it includes Cilla's greatest hits Anyone Who Has a Heart, Alfie, Something Tells Me, Twist and Shout by the Beatles, California Dreaming by The Mamas and The Papas...and SO many more!

The show is fabulous from start to finish, Kara Lily Hayworth as Cilla was selected for the role beating thousands of budding actresses and you can see why...Hayworth was simply stunning. Her rendition of Anyone Who Had a Heart had the hairs on my arms standing on end and the audience were on their feet before the end of the song.

The uber talented cast shone, the energy just oozed from the stage.

Of course, any drama about Cilla, there must be a great Bobby, because her story is not just about her, it's about the power behind her, the man who was her other half in so many ways.  Carl Au plays a fantastic Bobby, the chemistry between the two was electric. 

Andrew Lancel as Brian Epstein was brilliant in the role, he gave a faultless performance.

There is so much to this production, a brilliant back catalogue of 60's music performed live, a well told story, humour, fabulous set and costumes.

Cilla, The Musical really hits the right notes, with something for everyone to enjoy.  You will laugh, cry and everything in between.

Surprise, Surprise...this is a real gem, just like Cilla herself.

Enjoy!

Lily B x

The Classic Thriller Theatre Company - A Judgement in Stone
24th - 29th July 2017 Milton Keynes Theatre

Bill Kenwright presents an adaptation of one of Ruth Rendell's early thrillers 'A Judgement in Stone', widely considered to be one of her greatest works.

With first-class performances from an all-star cast that includes award winning TV and stage favourite Andrew Lancel best known to TV audiences for his portrayal of villainous business man Frank Foster in Coronation Street and for the role of DI Neil Manson in The Bill. 

He is joined by Sophie Ward who played the beautiful, ill-fated love interest of Young Sherlock Holmes and Dr Helen Trent in long-running ITV television drama Heartbeat, pop-idol Mark Wynter who since his hit parade days has featured in seven Agatha Christie Company productions.

Deborah Grant, who has starred in Not Going Out and Bergerac, movie icon Shirley Anne Field who became an overnight star in two landmark films The Entertainer opposite Sir Laurence Olivier, and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning with Albert Finney.

Antony Costa who shot to fame in chart topping boy band Blue and Agatha Christie Company stalwart Ben Nealon whose TV credits include ITV’s award winning drama Soldier Soldier.

Set in the 1970's, the plot follows Eunice Parchman (Sophie Ward) who has so far, led a very dull life and is hired as a housekeeper by the wealthy Coverdales'. 

They are poles (and classes) apart with the Coverdales' being exuberant, confident and warm compared to her quiet, reserved mouse-like character. Eunice is very awkward around them, despite their kindness - all due to a deeply buried, long hidden and shameful secret that she is obsessed with keeping, at any cost… 

Ruth Rendell's brilliant plot unravels a lifetime of deceit, despair and cover ups. Early on in the play it is known that all four of the Coverdale family have been murdered in cold blood on Valentine's Day.  Rendell intended the story to be not so much as a whodunit, as a ‘how did they come to do it’.

The story cleverly flashes between the present, with Eunice and the other staff of the household (who all look like they may have good reason to commit murder) being questioned by Detective Superintendent Vetch (Andrew Lancel) and Detective Sergent Challoner (Ben Nealon) to the past, where we see the tale truthfully unfold. 

This is a very entertaining and gripping production, a great evenings entertainment - and one that exceeded my expectations.

Enjoy!

Lily B X

To book just visit Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) or go to www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes  (bkg fee)

Wonderland

17th - 22nd July - Milton Keynes Theatre

TV and West End star Wendi Peters, much loved for her acclaimed portrayal of Cilla Battersby-Brown in Coronation Street, will headline the UK tour of Wonderland as Queen of Hearts alongside musical theatre favourite Dave Willetts, who has previously starred in tours of South Pacific, 42nd Street and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, as White Rabbit. 

West End and Broadway leading lady Kerry Ellis, best known for playing Elphaba in the West End and Broadway productions of Wicked, will guest star as Alice.

Following sold out seasons in Tampa, Texas and Tokyo, the multi Grammy and Drama Desk Award nominated Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland receives its UK and European première in this brand new British production. 

Hailed by the New York Times as “inspirational”, Wonderland is an enchanting musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, with a huge heart, a medley of magic and a whole lot of wonder. 

Don’t be late… Book Now for best seats!

To book just visit Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) or go to www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes  (bkg fee)

Jayne Eyre Milton Keynes Theatre
10th - 15th July 2017

★★★★★
'Theatre at its most imaginative.' Daily Mail

This innovative re-imagining of Charlotte Brontë's masterpiece is a collaboration between the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic and is directed by Sally Cookson.

The classic story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms. 

Jane Eyre’s spirited heroine faces life’s obstacles head-on, surviving poverty, injustice and the discovery of bitter betrayal before taking the ultimate decision to follow her heart.

To book just visit Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) or go to www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes  (bkg fee)

Dreamboats and Petticoats
3rd - 8th July 2017 Milton Keynes Theatre

Inspired by the 7 smash hit multi-million selling albums of the same name, the West End sell out sensation Dreamboats and Petticoats features some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era.

The dazzling success of the first seven albums in the Dreamboats and Petticoats series sent the message loud and clear. With over 3 and a half million copies sold and several weeks at the number one spot in the compilation charts, the Great British public were saying that they didn’t just want to listen to pure nostalgia: they’d love to see it as well.

In 1961 emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition - and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue! But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons.

Featuring classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, and many more, including Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, Bobby’s Girl, Little Town Flirt, Only Sixteen, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Let It Be Me, Great Pretender, C’mon Everybody, Let’s Twist Again and many more hits from music’s golden era!

Dreamboats and Petticoats - the songs will live forever!

To book just visit Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) or go to www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes  (bkg fee)