Dirty Dancing

Milton Keynes Theatre 24^th – 29^th April 2017

The classic story on stage is back, with an all-new 2016/2017 tour. I adore this amazing show and it’s here at Milton Keynes Theatre!

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

The theatre had a real buzz as I entered, I know many people will have been reminiscing about the totally fantastic Patrick Swayze who is sadly no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in Dirty Dancing.

For those of you that may not be familiar with the film (I've said it before and I will say it again...where have you been??) It's the story of Frances 'Baby' Houseman, a daddy’s girl who secretly falls in love for the first time with someone her daddy would definitely not approve of.

She meets Johnny Castle, a dance instructor and member of the entertainment staff at the lavish Kellerman's 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 wait 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 than the paying guests). Intrigued, she finds herself in situations which challenge her beliefs about herself, her family and the world around her.

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

I watched in awe as the uber talented cast brought the stage to life.  I loved “Kellerman’s Band” performing live, the memorable songs sung with such passion.

Baby played by Katie Hartland was fabulous - she was funny, totally believable in her role, her performance was flawless.

Lewis Griffiths as Johnny showed more than a glint of Patrick, especially in his swagger, stature and voice – there is a treat for the ladies, I won’t spoil it but Griffiths certainly made an impression…cheeky!

The chemistry between the pair was there, they danced brilliantly together and when that iconic moment with "the lift" finally arrived – it was pure theatre magic, you just couldn't help but applaud it.

The clever set and great costumes set the scene so well - it's not easy to transfer such a well-known film to stage but Company Manager/Resident Director Russ Spencer has achieved this exceptionally well.

Dirty Dancing is an absolutely fabulous show, a definite must see. It deserved the standing ovation it received.

Get your tickets quick...you can’t miss this one!

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)

Enjoy!

Lily B x

Northern Ballet - Casanova

Milton Keynes Theatre 18th - 22nd April 2017

"I have always loved truth so passionately that I have often resorted to lying as a way of introducing it into the minds which were ignorant of its charms" Giacomo Girolamo Casanova

Since his death in 1798, the name Casanova has been a derogatory word used to describe someone that is a seducer, philanderer and womaniser.

Northern Ballet take on the story of this Italian adventurer and writer from Venice...

"Casanova's life was epic and I wanted to do this justice" - Kenneth Tindall, Northern Ballet

Casanova is truly a spectacle with sumptuous costumes and set by Christopher Oram, this adaptation by Tindall is nothing but stunning.

It displays the many facets of the insecure Casanova, showing that he was "a man larger than his love affairs".

Kerry Muzzey's score is one of grandeur and played superbly by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

The role of Casanova is danced by Giuliano Contadini - an amazing interpretation of the man of such vast intellectual, creative and sexual energy.

His performance gave such intensity, the powerful scenes are spellbinding, as is all of the performances by the amazingly talented dancers.

The life of Casanova is so prevalent, it is hard to edit it into a two hour ballet but Kenneth Tindell has triumphed.

The Northern Ballet never shy away from taking on something different and Casanova is an impressive and exhilarating evening's ballet.

Lily B x

Lord of the Dance - Dangerous Games
Milton Keynes Theatre 4th April - 9th April 2017

Celebrating 20 years since he debuted Lord of the Dance, Flatley’s UK tour will star his protégés James Keegan, Morgan Comer and Mathew Smith in the role of the Lord of the Dance. 

This show possesses all of the precision and thrills of the original, but also features fantastic new staging, costumes and absolutely mesmerising choreography.

With new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance.

The uber talented Flatley who not only is the creator but is the producer, director and choreographer!  He brings forty of the world's most outstanding young dancers and musicians to the stage - all of the cast deliver phenomenal performances.

Based on Irish folklore, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is a classic tale of Good v Evil.  The story is of a little spirit who travels through time to help the Lord of the Dance protect his people from the evil threat of Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord.  As this dark power challenges our hero, the mystical adventure draws you into a world of danger, desire and love...will he be triumphant?

Expect brilliant staging, pyrotechnics in abundance and the thunderous sound of synchronised metal heels.

Lily B x

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)