Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh on tour

MK Theatre 

Take a step back in time to the 70's in Mike Leigh's classic play - Abigail's Party now on tour.

This quick, witty and brilliantly written, Abigail's Party is a story of bored house wife Beverly, played by the totally fantastic Hannah Waterman - who throws a party for her newly moved in neighbours Angela (Katie Lightfoot) and her husband Tony (Samuel James).

Add a newly divorced Sue (Emily Raymond) from across the road who's escaping her house which has been taken over by her teenage daughter, Abigail.  Sue sits uncomfortably while Beverly plays the "hostess with the mostess", plying Sue with copious amounts of gin and tonic and the 70's favorite cheese and pineapple chunks on little sticks stuck in a tin foil covered melon!

Waterman is amazing on stage, she plays the part to a T! Busty, bubbly and feisty - the party really gets going when her totally stressed husband Laurence (Martin Marquez) returns from work, Beverly puts on a Demis Roussos record and gets everyone to dance..."you can't beat a bit of Demis, you know what I mean?" - what unfolds is so funny, it will make you cry with laughter and then stops you dead in your tracks...this comedy has some really intense moments.

Abigail's Party portrays that not all that glitters is gold - and you can't judge a book by its pristine cover.  It reveals bored marriages, sexually frustrated wives and over stretched relationships.  Leigh shows that no relationship is perfect but that when push comes to shove and something drastic happens, you realise just what your partner means to you.

The set is authentic, the cast is brilliant and the story very strong - Abigail's Party is a great night's entertainment!

Enjoy...

Lily B x

Starlight Express - Milton Keynes Theatre

Review date 25th April 2013

Starlight Express started life in 1975 as a story that Andrew Lloyd Webber had high hopes of being a animated movie.  It never got off the ground in that format so he re-wrote it for his children Imogen and Nicholas.  It was that very version that opened in March 1984 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London.

Nine years later the show was revised an re-vamped with new music, which was dedicated to Lloyd Webber's son Alistair.  Starlight has run for over eighteen years and transfixed audiences with such punch and precision, I couldn't wait to see it at MK Theatre.

The story is Cinderella-esque - but with trains.  It is so different, and so clever - the whole show is a wow!  A race is on to find the best between the long running champ diesel train "Greaseball "(Jamie Capewell) and the new comer with his electrifying speed "Electra" (Mykal Rand)...but have they forgotten about the good old steam trains? In steps "Rusty" (Kristopher Harding) to do his best to beat the rest!

The dancers are uber talented, they sing and dance with such flair and fluidity, it's amazing how they do it so well...AND on skates!?

The choreography is super slick and seriously intricate, and why wouldn't it be with Arlene Phillips directing and providing the fantastic choreography- it's roller skate dancing at its very best! Add to that music by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, it's a recipe for a fantastic show.

The staging of this show is quite spectacular, the costumes are amazing - but the addition of  the 3D sections takes it to another level.  You have to experience it to fully appreciate it. 

"Starlight Express is a complete theatrical experience.  It is a love story and a story of triumph, involving sportsmanship, rivalry, dander and thrills.  It is a show that truly has something for everyone..."

Catch the Starlight Express if you can!

Lily B xx

Milton Keynes Theatre
The Woman in Black Monday 8th April - Saturday 13th April 2013

Review 8th April 2013

To appreciate this gripping piece of theatre, you must know the background to the story...

Director Robin Herford was the artistic director of The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough in the late 80's.  He needed a play to run over Christmas with only a small budget to use, so he approached his good friend and playwright Stephen Mallatratt to write a play.  Herford wanted a ghost story and Mallatratt suggested adapting Susan Hill's novel "The Women in Black".

Herford was drawn immediately to the "evocative power" of the book but it had one draw back.. the cast needed was immense and couldn't be afforded on such a low budget.  Mallatratt proceeded to write the Woman in Black in the style of the Shakespearean "play within  a play" - which made it a two man production....plus The Lady in Black...

This cut price production has run for 25 years and still going strong!

"The magic of the theatre, made possible only by the most precious and under used of  them commodities, the audiences imagination.  This piece relies extremely heavily on it, as all good theatre should.  Add to it the skill and proficiency of talented performers and technicians, along with a wonderfully gripping story" 

Gripping story...I would say amazingly gripping!! From the moment you walk into the slightly colder than usual auditorium, there is an air of chilling expectation.

The bare stage (bar a shabby costume basket, clothes rail and drapes...   Just watch what is behind the drapes...)  It's the actors that draw you in to the story...and keep you there on the edge of your seat.  If like me, you are slightly scared of anything ghostly, you will have your coat tucked up around your eyes and ears to shield from from the scary bits!! 

The story centers on a young solicitor, Arthur Kipps, who is summonsed to a small market town on the East Coast of England to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow, an elderly recluse who lived alone in the desolate Eel Marsh House.  The eerie house is situated on a causeway and at high tide is completely cut off from the mainland, with only the boggy marshland around.

At the funeral, Kipps sees a woman swathed in black from head to toe, with a pale drawn face.  Kipps sets about putting Mrs Drablow's affairs in order at Eel Marsh House, having to stay in the house on his own (as no one else will set foot inside). He endures an increasingly terrifying sequence of unexplained noises, events and  screams in the night....

Julian Forsyth (Arthur Kipps) and Anthony Eden (The Actor) both give an outstanding performance.

The "play" is so that Kipps can have his story told and he can at last rest in peace - and the actor who played his part has a better understanding of his suffering.  What becomes of the man portraying the part of Kipps...What happens to those that see "The Women in Black"??

This is a spine chilling tale and a brilliant piece of theatre.  Book your tickets now...

Lily B x  

MK Theatre - Madam Butterfly 

Review date 28th March 2013

The Welsh National Opera are touring with a trio of operas, one of which is the heart breaking story of Puccini's Madam Butterfly, sung in Italian with English surtitles.

I have been lucky enough to review many operas performed by the WNO, you can feel the passion issuing from the stage with every performance.  The WNO profess this passion and their want to share this by way of accessible fully staged award winning productions - and they deliver time and time again.

Set in Nagasaki, Japan - the story is about Cio-Cio-San (better known as Madam Butterfly) - a marriage broker introduces the burly Lieutenant Pinkerton of the United States Navy to the beautiful young geisha, Madam Butterfly.  He marries her but promptly leaves to return to America after spending a passionate night with Butterfly.

Cio-Cio-San is left to longingly look out to sea day after day and sings for her American Lieutenant to return to her arms. Three years after he left, she still desperately clings on to the hope that she will be with him again and that he will share in the life of their beautiful son. Pinkerton is made aware of his son's existence. Finally, he returns, but with his new American wife Kate, but they have returned for Cio-Cio-San's son to take him back to America.
 

The tragedy that follows is what makes Madam Butterfly's tale the most heart-wrenching in Italian opera. Her aria 'One fine day' shows how Puccini masterfully uses every note to wrap his audience in her tragic story.

Lt.Pinkerton (Gwyn Hughes Jones) is commanding in his role, his depth of vocal and stage presence was very strong.  Cheryl Barker (Madam Butterfly) was sublime in her role, she had passion and intensity in her vocals and really brought a tear to my eye during her aria.

Director Joachim Herz cleverly brings a sepia tinged production to the stage - it can only be described as looking at a beautiful old photograph, which is brought to life.  Madam Butterfly is an extremely moving, stunning production and is a wonderful way to spend an evening at the theatre. 

Look at www.wno.org.uk to follow the WNO Spring 2013 Season tour.

Lily B x

Cinderella - MK Theatre 7th December - 6th January 2013

"Cinderella - The family show of the year"




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

A traditional magical, sparkling panto with real gorgeous white Shetland ponies - that's what! oh no it isn't...oh yes it is!!! (Sorry, I couldn't resist the chance to write that!)

Cinderella is at MK Theatre and it is the perfect way to treat all the family to a great night out.  It's such fantastic entertainment for the young and young at heart!

Cinderella, has all the perfect ingredients for the classic panto - cheesy songs, even cheesier jokes, too much glitter and THE campest Dandini you will EVER see?!!

Louis Spence (of Sky 1's smash hit series Pineapple Dance Studios) tops the bill as the flexible friend to the Prince Charming (Andrew Derbyshire)

Spence is hilarious from start to finish - he spins, twirls and pirouettes across the stage with enviable enthusiasm - the audience absolutely loved him..."we love you Louis" echoed around the theatre, he totally shone!

The beautiful down trodden Cinders is played by the CITV presenter Anna Williamson, she was as cute as a button and gave her all on stage.  Her voice lacked a bit of oomph but that didn't detract from her enjoyable performance.

The comedy throughout the show was all thanks to Kev Orklan as Buttons.  Orklan was able to showcase a little of his skills on the piano in a very funny sketch to keep him in the spot light on stage.  It's the usual mix of double entendre's and slap stick comedy - he made the whole theatre literally fall about laughing, just with his facial expressions!!

John Barr and Paul Burnham play the boo-able the ugly sisters - any panto wouldn't be complete without the men in drag!!?? The costumes are stunning, very clever - big, bright and just so OTT... Just brilliant!

The vocal highlight was most definitely courtesy of Denise Pearson, never has the Fairy God Mother sounded so good!!

For Pearson (Brit Award winner, Grammy Nominee and former lead singer with 80's pop group Five Star) this was her first panto appearance.  Luckily, there's not a lot of acting or dialogue needed for this role, but it didn't matter that the performance was a little wooden, her vocal talent shone through.  She still has an amazing vocal range, so much so, I wanted to hear more!

The live music, the laughter that rings in your ears and the silly songs that you hum as you leave - all adds up to a magical experience that is perfect for all the family to share.

Book it now and keep that Christmas spirit going!!

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

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lily B X

Phantom of the Opera - MK Theatre
Thursday 25th October - Saturday 24th November 2012


Succumb to the music of the night...Andrew Lloyd-Webber's 2012 touring production of Phantom of the Opera has arrived at Milton Keynes Theatre.  In just a few words, this is intense and spectacular - it is breathtaking from the moment the curtain went up.

Cameron Mackintosh's amazing new production of Phantom is nothing but fantastic!

The costume, the set, the music...the whole show leaves a lasting memory of utter magical theatre moments.

The staging is wonderful - the set design by Paul Brown was simply amazing, add the stunning costumes by Maria Bjornson and the dazzling performances from the whole cast - I didn't want the interval to arrive!

The lead played by Earl Carpenter captured the iconic character magnificently.  His portrayal of the tourmented phantom was sublime.  His vocals were passionate, powerful and haunting.

Phantom is a bitter sweet love story, which is movingly told - I guarentee it will move you.

Christine is played by the wonderfully talented Katie Hall, her performance was breathtaking and beleivable - she posesses the voice of an angel.

Throughout this production, the iconic moments are still captured - a magical gondola ride deep beneath the theatre and the falling chandelier...it's a visual feast of dazzling theatrics.

This production of Phantom is simply sensational - it will stay with you long after you leave the theatre!

If you see nothing else this year - this is something you cannot miss!  This is five star theatre all the way!

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

Now open! - Milton Keynes Theatre's sylish new piano bar serving delicious cocktails to enjoy and complete an amazing night - why not try it, it will make a special night even more memorable!

Enjoy!
Lily B X

 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