Tonight's The Night - The Rod Stewart Musical 21st April - 26th April 2014
Milton Keynes Theatre

Ben Elton's Tonight's The Night rocked into MK theatre this week.  This all singing, all dancing jukebox musical showcases over twenty hits of the rock legend, Rod Stewart.

The story is of a shy, geeky mechanic from Detroit who sells his soul to the devil. Desperate to overcome his shyness, he sees this as the only way to win the heart of Mary (Jenna Lee-James) the girl he's fallen in love with.  The aptly named Stewart (Ben Heathcote) gets his wish when the devil swaps Rod Stewart's soul with his own and is transformed into a "wanna be" rock star, ready to take on the world.

He meets a leggy blonde bombshell promoter Baby Jane (Tiffany Graves) who takes him on tour bumping into another rocker, Stoner (Michael McKell) along the way.  McKell gives a faultless performance and shows impeccable timing to bring this Mick Jagger-esque character to life.  He was hilarious, bringing a comedic interlude to the show, which was very much appreciated by the audience. 

You will enjoy some of the most memorable songs by Rod Stewart, all performed brilliantly by the cast and backed by the fantastic rock band sat high in the rafters on stage - the sound is phenomenal!

The story loosely jogs on, fitting the hits in one after the other - at times the story is rather insignificant.  It is the music and performances by Heathcote and the exceptionally talented Jenna Lee-James that holds it all together, especially "Stay with Me" and "I Don't Want To Talk About It". 

It's a raucous, sexy production - the rockers amongst you will love it, as well as the ardent Rod Stewart fans.  It's all about the music and energy on the stage and the very talented cast doing justice to all the big songs throughout.  

The audience, like me however, were a little disappointed not to see Jade Ewen (one third of the multi-million selling pop group, Sugarbabes) on stage on the night as Dee Dee. It would have been the icing on the cake.

Even so, the reaction from the audience said it all as none of them could wait to don their paper sailor hats and sway rhythmically when the big moment arrived as "Sailing" closed the show.

As the encore began the audience jumped to their feet to dance and clap to a mega mix of classic hits, you could just tell that the majority of them had been itching to do all night!

The show grows on you, you won't go to see it for its story line - you will want to see it to listen to some hits of the mega star that is Rod Stewart performed with flair, heart...and Soul!

Lily B X

Robin Cousins' ICE 8th -12th April 2104 Milton Keynes Theatre

It's scary to think that Robin Cousins has been working "on ice" for nearly 50 years.  From little acorns great oaks grow...and that is so true of Cousins.

Starting from a local ice skating club as a youngster to go on to become the men's figure skating Olympic gold medal winner in 1980 and European Champion in the same year - you'd expect anything with Cousins name attached to it to be out of this world...and ICE is right up there.

Robin has said "skaters can move like no one else can, they can be motionless, yet travel at great speed.  We can soar across a frozen stage in ways a dancer can only dream of doing..."

To get this ice spectacular to the stage takes an amazing feat of engineering.  To produce the flawless platform for the ice skaters to perform, the Milton Keynes stage has to be totally transformed.

It's done with over 15km of pipework, filled with coolant which then spills over on to a matrix of rubber pipe that carries the fluid through the refrigeration units (and acts like a giant freezer) Water is then sprayed over the top of this mesh work and "hey presto" the perfect icy stage.  The whole process takes over 24 hours (non stop) to produce the finished product.

The music choice and Cousins' choreography works in perfect synergy and is absolutely spellbinding.  You will see some very talented figure skaters perform some of the most difficult moves on ice in such a restricted area, it's hard to believe how they do it! It will take your breath away, quite literally.

This production is slick, quick and totally fantastic - the whole cast of skaters are just amazing and this show is a spectacle not to be missed.

Enjoy!

Lily B X

Fallen Angels 18 March - 22 March 2014 Milton Keynes Theatre

Noel Coward's Fallen Angels first opened in 1925 - its story line of two, ever so slightly bored middle aged housewives, who's perfect lives are shaken up by the arrival of an ex-lover of them both, still seems scarily fresh and relevant.

The play is set in a time where the "little women" sat prettily around waiting, whilst the men strode off to their thing...and in this case, it's a weekend of golfing.

However, our respectable housewives Julia (Jenny Seagrove) and (Jane) Sara Crowe do more than sitting pretty awaiting the return of their respective husbands.  The pair find out that the man that they had both had a romantic interlude with before marrying their husbands is back in the country and about to make a visit!  The expectation of seeing him sends them both into a heady spin, both pretending that they are not at all excited by the thought of having him seduce them once more.

To cope with the sheer panic that befalls them, they both agree to just run away, as neither of of them would trust themselves around him.  Unfortunately, they don't manage to flee...as they sit down to dinner and have a few too many glasses of bubbly...and get totally steaming drunk!  The pair share memories of their time with Maurice Duclos (Philip Battley) revisiting the feelings that they both had and secretly would love to feel again...

Seagrove and Crowe make the most of the scenes of drunkeness (sometimes a little too much where it started to look contrived) However, the pair bounce cleverly off of each other with slapstick style comedy.

The other characters seem really just to bolster the two leads.  Tim Wallers (husband, Fred) and Robin Sebastian (husband, Willy) give robust and believable performances.

Fallen Angels is definitely a play worth watching, the audience chuckled loudly and left the theatre pleasantly surprised just how good it was, and I totally agree.

Lily B X

Wicked 4th February - 8th March 2014

Discover the whole story about the Land of Oz! This brilliant re-imaging of the stories and characters created by L.Frank Baum in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked tells the untold story of an unlikely friendship between two very different girls who first meet as sorcery students...

If you think you will see a potted version of this stunning musical, you will be pleasantly surprised.  The touring production of Wicked may have a smaller ensemble, however they deliver in every scene and the vocals are awe inspiring and pack such a punch.  The production still screams West End quality throughout.

The story is so clever - just how did Elphaba become the Wicked Witch of the West, why was Glinda made "Good", did they start out that way or did they both have their titles trust upon them?  Have you ever wondered why the tin man, scarecrow and lion end up as they were...this wonderful tale will tell all!

The unlikely friendship of the two young sorcery students, grows from their loathing of each other - one an unconventional outcast (being green!?) and one, a pretty blonde vision of perfectness.  The pair step into the wonderful world of Oz, where being green is a prerequisite.  

Both the leads are extremely talented and gave a faultless performance - the wicked but wonderfully green Elphaba (Nikki Davis-Jones) was absolutely fantastic, her vocals are strong and plays the misunderstood not quite as wicked witch to a T! Glinda, The Good (Emily Tierney) plays the fluffy, perfect popular one oh so well!  Tierney possesses a real comedic quality as an actress.  

Their duets were actually spell binding - they both squeeze every last drop of drama and comedy from the good versus bad relationship.  

In fact the entire cast will knock your socks off! The stage sets, lighting, creative costumes and music are just exceptional.

The global musical phenomenon Wicked on tour has finally hit Milton Keynes Theatre.  If you have a ticket, you won't be disappointed - because if like me you will be counting the days until you get to experience it in all is wonderful glory!  If you are thinking about getting tickets, you MUST get them or I guarantee you will kick yourself having missed such a fantastic musical production right on your door step! Book them before it flies off in to the sunset on it's continuing tour of the Country.

Don't forget to pick up a CD on sale in the Theatre of the Broadway cast, just so you can remember your Wicked night, as I bet you won't be able to get the brilliant original songs out of your head.  The productions biggest anthem has to be "Defying Gravity" it will cast an irresistible spell over you!

To book your tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Enjoy!

Lily B xx

  

WHATS COMING UP?  Look below for the amazing productions about to hit the Milton Keynes Theatre!  Book your tickets now so you don't miss out...

BOOKING DETAILS
CONTACT MILTON KEYNES THEATRE BOX OFFICE 0844 871 7652 OR VISIT WWW.ATGTICKETS.COM/MILTONKEYNES

FEBRUARY
WICKED – 4 FEB – 6 MAR
Winner of 90 international awards, Wicked has been casting its magical spell over audiences across the world for a decade. In a brilliantly witty re-imagining of the stories and characters created by L, Frank Baum in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked tells the untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda The Good and The Wicked Witch of the West.

MARCH
WELSH NATIONAL OPERA LA TRAVIATA/MANON LESCAUT/BOULEVARD SOLITUDE – (11 – 15 March)
La Traviata, Verdi’s classic opera.
Manon Lescaut, Puccini. A new production – Manon has been seduced, she wanted to taste the tempting fruit of adult life, but now realises that the fruit is rotten. Does Manon have any chance for salvation?

Boulevard Solitude, Henze. A new production – Armand and Manon are penniless but in love, but a cruel world of 20th century capitalism shatters their happiness, and leaves them stranded on a boulevard of broken dreams.

FASCINATING AIDA CHARM OFFENSIVE – 16 MAR
Dilli Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman celebrate 30 years of Fascinating Aida with a brand new show. Expect topical new songs hot off the press, plus some outrageous old favorites as Fascinating Aida continue to grow old disgracefully!

FALLEN ANGELS – 18 – 22 MAR
Jenny Seagrove and Sara Crowe star as best friends Julia and Jane in a heavenly new production of Noel Cowards divine comedy classic. With their passionless husbands away playing golf, a mutual long ago lover announces his intention to pay Julia and Jane an impromptu visit. All in a fluster, there’s clearly only one thing to do, pop open the Champagne!

COMPAGNIE KÄFIG’S BOXE BOXE – 25 - 26 MAR
Dance from France that packs a punch! Eight exceptional dancers blend martial arts, street and contemporary dance to create a spirited and stunning fusion of hip hop and fisticuffs, which has dazzled audiences, the world over. The dancers move in unison to live music from an on stage string quartet, with beautifully rendered classical music including Schubert, Ravel, Philip Glass and Glenn Miller.

BOOTLEG BEATLES – 23 MAR
For over thirty years The Bootleg Beatles have been performing to audiences across the globe, winning over even the most hardened sceptics with their stunning recreation of The Beatles’ sound and look.

SUSAN BOYLE IN CONCERT – 27 MAR
Performing a sensational and contemporary repertoire of iconic album tracks including I Dreamed A Dream and Wild Horses as well as classics never performed live by Susan before, this will be a show that captures and enthrals the audience.

PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD – 28 MAR
Sally has dedicated her life to exploring the work of spirit and her live shows aim to give validation that our loved ones still exist.

ANTON DU BEKE BALLROOM TO BROADWAY – 30 MAR
With special guest Summer Strallen, the nation’s favourite ballroom dancer Anton Du Beke is back with a thrilling new show conjuring up the elegance of ballroom at its best and the unmissable razzle dazzle of Broadway.

THE PERFECT MURDER – 31 MAR – 5 APR
The world stage premiere for the no.1 best selling author Peter James’. Victor Smiley and his wife Joan have been married for a long time. But their marriage has reached crisis point and Victor has decided there is only one way to get Joan out of his life forever. Starring Les Dennis (Chicago, Hairspray, Art) and Claire Goose (Waking The Dead, Casualty)

APRIL
KATE RUSBY – 6 APR
Of all the stars in Folk Music’s wondrous firmament, few shine as brightly. Rusby’s singing and hugely engaging Yorkshire wit will ensure that you will be treated to a truly remarkable and unforgettable concert experience.

ROBIN COUSINS’ ICE – 8 – 12 APR
Directed and choreographed by Robin Cousins, the dynamic and atmospheric ICE will draw you into its unique world where world class skaters hand picked by Robin, glide, soar flip and fly in a truly theatrical setting.

DERREN BROWN’S INFAMOUS – 14 – 19 APR
Direct from the West End, the acknowledged master of psychological illusion returns to the stage with his latest show, INFAMOUS, demonstrating once again why Derren is one of the world’s most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind control.

PAUL CARRACK – 20 APR
Christened ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’ in a recent BBC 4 documentary, internationally respected British singer/songwriter Paul Carrack the voice of pop classics such as How Long, Over My Shoulder and many more returns to familiar ground.

TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT – THE ROD STEWART MUSICAL - 21 – 26 APR
The smash hit West End musical comedy inspired by the songs of Rod Stewart, is the all singing all dancing feel good show which went on to play sold out theaters across the UK. Rediscover the magic of these timeless songs from Maggie May, Baby Jane and Hot Legs to Sailing and many more!

THE SOLD SILVER 60’S SHOW – 27 APR
They say that if you remember the 60's you weren't there! Relive the 60's with the original artists singing their greatest hits – Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, Chris Farlowe, Chris Montez and Wayne Fontana all backed by Vanity Fare.

BLACK COFFEE – 28 APR – 3 MAY
In the first play ever written by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to Hercule Poirot who went on to become the most famous detective of all time and the only fictional character to receive a full – page obituary in the New York Times. Robert Powell is the new Poirot.

MAY
DANCE ‘TIL DAWN – 5 – 10 MAY
In 1940s LA, a romance unfolds between a beautiful starlet and her handsome lover. Starring Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, Dance ‘Til Dawn will transport you to a time of elegance with stunning sets, a live band and world-class dancers.

FAME THE MUSICAL – 12 – 17 MAY
This brand new production will take you on a high octane roller coaster ride through dizzy heights and crashing lows as a group of star struck wannabes embark on their quest for the
ultimate accolade – fame. Breathtaking dance routines, show stopping tunes Fame is the feel good sensation that you will never forget!

ELVIS PRESLEY ON STAGE - 18 MAY
Using the latest technology, Elvis performs via state of the art video screens singing lead vocals backed by a live band, singers and an orchestra.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – 20 -24 MAY
Northern Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream sees the romantic antics of a touring dance company played out on one magical night as the company travels by sleeper train from London to Edinburgh.

THREE LITTLE PIGS – 23 MAY
Northern Ballet’s latest production especially for children.

PYGMALION – 27 – 31 MAY
BAFTA award winning Alistair McGowan leads Rula Lenska (Calendar Girls, Coronation Street), Jamie Foreman (Oliver Twist, EastEnders) in the centenary production of Shaw’s enduring masterpiece.

JUNE
WEST SIDE STORY – 03 – 14 JUN
The show that changed the face of musical theatre forever. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere America and I Feel Pretty, this production comes direct to MKT from a sell out season at London’s Sadler’s Wells.

HAPPY DAYS – 16 – 21 JUN
Happy Days are here again with the premiere of a brand new musical based on the hit TV series featuring the unforgettable ‘King of Cool’ Arthur The Fonz Fonzarelli. Happy Days is guaranteed to have you rockin’ and rollin’ all week long!

JULY
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – 1 – 12 JUL
This spectacular show is packed full of the charm, romance and tinsel town glamour of one of the world’s best loved movies and features all the songs from the glorious MGM score. Featuring screen star Maxwell Caulfield and Coronation Street favourite Vicky Binns, Singin In The Rain showers you with everything you could wish for in a hit musical with its sumptuous set design (including 12,000 litres of water!) and high energy choreography.

PEPPA PIG’S BIG SPLASH – 23 – 24 JUL
Join Peppa and her friends for another all singing, all dancing adventure full of songs and muddy puddles!

AUGUST
ROCK OF AGES – 18 – 23 AUG
Direct from the West End, this 80’s themed musical features over 30 eyebrow scorching tunes including: Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown and many more!

TOP HAT – 26 AUG – 6 SEP
Direct from its tremendous success in London, Top Hat brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious tap dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the stage in one of the greatest dance musicals of all time.

OCTOBER
DIRTY DANCING – 21 OCT – 8 NOV
Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart – pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this world wide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, featuring 35 hit songs including the heart stopping I've Had The Time of My Life.

Matthew Bourne - Swan Lake 28th January -1st February 2014

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake has lost none of its glamour but grows and changes with each fresh cast.

Bourne’s breathtaking and sexy version of Swan Lake is definitely a glamorous piece of dance theatre.  If you are expected copious amount of tulle, ballet shoes and tutus, you will be surprised that this version contains none of those.  What it has is dynamic stage sets, the most amazing costumes (both designed by Les Brotherston), wit, passion and sensitivity - all performed by fabulously talented dancers.
  

Originally written by Tchaikovsky in the late 19th century, Swan Lake was staged at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre in 1877.  This surprisingly witty production has been designed to reach out to a modern audience, to excite them, to move them. This production is very powerful, immensely intense and extremely passionate.

The curtain rises on a prince, (the amazing Sam Archer) who is lost and lonely in a world he feels he doesn't belong.  The brilliant, over-sized settings portrays the stuffy life of the court, where the bored Prince is dwarfed by the weight of the protocol thrust upon him, forced to repeat the same meaningless tasks and insulated from any real communication with the world around him.  

He is an anguished soul, trapped and unsuited to life in the public eye, craving love and attention from the brilliant Madelaine Brennan, who plays his icy mother, the Queen. Brennan portrayed a real magisterial quality in the character.  Sadly, the Queen is incapable of expressing emotion - which ultimately undoes her son’s sanity.

The Prince does have some altercations with a commoner - “a girlfriend” played by the vivacious, funny and talented Kerry Biggin.  Bourne has managed to bring so much wit and fun to this production, and the girlfriend character was instrumental in this.  There are little touches of comedy genius with subtle glances and even an addition of a stuffed corgi on stage!

The iconic swans burst into the Princes world just as he is on the verge of despairing suicide.   The swans allow him freedom, however it is the lead swan, which is the symbol of the love and passion, he is starved of.  Jonathan Olivier (lead swan/stranger) puts his heart and soul into his performance, the intensity shows in every inch of his body.  His movement is immensely powerful; his grace and body form was sublime. To watch both Olivier and Archer dance together in total synergy was timeless.

The Milton Keynes Theatre audience rose to their feet as the final curtain fell to applaud this totally breathtaking and irresistible production that premiered in Saddlers Wells in 1995….every time I see this it just gets stronger and stronger.  Long may it continue. 

Lily B xx

Imperial Ice Stars - Sleeping Beauty on Ice at Milton Keynes Theatre

The world famous Imperial Ice Stars, who have won international acclaim and five-star reviews with their stunning productions, bring Sleeping Beauty to MK Theatre as part of their national tour.

The Imperial Ice Stars specialise in performing theatrical ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre and are renowned for their daring and amazing ice feats, some only seen in the Olympic area - all performed within the confines of a frozen theatre stage! Using 14 tonnes of ice and taking over 140 man hours to build, this production needs to be seen to be believed.

The twenty-five strong cast of Olympic, World, European and National Championship skaters comprise the cream of Russian skating talent, and between them have won over 200 competition medals.

The production boasts one of the most expensive sets ever created for a theatrical ice show by Australia's top scenic designers - Eamon D'Arcy.  It incorporates stunning three dimensional scenery, magical special effects, high wire flying and wonderfully opulent costumes by Natella Abdulaeva and Svetlana Murzak.

This interpretation of the classic tale set to the music of Tchaikovsky, The Imperial Ice Stars tell the story of Sleeping Beauty.  The superb choreography by the truly talented Tony Mercer, who is widely regarded as the world's leading creator of theatre on ice.

Putting the story aside, you will be able to sit back and enjoy some of the finest ice skaters strut their stuff on stage - this show will appeal to every age group.  You will be treated to amazing feats of bravery and strength by the cast, the ice dance is super slick and silky smooth.  One thing, don't leave before the encore or you will miss out on being dazzled by the brilliance of the whole cast who literally go mad by performing some of the most daring skating you will see.  I guarantee it will make you sit up and gasp in total amazement!

The Imperial Ice Stars - Sleeping Beauty, is an unforgettable experience and will take your breath away!

Lily B xx

Visit  www.imperialicestars.com/tour-info for future dates