Dreamboats and Miniskirts - Milton Keynes Theatre 
6th October - 11th October 2014

This new musical, the sequel to the smash hit Dreamboats and Petticoats is set to be as equally as successful.

Dreamboats and miniskirts story moves onto the "Swinging Sixties" (1962 and 1963 to be precise) when British pop really took centre stage.

It was the dawn of the era of the miniskirt, courtesy of fashion icon Mary Quant in '64, Twiggy and of course the birth of The Beatles.

The same characters are all here, Bobby (Alex Beaumont) and Laura (Elizabeth Carter) Norman (Ross William Wild) and Sue (Louise Olley) and not forgetting Ray (David Luke) and Donna (Anna Campkin).

Bobby and Laura are in the midst of a somewhat dwindling recording career when on a live television show Bobby is made a fool of and ends with the sugary sweet couple parting as a duo...

Bobby decides to join Ray and the other members of the band The Conquests, enlisting the newly married with baby on the way, Norman.  The band are waiting for that one hit...their BIG break...but will they make it??  Laura is picked for solo stardom, will she make top of the pops??

Of course they do - this is a saccharine rich feel good musical where every boy gets their girls AND everyone gets a record deal!

As I looked around the auditorium it was easy to see that the majority of the audience didn't need to read all about the '60's quite as intently as I did - they were chatting, exchanging memories because they had lived it, loved it and it was clear they were here to have a really good time.

This musical just bursts with 60's hits (far too many to mention) they come thick and fast - all performed live throughout and brilliantly so.  The vocal talents of all the leads is undeniable, particularly the brilliant and powerful Louise Olley as Sue.

The stand out performances of the night had to be Chloe Edwards-Wood (Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet) and Charlotte Peak (Bass Saxophone/Flute).  When the girls strutted their stuff on the stage it was hard to believe just how good they were, to be able to sing, dance and act whilst playing at the same time - they made it look effortless.

The whole cast are uber talented and with each up beat number after the other, they gave it their all, injecting such energy to the story.

I particularly loved the rendition of "Twist and Shout" performed by The Liverpool Foursome with the Cavern Club as the back drop , the performance was outstanding and I wanted more!

A mention must also to the whole cast who mesmerized the audience with an a cappella version of "You Really Got a Hold On Me" - utterly brilliant.

The story is a little loose, but it holds the string of hits together nicely.  Dreamboats and Miniskirts has some very funny one liners - delivered well, music that will have your feet tapping throughout and vocal/musical talent in abundance.

The only one criticism to this production is that, I and my fellow theatre goers were itching to get up and dance. All were waiting to be invited to jump up out of their seats, I could see the expectation in all of the faces around me - "Hippy Hippy Shake" was the penultimate song, the cast took their curtain call, came back out again and the much awaited moment we had waited for had arrived...

...only for the cast to sing a slow love song "When You're Young and In Love". 

It was very beautifully sung, but I think they missed a trick with not engaging the audience for the last song, to allow the buzz of an up tempo song to still be resonating in their ears as they left the auditorium. 

Go to see this show for the live music and talent on stage, not the story and you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy!

Lily B x

What's coming up at Milton Keynes Theatre?...read the reviews here as they hit the stage over the coming months and book your tickets to a fantastic night out!

Dreamboats and Miniskirts

The sequel to Dreamboats and Petticoats. What happened to ‘Bobby & Laura’ and ‘Norman & Sue’…? Their story continues inspired by the 7 smash hit multi-million selling albums of Dreamboats and Petticoats. It’s 1963, and the world is changing. Bobby and Laura’s single Dreamboats and Petticoats has not taken off. Norman and Sue have settled down to non-marital bliss – and a baby! But Ray and Donna seem blissfully happy… The advent of the Beatles and the Merseyside sound is inspirational. But will it inspire Bobby and Laura to have one more shot at stardom – Norman to “get off the drains” and find that singing voice he has longed for, and Ray to realise his ambition and manage a really top pop act!? All will be revealed in a follow up with the same wit, charm, and great songs as Dreamboats and Petticoats. Many of the songs are from the next period in pop history…

Dirty Dancing

The Classic Story on Stage. An unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping I've Had The Time of My Life. Don't miss your chance to see this truly spectacular musical theatre event. You'll have the time of your life.

Fastest selling West End show in history!

Recommended for ages 14+

English National Ballet - Swan Lake

The story of Prince Siegfried’s love for the Swan Queen Odette, their battle against the evil sorcerer, Rothbart, and a fateful encounter with the manipulative Odile is revealed in English National Ballet’s acclaimed production of Swan Lake. Beloved for its exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, played by the Orchestra of English National Ballet, this Swan Lake is a thrill for the dedicated ballet fan or first-time ballet-goer.

Glyndebourne on Tour - La Traviata

Transferring direct from Glyndebourne’s renowned summer festival, a new production of Verdi’s masterpiece - the story of a ‘fallen woman’ who, in the shadow of death, grasps life and lives it to the full. Intensely passionate and tragic, La traviata remains one of the most popular operas of all time. Written by Verdi at the peak of his powers, it is lyrical, heartbreaking and unforgettable, appealing directly to the emotions and resulting in an opera that invents itself anew for every generation.

Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Calamity Jane

Following numerous highly acclaimed productions that include Sweeney Todd and Sunset Boulevard, The Watermill Theatre returns with a new production of the classic musical Calamity Jane. Starring Jodie Prenger (Oliver!, Spamalot and One Man Two Guvnors) alongside a cast of multi-talented actor/musicians, this brand new production gets to the heart and soul of the musical. Calamity Jane can outrun and out shoot any man in Deadwood. Hard, boastful and desperate to impress, she travels to Chicago on the Deadwood Stage to recruit a star, Adelaide Adams. But things don’t go too smoothly for Calamity, as everyone in town favours the new girl and she struggles to keep her jealousy and pride in check. It takes her long standing enemy Wild Bill Hickok to make her see sense, and realise her Secret Love…

With an Oscar nominated score that includes The Black Hills of Dakota, The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), Just Blew in from the Windy City and the Award winning song Secret Love, don’t miss this new production which blows into your city for one week only.

Peter Pan

Taking a break from our TV screens in hit series’ such as Law & Order UK and The Chase,  your favourite funny man Bradley Walsh is set for a spectacular return to Milton Keynes Theatre after smashing Box Office records in Cinderella (2006) and Aladdin (2007)! Leading an all-star cast as Smee, Captain Hook’s hapless first mate, in the tale of Peter Pan, this year’s pantomime will be a magical delight for families of all ages– and there will definitely be some fun to be had for those big kids who never grew up!

Joining Bradley on the decks of the Jolly Roger after soaring to fame in Britain’s Got Talent will be Street Dance sensations Flawless  as a group of pop-locking, hip-hopping  pirates as you have never seen them before. With a national tour with English National Ballet and two hit movies under their belts, expect to see some ‘moon-walking’ the plank with this motley crew!

Get ready with your loudest boo and hiss, as no panto is complete without its dastardly villain, and there is no bigger baddie in all of Neverland than this year’s Captain Hook, David Bedella (Rocky Horror Show, Jerry Springer The Opera).

To book tickets to any of the above productions go to: WWW.ATGTICKETS.COM/MILTONKEYNES
or call Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7652

Happy Days - A New Musical, Milton Keynes Theatre 
16th June - 21 June 2014

As the recognisable theme booms out, this new musical adaptation of the TV series Happy Days blasts on to the stage with gusto, if noting else.

This is a trip down memory lane for us all who watched the iconic Arthur Fonzarelli "The Fonz" (Henry Winkler) every week - week in, week out for 10 years.

To choose such a beloved show viewed by millions of now, grown up teens is risky.  It has to be spot on and unfortunately this isn't. 

The level of the effort by the cast was undeniable - this musical relays too heavily on the nostalgia of the TV series and sadly this is a middle of the production at best.

The story set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1959, the action centers around the famous Arnold's Diner, which is under threat of closure (so that a new fangled "shopping mall" can be built). This is particularly dull story line, which is hard to buy into and very predictable.  The musical seems to try too hard to cram every character into each scene, which makes it quite frantic.  Less is more...and the Malachi Brothers were just cringe worthy.

I looked forward to seeing the characters I had loved for so many years come to life on the stage, from Marion Cunningham (played by Cheryl Baker), to the young heart throb Chachi (Eddie Myles) and of course the Fonz himself, played by Ben Freeman. He just didn't recreate the character, style, charisma or swagger of The Fonz. 

I was bitterly disappointed.  The show just lacked the wow factor all round.  Even sexy Ex Sugar Babe Heidi Range (as the Foxy Pinky Tuscadero) lacked oomph.  Her voice was fantastic,as you would expect - however, her acting was very wooden and totally unbelievable in the role.

Stand out performances were from Cheryl Baker and the ensemble, giving it their all. The choreography is brilliant thanks to Andrew Wight - whilst the songs are not memorable, their delivery was faultless.

Stage set by Tom Roger's was totally fantastic (and probably the best bit) managing to seamlessly swap from the Al's Diner,the Cunningham's' kitchen, the Garage and much more - so clever! 

You cannot deny that Happy Days has charm and innocence, and to hear the sound track just brings back such happy memories...just don't set your expectations too high.

Lily B X 

West Side Story 
Milton Keynes Theatre 3rd June - 14th June 2014

Transporting the story of Romeo and Juliet from Verona, Italy to 1950's New York - West Side Story follows the doomed young love between Tony and Maria as their rival families, the Jets and the Sharks clash over territory and power.

The musical numbers in this show are as memorable as the show is itself...and they come thick and fast.  Classics such as Maria, Somewhere and the feisty America  If you like musical theatre, you will LOVE West Side Story.  It's almost impossible not to hum one of the tunes as you leave the auditorium!

The choreography is so strong and the cast of male dancers show case this, as their dancing abilities outshine their acting/singing.

However, that said, the very talented young star Louis Maskell (Tony) has a voice that puts the hairs on the back of your neck tingle when he hits the notes spot on.  His control and technique are sublime and surpass his years.

Of the girls in the cast, a special mention has to go to Katie Hall (Maria) who is as cute as a button and has such a huge voice for someone so petite - it's quite simply amazing.

The other female lead Djalenga Scott (Anita) is spell binding, she gave a faultless all  round performance and when she is on stage, it's hard to take your eyes off of her.

The lovers Tony and Maria (Maskell and Hall) are convincing young lovers and are so tender together - when they duet the sound is exquisite, beautiful and immensely emotional.

This is one show you can't miss - it's a classic for a reason.

Grab a ticket NOW!...so who will you be...a Jet or a Shark?

Enjoy!

Lily B X

 Pygmalion 27th - 31st May 2014 Milton Keynes Theatre

If you remember the classic film "My Fair Lady" starring Audrey Hepburn, then you will know the story that is George Bernard Shaw's social inequality play Pygmalion - it's the same story, just without the music!

BAFTA award winning Alistair McGowan stars as phonetics expert Henry Higgins.  McGowan, better known for his impressions, shows a different side to his talents in this role - he plays the over enthusiastic boyish professor amazing well (even down to shuffling nervously with his loose change in his pockets...hopefully!?)

He is aided and abetted by the language aficionado Colonel Pickering (Paul Brightwell) to pluck a caterwauling cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle (Rachel Barry) from the gutter. Brightwell and Barry give sterling performances, but just a tad wooden at times.

The pompous Higgins makes a bet with his friend Pickering that he can transform the manners and speech of this "guttersnipe" into a Lady.  Neither one thinking what would become of a common flower girl, once the bet was won.

The highlight was Eliza's father, Alfred played by the scene stealing Jamie Foreman (Easters Derek Branning) his unorthodox preaching and shunning of the middle class excites Professor Higgins and propels this unlikely man into the the gentry (rebelling all the way!)

The wonderful Rula Lenska plays the very proper and indifferent mother to Higgins, not a huge part, but regally portrayed.

The cast bring this enduring masterpiece to life, the scripting is sublime bringing out the best of the memorable dialogue.

Jonathan Fensom's versatile set works wonders to allow lots of swift, slick movement from London's Covent Garden to the Professors abode, to Mrs. Higgins's drawing room and back again.  

This play exceeded my expectations in every department and is a great evening's entertainment.

Lily B X

Fame the Musical - Milton Keynes Theatre 12th-17th May 2014

"You want fame? Well fame costs... and right here is where you start paying - in sweat"

Since its West End launch in 1995, Fame The Musical has established itself as one of the country's most successful theatrical productions.

Forget the 1980's sweat band, florescent leg warmer clad wannabe's - this is Fame brought bang up to date with the performing arts students taking "selfies" on their iPad's and iPhone's. There's not a huge ghetto blaster in sight!

Directed and choreographed by Gary Lloyd - the man responsible for shows like "The Tina Turner Experience" and "Thriller Live", this is a high octane musical from the start, it's infectious.

It's the dancing that holds this show together, especially the amazing Alex Thomas as Tyrone Jackson - as sadly some of the songs, performed with heavy New York accents means that most of the lyrics are lost, which is a shame.

However that said, the musical number that proves a breath of fresh air (due to the  many sexual innuendos coming thick and fast) in the "Can't Keep it Down" number sung by the very funny Joe Vegas (Joseph Giacone).  It's a total audience pleaser!

Jodie Steele plays the lead as tragic wannabe star Carmen Diaz, at times she has a very pleasant voice but she seemed stretched when trying for the big high notes.

The action takes place in front of a Times Square backdrop, the set is quite basic with rotating blocks to form classrooms - there's a mezzanine flooring area above the actual stage on which a brilliant five piece band are housed.  The music is great throughout the show...you get little snippets of the iconic title song that you are literally itching to hear, but it's not until the very end you are indulged in this 80's Irene Cara classic.

The whole cast certainly gave it everything they could and when the finale finally came you are invited to join in - after saying "'I'm sure you know the words...?" and of course most of the audience did and were up on their feet before you could say...FAME!

Lily B x



  

Dance 'Til Dawn  Milton Keynes Theatre 5th - 10th May

Director and co-choreographer of Dance 'Til Dawn, Karen Bruce has worked with Vincent and Flavia since the Strictly Come Dancing Tour in 2010 and said that working with them again was "magical". 

Dance 'Til Dawn follows the totally amazing Midnight Tango - I wowed and raved about that show... and wondered if that could be topped.  Dance 'Til Dawn exceeded all my expectations.  

This production has everything - sensational dancers, wonderful vocals and comedic moments too...but it's when Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace walk on to the stage, the magic starts.  The minute they float on to the stage, there's such a buzz of anticipation it was almost audible.  They are quite simply stunning together.  Every move is effortless and so precise, you have to sit back and appreciate the amount of difficulty in their steps as they rise and fall in total synergy.

Dance 'Til Dawn showcases every dancing style the pair posses from the Charleston to the Waltz (and of course the Tango!),but don't think that this show is just a string of dances - it's a 1940's style gangster movie and has a love story bubbling in the background that blossoms between Tony (Vincent) and silver screen starlet Sadie (Flavia).

If you were lucky enough to see Midnight Tango, you will have recognised one half of the silent slapstick comedy husband and wife bar owners. Teddy Kempner returns as the private detective Tommy Dubrowski, a lovable rogue who gets mixed up in a murder cover up.  Dance 'Til Dawn allows the very funny Kempner a voice and therefore the ability to showcase his comedic talent and timing, he is brilliant.

The femme fatal Lana Clamenza (Abbie Osmon) is girlfriend to a big time gangster, who wants to cover up her infidelity by retrieving some pictures she'd rather her boyfriend didn't see.  Osmon shone in this role, her signature saying "I'm not happy" made the audience chuckle time and time again and stunned us all with her amazing vocal talent.

Someone who needs to be mentioned is simply billed as "The Voice", Oliver Darley - former NME vocalist of the year and who has sung with best selling artists including Ray Charles, BB King and Sir Tom Jones.  Darleys' voice is faultless.

Dance 'Til Dawn will wow you in every way from the talented cast, the fantastic live band to the wonderful costumes and clever staging. If you only book tickets just to see Vincent and Flavia dance it will be worth every penny.  They are at their very best - slick, smooth and their performance throughout will blow you away.  Vincent was his cheeky, charismatic talented self and Flavia was totally captivating, her body shape and movement on stage was mesmerising.

As the final dance finished, the audience rose to their feet in appreciation...I, like them wanted to watch it all over again! 

Enjoy!

Lily B x