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The Red Shoes
The moving and mesmeric production of The Red Shoes arrived at MK Theatre and proved you can believe the hype. The critically acclaimed Matthew Bourne’s rendition of The Red Shoes is based on Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1948 film, which in turn was based on the classic fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. The tragic tale of a love triangle with a difference is beautifully moving with playful comic sections plus classic forties costumes and lush scenery. Red Sh
leejamesscriven
Feb 112 min read


T Rextasy - Stables Theatre
There are some tribute bands that look the part, some that only sound the part, some even combine both, but few, very few ever evoke the emotion felt when remembering the original artist. I can only think of the Bootleg Beatles, Abba’s Bjorn Again that manage to capture the spirit of such treasured bands. Well on tonight’s evidence, I would now also include T Rextasy into the tribute hall of fame. Led by the dazzling Danielz as Bolan and his kick ass band, punters were treate
leejamesscriven
Jan 301 min read


Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is a vibrant and empowering jukebox musical that chronicles the troubled life and extraordinary career of the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. It's through Tina's eyes that we relive her tumultuous road to stardom. From Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, a talented child singer in her dad's church battling a difficult relationship with her mother, to being discovered by her future husband Ike Turner and eventual reinvention as a solo artist. The set is so simp
leejamesscriven
Jan 291 min read


Dear England Review
The highly acclaimed Dear England kicked off its run at MK theatre chronicling the real-life journey of Gareth Southgate’s leadership of the England men’s football team. Football is often quoted as writing its own scripts, the drama, tension and excitement of the beautiful game is downright emotional Trying to transfer those traits from a pitch to a stage is a huge task, but Dear England does so with aplomb. Football meets theatre? It’s not a combination you’d expect and that
leejamesscriven
Jan 212 min read


FRIENDS! The Musical Parody
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is in town at the Milton Keynes Theatre and provides a nostalgic night of live entertainment. For a generation, Friends wasn’t just the 90s, but THE 90s! Millions loved Central Perk’s Friday night take away and wallowed in their weekly exploits. Now, thanks to this live theatre production you can personally enjoy the company of Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Ross. In short, FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is Friends greatest hits. Cheesy
leejamesscriven
Jan 141 min read


Goldilocks and the Three Bears
If you are looking for a perfect pantomime, then head to Milton Keynes Theatre for the superb Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Pantomime legend Brian Conley returns as Billy Barnum to lead this year’s cast. He’s joined by his daughter Lucy Conley, who stars as Goldilocks along with renowned dame David Robbins as Dame Betty Barnum. Add the traditional villain Gary Milner as Baron Von Blackheart, magician Phil Hitchcock as the Magical Mysterioso, and The Timbuktu Tumblers and yo
leejamesscriven
Dec 11, 20252 min read


Mary Poppins : MK Theatre
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s lavish new UK tour production of the multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins has landed at Mk Theatre for a highly anticipated run. The new stage version of Mary Poppins is an impressive achievement; it takes a very much-loved and iconic film as it’s starting point, retains everything that made the film so wonderful, and somehow gives you so much more. And take it from me, this memorable family show lived up to its reputation and hype! This is
leejamesscriven
Nov 1, 20252 min read


The Bodyguard : MK Theatre
Based on the much-loved Oscar-nominated Warner Bros. movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard, arrived in Milton Keynes for a highly anticipated run. The aforementioned film is one of the most iconic rom – coms ever made. So, the producers were under pressure to match the celluloid magic on stage. Which they did. To date, the theatre show has played to over 3.9 million people in 15 countries and 45 US cities. Countries include the Netherlands, Germany,
leejamesscriven
Oct 22, 20251 min read


Death On The Nile : MK Theatre
Some plays are timeless, aptly proved at MK Theatre with the arrival of Agatha Christie’s Death On The Nile. Remarkably, originally written by Agatha Christie back in 1937, Death On The Nile has thrilled audiences in the following decades, with various adaptations on radio, film, TV and of course in the theatre. And going on tonight’s top performance it will continue to do so for many years. There is something warm and wonderful when walking into a theatre knowing that you ar
leejamesscriven
Oct 15, 20251 min read


Top Hat - MK Theatre
Armed with some the greatest songs of all time, enchanting choreography and gorgeous costumes Top Hat is a thoroughly charming and...
leejamesscriven
Sep 24, 20252 min read


2:22 A Ghost Story - MK Theatre
Spooky live theatre is difficult to achieve. Without the aid of cinematic special effects, you could say an impossible challenge. But...
leejamesscriven
Sep 16, 20251 min read


Stage/Fright
For those like me who mourned the end of the brilliant Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s BBC anthology series Inside No 9 will be...
leejamesscriven
Sep 10, 20251 min read


The Lightning Thief - MK Theatre
Anyone seeking modern day theatrical escapism, should head for MK Theatre this week for the brilliantly staged production The Lightning...
leejamesscriven
Sep 4, 20252 min read


Blood Brothers MK Theatre
Any musical that lasts over 40 years has to be good and Willy Russell's Blood Brothers isn’t just good but rightly revered as one of the...
leejamesscriven
Aug 28, 20252 min read


Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Arguably one of the most important theatre shows of all time arrived at MK Theatre this week. A show that needs little introduction:...
leejamesscriven
Aug 7, 20251 min read


Calamity Jane - MK Theatre
Calamity Jane pulled into MK Theatre and provides an uplifting, whip-crackin’ show that will not disappoint audiences of any age. ...
leejamesscriven
Jul 30, 20251 min read


The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Armed with on stage musicians, a great cast and breathtaking sets, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe provides an enchanting,...
leejamesscriven
Jul 23, 20251 min read


The Last Laugh: MK Theatre Review
A brilliant play proves great comedy is timeless. The Last Laugh has arrived at MK Theatre celebrating the legacy of three comedy...
leejamesscriven
Jul 9, 20252 min read


A Taste of Honey’ by Shelagh Delaney at Stantonbury Theatre
There’s always a pressure of responsibility when it comes to staging such an iconic production such as Shelagh Delaney’s classic A Taste...
leejamesscriven
May 24, 20251 min read
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