Reviews

Karate Kid: The Musical arrived at MK Theatre with all the heart, humour and uplifting spirit that made the original story such a beloved classic, and this touring production delivers a wonderfully engaging evening of musical theatre. From the opening moments, the show radiates a gentle warmth that draws the audience into its world, balancing emotional sincerity with crowd-pleasing entertainment. A major contributor to the production's success is John Clacey's superb musical

Keep calm and carry on - down to MK Theatre to witness the highly acclaimed and award-winning Operation Mincemeat musical. Operation Mincemeat is a brilliantly entertaining touring production that combines sharp wit with outstanding theatrical craftsmanship. The stage set is cleverly designed, making imaginative use of space and seamlessly transporting the audience between locations. The lighting is equally impressive, creating atmosphere and enhancing both the dramatic and c

The Choir of Man arrived at MK Theatre and provided a night of pure joy, charm and excuse the pun; it’s probably the best jukebox musical in the world! The best traits of this musical are the aforementioned ingredient of charm and simplicity; I’ve never witnessed a live production that engaged with the audience so quickly as the Choir of Man. Even before the show started there was a tangible ambience of collectiveness. This was helped, as before the show even started, the

To Kill a Mockingbird arrived at MK Theatre with an engrossing production that provided a riveting night of top-class theatre. The story revolves around the fictional trial of Tom Robinson, a black cotton picker accused of the rape and beating of a white teenager in 1930s Alabama, and defended in court by idealist lawyer Atticus Finch. His patience is tested when he realises that the community all around him are hiding the truth behind a hideous crime. He remains calm through

Brilliant night of racing at Northampton Speedway, great track, great atmosphere for all ages to enjoy. Give it go, just 20 minutes from MK.

Rebecca Reid’s stage adaptation of the 1992 film cult classic arrived at MK Theatre this week. Updated for the modern millennial world, it provides the audience with an enjoyable and engaging production full of suspense. Single White Female tells the story of Allie, a software designer. Recently divorced, she’s busy trying to start a new life with a new business and is struggling to pay her bills. She decides to take in a roommate and quickly chooses Hedy. The two women conne

Walking into Mean Girls: The Musical, you already know what you’re getting… or at least you think you do. Pink overload, high school drama and enough attitude to fill the Burn Book twice over. Based on the iconic 2004 film, Mean Girls: The Musical takes the familiar story of Cady Heron — home‑schooled in Africa and suddenly dropped into the wild world of North Shore High — and cranks up the energy with punchy musical numbers and slick choreography. It’s clear this show isn’t

If you’re the kind of person who loves a night out filled with glitter, giggles, and the kind of tunes that instantly transport you back to simpler times, then Here and Now: The Steps Musical is about to become your new favourite obsession. Honestly, it’s like someone bottled the pure joy of a Saturday morning music show from 2001, sprinkled in some seaside soap opera drama, and set it loose on stage. From the second the lights come up, you’re hit with a riot of colour so bo

Sunny Afternoon pulled up at Milton Keynes Theatre and provided a brilliant and befitting tribute to the legendary Kinks. Armed with some of the greatest pop anthems of the 20 th century the show charted the rise of one of Britain’s most cherished rock bands. Miriam Buether’s superb stage design set the tone of the the swinging ’60s, with the stage walls littered with speakers and amplifiers, taking you right into the world of the band. As the show started it quickly became

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts arrived at MK Theatre and provided an enjoyable and engaging murder mystery. For fans of the original Inspector Morse TV series, this new outing, written for the stage by Alma Cullen, is a welcome arrival. It’s been nigh on 25 years since the final episode of the iconic ITV series (1987–2000) starring John Thaw as Detective Inspector Morse and Kevin Whately as Sergeant Lewis. Alma Cullen’s take on the great Colin Dexter’s grumpy detective forc

The Broadway musical, Legally Blonde arrived at Milton Keynes Theatre and proved Blondes do have more fun! Some 25 years on since the hugely popular cinematic hit and 20 years since it was turned into a Broadway musical, Legally Blonde hasn’t lost its ability to charm audiences. The theatre show has previously enjoyed a West End run, UK tours and regional productions Now it’s back for another UK tour in a new colourful and energetic production suited to modern times. Based o

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,