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Arguably one of the most important theatre shows of all time arrived at MK Theatre this week.  A show that needs little introduction: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.   From humble beginnings as an ambitious school concert in London’s Colet Court, Joseph and his coat of dreams went on to be released as a concept album in 1969. It was then followed by a full-blown theatre version duly receiving critical and public acclaim and became one of the world’s most beloved family musicals.   In doing so, Joseph launched Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber into the world of theatre and they have gone on to be one of the most successful and acclaimed musical partnership of all time.   This new 2025 production, directed by Laurence Connor, with choreography by Joann M. Hunter has been given a millennium make over. Not an easy thing to do when you are dealing with such an iconic and publicly much-loved show. In a word, if it isn’t broken, why tinker with such a proven production.   Thankfully, despite bizarre introductions of children with beards, can-can dancers, a country a western hoedown and Elvis being in the room, Joseph is still what Joseph is: A bizarre and baffling musical show armed with marvellous melodies and a story line that defies any logic.   I personally have no idea as to why it resonated with audiences so positively in 1969, and why it still does to this day. But going by tonight’s sell -out and ecstatic audience reaction, it will do so for many years to come.   https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat/milton-keynes-theatre/

UNITY PLACE WELCOMES FAMILIES THIS AUGUST WITH FREE FUN, CREATIVE WORKSHOPS AND TASTY TREATS   Milton Keynes, 1st August 2025 – Unity Place, the dynamic co-working and community hub in the heart of Milton Keynes, is opening its doors to families this August with a fantastic line-up of activities designed to keep children entertained, and parents sane, during the school holidays.   With fun-filled adventures, interactive games, creative workshops, and special offers, Unity Place is proving it’s more than just a workplace. Whether you're a local family, or a working parent looking for ways to keep the kids busy while you grab a coffee, there’s something here for everyone.   Eco Explorers Digital Treasure Hunt When: Monday 11 – Friday 29 August (Weekdays Only) 10:00am – 2:00pm Where: Unity Place Price: Free!   Join us for a sustainability-themed digital treasure hunt around the ground floor of Unity Place! Kids can explore and discover our eco-friendly features while tracking down hidden cow icons (a playful nod to Milton Keynes’ iconic concrete cows).   Start your adventure by collecting a trail sheet from Rye’s Deli, then follow the clues. Once completed, return your sheet to claim a small prize!   Family-Friendly Henna Workshop When: Wednesday 20th August | 11am – 12:30pm Where: Urban Food Market, Unity Place Price: Adults £8, Kids £6   Unwind and ignite your creativity in our Henna Candle Decorating Workshop, perfect for families and craft lovers aged 5 and up. You’ll learn how to embellish plain candles with intricate, henna-inspired designs.   Games, Creativity & Entertainment All Month Long Throughout August, the Urban Food Market will be buzzing with energy, offering a range of giant games and creative corners to keep the fun going for families. Kids can challenge each other to a round of Giant Snakes & Ladders, test their skills with Giant Connect 4 and Giant Jenga, or unleash their imagination at the Drawing Station for budding young artists.   Refuel After the Fun Whether your little ones have been busy exploring the Eco Explorers trail, getting creative in a workshop, or playing giant games in the Urban Food Market, treat them to our Kids’ Meal Deal – the perfect way to recharge. For just £6.50, children can enjoy a freshly made pizza, a mini muffin, and a refreshing drink. It’s a delicious and great-value option for families making the most of summer at Unity Place.   Exclusive August Offer from ROK Barbers Pop in for a fresh trim! ROK Barbers, located onsite at Unity Place, are offering 10% off all children’s haircuts throughout August. Simply quote UNITYKIDS10 when booking or at your appointment.

Calamity Jane pulled into MK Theatre and provides an uplifting, whip-crackin’ show that will not disappoint audiences of any age.    Armed with Carrie Hope Fletcher in the title role, this revival has received a modern-day makeover while remaining respectful to its classic heritage.   With an endless musical score of sing a long-tunes, brilliant lighting design and creative staging, the current production proves that watching Jane go through her misfortunes are as entertaining and engaging as ever.   For many like me, when Calamity Jane is mentioned, the legendary whip cracking actress Doris Day from the classic 1953 film enters the brain. But after seeing this superb stage production, Carrie Hope Fletcher could well come to mind as well.   She was superb throughout the show, full of charm and confidence. Her ability to portray her tomboy bravado and her female vulnerability with equal aplomb proved why she is so revered.   You have to also mention the entire cast who collectively make this show so enjoyable. Add the aforementioned stage sets, lights, and live musicians on stage, it is no surprise the current UK tour is so popular.   This is a nostalgic theatre production; the directors Nikolai Foster and Nick Winston have kept the feel of the original but subtly added some updates that keep it fresh and the tempo throughout the show ensured the audience’s attention.   So, saddle up for a show full of laughs, romance and loveable songs.   Calamity Jane Tue 29 Jul – 2 Aug  - MK Theatre  Tickets: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/calamity-jane/milton-keynes-theatre/

Armed with on stage musicians, a great cast and breathtaking sets, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe provides an enchanting, enthralling and engaging night at the theatre.   The show is a collective effort. Yes, all the actors are superb, but tech team, musicians, lighting and costume are equally as important and together they produce a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.   The show’s lighting and staging are all masterfully executed. Moody, dramatic and mysterious, the lighting cleverly draws your attention to the action and detail throughout.   The show’s director Owain Gwynn has brilliantly ensured the tempo of the production never drops and you have to also mention the puppets. The expert puppeteering was one of the most magical elements of the whole show.   The result of the collaboration both on and off the stage provides an evening of classic theatre. The on-stage musical ensemble, singing, choreography and use of visual effects are breathtaking brilliant.   The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, has captured the imaginations of children and adults for many generations.  This current tour marks 75 years since CS Lewis’ original publication, proving quality and class are timeless.   Don’t miss this show.   The spectacular UK & Ireland tour of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe stops off in Milton Keynes Theatre for performances from Tue 22 - Sat 26 Jul.   Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

A  brilliant play proves great comedy is timeless.   The Last Laugh has arrived at MK Theatre celebrating the legacy of three comedy legends: Eric Morecambe, Tommy Cooper and Bob Monkhouse.   This brilliant show by Paul Hendy revolves around the comedy trio sharing a dressing room, chatting about gags, personal tales of jokes that failed and the never-ending question of just what is great comedy.     With brilliant timing, the three shared yarns, observations and stories of their personal career highs, lows and the pressures of being a comedian.   The different comic styles of all three was engaging, and brilliantly acted, you felt privileged to be a sharing the room with such legends.   Damian Williams is totally believable as the iconic figure of Tommy Cooper. He as many comedians do, is forever plagued by a lack of confidence, but forever finds solace with his sharp wit.   Bob Golding provides the presence and warmth of Eric Morecambe and reminds those of us who were lucky enough to witness he and Ernie’s fame, just how much comedy has changed and just how much we loved them. And still do!   Simon Cartwright is the more subdued presence of Bob Monkhouse, a studied rather than a natural comic like the other two, yet equally as brilliant.     Each actor’s performance was delivered with a sense of real love and respect for their individual comedy giant. Their interactions feel natural and spontaneous and collectively they created a wonderful warm ambience.   I dare say, younger and especially post millennium generations may feel such nostalgic comedy has had its day. They could be right, but on tonight’s evidence this brilliant play proves great comedy is timeless.   So do make time to see it.

Buckingham LitFest is Back! Join us in Buckingham (Friday 6 June – Thursday 26 June) for more bestselling authors and more events, as we celebrate the eighth BuckLitFest.  This year's festival is bigger than ever with more than 30 events from more than 45 writers and performers including international icon Katie Piper OBE on aging, award-winning comedian Robin Ince with his new book on neurodivergence, art expert Robert Cumming, science writer Brian Clegg on 'brainjacking', bestselling crime writers Jo Callaghan and Daniel Aubrey, award-winning food writer and gardener Kathy Slack and historian Dianne Purkiss on witchcraft and feminism. Political discussion will span Malcolm Rifkind, Rafael Behr and Patrick Maguire to the literature and politics of Ukraine with Andrey Kurkov. Polymath and serial entrepreneur, Ajay Chowdhury, will discuss guiding the next genenation of tech pioneers, while Ed Tudor Pole will share tales of the outrageous from his autobiography of a punk rocker (The Pen is Mightier). Buckingham's Chantry Chapel will host a special collaboration between leading poet Chris Tutton and harpist Anne Denholm-Blair, and Jon Harvey (The Mayor's Bear) will lead a cosy storytelling event for young readers. Also included in this year's expanded programme are workshops with Claire Steele and live jazz with Jez Cook. All of this and much more! Click here for the full programme of events: https://www.bucklitfest.org/

There’s always a pressure of responsibility when it comes to staging such an iconic production such as Shelagh Delaney’s classic A Taste of Honey. First witnessed some 70 odd years ago, it was not only a ground- breaking play, but a cultural statement. But within minutes of the curtain opening, any concerns were duly dispersed. Directed by the highly respected Rosemary Hill, her brilliant cast were on top form and possessed great timing, engaging emotions and each actor brought tangible depth to their characters. Featuring a talented local cast - Caroline Nash as Helen, Tayla Kenyon as Jo, Angus Roughley as Geof, Brian Bususu as Jimmie (The Boy), and Alex Forni as Peter - this coming-of-age British drama focuses on teenager Jo, and her dysfunctional relationship with her drunk and selfish mother, Helen. Remarkably and somewhat alarming, the play still culturally resonates, proving just how far ahead Shelagh Delaney’s script was and sadly how society’s prejudices are still with us today. While the on stage ensemble were on top form, it has to be said the stage set and lighting created the perfect ambience for the audience to not just see it but more importantly also feel they were part of it. All in all, for so many reasons, this is a play you need to see.

Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award-nominated live stage show Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award-nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play . The tour opens on 25 October and will continue to visit 32 venues across the UK and Ireland, including an appearance at Milton Keynes Theatre from Thu 27 – Sat 29 November 2025. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. The critically acclaimed stage show has captivated audiences of all ages, with the much-loved Heeler family delighting fans with an unforgettable live theatrical experience. “'Expect full chair dancing and shrieks of joy'” Broadway World ★★★★★ “Puppy puppets’ sweet show sets tails wagging” The Guardian Since premiering in Australia, Bluey’s Big Play has toured globally across the UK, Ireland The tour opens on 25 October and will continue to visit 32 venues across the UK and Ireland, including an appearance at Milton Keynes Theatre from Thu 27 – Sat 29 November 2025. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. The critically acclaimed stage show has captivated audiences of all ages, with the much-loved Heeler family delighting fans with an unforgettable live theatrical experience. “'Expect full chair dancing and shrieks of joy'” Broadway World ★★★★★ “Puppy puppets’ sweet show sets tails wagging” The Guardian Bluey’s Big Play features original voices from the TV sensation, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. While the larger-than-life puppets are commanded by a talented cast to be announced. It is produced by Andrew Kay and Cuffe & Taylor with Windmill Theatre Co for BBC Studios. When Dad feels like a little bit of afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. With an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. This is Bluey, For Real Life. Tickets go on sale on Fri 16 May and will be available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes .

Producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce a brand-new Made at Curve production of the West End and Broadway smash-hit musical comedy LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL . The musical will tour the UK and Ireland in 2026, including performances at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 10 – Sat 14 Mar 2026. Based on the novel LEGALLY BLONDE by Amanda Browning and the iconic 2001 film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge, the multi-award winning LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL features a book by Heather Hach and original music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin . LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster ( Kinky Boots, The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line) and comes hot off the heels of the sell-out tour of KINKY BOOTS , also directed by Foster and co-produced by Curve and ROYO. This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from ‘It Girl’ fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’ LEGALLY BLONDE is produced by ROYO and CURVE. Tickets are on sale now and are available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes .

An exciting new attraction based on the much-loved children’s book character Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is launching at Gulliver’s Dinosaur & Farm Park this month.   Elmer’s Jumping Pillows is the newest attraction at the park, which is part of the Gulliver’s resort in Milton Keynes, and will open on Saturday, May 24 – which is also the official Elmer Day, when the character is celebrated around the world.   The Jumping Pillows are a huge inflatable, offering young guests lots of bouncing fun, as well as great views of all the favourite farmyard animals in the Dinosaur & Farm Park.   What’s more, Elmer will also be a resident at the park for the entire summer for special meet and greet character appearances and photo opportunities.   Jumping Pillows joins other popular attractions at the Dinosaur & Farm Park, including the Lost World River Tour, Rex the roaming dinosaur and The Observation Tower.   Visitors can turn their visit to Gulliver’s in Milton Keynes with an overnight stay in an exciting array of family accommodation, which includes Princess Suites, JCB Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed lodges, Western Lodges, and Woodland Lodges. And pay a visit to the adjacent Gulliver’s Land theme park which has more than 50 rides and attractions on offer.   Day tickets for Gulliver’s Dinosaur & Farm Park cost from £11 per person.   Tickets, visit: www.dinoandfarmpark.co.uk

Center Parcs ticks all the boxes when it comes to a great relaxing and highly enjoyable break away.   Just recently, I visited the Woburn site for a weekend break. It’s perfect for week-long or week-end breaks for parents with young or teenage children, or as I did, with the grandchildren.   Set in acres and acres of picturesque Bedfordshire woodland, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are a wide range of lodges that go from a basic style right up to Executive & Exclusive lodges.  These offer superb facilities, such as private saunas, whirlpools, play rooms, en-suite bathrooms and flat screen TVs in every room.   What I love about Center Parcs is that once you’ve unloaded your car and parked it the massive car park, cars are banned from driving around the site.  This way parents and children can enjoy a traffic free environment, creating a safe and unique experience.   Personally, when being on holiday I like to switch my mobile phone off, but for those who prefer to be switched on at all times, you will be glad to know that internet and phone service are available over all sites.   Guests can walk or cycle around the site, Woburn is quite small compared to some of the other sites so you can get places quickly.  You can hire a trailer for the little ones when you hire a bike and helmets are also available. You can also take your own bicycles if you prefer.   As for those who enjoy splashing about in the water, well nothing and I mean nothing, compares to Center Parcs Sub Tropical Paradise, aptly worded, as it is an unbelievable experience. There is a large wave pool and two toddler/small children pools. Not only do you have the choice of different pools but also a host of slides and flumes. The rapids at Woburn are especially worth a ride and you’ve just got to take a trip on the white knuckle Tropical Cyclone raft ride.   The pool isn’t the only place to have fun. There’s a thrilling new adventure activity high in the trees at all villages. Guests can get their adrenaline pumping, with ‘Tree Trekking’. This is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike. Traversing from tree to tree and reaching heights of up to six meters, this aerial adventure includes several challenges, culminating in an exhilarating 12-metre-high Zip Wire finale. On top of that, to name but a few, you can enjoy tennis, badminton, bowls, rowing, archery, horse riding. Basically, you think of it and Center Parcs offers you the chance to experience it. And the little ones aren’t forgotten either, with lots of indoor and outdoor activities for every age group.   For those who would rather sit back and relax, the very popular Aqua Sana Spa continues to receive huge praise, it has constantly picked up prestigious Hotel Spa of the Year at the Professional Spa Awards. Each Aqua Sana Spa offers a unique choice of spa experiences, all hidden within the tranquillity of a beautiful forest. In addition, there’s a comprehensive range of face and body treatments for both men and women.   There is a well-stocked supermarket on site and a range of fantastic restaurants for every taste so you won’t go hungry!   All in all, a fantastic holiday experience that all the family can enjoy.   For enquires please go http://www.centerparcs.co.uk

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) was an American Pop artist who reimagined what art could be at a time of great social, political and technological change. This survey of works from across his career includes early drawings, painted screenprints and photographic series featuring Warhol’s collaborations with artists, friends, filmmakers and celebrities. Images of Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor, and Warhol himself, feature alongside icons of American consumerism, as well as symbols of the artist’s fascination with mortality: guns, skulls and war. Andy Warhol: Portrait of America includes: rarely seen early drawings and illustrations from the 1950s; paintings from the 1980s, including the Ads and Illustrations series, never exhibited in his lifetime; and lesser-known ‘stitched photographs,’ which were, the focus of the last exhibition before his death. Tickets: https://mkgallery.org/event/andy-warhol-portrait-of-america/?dm_i=772Y,16CPB,1LBIVK,4O6MR,1