REVIEW: Hairspray at MK Theatre

Hairspray – The smash hit musical arrives
in Milton Keynes this week

An ultimate feel-good musical that everybody will love! We went to see the show last night at MK theatre and having not seen the show before or being too aware of the story, I admit that we were expecting something a tad cheesy. It was totally cheesy - in a brilliantly fun, colourful, great music, great acting and dancing kind of way!

The story follows Tracy Turnblad, an overweight not-so-popular teenager in 1960’s Baltimore. She’s completely obsessed with the Corny Collins Show and seeks to get a spot as one of the show’s ‘Miss Hairspray’ girls. In a time where segregation was the norm between different races and religions, Tracy takes on the media and the public’s expectations to forefront a campaign for ‘Integration Not Segregation’. Things needed to change and no more would the black community be separated from the white community and everybody would be able to dance and sing together!

Tracy, played by Rebecca Mendoza, is a very likable character and Rebecca’s performance was outstanding. This was her professional debut and I thought she was fantastic. The same goes for the entire cast, ensemble and musicians. There were some very melodic and powerful voices among them and Brenda Edward’s (Motormouth Maybelle) solo was particularly spine-tingling. An excellent performance and break dancing routines from Layton Williams as well – we interviewed him for April’s magazine so it’s always great to check out their performance on the night.

The stage set was quite simple with a few backdrop changes and some props and costume changes, but with all the bright colours and terrific dance routines and hair bigger than you can imagine, it all worked really well. We left humming the tune to You Can’t Stop The Beat and proceeded to talk about the show all the way home.

Go to www.atgtickets.com for tickets – the show is at MK Theatre until Saturday 14^th April

Review: Crazy For You at Milton Keynes Theatre

Crazy For You at Milton Keynes Theatre

Tuesday 20^th March 2017

 

Crazy for You tells the story of Bobby who, despite working for the family’s bank, would rather be a Broadway star. After being sent to close a failing theatre down in Deadrock, Nevada, he falls in love with the owners daughter, Polly, and tries to save the theatre by putting on the greatest show of all time.

Charlotte Wakefield who played Polly was brilliant. She portrayed the character well and I believe she was the best singer on stage. However, all the singing was excellent and the songs were very catchy and had good narrative. I’m not quite sure where the two hotel reviewers fitted in, and don’t think they added anything to the story.

The set was ok with not much changing from scene to scene. Visually, this got a bit boring towards the end but the amount of action and dancing on the stage made up for this.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that all the actors also were the orchestra and all the music was played live on stage and became part of the performance but I expected more from the big finale that I think could have lasted longer.

Crazy for You is on at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 24^th March. For more information and tickets, go to www.atgtickets.com

REVIEW: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at MK Theatre

 Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at Milton Keynes Theatre

 

Tuesday 14th February 2018

For those of you who are familiar with Matthew Bourne's work then you will not be disappointed in this retelling of the Cinderella story through dance. The show is a mixture of contemporary dance and ballet reflecting the skills of this amazing choreographer. The story is set in the London Blitz of the 1940s and uses the score from Prokofiev which provides the haunting and atmospheric music of the show. The stage set is dramatic with all the sounds, light and noise we would expect during the London Blitz. The set was expertly transformed; it was one minute a bombed ballroom and next a moon lit scene of ethereal quality.

I did find the story a little confusing at times, who was who, who was dead and who was alive. Plus there were some sub plots around to add to the mix.  But that said, the dancing was superb and the atmosphere was enchanting.

The whole cast were excellent so it's hard to single out anyone although I did think that the Angel played by Paris Fitzpatrick held the story together. Cordelia Braithwaite was beautiful and mesmerising as Cinderella and Will Bozier played the handsome pilot. Most of the cast seemed to play several parts so it was a highly energetic performance. This is a show not to be missed.

Cinderella is on at MK Theatre until the 17^th February.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Jersey Boys at MK Theatre

Jersey Boys at Milton Keynes Theatre

 

Wednesday 24th January 2018

 

We are all interested in the story of how a band becomes as famous as  Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. There's an amazing rise to fame for the four boys from New Jersey and also from the wrong side of the tracks. The musical tells their story fantastically through their music. And what fantastic music it is too. All of our favourite songs are sung in full or in part measure. I had certainly forgotten how prolific they were in having some of greatest songs that have stood the test of time. Who can forget “Walk like a Man” and Sherry Baby”?

The show is an award winning one with a fabulous score and arrangements enhanced by the iconic dance routines of the band. Surely this must be the greatest forerunner of the boy bands we see today although possibly with more talent! I particularly loved the harmonies of the boys.

The show was fast moving with multiple changes of set that one could never be bored. It was really a feel - good show of outstanding quality. 

Credit must go to the four boys Michael Watson, Simon Bailey, James Winter and Karl James Wilson who took the main leads. Also well done to Arnold Mabhena who seemed to mop up so many different roles I lost count!

Jersey Boys is on at MK Theatre until Saturday 3^rd February.

Tickets from the Box Office 0844 871 7652 (fees apply) or online at
www.atgtickets.com/shows/jersey-boys/milton-keynes-theatre

Cilla the Musical

Cilla the Musical at MK Theatre

26th September 2017

A most amazing production and performance by all but especially Kara Lily Hayworth as Cilla.

The show portrays the early career of Cilla Black through to 1967 and was written by Jeff Pope, directed and produced by Bill Kenwright and produced by Laurie Mansfield.

This excellent production combines the excitement of the music of the times, with excellent playing and singing of all the musical cast, with the drama and intrigue of Brian Epstein”s (Andrew Lancel) life and his skill at guiding his protege’s careers’ within the vibrant music business of the time.

The show also features George Martin (Tom Sowinski) who’s skill at music production was crucial to The Beatles sound and development through their albums once they had stopped touring.

The versatility of the musicians and the accurate interpretation of all the famous songs of the time was great, a special mention should go to Carl Au as Bobby Willis, Cilla’s manager and eventual husband, who’s singing voice blended so well with Kara Liily’s voice in the duets together.

Cilla’s mum and dad (Pauline Fleming and Neil Macdonald) ably carried a few running gags

through the show.

The acoustics of the MK Theatre were as usual very good and carried the thrill of the music, the stage set was extremely flexible and conveyed the scenes and atmosphere being portrayed from the Cavern club at the start of Cilla’s career, to the terrace housing and then the studio at Abbey Road, and the Ed Sullivan show in the States, complete with the Mamas and Papas laying California Dreaming.

It was great to see the excellent costumes portraying the period fashions so well.

A great show for all the family too.

Cilla runs at MK Theatre until Saturday 30th September. Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com/shows/cilla/milton-keynes-theatre

REVIEW: Jane Eyre at Milton Keynes Theatre

Jane Eyre at MK Theatre

10th July 2017

It’s been a long time since I read the story of Jane Eyre so was delighted to see this modern re-enactment of the story under the theatrical direction of Sally Cookson.

The whole play was outstanding. I particularly liked its use of drama conventions for example the voices in the head of Jane telling us her diverse thoughts on any given situation.

For those who may have forgotten the story the tale tells of a poor Jane Eyre, an orphan who was a feisty child and given little love. Eventually she becomes the governess for the child of a strange but powerful man that is Rochester. They soon fall for each other but as in all romances on stage It’s not going to go smoothly as he hides a terrible secret.

The ten actors played multiple parts which were seamless in their enactment although Nadia Clifford who played Jane Eyre only played her own character effortlessly from child to adult. What an amazing feat.

The stage set was minimal as the skill really rested with the music, lighting, sound and of course the actors. The audience could use their own imagination to fill in the rest. The team of actors was exceptional and the story was held together by the strong vocals of Bertha Mason with her haunting melodies.

I'm not sure if we were supposed to laugh at the actor who played the dog but he certainly got my attention. I think it was a delightful distraction from the grim storyline.

If you want to see theatre at its very best then do go to see this production.

Jane Eyre is on at MK Theatre till the 15^th July.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Billy Elliot the Musical at MK Theatre

Review: Billy Elliot the Musical

 

Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

In Milton Keynes there are four talented boys who play the role of Billy Elliot. On my visit to the theatre the role was played by Haydon May aged 12. What a talented young man! I look forward to seeing him again in future roles. 

Another key character was Henry Farmer aged 12 whose talent and enjoyment on the stage was a pleasure to see. Italia Ross aged 11, played Debbie, the slightly neglected daughter of the dance teacher. It was amazing to see so many talented children in dancing and acting roles all enjoying themselves. The adult actors took great delight in working with these young professionals.

The dance routines were lively and energetic combining a mix of ballet, tap and contemporary dance. The miner's strike is cleverly woven through the story of Billy with some powerful scenes.
The stage, lighting and sound effects really enhanced the show showing the rawness of the miner's strike with all its aggression and the gentle nature of Billy with his love of ballet. An unusual combination of ideas.

Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot the Musical has now been seen by nearly 11 million people across five continents and is the recipient of over 80 awards internationally, including ten Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards. We all said how great it was that Milton Keynes is attracting such a high calibre of shows.

The show will run till Saturday 17th June so it would be a shame to miss it. Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Evita at MK Theatre

Evita at Milton Keynes Theatre

23rd May 2017

Originally a hit West End Musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, Evita is currently running in Milton Keynes Theatre. The story follows the life of the Argentine leader Eva Duarte who married Juan Perón.

I was unsure of the story of Evita, and found it a little hard to follow at certain points, however after reading the synopsis after the performance, I feel they portrayed the story very well.

As this used to be such a popular West End show, I don’t think they could cut any corners when it came to reproducing it for the tour. This is still very much a West End show – just a bit handier to get to in Milton Keynes.

The cast were very strong and all sang very well. You could really feel the emotion of all the scenes as the play went on, although there were times when the music drowned out some of this singing. Perhaps this is why the story was hard to follow as some of the words for muffled by the music.

The set was also fantastic, with lots of changes to signify the different areas and moods despite only having a few on stage items.

Evita is running at Milton Keynes Theatre until 27th May.
Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Mamma Mia at MK theatre

Mamma Mia at Milton Keynes Theatre

Wednesday 3rd May 2017

It's great when a professional show comes to MK from the West End. Mama Mia has already enjoyed great success so it’s no wonder they are booked in MK for nearly three weeks. This gives many more people the chance to see this great feel-good show.

We all know it's the story of a girl who wants to find her true father among three possible flings her mother had 21 years ago. The film of course is beautifully set on a Greek island but the stage setting did much to create a bright blue mood with the use of lighting and a quite simple stage set. But Mama Mia isn’t about the plot (!!) but more about the songs and the dancing. Ideally you have to be an Abba fan (and who isn't?) to enjoy this musical.

The characters were very much look-a-likes and act-a-likes to the original film actors and that seemed to work well with the audience.

The audience were happy to be taken back to the seventies, Abba style, with the silver costumes and platform heels along with the cast who seemed to be having a ball. The audience all agreed it was jolly good fun.

Helen Hobson played the main character Donna and was ably supported by her two comic friends Rosie and Tanya ably played by Gillian Hardie and Emma Clifford. Lucy May Barker played the young Sophie. I did however struggle with the casting of Phillip Ryan with his strong Scottish accent playing her beau Sky. But that aside, the other male actors Jon Boydon, Jamie Hogarth and Christopher Hollis all brought something different to their characters.

The show runs at MK Theatre until the 20^th May.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Casanova at MK Theatre

Casanova

A ballet by Kenneth Tindall, with music by Kerry Muzzey and performance by The Northern Ballet with The Northern Ballet Sinfonia at Milton Keynes Theatre 19th April 2017.

Giacomo Casanova 1725-1798, was born in Venice, however aside from his sexual reputation and his imprisonment in the Doges Palace, Casanova was a very well travelled and intelligent man. Living in Paris, London, Russia and travelling all over Europe he had various occupations during his tumultuous career:- a trainee priest, musician, a spy and a writer. He died at Dux Castle in Bohemia now the Czech Republic.

This ballet is played out in Venice for the first act and Paris for the second in the court of Madame de Pompadour.

We were unsure what to expect from our visit to MK Theatre as this is the ballet world premier tour, however the whole performance was exceptional. The combination of music, dance and story telling was quite extraordinary, it possessed an ethereal and lyrical atmosphere.
Led by Giuliano Contadini as Casenova all of the exceptional dancers carried the story with great ease and agility, ably assisted by the fine playing of the orchestra.

The costumes and stage set played an important part in the overall atmosphere of the performance and added greatly to this exceptional ballet. As usual the sound quality at the theatre was crystal clear and the volume just right.

We would heartily recommend this ballet to both lovers of more traditional ballet as well as those who prefer more new wave performances. We would certainly go to see it again in the future as there is so much to watch and listen to.

On at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 22nd April. Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies).

REVIEW: Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games at MK Theatre

Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games at MK Theatre

4th April 2017

 

Having only seen bits of River Dance when the show originally became famous, I was wondering how they would fill two hours with Irish dancing without the audience getting bored or the show becoming a bit repetitive.

The basic story of Dangerous Games is a tale of good versus evil. The Lord of the Dance represents all things good but has to fight against the evil Dark Lord and his Dark Disciples. This story telling seemed to be lacking in the first half of the show, which consisted of several dance scenes that didn’t appear to link together apart from the Little Spirit character that would appear now and again. There were also a couple of bits of singing, but again, these didn’t seem to fit in with the rest of it. The second half was better and seemed to tell much more of a story and it was easier to follow each dance act as they flowed together.

Despite the confused story telling, the performances from each character were very good and exactly what you’d expect from a Michael Flatley show with plenty of dancing and variations on the classic River Dance theme which kept the attention of the audience throughout.

The stage had no decoration, however a large screen filled the back of the stage and the images being projected onto this changed with each dance scene. Although the visuals looked dated, it gave more atmosphere and effect and portrayed the mood of the dances well.

Overall, a bit of a confusing start but it redeemed itself in the end.

On at Milton Keynes Theatre until Sunday 9th April. Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Shirley Valentine at MK Theatre

Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine. Starring Jodie Prenger. 

Milton Keynes Theatre March 27^th 2017.

Having seen the film with Pauline Collins we weren’t sure whether this performance was going to be solo, as originally written, or with more cast members as per the film.

However, Jodie Prenger certainly stepped up to the mark with a solo performance that was par-excellance.

Blessed with a most brilliant and witty script her comic timing was spot on, and properly carried Willy Russell’s excellently observed narrative of a woman’s life, from the circumstances that he had observed during his time working and then running his own ladies hairdressing salon in the 1970’s.

 

The play is set in two scenarios:- Shirley’s kitchen at home, where we learn about her history and how trapped she feels with her current circumstances as a wife whose family have now left home, living with a similarly trapped husband who has a strict regime for his home life (i.e. it’s Thursday so it must be steak and chips night and will not deviate from this).

The scene is then moved to on to the beach in Greece, where she has escaped with a friend, without telling her husband. She feels that here she has at last got away from her ritualistic life and found freedom and the person she was before her marriage. To the point where she has jumped out of the check-in queue to return back to the UK, and she now has a job in Costa’s bar with whom she had a short term fling just after she arrived in Greece.

As we leave her, she is sitting on the beach waiting for her husband to walk by, as he has now arrived in Greece to find her.

Jodie portrays Shirley with great enthusiasm and a vibrant personality and makes this a most entertaining performance. A great evening. 

On until Saturday 1^st April. Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: The Red Shoes at MK Theatre

The Red Shoes at MK Theatre

Tuesday 14th February 2017

 

The story is loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy story that also became a film. It always helps to do some research before you go to get the full understanding of the story. After all there are no words, just a beautiful story told through dance, mime and music. Altogether it was quite refreshing and relaxing for the theatre goer.

Matthew Bourne, probably the best chorographer of recent times has turned the story of the Red Shoes into an exquisite piece of art. With beautiful music and a mixture of ballet and contemporary dance this is a show that shouldn’t pass you by.

The set is a work of art in itself with an enormous arch that moves around to show the back and front of a stage. This play is about a play so quite multi- levelled. It can be difficult to keep up with the scenes as it shifts from the stage play to the touring company’s travels but that in no way detracts from the journey as we drift from one magical scene to another. There are moments away from the main action such as the beach scene that at first seems a bit out of place but merely reflects the different places where the touring company visit. There is light relief with the alternative sand dance that amuses the audience. It certainly shows the versatility of Matthew Bourne.

All the cast were excellent but I must mention Ashley Shaw who played the lead of Victoria Page whose dancing and interpretation of the role was magnificent.  Perfect casting.

The show is on at Milton Keynes until Saturday 18^th February. This show is bound to sell out so be quick!

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Not Dead Enough at MK Theatre

Not Dead Enough at MK Theatre

Tuesday 30th January 2017

 

This play is just what the theatre needs at the moment. Let’s blow the cobwebs away this new year and watch a good old crime thriller from the celebrated author Peter James. Slowly his plays are being adapted to the stage and are very closely adhering to the script of the book. This is because Peter is fully involved in bringing his work to the stage and is passionate about his craft. Surprisingly enough his Detective Grace novels haven`t reached TV so all the better for us theatre goers.

Not Dead Enough was expertly crafted and executed (if that’s the right word bearing in mind the story line) with a polished performance from a well-chosen cast. We all know Shane Ritchie who played Detective Grace and can only marvel at his versatility in the many roles he has played over his acting career.

The story centres on Brian Bishop, played by Stephen Billington, who is the chief suspect for the murder of his wife but he claims to be 60 miles away at the time of the crime. Stephen who likes to play bad boys can easily turn the charm on to disarm you.  The whole cast gave an excellent performance with moments of humour scattered throughout the play. They really gelled as an acting team.

The stage was well defined into different areas, where the central stories play out. The lighting was used to great effect during the darker scenes. At first the sound was a little low but that was soon addressed as the cast settled into their first night in MK Theatre.

If you like reading the crime novels of Peter James, one of the best crime writers of all time, then don`t miss the opportunity to see this story brought to life.

The play is on till Saturday 4^th February.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: Cats at MK Theatre

Review of Cats at Milton Keynes Theatre

 

Funnily enough Cats is a musical that I had bypassed all these years since the first showing in 1981 so it was about time I went to see what all the fuss was about. Well what a performance – a true example of excellent musical theatre. The enduring musical Cats written by Andrew Lloyd Weber has had a bit of a makeover in recent years. The story hinges on the lives of different character cats living on a dumpster. It`s quite a complicated and intricate set all adding to the atmosphere on the stage.

There are lots of big set dances with the very large cast and a range of different music and dance styles from jazz to ballet. The cast were athletic and gymnastic in their dance skills. As we got to know the individual cats then it was the solo pieces that the audience liked and recognised the most. Grizabella, the old decrepit cat played by Marianne Benedict performed the song Memory at least twice, well why not, it`s so good!

The cats came into the audience on many occasions and that was an excellent way to involve the theatre goers and to marvel at the intricate detail of the makeup and costumes. They were superb!

The show is all about the visuals and not the story and more of a variety show for cats which is probably why it`s called Cats!

There is still time to catch Cats at MK Theatre. It’s on till Saturday 29^th October.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

REVIEW: An Inspector Calls at MK Theatre

An Inspector Calls

Directed by Stephen Daldry, An Inspector Calls was powerful, stunning and brilliantly performed. Its power to shock and convince runs throughout the performance, and the audience were literally sat open-mouthed at certain points of the show… Some which quite literally went ‘bang’!

The set was absolutely amazing, with the cast so in-tune with their positioning on stage. There were some very memorable moments, mainly because of such a unique, astounding set accompanied by very appropriate lighting and music which added to the mystery of the production.

Usually there are one or two cast members that really stand out in a performance, but with this one it really is difficult to say. They were all so fantastic and believable. Caroline Wildi - who plays Sybil Birling and has been in various television programmes and films such as Harry Potter - acted brilliantly alongside Geoff Leesley, cast as Arthur Birling. The Inspector himself, played by Liam Brennan, was quite eerie and spooky at times – exactly how he needs to be for his role as Inspector Goole. 

With such unexpected twists and fantastic acting, JB Priestley’s classic thriller, An Inspector Calls, isn’t one to miss.

An Inspector Calls is running from Tuesday 23rd – Saturday 27th February

Tickets available from: atgtickets.com