Spamalot actress speaks to us about performing at MK Theatre this week

"It's one of the best parts I've ever played"

The bright side of life - Spamalot is at MK Theatre until Saturday, June 20th. 

With more than 1,500 performances, Spamalot was seen by two million people and took $175 million in its first run in 2005. Receiving 14 Tony Award nominations, it has gone on to be performed in more than 20 countries across the planet.

A decade later, the Monty Python musical (based on the 1975 film The Holy Grail) is on the road again with a UK tour, just months after the Monty Python Live (Mostly) sell-out shows at the o2 arena. 

Having earnt her Spamalot stripes by playing the Lady of the Lake in the West End, actress Sarah Earnshaw has stepped back into the sparkly blue shoes, arriving at MK Theatre from June 15th-20th. 

Speaking from Sunderland, Sarah (pictured top right with Joe Pasquale and Joe Tracini) is having the time of her life.

“We’ve only got six weeks left of the tour and I’m having a really good time. You never get bored because you’re always moving on, acting for a new audience. It’s interesting and fun.

“I’ve been to Milton Keynes before when I’ve toured with other shows a couple of times, so I know the theatre well and the area too.”

The actress is well seasoned with being on stage, having previously starred in Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors, Jekyll and Hyde and The Royal Variety Performance, among others.

As the Lady of the Lake, Sarah gives King Arthur (played by Joe Pasquale) the iconic Excalibur sword, so he can carry on with his quest and become King.

She explains: “It’s one of the best parts I’ve ever played. She’s a woman in the middle of these crazy men, she has some of the best numbers from Andrew Lloyd Webber-type ballads to Broadway numbers. 

“She doesn’t take herself too seriously; all of it is taking the mick. She moans she has been off stage too long, but it’s fun for a few hours.”

Based on the well-known mythical tale, in Sarah’s mind Spamalot is a little bit like a sketch show.

“It’s two hours of comedy and fun, with lots of different musical numbers. I knew a bit Monty Python before I was involved, but I’ve discovered I’m quite a fan of what they have done, it tickles my funny bone.”

Tickets: £10.50 to £42 on (0844) 871 7652 or go to atgtickets.com.

Our guide to open gardens and farms in June

Explore the English countryside this summer

Summer adventures - Throughout June, gardens and farms will be opened up for the public to explore. 

With the summer sun beating down on the English countryside, many gardens are blooming with flowers and plants of all different sizes. The smell of freshly cut grass is in the air and for gardeners it is the time of year when their hard work pays off. Similarly, it’s an important time of year for farmers too. That’s why events are held across the summer to celebrate the hard work that goes into the British countryside, whether it be commercial or just in your own personal space. Many villages hold open garden events where locals open up their land for visitors to explore, and Open Farm Sunday (June 7th) celebrates the work of farmers who provide a quarter of the UK’s fruit and vegetables. Many have open gardens to raise money for charity or a local cause, as well as the National Gardens Scheme. For more information, go to opengardens.co.uk or ngs.org.uk. Open Farm Sunday is a free initiative that encourages families to visit their local farm, with many including guided walks, nature trails, tractor rides and activities for children. Go to farmsunday.org for information. Any open garden event we’ve missed? Just get in touch with us on (01234) 713298.

OPEN GARDENS

Cowper and Newton Museum National Gardens Weekend (June 6th-7th, 10.30am-4.30pm) The Olney museum and garden will be open to the public in aid of the National Garden Scheme, with tickets costing £2.50 for adults and free entry for under 16s. Plant stalls and tea will be on sale, with proceeds going to the museum’s garden fund. Go to cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk.

Stoke Goldington Open Gardens (June 7th, 2-5pm)

Explore eight gardens as part of the Open Gardens initiative, with tickets and maps on sale at the Old Park Barn in Stoke Goldington. Entrance is £3, with tea and homemade cakes in aid of Willen Hospice. Call (01908) 551092 for details.

Castlethorpe Open Gardens (June 20th-21st, 11am-4pm)

Nestled in the Buckinghamshire countryside, this bi-annual event offers a scarecrow trail and refreshments in the village hall. All proceeds go to the village hall fund, with tickets £5 for adults, £2 for children for the weekend. Go to castlethorpevillage.org.uk.

Stony Stratford Open Gardens (June 27th-28th, 12-5pm)

This year, 29 gardens will be on show, including courtyards, community gardens, allotments and wildlife. The Milton Keynes Society of Artists will be presenting an exhibition at Swinfen Harris Hall, with local artists at York House. Tickets: £5 for the weekend, with money raised going to Willen Hospice. Go to stonyopengardens.info.

Yardley Hastings Open Gardens (July 5th, 11am-5.30pm)

In this Northamptonshire village 12 gardens will be open to the public, while children can hunt for hidden teddy bears and learn all about the history in the area. Refreshments are available at the Yardley Hastings Memorial Hall. Tickets: £5 for adults and under 16s go free.Go to yardleyhastingsbenefice.org.uk.

Wollaston Open Gardens (July 12th, 11am-5pm)

Alongside personal gardens, Wollaston Museum, Curiosity Cottage and Beacon Hill will all be open to the public. Refreshments will be available, and there will be a book sale. Tickets: £3 with children going free, with all proceeds going to the museum. They are available on the day or at the museum beforehand.

Aspley Guise Open Gardens (July 19th, 12.30-5.30pm)

With a program highlighting the area and individual gardens, there will be between 8-12 gardens open around the village near Woburn. Tickets: £4 for adults and £3.50 concessions, both being available on the day from the spare or village hall. Call (01908) 583307.

OPEN FARMS

Browns of Stagsden (June 7th)

Based in Stagsden, Bedfordshire, this farm is open to all, with admission being a donation to charity. Families can see cattle, pigs, sheep and baby turkeys. There will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, a barbecue and pony rides. Go to brownsofstagsden.co.uk.

Glebe Farm, Podington (June 7th)

With vintage farm machinery, a working steam engines and displays from bee-keepers, Glebe Farm in Northamptonshire is free entry, but certain activities will be charged for. Visitors can see cows, pigs and sheep, as well as enjoy a barbecue and homemade cakes. Go to facebook.com/openfarmsundayglebefarmpodington.

Grange Farm, Farndish (June 7th)

Visitors to this farm will be able to visit the barn where they produce their own cider and see how it’s made. There will also be farm machinery to explore and sit on, including tractors and a combine. It’s free entry, but certain activities will be charged for. Email phil.saxby@btinternet.com for information.

Scald End Farm, Thurleigh (June 7th)

Try fresh, local produce and meet the animals at this open farm event in Bedfordshire. The free day out will include farm walks, a barbecue, machinery and tractor displays, and a farm shop and team room will be open. For more information, go to scaldendfarm.com.

Escape The Country, Milton Keynes (June 7th)

Based on the Hounslow Hall Estate, families can visit this popular attraction for free, although extra activities such as 4x4 rides and segways will be an extra charge. Visitors can experience guided walks, see the working farm in action and explore the machinery on display. For more information, go to experiencethecountry.co.uk.

Rectory Farm, North Crawley (June 14th)

With tractor and trailer rides, this farm near Newport Pagnell will be open to the public with machinery displays, hosted farm tours and self-guided walks. Refreshments will be available, and families will beable to get up close with cows and chickens. Call (01234) 391874.

REVIEW: The Sound of Music at MK Theatre

Fast-paced production shines just like the original favourite

Danielle Hope stars in The Sound of Music at MK Theatre until Saturday, June 6th. 

Creating a fast-paced adaptation of the 1965 classic, The Sound of Music was absolutely excellent at MK Theatre this week.

Set in 1930s Austria, it tells the story of Maria (played by the excellent Danielle Hope). It starts with her being selected to leave her nunnery and home to work for the Von Trapp family. She immediately bonds with the children through song, singing classics such as Do-Re-Mi, and makes it her mission to help their father remarry so that they get the mother they deserve.

Danielle may be the shining star, but the entire cast excels, bringing the magical film to life on stage. We were enthralled by the music too, and a special mention should go to Jan Hartley as Mother Abbess. Her voice alone stole the show.

The story had been simplifed, but this is clearly done for practical and romantic reasons. It brings the production up-to-date, for new and old audiences alike. There was a buzz around the theatre all night, creating an electric atmosphere. I would get tickets now if you haven’t already.

Until Saturday, June 6th.

SARAH CRABB

Get stuck in with British Mud Week

Tomorrow sees the start of something new- the first ever British mud week. Sponsored by Nomad Direct, suppliers of the world’s first cordless pressure washer (which you may need if you decide to get involved!), the general idea of the week is to encourage the British public to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Although we have our fingers crossed for good weather this June, we all know you can never be too sure when it comes to the British weather, and so the chances are there'll be plenty of mud around to get involved with!

People are being encouraged to complete mud-themed challenges for charity and get their families involved in the great outdoors, and schools are also being encouraged to take part, with downloadable packs, full of ideas, being available on their website. 

The website also lists a number of ideas of ways you could get involved with mud week, if you work with or have young children, I can only imagine the idea of a week spent rolling in the mud will go down a treat! 

It's camping month!

June is technically the start of the summer, and so it's not quite so surprising that it's the official month of camping, whether or not the weather will agree with this is another matter! One of the joys of camping (oh there are many), are that once you've got the equipment, it's fairly easy to take off on a relatively last-minute trip. Weather aside, the benefits of camping are great (or even glamping if you're not a fan of sleeping on a camping mat, have a look at some of these pictures!) It gives you a chance to spend some time in the great outdoors, away from the stresses of work and away from technology and tv, and gets you spending time with your loved ones in, what is hopefully, a calm and chilled environment. If you've got kids, it's a great opportunity to teach them new things, like roasting marshmallows on a bonfire or how to put up a tent, and if you get some clear nights, it's the perfect place to stargaze and soak up the views you just don't get in a busy town or city. With the school holidays creeping closer, now's the time to book your camping trip (either to avid the kids or to get on holiday with yours!) Take a risk and hope for some nice weather, but know that you'll have a great time regardless of the weather, just don't forget your waterproofs! Happy camping!

Competition Time! Home Alone Star Sings...

Fresh off the press- our June competition is quite a quick one this month, we need your entries in by Thursday 5th June as the prize takes place on the 7th... What is this great prize I hear you say?! Well, who remembers Macaulay Culkin? The child star from those classic films: Home Alone. He is now fronting a band and will be playing at Esquires in Bedford. Slightly different to his times of chasing bad guys and singing with a comb for a mic, Macaulay Culkin has combined the loves of singing and pizza from his Home Alone days...

One of the more bizarre gigs The Pad have ever put on, the band is titled 'Pizza Underground' and is a 'Velvet Underground' cover band with a bit of a twist, a pizza themed twist. The songs of Velvet Underground have been changed to involve pizza themed song names and lyrics, an unusual twist set to provide an interesting show!

From New York's anti-folk scene, the gig is part of their first ever UK tour, and tickets cost £10 in advance- BUT- you can get in for free if you win this very simple competition!

QUESTION TIME!!

What country does the pizza originate from?

Please email your answer to: competitions@phoneboxmagazine.com

or post your answer to:

Phonebox Competition,
Unit 2 Stanley Court,
Olney,
Bucks,
MK46 5NH

The first 2 entires pulled out of the hat will win a pair of tickets each to the gig.

What are you waiting for?! This sounds like one of the most random yet fun gigs around, get those competition entries in to be in with a chance of getting to the show!