Peter Pan at MK Theatre- A swashbuckling success

Having interviewed the stars of Peter Pan, now at Milton Keynes Theatre, in this month's Phonebox magazine, we headed over to the show to see if it lived up to expectations... and we're pleased to tell you it most certainly did! MK Theatre was a packed house with young and old alike, and the atmosphere was buzzing even before the curtains came up.

We were looking forward to seeing headliner Bradley Walsh, TV star from Coronation Street and Law & Order: UK, among others, and presenter of The Chase, who was playing the role of Smee. He didn’t disappoint, and was hilariously funny and gripping to watch, leading the audience through the story as the comical baddy who everyone can't help but love. He was definitely the star of the show, and was joined on stage by professional dance crew and stars from Britain's Got Talent, Flawless. They starred as the pirates and Indians, and led the crowd singing and clapping along to their dancing. They incorporated the dance routine and acting in a truly Flawless way, showing their skills and abilities extend further than just dancing. The child actors involved in the show were amazingly confident, and were thoroughly enjoying playing their characters on stage. Peter Pan was played by Wicked star George Ure, giving a great show to make us really believe he was the boy who never wanted to grow up.

It was a show crammed full of entertainment from start to finish, including fire, dancing, singing and humour, it really is a night out for all the family. There were jokes for both adults and children, which had the whole audience roaring with laughter throughout. There was even some audience participation at the end, where two children were selected to go on stage. All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and we would highly recommend taking the whole family. Don't miss out seeing this amazing show, which is at Milton Keynes Theatre until the 11^th January- you’ve still got time to book your tickets!

TV stars and West End actors launch Milton Keynes pantomime

It’s just 85 sleeps until Christmas. Now that may seem like a long way off, but it won’t be long until the chocolate calendars are being opened and the lights are put in the windows. And MK Theatre is just as ready, launching their festive pantomime last week.

Actor, comedian and TV presenter Bradley Walsh (pictured) made his way to Milton Keynes to launch this year’s pantomime, Peter Pan, after appearing at the venue seven years ago. Playing the mischievous Smee, he will be joined by Britain’s Got Talent favourites Flawless as the pirate crew and Oliver-award winning actor David Bedella as the master of villains, Captain Hook.

Joining them on the decks is Wicked and West End star George Ure as the boy who doesn’t want to grow up and Victoria Tyrell as Wendy Darling.

Running from December 5 until January 11, the theatre’s traditional pantomime is sure to be full of the booes, hisses and swashbuckling adventures, as well as some flying.

Speaking at the launch, Bradley said: “I can’t wait to be back in Milton Keynes. I have been dying to get back, but my schedule over the past seven years hasn’t allowed me. However, this year I’m back with a show that will be fun for everyone – especially me!”

Street dance troupe Flawless added: “When you have a good cast like this, you know it will work. We’ll all have fun with it, and to act as part of it too.”

The full cast arrive in Milton Keynes in November to get rehearsals under way, but you’ll have to wait for our December edition to see the full cast interviews.

Tickets available to book now from atgtickets.com or (0844) 871 7652.