Robin Hood – Milton Keynes Theatre

You simply can’t have Christmas time without panto! Us Brits do love the panto and the sillier the better. But we also love a good show with fantastic costumes, acting, music and dancing. Qdos Entertainment’s Robin Hood ticked all the boxes and more: A well-known Bafta-winning TV star? Check. Leads and an ensemble of comedy, TV and voice-over actors? Check. A seasoned West End star? Check. A mighty magician? Check. A group of international comedy acrobats known as The Acromaniacs? Check! A team of young talented dancers from Dancebox Studios? Check!

We all know the story of Robin Hood, with his team of merry men, robbing from the rich to give to the poor, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham getting in their way and of course the lovely Maid Marion whom Robin is keen to woo. Throw in some clowning around, impressive magic tricks, a spirit of Sherwood, a rather scary 3D trip through the haunted forest, crazy acrobatics, dazzling costumes and stage sets then you’ve got yourself a winning pantomime.

The show is fantastic fun for all the family with endless cheers, boos and screams from the children in the audience and plenty of cheeky laughs from the adults as the grown-up jokes and innuendos were well placed and consistent throughout the show. Of course, you must expect plenty of news, politics and current affairs creeping their way into the show too so prepare for insults, poking fun and outrageous laughter – we love it! Music and songs included some from The Greatest Showman and the classic annual Milton Keynes Panto rendition of Twelve Days of Christmas – watch out for those five toilet rolls kids!!

Starring cheeky and charismatic Shane Ritchie as Robin Hood, Peter Piper as Friar Tuck, Gina Murray as the Spirit of Sherwood, Pete Gallagher as the charming and dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham, Jamie Kenna as Little John, Phil Hitchcock as Merlin the Magician and the almighty comedy jumping Acromaniacs as the Merry Men.

For tickets, head to www.atgtickets.com, the panto is running until 13^th January. Be quick, performances are selling out fast!

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)