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!

What's on this weekend...

If you're looking for a way to spend the last weekend of the Easter holidays then look no further. With temperatures set to soar this weekend, we've got loads of activities you can get involved with to get out and about, enjoying the sunshine and the last of the school holidays.

Friday:

Bedford Art Society @ Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start
Juliette Orton creates beautiful pictures using many different materials. She shows how they are made and where her inspiration comes from. Those keen to try can also have a go themselves. Entry is free for members, or £5 for visitors.

Easter Experiences @ Experience the country, Newton Longville, MK17 0BU
This is the second day of the Easter experiences, where you can take part in a 1 hour activity and off-road thrills ride for £25. Suitable for adults and those aged 12 and up. Add another activity for just £10, including archery, axe- throwing, air rifles and segways. Also available are young person's driving experiences in a Land Defender of £25. Morning and afternoon slots are available and must be pre-booked. Call 01908 630665 to book.

Saturday:

Jahnaiah Fundraising Dinner Dance @ Hilton Hotel, Kents Hill Park, 6.30pm-1am

Fundraising dinner dance in aid of orphans affected by Ebola in Sierra Leone. The money raised will support an existing orphanage in Sierra Leone which is already looking after children whose parents have died during the Ebola crisis, and also to help bring light to the lack of medical equipment and diagnostic materials available in Sierra Leone during this time. Tickets cost £50, and includes a three-course meal, entertainment and much more. Auction and raffle also available. Dress code is black tie/traditional. Click here to buy tickets and for more information.

No 38 Vintage Emporium Event @ High Street Newport Pagnell, 9am-5pm

The No 38 Vintage Emporium on the High Street in Newport Pagnell is celebrating being open for six months. There will be special events all day, including live music, free ice creams from the Shake 'n' Scoop ice cream shack, and a photo booth taking old fashioned style photos. 

Non-Stop Pop, featuring Union J and Stereo Kicks @ Arena MK, Stadium MK, Doors open 5.30pm for 6.30pm start

Headliners Union J will be joined by Stereo Kicks, Bailey McConnell and Harry Mondryk. Show will end at approximately 9.45pm. Tickets cost £14 and are available to buy by clicking here. 

Sunday:

That Time of the Month Comedy Night @ The Cannon, Newport Pagnell, 7pm

Nick Helm, star of BBC3's hit comedy drama, Uncle, Russell Howard's Good News, 8 out of 10 cats, and winner of Breakthrough Artists at the British Comedy Awards 2014, will be performing in a night of stand up comedy entertainment. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door.

The Pad Presents: Marika Hackman @ Bedford Esquires, 7.30pm

Marika Hackman with support acts Sophie Jamieson and The Darling Mundaring. Following the release of her debut album, We Slept at last, and new single Animal Fear, Marika Hackman's songwriting speaks adventure; join the adventure for a great night of entertainment from a talented musician. Tickets cost £8 and are available online here.  

HULA Animala Rescue Bunny Bonanza @ Glebe Farm, Aspley Guise, 1-3.30pm

Enjoy some Easter activities at the end of the Easter holidays. Just when you thought all the Easter eggs had been found, come and join the Easter egg hunt and take part in the Easter Bonnet competition. Meet the rabbit welfare association and see a presentation on how to care for your pet rabbit. There will be a dog parade at 2.30pm, workshop, and family fun and refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.

Education Centre Opening Day @ Howe Park Wood, 11am

Join the Parks Trust education team to celebrate the opening of the new education and visitor centre at Howe Park wood. Parking avaialbe in the car park off Chaffron Way, opposite the Westcroft Centre. 

Whatever you do this weekend, have a great time! As always, if we've missed any events, please feel free to share them to our Facebook page. 

Theatre District MK up for a re-vamp

The Theatre District

The Theatre District in central Milton Keynes has a pretty good selection of restaurants, and of course the theatre, but in recent years it has become something of a ghost town, not picking up the same amount of interest as many other areas of the city.

With the large number of restaurants and attractions in Milton Keynes, there is a huge choice for people when choosing where to eat or drink, particularly among the chain restaurants which are at the Theatre District as well as many other areas in Milton Keynes, including the shopping centre, Xscape, Kingston and now the new MK Stadium restaurant area. With so much of the same, there needs to be something more than just the food attracting visitors, and this is where the Theatre District has been struggling a bit lately, often seeming very quiet and dead, particularly during the day.

However, all this is set to change, with a whopping £20million development plan which was granted just this week. The plan is set to create over 100 jobs, and will be completed in late 2016. The plan includes building a Premier Inn hotel with 130 rooms, as well as 234 square metres of retail and 994 square metres of leisure, which is likely to include restaurants and bars.

Jonathan Manns, Colliers International Planning Director who advised on the development, says: "In rejuvenating and expanding the Theatre District these plans also improve the wider public realm and enhance links to existing shopping facilities..."

Jack Paravicini of Bursha Holdings commented: "We're keen to create a 'family friendly' area with a vibrant daytime and evening economy that increases footfall and supports the adjacent gallery and theatre."

With a bit of work (£20 million worth!) it's hoped that the Theatre District will be back in the runnings in competing with Milton Keynes' other leisure areas. The building of a Premier Inn hotel in such a central location is sure to be hugely popular, and the surrounding restaurants and bars will be sure to benefit as a result of the customers it will attract.

On top of all this, intu Milton Keynes has also just announced a new development, a major face-lift which will feature a five-screen boutique cinema, new shops and green spaces. The development could cost up to £70 million, and would be the most significant development the city centre has seen in over a decade. Pictures and information about the proposal are on display until 22nd March.

Proposal for intu Milton Keynes development

How do you feel about all this development? In a time where landmarks such as the Point are being demolished, is it right that money is being put into expanding and re-doing the already more modern areas?

This Weekend in MK

As always, there's a great selection of things to do in the Milton Keynes area this weekend, and we've collected a variety of events which will hopefully suit all tastes and ages. Have a look through and hopefully you'll find something fun to do this weekend, as February turns into March!

Saturday 28th 

Fossil Hunting for adults @ Stonepit Field, MK. 10am.
Fossil hunting doesn't have to just be for the kids, and this weekend the adults can give it a try, at Stonepit Field. Come fossil hunting and learn more about the geology of Stonepit Field. The adult education course costs £5 per person. Park in the car park on Wolverton Road, opposite Oakridge Park, Stonepit Field. Booking required, click here.


Ceilidh with Ock 'n' Dough @ Lavendon Village Hall, 7pm.
Ceilidh and ploughman's supper. Tickets cost £12 for adults, £6 for children up to 16. Bring your own drinks, wine will also be available to purchase.

Harmonies for Everly @ York House Centre, Stony Stratford, 8-11pm.
A great night of musical talents with harmonising songs and a substantial slab devoted to the Everly Brothers. Bar with real ale, cider, wine, soft drinks and other goodies will be available, proceeds go to the York House Centre. Entry is £5.

Art, Photography and Craft Exhibition and Sale @ The Chellington Centre. Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm. 
All artists, craftspeople, photographers, sculptors and woodworkers are invited to submit their work for exhibition or sale on Saturday or Sunday. Application forms are available from: art@chellington.org. Refreshments will be available. This is a fundraising event to support both the running of Chellington and the bursary fund, which all groups with needs can apply for.

Handmade and Vintage weekend extravaganza @ Middleton Hall, Centre:MK Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 10.30am-5pm.
A free event with 128 stalls full of authentic handmade and vintage items. High standards and great prices, great for gifts and things you just won't find in the shops. From fashion to food, art to interior design, there's a great range of items to interest you.

Sunday 1st March

Parks and Run @ Campbell Park, 10am start.

This is a free fun run for all ages and abilities, with a choice of routes from 2km to 10km. A great activity to get all the family out and about! The run starts at Campbell Park Pavilion car park, with a choice of 3k, 5k and 10k routes. (Routes may vary depending on weather conditions) 

St David's Day @ MK Rose, Campbell Park, 3pm.

An event to remember the patron Saint of Wales, involving songs and poetry, mainly in Welsh. This is a free service, all are welcome, come along and bring a daffodil or a leek! The ceremony will take place at MK Rose which is situated at the top of Campbell Park. The nearest parking is at centre:mk (John Lewis end).

Crossharbour Charity Fundraising Concert @ All Saints Church, Bow Brickhill, 3pm.

Charity fundraiser for Willen Hospice and ASTRA community charity. A dynamic new band from London's traditional Irish music scene. Refreshments will be provided and open session for all will follow. Tickets cost £8 per person, email sarah_malleson@hotmail.com.

Open Mic Night @ The Two Brewers, Olney, 8.30pm

Come and enjoy listening to some local artists and enjoy the open fire and a drink or two!

IndieGo Music and Arts Night

@The Two Brewers, Olney

This Thursday, 12th February, 8pm

This is the first night at the Two Brewers in Olney, and it's set to be a great evening. Lee Ross will be opening, and will play a set to include his recently released and brilliant new EP “Fly Girl”.

"Lee is one of the most talented people I have ever met" says IndieGo's Ian Roberts, "I have had the privilege of knowing and playing in bands with Lee for many years...I know at firsthand what an extremely gifted musician he is."

Lee is also a great actor, and has featured in a number of films including Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Mike Leigh's Secrets and Lies.

The night also features appearances from the wonderful published author and poet Jeremy Holtom, the brilliant artist Debbie Hutchinson Murray, the fantastic film maker Frank Scarito, bread-maker Gareth Roberts, and magnificent musicians Martin Barby and Lana Camp. Ian Roberts and his band will close the night.

There's free entry, and of course the opportunity to sample some great food and drink while enjoying an evening of entertainment. IndieGo Nights are to be held on the second Thursday of every month. If you are interested in sharing your talent you could feature at a further show, head over to the Two Brewers this Thursday to find out more!

Sponsored by the Phonebox Magazine.

IndieGo Oak

Tonight sees the start of a monthly Music and Arts night to showcase local talents, held at the Cowpers Oak in Weston Underwood. Local singer/songwriter Ian Roberts has linked up with Tim from the Cowpers Oak to host 'IndieGo Oak'. It's set to be a great evening of entertainment from a variety of local artists, from musicians to painters, from poets to comedians.

Ian Roberts will kick off the night at 8pm with a selection of his songs, and will then open up the floor to other local performers for the rest of the night.

'Everyone involved with IndieGo Oak is delighted that The Phonebox Magazine has come on board to sponsor us,' Ian explains, 'The Phonebox Magazine has been the leading voice for our local area for many years and we feel sure that will continue. Together we will promote, showcase and give a wonderful platform for all our local musicians and artists.'

It's a free event, and in the great location of the Cowpers Oak there will be a great selection of drinks on offer to enjoy while you sit back and enjoy an evening of entertainment. There will be a warm and friendly environment with acoustic sets from a variety of performers, it's definitely not one to be missed. We look forward to seeing you tonight!

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

You're fired!- The Apprentice is back

It's that time of year again, The Apprentice is back on our screens... do you watch it?! Whether you watch it for the business side of things, or simply for the comic value of watching them all run about like headless chickens, it can be quite an entertaining show. This week has seen an introductory double-whammy of the Apprentice, with 3 people fired in just 2 days. With more contestants comes the chance of double eliminations out of the blue, which is what was seen last night as Robert and Scott were both fired.

With added members to each team compared to previous years, one might think that the inventions would be better and the teams more organised. Far from it. The show last night depicted a group of mouthy and argumentative members, who seemed to be acting more like teenagers than business men and women. 

Maybe it's a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth, and it did seem the case yesterday with the creations the team came up with. Having been given the brief of 'wearable technology', the boys came up with a jumper with a video camera on the front, which they advertised with the unfortunate words 'privacy is history' and which rather resembled a tacky Christmas jumper.

Similarly, the girls had a bit of a nightmare with their product too, a jacket which charged your phone, kept you warm with heat pads and had flashing lights on the front. A gimmicky product which was trying to be too many things to too many people and just didn't seem to make sense. For example, why would you be wearing a jacket if the sun was out? (the sun was the main source of power to charge the jacket through the solar panels) and why would you want flashing lights on a jacket, never mind the fact that they would need to be in the light to be charged?! More bizarre of all was the fact that they were pitching to a sports shop among others... they seem to have missed a trick here.

It seems that this week the team members were just too much for the project managers to control, and there was a definite conflict of opinions amongst some large personalities. However much we can laugh and shout at the television screen, it does make for good entertainment, even if it's just to see Lord Sugar's humorous remarks at the end of each challenge. It looks like it'll be an eventful series, and we're definitely interested to see what happens over the next couple of weeks!

BOFF is here!

The highly anticipated event is finally HERE!! (well, almost, it will be by tomorrow!) Due to the great success of previous years, the festival this year has been extended to two days, and it's a weekend full to the brim with various events. Saturday sees the BOFF kick off at midday, the bar opens and the local foodies will be cooking up a storm to provide you with a variety of different tastes. The weekend includes the usual entertainment for all the family, music, food and more... The 'Great Gappo' children's entertainer will be making the crowd laugh at 2pm, and The Great Olney Bake Off competition will be underway at 3pm. There will be music from a variety of acts between 1pm and 10pm, including Alan Houghton, Bolivian Sunshine Dogs, Mad Mods and Englishman and more!

This year Sunday will incorporate the Olney Farmers market, where stallholders will be cooking up some tasty treats for you to try from 9am. The bar will open at 11am, and then from 12 midday the highly anticipated finals of 'Rock with BOFF' will be held. The heats have been going on since July, so from 12-5.30pm you'll be able to see the eight finalists and vote on who should be crowned the winner!

We're hoping the sun will be shining for a great, relaxed and enjoyable weekend enjoying local talent and great foods and drink with friends and family. Don't miss out on this yearly event, it's getting bigger and better every year!

Earls Barton Rally and Country Fayre

This weekend is the Earls Barton Rally and Country Fayre, an annual event which has a great turnout each year. Running from Friday 23rd through to Monday 25th, there's a great variety of events and activities to get involved in.

There will be:

• Galloping acrobatics in the main ring
• The annual vintage auction on Sunday
• Vintage vehicles and threshing display
• Birds of Prey
• Ferret racing
• Northants archive cinema
• Viking village
• Punch and Judy
• Sheridan the Sheep Dog
• Over 100 craft and trade stalls
• Refreshments and real ale tent
• Fairground
• Entertainment, including music from the Wellingborough band on Monday... and more!

It's a very varied event, and there's definitely something for all the family to get involved with and enjoy. 

The fayre will be open 9am-5pm each day, and tickets cost £8 for adults and £5 for children, or £20 for a family of four, don't miss out!

Proms in the Park- tomorrow night

The highly anticipated event is back for another year, tomorrow night (15th August) in Campbell Park. The proms in the park is a great evening for all, gates open at 6.30pm for 8pm start and costs £12 per adult and £8 for children, or £32 for a family of four.

Run by the Parks Trust and Milton Keynes City Orchestra, there will be a great evening of uplifting music including classical favourites and spectacular fireworks. It's a great, family-friendly event, and will be located in the amphitheatre at Campbell park.

There won't be any parking available in the park itself, so you will need to use other local parking if bringing a car. Close car parks include the Centre:mk and the MK theatre multi-storey.

Don't miss this great summer evening of entertainment!

Milton Keynes International Festival is less than 2 weeks away, so it's a great time to get watching the trailer (below) and checking out the festival programme (which can be found on the website, click here) before it creeps up on us! We'll be letting you know about some of the key events and things not to be missed as they get closer, but for now why not have a browse through the website and see some of the events on offer. There's things from water shows, comedy, dance, silent disco, family events, puppets, workshops and much more! 

Running from the 18th-27th July, there's a whole 2 weeks of entertainment from around the world, to keep you and your friends and family busy!

What's on this bank holiday weekend?

Welcome to yet another bank holiday weekend! May seems to have flown by, and maybe it's because of all these bank holidays giving us time off-we're not complaining! So what is there going on around Milton Keynes to get involved with this weekend? We've collected a few different ideas for you incase you're stuck...

'Look at life': Milton Keynes museum is having a look at nature this weekend, as well as a 'microscope safari' workshop which the kids (and adults!) are sure to love! They're open Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4.30pm. Find out more here. The fun continues into half term at Milton Keynes museum, with a week filled with children's fun activities!

Castle Ashby craft and design show at Castle Ashby Gardens: From Friday- Monday. The weekend kicks off on the Friday night with a concert of swing jazz, undercover in the walled garden with some of the UK's leading jazz musicians. A hot supper is included in the ticket price of £17 and there is a fully licensed bar. On Sunday and Monday the craft and design show will be open to the public, over 70 designer-makers of contemporary and traditional work will be found in the walled gardens. Many artists will be demonstrating their crafts, and there will be puppet shows to entertain the children, as well as falconry displays and live music. Why not have a game of croquet, or just enjoy strolling through the gardens? Don't forget to visit the meerkats at the small animal farm! Find out more here.