Thoroughly Modern Millie, Milton Keynes Theatre, January 26^th 2017.

“Millie” tells the story of a country girl from Kansas, who arrives penniless in New York determined to throw off her dowdy life style and fully embrace all that’s new, risqué and modern in the city.

Those who know Joanne Clifton from her marvelously creative dancing on last seasons Strictly Ballroom competition on the BBC, will be in for a surprise as to what a great all round performer and singer she is.

This is an excellent show that allows her to fully demonstrate her talents.

It has to be said that the whole cast put in a great and spirited performance, special mention to Michelle Collins as the evil Mrs Meers who does a terrific Chinese accent via Benny Hill, Graham MacDuff as Trevor Graydon who produces an exceptionally funny drunk scene and Jenny Fitzpatrick, especially her marvelous performance of “Only in New York” at the end of the first half, simply brilliant.

The music and dancing throughout are superb, properly capturing the sounds and atmosphere of the times, the musicians were fluid and exceptionally musical.

The sound quality is clear and distinct and not so loud as to be distorted, the stage set

is both interesting and versatile, easily covering the seedy hotel of Mrs Meers, the offices of Trever Graydon, the local prison and then the penthouse of Muzzy van Hossmere.

The original book by Richard Henry Morris was re-conceived as a film for Julie Andrews in 1967 to rave reviews and huge box office success.

This presentation captures the mood and exuberance of those heady times in New York and is great entertainment for all.

Thoroughly Modern Millie is running until Saturday 28^th January at Milton Keynes Theatre. To catch some last minute tickets, head over to atgtickets.com

REVIEW: Stage Experience: Fame the Musical at MK Theatre

 Stage Experience: Fame the Musical – Review

Milton Keynes Theatre’s popular youth musical theatre project, Stage Experience, has returned in the form of Fame the Musical! This brilliant production follows the story of students at New York City’s famous High School for the Performing Arts, and the 100-strong young cast gave a fantastic, confident performance.

With well-known, feel-good classic tracks, such as ‘Fame’, the audience really enjoyed the performance.

One part that really stood out for me was when Serena Katz played by Mille Burlace sung her solo. She came across as confident and accomplished.

The costumes were also brilliant, with the theatre group looking very enthusiastic and happy to be performing. The set was relatively simple but this worked well as it didn’t overshadow the fantastic acting and singing from the youth theatre cast.

REVIEW: Annie at MK Theatre

Annie at Milton Keynes Theatre

Set in 1930s New York, Annie and the other orphans are forced to live under Miss Hannigan’s rule; much to their dismay, they spend all day working, cleaning and sewing. Suddenly, when the opportunity arises for an orphan to spend two weeks at Oliver Warbucks’ mansion, Annie can’t believe her luck when she is chosen! With several obstacles along the way and several hundred couples claiming to be Annie’s biological parents, the performance ends just the way the audience hopes.

A tale of good fortune, love and family, this is such a fantastic production. With brilliant singers, dancers and actors, it was very believable, and the audience were really routing for Annie to find a happy home. What’s more, with its award-winning score, the orchestra really stood out and played very memorable songs such as Easy Street and Tomorrow. 

Best known for playing Dorien Green in Birds of a Feather, Lesley Joseph, played such a brilliant role as Miss Hannigan. She was witty, very funny, and everything I hoped Miss Hannigan would be!

And one cuddly cast member I can’t forget to mention is adorable Amber the Labradoodle, who played Annie’s dog, Sandy. She was so cute, obedient, and had the audience captured by her constantly wagging tail! At just two years old, she definitely has big things ahead of her.

Running from: 30th May – 4th June

Tickets: visit atgtickets.com or call 0844 871 7652

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!