REVIEW: The Bodyguard at MK Theatre

The Bodyguard at Milton Keynes Theatre

This award-winning musical had a lot to live up to and, with X Factor winner Alexandra Burke as lead actress, it was a tremendous production of the blockbuster film, The Bodyguard. Three-time Brit nominee, Burke, was captivating and really suited the role of Rachel Marron. Former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer, is hired as Rachel Marron’s bodyguard, as she needs protection from a stalker. As their time together and relationship develops, there are some unexpected twists and turns to the performance. 

The stage set was colourful and impressive. Congratulations must particularly go to the lighting team for some impressive displays. The music team did a brilliant job, and teamed with Burke’s outstanding vocal range, it was a very memorable production. Songs such as One Moment in Time, Run to You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You, were performed perfectly. Another fantastic performer was Melissa James (Rachel Marron’s sister in the musical). She stood out as a very experienced, memorable singer. 

This was also one of those shows that when you think it’s all over its not; a trend that is happening in more shows to give the audience some participation and leaving with the feel good factor. 

There are still some tickets available for this fantastic show at MK Theatre.

Tickets: atgtickets.com

Running from: 13th April – 23rd April 2016

REVIEW: Hairspray the Musical at MK Theatre

Hairspray the Musical Review

This brand new production of the smash hit musical comedy, Hairspray, completely lived up to my high expectations! The Hairspray film came out in 1998 and the first musical followed in its footsteps in 2002, having now been performed hundreds of times in theatres all over the country.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, main character Tracy Turnblad is on a mission to dance and sing her way onto national TV show, The Corny Collins Show. This is a proper feel-good, energised show that made the audience dance, sing and clap a lot! Freya Sutton, who played Tracy Turnblad, is such a comedic, funny actress but one who is really convincing and loveable from the very start. She is optimistic, positive, and completely determined to dance on the famous Corny Collins show! Having already played the role of Tracy Turnblad in the previous UK tour of Hairspray, it shows that she knows the production inside out!

Another fantastic, stand-out performance came from Brenda Edwards, who is a British actress and singer of The X Factor fame. She was so suited to the role and you can tell she is really experienced with what she does. The show also stars Claire Sweeney and Blue Peter’s Peter Duncan.

The Musical’s dancing and singing was fantastic and obviously well-rehearsed. Songs include Good Morning Baltimore, It Takes Two, The Big Dollhouse and Without Love, all of which were perfectly sung and performed. 

The set and costumes, like the performance, were extravagant and detailed, making the production a joy to watch!

Running from: Monday 4th April – Saturday 9th April

Tickets available from: atgtickets.co.uk

REVIEW: Chicago the musical at MK Theatre

Chicago the Musical at MK Theatre

Starring Hayley Tamaddon, John Partridge and Sam Bailey, this was a fantastic, star-studded production. Set in 1920s Chicago, the musical originally ran on Broadway for 936 performances, and, once it was revived again in 1996, it proved to be a very popular hit!

Hayley Tamaddon who also played Andrea in Corrie, really stood out as a fantastic actor. She brought out a lot of humour in her character, Roxie Hart, and made the performance very entertaining with her singing and dancing. There were some memorable set pieces too such as the ventriloquist act which was timed to perfection. It was a night for ex-soap stars as John Partridge, of Eastenders fame played Billy Flynn also gave a confident, memorable performance. 

Having only seen Sam Bailey as a singer on The X Factor, it was great to see her acting in role as Mama Morton. She looked great and had the full attention of the audience.

The set was quite minimalistic with the orchestra tiered behind the stage as its backdrop. It was good to see live music and the members of the orchestra playing a prominent role. 

It`s a dazzling show with all the razzamatazz of the era. MK Theatre should be proud to attract shows of this calibre. 

There is still time to buy tickets! Chicago is running at MK Theatre from Monday 14th – Saturday 19th March. Tickets available from: atgtickets.com

REVIEW: Goodnight Mister Tom at MK Theatre

Goodnight Mister Tom

Goodnight Mister Tom at MK Theatre

This award-winning production is a proper family show with real emotional depth. Mister Tom, wonderfully played by David Troughton, is a widower who lives in a Dorset village, and who is somewhat of a recluse since his wife has died. Suddenly, at the beginning of the Second World War, his life is turned a little on its head with the arrival of William Beech, an evacuee from London who comes to stay with Mister Tom. The performance really shows how Mister Tom is reawakened in every sense by young William, and his protective, father-like feelings for William Beech slowly develop. This old man who has shut himself off from the world slowly comes to life again.

This cleverly produced production is packed full with cheerful humour and nostalgia for times gone by. Young William was tenderly played by Joe Reynolds and touched at the heartstrings. Zach played by Sonny Kirby provided the laughs. But the most endearing star was Sammy the border collie ably assisted by the talented Elisa De Grey. You`ll see what I mean!

This is an excellent play to take the family to, but be sure to have your tissues at the ready as you`re going to need them!

Goodnight Mister Tom is running from Tuesday 1^st – Saturday 5^th March

Tickets available from: atgtickets.com

REVIEW: An Inspector Calls at MK Theatre

An Inspector Calls

Directed by Stephen Daldry, An Inspector Calls was powerful, stunning and brilliantly performed. Its power to shock and convince runs throughout the performance, and the audience were literally sat open-mouthed at certain points of the show… Some which quite literally went ‘bang’!

The set was absolutely amazing, with the cast so in-tune with their positioning on stage. There were some very memorable moments, mainly because of such a unique, astounding set accompanied by very appropriate lighting and music which added to the mystery of the production.

Usually there are one or two cast members that really stand out in a performance, but with this one it really is difficult to say. They were all so fantastic and believable. Caroline Wildi - who plays Sybil Birling and has been in various television programmes and films such as Harry Potter - acted brilliantly alongside Geoff Leesley, cast as Arthur Birling. The Inspector himself, played by Liam Brennan, was quite eerie and spooky at times – exactly how he needs to be for his role as Inspector Goole. 

With such unexpected twists and fantastic acting, JB Priestley’s classic thriller, An Inspector Calls, isn’t one to miss.

An Inspector Calls is running from Tuesday 23rd – Saturday 27th February

Tickets available from: atgtickets.com

REVIEW: Derren Brown – Miracle at MK Theatre

Derren Brown: It's a miracle!

Derren Brown’s show, Miracle, definitely lives up to its title. Unlike anything we've seen before; the performance was intriguing, unusual and full of surprises! He began the show by giving such an impressive display of mind-reading, telling the audience exactly what they are thinking from their names to numbers. His act is a mixture of tricks and hypnotism in an intriguing combination. The second half was certainly something to remember with a fantastic demonstration of all that Derren Brown does so well. This involved an act of group hypnosis although some might say group psychosis!  Of course the audience were sworn to secrecy so we can't give too much away but suffice to say if you have any aches and pains then they will be gone by the end of the show! You just have to believe! 

Not only is Derren enthralling and captivating, he also knows how to command an audience. The audience seemed so at ease with him, and many happily volunteered including some of us sceptical press which added to the hilarity. We were like putty in his hands!

The show also makes you question how he’s carrying out such amazing mentalism. Is he using body language to sway people? Is he planting suggestions that the audience doesn’t notice? It’s such a clever show. You will love it!

There is still time to see Derren Brown at Mk Theatre till Saturday 20th February.

REVIEW: Priscilla Queen of the Desert at MK Theatre

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Review 

This performance really was a spectacle and a proper feel-good show. With outrageous costumes and brilliant dance floor classics, it was such a fun, lively experience, with many of the audience dancing along too.

With Neighbours heartthrob Jason Donovan as Tick, he really stood out as a great actor. Having performed in Priscilla Queen of the Desert before, I felt like he really knew what he was doing, and he created a very believable character.

Based on the smash-hit movie, this glitzy show follows the adventure of three drag queens as they drive across Australia on the search for love and friendship. The three main characters, played by Jason Donovan, Simon Green and Adam Bailey, gelled really well together, and the relationships between them felt very natural to watch. Not forgetting to mention their costumes, which were everything I’d hoped for and more… Very glitzy, very crazy and very funny!

With dance floor classics such as ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Hot Stuff’, ‘Boogie Wonderland’ and ‘Go West’, this was a very glamorous, jazzed-up performance. The audience loved these hits, and the dancers were so impressive and extremely well-rehearsed. The three ‘Divas’, Lisa-Marie Holmes, Laura Mansell and Catherine Mort, who did a lot of the singing, had such amazing voices. The other actors would often mime to the Divas’ voices in a very comical way - definitely not to be missed.

If you fancy an evening of fun, glamour, and a lot of laughs, this is definitely a show for you. Please note this performance does recommend individuals viewing are ages 15 years and over. Tickets available: atgtickets.com.