REVIEW: The Importance of Being Earnest at Milton Keynes Theatre

The Importance of Being Earnest

The main premise of the play is that we are watching a rehearsal of an amateur production of the Importance of being Earnest. This theme quickly gives way to a straight production of Oscar Wilde's most famous play.

With Sian Phillips as Lady Bracknell, this performance was utterly majestic and very funny. From the word go, the production completely lives up to Oscar Wilde’s witty, running commentary of Victorian Life and society at the time.

This new production, all about a pair of bachelors attempting to pursue two ladies, is directed by Lucy Bailey and boasts many famous faces such as Rosalind Ayres, Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis and Christine Kavanagh. The pace and timing of the show was brilliant, accompanied by not only fantastic actors, but also a stunning Victorian set.

Having first appeared in The Importance of Being Earnest in 1982, Nigel Havers was just as brilliant and excited about the performance. He really did fit into his role as Algernon Monclief so well, and worked seamlessly alongside his famous co-stars.

There is still time to catch this play as it's on till Saturday at MK Theatre.

DEBBIE HALL

Review: Shrek the Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre

Stomping around the Swamp with Shrek

Shrek and Fiona

Often we think of musicals deriving from books or plays, but now what was a Dreamworks Animation film has been brought to life in this fantastic, theatrical performance – and what a great performance it was!

The audience were dazzled by Shrek’s ogre-like features, stunned by Fiona’s beauty, and continually humoured by Donkey’s remarks (not to mention the farting!) The viewers also learn secrets not previously revealed in the film, such as Shrek’s backstory and Fiona’s upbringing. Having said this, it still is similar to the film, so if you were a fan of the 2001 movie, you are sure to love this too.

As one would hope from a musical, the music itself was fantastic; all the younger (and some of the older) members of the audience were very energetic when it came to dancing. It features brand new songs that tell the story of Shrek, Fiona and  Donkey. A special mention to Dean Chisnall, who plays Shrek, for bringing the character to life; what a fantastic actor! It was also Lord Farquaad played by Gerard Carey who had the audience in fits of laughter. If I say `silly legs` you will understand!
Costumes were similar to the film with great attention to detail. The staging was magical. The dragon had the children in the audience mesmerised as it was expertly manoeuvred round the stage by the crew.

It definitely isn’t a musical to be missed. Adults and children will be delighted! Tickets are still available from atgtickets.com; the last performance is Sunday 6^th September.

Also look out for the new service at MK Theatre called Ordertorium Food whereby you can order from a small menu of icecreams, drinks and snacks delivered to your seat. You will certainly feel like a VIP!

DEBBIE HALL

REVIEW: Jesus Christ Superstar at MK Theatre

Biblical musical is updated for a 21st century audience

Heaven on their minds - Jesus Christ Superstar is at MK Theatre until Saturday. 

The original production of Jesus Christ Superstar was performed to audiences in 1971, but this latest offering of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is far from dated, with a fantastic range of uplifting songs.

An impressive set graced the stage, inspiring an overwhelming feeling of biblical resonance. Jesus, as played by Glenn Carter, wasn't quite the inspirational and charismatic figure I had imagined. Perhaps because he knew his life was coming to an end, we saw a weary interpretation of him. Glen was certainly presenting the last few days of Jesus as a man who was accepting his fate.

The stand-in for Judas (Tim Oxbrow) took a little while to settle into his part, but eventually his outstanding voice cheered the audience. Mary Magdalene (X-Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji) was competent enough but there was a distinct lack of chemistry between Jesus and Mary despite some of the most beautiful songs in the show (I Don`t Know How To Love Him).

The best performances has to be Jesus' followers, who doubled up with many parts. They were energetic and enthusiastic, truly creating a 1970s-style rock musical. Kristofer Harding (Simon) was brilliant too, commanding a presence on the stage that engaged the audience. Other mentions must go to Tom Gilling (Herod) and Edward Handoll (Peter).

Until Saturday.

DEBBIE HALL

SHARING LIBRARIES - Have your say about your local library

Local residents can attend discussion sessions this week

The Newport Pagnell session is on June 24th, with the Olney discussion the following day.

Local residents are being invited to give their views on the future of libraries in Milton Keynes as part of a borough wide review that is seeking to make significant savings over the next three years.

A series of discussion sessions will take place in the borough’s nine libraries at the end of June and early July for people to hear about some current proposals, as well as put forward their own ideas on how they can support the libraries by sharing responsibilities and working together to use library buildings better and become more sustainable.

Cllr Gifford, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Services said “As we know, local authorities are facing unprecedented financial pressures and Milton Keynes is no exception. We have fantastic library services in the borough and we also have great communities. We are looking to bring the two together and work collaboratively to share the responsibly of shaping services that can not only be maintained, but improved for current and future generations.”

The council is looking for ideas from community groups, businesses, parish and town councils and local people who both use and don’t use the services.   Sessions are taking place at the following dates and locations:

Bletchley Library
6-7pm
Tuesday 23 June

Newport Pagnell Library
6-7pm
Wednesday 24 June

Olney Library
6-7pm
Thursday 25 June

Stony Stratford Library
6-7pm
Monday 29 June

Wolverton Library
6-7pm
Thursday 2 July

Central Library
6-7pm
Monday 6 July

Kingston Library
6-7pm
Tuesday 7 July

Woburn Sands
6-7pm
Thursday 9 July

Westcroft Library
6-7pm
Tuesday 14 July

Further updates will be made available at milton-keynes.gov.uk/libraries/about-libraries/library-locations.

THEATRE REVIEW: Spamalot at MK Theatre

Python 'rip-off' is full of twists, laughs and silliness

These monks are struggling to look on the bright side - Spamalot is at MK Theatre until Saturday. 

The UK tour of Spamalot is at MK Theatre this week, with a host of stars to entertain the Milton Keynes audience.

Last night’s rendition of the musical comedy, lovingly ‘ripped off’ from Monty Python and The Holy Grail, was almost as funny as the original. Recounting the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, it follows the Royal as he goes on an extremely unusual quest. 

Playing the king is comedian Joe Pasquale, who brought his personality to the role with hilarious off-script moments, while Joe Tracini of Hollyoaks fame was wonderfully cast as Patsy. Phonebox's June interview Sarah Earnshaw supported as The Lady of the Lake.

The second act was stronger than the first, with the tale getting sillier and sillier, with hilarious twists and fun disasters along the way. Highlights included the the French soldier's comments to King Arthur (“Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!”) and the knight who continued to fight, despite having all his limbs cut off. The cast and audience even came together for a rendition of Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, which was a great moment.

The audience laughed and chuckled throughout the evening, and many were up on their feet clapping at the end. If you’re a Python fan, Spamalot is definitely for you.

Until Saturday, June 20th. 

SARAH CRABB

Spamalot actress speaks to us about performing at MK Theatre this week

"It's one of the best parts I've ever played"

The bright side of life - Spamalot is at MK Theatre until Saturday, June 20th. 

With more than 1,500 performances, Spamalot was seen by two million people and took $175 million in its first run in 2005. Receiving 14 Tony Award nominations, it has gone on to be performed in more than 20 countries across the planet.

A decade later, the Monty Python musical (based on the 1975 film The Holy Grail) is on the road again with a UK tour, just months after the Monty Python Live (Mostly) sell-out shows at the o2 arena. 

Having earnt her Spamalot stripes by playing the Lady of the Lake in the West End, actress Sarah Earnshaw has stepped back into the sparkly blue shoes, arriving at MK Theatre from June 15th-20th. 

Speaking from Sunderland, Sarah (pictured top right with Joe Pasquale and Joe Tracini) is having the time of her life.

“We’ve only got six weeks left of the tour and I’m having a really good time. You never get bored because you’re always moving on, acting for a new audience. It’s interesting and fun.

“I’ve been to Milton Keynes before when I’ve toured with other shows a couple of times, so I know the theatre well and the area too.”

The actress is well seasoned with being on stage, having previously starred in Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors, Jekyll and Hyde and The Royal Variety Performance, among others.

As the Lady of the Lake, Sarah gives King Arthur (played by Joe Pasquale) the iconic Excalibur sword, so he can carry on with his quest and become King.

She explains: “It’s one of the best parts I’ve ever played. She’s a woman in the middle of these crazy men, she has some of the best numbers from Andrew Lloyd Webber-type ballads to Broadway numbers. 

“She doesn’t take herself too seriously; all of it is taking the mick. She moans she has been off stage too long, but it’s fun for a few hours.”

Based on the well-known mythical tale, in Sarah’s mind Spamalot is a little bit like a sketch show.

“It’s two hours of comedy and fun, with lots of different musical numbers. I knew a bit Monty Python before I was involved, but I’ve discovered I’m quite a fan of what they have done, it tickles my funny bone.”

Tickets: £10.50 to £42 on (0844) 871 7652 or go to atgtickets.com.

Tonight's IndieGo Night at The Two Brewers is for a special cause

Free music night is fundraising for Toby's Trust

IndieGo Nights is raising funds for 18-month-old Toby. 

Our next IndieGo Night at The Two Brewers on Thursday 11th June will be a special fundraising night for an incredible 18-month-old boy called Toby O’Grady. 

Toby has a rare condition called Dravet Syndrome, which means he has dozens of epileptic seizures every day, from little twitches through to prolonged seizures that can last over an hour. As a result, Toby requires powerful rescue medication and frequently has ambulances at the family home. He regularly stops breathing during the seizures and requires resuscitation. It also means that Toby’s development as a young boy has started to slow down and will decline in the near future, and the seizure control will always be an issue.

My wife and I have four children of our own and when we read Toby’s story it brought tears to our eyes. Now I’m lucky enough to be in a position where I can call on my band and some brilliant artistic friends to come along for a night and donate their time for free at our IndieGo Nights, so I called a few. Not only will they come along, but these wonderful people have offered (free of charge) some beautiful pieces of their work for auction on the night. On top of this, my band will also auction a house gig, so if you have a party coming up then we’ll come along and play at your home, either acoustic in your front room or plugged in if you have a larger room. 

The Two Brewers will be auctioning a special meal for two, and there will be plenty of other  auctions on the night. I’m sure all the artists that I haven’t yet spoke with will also want to donate something and, of course, all the proceeds will go to Toby’s Trust.

If you’re an artist or entertainer, then please email me if you would like to get involved, but we’d love for all the good people of Olney and further afield to pop along for the night, even if it’s just for a short while, to show your support for this wonderful family and this beautiful little boy who needs our help.

It will be a great free night out, and we want to do all we can to help. Please have a look at the Toby’s Trust website, tobystrust.org, for more information. I’d like to give a big thank you to Phonebox magazine too for all their support of the IndieGo nights. 

Anyone who wants to get involved or for more information please email me at ian@ianrobertsmusic.org. For more information about the night, go totwobrewersolney.co.uk or ianrobertsmusic.org.

IAN ROBERTS