The season gets underway, three fantastic musicals are guaranteed to brighten up the dreariest day. A whole host of West End stars directed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood in an extraordinary new staging of the classical musical Chess (25 – 29 Jan). Political intrigue international conspiracies and a romantic love triangle set to an explosive score, which includes the timeless I Know Him So Well, guarantee something really special. February sees the opportunity to kick off your Sunday shoes as electrifying musical Footloose (07 – 12 Feb) hits the stage telling the story of a city boy bringing dance back tragedy to the heart of Bomont, a small town held back by tragedy. Based on the ever popular movie and bringing 80’s anthems guaranteed to get you on your feet, you’ll discover that dancing is not a crime but to miss Footloose would be! The last of our musical trio see’s the loveably hopeless characters of Avenue Q (18 – 23 Apr) packing up their bags for their first ever UK tour. After nearly five riotous years of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness, London's funniest show by far is hitting the road to bring naughtiness and laughs to Milton Keynes in an irresistible and hilarious musical like no other.
N o less than five of the best touring dramas pepper this remarkable season which include two of Shakespeare’s greatest works. Direct from The National Theatre, directed by Nicholas Hytner, comes Hamlet (01 – 05 Mar) regarded as one of the most renowned and illustrious plays in the English canon with Olivier award winner Rory Kinnear. While the Donmar bring the prestigious Derek Jacobi in one of Shakespeare’s greatest roles King Lear (15 – 19 Mar)in a new collaboration with director Michael Grandage. Dramatic comedy can be found in Noel Coward’s star-studded Blithe Sprit (14 – 19 Feb) with Alison Steadman, Robert Bathurst, Ruthie Henshall and Hermione Norris as they visit Milton Keynes Theatre prior to the West End to tell a tale of marriage, life and the afterlife. Robert Powell plays the tour-de-force title role in Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell (25 – 30 Apr) winner of the Evening Standard’s Best Comedy Award 1990. When the renowned journalist finds himself trapped overnight in his favourite Soho pub, ex-wives, friends and enemies join him in retracing scenes from a life packed with hysterical and absurd incident. Following sellout success in MK in 2010 the wonderful Calendar Girls (28 – 09 Apr) return with the amazing story of a group of ordinary women who do something extraordinary and spark a global phenomenon when they persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference! Based on an inspiring true story, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious with Lynda Bellingham, Jennifer Ellison, Trudie Godwin, Ruth Madoc, Bernie Nolan, Lisa Riley, Danielle Lineker, Gwen Taylor, Diana Moran, Bruno Langley and Joe McGann.
For spring it’s dance but with a twist. Ballet’s very-grandes dames are back after sell-out performances in 2008! Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo ‘The Trocks’ to their friends (22 & 23 Mar) return with a luscious programme, a lorry load of costume changes and lashings of diva attitude. A combination of pure comedy, extraordinary technical prowess and genuine love of ballet has made them a global phenomenon since they formed in New York in 1974. A dazzling spectacle direct from Sadler’s Wells is delivered by with Matthew Bourne’s beautiful and unique interpretation of the best-loved fairy tale of them all Cinderella (22 – 26 Feb). Set in London during the Blitz against Prokofiev’s haunting score Bourne’s vivid storytelling brings a heart stopping depiction of this familiar fable not to be missed. Set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score the Imperial Ice Stars return, this time with their dynamic and exhilarating interpretation of Swan Lake. With more than 26 Champion Skaters Swan Lake on Ice (08 – 12 Mar) will have you on the edge of your seats as you enjoy daredevil stunts in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.
For something a little different the Moscow State Circus brings its brand new show Legenda (02 – 06 Feb) to MK with a huge cast of Russia’s greatest circus artistes who will push the boundaries of physical ingenuity to the limit. Disciplines honed from years of rehearsal and practice combine with state of the art special effects to create this astounding circus spectacular.
Children can join Thomas and Friends when A Circus Comes To Town (26 & 27 Mar) with audience sing-a-longs, high energy dancing and thrilling adventures. In this fun-filled family show, Percy, James, Gordon and Thomas himself join The Fat Controller to welcome a colourful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and co-operation.
It wouldn’t be Spring at Milton Keynes Theatre without a perennial visit from Welsh National Opera, (13 – 16 Apr)ready to wow you with waltz king Johann Strauss II’s comic operetta Die Fledermaus. Set in the first decade of the 20th century, John Copley’s new production promises an evening of opulence, elegance and sheer frivolity while Peter Watson’s period production. Verdi’s Il trovatore is Italian opera at its most passionate and full-blooded.
Scores of one-nighters round off the season. Brendan Cole (31 Jan) appears Live and Unjudged for a close up dance spectacle while music from Paul Carrack (18 Jan) Bjorn Again(24 Mar) The British Pink Floyd Show (24 Apr) and Ladysmith Black Mambazo (12 Jun) will have you rocking in the aisles as comedy from Jimmy Carr (30 Jan), Micky Flanagan(27 Feb) Ed Byrne (06 Mar) Stephen k Amos (20 Mar) Count Arthur Strong (11 Apr) and Lenny Henry (08 May) will have you rolling !
Book your tickets today by visiting Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, calling 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) or go to www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg fee)
