As fun- filled panto Cinderella draws 2012 to an end Milton Keynes Theatre goers can look forward to a ‘blooming’ marvellous spring. Milton Keynes has a history of attracting the biggest and best productions touring the UK and 2013 will see the arrival of more fantastic shows and fabulous casts.
Kicking off in January is international hit show Jersey Nights, celebrating the greatest hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Y’all will love the brand spanking new musical from Dolly Parton based on the hit movie, 9 to 5 The Musical starring Mark Moraghan, Jackie Clune, Natalie Casey and Bonnie Langford and for more feel-good fun join Mark Benton and Lucy Benjamin in the big hit, with big heart and big hair, Hairspray returning to MK after selling out in 2010. Make sure you get your skates on to see the electrifying new production of Andrew Lloyd Webbers Rock-On-Roller skating sensation Starlight Express as it explodes onto the stage in spectacular 3D.
From the pen of the writer Father Ted comes West End comedy hit, The Ladykillers with Michelle Dotrice, Clive Mantle and Cliff Parisi bringing the much loved Ealing comedy classic to the stage in a thrilling and hilarious production. While Relatively Speaking brings more classic British comedy from Alan Ayckbourn with Felicity Kendal and Kara Tointon prior to the West End. The Royal Shakespeare Company makes their second visit of the year with the uplifting tale of reconciliation and forgiveness The Winter’s Tale while Lenny Henry takes on one of the 20th Century’s most poignant characters in Fences, a universal story which will touch a chord in every heart. Scare yourself silly with the most terrifying live theatre experience in the world as The Woman in Black, popularised by the 2012 Daniel Radcliffe film transports you into a chilling and ghostly world and grab your hankies for the critically acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre production of Goodnight Mister Tom starring Olivier award winning actor Oliver Ford Davies.
There’s dance for everyone as friend of the theatre Matthew Bourne celebrates New Adventures 25th birthday with a gothic twist in a world premiere tour of his latest re-imagining of ballet classic Sleeping Beauty, Brendan Cole opens set to dazzle audiences again in Licence to Thrill, his brand new show and Northern Ballet return for their annual visit with their new ballet for 2013 The Great Gatsby and their first production especially for children Ugly Duckling. Children can also enjoy magical family fun from the makers of Peppa Pig and join Ben and Holly on an exciting musical adventure in Ben and Holly’s Llittle Kingdom live on stage for the very first time.
WNO return for their perennial visit with a stunning trilogy from their Free Sprits season with Madam Butterfly, Lulu and The Cunning Little Vixen.
A series of one night shows include comedy from West Country Favourite Jethro, the one and only Jimmy Carr, self-styled floppy collared icon Harry Hill and the hilarious Milton Jones. Music lovers can look forward to singer/songwriter Paul Carrack’s return to Mk and a new sensational journey with rock n roll legend Joe Brown. A remixed concert version of popular West End musical Boogie Nights showcases back to back 70’s hits from an all-star cast including The Osmond’s, Gareth Gates, Chico, Andy Abraham, Louisa Lytton and Shane Richie Jr. Take a trip down memory lane with That’ll Be The Day and their new line up of knock out hits from the 50’s. 60’s and 70’s, relive the 60’s with The Solid Silver 60’s Show and we guarantee you a sore throat as you sing along with The Classic Rock show bringing hits from Meat Loaf, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin and more! For a more classical twist enjoy Milton Keynes Choral from Danesborough Chorus and the Meridian Sinfonia.
The Hairy Bikers make a one night appearance with a show packed with food, laughs and surprises as does Sally Morgan, Britain’s favourite TV psychic, as she returns to entertain and enlighten you.
A look ahead at summer but booking now sees more exciting treats including extraordinary musical Evita, The Imperial Ice Stars with Sleeping Beauty on Ice, record breaking smash hit musical Cats and fun frolics and frivolity in The Rocky Horror Show.
Tickets for all shows go on general sale on Nov 29, book early for the best seats in the house at Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg fee)
