History buffs can enjoy two dramas to take you from the middle- ages through to the 18th century. The Madness of King George III (24 – 29 Oct) stars one of the UK’s most versatile actors David Haig and the acclaimed Clive Francis to tell the tale of a king best-remembered today for his bouts of unbridled lunacy when it seemed that the future of the very monarchy was at stake. While Propeller, the internationally acclaimed all male acting troupe, brings its own unique take on one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Henry V (29 Nov – 3 Dec) A thrilling and deeply moving tale of the greatest British warrior in English folklore in a time when nationalism was at its most dangerous and exciting.
R.C Sherriff’s multi-award winning semi-autobiographical drama Journeys End (20 – 24 Sep) will transport audiences to the trenches of the First World War. This gripping tale of ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances celebrates humour and courage, engaging audiences with a compelling insight of how in the face of adversity, the human spirit will always triumph.
For 30’s silver-screen glitz and glam you won’t want to miss the spectacular dance journey from ballet to tap and ballroom to Jazz from English National Ballet, Strictly Gershwin (15 – 19 Nov) a dazzling celebration of the razzmatazz of the big band era. With over 100 superb artists including guest singers and a live jazz orchestra playing a host of Gershwin favourites including An American in Paris, Rhapsody in Blue and Summertime, it’s guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your spirits soaring!
Warren Clarke leads an all star cast in his return to the stage for the first time in over a decade, playing Winston Churchill, in the World Premiere of Ben Brown’s Three Days In May (3 – 8 Oct) A thrilling political drama which takes us behind the doors of Number 10 during three of the most pivotal days in British history, when giving in to Hitler was considered by some to be a viable option. While the breathtaking and lavish Lincoln Centre Theatre production of one of the greatest musicals of all time South Pacific (12 – 22 Oct) takes a look at the war from across the pond, with a stellar cast of over 50.
Oh Boy! Its back to the 50’s with Buddy (26 Sep – 1 Oct) as a phenomenally multi-talented cast come together to tell the story of Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise to fame to his final legendary performance. Two terrific hours of greatest hits, including timeless classics That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy,Rave On, Everyday and many more, with the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba completing the rock ‘n’ roll line up.
Direct from Chichester Festival Theatre, Sir Ian McKellen makes a much anticipated return to Milton Keynes to play alongside Michael Pennington in a brand new version of Eduardo De Filippo’s The Syndicate (12 – 17 Sep) Set in 1960’s Naples this comedy grows blacker as the ‘respectable’ face of Naples collides with the ‘godfather’ criminal underworld. Its tough love, Mafia style!
Glyndebourne on Tour (8 – 12 Nov) return for their annual visit to take you from the crusades to modern day bohemia with Puccini’s, heartbreaking La boheme, Donizetti’s witty Don Pasquale, and Handel’s spectacular Rinaldo.
To get you in the mood for Christmas take a look at the past present and future with the much-loved Tommy Steele in Scrooge (22 – 26 Nov) The is an ideal winter treat, a heart-warming family story with stunning sets and costumes, specially created illusions by magician Paul Kieve (acclaimed for the magic effects in the Harry Potter films) and a fantastic musical score.
For timeless family fun don’t miss Slava’s Snow Show (2 – 6 Nov) packed with wonder and laughter for the whole family. Making a welcome return to Milton Keynes Theatre the show has been delighting and touching theatregoers across the globe by combining comedy and poignancy with stunning spectacle and breathtaking images culminating in a blinding, heart-stopping blizzard of a finale.
More music can be enjoyed with one night shows, Back For Good (3 Sep) recreating the magic of Take That live in concert, Britain’s favourite Diva, Jane Macdonald (1 Sep), knock-out hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s with That’ll be the Day (4 Sep), Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings (23 Oct) go back to their roots to bring the classic rhythm and blues that inspired him as a teenager and there’s a whole lot of swing from a brand new show - That’s Amore (6 Sep). Or give your funny bones a work out with comedy from Jimmy Carr (30 Aug - 7 Sep), Alan Carr (9 Sep), Ed Byrne (19 Sep) and Dave Gorman (31 Oct).
Take a magic carpet ride into 2012 and the Far East with this year’s fun-packed family pantomime, Aladdin (9 Dec – 15 Jan) With genies by the lamp-load, side-splitting comedy, a selection of chart-topping songs, bags of family fun, audience participation, a boo-able baddie, and just maybe, a real flying carpet! Join our hero Aladdin, and all of your favourite traditional pantomime characters including Widow Twankey, the genie and the evil Abanazar in a fun, fairytale world for all the family. It’s going to be pure panto genie-us!
A look forward Spring sees Matthew Bourne returning to MK with his Nutcracker (14 – 18 Feb) celebrating its 20th Anniversary, David Essex in smash hit roller coaster ride All the Fun of the Fair (7 – 11 Feb), Michael Flatley’s dazzling Lord of the Dance (20 – 22 Jan). The inimitable David Suchet in masterpiece Long Days Journey into the Night (12 – 17 Mar), the mind-bending Svengal , Derren Brown (27 Feb – 2 Mar). WNO’s annual trio of opera’s (20 – 24 Mar), West-End phenomenon Dirty Dancing (1 – 26 May) and the divine musical comedy hit Sister Act (19 – 30 Jun).
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 6 July. Make sure you book today for the best seats in the house at Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office, Call 0844 8717652 or visit www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes
