Electric Paradise announces debut festival with Grace Jones, Candi Staton, UB40 and more at Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 8 August 2026.

The festival will also welcomes the likes of Cameo, Earth Wind & Fire By Al McKay, Armand Van Helden, Dimitri From Paris, Roger Sanchez, Graeme Park, Alison Limerick and many more.

Electric Paradise arrives this summer as a brand-new open-air festival experience at the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 8 August. An era-spanning blend of disco, funk, soul and house plays out across multiple stages of this inaugural edition, which is a large-scale, feel-good celebration for a broad, music-loving audience. Tickets go on sale Friday 27 February at 9AM.  First release tickets start from £59.50, with VIP packages available from £150.

Set within one of the UK’s most iconic outdoor concert locations, Electric Paradise will welcome up to 50,000 attendees to the Bowl’s natural amphitheatre, which boasts high-spec production, premium sound and large-scale staging with a carefully curated cross-generational lineup. Promoted by the renowned and experienced JBM Music, Electric Paradise marks the launch of a long-term festival concept that will become an essential date on the annual festival calendar for years to come.

The spectacular Main Stage brings together globally influential live artists including Grace Jones, Candi Staton, UB40, Kool & The Gang and Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge. The Big Love Stage continues the feel-good energy with Cameo, Earth, Wind & Fire (by Al McKay), Shalamar, Jocelyn Brown and Heather Small among others.

House and disco culture is strongly represented via the Glitterbox Stage, which will bring all its signature colour, diversity and authenticity with house heroes Armand Van Helden, Dimitri from Paris and Roger Sanchez, London party legend Fat Tony, celebrated house vocalists Barbara Tucker and Julie McKnight, eclectic and Balearic beats from Colleen Cosmo Murphy and more from Ella Knight.

The Fool’s Paradise Stage showcases timeless house in all its styles from Mark Knight, Todd Terry, Dave Lee (JN) and Michael Gray, soul selections from Norman Jay and more from Fleetmac Wood.  Completing the programme, the Clockwork Orange Stage delivers classic dance heritage with Graeme Park, Danny Rampling, Alison Limerick, Baby D, K-Klass ft. Bobbi, Livin Joy ft. Luzuahnn, Rozalla, and Andy Manston & Danny Clockwork all tapping into the classics.

The Data Transmission and Disco Infiltrators stage will feature the varied sounds of Ron Mexico, Hobbs, Carlos Van D, Slick Pete Flash, Oh! L’Amour, The Goddess Music and Lizzie Curious.

This inclusive celebration is designed for a wide audience of long-time disco and soul heads through to newer house and dance crowds, all united by uplifting music and strong community energy.

Say the promoters, “This event is about celebrating timeless music that brings people together – disco, funk, soul and house have shaped generations of culture and continue to unite audiences on dancefloors around the world. From day one, our vision has been to create a world-class experience that honours the legacy of these sounds while delivering the energy, production and atmosphere of a major modern festival. Launching the first edition is just the beginning, and we’re committed to growing this into a landmark annual event’”

With its cross-generational lineup, high production values and iconic open-air setting, Electric Paradise is one of the most anticipated new events of the year.

Tickets on sale Friday 27th February at 9AM: https://electric-paradise.co.uk/tickets/

Producers ROYO and Curve are bringing a brand-new Made at Curve production of the West End and Broadway smash-hit musical comedy LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL on tour! The UK & Ireland tour will be visiting Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 10 – Sat 14 March.

The production will star Strictly 2025 finalist Amber Davies (The Great Gatsby, West End; Pretty Woman, UK Tour; Back to the Future The Musical, West End) as Elle Woods. Joining Amber will be musical theatre and TikTok star Hannah Lowther (SIX, West End; Heathers: The Musical, The Other Palace), who will play Margot and Alternate Elle Woods at certain performances.*

“Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed”

This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from ‘It Girl’ fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’

Amber Davies said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Elle Woods in ROYO and Curve’s new production of Legally Blonde. As a huge fan of the film and the musical, this part is the role of a lifetime, and I am honoured to be stepping into Elle’s perfect heels. I have always wanted to work with the incredible theatrical mind that is Nikolai Foster, and I am so excited to hit the road again and bring Laurence O’Keefe’s incredible score back to the UK! Get ready, Harvard… This is gonna be just like senior year, except for funner!”

The multi-award-winning LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL features original music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and a book by Heather Hach, based on the novel LEGALLY BLONDE by Amanda Browning and the iconic 2001 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge. It is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL comes hot off the heels of the sell-out tour of KINKY BOOTS, also directed by Foster and co-produced by Curve and ROYO.

*Please check the website for Amber and Hannah’s performance dates.

Tickets are on sale now and are available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS

Legally Blonde The Musical
Performances: Tue 10 Mar – Sat 14 Mar
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

The first phase of Hello Bletchley – the development of a new Alan Turing commemorative artwork – is now underway, marking an important milestone in the creation of a landmark sculpture for Bletchley town centre.

Local people are playing an active role in shaping the project through workshops and public sessions, sharing stories, memories and reflections on Alan Turing and Bletchley. These contributions are informing the evolving structure of the artwork, ensuring the final sculpture reflects the identity and lived experience of the community.

The artwork will celebrate Alan Turing’s life, his extraordinary legacy and his deep connection to Bletchley, where his codebreaking work played a vital role during the Second World War and helped lay the foundations for modern computing and artificial intelligence. Created by award-winning artist Nick Ryan, the sculpture is being developed through a co-creation process that places residents at its heart.

During community workshops, people have been invited to share personal reflections, hopes for the future and memories of Bletchley. A specially designed AI-assisted recorder captures these conversations and transforms them into unique digital forms known as citizen strata. Shaped by the sentiment and content of each contribution, alongside live contextual data such as weather and transport patterns, these strata will form the building blocks of the final sculpture. From particular viewpoints, the geometry will subtly reveal the figure of Alan Turing.

A project website, www.hellobletchley.com, provides background information about the process and ways for residents to stay involved as the artwork develops.

When completed at the end of 2026, the sculpture will stand within a newly landscaped public space designed for gathering and contemplation. In its first year, the artwork will include a mixed-reality dimension — a temporary digital ‘4D’ layer that extends beyond the physical structure. Visitors will be able to unlock digital patterns connected to the sculpture, exploring the stories, voices and data that helped shape its form. Those who took part in workshops will be able to trace how their own contribution informed the evolving structure.

Commissioned as part of the wider Town Deal regeneration programme, the Alan Turing commemorative artwork is a celebration of innovation, community and Bletchley’s unique history. This phase marks a significant step in the project’s journey as it continues to grow through local participation.

“This commission celebrates Alan Turing’s legacy which is woven into the very fabric of Bletchley and Milton Keynes. His groundbreaking work at Bletchley Park didn’t just help change the course of history but it laid the foundations for modern computing and artificial intelligence and this sculpture will honour his pioneering spirit.”

– Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran

“This commission asks the town to help shape something completely new. We’re inviting residents to become co-authors of the sculpture. Their voices, experiences and the daily rhythms of the place will literally form its structure, honouring a brilliant mind that shaped so much of how the world operates today.”

– Artist Nick Ryan

Community workshops exploring personal histories, data, machine learning and material expression will continue in the coming months, with free sessions for schools, local groups and the wider public.

The Stables in Milton Keynes has announced the publication of its What’s On guide for March to June 2026, revealing a wide-ranging programme of live events and creative activity for the months ahead.

Across the spring and early summer season, audiences can look forward to an eclectic mix of live music, with genres ranging from jazz, folk and blues to rock, classical and global sounds. The programme brings together celebrated artists, exciting new performers and returning favourites, presented across both the main auditorium and Stage 2, The Stables’ dedicated space for more intimate shows and emerging talent. Highlights of the programme include performances by Fairport Convention (17 March), Wonder Stuff lead singer Miles Hunt (26 March), T’Pau (29 April), Cowboy Junkies (13 May) and Seth Lakeman (19 May).

A busy programme of stand-up comedy features shows by Kane Brown (29 March), Sara Pascoe (10 April), Milton Jones (21 April), Ivo Graham (30 April) and Michelle Wolf (25 June).

Beyond the stage, The Stables continues to play a vital role in supporting participation and learning through a diverse programme of workshops, courses and creative opportunities. From introductory music sessions to advanced masterclasses and specialist training, the programme is designed to welcome people at every stage of their creative journey. Highlights of the season include The Stables’ popular Rock Experience Course (June-July), which provides an opportunity to play with other budding musicians in a band, culminating in a public performance on The Stables’ main stage.

The March-June What’s On guide is available from The Stables Box Office and online at www.stables.org, where audiences can explore full event listings and book tickets.

The Shallow Gallery is a new exhibition space at centre:mk; a dynamic public art platform in the heart of Milton Keynes, dedicated to showcasing contemporary art, activating a unique urban space and supporting the city’s creative community. Discover the gallery to the left of the Field Walk entrance of centre:mk (Door 13), close to Next. The exhibition is completely free and open to the public 24/7.

Currently exhibiting is An Extension of the Paranormal, a striking exhibition by Milton Keynes-based artist Joss Whittle which can be seen until 15^th February. Using recycled cardboard, she reimagines classic and forgotten artworks, transforming them into contemporary visual poetry that brings the past into the present. Presented by Arts Central Studios and curated by Rookie Services, Shallow Gallery is a public art platform celebrating contemporary artists and Milton Keynes’ creative community.

Joss Whittle’s exhibition is the first in a series of different artists that will occupy the space. New artists will be showcased back-to-back with details of their exhibitions found on the centre:mk website.

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director said, “We are delighted to be able to host a new gallery space at centre:mk, to give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work in such a central location in the city. We work with the artistic community across a number of projects already, from our ongoing sponsorship of MK International Festival to the busking programme running at the centre. The Shallow Gallery is yet another space that gives everybody the opportunity to enjoy art outside of a traditional gallery, making it accessible for everyone, showing how Milton Keynes is an interesting and vibrant place to visit.”

Following a record-breaking and fastest ever sell-out of its 2026 edition on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026, Reggae Land is matching demand by expanding into a three day festival for the first time, with Friday 31st July just announced and headlined by global superstar Burna Boy, who plays the festival for the first time. Sign up now for Friday 31st July tickets via www.reggaeland.co.uk because these are set to fly and capacity is strictly limited.

One of the most influential artists of his generation, Burna Boy’s appearance represents another landmark moment for Reggae Land. The newly added Friday transforms the festival into a three-day celebration for the first time in its history. It takes place at Milton Keynes National Bowl ahead of the sold-out weekend complete with the high production values Reggae Land is known for.

The award winning Nigerian singer and songwriter blends Afro fusion, dancehall and hip-hop into catchy, indelible hits that have soundtracked summers for the last decade.  Expect to hear favourites like ‘Last Last, Ye’ and ‘City Boys’, with magnetic charm and smooth flowing rhythms opening the weekend with a statement show and setting the tone for what is already shaping up to be the festival’s biggest year yet.

The announcement follows extraordinary demand for Reggae Land 2026, which sold out in record time after tickets went on sale last week. With over 120 artists already confirmed across seven stages, Reggae Land’s rapid rise continues to position it as one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most culturally significant festivals.

From roots reggae and dancehall to dub, jungle and carnival energy, Reggae Land has become a defining platform for Caribbean music and culture in the UK. The addition of Friday underscores the festival’s evolution, driven directly by fan demand and community momentum.

Tickets for Friday 31st July go on sale Friday 20th February at 9AM from £69.50 + booking fee. Sign up now via www.reggaeland.co.uk

You don’t need to worry about how to keep little minds occupied this February half term – Milton Keynes Museum is coming to the rescue!

The Museum is always a great place to visit, and the new city’s living history hub will be offering lots of great activities to fill the lesson lull, with a whole week (Mon-Fri) of exciting activities.

Youngsters will need to get their thinking caps on to solve the Great Museum Mystery.

A precious artefact has been stolen. Solve the clues and help catch the culprit and recover the relic. Copies of the trail can be collected from the reception.

There will be children’s crafts to get stuck into as well, and the weather won’t stop play, with the Museum hosting all activities in the cosy farmhouse and galleries.

Pop in for puppet making sessions with the focus on Chinese New Year, or try out the Pottery Workshop which returns by popular demand.

From sending morse code, to making and enjoying hot buttered toast over the range in the traditional farmhouse kitchen, and dialling delight in the fun Connected Earth Gallery, there is plenty for all ages to get stuck into.

In case anyone is missing school, they can step up for a lesson the way things used to be, in the Victorian school room. Without the cane, though, obviously!

And the Museum’s hands-on policy will let you show off your skills on the ever-popular pianola, which makes anyone sound like an ace on the keys.

Step back in time with a walk through the historic Street of Shops, explore the Ancient Gallery packed with fossils and remnants left here by our ancestors, and don’t miss the opportunity to get up close with MK’s oldest resident, Iggy the Ichthyosaur – the Museum’s 160 million year old marine reptile!

“Children work hard during term time, but half term is about having fun, and we’ve got more than enough to make them smile and send them home happy!” said Surbhi Bhambri, MK Museum’s deputy director, “It’s an inclusive, welcoming space where you can make memories to cherish in a laid-back, chilled out atmosphere that the whole family will enjoy.”

Pay once and you can visit the Museum as often as you like, for free, for a whole year.

For guaranteed fun, treat the kids – and yourselves – to some time at Milton Keynes Museum this half term.

More information at miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

MK Gallery is set to present three major exhibitions by artists whose work encapsulates the spirit of the 20th century. 2026 marks the largest solo exhibition of British painter Euan Uglow in 40 years, an exploration of iconic French photographer Jacques Henri Lartigue’s use of colour and the biggest career survey of L. S. Lowry in fifty years to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. Visitors to MK Gallery will have the chance to enjoy Uglow’s obsessive painting from life, Lartigue’s ground-breaking experiments with the photographic image and the full range of Lowry’s subjects and techniques.

Euan Uglow: An Arc from the Eye

Saturday 14 February – Sunday 31 May 2026

Curated by Catherine Lampert, this landmark exhibition brings together over 70 paintings and drawings by Euan Uglow and includes nudes, still lifes and landscapes, many seen in public for the first time in many years. Renowned for his methodical systems, Uglow was meticulous in painting from life and often took months – sometimes years – to complete nudes and still life paintings in his studio. The artist also painted landscape scenes of Europe in the summer, many of which will be exhibited at MK Gallery in 2026. This retrospective of Uglow’s work will place the artist in dialogue with those who inspired him, including Paul Cézanne and Alberto Giacometti, and his tutors at the Slade School of Art in London, William Coldstream, Victor Pasmore and Claude Rogers.

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour

Saturday 20 June – Sunday 4 October 2026

Best known for his black and white scenes of Parisian society during the Belle Époque, Jacques Henri Lartigue was a pioneer of what later became known as street photography. Lartigue captured an age of innovation in the early twentieth century on camera, documenting car racing, aviation and early tourist resorts on camera. This exhibition – the first in the UK in over ten years – focuses on a little-known and rarely seen aspect of Lartigue’s work and explores his lifelong experimentation with colour. The exhibition brings together more than 150 prints, photographs and unique works on paper from the 1900s to the late 1980s that shine a light on Lartigue’s innovative use of colour photography.

This exhibition has been organised in collaboration with the Association des Amis de Jacques Henri Lartigue, Ministère de la Culture, France and diChroma photography.

L. S. Lowry

24 October 2026 – 28 February 2027

Fifty years after the death of Laurence Stephen Lowry in 1976, this will be the much-loved painter’s first major exhibition in over a decade. In addition to his well-known scenes of industrial life, this significant overview explores the full breadth of Lowry’s subject matter, including portraits, seascapes, early academic studies and enigmatic later works recalling Surrealism. Lowry’s career ran alongside huge changes in British society, with much of the industrial landscape he depicted closed, cleared and replaced during his lifetime. The artist’s technique involved just five colours of undiluted oil paint: ivory black, vermillion, Prussian blue and yellow ochre; his use of flake white as a background colour is synonymous with Lowry’s landscapes.

BOOK FOR ALL EXHIBITIONS NOW

Milton Keynes City Council has confirmed that the city will bid for the UK City of Culture 2029 title, setting out an ambitious plan to celebrate Milton Keynes’ creativity, world‑renowned design heritage and forward‑looking cultural identity — with the potential to secure up to £10 million of national investment.

The UK City of Culture programme, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), shines a spotlight on a city’s strengths while supporting new, transformative cultural activity. The winning place will receive £10 million to deliver its programme, with runners‑up receiving £125,000 and all longlisted areas receiving £60,000 to develop their proposals. Securing a place on the longlist would mark the first step in a major cultural opportunity for Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes City Council is leading the bid, working in partnership with organisations from across the city including Universal, The Open University, Stadium MK and Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture. Residents, communities and cultural partners will be invited to help shape the bid as it develops.

If successful, Milton Keynes’ City of Culture year would coincide with the opening of a major new £76 million, 4,000‑capacity venue in the city centre — an investment from Milton Keynes Development Partnership that will build on the city’s distinctive cultural offer.

Milton Keynes enters the competition with strong credentials. As a city designed from its inception to be innovative, inclusive and future‑focused, its bold urban planning and iconic modernist design have shaped both its identity and the lived experience of its residents.

Today, Milton Keynes is home to one of the most resilient economies in the UK and a high quality of life that many larger cities aspire to. Eight million people can reach the city within 90 minutes, and millions are drawn to cultural landmarks such as Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes Theatre, MK Gallery and major events including IF: Milton Keynes International Festival.

While these strengths continue to grow, Milton Keynes’ cultural identity is still evolving. Gaining City of Culture status would accelerate this journey — unlocking new opportunities, championing local talent and strengthening pride of place. Celebrating the city’s design story, from the original grid roads to contemporary creative industries, will be a central part of the emerging bid.

The developing bid will also champion opportunity and inclusion. Plans include new pathways for young people through creative apprenticeships, support for emerging talent, and ‘Culture Kids MK’ — offering every baby born in 2029 five years of free cultural access. The bid will also explore how the city’s unique interplay of design, technology and innovation can inspire participation and new approaches to creativity.

Cllr Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, said: “Becoming a City of Culture in 2029 would be a powerful moment for Milton Keynes — a chance to build on our bold design heritage, supercharge our cultural offer, and show the rest of the country why this is one of the most exciting, inventive and welcoming cities in the UK. This is about celebrating the spirit of Milton Keynes and shaping our next chapter together.”

The winner of the UK City of Culture 2029 title will be announced towards the end of 2026 after a year‑long assessment process involving longlisting, shortlisting and detailed review by an independent expert panel.

Stadium MK have officially announced Day Two of SMK Live 2026 in Milton Keynes on Sunday 28 June with Black Eyed Peas revealed as headliner with Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns joining the lineup together with Jaylen Ngonda and Maverick Sabre – Big Narstie will be the Day Two host.

Over 25 years, Los Angeles trio Black Eyed Peas – will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo – have earned six GRAMMY® Awards and achieved sales of 35 million albums & 120 million singles. One of the era’s biggest acts, they emerged as “the second best-selling artist/group of all-time for downloaded tracks,” (Nielsen), landing on Billboard’s “Hot 100 Artists of the Decade.” With multiple anthems that have defined a generation, their exclusive SMK Live appearance promises a truly standout moment in the festival’s debut year.

Also announced for Day Two is London-raised singer-songwriter Cat Burns. Since her breakthrough in the early 2020s, Cat Burns has continued to expand the perimeters of success for Gen Z musical talent. Achieving both chart success and critical acclaim, she is not only a triple-platinum-selling artist but the recipient of three BRIT nominations and a BBC Sound Poll shortlist, as well as a Mercury Prize nomination for her 2024 debut album early twenties. In 2025, she released her second album How to be Human: a body of work that moves through loss and grieving to emotional rebirth, delivering her most refined songwriting to-date. Beyond music, Cat captured the nation’s attention with her appearance on The Celebrity Traitors in 2025.

No matter what sub genre our current crop of musicologists may cite in the very near future to describe Daptone’s Records Jalen Ngonda’s riveting approach, he’s unequivocally a gifted songwriter and artist, blending classic and contemporary soul influences to create a sound that’s all his own. Having been lauded by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Jill Scott, Kehlani and Olivia Dean, as well as Elton John, who predicted last Summer that “he is going to be a huge star”, Jalen is set to bring his enthralling live show to SMK Live and we cannot wait.

Maverick Sabre has long been known for his soulful, honest songwriting and unmistakable vocals. His breakout debut album Lonely Are The Brave earned him a BRITs Rising Star nomination and he has since released four more acclaimed albums and had huge hits like ‘Slow Down’ with Jorja Smith. He’s known for his electric festival appearances and his performance promises to be a very special moment at SMK Live.

Hosting and performing at Sunday’s festivities will be none other than multi award winning national treasure and all round legend Big Narstie. Big Narstie has carved his own path through music, TV, entertainment, film and social media over the last decade, winning BAFTAs, RTS Awards, a record number of Urban Music Awards, presenting his own chat show for five successful seasons on national TV, and being the “go to” guest for many of the highest rated shows including Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Big Fat Quiz, Would I Lie To You, Good Morning Britain, Celebrity Bake Off etc., as well as releasing Top 10 hit singles. We can’t wait for him to bring his incredible charisma to SMK Live.

Housed inside Stadium MK’s stunning 30,000 seater stadium, the festival – the first of its kind in the stadium’s history – will offer music fans a jam-packed day to night schedule of high-octane performances, bringing some of the most memorable hits spanning the last two decades to the heart of Milton Keynes.

Whilst taking place in a stadium, SMK Live is not just a sit down show. It is a full festival, with street-food villages, activation zones, live DJs and singers, and two stages packed with amazing artists. Everything you could want out of a festival, including top-tier production, open spaces to explore, hospitality offerings and a crowd that’s there for the full weekend experience.

At just £95 (plus booking fee) for a two day pitch standing weekend ticket, SMK Live offers incredible value and is one of the most exciting new additions to the UK festival calendar. For those who have already purchased a Saturday-only ticket and would like to upgrade to the full weekend, further details on how to do so here.

Group tickets are for those who will be aged 14 and above at the time of SMK Live and offer six people access to the event for the price of five tickets. Offering great value for an all-day festival ticket, a group booking would, for example, bring the overall cost of a general admission pitch standing ticket down from £75 to £62.50 (excluding booking fees) per person. Group tickets for SMK Live are available to purchase here.

Perfect for families looking for a fun day of music and sunshine, the family package includes four tickets – two adults and two children (aged 5-14 years old). The cost of each child’s ticket is just £10 (excluding booking fee) – please note, children under 14 are not permitted into the pitch standing area. Purchase your family package here.

SMK Live is proud to offer an array of perfectly crafted hospitality packages, with offerings set to elevate your experience to one of luxury. There are four hospitality tiers available, starting from £150 – purchase your package here.

New Adventures is delighted to bring Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes to Milton Keynes Theatre, from Tue 10 – Sat 14 February as part of a UK tour.

Playing Victoria Page are Ashley Shaw, Cordelia Braithwaite, Hannah Kremer and Holly Saw, alongside Andy Monaghan and Reece Causton as Boris Lermontov, Dominic North and Leonardo McCorkindale as Julian Kraster, Michela Meazza, Cordelia Braithwaite and Katrina Lyndon as Irina Boronskaya, Liam Mower, Will Bozier and Jackson Fisch as Ivan Boleslawsky and Glenn Graham, Liam Mower and Reece Causton as Grischa Ljubov.

They are joined by Mark Austin, Tom Barnes Standing, New Adventures Emerging Artist Isabella Chandler, Adam Davies, Cameron Flynn, Anna-Maria de Freitas, Christina Gibbs, Thomas Ireson, Rosanna Lindsey, Callum Mann, Daisy May Kemp, Jarrod McWilliams, Matthew Potulski, Molly Shaw-Downie, Kingston Taylor, Shakiera Ward and Daisy West.

Matthew Bourne said: “I’m thrilled to announce that 11 of the original cast of The Red Shoes, which premiered in 2016, are returning for this 10th Anniversary production, performing the roles they created, possibly, for the last time. This is something that no New Adventures fan will want to miss!

The Red Shoes was the culmination of a twenty-year ambition to bring Powell and Pressburger’s seminal 1948 film to the stage. It was also, in many ways, a personal love letter to a life in theatre and dance.  

This production was certainly a landmark event for New Adventures, becoming an instant classic and a beloved addition to our repertoire. I’m so happy to see it return this year, especially as our last tour in 2020 was sadly cut short by the pandemic and left many of our loyal audiences throughout the UK disappointed.

So, welcome back to the Ballet Lermontov and to paraphrase the great impresario himself… ‘It’s time to put on the red shoes, Vicky, and dance for us again….’”

A sell-out before its world premiere season opened in 2016, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film went on to win Best Entertainment at the 2017 Olivier Awards, with Matthew Bourne winning the award for Best Theatre Choreographer. The show then returned for a national tour in 2019.

A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance, but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.

Matthew Bourne’s magical double Olivier Award-winning production of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film is set to a score orchestrated by Terry Davies, featuring the mesmerising music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound).

An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart.

THE RED SHOES is supported using public funds by Arts Council England.

Tickets are on sale now and are available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS

The Red Shoes
Performances: Tue 10 Feb – Sat 14 Feb
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

Milton Keynes City Council has selected renowned Artist Andy Edwards to create a new statue in the city centre to celebrate the life of Jennie Lee, the trailblazing figure who played a pivotal role in establishing The Open University.

Located near Station Square, the statue will be a lasting tribute to her vision and will recognise how The Open University has transformed education for millions of people across the world. It will be paid for using funding contributions from housing and infrastructure developers.

Andy, Founding Director of Cornovii Edwards was selected due to his outstanding portfolio of previous commissions which includes The Beatles, David Bowie and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, alongside his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the opportunity to celebrate the life and work of Jennie Lee.

Born in Fife, Scotland in 1904, Jennie was elected as MP for North Lanark in 1929. She was one of the first women to be elected to the House of Commons and was also the youngest member of the House at that time, aged just 24. After a lifetime of being involved in politics and campaigning – alongside her husband Aneurin “Nye” Bevan – founder of the NHS – Jennie was made Minister for the Arts in 1964. Her seminal White Paper for the Arts was produced in 1965 insisting that the arts should be central to everyday life and publicly supported for the benefit of all.

In February 1966, she produced the landmark White Paper on the University of the Air, laying the groundwork and effectively founding The Open University, as well as the establishment of a national cultural policy through The Arts Council. She faced challenges to The Open University concept, but fought for a university that was both open to everyone and which operated to the highest standards. Jennie’s actions have benefitted millions of people globally ever since. She died in November 1988 as Baroness Lee of Asheridge.

Cllr Shanika Mahendren, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking said: “Jennie Lee was a pioneer whose groundbreaking impact on the arts and education in our country has rarely been given the recognition it deserves, with her too often relegated to a footnote as Nye Bevan’s wife. To have a prominent statue in our city celebrating one of the key figures in establishing the Open University is very fitting. With his impressive work and his passion for Jennie’s story, I’m excited to see Andy bring to life a sculpture that reflects both her impact and her character.”

The Jennie Lee Archive collection is based at The Open University, and the Archive team will work closely with Andy on the commission’s development.

Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University said:

“Jennie’s leading work in establishing the OU is a landmark event for learning in the UK and globally, and with the 60^th anniversary of her White Paper coming up in 2026, this is a perfect time to recognise her achievements.

“Our institution will be marking the anniversary early this year, and this statue is a great addition to the commemoration. We look forward to seeing it when complete.”

Following a period of research and design development, residents, stakeholders and partners will have the opportunity to meet Andy, hear about his work to date and engage in the process of the sculpture’s final design.

The final commission will be ready for later in 2026.

Further information about the life of Jennie Lee can be found on Exhibition: The Jennie Lee Archive Collection – Open University Digital Archive  and on The Open University in Scotland website.