Brace yourselves, comedy lovers! The Comedy Cow is gearing up for one of its biggest nights yet on 23rd January at The Venue MK, bringing an electric lineup of some of the sharpest, funniest, and most exciting comedians on the UK circuit. If you’re looking for a night out that delivers from start to finish, this is the show you don’t want to miss.

Front and centre is the phenomenal Zoe Lyons, headlining with her trademark blend of whip-smart humour, bold observations, and unbeatable stage presence. Whether you’ve seen her on TV or live before, you know she brings the kind of energy that leaves audiences buzzing long after the show ends.

Steering the night is the unstoppable MC Lou Conran, a master of crowd work, charm, and laugh-out-loud storytelling. She’ll have the room in stitches before the first act even hits the stage.

Kicking things off with a bang is the brilliantly bold Eddy Brimson, renowned for his fearless comedy and powerhouse delivery. And right in the middle of the action, rising star Ricky Balshaw brings his unique style, sharp lines, and infectious personality – perfectly placed to keep the laughter rolling.

Showtime: 20:00
Doors Open: 19:00
Date: Thursday, 23rd January
Tickets: Grab yours now at www.thecomedycow.co.uk

This isn’t just another comedy night—it’s a full-throttle, laugh-until-your-face-hurts experience. With talent this strong, seats won’t last long. Round up your mates, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable night at The Venue MK.

After a record-breaking year, the scene-leading Reggae Land returns to the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026 for its sixth and biggest edition yet. The UK’s largest Reggae and Caribbean culture festival will once again welcome 100,000 fans across the weekend and unite an unrivalled curation of world-class talent, island flavours and community spirit for two days of unforgettable music and culture. Tickets are on sale now at www.reggaeland.co.uk

Reggae Land is by far the biggest reggae festival in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, and 2026 will mark its most ambitious year yet. The full artist line-up will be announced in January and promises to be the largest yet, expanding from 90 artists in 2025 to 120+ artists in 2026, all spread across seven stages with increased production, sound, facilities and immersive decor.

In the meantime, the first announcement for 2026 focuses on major expansions across the site including brand-new stages and the festival’s largest programme to date. This year, Reggae Land introduces the Dancehall Stage, a brand-new open-air, dedicated dancehall arena with a 7,000 capacity, delivering a huge new space for high-energy performances and culture. Then comes Bob’s Bar Stage, a new indoor stage paying tribute to the roots of reggae, giving roots reggae and lovers rock their own dedicated home at Reggae Land.

The full 2026 programme will once again showcase the entire spectrum of Caribbean sound and culture from roots and rocksteady to dancehall, dub, jungle and beyond with world-renowned names appearing alongside rising stars and genre innovators.

Since its move to The National Bowl in 2023, Reggae Land has transformed the historic open-air venue into a Caribbean wonderland. The Bowl’s natural amphitheatre provides unmatched acoustics and panoramic views, while its central location offers easy access for festival goers from across the UK and beyond. Beyond the music, the site comes alive with a Caribbean food village, rum bars and cocktail shacks, a reggae flea market, a reggae museum and a VIP zone creating a full sensory journey through Caribbean culture, rhythm and flavour.

Say JBM Music, the festival’s organisers: “Every year we push ourselves to make Reggae Land bigger, better, and more vibrant for everyone who joins us. As the festival grows, we’re determined to give even more back to the amazing community that powers this event. By expanding the line-up and adding new stages, we’re bringing more music, more culture, and more energy than ever before.””

With its unique blend of live performances, cultural showcases and community spirit, Reggae Land 2026 is set to be the most complete and immersive deep dive into rhythm, roots and the unity that shapes the music.

Tickets are expected to sell out fast so secure your place at www.reggaeland.co.uk

It’s panto season again, how on earth does it come around so quickly, it seems merely moments ago we were talking Peter Pan…but as sure as night follows day, the next festive extravaganza rolls into Milton Keynes Theatre for the festive season.

This year, Goldilocks and the Three Bears has hit the stage, you might think it’s not the most traditional of pantomimes and they have definitely given the story a bit of a glow up.

You cannot mistake that it has a circus theme, right from the lights going up – and there are a lot of lights, we’re told over 7,000 individual bulbs – you are transported to a colourful, playful world filled with acrobats, magicians, dancers, singing and there’s even an elephant!

Star of the show and ringmaster to the circus is Billy Barnum played by the legendary comedian Brian Conley. This is not his first rodeo and he’s on point from the first moment he walks out on stage. Toying with the audience, pushing the comedic boundaries, and physically getting the very most out of every laugh. There’s lots of jokes for the adults and some very funny moments for the whole family, fart jokes feature a lot…but hey, this is panto land!

The title character of Goldilocks is played by Lucy Conley (yep, you read that right…she is Brian’s real-life daughter) and in this story his on stage daughter as well. She has a superb voice and a real warmth on stage. The have a beautiful connection and towards the end there’s a real tearjerker moment, which could only work between a father and daughter.

The rest of the cast are also very good – the Three Bears wobble about on stage and perform an incredible tap dance routine in some very heavy suits, so big kudos to them. Dame Betty Barnum is played by David Robbins, and as a pantomime veteran of over three decades he wears the many incredible ‘designer’ frocks so very well. The inevitable baddie is Baron von Blackheart, played by Gary Milner. He treads that fine line of being just enough evil but always with a touch of comedy. His switching of accents is also something to behold.

There’s some on stage magic from Paul Hitchcock, aka The Magical Mysterioso, and The Timbuktu Tumblers perform a dazzling routine which includes fire and doing some gravity defying limbo!

Overall, there’s everything you want and expect from a pantomime; silliness, songs and something for everyone. You come away feeling happier and mainly very grateful that Britain still keeps up this unique art form that is panto, it doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world, us Brits get it – and we can’t get enough of it, rightly so!

Extra information

The show runs with various performances until 11 January 2026. Tickets available from £15 per person. Run time; 60 minutes, 20 minute interval, 60 minutes. Matinee performances available. For group bookings call 020 7206 1174.

General ticket bookings: CLICK HERE

2025 was another fantastic year for Milton Keynes Theatre, filled with some of the most iconic musicals, plays and productions that have had audiences applauding night after night. Happily, 2026 promises even more of the same!

As always, this season starts with Milton Keynes Theatre’s yearly pantomime, with iconic comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley returning to the city for Goldilocks and the Three Bears. With riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts and international circus acts, Goldilocks and the Three Bears promises to sweep the whole family away with a pantomime spectacular that’s just right!

Fans of musicals have a lot to look forward to this season, with a feast of fantastic musical productions coming to Milton Keynes over the next few months. The season kicks off with the hilarious FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, followed by TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, bringing iconic songs to the city as part of the show’s first-ever UK & Ireland tour. The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde is back in fashion with a huge new production starring Amber Davies (Strictly 2025), before Sunny Afternoon reminds audiences of the electrifying true story behind The Kinks, the band that changed rock music forever.

During March and April, Milton Keynes will host three of the hottest musical productions currently touring across the UK. First up, Here & Now – The Steps Musical packages the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps, into a feel-good celebration of love and friendship. Following that, the epic musical Miss Saigon makes its long-awaited return to Milton Keynes, before Mean Girls brings iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs to the stage. How fetch!

As always, there’s a fantastic list of music-based one-night performances, including Northern Live – Do I Love You, Legend: The Music of Bob Marley, Go Your Own Way – The Fleetwood Mac Legacy, Lost In Music – One Night at the Disco, Bowie Experience, and The Best of Tubular Bells I, II & III.

Audiences looking for a dramatic trip to the theatre can look forward to the brilliant plays that will be coming to Milton Keynes over the next few months. Football and non-football fans alike will be brought to their feet by Dear England, which brings a new light to the story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager. Anyone interested in a whodunit will love Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts, which marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. Single White Female (based on the iconic 90’s psychological thriller) stars Kym Marsh & Lisa Faulkner, and Fawlty Towers – The Play brings the iconic TV show to the stage.

Families will love Horrible Histories – The Concert, which brings your favourite songs and actors from the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series on stage for the very first time! For those who are looking for a more mature evening at the theatre, Nigel Havers and Emma Kenny will both be appearing on the Milton Keynes Theatre stage for one night only.

If you’re after some great comedy, check out the theatre’s list of one-night performances, including A-List comedians such as Sara Pascoe, Russell Howard, Bridget Christie, as well as the all-star casts of Austentatious and Dead Ringers.

Dance fans in Milton Keynes will be thrilled by the return of Matthew Bourne’s Production of The Red Shoes, which is an intoxicating drama which will dazzle your senses and break your heart. Following that, the UK’s most successful dance group, Diversity, return to the stage with their new show ‘SOUL’, which is a futuristic show that’s sure to thrill audiences.

As 2026 continues, the year promises even more fantastic productions, including the return of the Welsh National Opera, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Choir of Man, Operation Mincemeat, The Karate Kid The Musical, Annie, and many more.

Find out more and book your tickets at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS

Milton Keynes Theatre – 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ
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

Join Milton Keynes Arts Centre and local residents for a magical lantern parade celebrating the Winter Solstice at Bradwell Windmill on Saturday 20 December.

Co-created by Milton Keynes Arts Centre, residents of Bradville and New Bradwell, artists and local schools, The Holly and the Oak King Lantern Parade is a community celebration of the Winter Solstice.

The Holly King and the Oak King are personifications of winter and summer. During the warm days of midsummer, the Oak King is at the height of his powers; during the winter it is the Holly King who is the stronger. Sunday 21 December will be the shortest day in 2025, after which the days become longer. In folklore, this is the time the Oak King and Holly King (light and dark) do battle. Only if the Oak King wins will winter end and the light of summer begin.

In November, children from Stanton and New Bradwell schools, residents of Bradville and New Bradwell worked with Milton Keynes artists Roisin Callaghan and Sarah Hunt in creating a series of unique lanterns and two impressive head pieces, which will form the Holly and Oak Kings.

The lantern parade starts at 3.30pm at the now disused Bradwell Platform on Milton Keynes’ Railway Walk. From here, the Holly and Oak Kings will lead residents – joined by two Arctic Hares, created by artist Alice Boland-Rhodes – towards the historic Bradwell Windmill. The parade is due to arrive at the Mill at 4pm, at which time visitors will hear the story of The Holly and the Oak King as narrated by children through working with Milton Keynes artist and writer, Deborah Fielding. Bradwell Silver Band will be performing and hot refreshments will be provided by Coco’s Coffee House. The event is due to end at 5.30pm, after which time visitors are invited to The New Inn in New Bradwell for mulled wine and cider.

The Holly and the Oak King Lantern Parade has been organised by Milton Keynes Arts Centre with grant support from Milton Keynes Community Foundation, New Bradwell Parish Council and Stantonbury Parish Council. The event forms part of The Bradwell Windmill Project, led by Milton Keynes City Council. This project involves the restoration of Bradwell Windmill as a key heritage and community attraction for Milton Keynes, as well as a programme of events designed to engage local residents with the area’s history, the natural environment and food heritage.

Photography (c) Dina Tse 2025.

Stadium MK Group, home to Milton Keynes Dons FC, will bring SMK Live – a brand-new multi-artist live music spectacular to Stadium MK in June 2026.

Designed to become a major annual moment in the UK live entertainment calendar, SMK Live will bring some of the world’s most exciting artists to Milton Keynes for an unforgettable summer celebration filled with iconic hits, electric performances, and an atmosphere like no other.

Neil Hart, Group CEO of Stadium MK, said:

“We are incredibly excited to announce our inaugural SMK Live headliners. This first-class line up, performing in this extraordinary stadium, promises to be an unforgettable experience. With standing, seated and also VIP hospitality tickets available soon, festival-goers will have a host of options for how they choose to enjoy the day. What a way to kick-off the summer here in Milton Keynes!” 

Oli Bartlam, Managing Director at Full Fat 360, added:

“Stadium MK already has an incredible legacy of hosting unforgettable concerts, and SMK Live is the next exciting step in that journey. Milton Keynes is a city bursting with energy and ambition, and with a world-class stadium and arena at its heart, the appetite for more live music here is undeniable. We’re genuinely thrilled to be partnering with Stadium MK to launch SMK Live and to help create a landmark music moment the region can truly be proud of. Best of all, 2026 is just the beginning.”

With a population of over 300,000 and home to MK Dons, Milton Keynes sits just 35 minutes from London and lies at the heart of major expansion plans for the region. Positioned at the centre of the Oxford–Cambridge growth corridor, the city is also only 25 minutes from the forthcoming Universal Studios UK development, further cementing its future as a major leisure and entertainment destination.

SMK Live is the first event in what will become a packed programme of year-round live music, from stadium-scale concerts to intimate arena shows, taking place at Stadium MK from 2026 onwards.

Buy tickets for SMK Live now: www.smklive.com

Exciting hospitality options will be available soon. 

Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus, as Goldilocks and the Three Bears flies into Milton Keynes Theatre for plenty of festive fun from 6 December 2025 – 11 January 2026.

Milton Keynes Theatre announced earlier this year that pantomime legend Brian Conley will return as Billy Barnum to lead this year’s cast in the magical circus-themed Goldilocks and the Three Bears from Sat 6 Dec – Sun 11 Jan 2026. He’s joined by Lucy Conley, who stars as Goldilocks along with renowned dame David Robbins as Dame Betty Barnum, panto villain Gary Milner as Baron Von Blackheart, magician Phil Hitchcock as The Magical Mysterioso, and (direct from Zippo’s Circus) The Timbuktu Tumblers.

For five weeks only, Milton Keynes Theatre will be transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen. This festive extravaganza will be packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts, and awe-inspiring circus acts!

Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…

Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director at Milton Keynes Theatre, said:

“Two years ago, audiences adored the on-stage chemistry and comedy banter between panto legend Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy, so we are beyond thrilled to be once again welcoming back not one but two members of the Conley family for this year’s festive season!

David Robbins, Gary Milner, Phil Hitchcock, and the rest of this fantastic cast will ensure there is a perfect mix of speciality circus acts and traditional panto fun: all the ingredients we need for Goldilocks and the Three Bears to be the greatest panto on earth!”

Goldilocks and the Three Bears runs at Milton Keynes Theatre from Sat 6 Dec 2025 until Sun 11 Jan 2026. Full casting is to be announced later in the year. There will be a range of Audio Described, Captioned, BSL interpreted and relaxed performances throughout the season.

The official charity partner for this year’s pantomime is the Milton Keynes Community Foundation (MKCF), which means that the generous donations made during the panto season will go directly into MKCF’s Community Fund, ensuring that local charities and community groups across Milton Keynes benefit through vital grant opportunities.

Book your tickets today at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes and be swept away by a pantomime spectacular that’s just right!

LISTINGS
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Performances: Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Sun 11 Jan 2026
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

On Sunday 14 December, Milton Keynes’ unique Cathedral of Trees will be abuzz with merriment when The Parks Trust’s much-loved carolling event returns. Packed with festive spirit, Carols at the Cathedral brings joy to the barky nave and spires with live performances, storytelling, seasonal treats, and a chance to support local charities.

Head to the Tree Cathedral from 2pm to lap up the santa-sational entertainment by MK Brass Band, DD Powers Trio, Music Makers of Milton Keynes, and Red Phoenix Storytelling.

Tuck into tasty treats to support local charities, with pastries and cakes baked by Camphill MK Communities and a host of hot drinks available at the Willen Hospice stall.

Warm up your vocal cords and light-up your lanterns (or torches) to Come all ye Faithful for a sing-a-long to family-favourites from Jingle Bells to Deck the Halls.

Yule (seriously) not want to miss this free to attend event, for a memorable family afternoon outing. Everyone’s invited, and to make the event more accessible there’ll also be a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter during the carols.

Julie Dawes, Events and Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust, says “It’s one of my absolute favourite events in MK’s parks. There’s always such a great festive feeling, and I love seeing our communities come together for open-air carolling in such a special (and unique) place. We welcome everyone to come along and share the joy!”.

As it’s the traditional season for giving, MK Food Bank will also have a donation point collecting tinned and dry goods to distribute across the local community through the winter season. Attendees are encouraged to bring items to support this cause and can find guidance about suitable donations on the website.

Those wishing to join for the carols only, please note that these start at 4:15pm. A full schedule and further information can be found on theparkstrust.com/carols

Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award-nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play. The tour opens on 25 October and will visit 32 venues across the UK and Ireland up until August 2026, including performances at Milton Keynes Theatre from Thu 27 – Sat 29 November.

Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® Award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. The critically acclaimed stage show has captivated audiences of all ages, with Bluey and her family delighting fans with an unforgettable live theatrical experience.

“Expect full chair dancing and shrieks of joy” – Broadway World ★★★★★

“Puppy puppets’ sweet show sets tails wagging” – The Guardian

Since premiering in Australia, Bluey’s Big Play has toured globally across the UK, Ireland, Canada, the US, Europe, Singapore and the UAE and has been seen by millions of fans worldwide.

Bluey’s Big Play is a delightful treat for families, featuring the original voices from the beloved TV series, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. Based on an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and featuring music by series composer Joff Bush, this live adaptation is produced by Andrew Kay and Cuffe & Taylor with Windmill Theatre Co for BBC Studios.

When Dad feels like a little bit of afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. With an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush – this is Bluey, For Real Life.

Natasha Spence, Events Director, Live Entertainment at BBC Studios, said:

“The play’s last tour was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from audiences across the UK and Ireland. We can’t wait for more fans and families to experience the joy of seeing Bluey’s Big Play live on stage once again”

Ben Hatton, Senior Vice President, Arts & Entertainment at Cuffe and Taylor, added:

“We were thrilled with the incredible reception Bluey’s Big Play received in our previous tour; the response from our audiences was nothing short of magical. So we couldn’t be more excited to bring Bluey back to the UK and Ireland”

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS 

Bluey’s Big Play
Performances: Thu 27 Nov – Sat 29 Nov 2025
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

Discover the spirit of Christmas through stories, characters, and creativity at the once-secret home of Britain’s Codebreakers.

This December, Bletchley Park will be filled with history and festive fun in A Codebreakers’ Christmas, running from 4 to 30 December 2025.

Visitors of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in the world of Christmas at World War Two Bletchley Park by meeting Codebreaker characters found around the site, enjoying interactive live theatre and taking part in hands-on creative activities.

More than a festive day out, it’s an experience that will engage, inspire, and connect visitors with the story of the Codebreakers of Bletchley Park, and is perfect for those looking for something unique to do with their family or friends.

What Visitors Can Experience

• Encounter Characters from Wartime Bletchley Park Step into the 1940s and meet lively characters inspired by those who worked at Bletchley Park. Discover how they celebrated Christmas and experience stories that will bring the history of the WW2 codebreaking centre to life in an engaging way.
• Interactive Theatre: A Christmas Carol The Bletchley Park Drama Society are rehearsing for their production of A Christmas Carol, and they will need the help of visitors to make sure they are ready for opening night. A playful and participatory experience that blends theatre, history, and festive magic.
• Hands-On Craft Workshops The Codebreakers at Bletchley Park used what they had available, including scrap paper, to make decorations to bring some festive cheer to their workplaces. Children and adults can create their own Christmas decorations to take home as a personal memento of the day.
• Festive sweets and treats Enjoy some traditional Christmas flavours in the onsite Café and Coffee Shop, with hot and cold food on offer. Visitors can enjoy a festive lunch or a delicious mince pie with an indulgent hot chocolate to warm up even the coldest winter days.
• Vintage Grotto For younger visitors, a (separately ticketed) grotto experience, allows a magical visit with Father Christmas, adding an extra touch of festive magic to the day. Book in advance online.

Why Visit

A Codebreakers’ Christmas is an immersive experience where visitors can engage with Bletchley Park in a new and fun way. Step into the story, meet fascinating characters, enjoy interactive theatre, and try your hand at crafts, all while celebrating Christmas in a way that is unique, inspiring, and unforgettable.

All You Need To Know

• Dates: 4-30 December 2025 – Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays plus 22, 23, 29 and 30 December
• Location: Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes
• Tickets and full details: Included with admission to Bletchley Park
  www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Electronic music legends The Prodigy have confirmed they are returning to the National Bowl in Milton Keynes for the Warriors Dance Festival on Saturday 22 August 2026.

The Prodigy last played at the iconic National Bowl venue in Milton Keynes in July 2010, for their original Warrior’s Dance Festival, which marked the bands 20th anniversary. The sold-out show attracted 65,000 fans and featured support acts like Pendulum and Enter Shikari, with The Prodigy’s setlist including hits from their back catalog.

In 2026, the band bring their Warriors Dance experience to you, complete with new production and their sonically attacking wall of sound.

General tickets on sale NOW via:

https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/
https://www.gigsandtours.com/

The original Mary Poppins film came out in 1964. That makes it over 60 years old, yet it’s a movie that brings out childhood memories like no other. Remembering back to sitting on the sofa as a family, mesmerised by the magical, now iconic story of the ‘practically perfect’ nanny arriving by umbrella to change the lives of the Banks family on Cherry Tree Lane.

As a child you were drawn into this world, it was probably the first time you’d ever seen ‘special effects’ in a movie, a talking parrot handle, on-screen flying, and actors interacting with animated penguins…it blew many tiny minds back them and quite a few since.

The new version of the movie arrived in 2018 with Mary Poppins Returns and brought a whole new wave of fans into the Mary Poppins world. But with all this movie magic, how would the stage show match up. As a Cameron Mackintosh and Disney production, you have certain expectations for the staging and sets but mostly you desperately want it to live up to those childhood memories that you cherish so much.

After award-winning runs in the West End and on Broadway this new UK & Ireland tour has made its way to Milton Keynes Theatre for a month-long stint until 22 November.

Almost from the moment the curtain goes up, you know you’re in for a visual feast – the sets are honestly jaw-dropping. They effortlessly transport you to the Banks’ grand house, the children’s nursery, the park and the rooftops of London town – so you’re fully immersed into the world of Mary Poppins.

Acclaimed Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers play the roles of Mary Poppins and Bert, we were little concerned about their accents creeping through, but no need to worry the prim English and cockney accents held true throughout. They are both absolutely superb. Stefanie Jones commands the stage with a self-assured presence that grounds the production, but her warmth still shines through. Her clipped, comedy timing is ‘spit-spot’ on. As with Julie Andrews in the movie, she doesn’t need to overplay the character, her restraint reels the audience in and is totally believable.

Opposite her, Jack Chambers has the charisma and energy to bring Bert to life, his cheekiness and on-stage presence perfectly balance against Mary’s rigidity. You can’t help but warm to both the characters as they take you through the wonderful story with ease and grace.

The rest of the cast are equally as brilliant, but we must give a special shout out to the Banks children played by Connie Jones and Oli Manning in the performance we saw. They are on stage for a lot of this production and there’s nowhere to hide. They dance, they sing, they act and they do it all superbly well.

The ‘Bird Woman’ was played by the iconic Patti Boulaye and although she only sings that one classic song, she does it with ease and again, brings a warmth to a much-loved character.

All your favourite songs are here ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’, ‘Step in Time’ and ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ plus many beautiful new songs written especially for the musical.

But honestly, the choreography within the musical numbers is what makes this show shine above many others. They are executed with such joy and energy that you can’t help but get swept along in the happiness they bring to the audience. No spoilers but ‘Step in Time’ has to be one of the best musical dance numbers ever in theatre-land. The set design, the tap dancing, the costumes, the lighting and the spectacular gravity-defying conclusion leave you stunned and elated in equal measure.

And as Mary Poppins departs, umbrella and bag in hand, once again your jaw ends up firmly on the floor as some truly remarkable theatre trickery concludes the show and you’re left yearning to see it all over again.

There have been many incredible shows at Milton Keynes Theatre over the years, but this is up there in our Top Three, maybe even the best ever. It’s truly a production that transports you into another world – for two and half hours, you forget about the madness of the world outside, you become that child again, taken back to a simpler time of magic and music, and it really is ‘practically perfect’ in every way.

Mary Poppins runs until Saturday 22 November. Matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday. 2pm show only on Sundays.

Tickets available from £25 – buy here:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mary-poppins/milton-keynes-theatre/

Age guidance: 7+. Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted into the theatre.