“It’s Milton Keynes at its best – innovative, collaborative, unique.” – IF:MK 2025 audience member

The eighth edition of IF: Milton Keynes International Festival took place from 18 to 27 July – and the Festival has created a highlights film to celebrate its successes and impact on the city.

243 event and exhibition days – including two world premieres and four UK premieres – were presented in 12 different locations, among them centre:mk, the Festival’s Headline Partner; The Fred Roche Gardens; The Open University’s Walton Hall campus; Campbell Park; The MK Rose; Midsummer Place; The Church of Christ The Cornerstone; Xscape; and locations across Wolverton. There were 15,367 tickets sold and 63,000 attendances with visitors from as far afield as Aberdeen, Brighton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Southampton and St Ives. A further 210,000 people are estimated to have experienced the Festival as they encountered events taking place in the public realm. 72% of the events were free to attend.

Artists came from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Catalonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain as well as the UK. In total, 391 professional artists and crew were employed. 744 hotel rooms and apartments were booked and 2638 meals were served to them over the ten days!

6,160 community participants were involved in this year’s Festival. They took part in events including Michael Pendry’s art-for-peace multi-media installation Les Colombes and Milton Keynes poet Maureen Onwunali’s commissioned poem Utopia in Verse.  Les Colombes saw over 2,000 white paper doves suspended from the roof of Middleton Hall in centre:mk. Local people made doves for the installation and for their homes, shops, offices and community spaces creating a second City-wide installation. Young people and members of the community contributed their thoughts on what utopia looked like for them during workshops with Maureen.

The Festival would like to thank its many partners and supporters this year including: Arts Council England, Milton Keynes City Council, Headline Partner centre:mk; Inclusion Partner Milton Keynes Community Foundation; Pop-up Events Partner MyMiltonKeynes; Knowledge Partner The Open University; Green Spaces Partner The Parks Trust; VIP Green Room Partner Howden; Spiegeltent Family Event Partner Neves Solicitors; Community Event Partner Unity Place and Event Partners David Lock Associates, MHA, Midsummer Place and Xscape; Producing Partners The Church of Christ The Cornerstone, The Kindom of The Netherlands, Milton Keynes Development Partnership, MK Gallery, The MK Rose, Milton Keynes Theatre, MK College Group, NiftyLift and The Poetry Society; Festival Supporters Brewpoint, Brioche Pasquier, Click Arts Foundation + Specsavers, Collaborate MK, Europcar, Glenbrook and Urban Splash, John Lewis Partnership, MK Business Leaders, M&M Supplies, Stratstone Milton Keynes BMW and the YMCA Milton Keynes; Media Partners MKFM and Pulse Group Media; Wolverton Location Partners Electrolux Group, Elite Carpet & Furniture, HCGB, MK Christian Foundation, The Old Bath House, The Secret Garden, The Shop on The Square, Unity MK, Wolverton Benefice, Wolverton Supermarket and Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council.

The Festival is also extremely grateful to all of the artists, staff, local experts and contributors and the 216 volunteers who worked on the Festival.

Monica Ferguson, Festival Director and Chief Executive of The Stables which founded and produces IF: Milton Keynes International Festival said: “We want to thank all of the artists, audiences and supporters who made the 2025 Festival so special.  The excitement builds in the run up to and during the Festival as artists from around the world embed themselves in Milton Keynes and the positive impact felt across the City is a testament to everyone who helped us plan and deliver 10 amazing days ”

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England said: “The Festival provides a moment to really see the impact of investing in arts and culture with partners from the public, private and charitable sectors working together to showcase thought-provoking and joyous events and installations.”

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director of centre:mk, the Festival’s Headline Partner said: “We always look forward to the vibrant animation of centre:mk which the International Festival provides.  Using the City as a stage, it provides an energy for visitors that captures the imagination in a unique way.”

Cllr Shankika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning & Placemaking, said: ““It was an exceptional Festival once again, bringing world-class cultural experiences to Milton Keynes.”

Watch the IF:MK 2025 highlights film:
https://ifmiltonkeynes.org/look-back-at-if-2025

Main photo above top left – credit Carys Underwood

To Improvise A Mountain: Lynette Yiadom-Boakye Curates

An exhibition of international artists working across painting, photography, drawing, film, installation, and sculpture from the 19th century to today.

Featuring: Bas Jan Ader, Pierre Bonnard, Lisa Brice, Barbara Chase-Riboud, Samuel Fosso, Peter Hujar, Kahlil Joseph, Zoe Leonard, Glenn Ligon, Toyin Ojih Odutola, The Otolith Group, Jennifer Packer, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Walter Sickert, Édouard Vuillard, David Wojnarowicz, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye.

“I’ve selected things that I love by dint of their poetry, their beauty, their refusal, their internal logic and, above all, their power. Each artist here invents the language they need, and there is magic in it.” — Lynette Yiadom-Boakye

Curated by figurative painter Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, To Improvise a Mountain combines an eclectic range of historical and contemporary artists—including Yiadom-Boakye herself—illuminating her creative process. Coming to prominence in the early 2010s, Yiadom-Boakye is both an artist and a writer, renowned for her oil paintings of imagined subjects.

Works have been selected based on their personal impact on the artist. The exhibition invites audiences on her journey across different geographies and generations of artists.

To Improvise a Mountain interweaves artworks that explore themes of intensity, intimacy, refusal, identity, activism, and beauty, ranging from the visceral Post-Impressionism of Walter Sickert to the radical video essays of The Otolith Group.

This project is inspired by a phrase from Miles Davis’s song Inamorata (1971), which asks: “Who is this music that which description may never justify? / Can the ocean be described?” For Yiadom-Boakye, poetry is similar to painting in its ability to translate the intangible into images and to think through rhythm and feeling.

Yiadom-Boakye expands:
“My deployment of words in writing is not always so different from my use of brush marks in painting. The logic, patterns, relationships, repetitions, and decisions are guided by intuition—the rightness and wrongness, the blatancies and subtleties—and that’s how I want to approach this show.”

Brian Cass, Senior Curator of Hayward Gallery Touring, says:
“Lynette Yiadom-Boakye brings us on an imaginative journey of encounters with artworks that – like her remarkable paintings—conjure different moods, personalities, colours, and emotions. Her curation celebrates the imaginative spirit of the contributing artists, and the endless potential of art to bring new thinking and feeling into existence, continuing Hayward Gallery Touring’s long-standing history of partnering with artists on ambitious exhibitions that invite audiences inside their worlds.”

To Improvise a Mountain: Curated by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye is a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition. The exhibition is developed in partnership with Leeds Art Gallery, MK Gallery, and Nottingham Castle, supporting the Southbank Centre’s ongoing mission to create experiences for the nation’s enjoyment.

Anthony Spira, Director, MK Gallery, says:
“We are thrilled to present this remarkable exhibition, with such a varied and rich group of artists. It provides rare insight into the world of Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, one of the most exciting artists working today, sharing her thoughts, conversations, and inspirations in a display that is captivating, challenging, and powerful.”

This exhibition is on show at MK Gallery 25 October 2025 – 25 January 2026

More and book tickets:
https://mkgallery.org/event/to-improvise-a-mountain-lynette-yiadom-boakye-curates/

Milton Keynes’ entertainment scene is set for a major boost this autumn as MERKUR Casino will unveil its newest flagship venue, opening inside Xscape Milton Keynes on Saturday 1st November, bringing high-energy gaming, live entertainment and over 100 new jobs to the city.

Spanning 22,000 sq ft, the new flagship venue houses a 1,367 m² gaming floor featuring 72 slot machines, 26 electronic roulette terminals and 15 live gaming tables, complemented by a 4,700 sq ft bar and event space designed for live acts, community events and private functions.

The venue represents a major investment for the brand and a defining moment for the city’s leisure economy by bringing together cutting-edge gaming, live entertainment and a premium late-night offering under one spectacular roof.

The grand launch event on Saturday 1st November is expected to welcome hundreds of guests including local dignitaries, influencers, journalists, celebrities, and headline performers. The evening will feature live tribute acts, roving performers, and a £10,000 giveaway, setting the tone for the high-calibre programme of events the casino will continue to host.

Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer at MERKUR Casino UK Ltd “Our head office is based here in Milton Keynes, so this opening means a great deal to us. We’ve worked with local suppliers, created over 100 new roles and built a venue that reflects everything this city stands for – energy, innovation and community spirit. We’re proud to create these opportunities in our home city”

The opening underscores MERKUR’s long-term growth strategy in the UK, strengthening its position as a leading operator in the adult gaming and entertainment sector. The Milton Keynes venue reflects the brand’s continued investment in quality, innovation and guest experience, with an ambition to be recognised among one of the best casino destinations outside London.

Mark continued: “We wanted to create something that genuinely stands out and a venue that feels exciting and welcoming, where guests can enjoy premium gaming, live entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere. Our goal is to offer an experience that sets a new standard for regional entertainment. We’re proud to create a venue that enhances Milton Keynes’ already vibrant nightlife and offers something new for the city’s leisure scene.”

Dan Murphy, centre director at Xscape Milton Keynes, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome MERKUR Casino to Xscape Milton Keynes. The casino has always been a landmark part of Xscape’s entertainment offering, and we’re delighted to see it returning under new ownership. MERKUR’s significant investment has transformed the venue into a modern and dynamic destination, strengthening the mix of leisure experiences we offer our visitors. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming guests into the new casino when the doors open on 1^st November.”

MERKUR Casino UK Ltd is part of the MERKUR Group (formally the Gauselmann Group), one of Europe’s leading gaming and entertainment companies. Headquartered in Germany, the group operates Internationally, with a strong presence in Germany alongside numerous other countries including the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Serbia.

For further details visit https://merkurcasinouk.com/casino/

As autumn arrives, the Stadium MK Group is gearing up for one of its most exciting months of the year. From football action to music festivals, Halloween parties and a spectacular fireworks display, there’s something for everyone across Stadium MK, Arena MK and The National Bowl.

MK Dons v Crewe Alexandra

Stadium MK | Saturday 18th October

All eyes then turn to the pitch as MK Dons welcome Crewe Alexandra to Stadium MK in Sky Bet League Two football action. Dons will be looking to deliver another strong performance and keep their league campaign on track.

It’s the perfect chance to enjoy live football in the heart of Milton Keynes. Tickets are available now via the club’s official ticketing site.

RNB Forever – 00’s & 90’s with MKFM

Arena MK | Friday 24th October

Get ready to step back in time for the ultimate throwback night. RNB Forever celebrates the best of 90s and 00s R&B, with special guest Dappy.

Hosted in partnership with MKFM, it’s a night of smooth vibes, singalong classics and non-stop nostalgia – the perfect start to your weekend.

WAH Halloween 2025

Arena MK | Saturday 25th October

Arena MK transforms into a haven for dance music fans this Halloween as WAH brings its legendary Halloween party to town. Expect huge production, big beats and top names from the UK dance scene, including D Double E, Flava D and Badger – for a night that promises to be nothing short of electric.

Dizzee Rascal’s Halloween Junkies

Arena MK | Friday 31th October

The Halloween celebrations continue as UK music icon Dizzee Rascal brings his brand-new live show Halloween Junkies to Arena MK. Expect a high-energy set packed with hits like “Bonkers”, “Fix Up, Look Sharp” and “Dance Wiv Me”, all wrapped in a fully themed Halloween spectacle. It’s one of the biggest nights of the season, and one not to be missed.

The Return to V7 Saxon Street

Arena MK | Saturday 1 November

Milton Keynes’ legendary rave heritage comes alive again as The Return to V7 Saxon Street celebrates the iconic 90s venue that helped shape the city’s music scene.

Arena MK will play host to a full day and night of classic sounds, from jungle and hardcore to drum & bass, bringing together old-school ravers and new fans alike for a celebration of MK’s vibrant music culture.

FireworX – The UK’s Biggest Fireworks Show

The National Bowl | Saturday 1st November

Rounding off an incredible month, The National Bowl will light up the Milton Keynes skyline with FireworX – the UK’s biggest fireworks and pyrotechnic show.

Presented by SkyFest, this all-new event combines fireworks, lasers, drones, and live entertainment to create a truly immersive experience. With a family-friendly festival atmosphere, food stalls and funfair rides, it’s set to be a spectacular finale to the Stadium MK Group’s October lineup.

For more information and to book tickets for any of the upcoming events visit:
https://www.mkdons.com/news/2025/october/08/what-s-on-across-the-stadium-mk-group-this-october/

Things are getting ever more chillsome at Milton Keynes Museum with the history hub preparing to celebrate half term with a full week of Halloween spooks – Monday, 27 October – Friday, 31 October.

For the first time, the Museum will be delivering a Victorian themed event too, adding to the creepability!

Popular local performance troupe, The Black Sheep Collective will be occupying the Street of Shops with perfectly eerie interactive performances.

There have been some spooky goings on, reports of shadows, strange noises and people going missing in the street of shops.

Meet George the paperboy, Betty the Butcher and Victor the V… who disappears into the shadows. All have their own story to tell, if you are brave enough to listen!

In the farmhouse, the Parlour will be dressed with all kinds of authentic decoration from the time when Queen Victoria occupied the throne.

Elsewhere, Halloween activities are running – including cookie decorating, and the chance to make your own witch’s hat. Museum volunteers will be dressing to scare, too.

And there’s much more, including a Spooky Singalong with Lingotot (Oct 29), Victorian-inspired henna design candle painting (Oct 30) and – coinciding with Black History Month – Cultural storyteller Chinwe will explain the meaning behind Adinkra Symbols from Ghanaian Culture, cross referencing them with objects from the servant’s room (Oct 31).

“It’s frightening how quickly Halloween is upon us, but we are ready for it and can promise everyone who visits the Museum this half term a thoroughly creepy time!” promised deputy director Surbhi Bhambri, “We’ve got a full week of freaky and fabulous events and activities planned, which will be spine-chillingly great, and perfect for all ages!”

There is ample free parking for broomsticks – and cars – at the Museum.

Pay once at the Museum and you can visit for free for a whole year.

For more information visit www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

* Black Sheep Collective performances are 12-2pm daily, October 27-October 31.

Based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, perennial festive favourite Stick Man is going to be this year’s family Christmas show at The Stables in Milton Keynes.

“Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three…”

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas?

Performances will run from Tuesday 16 December through to Sunday 4 January.

This much-loved adaptation from Freckle Productions, the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

Julia Donaldson is the multi award-winning author of some of the world’s best loved children’s books including The Gruffalo and Zog. Julia is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which have sold over 75 million copies and have been published in over 100 languages.

Tickets for all performances are now on sale and can be booked online at
www.stables.org or by phone by calling The Stables box office on 01908 280800. The show is suitable for all children over 3 years old and the performance lasts approximately one hour.

Visit Santa this Christmas at centre:mk and experience the brand-new tale of Peter Rabbit and Friends, in a heartwarming new festive adventure!

Families will enter Peter Rabbit’s cosy burrow, warmly welcomed by Mrs Rabbit who will tell the tale of Peter’s lost Christmas presents. The Children will use clues to help Mrs Rabbit search for the missing presents, before adventuring out into the snowy forest through Peter’s secret tunnel.

Within the snowy forest, families will join Peter Rabbit and friends in some festive fun, where they will decorate gingerbread biscuits for the Christmas feast, before heading off to meet with Santa himself to complete their journey.

Each child will take away their decorated biscuit and receive a lovely gift from Santa.

Grotto Ticket Prices:

*all tickets will incur a booking fee at checkout

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group’s spectacular production of the classic multi-award-winning musical Mary Poppins is flying into Milton Keynes Theatre from 29 October 2025 for four weeks only, with performances until Saturday 22 November.

Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 million people have witnessed the magic worldwide, with the production having been translated into 13 languages.

Leading the company are Australian stars Stefanie Jones (the Australian National Tour of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical) and Jack Chambers (winner of So You Think You Can Dance Australia), who reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having previously starred in the Australian production. The pair opened this UK and Ireland tour in Bristol last year, to critical and audience acclaim. Patti Boulaye (Hair, Shaftesbury Theatre; Two Gentlemen of Verona, Phoenix Theatre) will play the role of Bird Woman until Sun 16 Nov, and from Tue 18 Nov onwards, international recording artist and actress Lyn Paul will take over the role.

The cast is also led by Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story) as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner (West End production of Mary Poppins) as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe (Olivier nominee for The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs Brill, Wendy Ferguson (Les Misérables, West End) as Miss Andrew, Sharon Wattis (Book of Mormon, West End) as Mrs Corry, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda, West End) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (West End productions of Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman.

Olive Harrison, Connie Jones, Yvie Moore, Katie Ryden and Sienna Sibley currently alternate the role of Jane Banks with Oliver Benson, Charlie Donald, Oli Manning, Joshua Miles and Oliver Noble alternating the role of Michael Banks.

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs: Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and Feed the Birds.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS

Mary Poppins

Performances: Wednesday 29 Oct – Saturday 22 Nov 2025 (Evenings @ 7:30pm, Wed, Thu & Sat matinees @ 2:30pm, Sun matinees @ 2pm)
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 Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Irving Berlin’s Top Hat is heading out on tour and coming to Milton Keynes Theatre on Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 September for one week only.

Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation’s original West End production won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out.

The musical equivalent of the finest vintage champagne – effervescent, elegant and exhilarating – Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs: the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.

When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont, whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her heart – but the path of true love never does run smooth. Especially since Dale has mistaken Jerry for his hapless producer Horace, who’s trying to avoid the wrath of his formidable wife Madge, and Dale’s own fiery Italian admirer is planning a trip to Venice for her to showcase his couture gowns.

Reprising their roles from Chichester Festival Theatre will be Phillip Attmore (So You Think You Can Dance) as Jerry Travers, Sally Ann Triplett (Cabaret) as Madge Hardwick, James Clyde (Matilda the Musical) as Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio (Mamma Mia!) as Alberto Beddini. Amara Okereke (My Fair Lady) joins the cast as Dale Tremont and James Hume (Kiss Me Kate) as Horace Hardwick.

Acclaimed American director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall stages this brand-new production. A nine-time Tony nominee and three-time winner for her choreography on the Broadway productions of Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game and Anything Goes, her most recent revival of Anything Goes – which played at London’s Barbican, on a UK tour, and was also televised – received nine Olivier Award nominations in 2022 and Kathleen herself received the award for Best Choreographer. She has worked on more than twenty Broadway shows and she is the first woman to have directed a play, directed a musical and choreographed a musical on Broadway.

With Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Top Hat is adapted for the stage by Matthew White & Howard Jacques.

The UK and Ireland tour of Top Hat is produced by Kenny Wax and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS 

Top Hat

Performances: Tue 23 – Sat 27 Sep 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

Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture returns with the City of Codes and Light Festival 2025. A free, city-wide celebration of culture, science, technology and creativity.

From 1–22 October, venues across Milton Keynes will host Constellations of Stars: Echoes Across the Sky. This year’s festival celebrates the work of Islamic astronomers such as al-Sufi and Ali Qushji and invites visitors to experience the night sky as a shared story connecting cultures and generations.

The festival features interactive installations, immersive projections, live performances, workshops, exhibitions, and community events.

WHAT’S ON

1 October – Launch Event

Bletchley Park: Special opening event with a panel of speakers including Dr. Alice Dumford, space instrumentalist and physicist, and Ruhee S Kahar, stellar astrophysics PhD student at the University of Dundee.

4 October

Mind & Matter Projection: Large-scale projection by multimedia creative studio Limbic Cinema, illuminating the MK Central Library with the story of astronomy from ancient stargazers to modern discovery. The projection will start at 7:15PM followed by the Lantern Parade.

Lantern Parade: City procession led by artist Emma Garofalo, featuring willow lanterns created by local school groups inspired by stars and constellations. Starting from the MK Central City Library at 7:35PM, the parade will weave through the city ending at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes where guests can enjoy more exciting activities, music and food.

In Infinity: Immersive galaxy installation created with Open University students combining a solar system of stars with thermal imaging. Available for guests to see from 6PM at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes

Live Music and Food Stalls: Community evening of music, refreshments and celebration. Available from 6PM at the John Lewis Car Park, Milton Keynes

21–22 October

STEAM Workshops: Interactive science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics activities designed to inspire young people.

Talks: Presentations from Ruhee S Kahar and Dr. Alice Dumford exploring astronomy and space science.

Exhibitions: Showcasing interactive installations and artworks.

Evening Performance: Step into a universe of stars, music, and movement with the Turkish Whirling Sufi Dancers on Tuesday 21st October, 6–7.30pm at Middleton Hall, centre:mk

City of Codes and Light FAQs

Dates: Wednesday 1st – Wednesday 22nd October 2025

Venues: Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes City Centre, centre:mk, and various locations across the city

FREE ENTRY for all major events

Fully accessible event sites

Join MKIAC and the Milton Keynes community for a powerful and inspiring celebration of culture, science, technology and creativity.

For more event information and participation opportunities contact: mkiac@mkcollege.ac.uk

Smash hit play 2:22 A Ghost Story returns to Milton Keynes from Mon 15 – Sat 20 Sep as part of a new UK Tour, starring Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton.

Returning to the role of Jenny following a limited run at the Gielgud Theatre in 2024, Stacey Dooley will perform alongside her partner Kevin Clifton, who will play Jenny’s husband, Sam. This will be the first time in the history of the play that a ‘real-life’ couple will take on the roles of Jenny and Sam in the production.

Kevin Clifton said: ‘I’m such a huge fan of 2:22 as a play. I have seen it a number of times, and I’ve wanted to play Sam for ages! It’s superbly written, clever, funny and thought-provoking whilst always maintaining a danger that kept me on the edge of my seat. When Stacey did the West End run, I thought she was brilliant and just wanted to be up there with her. Me and Stace playing a couple with a new baby in a new house could not be more perfect! I’m really excited!’

Stacey Dooley added: ‘THRILLED to be slipping back into Jenny’s slippers! Truly. I had such a magical few months with 2:22 last year, I couldn’t be more excited to bring this incredibly clever show on the road! And with my Kev! Total dream, come see us! S x’.

Joining Stacey & Kevin will be Grant Kilburn as Ben and Shvorne Marks in the role of Lauren. Kilburn returns to the role having understudied on the 2023 tour and the 2023 Apollo Theatre West End season, covering for Ricky Champ and Clifford Samuel.

2:22 – A Ghost Story’s phenomenal success includes three years in the West End over seven seasons. There have been twelve replica productions worldwide, and the show has been seen by over 1 million people in seventeen different countries across 5 continents. In 2023/24, 2:22 – A Ghost Story embarked on its first extensive, hugely successful UK tour. For 2025/26, the production is back on the road, revisiting some cities due to popular demand.

What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?

“THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE. I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME”

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam, isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up… until 2:22… and then they’ll know.

“A slick, chilling, romp of a play”, The Guardian

“A modern classic”, Sunday Times

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS 

2:22 A Ghost Story
Performances: Mon 15 Sep – Sat 20 Sep 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

Age recommendation 12+