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

The British Off Road Grand Prix (MKGP 2026) is one of the largest indoor radio-controlled car racing events in the UK, bringing together 430 competitors from all over the world for three days of high-energy competition in Milton Keynes.

From Friday 6 February to Sunday 8 February, watch the 1/10 scale electric off-road RC vehicles in the racing arena in Middleton Hall at centre:mk – and it’s completely FREE to watch and great fun for the whole family.

Watch the highly skilled competitors race their vehicles in this high-speed competition.

The event is professionally managed, with marshals, race control, commentators and safety barriers in place.

The event is key for attracting young people into science and technology as a career path and several local schools will also be attending the event.

The racing will be live streamed globally by RCTV, the top RC media channel in the world, with over 115,000 subscribers.

“RC racing is one of the most engaging ways to introduce children to engineering and technology without them even realising they’re learning. By bringing the British Off Road Grand Prix into centre:mk, we’re opening the sport, and the STEM skills behind it, to a whole new audience.” Brett Castle – Event Organiser of the MKGP2026

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director added “We are very excited to be hosting this fantastic event once again. It is amazing to watch the skill involved in this competition, bringing an event that is totally unexpected, into a shopping centre environment. It is popular with visitors to the centre who take a break from the shops and restaurants to watch the racing.”

More info HERE

The first-ever UK and Ireland tour of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, comes to Milton Keynes Theatre direct from the West End from Tue 27 Jan – Sat 7 Feb 2026.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the story of legendary artist Tina Turner, the twelve-time Grammy Award-winning Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, the musical is an inspiring true story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender, and race to conquer the world against all odds.

The cast will be led by Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi (Moulin Rouge! Das Musical, Cologne; Sweet Charity, Nottingham Playhouse) and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy (Ghost the Musical, UK Tour; Hairspray, London Coliseum), who will share the iconic role of Tina Turner, alongside David King-Yombo (Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre; Oklahoma!, Wyndham’s Theatre) as Ike Turner.

Joining them in the cast is Martin Allanson, who will play Record Producer Phil Spector, with William Beckerleg as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach, Rushand Chambers as Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Claude East as Tina’s grandmother Gran Georgeanna (GG), Isaac Elder as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Georgia Gillam as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Letitia Hector as Tina’s mother Zelma Bullock, Kyle Richardson as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, and Gemma Sutton as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL continues to run in the West End at the Aldwych Theatre, where it has played for over 6 years following its world premiere, receiving critical acclaim, and breaking all Box Office records at the venue. It is currently booking until 25 October 2025, making it the longest-running show to ever run at the Aldwych. The production is also a global success, with 8 productions having opened worldwide since 2018, including on Broadway and across North America, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. The show is currently on tour in both North America and Australia.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet, sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Ethan Popp, and wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is dedicated to the memory of Tina Turner, who sadly passed away in May 2023.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
Performances: Tue 27 Jan – Sat 7 Feb 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

Venture just outside Milton Keynes to Forestry England Salcey Forest where families get step into a magical forest adventure with the new Room on the Broom Trail – launching January 2026.

Bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much loved story to life, this enchanting trail offers a spellbinding experience for families to enjoy throughout 2026. Celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the beloved book, the trail is packed with activities, fascinating forest facts, and plenty of hands on fun. It’s the perfect way for families to explore the great outdoors.

From 27 January, visitors can join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding journey through the forest. Along the way, children will help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand, and collect magical ingredients to complete her spell. Each stop on the trail is packed with fun activities, fascinating forest facts, and a sprinkle of woodland magic – perfect for young explorers and families looking for an unforgettable day out.

Demi Langford, Forest Centre Manager said:
“We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Room on the Broom to Salcey Forest. This trail is a wonderful way for families to connect with nature, enjoy a beloved story, and create unforgettable memories together. With fun activities and enchanting surprises along the way, it’s the perfect adventure for young explorers.”

To make the adventure even more special, families can pick up a Room on the Broom trail pack for just £4. Each pack includes a themed lanyard, magic spell cards, stickers, a pencil, and a pop-out craft to create your very own witchy wand.

The Room on the Broom trail continues the successful partnership between Forestry England and Magic Light Pictures, which began in 2014, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved characters to life in natural settings. Filled with woodland magic, captivating storytelling, and family fun, this new trail offers the perfect way for families to enjoy the great outdoors together throughout 2026.

For more details visit: www.forestryengland.uk/room-on-the-broom

Reggae Land has revealed their full line-up for its sixth and biggest edition to date when it returns to Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026. With more than 120 artists due to perform across seven stages, the announcement proves that this will be the celebrated festival’s most ambitious year yet, with one of the biggest ever reggae and dancehall festival line-ups ever assembled anywhere in the world.

Since moving to Milton Keynes’ National Bowl, Reggae Land has transformed the iconic venue into a Caribbean cultural hub that carefully combines world-class performances with Caribbean food villages, rum bars, flea markets, museum spaces and immersive decor. In 2026, the festival expands further with the addition of two new stages, even higher levels of production and sound and up to 100,000 attendees across the weekend. All this and more makes Reggae Land a truly authentic and tastefully curated showcase of Caribbean music, food and art in many different forms.

Across the much anticipated August weekend, Reggae Land will once again celebrate a full spectrum from roots and reggae royalty to dancehall, dub, jungle and carnival energy, all while bringing together legendary names, global stars, emerging artists and scene-defining selectors.

Saturday’s Main Stage is led by the return of two reggae and dancehall legends, bringing their exclusive world debut of landmark supergroup The King & The Royals, which unites the king of dancehall himself, Beenie Man, alongside reggae royalty, Morgan Heritage, both returning to Reggae Land having performed separately in 2023 and 2025 respectively. The King & The Royals serve up a historic, unifying live experience that brings together their two Grammy-winning legacies for one powerful, deeply authentic celebration, with spiritual uplift and lyrical mastery at its core. Dancehall fire and reggae soul will collide and feature many of their global hits, timeless classics and an emotional, high-energy vibe designed for all ages and all generations. They will be joined by debut performances from Tarrus Riley, Barrington Levy and Jah9, as well as Konshens and Kranium, who both make their debut Reggae Land appearances.

On Sunday, the Main Stage welcomes one of the most sought after dancehall artists on the planet, making his long awaited Reggae Land debut, the one and only Vybz Kartel. He is one of dancehall’s most influential and prolific artists and has long redefined the genre with his razor sharp lyricism, endless creativity and unmatched cultural impact. He’s a global hit machine with standouts including ‘Summertime,’ ‘Wine to the Top’ and “Party With Me” plus a catalogue that spans street anthems, club classics and melodic crossovers. On stage, Kartel brings intensity, presence and unifying singalongs charged with attitude and an unmistakable sound that has shaped modern dancehall.

Alongside him is another debut Reggae Land performance from the incredible Grammy nominated Shenseea, as well as the return of one of Jamaica’s most commercially successful exports, Shaggy, making his first appearance since headlining the very first Reggae Land back in 2022. Super Cat, Inner Circle and Mo’Kalamity & The Wizards make up the rest of Sunday’s mainstage line-up, who all continue the festival’s tradition of showcasing iconic voices alongside contemporary global stars.

The One Love Stage continues to honour roots, culture and conscious sounds. Saturday’s lineup includes Richie Spice, Ken Boothe, Jesse Royal, Samory I, League of Rebelz and Ras Kwame, while Sunday sees performances from Sanchez, Mr Vegas, Alborosie, Third World and Hollie Cook.

New for 2026, the Dancehall Stage delivers high-energy performances and sound system culture across both days. Saturday features T.O.K, Charly Black, Stylo G, The Heatwave presents Hot Wuk and sets from Seani B, Kash & Pharaoh G, DJ Larni and DJ Dennyhus & Prime. Sunday brings Cham, Serani, Ding Dong, David Rodigan, Becca D, Shayna Marie, DJ Nate and DJ Davda.

The Carnival Stage brings crossover energy and bass-driven sounds. Saturday includes General Levy, the Jungle Cakes takeover featuring Ed Solo, Deekline, Benny Page, Navigator and Killa P, Eva Lazarus, Robbo Ranx, Prince Fatty & Horseman, Jamie Rodigan and Sugarkane. Sunday hosts Congo Natty, Fabio & Grooverider & MC GQ, Top Cat (Live), Ragga Twins Crew, Shabba presents Janelle Wynter, Serocee & Friends, Ras Kwame’s Reggae Recipe and Kaya Fyah.

The Dub Stage returns with heavyweight sound system culture across both days, including Mad Professor, Little Lion Sound, Reggae Roast, Scientist, Mungos Hi Fi  & Charlie P, Aba Shanti I, YNG CPTN Sound, Sisters in Dub, Saxon Sound, Side by Side Soundsystem, King Tubby’s Soundsystem and more.

Rompa’s Reggae Shack returns with Ayito, Clapper Priest, Chez, Boxer Banton, Daddy Nature, DJ Ardi, DJ Dansey, Uncle Dugs, Lionpulse and more across the weekend, while the newly introduced Bob’s Bar Stage provides a dedicated space for roots reggae, dub and lovers rock. Across the weekend, artists include Earl Gateshead, Don Letts, Iration Steppas, Channel One, Dub Pistols Sound System, Rhoda Dakar,  Greensleeves Hi Fi, Josh Skints, Mark Ryder, Gully B and Queen Bee. 

Nowhere in the country, or arguably anywhere in Europe, serves up such a rich, tasteful blend of Caribbean music and culture than Reggae Land, as of 2 February 2026 – tickets were all sold out. Keep an eye on our socials for additional ticket releases.

Milton Keynes is set for a night of big laughs as The Comedy Cow returns to The Venue MK on Friday 27 February, delivering an unmissable evening of live stand-up comedy.

Doors open at 19:00, with the show starting promptly at 20:00.

Headlining the night is the brilliantly anarchic Spencer Jones, star of Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show. Known for his surreal storytelling, musical madness, and unpredictable charm, Jones promises a headline set packed with originality and laughter.

Opening the show is comedy veteran Mike Gunn, one of the UK circuit’s most respected acts, bringing razor-sharp wit and masterful timing to kick the night off in style.

Holding the night together as MC is the ever-reliable Julian Deane, whose slick crowd work and warm delivery make him a favourite at comedy clubs across the country. Completing the line-up is rising star Ed Hedges, taking the middle spot with his clever, relatable humour and fast-growing reputation.

Event details:

• Event: The Comedy Cow
• Venue: The Venue MK
• Date: Friday 27 February
• Doors: 19:00
• Show starts: 20:00

With a carefully curated line-up of established names and exciting talent, The Comedy Cow continues its reputation for bringing high-quality comedy nights to Milton Keynes.

Tickets are expected to sell fast, so early booking is strongly advised.

BOOK HERE

Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has selected ATG Entertainment (ATG) as its preferred partner to operate a brand-new, multi-purpose events venue in the heart of Milton Keynes.

ATG, the global leader in live entertainment with over 30 years of experience, will bring its national and international expertise to the 4,000-capacity venue at the Old Bus Station, Elder Gate. The venue is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors annually, hosting a diverse range of performers and acts. It will complement ATG’s highly successful operation of Milton Keynes Theatre since it opened in 1999 by enabling larger-scale music performances and live experiences that the existing theatre cannot accommodate.

This landmark project represents a £76 million investment from MKDP and is forecast to deliver £158 million in economic and community benefits, alongside creating approximately 70 new jobs. The development forms part of MKDP’s updated Business Plan for 2024–2027, which focuses on transformative placemaking projects to enhance the city centre and provide facilities befitting a growing city. The venue will be located adjacent to the recently revitalised Station Square and close to Unity Place, Santander UK’s new £150 million headquarters and community hub.

ATG has a proven track record of attracting major acts and strengthening cultural offerings. This new venue will expand Milton Keynes’ entertainment landscape, giving residents and visitors access to blockbuster concerts and large-scale live experiences, with over 100 headline events planned annually.

Later this year, MKDP will begin the planning process, including a public consultation to ensure local voices help shape the development. Construction is expected to start soon after, with the venue scheduled to open in 2029.

“Identifying ATG as our preferred partner takes us one step closer to delivering a world-class events venue for Milton Keynes. This project reflects our shared vision with Milton Keynes City Council to create a vibrant, welcoming city centre that offers something for everyone. The venue will not only bring incredible live entertainment to the heart of the city but also boost the local economy, create jobs, and strengthen Milton Keynes’ reputation as a destination for music, culture, and events. We’re excited to work with ATG and the community to make this vision a reality.”
– Nicola Sawford, Chair of MKDP

“We are delighted to be named preferred partner for this landmark new venue in Milton Keynes. The city has ambitious plans for its future, a growing population, and a strong cultural appetite, making it an ideal location for a large-scale, multi-purpose events venue of this kind.

This new venue will complement the success of Milton Keynes Theatre by enabling larger-scale live music, comedy, and entertainment experiences that cannot currently be accommodated, broadening the city’s cultural offer for residents and visitors alike.

As the global leader in live entertainment, we work with the world’s leading artists, promoters, and producers to present concerts, comedy, and live events at scale, and we look forward to bringing that expertise to Milton Keynes. We’re excited to work in partnership with MKDP, the City Council, and the local community to create a world-class destination that delivers lasting cultural and economic benefits for the city.”
– Nick Potter, Chief Operating Officer for ATG Entertainment

MKDP is an independent organisation owned by Milton Keynes City Council. Through strategic land development, MKDP generates funding to support placemaking projects across the city. By 2027, MKDP will have provided £7.8 million to the city council for placemaking projects, rising to £23 million by 2035/36.

The Milton Keynes branch of John Lewis, in partnership with the UK and Ireland tour of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, is showcasing costumes from the production ahead of its arrival at Milton Keynes Theatre, where it will play from Tuesday 27 January – Saturday 7 February. The costumes are on display now until 9 February.

Designed by set and costume designer Mark Thompson, costumes on display at the store include replicas of the iconic gold fringe dress worn by Tina Turner for her landmark performance of Proud Mary on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1970, and the unforgettable red leather outfit from Tina’s 1988 Rio de Janeiro concert. This unique opportunity gives Milton Keynes shoppers the chance to see the costumes up close.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the story of legendary artist Tina Turner, the twelve-time Grammy Award-winning Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, the musical is an inspiring true story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender, and race to conquer the world against all odds.

Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy will share the iconic role of Tina Turner alongside David King-Yombo as Ike Turner. Martin Allanson will play Record Producer Phil Spector, with William Beckerleg as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach, Rushand Chambers as Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Claude East as Tina’s grandmother Gran Georgeanna (GG), Isaac Elder as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Georgia Gillam as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Letitia Hector as Tina’s mother Zelma Bullock, Kyle Richardson as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, Bree Smith as Standby Tina Turner and Gemma Sutton as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is dedicated to the memory of Tina Turner, who sadly passed away in May 2023.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

After all the fun, food and chaos of the festive season, there’s nothing quite like a New Year (and your New Year’s Resolutions) to give you a little bit of time to pause, reflect and re-focus on your wellbeing.

Whether you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, take on a new hobby or challenge yourself by trying something new, Xscape Milton Keynes has got everything you’re looking for under one gigantic roof.

SET YOUR GOALS

Looking to get out of your comfort zone? Or are you hoping to improve your PBs and master your favourite activity? From booking onto a climbing session at Gravity Rocks to completing all six themed escape rooms at Escape Hunt, Xscape is here to make all of your 2026 goals both fun and achievable. Between working on your Volcano Falls par, gearing up to bowl a perfect game at Hollywood Bowl or setting up a new Nuffield Health routine and shaping healthy habits, you’ll be levelling up your skills and reaching your goals in no time at all.

GET MOVING

From 5Ks to marathon training, if you’re looking to get outdoors and get moving this January, the first thing to do is plan a visit to Ellis Brigham, Trespass and Evans Cycles. Before you step into your new training regime, make sure you’re kitted out for everything with all the latest high-quality gear for everything from winter walks to summer hikes. If you prefer to stay indoors, there are still plenty of ways to increase your movement at Xscape – dive into the pool at Nuffield Health, burn off some energy with an open jump session at Gravity and increase your fitness as you race to the top of the Gravity Rocks climbing wall.

EMBRACE NEW CHALLENGES

It’s officially the time of year to take on a new challenge or two – and Xscape Milton Keynes have plenty to choose from! Whether you’re starting small and looking to challenge yourself to beat the high score on your favourite Funstation arcade game or you’re thinking bigger and wanting to dive into a new hobby and progress your flight skills at iFLY, you’re in the right place. Want to learn a new skill? Check out Snozone’s beginner courses. Looking to become your friend group’s biggest movie buff? Head to Cineworld and challenge yourself to watch a new film every week. And then, of course, there’s the biggest challenge of all…deciding what to explore first!

Visit the Xscape Milton Keynes website

The National Theatre’s tour of Dear England will be entertaining football and non-football fans alike when it kicks off at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 January 2026.

Following a record-breaking run in the West End in 2023, James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play Dear England is now on tour, visiting 16 venues across England, in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith for JAS Theatricals. Performances run at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 20 – Sat 24 Jan 2026, with tickets available now via ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

Dear England is ‘gripping, moving and funny…as good as theatre gets’ (★★★★ The Sunday Times). Audiences have been brought to their feet for this inspiring, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager.

Heading the cast in “the decade’s biggest theatrical triumph” (★★★★ Daily Telegraph) is David Sturzaker as England manager Gareth Southgate, with Samantha Womack (EastEnders, Mount Pleasant) playing team psychologist Pippa Grange. The cast also includes: Jake Ashton-Nelson (Jordan Henderson), Luke Azille (Jadon Sancho), Ian Bartholomew (Greg Dyke), Jass Beki (Bukayo Saka), Ashley Byam (Raheem Sterling), Steven Dykes (Sam Allardyce), Courtney George (Alex Scott), Oscar Gough (Harry Kane), Jayden Hanley (Marcus Rashford), Connor Hawker (Harry Maguire), Tom Lane (Eric Dier), Ian Kirkby (Gary Lineker), Jack Maddison (Jordan Pickford), Liam Prince-Donnelly (Dele Alli), and George Rainsford (Mike Webster). Stuart Ash, Natalie Boakye, Ebube Chukwuma, Sam Craig, Miles Henderson and Alex Wadham complete the company. The cast are also playing additional roles as part of the ensemble.

Dear England is written by multi-award-winning stage and screen writer James Graham (Punch, West End; Sherwood, BBC One), directed by Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Ink; Almeida Theatre/West End/Broadway), with set design by Es Devlin (Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour; The Lehman Trilogy, National Theatre).

It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.

The National Theatre will run a year-long schools engagement programme inspired by Gareth Southgate’s ‘Dear England’ open letter that he wrote to England fans in 2021.  This programme, which will prompt young people across the UK to reflect on their own place in history, just as the footballers in Southgate’s squad were encouraged to do, is in response to this year being the 80^th anniversary of the Second World War.  It will be delivered in schools across England with assemblies and workshops using spoken word and sound design to support students to share the hopes and aspirations they have for themselves and other young people, 80 years from now.  The resulting sound archive will form a unique 2025–2026 time capsule.  Students will also be invited to see performances of Dear England during the tour.  This year-long schools engagement programme is expected to reach over 10,000 young people.

Dear England was originally commissioned by the National Theatre and developed with the theatre’s New Work department.  Its world premiere was on 20 June 2023 in the Olivier theatre.  Following a sold-out run, Dear England transferred to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from 9 October 2023 to 13 January 2024, where it broke box office records.  Dear England was subsequently released to cinemas through National Theatre Live on 24 January 2024 and has been screened almost 2,500 times across the UK.  In February 2024, the BBC announced it had commissioned a four-part drama of Dear England based on the stage production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and it won ‘Best New Play’ at the 2024 Olivier Awards later that year.  Dear England returned to the National Theatre in spring 2025, updated to reflect the 2024 UEFA EURO tournament and Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager.  The play had its regional premiere at the Lowry in Salford on 29 May, followed by a 4-week run.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS

Dear England
Performances: Tue 20 Jan – Sat 24 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

If you’ve not visited the Land of Lights spectacular at Gulliver’s Resort this winter, there is still time to be dazzled!

For the fourth year running, visitors have been thrilled by the incredible Land of Lights displays, which opened at the end of October.

The festival, located at Gulliver’s Resort in Milton Keynes, is now open each Saturday throughout January and February.

Visitors set out on a mile-long visual voyage exploring multiple vivid dreamworlds of imagination and illumination – including a host of fantastic dinosaurs – and there is music and street food to enjoy.

Darren Hoy, Land of Lights festival manager, said: “This is an event that thrills the whole family, young and old, and it has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying the displays over the last couple of months.

“Land of Lights will be open every Saturday until the end of February – what better way to brighten up a cold winter’s day!”

You can make your visit to Land of Lights into something extra special with an overnight stay in the wide range of accommodation at Gulliver’s Resort, which includes Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed lodges, Western Lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

Land of Lights is also taking place at Gulliver’s Word in Warrington, where it has been held since 2022, and for the first time at Gulliver’s Valley in the Rother Valley.

To book your tickets for Land of Lights, visit: landoflights.co.uk

For more information on accommodation at Gulliver’s Resort, visit: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Stony Stratford is set for a huge night of laughter as The Comedy Cow brings a special Comedy Night to The Cock Hotel on Thursday 15th January, featuring an outstanding lineup from the UK comedy circuit.

Headlining the evening is Terry Alderton, one of Britain’s most original and unpredictable comedians. Known for his explosive energy, surreal storytelling and appearances on Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and EastEnders, Alderton promises a headline set packed with big laughs and bold comedy.

Opening the show is rising star Tadiwa Mahlunge, whose sharp observations and infectious stage presence have quickly made him one of the most exciting new voices in stand-up.

The night will be hosted by Stevie Gray, an experienced and quick-witted MC who will keep the laughs flowing from start to finish.

The lineup is further strengthened by shorter performances from Ben Ashurst and Kate Robb, adding even more variety and laughs throughout the evening.

Set in the intimate and welcoming surroundings of The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford, this Comedy Cow event offers audiences the chance to enjoy top-quality live stand-up in a relaxed, local setting.

Doors open at 7:30pm, with the show starting at 8:00pm.

With a strong lineup and limited capacity, this event is expected to sell fast.

Tickets are available from The Comedy Cow website: www.thecomedycow.co.uk