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.
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3 min read
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!
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4 min read
The National Theatre’s tour of Dear England will be entertaining football and non-football fans alikewhen 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 80th 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.
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
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2 min read
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.
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2 min read
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.
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5 min read
As the New Year begins, Milton Keynes is looking forward to a packed events programme in 2026 with live music, festivals, theatre and one-off events ready to stimulate the senses and bring the city to life!
What are you most looking forward to?
The National Bowl
Electronic music legends The Prodigy are returning to the National Bowl in Milton Keynes for the Warriors Dance Festival on Saturday 22 August 2026. This event will create history, bringing the undisputed heavyweight champions of the beats, The Prodigy, together with four masters of the game for the first time: the legendary Carl Cox, the king of drum & bass Andy C, Mr David “Ram Jam”, Japanese DJ/Producer ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U and the UK’s own SCARLXRD. Tickets are on sale now.
Reggae Land returns to the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 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. NOW SOLD OUT.
Diaspora Calling! will make its UK debut on Friday 7 August 2026 with a major open-air event at Milton Keynes National Bowl. The inaugural edition will be headlined by the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill in what is currently her only confirmed UK performance for 2026. She will be joined by Wyclef Jean, YG Marley, Zion Marley and more! Tickets on sale now.
Stadium MK Group, home to Milton Keynes Dons FC, will bring SMK Live – a brand-new multi-artist live music spectacular to Stadium MK on 27 & 28 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.
The first wave of artists for SMK Live has already been announced – Day One headlined by Basement Jaxx, with Clean Bandit, Ella Henderson, Jax Jones and Moonchild Sanelly also confirmed to appear.
Day Two headlined by Black Eyed Peas with special guest Jason Derulo, Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns joins the lineup together with Jaylen Ngonda and Maverick Sabre, and the one and only Big Narstie will be the Day Two host.
The FREE Midsummer Festival event organised by Milton Keynes City Council will return on Sunday 21 June. This family-friendly celebration, inspired by the summer solstice, is held on Midsummer Boulevard, which was famously designed to align with the rising and setting sun. The festival transforms the street and surrounding public spaces into a colourful stage filled with performances, creative workshops, live music, art installations, street food and plenty of activities for all ages.
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live music on a stunning outdoor stage in Campbell Park, right in Central Milton Keynes headlined by the legendary Scouting For Girls on Saturday 15 August and Symphonic Ibiza on Friday 14 August.
Prepare for a festival of innovation, art, science, and technology, taking place in Milton Keynes on Saturday 3 October. The Festival team is working with talented artists and digital technologists, to curate an unforgettable experience. More details will be released later in 2026.
Milton Keynes Theatre
In 2026, Milton Keynes Theatre welcomes a stellar lineup of shows and performances further cementing its position as the region’s leading entertainment venue. This year, you can enjoy The Choir of Man, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Matilda, SIX and so much more.
1940 Weekend returns to Bletchley Park, 13 & 14 June 2026. Get ready for a weekend of vintage fun, music, dancing, food and surprises for all the family. Learn to swing dance and show off your moves to live bands, sing along to timeless tunes that kept spirits high, try your hand at cracking coded messages, meet characters from the 1940s brought to life by re-enactors and join in with 1940s themed activities.
The UK’s number one Tribute Festival will once again take over Campbell Park in Milton Keynes for the August Bank Holiday weekend. Line up details will be announced soon.
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3 min read
Let’s face it…you can’t go wrong with Julia Donaldson. Her books are found in pretty much every household where young children reside. Tales like The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat, Zog, Tabby McTat and The Scarecrow’s Wedding have been delighting young people and adults for over 25 years.
One of the most beloved of her books is Stick Man and now this wonderful story of an anthropomorphic wooden stick who becomes separated from his family home has been turned into an award-winning stage show by Freckle Productions.
This production is beautifully done, it stays very true to the book, keeping the misadventures of our hero very simple yet wonderfully creative. Just three actors take to the stage in a fully immersive adaptation but using minimal props and some very catchy songs.
They take you on Stick Man’s journey from getting lost in the park, chewed on by a dog, taken to a nest by a swan, being swept out to sea and being used as a bat on a beach and onto to his final adventure when he meets the big man in a red suit, who helps Stick Man get home to the family tree.
We went along with a four-year-old and an eight-year-old, both big fans of the book and both clutching their own Stick Man toys. They loved every second, taking part in the audience participation sections – the naughty dog chases Stick Man through the audience and catching the beach ball. They got swept along in the magic of the story, even reciting some of the most memorable lines word for word.
For young children, where this might be their very first time going to a theatre, it’s a brilliant introduction – nothing is too loud or too in your face. It runs for around 55-60 minutes, with no interval and you can take your own snacks in as well, it’s all very relaxed. Bringing a mix of puppetry, live music, dance and fun – it’s a lovely, gentle story that plays wonderfully to the audience of all ages.
Even as adults, who have read the story countless number of times – we found ourselves rooting for Stick Man to get back to the “…family tree and his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.”
With the Christmas-themed ending, it’s a perfect alternative to some of the bolder, brighter, louder pantomimes, and it plays at The Stables in Milton Keynes until 4 January, with various performance times to suit younger audiences. Don’t miss out, this really is a delightful, heart-warming production that will fill you with joy.
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2 min read
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.
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3 min read
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
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4 min read
Silverstone’s biggest festive season yet has just started, with its flagship event, Lap of Lights (12th December – 3rd January 2026). Tickets have been selling fast, and weekends are already close to selling out. Late planners needn’t worry as there’s still time to secure an incredible day out at one of the world’s largest Christmas light trails, and with prices starting from just £50 per car, you can bring the whole family or a carload of friends for exceptional value.
Stacey Solomon and her family attended the exclusive launch of Lap of Lights ahead of the public opening. The event turns the home of British motorsport into a spectacular festive wonderland, family-friendly activities including the Ice Trak ice rink and LEGO® Santa’s Garage, festive food and drink, and interactive F1 experiences. Visitors can drive their own car through the trail, with tickets from just £50 per car. Stacey Solomon said: “We’ve had a really special evening! It’s such a cool experience being at Silverstone at Christmas time – the light trail on the circuit was magical and there’s loads for the kids to do.”
Lap of Lights transforms the home of British motorsport into a glittering festive wonderland. Guests can follow in the tyre tracks of F1 legends as they drive their own car around the famous circuit, guided by 10 immersive light attractions, 35 lasers and more than 7,000 LED panels. And with tickets charged per car, the whole family can come for prices as low as £50.
Highlights include a pre-lap Elf Pit Stop at Copse, where elf performers will engage with visitors trackside and from the stage, the dazzling Glittering Gateway, where a spectacular LED light show will surround each vehicle, the towering LED spectacle of Sledspeed Straight, the Northern Lights effects at Aurora Apex complete with smoke bubble machines, and the festive finale of Candy Cane Curve with giant inflatable candy canes and festive characters before finishing in the legendary Fastest Lapland down the Hamilton Straight.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a variety of festive food and drink, including German sausages, mince pies, hot chocolate, and mulled wine, providing the perfect way to refuel after a full day at Silverstone. Visitors will also have the chance to browse a wide selection of official Silverstone merchandise, ideal for stocking fillers and gifts for motorsport fans of all ages.
To make the festive trip even more memorable, visitors who book Lap of Lights tickets can also enjoy 10% off stays at Escapade Silverstone Hotel & Restaurant.
Guests can take advantage of these discounts to turn their festive day out into a full winter getaway at Escapade Silverstone Hotel & Restaurant, just moments from the Lap of Lights and the track. Choose from contemporary residences with trackside or countryside views and unwind after a day of lights and festive fun in the pool, gym, or at The Gallery Restaurant & Bar.
Prices start from £262 per night, including breakfast and dinner. Additional savings from £170 per night between 26th and 30th of December. To enjoy the full Lap of Lights experience without the worry of the drive home, book your Lap of Lights ticket to unlock your 10% discount, or visit escapade.silverstone.co.uk/festive-season to see what other offers are available this festive season.
With weekends selling fast for Lap of Lights, now is your chance to experience Silverstone at its most festive. Packed with lights, winter fun, and motorsport excitement, it’s a day out that the whole family and friends will never forget. Book now before it’s too late.
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2 min read
Willen On Ice is now open, marking the return of the city’s biggest and most-loved festive attraction. The recent launch event brought together local ice-skating talent, influencers, media guests, and community partners for an exclusive first skate under the lakeside lights.
Guests were treated to a stunning evening of skating, fairground rides, and seasonal food, while local performers — including rising pro skaters Darcie, Elsie, and Grace — delivered breathtaking routines that set the tone for a spectacular season ahead.
This year’s rink is bigger and better than ever, complete with sparkling décor, the lakeside Observation Wheel backdrop, and a packed programme that promises something for everyone. Disco Skate Fridays are new for 2025 with high-energy music, along with the hugely popular character skate sessions.
Rob Wood, Willen Lake’s Executive Director, said: “The launch event was everything we hoped for and more. Seeing the community, performers, and invited guests come together to celebrate the opening was incredible. Willen On Ice has always been about creating magical moments for Milton Keynes, and this year we’ve gone bigger, brighter, and even more festive. We can’t wait for everyone to come down and experience it.”
Willen On Ice is open until Sunday 4th January, and with sessions selling quickly, visitors are encouraged to book asap to secure their preferred dates.
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3 min read
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.
