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

UK’s Largest 360° Fireworks Show Comes to Milton Keynes

On Saturday, 1 November 2025, Milton Keynes will host FireworX, the UK’s largest 360° fireworks experience, as the iconic National Bowl is transformed into an immersive festival of light, sound and entertainment, marking one of the biggest fireworks celebrations the UK has ever seen.

Produced by two of the UK’s most innovative large-scale event teams – who together have staged over 250 spectacular shows for more than 5 million people – FireworX also involves Keith Emmett & Sons, the family fireworks specialists who delivered many of Milton Keynes’ most memorable displays, ensuring the city’s legacy of fireworks continues into a bold new era.

For more information and to sign up for ticket information

Join centre:mk for their annual Autumn/Winter Fashion Show in Middleton Hall for your FREE fashion fix!

• Catwalk shows on every hour, on the hour
• A host of exciting brand pop-ups from beauty and jewellery, to your favourite fashion brands
• Style Talks & Masterclasses
• Special Guest, TV Stylist – Annaliese Dayes!

MAIN STAGE TALK SCHEDULE

SATURDAY

• Annaliese Dayes | How to Dress for your Body Shape at 12:40pm & Learn about this Seasons Must-Have Trends at 2:40pm.
• Cavendish Clinic from John Lewis & Partners | How to Achieve Glass Skin at 1:40pm & 3:40pm.

SUNDAY

• Annaliese Dayes | How to Dress for your Body Shape at 12:40pm & Learn about this Seasons Must-Have Trends at 2:40pm.

BEAUTY STAGE TALK SCHEDULE

SATURDAY

• Kiehl’s | Healthy Skin the Kiehl’s Way at 11:20am
• Trinny London | Trinny London Must-Haves at 12:20pm
• Dior | Showcasing Dior Harrods Exclusives at 1:20pm
• Sisley | Haircare Focus at 2:20pm
• Guerlain | Showcasing Guerlain Harrods Exclusives at 3:20pm

SUNDAY

• D&G | Showcasing Makeup Exclusives at 11:20am
• De Bois | Showcasing De Bois Harrods Exclusives at 12:20pm
• Sisley | Haircare Focus at 1:20pm
• H beauty | New Exclusive Launches at 2:20pm
• Trinny London | Trinny London Must-Haves at 3:20pm

The 2026 Winmau World Masters returns to the home of MK Dons next year, bringing Sport’s Biggest Party back to Arena MK.

Tickets for the 2026 Winmau World Masters will go on staggered sale from Monday 22 September, ahead of the tournament’s return to Arena MK, Milton Keynes, from 29 January to 1 February 2026.

The prestigious event will feature 32 of the world’s top darts stars, with reigning champion Luke Humphries set to defend his crown. Newly crowned World Champion Luke Littler has also secured his place, with further names to be confirmed as the competition draws closer.

Ticket Sales Schedule:

PDCTV Annual Members: Monday 22 September, 12pm

Pre-Sale Members: Tuesday 23 September, 12pm

General Sale: Wednesday 24 September, 12pm

Fans are encouraged to secure early access by becoming a PDCTV Annual Member or by registering for Pre-Sale Access via the free registration form at https://bit.ly/Masters26.

Pre-Sale Registration

Pre-sale registration closes at 12pm on Friday 19 September, after which fans will need to wait until the General Sale window opens.

Ticket prices will be announced in due course. Purchases will be limited to a maximum of six table seats or ten tier seats per member.

Neil Hart, Group CEO of Stadium MK, said:

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming the Winmau World Masters back to the world-class Arena MK.

Darts has such an electric following, and this tournament brings together some of the biggest names in the sport, with Milton Keynes at the heart of the action. To have both Luke Humphries and Luke Littler among the line-up makes this an unmissable spectacle for fans.

At Stadium MK, we’re committed to hosting a wide variety of live events that showcase sport and entertainment at the highest level. We know the passion of darts fans, and we cannot wait to see Arena MK packed out for what promises to be another unforgettable four days.”

Fans can register now for Pre-Sale Access via the official link: https://bit.ly/Masters26

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

Unity Place is celebrating its second anniversary this week, marking two years as Milton Keynes’ go-to destination for community, collaboration, and connection. Since then, Unity Place has grown into a thriving city hub – uniting businesses, charities, food lovers, and visitors from across the region.

Over the past two years, Unity Place has been more than just a building — it has been a stage for local events, a meeting place for community groups, and a home for nearly a thousand members in the dedicated co working space x+why, who choose to work and grow their businesses here. From supporting charities to opening doors for grassroots organisations, its impact has been felt across Milton Keynes.

As the landmark destination celebrates its second birthday, let’s take a look at Unity Place’s impact in numbers:

• 1,030 hours of community hall use
• 250 sessions hosted for local groups and organisations
• 1,000 coworking members now part of the Unity Place community in x+why
• 857 events hosted and over 125 businesses welcomed in the conference and events spaces
• 37 organisations making use of the community hall facilities
• A raft of local charities supported including MK Food Bank, Alzheimer’s Society, MK SNAP, Camphill MK, Willen Hospice, Unity MK, and Cycling Citizens

From lively events and community initiatives to supporting start-ups and providing modern coworking facilities, Unity Place has cemented itself as more than just a building, it’s a place where people come together.

Demonstrating the value of the use of the community hall space, Steve Lazell, Secretary, Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Watch Association, comments: “Having access to the free community hall at Unity Place has been invaluable. It means we can bring together volunteers, coordinators, and partners in one central place – without worrying about the cost. That saving allows us to do more of what really matters: helping communities prevent crime and making Milton Keynes a safer place for everyone.”

Over the past two years, Unity Place has been involved with high profile events across the city including the Milton Keynes International Festival and in its birthday month will play a leading role in the inaugural MK Tech Week.

To mark the milestone, Unity Place is inviting visitors to join the celebrations with:

• Special offers from participating food & beverage outlets
• A social media competition giving followers the chance to win exclusive prizes
• A look back at the highlights and achievements of the past two years

“Unity Place was designed to bring people together, and two years on it’s incredible to see how the community of Milton Keynes has embraced it,” said Nathan Kennard, Centre Experience Manager. “From the charities we’ve supported to the thousands of people who have entered our doors, Unity Place is now firmly part of Milton Keynes’ story.”

With plans for new events, partnerships, and community initiatives in the pipeline, Unity Place is set to continue its journey as a central part of Milton Keynes life for years to come.

Find out what’s on at Unity Place

Visitors to Gulliver’s Land can enjoy all the thrills of the theme park while raising vital funds for Willen Hospice.

The special charity weekend in support of the hospice takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21.

Entry to the theme park in Milton Keynes over that weekend costs from just £17 per person, with £2.50 of each ticket sold donated to Willen Hospice.

The hospice is the only adult care hospice in Milton Keynes, with 170 staff and more than 600 volunteers providing palliative and end-of-life care, free of charge, to people living with a life-limiting illness.

Run by local people for local people, Willen relies on donations to provide these services to patients and their families. Situated alongside Willen Lake with its beautiful views, the setting is a tranquil place for patients and their loved ones to make the most of their time left together.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “Willen Hospice has been caring for patients and supporting their families for more than 40 years and we are proud to once again be able to help raise funds and awareness of the incredible work it does. Each year our visitors come along in huge numbers to support our charity weekends, and we are expecting another busy weekend for Willen Hospice.”

Visitors will be able to enjoy the thrills of more than 50 fantastic rides, attractions, shows and activities at the resort.

Among the exciting rides at Gulliver’s Land are The Runaway Train, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster, while at the Dino & Farm Park, you can explore the Lost Word in Dinosaur Discovery, visit the Reptile and Bug Centre, and a farmyard with a host of animals to enjoy.

As a special treat, why not turn your trip to Gulliver’s into a weekend stay by booking into one of the resort’s colourful accommodation options, which include Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn themed lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

For more information and to book your tickets for the charity weekend, visit:
www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

To find out more about the work of Willen Hospice, visit:
willen-hospice.org.uk

Midsummer Place is proud to announce that its 25th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Saturday 27 September from 10am – 4pm. Shoppers, families, and the local community are invited to join in a fun-filled day of entertainment, marking a quarter of a century at the heart of Milton Keynes.

Visitors can expect a packed line-up of FREE activities throughout the mall, including:

• Face painting with colourful designs for children
• Stilt walkers delivering high-energy fun and spectacle
• Live music to set the perfect celebratory soundtrack
• Plus, plenty more surprises throughout the day

As part of the celebrations, a special ceremony will also take place for everyone who shared their story with the Umbrella Project, where they will be presented with their very own umbrella from the art display as a thank you.

Since opening its doors in 1999, Midsummer Place has grown to become a vibrant shopping and lifestyle destination, home to leading fashion brands, unique independents, and a thriving food scene. The 25th anniversary is not just a celebration of the centre itself, but of the community that has supported it over the years.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been part of Milton Keynes for 25 years,” said Simon Martin Centre Manager at Midsummer Place. “This celebration is our way of saying thank you to the shoppers, retailers, and community who have made Midsummer Place such a special destination. We look forward to welcoming everyone on 27 September for a day full of fun and festivities.”

The event is FREE to attend and open to all.

For more information, visit https://midsummerplace.co.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+

Unity Place, the landmark workplace and community destination in the heart of Milton Keynes, has been shortlisted for multiple prestigious awards this year, celebrating its design innovation, social impact, and contribution to sustainable development.

Already a winner of the Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) Award at the British Council for Offices (BCO) Midlands Awards, Unity Place is now in the running for several national accolades, including the National ESG Award at the BCO Awards in October.

The BCO judges praised how Unity Place ‘fosters collaboration and community centred around an internal street with independent retail, restaurants, and a community hall’.

Alongside the BCO win, Unity Place has also been:

• Shortlisted in the Society of Facade Engineering (SFE) Awards 2025 in the Innovation (UK) category, recognising its forward-thinking architectural design and sustainability-led construction methods.
• Shortlisted in the British Construction & Infrastructure Awards (BCIA) 2025 for the Social Value & Community Impact Award highlighting its significant contribution to community wellbeing and engagement.
• Shortlisted in the South Region for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards 2025, placing Unity Place among the most exemplary architectural projects in the country.

These nominations reflect Unity Place’s growing reputation as a model for inclusive, sustainable urban development — one that not only enhances Milton Keynes’ skyline but also delivers lasting benefits to the local community.

Unity Place’s centre experience manager Nathan Kennard said: “It’s fantastic to see Unity Place receiving such well-deserved recognition. These awards highlight the ambition behind the project — to create a place where people come together to work, connect, and thrive.

“We’re particularly proud of the BCO ESG Award win, which reinforces the positive social and environmental impact Unity Place is having right here in Milton Keynes.”

Unity Place also achieved considerable success in 2024 across acclaimed property, construction and design awards.

And with more award announcements expected in October and November, Unity Place continues to lead the way in shaping the future of work and community in the region.

For updates and further information, follow Unity Place on social media and visit:
www.unityplace.co.uk