Milton Keynes Theatre Summer Season Brochure 2011

summer 2011

LD WO RE R E I PREM comes to Milton keynes!

TUE 16 - SAT 27 AUG

Public booking opens Wed 16 Mar 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

Welcome

More Shows More Savings Join AmbassadorFriends and get access to amazing ticket offers at Milton Keynes Theatre and in up to 39 Ambassador Theatre Groups venues across the UK. There are great 2 for 1 offers & priority booking, ensuring you get the best seats at the best price - all for £30!

Andrew Lister General Manager

THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON IS BACK ONE LAST TIME!

EXCLUSIVE PRIORITY BOOKING GREAT 2 FOR 1 OFFERS TICKET OFFERS IN UP TO 39 VENUES ACROSS THE UK OFFERS & PRIORITY BOOKING FOR WEST END SHOWS 10% OFF AT SELECTED THEATRE BARS FEE FREE TICKET EXCHANGE Call 0844 871 7633 Apply online www.ambassadortickets.com/friends Visit Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office Marlborough Gate Central Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Keira Knightley & Elisabeth Moss COMEDY THEATRE, LONDON

ONE NIGHT SHOWS

4

AVENUE Q 18 - 23 apr

8

JEFFREY BERNARD is UNWELL 25 - 30 APR

8

For the first time ever MKT will be presenting Stage Experience, an opportunity for local young people aged 9 - 21 to take part in a full scale Musical production on our stage. Working alongside a professional Director, Choreographer & Musical Director, the cast will rehearse the show in just two intensive weeks, culminating in four fully-staged performances on the MKT stage. This year we are offering the chance to perform the hit musical West Side Story.

Open auditions take place on Sun 1 May see page 20 for more details.

NORTHERN BALLET CLEOPATRA 3 - 7 MAY

9

THRILLER - LIVE! 9 - 14 MAY

10

VERDICT 6 - 10 Jun

11

GREASE 24 MAY - 4 JUN

12

MIDNIGHT TANGO 14 - 18 JUN

14

JEKYLL & HYDE 27 JUN - 2 JUL

15

SHAUN THE SHEEP 7 - 10 Jul

16

Grease, ‘The No.1 Greatest Musical’ which has filled auditoria time and time again, returns this season for two weeks only.

So dust off your leathers and join Danny and Sandy for an electrifying night out!

ALARMS & EXCURSIONS 11 - 16 Jul

17

TOP HAT 16 - 27 Aug

18

We are also proud to announce that Top Hat, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ greatest Hollywood dance musical, will receive its world premiere live on the Milton Keynes Theatre stage. Starring Tom Chambers (Strictly Come Dancing winner and Holby City heartthrob) and Summer Strallen (Love Never Dies), this stunning new musical comedy is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.

COMING SOON

MKT Raw is also back for 2011 and this year we have partnered with English National Ballet who will work alongside our already established team of leading street and contemporary choreographers. For more information on how to take part please see page 28.

I welcome your thoughts and suggestions on all aspects of the theatre so please feel free to contact me at andrewlistermkt@theambassadors.com

JOIN NOW AND START SAVING TODAY!

PRIORITY FRIENDS ALLOCATION

Milton Keynes Theatre is, once again, looking forward to an exciting new summer season with a fantastic line-up of shows to suit all tastes and ages. We are also offering brand-new ways for young people to get involved and enhance their theatre experience during the school holidays.

I look forward to welcoming you to Milton Keynes Theatre this summer. Be sure to book tickets to your favourite show now to secure the best seats in the house.

Best wishes, Andrew Lister

‘WE’RE GOING TO NEED CONSIDERABLY BIGGER BUNS’ MON 28 MAR - SAT 9 APR

Production shot from South Pacific

21

COMMUNITY

28

CREATIVE LEARNING

28

MKCO

30

MK Gallery

30

BOOKING INFO

31

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

32

ONE NIGHT SHOWS AL MURRAY

THE BRITISH pink floyd SHOW

BARREL OF FUN

This extravagant new show brings together all the best elements of a real Pink Floyd show together with amazing cutting edge Floydian animation and a staggering stage production. Brit Floyd is the absolute best of Floyd live in the sort of spectacularly ostentatious setting that all true Floyd fans will relish.

SUN 24 APR 7.30pm TICKETS £27.50

Britain’s best-known Pub Philosopher will be serving up his own special brew of bar room banter at venues across the UK. Barrel of Fun will see the Guv going back to basics; returning to many of the intimate venues where he made his name.

Recommended for ages 15+

(Premium seats available)

sat 21 may 8pm TICKETS £25.50*

MILTON JONES

AN EVENING WITH SUGGS

LION WHISPERER That weird bloke with the shirts from Mock the Week, as well as star of the Michael McIntyre Roadshow, and all sorts of other radio and telly as well. Well, it’s his new show with new stuff, not in his last show.

Youtube him or something.

Recommended for ages 16+

Caption

SUN 22 may 7.30pm TICKETS £23.50 - £27.50*

SUN 1 MAY 8pm TICKETS £15*

lenny henry CRADLE TO RAVE: a musical journey Lenny returns to his roots with a funky, funny and touching show about the thing he loves most: music. It’s a musical journey, exploring the role music has played, and will play, at every stage of Lenny’s life from the womb to the tomb.

ladysmith black mambazo With Special guest Muntu Valdo

Recommended for ages 16+.

For over forty years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South Africa to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music, garnering praise and being identified as a cultural force to be reckoned with.

SUN 8 MAY 7.30pm TICKETS £23.50*

SUN 12 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £24 - £27.50

JIMMY CARR LAUGHTER THERAPY

BRIAN MAY & KERRY ELLIS

BACK DUE TO PHENENOMENAL DEMAND!

ANTHEMS: the tour Anthems: The Tour is the live version of Kerry Ellis’ stunning hit debut album produced by and co-starring Queen legend Brian May. Performed by Kerry, Brian and their band with both rock and musical theatre anthems from the West End. WED 18 MAY 7.30pm TICKETS £34.50 - £39.50*

Micky draws on his East End background as he ruthlessly deconstructs the Cockney myth with razor-sharp observational wit. Telling a comic tale of a working class upbringing, where alphabetti spaghetti is a luxury. Micky has come a long way since then, thanks to a university education he is now a rare delight – an intellectual Cockney.

Recommended for ages 16+

THU 19 MAY 8pm TICKETS £17.50*

If you’ve got a sick sense of humour then maybe laughter is the best medicine. Not to be taken if you have a sensitive disposition or an overactive moral compass. Recommended dose: one brand-new show to be taken annually. (I said annually).

Recommended for ages 16+.

(Premium seats available)

micky flanagan

4

Caption

Is the theatre world ready for the pandemonium, the one-man carnival, that is... Suggs? We reveal the Madness frontman on his unique journey in a show that’s part music, part personal vision, part music hall Caption extravaganza. It’s a hilarious and sometimes sad story of a life he can still not quite believe is happening.

THU 23 JUN 8pm TICKETS £25*

DYLAN MORAN YEAH, YEAH Ageing, religion, kids, and relationships intertwine with the general absurdities of life. Searing observations and sumptuous imagery, painted across a large fraying canvas with cruel, curmudgeonly ‘Moranesque’ brush strokes and all delivered with Dylan’s renowned, shambolic charm. It’s simply unmissable.

Recommended for ages 15+

SUN 3 JUL 8pm TICKETS £22* 5

one night shows THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR Full of wonderful memories of the Rat Pack in a fabulous production that continues to be successful all over the world. It’s all totally live and every song is an absolute classic - Come Fly With Me, Under My Skin, That’s Amore, Mack The Knife plus many more of your favourites.

MON 4 JUL 7.30pm TICKETS £16 - £20

JONATHAN ANSELL & FRIENDS Former G4 front man and recording star Jonathan Ansell is coming to town in his first ever nationwide solo tour. Accompanied by three superb tenors and orchestra, Jonathan will be performing G4’s greatest hits, along with some of pop and opera’s most famous songs from his number one albums Tenor at the Movies and Forever. tue 5 JUL 7.30pm TICKETS £24.50 - £27.50* (Premium seats available)

JOOLS HOLLAND

Roary, the number 1 little race car ‘zooms’ into theatres for the very first time in a brand new live stage show! Roary is all set to battle it out with Maxi, Cici, and all the other cars to lift the trophy, but who will win the race and be crowned the champion?

FRI 2 SEP 1pm & 3.30pm TICKETS £14.50

(Premium seats available)

BACK FOR GOOD Recreating the magic of Take That live in concert. From Rule the World, Greatest Day and Shine to the heart-warming Patience, Said It All and A Million Love Songs, you will be putting your hands together to Pray that the boys are truly Back For Good!

SAT 3 SEP 7.30pm TICKETS £19.50

THAT’LL BE THE DAY

and his rhythm & blues orchestra

25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Arguably the UK’s most popular pianist and bandleader returns complete with his 20-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring former Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis and the show-stopping vocals of Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall this will be a spectacular night of music!

Trevor, Gary and the gang return with the most popular feel-good comedy routines and favourite hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s which have been performed in the show over the last 25 years. We guarantee you’ll be on your feet and dancing before the night is over!

WED 6 JUL 7.30pm TICKETS £30.50 - £35.50*

SUN 4 SEP 7.30pm TICKETS £20 - £23

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Ray McVay presents a brand new show with the Glenn Miller Orchestra bringing the 40s back to Milton Keynes! The Moonlight Serenaders with their fabulous harmonies; Jan Messeder and Colin Anthony on vocals and the swinging jazz band, The Uptown Hall Gang, all get together to give you an unforgettable evening.

Wed 31 Aug 7.30pm TICKETS £15 - £17 (Premium seats available)

6

ROARY THE RACING CAR

ED BYRNE CROWD PLEASER Crowd Pleaser is a hilarious insight into Ed’s life as he continues his quest to turn into a grumpy old man. Whether he is talking about his cat, cake, religion or potential fatherhood, Ed is always certain to deliver the laughs in abundance.

Recommended for ages 16+.

mon 19 sep 7.30pm TICKETS £20*

JANE MCDONALD

bill wyman’s rhythm kings

Britain’s favourite diva brings her fabulous new show to town fresh from record breaking appearances across the UK in 2010. Bringing capacity houses to their feet wherever she appears this is truly one of the hottest tickets in town, a show that has the audiences dancing in the aisles night after wonderful night.

back in the uk

THU 1 SEP 7.30pm TICKETS £28.50*

Sun 23 oct 7.30pm TICKETS £18.50 - £28.50*

Bill Wyman’s latest musical rebirth as the driving force behind the fabulous Rhythm Kings sees him return to his musical roots, bringing bring back to life the kind of classic rhythm and blues that first inspired him to pick up the guitar as a teenager.

7

‘BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE’ CHRISTOPHER HART, SUNday Times

‘One of the greatest comic creations of our day’ FT

THE LEGEND BROUGHT TO LIFE

‘A company that boasts the best dance actors in the world’ After nearly five years of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness, London’s funniest show is hitting the road. The Tony Award winning Avenue Q is the irresistibly charming musical about the lovably hopeless characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues: love, work, relationships and, above all, just how are you supposed to pay the bills with a BA in English? Don’t let your life suck book your tickets today!

MON 18 - SAT 23 APR Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 7.30pm TICKETS £11.50 - £29.50 (Premium seats available)

Recommended age 12+ Photograph of London cast by Tristram Kenton and Mögenburg Brinkhoff

8

Ambassador Friends Mon eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon eve £5 off

DANCE EUROPE

‘Northern Ballet oozes talent and confidence’

Starring Robert Powell

By Keith Waterhouse Based on the writings of Jeffrey Bernard In a life devoted to alcohol, gambling and women, the ever-charming Jeffrey Bernard distinguished himself by excess. From Bernard’s colourful contributions to the Spectator’s Low Life column, fellow Fleet Street legend Keith Waterhouse created this gloriously funny and occasionally poignant entertainment. Robert Powell plays the tour-deforce title role and is best known for starring in The Detectives with Jasper Carrott and as Mark Williams in Holby City.

MON 25 - SAT 30 APR Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £27 (Premium seats available)

Teen FAMILY TICKET Up to 2 children go half price with every full paying adult.

Mon & Tue eves, Fri & Sat early.

Ambassador Friends Mon eve & Wed mat £5 off Tue eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon - Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off

G Details page 31 n

G Details page 31 n

SUNDAY EXPRESS Production sponsor The Emerald Foundation

TUE 3 - SAT 7 MAY Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £12 - £29 An enduring icon of the ancient world. The ultimate modern woman. Beautiful, sensual and determined; mother, lover and queen - Cleopatra. In a world ruled by men, this courageous and compulsive woman overturned convention and changed the course of history.

Cleopatra’s legacy has inspired generations. Now, composer Claude-Michel Schönberg (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables) and Northern Ballet Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, bring her astounding story to the stage in this must-see ballet for 2011.

As Cleopatra’s star rises once more, book now for Northern Ballet’s unique retelling of this remarkable woman’s story.

Recommended age 12+ Contains scenes of an adult nature. Photos Jason Tozer

(Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Tue eve & Thu mat £5 off, Wed eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue - Thu eves £7.50 off Thu mat £5 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

9

celebrating the undisputed king of pop

GRIPPING and powerful DRAMA FROM THE ‘QUEEN OF CRIME’ AGATHA CHRISTIE

paul walden & derek nicol for flying music in association with adrian grant for key concerts present

Bill Kenwright by special arrangement with Agatha Christie LTD presents

cast includes

ROBERT DUNCAN ELIZABETH POWER PETER BYRNE MATTHEW LEWIS

FEATURING THE SONGS OF AND THE

MICHAEL JACKSON 5

and

MARK WYNTER

‘THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMINg’ Thriller Live is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer. Moonwalking its way around the world, award-winning director Gary Lloyd’s Thriller Live brings to life the sensational dancing and distinctive sound of Michael and the Jackson 5.

In a career spanning 40 years, Michael Jackson sold an unparalleled 750 million records worldwide with the Thriller album still the world’s best-selling recording of all time.

His music continues to sell in its millions, winning new fans young and old alike.

Thriller Live includes over two-hours of non-stop hit songs in a show that pays homage to the world-class spectacle of Jackson’s legendary live performances. Expect your favourite Jackson songs delivered by an exceptionally talented cast and live band, including the smash hits I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, They Don’t Care About Us and Thriller plus many more!

10

Daily Telegraph MON 9 - SAT 14 MAY Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm TICKETS £12.50 - £33.50 (Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Mon eve & Fri early £5 off, Tue eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon - Thu eves & Fri early £5 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

Following huge success, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company, now in its sixth outstanding year, is proud to present Verdict, the most riveting and compelling drama by the undisputed ‘Queen of Crime.’

A superb cast includes Robert Duncan (Drop the Dead Donkey), Peter Byrne (Dixon of Dock Green), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom in the hugely successful Harry Potter films), Elizabeth Power (EastEnders) and 60s pop idol Mark Wynter.

The brilliant Professor Hendryk leads a content and morally upstanding life, but his world is turned upside-down when the prospect of life-saving treatment for his invalid wife persuades him to take on a new pupil against his better judgement; the spoilt, conniving minx Helen who will stop at nothing to get her way.

With murderous intentions afoot, it only remains to be seen what verdict will be delivered, and if justice will prevail.

‘A moving, intriguing and thoughtprovoking play of forbidden love’ surrey HERALD AGATHA CHRISTIE® Copyright © 2010 Agatha Christie Limited (a Chorion company). All rights reserved. Photos of a previous cast.

‘KEEPS THE SUSPENSE BUZZING TO THE LAST’ GAZETTE AND HERALD

MON 6 - Sat 11 JUn Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £14 - £25 (Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Mon eve & Wed mat £5 off Tue eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon - Thu eve & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

11

‘the No.1 GREATEST MUSICAL!!!’

‘100 GREATEST MUSICALS - CHANNEL 4’

SUMMeR NIGhtS

the YoU’Re At hoPeLeS S oNe th t SANDY DeVoteDLY I WAN to YoU GReASeD LIGhtNIN ’

GReASe IS the WoRD AND MANY MoRe!

The No.1 Greatest Musical, Grease, is back at Milton Keynes Theatre from 24 May for two weeks only!

Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as ‘bad boy’ Danny and ‘the girl next door’ Sandy fall in love all over again.

It’s the original High-School musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more.

So throw your mittens around your kittens and Hand Jive the night away with the show that’ll make you want to stand up and shout, ‘A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop, A-wop-bam-boom!’

IT’S THE MOST ELECTRIFYIN’ EXTRAVAGANZA on stage!

‘IT’S ELECTRIFYING - GO, GO, GO!’ Neil Sean, Sky News

‘grease is still the word’ sunday telegraph 12

Photographs of West End company by Paul Coltas

Tue 24 MAY - SAT 4 JUN Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm Sat 5pm & 8.30pm TICKETS £16.50 - £37.50 (Premium seats available)

signed perf Thu 26 May Ambassador Friends Tue 24 & Wed 25 May eve & Fri 27 May 5.30pm £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue 24, Wed 25 & Thu 26 May eve £5 off, Fri 27 May 5.30pm £3 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

13

A BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF THE SMASH HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL

Tickets selling fast! presented by arlene philLips and adam spiegel

THE STARS OF STRICTLY COME DANCING IN THE THEATRICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Bill Kenwright presents

MARTI PELLOW in

‘as thrilling as dance gets’

‘MAGNIFICENT’ BROMLEY NEWS SHOPPER

arLene phillips

‘A TRIUMPH’

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have dazzled television audiences for six series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with their stunning Tango routines. Now they have created their own live show - Midnight Tango – a breathtaking evening bringing all the drama, sensuality and elegance of this most exciting of dance forms to life.

Set in a late night bar in downtown Buenos Aires and featuring some of the finest Tango dancers in the world, Midnight Tango takes you on a journey into the heart of this intoxicating city. As danger and excitement, joy and jealousy, pain and passion all combine – this is a spectacular and explosive evening not to be missed!

Strictly 7 performances only so book now for the season’s most eagerly anticipated theatrical event.

14

www.midnighttango.co.uk

TUE 14 - SAT 18 JUN Tue - Fri eves 7.30pm Wed mat 2.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm TICKETS £13.50 - £32.50 (Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Tue - Wed eves & Wed mat £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue - Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

GLAMOROUS, SEXY AND DELICIOUSLY WICKED IN EQUAL MEASURES Marti Pellow, the hugely successful solo artist and front man of Wet Wet Wet, makes a hotly-anticipated return to the UK stage in a major new production of the hit Broadway musical, Jekyll And Hyde.

Marti Pellow’s successes with Wet Wet Wet include dozens of top ten singles and multi-platinum albums; their hit single, Love Is All Around, spent 15 weeks at the number one spot in the UK charts in 1994 when it featured on the soundtrack to the romantic comedy of the decade, Four Weddings And A Funeral. As well as a criticallyacclaimed solo career, Marti has gone on to star in the West End, on Broadway and on national tour in the smash-hit stage musicals Chicago and The Witches Of Eastwick.

Glamorous, sexy and deliciously wicked in equal measures, Jekyll And Hyde is based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic novella. Seize your moment and book today.

ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS

MON 27 JUN - SAT 2 JUL Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £13 - £33 (Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Mon eve & Wed mat £5 off Tue eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon - Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

15

‘Simply breathtakingly, comfortably and appallingly funny’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

great family fun GET A FLEECE OF THE ACTION! from the creators of wallace and gromit

Neil Pearson, Robert Daws, Gwyneth Strong & serena evans Star in

best children’s PROGRAMME

‘eight comedies of embarrassment and escalating chaos for the price of one’ THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘Michael Frayn’s cautionary tales about gizmos, gadgets and humans on the blink could hardly be more timely.

Or funnier’

INTERNATIONAL EMMY 2010

BEST ANIMATION CHILDREN’S BAFTAS

The Guardian

THU 7 - SUN 10 JUL Thu 7pm Fri & Sun 11am, 2pm & 5pm Sat 1pm, 4pm & 7pm

By Arrangement with Aardman Ltd

TICKETS £10.50 - £15.50

Come and join Shaun and his friends in their very own live show.

All your favourite characters from the hit BBC show will be here including Bitzer, Shirley, Timmy and the rest of the flock in this magical, fully choreographed music and dance extravaganza.

ambassador friends & MILLENNIUM CLUB Thu eve & Fri 5pm £2 off

Shaun is stage struck and has decided to put on a very special show for all his friends, so get ready for some fabulous madcap mayhem as they dance and prance their way through a series of wonderful adventures under the nose of the short-sighted Farmer.

This EMMY and BAFTA award-winning BBC family favourite has been specially adapted for the stage by the ‘National Children’s Dramatist’ David Wood (The BFG, The Witches).

16

(Premium seats available)

FAMILY TICKET Thu & Fri performances 4 tickets (max. 2 adults) £50 G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

8 plays, 24 characters, one dinner party, an unusual flight announcement - and just where is that beeping noise coming from?

4 friends sit down for a quiet evening together which is ruined by bells, buzzers and a high tech corkscrew, a politician is lost for words when the autocue goes off script and an inflight announcement ends with more than a seatbelt coming undone in this hilarious new production of Michael Frayn’s tales of technological terrors, which contains brand-new material specially written for this tour.

Starring Robert Daws (The Royal, Rock ‘n’ Chips), Neil Pearson (Drop The Dead Donkey, Bridget Jones’ Diary), Gwyneth Strong (Only Fools and Horses) and Serena Evans (The Thin Blue Line), this series of plays examines with hilarious consequences, what happens when the modern world goes wrong, and proves beyond doubt that new technology designed to make our lives easier often just provides new forms of torment.

MON 11 - SAT 16 JUL Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £27 (Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Mon - Tue eve & Wed mat £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon - Thu eve & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

17

WORLD PREMIERE OF FRED & GINGER’S GREATEST HOLLYWOOD DANCE MUSICAL

ER SU M M LLE n TRA tom mbers & S cha

RLIN E B and V I N G ION PICTURE music s By I R ic lyr M OT R KO’s based on

Fred & Ginger’s greatest Hollywood dance musical live on stage for the very first time!

Tom Chambers and Summer Strallen star in Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ legendary Hollywood hit of the 1930s. One of the greatest dance musicals of all time, Top Hat receives its world premiere live on stage at Milton Keynes Theatre.

Sat 20 Aug 7.30pm Dress in your finest and treat yourselves to our Top Hat VIP Package. Visit www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes for details.

18

Tom Chambers, Strictly Come Dancing winner and Holby City heartthrob, plays Jerry Travers, the famous American tap dancer who arrives in London to appear in his first West End Show. Travers meets the irresistible Dale Tremont, the girl of his dreams, played

by Summer Strallen (triple Olivier Award nominee and star of Love Never Dies, The Boy Friend and Hollyoaks) and follows her across Europe in an attempt to win her heart with his wonderful song and dance routines.

Irving Berlin’s celebrated score features such classics as Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face The Music & Dance, Isn’t It A Lovely Day To Be Caught In The Rain and Top Hat, White Tie & Tails. Beautiful sets, lavish costumes and sensational dancing will sweep you off your feet in this stunning new musical comedy.

Tue 16 - sat 27 aug Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu 18, Wed 24 & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £17.50 - £39.50 (Premium seats available)

TOUCH TOUR

Sat 27 Aug 1pm audio described perf

Sat 27 Aug mat Ambassador Friends Tue 16 & Wed 17 eves & Thu 18 mat £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue 16 & Wed 17 eves & Thu 18 mat £5 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

19

YOUNG PEOPLE PERFORM TWO WEST END SMASH HIT MUSICALS

Ordinary Men in Extraordinary Circumstances

COMING SOON NOW BOOKING!

STAGE EXPERIENCE PRESENTS

‘David Grindley’s superb production arouses emotions that go too deep for words’ The Daily Telegraph

For the first time ever Milton Keynes Theatre will be hosting Stage Experience an unbeatable opportunity for anyone aged 9 - 21 to take part in a full-scale production on Milton Keynes Theatre’s stage. Led by a brilliant team of professional directors, choreographers and a full scale orchestra, up to 150 local talented actors, singers and dancers will be given the opportunity to rehearse and perform the hit musical West Side Story.

Copyright 2008 Billy Broadway LLC.

School and youth groups from across the country have taken on the challenge of staging their very own version of Billy Elliot - The Musical. Now, Milton Keynes Theatre has partnered with Billy Youth Theatre to host one of four regional showcases which will feature the region’s brightest young stars together on one stage performing a specially adapted version of Billy Elliot.

Photo by Alastair Muir of Brad Wilson as ‘Billy’ in West End production.

20

In the days leading up to the last great German offensive of the First World War, Raleigh, an 18 year old soldier joins a besieged company of soldiers in the British trenches at St Quentin. There he finds his new comrades being led by his old school friend Stanhope, but discovers that the man in army greens is much changed from the boy he left behind in cricketing whites. Journey’s End is the Olivier-nominated, Tony and Drama Desk award-winning production directed by David Grindley.

For those of you interested in backstage work, there will also be opportunities to take part in technical placements.

Tue 20 - sat 24 sep Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm

To download a registration form please visit our website or contact Creative Learning at mkcreative@theambassadors.com

audio described perf

Sat mat

Auditions Sun 1 MaY Rehearsals from Sat 23 Jul

SUN 5 JUN 7pm TICKETS £15

TICKETS £12.50 - £16.50

With the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba completing a stellar musical line-up, Buddy is a not to be missed evening of ‘fail-safe family entertainment’ (Daily Express) that will have you rocking in the aisles!

TICKETS £12 - £23 (Premium seats available)

TOUCH TOUR Sat 1pm

THU 4 - SAT 6 Aug Thu - Sat eves 7pm Sat mat 2pm

Oh Boy! ‘The World’s most successful Rock ’n’ Roll musical’ is back! A multi-talented cast tell Buddy Holly’s story from his meteoric rise to fame, to his final legendary performance at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Together they present two terrific hours of his greatest hits, including That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Rave On, Everyday and many more.

A donation for each ticket sold will be made to the Poppy Appeal supporting the Royal British Legion.

Ambassador Friends Tue eve & Wed & Thu mats £5 off, Wed eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue - Thu eves & Wed & Thu mats £5 off G Details page 31 n

Mon 26 sep - sat 1 oct Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £13 - £26.50 (Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Mon eve & Wed mat £5 off Tue eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon – Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 31 n

21

COMING SOON NOW BOOKING!

IAN McKELLEN & MICHAEL PENNINGTON in

The sell-out sensation is back!

Slava’s Snowshow touches the heart and the funny bone and is packed with fun for all the family. It delights and exhilarates theatregoers across the globe with its spectacle, comedy, poignancy and stunning effects. The breathtaking, heart-stopping finale is unforgettable a magical show of innocence, laughter and joy.

By Eduardo De Filippo A new version by Mike Poulton directed by sean mathias Direct from Chichester Festival Theatre, Ian McKellen makes a much anticipated return to Milton Keynes Theatre to play alongside Michael Pennington in this brand new version of Eduardo De Filippo’s The Syndicate.

22

Puccini’s

La boheme

New for Tour 2011 Donizetti’s

Don Pasquale

Direct from the 2011 Glyndebourne Festival

With the help of a ‘Godfather’, honest young Antonio Barracano is smuggled out of Naples to hide in New York after killing a brutal night-watchman. When he returns to Naples with newly acquired wealth and a reputation for ruthlessness, he uses his status to quash his conviction, making it his life’s work to provide a form of rough justice for the city’s criminals who have no other access to law.

mon 12 - sat 17 sep Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm

He rules the Naples underbelly with a rod of iron but when a respectable but poor young man decides to murder his father and comes to Don Antonio for advice, the Neapolitan ‘Godfather’ emerges from the shadows to make the young man’s father an offer he can’t refuse.

MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon eve £3 off

The comedy grows blacker as ‘respectable’ Naples collides with its criminal underworld.

One week. Three operas. 12 hours of passionate performance from some of the opera world’s brightest rising stars, wrapped in Glyndebourne’s trademark quality.

WED 2 - SUN 6 NOV Wed - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu, Sat & Sun mats 2.30pm (Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Wed eve & Thu mat £5 off Thu eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Wed - Thu eves & Thu mat £5 off

(Premium seats available)

G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) Not suitable for under 8s.

Family Ticket From £48 4 tickets (max. 2 adults) Excludes Fri & Sat eves & Sun. G Details page 31 n

Rinaldo

TUE 8 - SAT 12 NOV 7.15pm La Boheme Tue & Fri Don Pasquale Wed & Sat Rinaldo Thu

TICKETS £10 - £29.50

TICKETS £23 - £39

www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

Handel’s

TICKETS £22.50 - £55 (Premium seats available)

All productions are sung in Italian with English supertitles

opera Offer Book full price Band A tickets for Rinaldo and receive Band A tickets for La Boheme or Don Pasquale at Band B price.

G Details page 31 n

23

Winner of 8 Tony Awards NEW YORK’S Lincoln Center Theater production of

DIRECT FROM LONDON’S BARBICAN Sold Out on Broadway and across America

‘RAPTUROUS AND REVELATORY!’ New York Times

‘GORGEOUS! SOUTH PACIFIC doesn’t just FLOAT, IT SOARS!’ USA TODAY

‘THE BEST RODGERS & HAMMERSTeIN IN A GENERATION’ Washington Post

Supported by

The producers of West Side Story and Guys and Dolls present the breathtaking and lavish Lincoln Center Theater production of South Pacific. This international hit landmark production which reinvented the classic musical swept the 2008 Tony Awards, played to sold-out houses on Broadway, and is currently selling out across America.

Considered one of the finest musicals ever written, the score includes Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair and There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.

Set on a tropical island during World War II, this is the sweeping romantic story of two couples, threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Its portrayal of Americans stationed in an alien culture in wartime is as relevant today as when it first thrilled audiences.

With a cast of 40 and a live orchestra of 25, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness one of the greatest musicals of all time, as the critics agree, ‘This is a show you will remember forever.’

24

Production photo of original cast

WED 12 OCT - SAT 22 OCT Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETs £18.50 - £42 (Premium seats available)

Ambassador Friends Wed 12 eve & Wed 19 mat £5 off Thu 13 £3 off Millennium club Wed 12 - Thu 13 eve & Wed 19 eve £5 off G Details page 31 n

0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes

25

COMING SOON NOW BOOKING! THIS YEAR’S MAGICAL PANTOMIME!

The Fastest Selling show in West End History

ALL STAR CAST TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Strictly Gershwin Strictly Gershwin is a dazzling celebration of George Gershwin and the razzmatazz of the big band era and Hollywood musicals. Gershwin’s sassy tunes combine with Derek Deane’s sensational choreography to conjure up the silver screen glamour of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Featuring special guests and a live jazz orchestra playing a host of Gershwin favourites including An American in Paris, Rhapsody in Blue and Summertime, Strictly Gershwin is guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your spirits soaring!

‘Sleek and hugely enjoyable’ The Times TUE 15 - SAT 19 NOV Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu mat 2pm Sat mat 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £38 (Premium seats available) Photograph by Patrick Baldwin Generously supported by Swarovski

26

Ambassador Friends Tue eve & Thu mat £5 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue – Thu eves & Thu mat £5 off G Details page 31 n

This Christmas take a magical carpet ride to the Far East in our fun-packed family pantomime, Aladdin. With Genies by the lamp-load, side-splitting comedy, a selection of chart topping songs, bags of family fun, audience participation, a boo-able baddie and, just maybe, a real flying carpet – this year’s Milton Keynes Theatre pantomime promises to be our biggest, best and funniest pantomime ever!

Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing.

Don’t miss this gem of a show – book your tickets now!

FRI 9 DEC - SUN 15 JAN Please contact the Box Office for performance times TICKETS £18 - £27 (Premium seats available)

Early bird Pay for your tickets before Fri 30 Sep and receive an extra £1 off (selected perfs only) Family ticket £80 for 4 tickets (max 2 adults) on price bands A-C Ambassador Friends & Millennium Club Fri 9, Tue 13, Wed 14 Dec & Mon 3 Jan, eve perfs only. 2 for 1 tickets on price bands S - C.

Since its world premiere, Lord Of The Dance has become the most talked about, the most written about and the most acclaimed show in musical history. It has gone on to receive unparalleled accolades and has broken theatrical records everywhere.

With more than 150,000 taps per performance, the Irish dance spectacular promises to wow British audiences yet again with its breathtaking footwork and dazzling music.

FRI 20 - SUN 22 JAN 2012 Fri 8pm, Sat & Sun 2.30pm & 8pm TICKETS £30.50 - £38.50 (Premium seats available)

Special Offer Buy 4 Band A tickets for £119.

Sun perfs only

This worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

Featuring hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping I’ve Had The Time Of My Life!

‘THE BIGGEST LIVE THEATRE SENSATION OF ALL TIME’ OBSERVER

TUE 1 - SAT 26 MAY 2012 Mon - Thu & Sat eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat mat 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £48.50 (Premium seats available)

MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue 1 May £5 off G Details page 31 n

27

COMMUNITY

CREATIVE LEARNING

Milton Keynes Theatre places itself at the heart of our community. If you are interested in hiring the theatre please contact our General Manager on 01908 547500.

MAMMA MIA ‘OUR WAY’ Encompass Super Troupers MON 20 JUN 7pm Tickets £5 - £10 Following their extremely successful previous productions of Grease and West Side Story, the Encompass Theatre Group for adults with Learning Disabilities is proud to present its brand new performance at Milton Keynes Theatre, Mamma Mia ‘Our Way’. Don’t miss what promises to be another great performance.

Milton Keynes Music Service Gala Concert Sat 25 Jun 7.30pm Tickets £7 - £10 Once again MK Music Service is proud to present their annual Gala Concert at Milton Keynes Theatre. The concert is led by the fine musicians of MK Music Service and showcases the many wonderful groups and their talents. From Baroque to pure Rock, there is something for everyone is this evenings unmissable concert.

28

Caption

FOR adults

Caption

Adult Acting Class Ideal for those interested in exploring Actor Training methods for performance. Suitable for all abilities. Commences Thu 5 May. Thursdays 7 - 9pm. 18yrs+. £120 per term (12 weeks) NEW! Adult Ballet Improve your fitness, posture and flexibility in our new Adult Ballet Class! The class combines the basics of ballet technique with the gracefulness of movement, creating a great workout class aimed at those returning to ballet. Taught in the theatre’s fully equipped dance studio. Commences Sat 30 Apr Saturdays 11.30am - 1pm. 18yrs+. £80 per term (10 weeks). Free taster session Sat 26 Mar. Scriptwriting The opportunity to explore playwriting models and structures as well as generate believable characters and intriguing plot lines. 16yrs+.

Beginners Thu 12 May - thu 21 Jul. Intermediate Thu 19 May - thu 28 Jul. £70 per term (6 weeks).

Thursdays 7 - 9pm

FOR young people MKT Youth Theatre Love to perform? Aged 6 - 18 and want to develop your performance skills in a fun informal acting class whilst working towards public performances? If so, our in-house Youth Theatre is perfect for you. Commences Tue 3 May & Wed 4 May £75 per term (10 weeks) MKT Ballet Ballet is a brilliant way for children to increase their fitness, posture, strength, rhythm, confidence and most importantly have fun and make new friends.

Commences Sat 30 Apr. Saturdays 10am - 11am. 4 - 7 yrs. £75 per term (10 weeks). Free taster session Sat 26 Mar.

SCHOOL’S OUT! MKT Open Arts Day Come along to Milton Keynes Theatre and see what exciting events we’ve got coming up over the summer. Take part in Contemporary, Street Dance and Ballet workshops, have a backstage tour of the theatre and have a chat to MKT staff about the exciting projects we have for

Caption

you to get involved in. Buy a dance workshop and get a tour of the theatre completely free!

SAT 14 MAY 10am - 3pm 12 - 19yrs. £6 per workshop.

Book 3 workshops for £15.

Caption

NEW! Stage Experience Milton Keynes Theatre will be hosting Stage Experience, an unbeatable opportunity for anyone aged 9 - 21 to take part in a full-scale production on the MKT stage. Led by a brilliant team of professional directors, choreographers and a full scale orchestra, up to 150 local talented actors, singers and dancers will rehearse and perform the hit musical West Side Story. For those of you interested in backstage work, there will also be opportunities to take part in technical placements.

CALLING ALL PERFORMERS! Open auditions Sun 1 May Rehearsals Sat 23 Jul - Wed 3 Aug. Performances Thu 4 Sat 6 Aug. To download a registration form please visit our website or contact Creative Learning at mkcreative@ theambassadors.com

MKT RAW 2011

MKT RAW is back and for the first time ever we have partnered up with English National Ballet to bring you an all new Ballet dance group that will be working alongside our Street and Contemporary dancers to bring you MKT Raw 2011. Over a two week period, up to 75 talented local dancers aged 12-19 have the chance to work with some of the country’s leading dancers and choreographers to produce the performance of their life - and ensure that their performance on the MKT stage will be a night they and the audience will never forget.

Calling all dancers!

Open Auditions sun 19 Jun Rehearsals mon 15 - fri 26 Aug. Performance Mon 29 Aug To register for an audition or for more details email mkcreative@ theambassadors.com

for Schools and groups Career Days Want to get into the Theatre Industry? If you are part of a school, college or University

Caption

group, aged 14yrs+ come along to MKT’s Career Days and have a back stage tour, Q&A with members of MKT staff, information on pathways into the industry and watch a live theatre show. Group bookings only. Dates available on request.

Any Workshop Any Time Tailored school and group workshops for any of the shows listed in our brochure.

ROOM HIRE Milton Keynes Theatre hires spaces within the venue ideal for dance and drama rehearsal.

CONTACT DETAILS For more information, to join our mailing list and to book classes, career days, workshops, hires and show related events listed in our brochure please contact: Creative Learning Department 01908 547 651 mkcreative@ theambassadors.com Box Office Bookings & General Enquiries 01908 547 637

29

MILTON KEYNES CITY ORCHESTRA

MK GALLERY

booking information Milton Keynes Theatre Marlborough Gate Central Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Image courtesy Gareth Jones

Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)

PALLADIO

Gareth Jones

SUN 10 APR 7.30pm Principal Conductor Sian Edwards Jenkins Palladio Barber Adagio for Strings Bach Concerto for 2 Violins Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings Vaughan Williams Tallis Fantasia

15 Apr – 26 Jun Preview: 14 Apr 6 – 10pm Gareth Jones (born 1965) is a London-based artist who grew up in Milton Keynes. For his first major solo exhibition he will research the original publicity photographs taken to promote the new town of Milton Keynes and create a sequence of installations that explore how identity is constructed through architecture and advertising.

THE MAYOR’S CONCERT Sun 15 May 7.30pm Principal Conductor Sian Edwards Soloist Noriko Ogawa Rossini Overture: Barber of Seville Grieg Piano Concerto Pärt Cantus Beethoven Symphony no.5, op.67, c minor

last nighT Fri 24 Jun 7.30pm Principal Conductor Sian Edwards Soloist Cheryl Hawkins.

Programme to include: Shostakovich Festive Overture; Elgar Pomp and Circumstance no.1; Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien, op.45; Wood Fantasia on British Sea Songs; Powers Fast colours (World Premiere); Turnage Juno (UK Premiere); Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture; Parry Jerusalem MKT Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) MKCO Box Office 01908 558311 Single tickets £32 £28 £23 £19 £14 £10 For more information please visit www.mkco.org 30

MKCF Arts Bursary Award Winners 8 Jul - 11 Sep This exhibition presents work by eight local artists who were shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Community Foundation Arts Bursary Award in summer 2010, including the winner, sound artist Caroline Devine. They work with a broad range of media and themes, including textiles, painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, film, sound, memory, identity and history.

900 Midsummer Boulevard Central Milton Keynes MK9 3QA 01908 676 900 www.mkgallery.org Tue - Fri 12 - 8pm Sat 11am - 8pm Sun 11am - 5pm

Box Office Minicom For our deaf and hard of hearing patrons, please use Text Relay, which is a free service. (You pay only for the call to the venue). 18001 0844 871 7677 (textphone users). For further information please log on to www.relay.org GROUPS AND SCHOOLS Group Sales 01908 547609 groupsales@theambassadors.com Mon 10am-5.30pm Tue-Fri 9am-5.30pm Book online www.ambassadortickets.com/ miltonkeynes Online booking and transaction fees apply. A per ticket booking fee (up to £2.50) and transaction fee of £2.85 will be added to most online bookings.

General Enquiries 01908 547500 Access 0844 871 7677 (bkg fee) Telephone Sales Mon-Sat 9am-10pm Sun 10am-8pm Counter Service Monday to Saturday 10am until 15mins after last performance commences, closing at 6pm when there is no evening performance. Sundays Open from 1hr 30mins prior to the first show, closing 15mins after the last performance commences.

Booking by Telephone Prices are subject to a £1.50 per ticket fee by phone and a transaction fee of £2.85, excluding Friends and Groups bkgs, except for productions marked * where a per ticket fee of £2.85 and a £1 postage charge will apply.

Booking by Post Cheques are payable to Milton Keynes Theatre Ltd, please include a SAE for return of tickets or add 50p onto your payment.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Please note that tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded.

CONCESSIONS AND DISCOUNTS On price bands A, B and C for most performances Under 16s, full time students, registered unemployed and senior citizens enjoy £2 off Mon-Thu eves, most matinees and some one night performances. Call Box Office for details.

Children under 5 will not be admitted

except for family shows.

A family ticket is for four people, max. two adults. Please call the box office for more information. Family tickets are available on selected performances only.

For other information and advance booking call the Box Office.

All discounts are subject to availability and at the discretion of the duty manager.

Only one discount is available per ticket.

The information and prices in this brochure are correct at time of going to press. Milton Keynes Theatre reserves the right to alter the advertised programme, facilities, prices and discounts at any time. We do not take responsibility for the content, quality or pricing of community hire performances.

G Groups & School discounts For events marked in this way the following prices apply: Groups of 40+ £5 off Groups of 20+ £4 off Groups of 10+ £2 off Applies to price band A and B only. Not available Friday and Saturday evenings.

Different rates apply to some shows. Call the Groups Hotline for details. Special rates are also available for mid-week mats and Schools for selected performances.

For full details of the range of prices on offer please call the Groups Hotline.

n

Data Protection

EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL Disabled customers are entitled to £5 off on all performances. Customers who require additional assistance to attend the theatre should make this known at the time of booking.

Milton Keynes Theatre is operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), who have a total of 39 venues across the UK, including 12 in the West End, and 27 regionally. ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Comedy, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy, Trafalgar Studio 1 and Trafalgar Studio 2.

ATG’s regional theatres include Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham; Theatre Royal Brighton; Bristol Hippodrome; Churchill Theatre Bromley; Edinburgh Playhouse; Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone; King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Grimsby Auditorium; Liverpool Empire; Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester; Milton Keynes Theatre; New Theatre, Oxford; Richmond Theatre; Southport Theatre; Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent; Sunderland Empire; Princess Theatre, Torquay; New Wimbledon Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio; The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning Ambassador Cinemas; Grand Opera House, York. ATG is also one of the country’s foremost theatre producers, in Britain and internationally. Current and recent ATG co-productions include The Misanthrope starring Damian Lewis and Keira Knightley; Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard and Spamalot.

STAGETEXT Audio described (including a PreView), Sign Language interpreted and Captioned performances offered on selected shows. See logos on show pages.

PreView is a pre-show introduction, led by the audio describer, for blind and visually impaired people.

Hearing Impaired

The Theatre has an infra-red system. Headsets and Loop necklaces are available from the Theatre shop and must be pre-booked via the box office.

The theatre has a step-free ground

floor level, and lift access to all floors. There are 6 dedicated seats in the stalls, 4 in the upper circle and up to 2 spaces in the circle box that are accessible for wheelchair users.

Visually Impaired This brochure and access details are also available in audio format or in large print. Contact the Marketing Department on 01908 547500.

Milton Keynes Theatre is managed by The Ambassador Theatre Group. We would like to add or retain your details on our lists to keep you informed about future events, special offers and other developments.

We also look to secure information and special offers for customers from other organisations. You will be asked whether you want to receive any of this information next time you book. If you don’t want to receive information from us and/or third parties or have any queries contact the Marketing Department on 01908 547500.

Ambassador theatre group

Design www.swd.uk.com Print John Good

31

Put your company in the spotlight

A working relationship with Milton Keynes Theatre can support your company in many ways:

Corporate Memberships Flexible packages of benefits which include tickets and programmes, the use of our private rooms and facilities, dedicated theatre staff, gala receptions, special corporate offers and discounts for your employees.

Our Platinum Membership presents considerable marketing, branding and advertising opportunities – bespoke opportunities to raise your company’s profile amongst more than 500,000 theatregoers a year.

Corporate Event Management Our function and meeting rooms, auditorium, foyers, dressing rooms and company offices are all available for hire and are suitable for events for 2 - 1,400 people.

We offer a full event service including logistics management, production, and bespoke catering but what sets us apart is our highly regarded Corporate Events team, who will work with you every step of the way to ensure your event is a complete success.

Bedfordshire Police

Sports & Social Club

Brian Currie Milton Keynes Ltd Heart 103.3 Lynx Networks

Show Sponsorship

Mercedes Benz Financial Services Ltd

Sponsor a show at MKT and take advantage of the many benefits of such association:

MK News

n Acknowledgement and advertising in our brochure, programme, foyer and auditorium n The best seats in the house for your guests n Private pre-show reception and post-show party For more information on any of these, please call Sue Lloyd (Development Manager) on 01908 547511, or e-mail suelloyd@theambassadors.com 32

Airkix

Metafix (UK) Ltd Personal Group Holdings plc Routeco plc