Milton Keynes Theatre Spring Brochure 2012

gareth gates paul burling nicola brazil

spring 2012 Public booking opens Mon 14 Nov

& strictly come dancing SPECIAL GUEST star GENIES

RUSSELL GRANT, ANITA DOBSON & camilla dallerup fri 9 dec - sun 15 jan

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

spring 2012 Public booking opens Mon 14 Nov

the west end smash-hit comes to MILTON KEYNES! TUE 1 - SAT 26 MAY

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

PriorityTickets.

Great Savings.

Welcome Welcome to Milton Keynes Theatre’s Spring 2012 season of gloriously up-lifting West End musicals, sensational drama, dazzling dance and breath-taking opera.

Following last year’s sell-out hit Cinderella, our friend Matthew Bourne makes a triumphant return with his 20th anniversary production of Nutcracker! If you haven’t been fortunate enough to try a New Adventures production before - I can strongly recommend this truly scrumptious treat!

Buy an ATG Theatre Card today and join the 100 000 theatre lovers across the UK who are already enjoying priority tickets and great savings.

and this year is shaping up to be our most successful yet with

ATG Theatre Card gives you:

starring MKT favourite Connie Fisher.

MKT always strives to bring you the very best West End musicals the first ever national tour of Dirty Dancing, the divine musical

Priority brochure just for you Fee free ticket exchange Save 10% on pre show and interval drinks Free cloakroom Accepted at 39 venues across the UK and in the West End

Wed 14 Dec & Mon 2 & Tue 3 Jan

9

13

WNO 20 - 24 MAR

14

Since Milton Keynes Theatre opened in 1999, we have welcomed the support of many corporate partners and I am delighted to

YES, PRIME MINISTER 26 - 31 MAR

15

announce that our latest partnership is with Gordon’s Gin.

JOSEPH 3 - 8 APR

16

If you’re not already following us on Facebook or Twitter then

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME 10 - 14 apr

17

BEAUTY & THE BEAST 17 - 21 apr

18

WONDERFUL TOWN 24 - 28 apr

19

physical theatre then make sure they email the Creative Learning

Go to www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard

now is as good a time as any, especially as this is the quickest way

Call 0844 871 7633

of getting the latest news, reviews, photos and backstage gossip!

As always we welcome your thoughts and suggestions on all aspects of your theatre experience so please feel free to

half price Tue eve & Wed mat, £5 off Wed & Thu eve

ATG Theatre Card benefits are subject to availability, please check with the venue. Members can purchase up to 4 tickets and drinks with their Card.

Additional booking fees may apply on selected music, comedy and named act events. ATG reserves the right to withdraw benefits or related offers and without notice. For full Terms and Conditions please visit our website www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard

DERREN BROWN SVENGALI 27 FEB - 3 MAR

department on charlieparker@theambassadors.com.

in developing their dance skills in contemporary, street, ballet or

contact me at andrewlistermkt@theambassadors.com

half price Fri 9, Mon 12,

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR 7 - 11 FEB 8

LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT 12 - 17 MAR

and professionalism. So if you know someone who is interested

Visit Your nearest ATG venue Box Office

6

12

amaze members of the audience with its diverse array of talent

39 venues for £30 Join today!

aladdin 9 dEC - 15 jan

RSC THE TAMING OF THE SHREW 6 - 10 MAR

to the Easter holidays. Now in its 8th year, Raw never fails to

No booking or postage fees on most shows

5

10

Raw is also back for 2012 and this year it’s evolved and moved

Special ticket offers including half price on many productions

4

HENRY V 29 NOV - 3 DEC

MATTHEW BOURNE’S NUTCRACKER 14 - 18 FEB

comedy Sister Act and the multi award-winning Wonderful Town

Priority tickets - get the best seats first!

scrooge 22 - 26 nov

Andrew Lister General Manager

THE GRUFFALO 26 - 28 APR

20

COMING SOON

21

MKCO

25

ONE NIGHT SHOWS

28

special show events

32

CREATIVE LEARNING

33

MKT RAW

34

MK Gallery

34

BOOKING INFO

35

THE RECORD-BREAKING LONDON PALLADIUM PRODUCTION!

‘shakespeare as it should be done: fast, sinuous and surprising’ THE INDEPENDENT

Bill Kenwright Presents

Propeller in association with The Touring Partnership presents

Directed by Edward Hall Designed by Michael Pavelka Lighting designed by Ben Ormerod Music by Propeller

‘Propeller has brought Shakespeare kicking and screaming into the 21st Century’

‘musicals don’t come any better than this’ sunday times

‘breathtaking tommy steele what a star!’

Metro

the sun

Tommy Steele’s return to the London Palladium in Scrooge sent him into the record books as the star to have headlined the most performances at London’s most famous theatre. A prestigious plaque was mounted at the Palladium to honour this extraordinary achievement.

Tommy’s legendary career includes over twenty hit singles, Hollywood movie hits such as The Happiest Millionaire and Finian’s Rainbow, and countless award winning stage musicals such as Half a Sixpence, Hans Andersen and Singing in the Rain.

The ideal winter treat, Scrooge is a heartwarming family story with stunning sets and costumes, specially created illusions by magician Paul Kieve (acclaimed for the magic effects in the Harry Potter films) and a fantastic musical score which features the Oscar nominated hit Thank You Very Much.

Don’t miss Ebenezer, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future and a whole host of Dickensian characters in the award-winning, international smash hit musical Scrooge!

4

‘thrillingly spectacular. a gigantic feast of song and dance with a mountain of magic’ evening news TUE 22 - SAT 26 NOV Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £15 - £31 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card Tue eve, Wed & Thu mats £5 off Wed eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue – Thu eves & Wed & Thu mats £5 off G Details page 35 n

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

Henry V tells the tale of the greatest British warrior in English folklore. In a time when nationalism is at its most dangerous and exciting and increasing numbers of British servicemen and women are seeing active service, Propeller brings its own unique take on one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Thrilling and deeply moving, Henry V marks the beginning of a journey that takes us from the corridors of Westminster to the fields of France in an evening of unforgettable power.

Led by director Edward Hall, internationally acclaimed all-male company Propeller is renowned for combining a rigorous approach to the text with an exciting, physical aesthetic. Propeller engages its audience’s imagination and brings fresh understanding to classic plays. It’s Shakespeare rediscovered.

TUE 29 NOV - SAT 3 DEC Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £14 - £26 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card Tue & Wed eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue - Thu eve & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 35 n

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

5

this year’s hilarious pantomime is going to be more thrilling than ever!

gareth gates

December 2011

presents

Fri 9

7.00 n H

Sat 10

2.30 n H

7.00 n H

Sun 11

1.30 n H

5.30 n H

Mon 12

1.00 n S

7.00 n Hs

as aladdin

Tue 13

No Performances

paul burling

Wed 14

1.00 n S

7.00 n Hs

Thu 15

1.00 n S

7.00 n Hs

from britain’s got talent as wishee washee

Fri 16

1.00 n S

7.00

Sat 17

2.30H

7.00H

Sun 18

1.30H

5.30H

Mon 19

No Performances

Tue 20

2.30H

7.00H

RUSSELL GRANT ANITA DOBSON camilla dallerup

Wed 21

2.30H

7.00H

Thu 22

2.30H

7.00H

Fri 23

2.30

7.00

Sat 24

1.30

5.30

Sun 25

No Performances

Mon 26

1.30

5.30

If it’s magical family entertainment you’re hoping for, your wish is our command! Featuring special guest star appearances from Strictly Come Dancing celebrities Russell Grant, Anita Dobson and Camilla Dallerup and starring pop and musical theatre star Gareth Gates, the hilarious 2010 Britain’s Got Talent finalist Paul Burling and West End leading lady Nicola Brazil, this year’s Milton Keynes Theatre pantomime promises to be our biggest, best and funniest ever! Book now for this treasure-filled festive adventure - it’s going to be pure Panto genie-us!

Tue 27

2.30

7.00

Wed 28

2.30

7.00

Thu 29

2.30H

7.00H

Fri 30

2.30H

7.00H

Sat 31

1.30H

5.30H

nicola brazil

from strictly come dancing, SPECIAL GUEST STAR GENIES

as princess jasmine star in

*

**

***

Signed Performance Thu 22 Dec 7pm

Touch Tour

Mon 9 Jan 11.30am & 5.30pm

Audio Described Perf Mon 9 Jan 1pm & 7pm

stagetext captioned performance Tue 20 Dec 2.30pm & 7pm

E special event

See page 32

H Family ticket

£80 for 4 tickets (max. 2 adults) price bands A & B

S Schools

£12 per ticket (free teacher’s ticket on every 10 students

booked). £10 per ticket for Upper Circle seats, Jan only.

n Groups 60+ £19, 40+ £20, 20+ £21

s Uniformed Groups

of 10+ £13 per ticket on price bands B - E on marked perfs only. For full details on all groups and schools enquiries please contact the Groups Hotline on 01908 547609.

V GREAT VALUE PERFORMANCES

£15 per ticket, all price

bands, best available.

Discounts apply on performances in red

*20 - 24 Dec ** 26 - 31 Dec *** All remaining performances except Fri 6, Sat 7 & Sat 14 Jan

6

January 2012 Sun 1

No Performances

Mon 2

2.30

7.00

Tue 3

1.00 n S

7.00 n Hs

Wed 4

No Performances

Thu 5

11.00 n S

6.00 n Hs

Fri 6

1.00 n S

7.00 n H

Sat 7

2.30H

7.00n H

Sun 8

1.30 H

5.30 n H

Mon 9

1.00 n S

7.00 n HsV

Tue 10

1.00 n S

7.00 n HsV

Wed 11

No Performances

Thu 12

11.00 n S

6.00 n HsV

Fri 13

1.00 n S

7.00 n Hs

Sat 14

2.30 n H

7.00 n H

Sun 15

1.30 n H

5.30 n H

TICKET PRICES £18 - £27 (Premium seats available)

ATG THEATRE CARD & Millennium club Fri 9 Dec, Mon 12 Dec, Wed 14 Dec, & Mon 2 Jan eves half price

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

7

roll on up, see the main attraction, get your money ready, let’s take a ride

THE SELL-OUT ILLUSIONIST RETURNS ‘A spectacular night of entertainment. without doubt, this country’s greatest illusionist’ Time Out

‘You repeatedly find yourself retrieving your jaw from the floor’

‘BEST NEW WEST END MUSICAL 2010’

Daily Telegraph

What’s On Stage Nomination

‘Brilliant. There was nothing for it but to surrender to his control’

‘genuinely touching. well worth a spin’

Mail on Sunday

the daily telegraph

Following a record-breaking West End season at the Garrick Theatre where it was nominated for Best New West End Musical 2010 by ‘What’s On Stage’, David Essex and Boogie Nights creator Jon Conway invite you to a rollercoaster ride of a musical, underscored by a helter-skelter of David Essex hits such as: Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close, Gonna Make You A Star, Me And My Girl Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine, and Rock On. Inspired by David’s album, All The Fun Of The Fair, David plays fun fair owner Levi Lee, recently widowed and father of a rebellious teenage son. Like father like son, they’ll take you for a ride. Danger and mysticism lurk in the future, as predicted by the gypsy fortune teller who is in love with Levi. Dodgems and motorbikes, crafty cons and candy floss, fairground horses and fights, along with romance and rock ’n’ roll mean you’re sure to go on a rollercoaster of a ride, but beware, all is not always fun at the fair!

TUE 7 - SAT 11 FEB Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £29 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card Tue & Wed eve & Wed mat £5 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue eve half price, Wed & Thu eve & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 35 n

‘It’s a great night out’ Simon Bates, Radio Legend www.allthefunofthefairmusical.com 8

Photo by Paul Marc Mitchell

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

Dubbed a ‘psychological illusionist’ by the press, Derren Brown is a performer who combines magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship in order to seemingly predict and control human behaviour, as well as performing mind-bending feats of mentalism.

For the past ten years Derren has created TV and stage performances that have stunned audiences, debunked the paranormal and encouraged many to improve and enhance their own mental abilities. His first show appeared in 2000, Derren Brown: Mind Control, and was followed by Trick of the Mind, Trick or Treat and a series of specials including the controversial Russian Roulette and the hugely popular Events.

Following his sell-out performances across the UK we’re delighted to announce that Derren will be returning to Milton Keynes Theatre with his critically acclaimed production Svengali.

This is sure to be one of the hottest tickets in town, so book now!

Not suitable for under 12 years.

mon 27 feb - sat 3 mar Eves 8pm TICKETS £35 (Premium seats available)

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

9

A new adventures production

the 20th anniversary PRODUCTION

Matthew Bourne’s

One of the most popular dance productions ever staged in the UK, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! returns to Milton Keynes Theatre to celebrate its 20th anniversary for one week only.

Music by Tchaikovsky

This delicious theatrical feast has family-sized helpings of Matthew Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy.

Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s unforgettable sets and costumes combine with sizzling choreography to create a fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional favourite.

‘witty and wonderful’ guardian

10

Hailed by The Observer as ‘the undisputed king of dance theatre’, Matthew Bourne’s company New Adventures has produced some of the most successful dance productions of the last two decades including Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands and last year’s sell-out hit, Cinderella.

‘Devilishly clever imaginative wit this Nutcracker cannot be faulted’

‘UTTERLY DELICIOUS A DAZZLING EXTRAVAGANZA’

Financial Times

Sunday Telegraph Photographs by Bill Copper

TUE 14 - SAT 18 FEB Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £13 - £35 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card & MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue eve & Wed mat all tickets half price, Wed & Thu eve £5 off FAMILY TICKET From £49. 4 tickets (max.

2 adults). Conditions apply.

G Details page 35 n

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

11

a woman moved is like a fountain troubled

PRIOR TO THE WEST END david suchet

laurie metcalf

★★★★ Sunday Times

★★★★

‘David Suchet is first class a superb performer of terrific precision and controlled passion’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

Independent

★★★★ Guardian

★★★★ Daily Telegraph on Lucy Bailey’s Julius Caesar, 2009

by

eugene o’neill

‘Lucy Bailey’s innovative take on the classic is a breath of fresh air’ INDEPENDENT on Lucy Bailey’s Julius Caesar, 2009 TUE 6 - SAT 10 MAR Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm Charismatic and brash Petruchio of Verona is seeking his fortune through his abilities to gain the hand in marriage of a rich woman, and he’ll do anything. Katharina and Bianca’s father, longing for his daughters to be married, is offering a generous dowry for his daughters’ hands, but not until Katharina is tamed and her wild and unruly ways put to bed.

Will the flamboyant Petruchio succeed in taming Katharina to a submissive life of domesticity?

Directed by Lucy Bailey, who directed Julius Caesar for the RSC in 2009, the cast includes David Caves as Petruchio (Macbeth, Cheek By Jowl Barbican and National Tour, The Beggar’s Opera, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Lisa Dillon as Katharina (Othello, Royal Shakespeare Company, BBC1’s Cranford). The Royal Shakespeare Company come to Milton Keynes Theatre with Shakespeare’s romantic comedy exploring love, sexual politics and the art of illusion.

12

TICKETS £12 - £30 (Premium seats available)

MON 12 - SAT 17 MAR Mon - Sat eves 7pm

Touch Tour Wed 1pm

Audio Described Perf

Wed mat

captioned Perf Fri eve ATG theatre card Tue eve £5 off, Wed mat £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue - Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 35 n

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

TICKETS £15 - £30 (Premium seats available)

Following his critically acclaimed performance in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons at the Apollo Theatre in 2010, David Suchet returns in Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer prize-winning masterpiece Long Day’s Journey into Night, one of the greatest American plays written in the 20th century.

Set in 1912, the story is a compelling family drama between James Tyrone (David Suchet), Mary Tyrone (Laurie Metcalf) and their sons, Jamie and Edmund, during one fateful summer’s day.

ATG theatre card Mon & Tue eves £5 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon - Thu eves £5 off G Details page 35 n

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

13

‘a world class company’

DIRECT FROM THE WEST END

the independent

by antony jay & JONATHAN LYNN

HHHH ‘the audience loved it. a hit’ the daily mail

HHHH ‘hilarious’ the guardian

La traviata by verdi Violetta, a courtesan in 19th century Paris, dreams of a better life.

Will Alfredo be the man to provide her with the salvation she craves, or will rigid social convention deny her the happy ending she deserves?

Violetta’s story is vividly told in this beautiful period production.

Beatrice & Benedict by berlioz Beatrice and Benedict can’t resist teasing each other, but is there more to their sparring than meets the eye? A story of one of the most quarrelsome couples in opera.

The Marriage of Figaro by mozart It’s Figaro and Susanna’s big day. Mistaken identities and surprise revelations mean it’s going to be a day that no one in the household will forget. Experience this masterpiece with this elegant 1920s production.

Visit wno.org.uk for detailed casting, videos, story summaries and music clips.

14

La traviata photos by Bill Cooper (2009 cast pictured)

TUE 20 - SAT 24 MAR La traviata Tue & Fri 7.15pm Beatrice & Benedict Wed 7.15pm The Marriage of Figaro Thu & Sat 7pm TICKETS £17 - £47 (Premium seats available)

“ ”

n

Audio described performance Fri TalkBack Post-show Talk Fri

opera offer Book full price band A tickets for Beatrice & Benedict and receive band A tickets for La traviata or The Marriage of Figaro at band B price.

G Details page 35 n

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

starring

graham seed & michael simkins The original writers of the classic BBC TV series, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn have reunited for this anniversary production and now the Prime Minister Jim Hacker played by Graham Seed (Nigel Pargetter in The Archers) and his Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby played by Michael Simkins (Mamma Mia, Above Suspicion) are back in this hilarious new play.

In a world of spin, BlackBerrys and ‘sexed up’ dossiers, the PM is staring disaster in the face. The country is on the brink of financial meltdown and the Government’s only apparent salvation comes from a morally dubious deal with the Foreign Minister of Kumranistan. Will Jim Hacker and his team of advisors be able to rescue the country from the edge?

‘Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey are back in truly vintage form.

As politically sharp and blissfully funny as ever’ the Daily Telegraph

MON 26 - SAT 31 MAR Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £13 - £27 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card Mon & Tue eves & Wed mat £5 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon - Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 35 n

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

15

‘THE BEST OF THE TIM RICE & ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER MUSICALS’

Manchester Evening News

Bill Kenwright by arrangement with The Really Useful Group presents

FROM THE TEAM THAT BROUGHT YOU DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD PRESENT

A brand-new musical full of 60s classic hits

Songs include

A Teenager in Love Sweets for my Sweet Turn Me Loose Here I Go Again Viva Las Vegas Little Sister His Latest Flame

‘it explodes like glittering fireworks. brilliant!’

Suspicion Can’t Get Used to Losing You

the sunday times

Save the Last Dance For Me

‘the show of the century!’

and many more

entertainment and news

lyrics by tim rice music by andrew lloyd-webber Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s ‘amazing’, ‘superb’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘brilliant’ production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance.

Keith Jack, the hugely popular runner-up who finished just a hair’s breadth behind winner Lee Mead in hit BBC series Any Dream Will Do, takes on the title role, having won the hearts of the nation with his sparkling charisma and sensational singing voice.

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. Joseph bursts back on to the Milton Keynes Theatre stage for just one week only - so book your tickets now and be part of the magic!

14 16

TUE 3 - SUN 8 APR Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Sun 1pm & 4pm TICKETS £13 - £26 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card Tue eve & Wed & Thu mats £5 off, Wed eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue - Thu eves & Wed & Thu mats £5 off FAMILY TICKET Tue - Thu eves (max 2 adults) 4 tickets. From £70 G Details page 35 n

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

BY LAURENCE MARKS & MAURICE GRAN FEATURING THE HITS OF POMUS & SHUMAN AND MANY MORE! Save The Last Dance For Me will take you back through the music and magic of the early 60s, a time when each passing week brought another classic rock ’n’ roll track. Featuring songs from the legendary hit-writing duo Pomus and Shuman.

This nostalgic, feel-good musical journey will transport you back to music’s golden era as we follow two teenage sisters, Jennifer and Marie, through the summer of 1963. Full of freedom and high spirits they embark on a family holiday to the coast and a traditional seaside town. The young siblings soon discover much more than just sea and sand when they meet a handsome American airman, who invites them to a dance at the nearby United States Air Force base. But young love and holiday romance is never that simple and the sisters soon realise that while the world around them is still watching itself in black and white, life and love can be much more colourful.

tue 10 - sat 14 apr Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £12 - £29.50 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card Tue eve £5 off Wed & Thu mats £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue - Thu £5 off G Details page 35 n

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

17

northern ballet’s enchanting new fairytale production

the tony award-winning hit musical The Royal Exchange, The Hallé Orchestra and The Lowry present

‘Northern Ballet oozes talent and confidence’ Sunday Express

‘A star company’ Sunday Express

‘A company that boasts the best dance-actors in the world’ Dance Europe

Starring Connie Fisher & Michael Xavier Tue 17 - Sat 21 Apr Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm Discover the magic that can happen when you look beneath the surface with Northern Ballet’s new Beauty & the Beast.

TICKETS £13 - £35

A handsome Prince is transformed into a Beast as punishment for his ugly arrogance. Only true love can break the spell - but who could love a monster like him? A beautiful young woman is sent to live with the Beast. Afraid at first, she soon learns that she has nothing to fear except that the Beast longs for a love she cannot return.

ATG theatre card Tue eve & Thu mat £5 off Wed eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue - Thu eves & Thu mat £7.50 off

As this classic story unfolds in an enchanting world inhabited by fairies, sprites and goblins, we discover that beauty is more than skin deep.

See the Company sparkle in a kaleidoscope of colour and haute couture-style costumes, as breathtaking dancing is accompanied by an infectious score including music by Bizet, Debussy, Poulenc and Fauré, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Set to delight adults and children alike, book now as Northern Ballet brings a new magic to this timeless fairytale.

18

Photo Jason Tozer

(Premium seats available)

FAMILY TICKET From £70. 4 tickets, max 2 adults. Conditions apply.

G Details page 35 n

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

Connie Fisher (The Sound of Music, winner of the BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria) and double Olivier Award nominee Michael Xavier (Love Story, The Phantom of the Opera) star in the multi award-winning musical comedy, Wonderful Town. Featuring a superb score by legendary American composer Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story), the show has received countless awards since its premiere in 1953 including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Musical.

Connie plays aspiring writer Ruth Sherwood who arrives in New York City fresh from Ohio with her beautiful younger sister Eileen. Bursting with dreams of romance, riches and perhaps a free lunch at Walgreen’s deli, the indomitable pair meet an array of colourful characters in their search for success, causing chaos and delight at every turn.

Wonderful Town recreates the bright lights of 1930s New York City with spectacular sets, dazzling choreography and the rich sound of Bernstein’s magnificent music.

‘Leonard Bernstein’s happiest score’ NEW YORK TIMES

tue 24 - SAT 28 APR Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed mat 2.30pm Sat mat 3pm TICKETS £20.50 - £40.50 (Premium seats available)

Early Bird £5 off selected perfs. Tickets must be purchased before Fri 30 Dec. Conditions apply.

ATG theatre card Tue eve & Wed mat £5 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue -Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 35 n

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

19

DIRECT FROM A SMASH-HIT WEST END SEASON!

coming soon now booking!

Dance Consortium presents

HHHH ‘A FINE PIECE OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE’ SUNDAY TIMES

HHHH ‘IRRESISTIBLY CHARMING’ THE TIMES

HHHH ‘MONSTROUS FUN!’ DAILY MAIL

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the awardwinning picture book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Voted the nation’s number one bedtime story by BBC Radio 2 listeners, The Gruffalo has been performed to over a million people worldwide and has even hit the small screen in a star-studded TV animation.

Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maracashaking, party mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined?

Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups.

Watch the trailer online at www.gruffalolive.com 20

Thu 26 – Sat 28 Apr Thu 1.30pm Fri 11am & 1.30pm Sat 10am & 12noon TICKETS £10 Schools £8 + 1 free ticket for Groups of 10 or more.

G Details page 35 n

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

After wowing audiences all over the UK and spending three years in London’s West End, Dancing in the Streets is back! Experience the energy, the excitement, the emotion and the electricity of Motown in Ivor Novello Awardwinning director Keith Strachan’s production of the spectacular celebration of classic music from the heart of the Motor City – Detroit!

Dancing in the Streets will take you through the Motown repertoire, with classic hits including: I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Baby Love, My Girl, Dancing in the Streets, Please Mr Postman, Reach Out I’ll Be There, Stop In the Name of Love, Tears of a Clown and Tracks of My Tears. Guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles!

Danza Contemporanea de Cuba has for 50 years produced dancers of the highest level with a style evoking the sensual, mystical and raw heart of Cuban spirit. Collaborations with international choreographers have combined with the Afro Caribbean and Spanish fusions to produce an electrifying, evocative and distinctly unique expression. This internationally renowned company make their first ever visit to Milton Keynes with a repertoire that includes the world premiere of a piece by award-winning choreographer Itzik Galili, and the incredible Olivier and TMA award nominated, Mambo 3XX1.

★★★★ MON 28 MAY - sat 2 jun Mon - Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm TICKETS £9 - £25.50 (Premium seats available)

‘An exotic hybrid of contemporary, classical and Caribbean styles’ The Guardian WED 6 & THU 7 JUN 7.30pm TICKETS £9 - £22 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card & MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon eve half price, Tue - Thu eves & Fri early £5 off

TALK BACK “” n

Free Post-show talk Wed

G Details page 35 n

G Details page 35 n

E special event See p32 21

the west end smash-hit comes to MILTON KEYNES!

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

Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, 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!

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

‘Smash hit musical gives us all the time of our lives’ Bristol Evening Post

★★★★ ‘desperate to see it again and again’ evening standard

★★★★ ‘energetic, brilliantly staged’ the times

★★★★

Touch Tour

Tue 8 May 6pm

Audio Described Performance

Tue 8 May eve

signed Performance

Thu 17 May eve E special event

See p32 MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue 1 May £5 off G Details page 35 n

‘sexy, sensuous, raunchy’ the independent

www.dirtydancingontour.com 22

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

23

THE FUNNIEST PLAY EVER TO MAKE YOU CRY

coming soon! now booking BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

A DAZZLING EVENING OF DANCE NOT TO BE MISSED!

MILTON KEYNES CITY ORCHESTRA

presented by arlene philLips and adam spiegel

Music of Emotion

A heart-warming and bittersweet comedy, Steel Magnolias tells the story of six very special friends bonded together by mutual triumphs and tragedies. Now on tour starring Kacey Ainsworth, Isla Blair, Cheryl Campbell, Cherie Lunghi, Sadie Pickering and Denise Welch, it’s coming to Milton Keynes for one week only!

Join six remarkable ladies from deep south Louisiana as they ride life’s rollercoaster and enjoy friendship that has no boundaries. Sharing each other’s strength and loyalty, these remarkable women survive the cycles of life, birth and death to emerge stronger, closer and still laughing.

If you enjoyed Calendar Girls then this is a show you won’t want to miss!

starring KATE O’MARA DENIS LILL SUSIE AMY CHLOE NEWSOME BEN NEALON & MARK WYNTER Now in its seventh thrilling year, The Agatha Christie Theatre Company presents a stylish new production of the queen of crime’s classic thriller Murder On The Nile.

On board a steamer, cruising under the scorching Egyptian sun, honeymooners Simon Mostyn and his wealthy socialite wife Kay find themselves being pursued by an old flame. Then tragedy strikes. A body is discovered. And all fingers point to Simon’s ex-fiancée. But everything is not what it seems!

(Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card Mon & Tue eves & Wed mat £5 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon - Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off 24

G Details page 35 n

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have dazzled television audiences for six series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with their stunning Tango routines. And now they’re back by incredible popular demand with Midnight Tango – a breathtaking evening bringing all the drama, sensuality and elegance of this most exciting of dance forms to life. A spectacular and explosive evening not to be missed!

★★★★★ ‘quite simply breathtaking’ manchester evening news

★★★★★ whatsonstage.com

‘the agatha christie company always deliverS a thrilling night out’ the herald

Mon 11 - sat 16 jun Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £11 - £28

THU 19 Jan 7.30pm Principal Conductor Sian Edwards Soloist Anna Liisa Bezrodny(Violin, pictured).

Beethoven Leonora Overture no. 3, Op. 72; Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, Op. 35, D major; Sibelius Symphony no. 5, E flat major. Overture chosen by the Orchestra’s Patrons

TUE 10 - SAT 14 JUL Tue - Fri eves 7.30pm Wed mat 2.30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm

MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE® Murder On The Nile™ Copyright © 1946 Agatha Christie Limited (a Chorion company). All rights reserved.

TICKETS £12.50 - £34.50 (Premium seats available)

TICKETS £10 - £25 (Premium seats available)

ATG theatre card Mon & Tue eves & Wed mat £5 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Mon – Thu eves & Wed mat £5 off G Details page 35 n

www.midnighttango.co.uk Production photography

by Manuel Harlan

ATG theatre card Tue - Wed eves & Wed mat £5 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue half price, Wed & Thu £5 off G Details page 35 n

YOUNG MUSICIAN A Patrons’ supported concert Sun 18 MAR 7.30pm Principal Conductor Sian Edwards. Soloist Peter Moore (Young Musician of the Year 2009, Trombone). Macmillan Confession of Isobel Gowdie; arr. Rimsky-Korsakov Trombone Concerto, B flat major; Tchaikovsky Symphony no. 6, Op. 74, B minor ‘Pathetique’. Overture to be selected by the Patrons.

Festive Finale Sun 1 Jul 7.30pm Founder Conductor Hilary Davan Wetton (pictured). Soloist Eduard Kunz. Beethoven Overture and Finale from Prometheus, Op. 43; Beethoven Symphony no. 6, Op. 68, F major, ‘Pastorale’; Beethoven Piano Concerto no. 5, Op. 73.

TICKETS £32 £28 £23 £19 £14 £10 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) MKCO Box Office 01908 558311 For more information please visit www.mkco.org 25

W two O EE N K LY S !

‘A HABIT-FORMING TRIUMPH!’

WHOOPI GOLDBERG &

evening standard

STAGE ENTERTAINMENT present

©

From producers Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment (Hairspray), the smash hit musical comedy is coming to Milton Keynes!

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun she makes the wrong impression on the strict Mother Superior. But when she transforms the choir into the most glorious musical act in town, Deloris forms a lasting bond with her newfound friends, and the gang that’s chasing her finds itself up against an unstoppable team of soulful sisters!

Based on the movie of the same name, this fabulous, family-friendly, feel-good show is packed with songs inspired by Motown, funk, soul and disco, which more than a million people saw in the West End!

‘a divine dazzling triumph that has to be seen to be believed’ Manchester Evening news

★★HH★ ‘leaving you tapping your feet and grinning with sheer delight’ What’s On Stage 26

Image by Tristram Kenton of the UK touring production.

TUE 19 - SAT 30 JUN Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £15 - £45 (Premium seats available)

Touch Tour

Wed 27 Jun 1pm

Audio Described Perf

Wed 27 Jun mat E special event See p32 ATG theatre card Tue 19 eve & Wed 20 mat £5 off Wed 20 eve £3 off MILLENNIUM CLUB Tue 19 - Thu 21 Jun £5 off Wed 20 Jun £5 off G Details page 35 n

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

27

one night shows

omid djAlili TOUR OF DUTY

DANCEXCHANGE

oVER THE RAINBOW

TUE 17 JAN 7.30pm tickets £19

WED 18 JAN 7pm tickets £9 CONCS £5.50

the Life Story of Eva Cassidy

the talent

MON 30 JAN 7.30pm tickets £17.50 - £19.50

WED 1 FEB 7.30pm tickets £12 - £25

A compelling award-winning musical, which tells the life story of this legendary artist’s life through dramatic scenes and stunning live renditions of her music including a haunting interpretation of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Starring Sarah Jane Buckley (Hollyoaks) as Eva Cassidy, Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Brian Fortuna (Strictly Come Dancing) and West End actor Robert Grose (The Lion King).

One of the most cheekily original forces in modern dance, these eight remarkable young dancers thrill audiences and critics worldwide with this spectacular feast of dance, fused with stunning music and film.

Multi award-winning stand-up, television and movie star Omid Djalili is back on tour with his brand new comedy show. A firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival with his legendary performances, Omid’s stand-up awards include the Time Out award for Best Stand-up and the EMMA award.

‘Probably one of the most subversive, let alone funniest, comedians around.’

The Guardian

A fantastic evening of fun, music and dance performed by over 400 talented school children aged 5-17yrs. This is a celebration of months of planning, preparation and rehearsals in schools all over Milton Keynes where choreographers and teachers have been working with children embracing all styles of dance. There is something for everyone from Contemporary to Street Jazz via Bollywood, Shanghai and Latin!

Recommended for ages 16+.

‘Rippling torsos, reckless leaps and a happy sense of shared joy in their physicality. IRRESISTIBLE’ Daily Express

lord of the dance

fireman sam

CHRIS ADDISON

COLIN FRY higher senses

FRI 20 - SUN 22 JAN 8pm Sat & Sun mat 2.30pm tickets £30.50 - £38.50*

pontypandy rocks!

The time is now, again

FRI 3 FEB 7.30pm tickets £17.50

sun 29 jan 1pm tickets fr0m £12 (Premium seats available)

THU 2 FEB 8pm tickets £20*

Lord Of The Dance has become the most talked about, the most written about and the most acclaimed show in musical history and has broken theatrical records everywhere. With more than 150,000 taps per performance, this new production of the the Irish dance spectacular promises to wow British audiences yet again with its breath taking footwork and dazzling music.

28

BALLET BOYz

The Hero next door is back due to popular demand with his live stage show Pontypandy Rocks! Join Fireman Sam, and all his friends, as Pontypandy hosts its first ever music festival!

Fresh from The Thick of It, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and his sell-out 2010 tour, Chris Addison, the man who put the ‘Chris Addison’ into, ‘I see Chris Addison is touring again,’ is touring again with his brand new show, The Time Is Now, Again.

With great new songs, daring new rescues, and more adventure than ever before, you won’t want to miss this brand new live show!

‘Exquisite, super-smart solo show gloriously funny’ Time Out

Being one of the world’s most recognised spiritualist mediums and healers, Colin’s TV series 6ixth Sense has now been broadcast worldwide for 10 years making his public performances an international demand. See Colin Fry, once again, bring his own unique form of comfort and upliftment to ordinary people living ordinary lives, proving once again he IS very much the people’s medium.

Evenings of Mediumship are not scientifically proven and are presented for education and entertainment purposes only.

book now www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg fee)

29

one night shows

jethro

THAT’LL BE THE DAY

DOUG STANHOPE

SOLID SILVER 60S

SAT 4 FEB 7.30pm tickets £18.50*

MON 6 FEB 7.30pm tickets £20 - £23*

SUN 25 mar 8pm tickets £20

SUN 1 APR 4pm & 8pm tickets £20.50 - £26.50*

Cornwall’s ambassador of comedy Jethro will once again be taking you on a fun and wild journey in only a way that he can! Be sure to hold onto your seats whilst you are entertained by one of the funniest storytellers to date.

The nation’s favourite Rock ’n’ Roll variety show is back by popular demand ! Now in its 26th year of touring, this hugely entertaining spectacular features an all new line up of knock-out hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Mixed with hilarious comedy routines and a feel-good party atmosphere! It’s only Rock ’n’ Roll but we like it! ‘a great value for money show Not to be missed!’ The Daily Mail

Top American comedian Doug Stanhope is brutally honest, shockingly uninhibited and one of the most celebrated comedians in the world. ‘There’s a kind of Olympic torch of extreme American comedy, which passed from Lenny Bruce, through Richard Pryor and Sam Kinison - to the late Bill Hicks.

Stanhope is the latest, and equally brilliant, bearer’ INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

Celebrating 27 years of the UK’s original and premier 60s show! They say that if you remember the 60s you weren’t there! Fill that gap in your memory with The Solid Silver 60s Show and relive the 60s with original artists singing their greatest hits! The show features the unforgettable talents of Peter Noone, Chris Montez, Brian Hyland with Brian Poole and all backed by Vanity Fare. Hear the classic hits performed by the original hit-makers!

HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES

THE HOLLIES 50 YEARS ON -

SING-A-LONG-A GREASE

SALLY MORGAN

SUN 26 FEB 7.30pm tickets £7 - £20*

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES

SUN 3 JUN 7.30pm tickets £15

PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD

Contains adult material. Recommended for ages 18+.

Starring Beverley Callard Join the Hormonal Housewives as they battle against weight gain, weight loss, mood swings, wine, PMS, men, going to the gym, waxing, stretch marks, men, chocolate, upper-lip hair, chocolate, men, chocolate - and all the other joys of being a 21st Century girl!

‘Ticked all the right boxes the audience loved it’ Edinburgh Evening News

30

SUN 4 MAR 7.30pm tickets £22.50 - £25.50 Still pure Hollies. Still the tight, clean vocal harmonies, meticulously honed, precisely melded.

The Hollies bring their talents to MKT on their 50th Year Celebration tour. No support act is needed as they perform their Classics – The Air That I Breathe, Bus Stop, Carrie Anne, Just One Look, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and much more. A very special event – not to be missed!

From the producers of Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music.

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a T-bird or a Pink Lady but never quite felt cool enough to pull it off? Well, now is your chance to don those pink jackets, grease up those quiffs and let your inhibitions go for an evening where you are the stars and remember Grease is the word! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential.

‘It’s the one that you want!’

FRI 8 JUN 7.30pm tickets £24.50* Fresh from her new TV series on Sky Living, Britain’s best loved celebrity psychic returns by overwhelming demand. Sally has used her gift over the years to help many people. Sally now brings her amazing abilities and her tremendous personality to the stage with a unique theatrical experience, which is both hugely entertaining and enlightening.

Evenings of Mediumship are not scientifically proven and are presented for education and entertainment purposes only.

book now 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)

31

special show events and parties

CREATIVE LEARNING

Aladdin Christmas Parties (18+) Thu 15 Dec & Fri 6 Jan £28pp* n Pre-show, interval & post-show wine & fruit punch n Christmas party buffet & interval ice creams

Milton Keynes Theatre would like to thank the following for their support as corporate members:

n Complimentary show programme n Enter the world of Aladdin post-show and have your photo

taken on stage (photos available to purchase and take

home on the night)

n Meet cast members and enjoy a drink with them post-show

Dirty Dancing Girls’ Night Wed 9 May £35pp* n Dirty Dancing cocktail & fruit punch on arrival n Mini Dirty Dancing masterclass (pre-show) n Finger buffet, interval drinks and cupcakes n Complimentary show programme

Danza Contemporanea de Cuba Event Wed 6 Jun £35pp* n Wine & fruit punch on arrival n Salsa dance class (pre-show) n Finger buffet, interval drinks & ice creams n Complimentary show programme

Sister Act Fancy Dress Party Fri 22 Jun £30pp*

Bedfordshire Police

Sports & Social Club

Brian Currie Milton Keynes Ltd Champneys (Milton Keynes)

n Pre-show, interval & post-show wine and fruit punch

Heart 103.3

n Canapés & interval ice creams

Lynx Networks

n Complimentary show programme

Mercedes Benz Financial Services Ltd

n Have your photo taken in fancy dress (photos available to

purchase and take home on the night)

n Meet cast members and enjoy a drink with them post-show

(subject to availability)

n Fabulous prizes for the best dressed nuns!

All special events are open to individual bookings, groups, or corporate parties. To book a ticket for any of these events or for further information please call the Development Office on 01908 547663.

32

Airkix

*Show ticket not included. Must be purchased separately.

Metafix (UK) Ltd MK News Personal Group Holdings plc Routeco plc

This season Creative Learning have a great variety of weekly classes and workshops for all ages. For more details visit www.atgtickets.com/ miltonkeynes

Physical theatre for beginners Sat 3 Mar 11am - 4pm An intro for young performers to the basics of physical theatre movement. 14 - 17yrs.

FOR young people

Studio Film School Mon 13 - Fri 17 Feb 10am - 4pm. Back by popular demand the Studio Film School will be spending 5 days with a group of budding film makers showing them the basics of script to screen film-making. An exciting project to boost your performance skills and learn the art of filmmaking. 8 - 16yrs.

Youth Theatre Commences Jan 2012 Love to perform? In school year 3-13 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.

Primary Ballet Commences Jan 2012 Ballet is a brilliant way for children to increase their fitness, posture, strength, rhythm, confidence and most importantly have fun and make new friends. 4 - 7yrs.

MKT Glee workshop Sat 28 Jan 11am - 3pm A fun filled informal singing workshop for 12-16yrs intended to boost confidence and improve your technique plus an opportunity to perform for family and friends at the end of the day!

For Adults Adult Ballet Commences Jan 2012 Improve your fitness, posture and flexibility in our Adult Ballet Class! which combines the basics of ballet technique with the gracefulness of movement, creating a great workout class aimed at those returning to Ballet.

Adult Acting Commences Jan 2012 For those interested in exploring Actor training methods for performance. All abilities.

The Writers Group Commences Jan 2012 The opportunity to explore playwriting models and structures as well as generate believable characters and intriguing plot lines. Previous experience required. 16yrs+.

Performance Poetry Sat 25 Feb 11am - 3pm An intensive introduction to performance poetry, learn how to find inspiration for and write your own short piece of poetry before learning the techniques of performing it effectively for an audience. Age 18yrs+.

Intro to Physical Theatre Sat 17 Mar 11am - 5pm An intro for 18yrs+ to the basics of physical theatre movement.

CONTACT DETAILS For more information please contact: Creative Learning Department 01908 547 651 or charlieparker@ theambassadors.com CREATIVE LEARNING Bookings line 01908 547 637

33

get involved

MK GALLERY

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

onto the listed ticket price at the time of booking. Please check with Box Office for more information.

General Enquiries 01908 547500

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.

Customer Contact Centre 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) Telephone Sales Mon-Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm Customer Contact Centre opening hours may vary on Bank Holidays. Calls are charged at national rate (charges may vary according to service provider). Ticket reservations cannot be made over the phone or online.

Daria Martin, Soft Materials, 2004. Film still.Courtesy the artist and Maureen Paley, London

Auditions sun 12 feb Rehearsals Mon 2 - Fri 13 Apr Performance Sun 15 Apr 7.30pm Raw is back and this year it’s Evolved.

Raw has now moved to the Easter holidays and is bigger and better than ever. Now with four performance groups to encompass Contemporary, Street Dance, Ballet and Physical Theatre - and also open to ages 12 - 21 - Raw 2012 promises to be the most exciting year yet!

Over the two week period up to 100 talented local performers will be working with some of the country’s leading choreographers to produce an amazing one-off performance for the Milton Keynes Theatre stage.

For more details or to register for an audition contact Creative Learning on charlieparker@theambassadors.com

Project Art Works FRI 9 Dec - SUN 8 Jan Over the past year we’ve been collaborating with Project Art Works, investigating the impact of built space on people with neurological impairment living in Milton Keynes. The results of this and other projects produced by Project Art Works will be exhibited at MK Gallery in December.

Daria Martin 20 Jan – 8 Apr 2012 Artist Daria Martin presents a selection of her films that play on the senses from the last ten years, including the new film Sensorium Tests, which investigates the recently discovered, rare neurological condition of ‘mirror touch synaesthesia’. People affected with this condition experience a heightened empathy, whereby visually observed touch on the bodies of others triggers the perception of a similar touch in their own bodies.

Stage Experience 2012 After its spectacular debut in 2011, Milton Keynes Theatre will once again be running Stage Experience. Save the date! The project will run from Fri 3 – Sat 18 Aug 2012.

For up to date information and details of audition dates and show title make sure you check www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

34

Admission Free 900 Midsummer Boulevard Central Milton Keynes MK9 3QA Gallery Open Tue - Fri 12 - 8pm, Sat 11am - 8pm, Sun 11am - 5pm T 01908 676 900 Visit www.mkgallery.org

Book online www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes All telephone and online bookings may be subject to a per-ticket fee, transaction and postage charge. For most shows ATG Theatre Card, Millennium Club and Group bookings are fee-free. Please check when booking your tickets.

Counter Service Mon - Sat 10am until 15mins after last performance commences, closing at 6pm when there is no evening perf. Sundays open from 1hr 30mins prior to the first show, closing 15mins after the last performance commences.

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.

Please allow up to 28 days for the delivery of theatre tickets.

GROUPS AND SCHOOLS Group Sales 01908 547609 groupsales@theambassadors.com Mon 10am-5.30pm, Tue-Fri 9am-5.30pm G Groups & School discounts n

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 For most productions Group discounts apply to price band A & B only. Not available Fri & Sat eves. Different rates apply to some shows. Special rates are also available for mid-week mats and Schools for selected performances. For full details of the range of prices on offer call the Groups Hotline.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Please note that tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded. Ticket exchanges may be offered for the same production for a per ticket exchange fee.

VENUE IMPROVEMENTS £1 from each ticket will be used for the upkeep of the building. This may be added

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.

All discounts are subject to availability and at the discretion of the duty manager. Only one discount is available per ticket.

EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL Access 0844 871 7677 (bkg fee) 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.

Customers who require additional assistance to attend the theatre should make this known at the time of booking.

STAGETEXT Audio described (including a PreView), Sign Language interpreted and Captioned perfs 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.

For other information and advance booking call the Box Office.

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.

Data Protection 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 Co-founded by Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK with 39 venues, an internationally recognised theatre producer and a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets. ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Harold Pinter, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy, Trafalgar Studio 1 and Trafalgar Studio 2. ATG’s regional theatres include The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning Ambassador Cinemas; 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; Grand Opera House, York. ATG has been behind some of the most successful and innovative productions in Britain and internationally. Current and recent ATG co-productions include South Pacific, Ghost the Musical, Legally Blonde The Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Elling, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Company, Exit the King and The Rocky Horror Show.

Design www.swd.uk.com Print John Good

35

“a sparkling performance”

“reminds you why a night out at the theatre is truly special”

THEATRE’S LONGEST-RUNNING SUPPORT ACT “the two leads fizz with delicious chemistry”

“all the makings of a classic”

Proud to play a supporting role to

The GORDON’S and SHALL WE G&T STARTED words and associated logos are trade marks. © Tanqueray Gordon & Co. 2011