THEATRE
Singin’ In The Rain dances into MK Theatre
Catch Me If You Can
More twists than
a corkscrew! C
aptivating chemistry, phenomenal physics and bonkers biology all figure in Unbelievable Science, the current show by the magicians, time travellers and all-round spiffing chaps Morgan & West (April 3). Explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment that gives their stage manager chills – it’s all part of the package from these bona fide, legitimately qualified scientists, who will be sharing their fun stuff at The Stables. The afternoon show (2pm start) is suitable for everyone aged six years and up, and they promise to ‘take full responsibility for any horizons broadened, passions inflamed or minds blown’ at the event. Now, there is absolutely nowt wrong with a cracking musical, but we have had quite a few at Milton Keynes Theatre lately, haven’t we? For those craving something a little different, get ready for a gripping psychological thriller from the pen partnership of Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert. The classic Broadway thriller Catch Me If You Can (April 4-9) is in the early stages of a long UK tour taking it to theatres far and wide, which will give Patrick Duffy time enough to thoroughly investigate the UK. Yep, that’s right, the man who played Bobby Ewing in Dallas is coming to town for the fiveday stay. The new town is a long way from the Southfork ranch, but so too is the character he is playing in this highly entertaining mystery. Inspector Levine is called to a house in the remote Catskill mountains to investigate the 78
disappearance of newly married Elizabeth Corban. But when a woman claiming to be her turns up, her husband seems surprised and the plot develops more twists than a corkscrew! Patrick plays the husband, and his wife will be portrayed by Linda Purl, who many will recall as Ashley in Happy Days. A partnership off the stage too, Patrick and Linda’s relationship blossomed during the Covid lockdown – read our exclusive interview with Patrick on pages 12-14. The theatre doesn’t stay musical free for long – and the sounds return with a classic that is guaranteed to make a splash in every which way; Singin’ In The Rain (April 11-16) uses an incredible 14,000 litres of water on stage every night! Step back to the glamour of Hollywood during the roaring 20’s. Silent movie star Don Lockwood has it all – hit films, and a studioengineered romance with the most beautiful actress in town. But the silver screen is about to find its voice and everything is set to change. If, like us, you watched the big screen version at Christmas (for the umpteenth time) you’ll know what to expect. If you’ve never had the
Pic: Steve Ullathorne
Comedy, chemistry, a Steps star in Singin’ In The Rain and a Dallas legend in a psychological thriller? Pulse’s Sammy Jones takes you on a journey through theatre’s most wanted for April...
The Paradis Files
pleasure, you are in for a beautiful surprise. Steps’ Faye Tozer joins Sam Lips, Charlotte Gooch and Ross McLaren to head up the cast. Over at The Stables, the Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club (April 13) lets Michael Fabbri, and Jo Neary loose at the microphone, with Andrew Bird at the helm as compere. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (April 1923) is fabulous and feel good, or as Time Out declared, ‘punchy, funny, fabulous.’ The critics are united on it being a five-star smash hit, and the ‘musical for today’ has a brilliant message – showing that it is possible to overcome prejudice, beat the bullies and step out of the darkness and into the spotlight. West End star Layton Williams is Jamie New, and Shane Richie makes a welcome return to Milton Keynes, reprising his role of Hugo/ Loco Chanelle. We should also give a mention to George Sampson, who took the Britain’s Got Talent crown back in 2008 – he is on board as Dean. See page ? for your chance to win one of three pairs of tickets to see the show during its MK stay. Graeae Theatre Company park up at The Stables with The Paradis Files (April 20 & 21). You’ll be seated in Wavendon, but transported back to the glittering salons of 18th-century Vienna, and the story of an extraordinary blind musician. Some of those closest to Maria-Theresia are looking to profit from her blindness. Others are looking to cure her – no matter what it takes. Performances of this newly commissioned chamber opera will integrate BSL, captioning and audio description. There is just enough time to mention the arrival of Les Miserables (April 26 – May 21), but we’ll have plenty more to say about that in the next edition...
Morgan & West
April 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes
> Go shopping for tickets: MK Theatre: atgtickets.com/ venues/milton-keynes-theatre The Stables: stables.org
