THEATRE

Pic: Pamela Raith

Enjoy a kooky, Pic: Matt Crockett spooky night out

This January the cast of The Addams Family are set to haunt MK Theatre (above left) and magician Ben Hart will stun the audience at The Stables (above)

The month of January can feel particularly sombre; grey days, long dark nights and the post-Christmas lull do little to raise spirits. And just WHEN will payday arrive?! Break the drear with a little theatrical cheer. Sammy Jones has the round-up.

January at MK Theatre will begin as December ended – with continuing performances of the panto spectacular, Jack and the Beanstalk (running until Jan 8).

Extract the last bits of festive fun by taking a ticket for a performance with Ashley Banjo & Diversity who will display the moves that turned them into household names. And a reminder of the relaxed performance taking place on Wednesday, January 5, too.

Attendees will get the usual magic, but it will be free of lighting effects, loud noises and large crowds, which can be overwhelming for those with learning or sensory disabilities. Panto is for everyone, and the theatre will ensure that all feel safe and secure.

At Wavendon venue The Stables, performances of the updated version of Hans Christian Anderson’s popular story The Princess and The Pea carry on (until Jan 2).

Now, they’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky, The Addams Family - the musical comedy returns to Milton Keynes Theatre (11-15 Jan).

After all the tinsel and glow of Christmas, you’ll be ready for this gothic set show by the time it lands in town.

Wednesday Adams is all grown up, and this princess of darkness has a shocking secret, shared only with her father, Gomez; she is in love with a sweet young man from (shock, horror) a respectable family.

Can Gomez keep her secret? Or will his lips become loose and spill the beans to his wife, Morticia?

If Joanne fancies staying local after the curtain comes down on the show, she won’t have long to wait until her bro’ turns up – Kevin stars in Burn The Floor, which dances into town the following Monday (Jan 17). Kevin is no stranger to our theatre himself, and did a swell job in Rock of Ages in the autumn.

The Addams clan are to host a Back at The Stables, Britain’s meal for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ Got Talent 2019 finalist Ben partner and his family which Hart (Jan 23) will wow you promises to be anything but with his jaw-dropping magic standard...not least with that promises to shine a Uncle Fester, Lurch and light on life, the universe and Pugsley among those taking the darkest corners of your their seats at the dinner table. imagination. Expect your mind

Cameron Blakely reprises his to be well and truly blown. role as Gomez, and he will be Dreamgirls arrives for a twojoined in gothic matrimony by former week booking at MK Theatre (Jan Strictly Come Dancing pro (who lifted 25-Feb 5), as part of its first ever UK tour. the glitterball in 2016 with Ore Oduba), turned It’s the 1960s, and Effie, Lorrell and Deena star of stage, Joanne Clifton. are talented young singers working during

She has previously hit the MK stage in a revolutionary time in American music Flashdance, Thoroughly Modern Millie and the history. Watch as they navigate the world of Rocky Horror Show, but this musical comedy fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of is a chance to reveal her dark side. show business. In the 2006 motion picture, the role of Deena Jones was played by someone called Beyoncé. Local lady Natalie Kassanga has been cast for the tour. Read our interview with Natalie on pages 12 and 13. Last up for January, Mark Watson says ‘This Can’t Be It’ in his new show at The Stables on January 28. Spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy as Mark attempts to cram a couple of years of pathological overthinking into an evening of stand-up. It’ll be a busy night!

Kevin Clifton

> Book in: The Stables: stables.org MK Theatre: atgtickets.com/ venues/milton-keynes-theatre