- PRESS RELEASE -
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE CELEBRATES THEIR
FAVOURITE THINGS IN 10TH BIRTHDAY AUTUMN
SEASON
Autumn 2009 will see Milton Keynes Theatre celebrate their 10th birthday so it’s no surprise to
see an exciting jam-packed season to mark this important milestone. Autumn is overflowing
many of the theatre’s favourite things including The Rocky Horror Show which featured in the
first ever season at Milton Keynes Theatre. It also includes productions from the National
Theatre, Glyndebourne on Tour and Northern Ballet Theatre who have been visiting Milton
Keynes Theatre since the start. An extremely exciting addition to this celebratory autumn
season is the unmissable three weeks of Connie Fisher in The Sound of Music.
There will also be a spectacular week of birthday celebrations which include brand new talent
show MK’s Top Talent and an unforgettable evening of entertainment in a specially
commissioned Gala Concert.
Over the past few months the theatre has searched across the region for their brand new talent
contest MK’s Top Talent in a bid to find a panto star. An overwhelming number of talented
people have entered and 40 lucky acts will be on stage (29 Sep- 2 Oct) to show you what
they’re made of, with 10 favourites going through to the Saturday final (03 Oct). Your audience
vote will be crucial in deciding who the lucky winner is – it’s your chance to play a part in
creating your pantomime star. With a panel of judges, a celebrity host, loads of local talent and
all the elements from your favorite talent shows - including the laughs and tears - this is one
week of guaranteed entertainment not to be missed!
The week of celebrations culminates in a specially commissioned Gala Concert which will
include some of ‘our favourite things’ that have been performed at the venue since it opened in
1999. Leading the concert, West End Leading Lady Louise Dearman will be joined by a
selection of well known and loved celebrity faces from musical theatre and national TV. For one
night only, enjoy an exclusive evening celebrating Milton Keynes Theatre’s first 10 years in the
only way they know how– a spectacular performance and an unforgettable evening of
entertainment.
The autumn season itself kicks off with something for the kids as Sportacus sails into town in
LazyTown Live! -The Pirate Adventure (01-05 Sept), a brand new show guaranteed to make
super-heroes of you all. You’ll be transported onto the high seas through an even higher-energy
story full of parrots, pieces of eight and buried treasure. What’s more, you’ll be joined by all of
your favourite LazyTown friends.
Drama fans can look forward to a hat-trick of West End hits. Duet for One brings unmissable
performances from two of Britain’s finest actors Juliet Stevenson and Henry Goodman (08 –
12 Sept). A brilliant concert violinist is forced to re-evaluate her life when struck down by an
unforeseen tragedy and along with her sharp-minded and wry psychiatrist examines her
deepest emotions. This dazzling play emerges as a gripping, witty and ultimately life-enhancing
tribute to the human spirit.
This is swiftly followed by funny, touching and heart-warming story Rain Man (14 – 19 Sep),
adapted for stage from the 1988 Oscar winning film Starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.
Oliver Chris (Green Wing, The Office) stars as Charlie Babbitt who embarks on a life-changing
journey as he discovers the meaning of unconditional love through Raymond, Neil Morrissey
(Men Behaving Badly, Waterloo Road), an older brother he never knew he had.
October will see the National Theatre arrive at Milton Keynes following a sell–out season with
the Evening Standards Awards ‘Best New Play’ - The Pitmen Painters (20 – 24 Oct) This
unmissable new play by award winning playwright Lee Hall (Billy Elliot) based on a true story is
a humorous, deeply moving and timely look at art class and politics.
Musical fans won’t be disappointed with a season bursting with family favourites. Not least the
lavish, critically acclaimed production, direct from the London Palladium of the world’s bestloved musical - The Sound of Music. (27 Oct – 14 Nov) Connie Fisher returns as Maria
starring alongside Michael Praed as Captain von Trapp and direct from the West End
production, Maggie Preece as Mother Abbess. Telling the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight
across the mountains with an unforgettable score of some of the most memorable musical
songs including My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd,
and the glorious title song The Sound of Music, it’s the perfect family treat!
Don your fishnets in preparation for one of the greatest cult rock and roll musicals – Richard
O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show (05 – 10 Oct) Follow Brad and Janet on an adventure they’ll
never forget and get ready for a night of fun, frolics and naughty frivolity Bursting at the seams
with timeless classics, including, the pelvic thrusting Time Warp it’s a non-stop party!
‘Rocky’ fans can also look forward to seeing Richard O’Brien himself as he stars in The
Stripper (22 – 26 Sept) a sensational musical comedy UK Premiere penned by the man
himself. Characters from Carter Brown’s classic pulp fiction jump off the page in this fast-paced
musical set in California 1961, as Lieutenant Al Wheeler, with a nose for crime and an eye for
the ladies, does whatever it takes to uncover the truth from delectable Deadpan Dolores!
Dreamboats and Petticoats (16 – 21 Nov) will have you rockin’ in the aisles with smash-hit’s
from music’s golden era including Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Shaking All Over,
In Dreams and Bobby’s Girl to name but a few. Set in 1961 emotions run high as talented young
musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win the hearts of their adoring female fans - and,
more importantly, the gorgeous Laura. But when Laura shows that she’s no slouch with the
guitar, rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons.
November brings a treat for opera enthusiasts as Glyndebourne on Tour make their annual
visit 24 – 28 Nov with three spectacular productions showcasing some of the best emerging
young talent on the operatic stage in Mozart’s much-loved work Così fan tutte, Janác¢ek’s
emotionally epic and beautiful work, Jenu°fa and an exciting new production of Verdi’s final
opera, Falstaff.
Booking is also open for Welsh National Opera for Spring 2010 with
Puccini’s Tosca, Carmen by Bizet and the Abduction from the Seraglio from Mozart.
Christmas comes early to Milton Keynes with Northern Ballet Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
which combines traditional ballet and captivating theatre in a production that has delighted
audiences up and down the country for over a decade. Colourful sets and costumes, conjuring
up a traditional Victorian Christmas, are perfectly complemented by Carl Davis’ festive score,
which blends classical music, played live by the Northern Ballet Theatre Orchestra, with wellknown Christmas carols sung by the company.
If that’s not enough one night shows include a night with Britain’s best-loved Diva Jane
McDonald (26 Aug), Sell out comedy from hilarious Michael McIntyre (27 Aug) and BAFTA
Winner Lee Mack (21 Mar) along with the Glenn Miller Orchestra taking you on a trip down
memory lane (19 Jan) and for those of you who want to give the vocal chords a work-out SingA–Long–A Hairspray (27 Sep).
Topping off the fantastic autumn Season is the regions premier pantomime - Cinderella,
featuring a glittering combination of everything a traditional panto could wish for; a handsome
Prince, enchanting Fairy Godmother, boo-able Ugly Sisters and we must not forget our unsung
hero Buttons who will be played by the one and only Bobby Davro.
West End leading lady Louise Dearman will be bringing her natural sparkle to the role of
Cinderella - and with our live orchestra providing a breathtaking, handclapping, feet-stomping
selection of popular songs this will be the panto dreams are made of. More star cast will be
announced soon so watch this space!
A sneaky peak into Spring 2010 proves that Milton Keynes Theatre mean to enter their second
decade with a splash as they announce early booking for sexy sassy Chicago, A return of
Matthew Bourne’s multiple award-winning Swan Lake,
high energy circus acrobatics in
Traces and Smash hit musical – La Cage Aux Folles. Not forgetting the most fantasmagorical
stage musical in the history of everything Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Don’t let it take off without
you!
General booking for the new season opens on 26 June. Make sure you don’t miss out the
chance to join in the celebrations of 10 years at Milton Keynes Theatre. Book your tickets now
at
Milton
Keynes
Box
Office
0844
871
7652
(bkg
fee)
or
visit
www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes (Bkg fee).
- ENDS -
NOTES FOR EDITORS:

A seasonal press launch will be held Tuesday 08/09/09 with special guests TBC.

General booking for the new season opens on 26/06/09

A selection of images will be available to download from the press centre at
www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes from 26/06/09

Interviews for a number of shows can be arranged in advance. If you have any requests
please contact Becky Martin on details below

Detailed press releases for each of these shows will be released 4-6 weeks prior to the
showing at Milton Keynes Theatre. All press releases will be available to download at
press centre at www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes along with images at this
time
If you have any questions or require any further information please contact:
Becky Martin
Press & Communications Officer
Milton Keynes Theatre
beckymartin@theambassadors.com
01908 547603