A SUMMER SEASON FOR ALL AT MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

There's something for everyone this summer as Milton Keynes Theatre launch a sizzling hot summer season.  Highlights include chart-topping tenor Jonathan Ansell in Whistle Down the Wind, Milton Keynes Theatre favourite Paul Nicholas who returns to star in the Gilbert and Sullivan classic The Pirates of Penzance, and Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity, sure to provide a breathtaking evening for the whole family to enjoy.

The season kicks off with the first of five fantastic musicals Whistle Down the Wind (26 Apr - 01 May) a stunning combination of epic storytelling and multi-award-winning songs which stars chart-topping tenor Jonathan Ansell from X Factor sensation G4.  Orphaned pirates, flat-footed policemen and a bevy of blushing beauties follow as the perfect ingredients for a fabulous feast of Gilbert and Sullivan in The Pirates of Penzance (11 - 15 May) where Paul Nicholas as the Pirate King recreates the role he made famous in this lively comic opera.  Comedy fans will enjoy feel-good musical drama Stepping Out (01 - 05 Jun)- Guaranteed to raise a smile this funny and heart-warming 25th Anniversary production stars Brian Capron (Coronation Street) and 60's singing sensations Anita Harris. Follow the tale of another singing sensation in brand-new Laughter in the Rain (07 - 12 Jun) based on the rise, fall and rise again of pop music's ultimate survivor Neil Sedaka featuring pop favourites, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Solitaire, Calendar Girl and Amarillo. Rounding up the musical extravaganza is new revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Oklahoma! (29 Jun - 03 Jul)starring popular leading lady Marti Webb. A perfect combination of song, dance and cowboy yarn, saddle up and prepare to enjoy one of the most famous love stories in musical theatre history.

Drama devotees can look forward to a season with something to suit all tastes from Alan Bennett's much-loved wry and tender play The History Boys (17 - 22 May) where staffroom battles and the anarchy of adolescence provide a rich vein of comedy, to the suspense and intrigue of The Agatha Christie Theatre Company's next instalment in their highly acclaimed series, Witness for the Prosecution (14 - 19 Jun). For suspense and intrigue this gripping courtroom drama will keep you guessing until the final fatal moment.

Written by Oscar and Academy award-winning playwright Ronald Harwood, bittersweet comedy drama Quartet (26 - 31 Jul), tells a heartening story of self-discovery and life-long friendships with a star studded cast of Timothy West, Susannah York, Edward Hardwicke and Gwen Taylor. For comedy at its best Sir Peter Hall's Bedroom Farce (12 - 17 Jul) sees four couples, three bedrooms, two celebrations, one blazing row and an illicit kiss make for an irresistibly funny night in one of Alan Ayckbourn's best loved works. A dramatic conclusion is brought to you by Clifford Odet's award winning masterpiece The Country Girl (23 - 28 Aug).  Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove are reunited in the roles made famous by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly in the Oscar-winning film to bring you this must-see drama.

Dance fans can enjoy no less than three spectacular shows. Four day dance extravaganza, Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals (05 - 08 Jul) features the favourite faces of the world champion dancers from the smash-hit BBC TV series as they take to the stage in the ultimate dance celebration - a must see for fans of and dance enthusiasts of all ages! Or take a whistle-stop tour of the greatest tap dance moments in show-biz history with Strictly Tap Dance Fever (04 - 08 May). Enjoy vibrant tap dance styles that have entertained generations from the era of Fred and Ginger to today.  If that's not enough make a date with Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity (23 & 24 Jul) bringing you their unique blend of eye catching routines which captured the nations hearts and had Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell label them "sheer and utter perfection"

If you're looking for something for the kids join Peppa Pig and friends at Peppa Pig's Party (21 & 22 Jul) a charming show, featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets, brand new songs, muddy puddles and plenty of oinks!

The season is bursting with one night treats. Grab your girlfriends, your sisters, your workmates and prepare to laugh, cry and dance in the aisles like never before at hilarious musical comedy Girls Night (30 May).  Join Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra (21 Jun) in MK for the first time ever to bring you the ultimate party. Take in a magical evening of music and laughter with everyone's favourite Diva, Jane Macdonald (19 Jul), or enjoy One Night in Vegas (09 Jul) with Martyn Lucas and the British Philharmonic Orchestra featuring music from Phantom of the Opera, Copacabana and more classics from the likes of Barry Manilow and The King himself!  You can even join in yourself with Sing-a-Long-a High School Musical 3 (10 Jul).

Steal a look at the Autumn season to see some exciting shows already on sale which include The legendary All New Original tribute to the Blues Brothers, Roald Dahl's magical adventure Georges Marvellous Medicine, Alan Bennett's latest play from the National Theatre, The Habit of Art, a new version of old favourite Stomp, English National Ballets first ever visit with Romeo and Juliet, our annual visit from Glyndebourne on Tour, Monty Pythons Spamalot and of course 3 fantastic weeks of the big hit with a big heart Hairspray starring Brian Connelly and comedy favourite Les Dennis. Don't forget tickets are on sale for this years brand new production of Jack and the Beanstalk, this enchanting panto will be here before you know it (oh yes it will!).

General booking for all of these shows is now open. For more information call 0844 871 7652

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