Theatre round up: Our guide to theatre in and around Milton Keynes
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RuddigoreStantonbury Theatre, March 21-25The cast fromWolverton Gilbert & Sullivan Society are back on the stage this week, this time doing justice to the zany plot of Ruddigore. This one has it all - the villain who carries off the maiden; the priggishly good-mannered, poor-but-virtuous heroine; the hero in disguise, and his faithful old retainer who dreams of their former glory days; the snake in the grass who claims to be following his heart; the wild, mad girl; the swagger of fire-eating patriotism; and ghosts coming to life to enforce a curse. Will virtue triumph and can love conquer all? Tickets are on sale at £16 (concessions £13, under 16s £5) for a show brimming with fun laughter and wonderful music.
Shakespeare Double BillStantonbury Theatre, March 16Sweaty, stripped back Shakespeare. The actors, the audience, the text. A gender blind repertory company with absolute clarity at the heart of their approach. An authentic Shakespearean experience for the 21st century, dripping with energy, packed with ingenuity, delivered for (and with) the audience.www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk
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Hide AdMenopause the MusicalMK Theatre, March 19An hysterical all singing, all dancing comedy set in a department store where four women with meet by chance and make fun of their woeful lives, experiencing ‘The Change’ and problems with mood swings, forgetfulness, wrinkles and choccie binges. Cheryl Fergison and Maureen Nolan star.
The Very Hungry CaterpillarStantonbury Theatre, March 17Eric Carle’s classic has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969, nibbling its way into the hearts of millions of children all over the world.It has sold more than 41 million copies - and is now is captivating audiences live on stage. www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Welsh National OperaMilton Keynes Theatre, March 21-25The esteemed WNO bring their spring season of work to the new city stage this week coming, and it’ll be an emotive journey, and then some - with love, passion, heartbreak and tragedy all set to figure among the trio of pieces. Two of the chosen operas are among the very best known in the genre - Puccini’s much loved La boheme makes its first visit since 2012, when it was met with high praise from critics and audiences alike. It tells the tragic love story of Mimi and Rodolfo, transporting its audience to the streets of bohemian Paris. Or perhaps you would prefer Madam Butterfly? Puccini’s irresistable music is once again at the fore, this time accompanying the heartbreaking tale of Cio-Cio-San’s love and loss at the hands of her American naval officer, Pinkerton. Also being hosted on the MK Theatre stage as part of WNO’s Love’s Poisoner Chalice session is Le Vin Herbe, which will open the week of deliveries. Based on the myth of Isolde and Tristan, composer Frank Martin’s work investigates the very meaning and function of myths, as a group of people pull together to narrate the tragic love story. Martin’s version is more riposte homage than homage to Wagner. To learn more, book!www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Al Murray - Let’s Go Backwards TogetherThe Grove, Dunstable, March 17 He’s a publican, and a politician. And other things beginning with a P. Philosopher, maybe?The nation’s critically acclaimed bar-based-braveheart, embarks on a common sense crusade He’ll call time on tyranny even though he isn’t really sure what it means...www.grovetheatre.co.uk