Theatre in and around Milton Keynes: your guide to the week ahead

From stripping steelworkers to legends of light entertainment, there's plenty going on (and coming off) in MK over the next week...
Andrew Dunn, Anthony Lewis, Chris Fountain, Gary Lucy, Louis Emerick and Kai Owen in The Full MontyAndrew Dunn, Anthony Lewis, Chris Fountain, Gary Lucy, Louis Emerick and Kai Owen in The Full Monty
Andrew Dunn, Anthony Lewis, Chris Fountain, Gary Lucy, Louis Emerick and Kai Owen in The Full Monty

Nearly 20 years ago, a british film about six out-of-work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose whipped up a storm.

And by the time things settled down, it had become one of the most successful British films ever made.

And The Full Monty is still resonating today, and the stage show is still touring, playing to avid audiences.

From Monday it arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre with a great cast to bring it to life.

Giving, and showing, their all will be a cast of small-screen soap success.

Gary Lucy has a soapier CV than most, with stints in

EastEnders, The Bill, Footballer’s Wives and Hollyoaks.

Louis Emerick was a familiar face in Brookside where he starred as Mick Johnson. Chris Fountain and Kai Owen have also done the Hollyoaks thing, while Andrew Dunn served up the funnies in Dinner Ladies.

The film’s BAFTA winning writer Simon Beaufoy adapted his own screenplay for this hilarious stage production, so there’s no fear of a let-down, only the promise of a “cheeky” night out!

With a musical soundtrack featuring hits by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, you are in for a sound time!

To make a booking call 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/milton

keynes

On Sunday night Milton Keynes Theatre presents two legends of the stage, who have spent decades entertaining.

They are showbiz aces Des O’Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck.

They will be accompanied by music and video to reminisce and entertain.

The first time they performed together –In October 2015 at The London Palladium – the Guardian newspaper described the sell-out show as “a night of theatrical history to be remembered for many years to come”.

Now it’s your chance to let Des and Jimmy thrill you.

Call the aforementioned number and get hooked up.

At Aylesbury Waterside Only Fools and Boycie brings actor John Challis to town.

Join one of the nation’s greatest comedy actors, the man responsible for Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, as he reveals secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career.The show will also celebrate the launch of the second volume of Challis’ autobiography, which he will be signing during the interval and post-performance.

The show begins at 7.30pm.

Book seats at www.atg

tickets.com/aylesbury

One of our favourite choreographers, Richard Alston, brings his dance company to Northampton’s Derngate theatre for two nights of performance, this Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

His current work is inspired by the sonatas of Scarlatti, a composer hugely influenced by Spanish music. An Italian in Madrid continues his fascination with the fusion of different cultures and styles.

“Rejoice in the Lamb” is danced to Benjamin Britten’s superb setting of Christopher Smart’s poetry with words full of wild and witty details.

The Guardian considers Rejoice... to be “possibly one of the most gorgeous pieces he’s made”.

Treat yourselves and take a ticket. Visit www.royaland

derngate.co.uk to book your tickets.