Theatre in MK: your guide to the week ahead

Journey’s End Stantonbury Theatre October 28 Anxiety builds in Captain Stanhope’s claustrophobic dugout as the threat of an imminent German attack looms over the battalion. As final orders are received, Stanhope must stir his men to overcome the uncertainty of the unknown, make the ultimate sacrifice and “go over the top” in a heart wrenching climax. Journey’s End is a harrowing insight into the humanity of the First World War based on R. C. Sherriff’s own experiences in the trenches. Utterly compelling, this classic masterfully brings the courage, valour, humour and inescapable tragedy of warfare to the stage. Immersion Theatre is an award-nominated touring company which is fast developing a reputation as a producer of top quality drama and family theatre. “We are passionate about producing top quality theatre at accessible prices and we couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to do so with such a beautifully written and iconic WW1 masterpiece,” said artistic director James Tobias. Also this week, half term fun with Bad Guys, showing tomorrow at 10am and 2pm: Derek, Ernie & Dick are really bored of being good. But being an evil scientist, pirate or cowboy is trickier than they thought. stantonburytheatre.co.uk

The Gruffalo’s ChildNorthampton RoyalUntil October 29 Following The Gruffalo’s monstrous West End success comes The Gruffalo’s Child – with attitude! Just how brave is she? One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?royalandderngate.co.uk

The CommitmentsMilton Keynes Theatre November 1-5 Thirty years since The Commitments first burst from the pages of Roddy Doyle’s best-selling novel, the world’s hardest working soul band returns to MK.The Commitments is the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends into an amazing live act, the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. More than 20 soul classics will be performed live on stage including Night Train and Try A Little Tenderness.Kevin Kennedy (the former Corrie star turned ace stage star) is Jimmy’s Dad, Brian Gilligan who will reprise his starring role of Deco and Andrew Linnie plays Jimmy Rabbitte. The Commitments is a fantastically feel-good celebration of soul. www.atgtickets

Adam Hill, Clown HeartMilton Keynes TheatreOctober 30 Adam Hills has fast become one of the most popular comedians in the UK, with 15 shows that have toured internationally.His combination of positive, uplifting comedy and rampant spontaneity has seen him receive numerous awards and gain a legion of fans around the world.www.atgtickets.com

Real Ales and Drama Shots 4Giles Parish hall, New Bradwell, until October 29 Delightfully weird new writing with that Carabosse twist. Seating is cabaret style and music by Da Costa of The Bighead punctuates the new theatre pieces which look at social media, life and death, the dangers of speaking one’s mind... and of not speaking one’s mind.www.carabosse.co.uk

Dirty DancingNorthampton Derngate, October 31 to November 5 This worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. You know the story, but it’s one that never tires.www.royalandderngate.co.uk