10 things to do around Milton Keynes

1 THEATRE

Footloose: The Musical, Milton Keynes Theatre, October 17 to 22

The global smash hit show, based on the 1984 screen sensation starring Kevin Bacon, bursts on to the Milton Keynes Theatre stage. Footloose: The Musical tells the story of city boy Ren, who has to move to a rural backwater in America where dancing is banned. But Ren breaks loose and soon has the whole town up on its feet. The show features classic ‘80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear it for the Boy and the title track.

The cast includes pop stars Gareth Gates as Willard and Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore.

Details: www.atgtickets.com/Miiltonkeynes

2 FAMILY

Beasts, Bugs and Beheadings, Woburn Abbey, until October 30

Encounter surprising and sometimes hair-raising stories highlighted throughout the house with rarely seen objects and works of art on display. Discover the 4th Earl of Bedford’s account of Plague-ridden London and marvel at the intricate carvings of Japanese rat netsuke sculptures. It’s the last chance to visit Woburn this season, so make the most of it.

Details: www.woburnabbey.co.uk

3 MUSIC

Before House was Disco, Slug & Lettuce, Savoy Crescent, Milton Keynes, October 14

Soulful house and disco comes to Milton Keynes, courtesy of DJs including Jeremy B (Ministry of Sound), Paul Newman, DJ Soulixx (SDance) and Phil Ringrow. The dress code is described as “no effort, no entry,” so make sure you look the part.

Details: www.facebook.com/events/1607539286213638

4 FAMILY THEATRE

Orion and the Dark, Stantonbury Theatre, October 15

Full of humour, trust and friendship, this is a story about facing your fears. Orion is scared of more or less everything – but he discovers that his greatest fear is friendly after all.

Details: www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk

5 ART

MK Gallery, 900 Midsummer Blvd, until October 16

Artist Olive Sanderson wore the same suit every day for a year – and finally changed clothes on Sunday. Sanderson’s exhibition ranges from a video of the artist looking at themselves for the first time in 16 months to a diary from when Sanderson lived a 28-hour day for an entire month. Prepare to question the way we do things and why we do them.

Details: www.mkgallery.org

6 THEATRE

Sweeter than Roses, York House, Stony Stratford, October 15

Mr Simpson’s Little Consort

take a less-than-serious look at the lesser known life of the Bard, all accompanied by period songs and music from or about the plays.

Details: [email protected]

7 MUSIC

The Dub Pistols, Craufurd Arms, Wolverton, October 14

Expect an “instant and insane party” from the reggae-jungle-punk favourites – all squeezed into intimate surroundings.

Details: www.beatcheck.co.uk

8 MUSIC

Charlie Landsborough, The Stables, Wavendon, October 14

Charlie Landsborough is generally thought of as a country singer. But country music accounts for only a very small part of his concert repertoire and music catalogue. Charlie is love by many for his warm voice and ability to tell a fine tale.

Details: www.stables.org

9 FAMILY THEATRE

Why the Whales Came, Stantonbury Theatre, October 18

Multi-award winning storyteller Danyah Miller vividly brings to life another enchanting tale by Michael Morpurgo.

Details: www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk

10 THEATRE

Sing-A-Long-A-Grease, MK Theatre, October 16

Relive those heady summer nights in full voice while Travolta and co dazzle on screen.

Details: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes