Film & Theatre
Milton Keynes Theatre reopens on with a selection of great shows
Milton Keynes Theatre has announced its plans to welcome back audiences from Sunday 25 July, providing step 4 of the government’s roadmap goes ahead as scheduled.
After being closed for 16 months, the lights will finally come up and the curtain will rise again, as audiences are welcomed back for a sensational season of world class entertainment. The theatre is known and loved for hosting a breadth of high quality productions from musicals and drama to opera and dance, and this reopening season doesn’t disappoint. The reopening season will include breathtaking acrobatics from Canadian circus company The 7 Fingers, seat-gripping suspense from Dial M For Murder and hit musical Waitress arriving fresh from the West End.
The return of live theatre also sees the return of Milton Keynes Theatre’s Price Promise ticket deals. Continuing the theatre’s commitment to making theatre affordable for all, a limited number of tickets will be available for some of the most popular shows for just £13.
Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director of Milton Keynes Theatre said today “We are over the moon to announce our plans for reopening this July! Our whole team have been touched by the support we’ve received from our community over the past few months. We’ve seen how much live theatre has been missed in the region and can’t wait to give the people of Milton Keynes some much needed entertainment in the safest way possible.”
Reopening shows at Milton Keynes Theatre
The first show scheduled to reopen the theatre will be from loveable singer Jane McDonald on Sunday 25 July, with her much anticipated ‘Let The Light In’ tour. From there it’s a summer of captivating cult hits starting with timeless musical, The Rocky Horror Show, from Monday 2 August. Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba stars as Brad Majors in the Filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity – it’s the perfect show to get the party started once again in Milton Keynes!
EastEnders’ Adam Woodyatt and Gaynor Faye lead a talented cast in Looking Good Dead, the new thriller from best-selling author Peter James. The brand new ‘edge of your seat’ drama will be playing from Monday 16 August. Just before the summer’s over, one of the world’s best-loved musicals, Grease, returns with Peter Andre starring as Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine from Monday 23 August. And Samantha Womack and Cameron Blakely star as parents of the kookiest family in town, The Addams Family, from Tuesday 31 August.
The theatre’s Creative Learning programme will return in September, offering activities & experiences which engage, educate and empower people of all abilities, ages, genders and races within the venue and local community.
Upcoming shows at Milton Keynes Theatre
JANE MCDONALD
SUN 25 JUL 2021
The BAFTA award-winning star always delivers phenomenal show along with her fantastic live band and backing singers. With stunning production and a new line-up of songs her Let the Light In Tour promises to be the best one yet.
LUTHER – LUTHER VANDROSS CELEBRATION
SUN 1 AUG 2021 The world’s premier show in celebration of ‘The Velvet Voice’ experience all the hits from his amazing career, culminating over 40 million album sales and eight Grammy awards including many of the greatest dance anthems and love songs ever written, fronted by international Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10 piece band.
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
MON 2 AUG – SAT 7 AUG 2021
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having been seen by over 30 million theatregoers. Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba as Brad and directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party and features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting, show-stopping Time Warp.
THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN
SUN 8 AUG 2021
Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular. Come celebrate our brand-new show for 2021 as we Reach Out and show your there Ain’t no mountain high enough with the biggest Motown party of the year.
The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire
Just 30 minutes from London, Tewinbury Farm Hotel — Hertfordshire’s hidden gem — is now home to The Stable Bar, a striking new wine and events space that blends countryside charm with a touch of London cool.
Set on Tewinbury’s 700-acre working farm, The Stable Bar is more than a place to drink — it’s a destination. From the handpicked art adorning exposed brick walls (curated in collaboration with Common Room Projects) to its exclusive wine list from Humble Grape, every detail has been crafted to offer an experience that’s as stylish as it is soulful.
A Wine Lover’s Escape in the Countryside
The Stable Bar serves a thoughtfully curated collection of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines from independent, family-run wineries around the world. Expect to find Old World classics from Bordeaux and Veneto alongside adventurous pours from the vineyards of North Macedonia, Bulgaria and beyond. Whether you’re discovering your new favourite orange wine or sipping on a familiar fizz, every bottle tells a story.
Paired with small plates, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas and seasonal sharing boards, the menu offers easy-going luxury in every bite — perfect for slow afternoons or intimate evenings.
Live Music, Riverside Views & Summer Events
The Stable Bar’s riverside terrace offers a scenic setting for every season — heated in the winter and open-air in the summer, with views over the tranquil River Mimram. Inside, deep sofas, ambient lighting and a warm welcome set the tone for weekend nights filled with live jazz and acoustic sets.
July brings a host of exciting events to the calendar:
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Acoustic Thursdays fill the bar with laid-back live music and summer vibes.
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Fizz Fridays invite you to toast the weekend with special sparkling wine offers.
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DJ Saturdays turn up the tempo as day turns to night with curated DJ sets.
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And for the early risers, Farmers Market Sundays feature local produce, artisan goods and fresh coffee to start your day the Tewinbury way.
One to Watch
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply looking for a refreshing countryside escape, The Stable Bar offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary flair. With a packed summer schedule and an atmosphere that effortlessly bridges laid-back and luxe, it’s quickly becoming one of Hertfordshire’s most talked-about new openings.
TrendLife Magazine will be visiting The Stable Bar soon — stay tuned for the full review and inside look.
Celebrate 250 Years of Jane Austen with Emma Thompson at the Historic Heckfield Place
To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of literary icon Jane Austen, the elegant Heckfield Place is hosting an extraordinary evening with acclaimed actress, screenwriter, and producer Emma Thompson on Saturday, 31 August, from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.
Set against the backdrop of one of Hampshire’s most beautiful Georgian estates—just moments from Austen’s former home in Chawton—this one-of-a-kind celebration will begin with an exclusive screening of Sense and Sensibility. The beloved 1995 adaptation, written by and starring Thompson, remains one of the most celebrated cinematic tributes to Austen’s work.
Following the screening, guests will be treated to a rare and personal reading from Thompson’s own diary entries, penned during the making of the film. These reflections offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process and the emotional journey of adapting one of Austen’s most cherished novels. A live Q&A session will round off the evening, offering audience members the chance to engage directly with Dame Emma in an intimate and inspiring setting.
Heckfield Place, with its exquisitely restored Georgian architecture and lush surroundings, offers the perfect setting to honour Austen’s legacy. Nestled in the very landscapes that once stirred her imagination, the estate provides a rich sense of place and history for this unique cultural celebration.
Whether you’re a devoted Austen reader, a lover of British cinema, or simply drawn to exceptional storytelling and heritage, this evening promises to be truly unforgettable.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 31 August 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Location: Heckfield Place, Hampshire
Book Your Place Now:
Spaces for this special event are limited.
Reserve your tickets at HeckfieldPlace.com
“Bonnie & Clyde The Musical” is set to captivate audiences across the UK and Ireland following its spectacular run in London’s West End. The show tells the thrilling tale of two small-town kids, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who rose to become legendary folk heroes in America, their story a dazzling mix of love, adventure, and crime.
Leading the cast as Clyde Barrow is Alex James-Hatton, known for his roles in “Heathers” and “Newsies”. He brings his charismatic presence to the stage alongside Katie Tonkinson, starring as Bonnie Parker. Tonkinson, who previously impressed audiences in “Bat Out of Hell”, is set to deliver another unforgettable performance. Adding to the dynamic lineup, Daisy Wood-Davis, recognized for her work in “Hollyoaks” and “Holby City”, will portray Blanche Barrow.
Supporting them, Sam Ferriday, with his extensive musical theater background including “The Cher Show” and “Jersey Boys”, takes on the role of Marvin “Buck” Barrow. Jaz Ellington, an R&B and soul talent known for his appearances on The Voice UK, will enchant as The Preacher. Additionally, Nate Landskroner, who has delighted audiences in “Waitress” and “Heathers”, will alternate the role of Clyde during midweek matinee performances.
The musical boasts an impressive creative team. The score is the work of Tony-nominated composer Frank Wildhorn, with lyrics by Tony and Oscar winner Don Black, and a book by Emmy nominee Ivan Menchell. Nick Winston directs and choreographs, ensuring a vibrant staging of the lovers’ escapades.
Behind the scenes, the set and costumes are crafted by Philip Witcomb, with musical supervision by Katy Richardson. The team also includes notable talents such as Nick Barstow in associate musical supervision and John McDaniel handling original arrangements and orchestrations, among others. Each design element, from lighting by Zoe Spurr to sound by Tom Marshall and wigs by Darren Ware, is meticulously curated to enhance this gripping narrative.
Produced by the Olivier Award-winning DLAP Group, “Bonnie & Clyde The Musical” is more than just a musical; it’s an immersive experience into the lives of America’s most famous outlaws. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed historical tales or poignant love stories, this production promises to be an electrifying adventure. Don’t miss your chance to experience this exceptional blend of storytelling and theatrical innovation!
