Events
Milton Keynes Theatre reveals it’s Winter/Spring 2022 season
Milton Keynes Theatre has today announced its Winter/Spring 2022 season with a programme of outstanding shows, shaping next year into one of the biggest in the theatre’s history.
Since it’s reopening in July 2021, Milton Keynes Theatre has seen a joyous return of live audiences, safely welcoming over 100,000 people through its doors to enjoy 42 quality shows. Here’s what the leading live entertainment venue has in store for 2022. The new year will see the final few performances of the highly anticipated, GIANT of a pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, which opens on Sat 11 Dec and closes on Sat 8 Jan.
From 11 January, everyone’s favorite creepy and kooky family are back in town. The Addams Familystars Strictly Come Dancing icon Joanne Clifton as the dark and mysterious Morticia. The spectacular musical comedy comes from the writing team of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Tony award nominated Andrew Lippa.
Milton Keynes will be the third city in the UK to experience the dazzling show which dominated theatre award ceremonies from its original production in 1982 to its West End debut in 2017. The long-awaited UK tour of Dreamgirls arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre for two weeks from 25 January to 5 March starring The Voice semi-finalist Nicole Raquel Dennis and Milton Keynes actress Natalie Kassanga.
Bringing some rock and roll to your February afternoons and evenings will be the electric School of Rock. Relive the face-melting music from the beloved film and enjoy Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new hits delivered by a band of insanely talented kids. Rock out with the band from 8 to 12 February.
Jersey Boys UK & Ireland Tour. Credit Birgit + Ralf Brinkhoff
From 23 February to 5 March, the stage sensation Jersey Boys returns to Milton Keynes Theatre’s stage. The smash hit musical goes behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons from the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Welsh National Opera will bring a trio of operatic delights on their return to Milton Keynes. Powerhouses Don Giovanni and Madam Butterfly take to the stage between 22 and 26 March while Katie Mitchell’s acclaimed production of Czech opera Jenůfa performs on 25 March.
The scrumptious candy-coated Nutcraker! Credit: Johan Persson
2022 will also welcome two spectacular ballet productions; the scrumptious candy-coated Nutcraker! from choreographer Matthew Bourne in February, and in May Northern Ballet take us back to the roaring 2020’s with The Great Gatsby.
For one night only, audiences can enjoy Strictly Come Dancing stars Kevin Clifton in Burn The Floor(17 January) and Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice in their dance extravaganza Him & Me (17 July). On 13 March, laugh out loud to Friends! The Musical Parody, a hilarious good-hearted romp with everyone’s favourite New Yorkers.
Moving towards the spring season, Milton Keynes will host a handful of phenomenal plays, including psychological thriller Catch Me If You Can (from 5 April) starring Dallas legend Patrick Duffy and brand-new stage play Cluedo (from 30 May) based on the family favourite boardgame.
Following a sell-out run in 2019, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Les Misérablesreturns to Milton Keynes for a stunning four-week residence from 26 April. And the UK premiere tour of Bat Out of Hell rolls into town from 14 June, bringing to life the legendary anthems of Jim Steinman & Meat Loaf.
Excitement is building as Live Nation and top event promoter Cuffe & Taylor announce more amazing artists for the TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions at Bedford Park. On Sunday, 30 June, the talented Dagny and The Mercians will join headliner Jess Glynne and support act Cian Ducrot for a night to remember.
The inaugural Bedford Summer Sessions are set to be a highlight of the summer, featuring a lineup of world-class artists throughout June and July 2024. Fans can look forward to performances by Avril Lavigne, Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Pete Tong, and James. Tickets, including Weekend Passes, are available now at smmrsessions.com and ticketmaster.co.uk.
Dagny, the Norwegian singer-songwriter known for her hits “Somebody” and “Love You Like That,” is set to dazzle the Bedford Park crowd. With her unique blend of indie pop and Scandinavian charm, Dagny has captivated audiences at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Glastonbury. After an impressive performance supporting Sting in Bedford Park last year, Dagny is back to deliver another unforgettable show.
The Mercians, an indie sensation from the Midlands, have quickly risen to fame in the UK music scene. In just two years, they’ve played iconic venues such as O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and O2 Institute Birmingham, and headlined a sold-out show at O2 Academy Leicester. With over 1.1 million streams on Spotify and 1.5 million views on TikTok, their popularity is soaring. The Mercians’ gritty, relatable tracks have earned them three consecutive number-one hits on the alt iTunes charts, and they’re set to bring their electrifying energy to Bedford Park this summer.
Don’t miss this incredible lineup featuring Jess Glynne, Cian Ducrot, Dagny, and The Mercians on Sunday, 30 June at Bedford Park. It’s going to be a night of fantastic music and unforgettable moments!
This July, prepare to be transported back in time with Music at the Manor, a series of live outdoor concerts featuring some of the world’s best tribute acts. From July 11-14, the stunning grounds of Waddesdon will host four extraordinary evenings of entertainment, set against the backdrop of the beautiful French Renaissance-style chateau.
Dance Through the Decades
Gather your friends and get ready to dance to a medley of hits inspired by music legends like The Beatles, ABBA, Queen, Take That, and Coldplay. Each night promises a unique experience, with a lineup of incredible tribute bands:
- Thursday, 11 July – Bootleg Beatles, supported by Le Freak
- Friday, 12 July – Radio GaGa, supported by Wild Boys
- Saturday, 13 July – Thank You for the Music, supported by Cher: Strong Enough
- Sunday, 14 July – Take That Experience, supported by Ultimate Coldplay
Experience the Best Tribute Acts
Bootleg Beatles will kick off the series, taking you on a journey through the iconic band’s back catalogue, from “Love Me Do” to “Hey Jude.” Supporting them is Le Freak, who will bring the best of disco with tributes to Chic and Nile Rodgers.
Radio GaGa will recreate the magic of Queen, performing hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Before their set, Wild Boys will have you dancing to 80s classics by Human League, ABC, and more.
Thank You for the Music delivers an ABBA tribute show that promises to make you feel like a “Dancing Queen,” performing beloved hits like “Mamma Mia” and “Waterloo.” The night will also feature Cher: Strong Enough, bringing you the hits of the original Goddess of Pop.
The series concludes with the Take That Experience, immersing you in the boy band’s incredible career, complete with stunning vocals, replica costumes, and iconic dance routines. Highlights include “Pray,” “Relight My Fire,” and “Rule the World.” Plus, enjoy a special solo performance by “Robbie Williams,” featuring favorites like “Rock DJ” and “Angels.”
Fans of Coldplay will also be thrilled by Ultimate Coldplay, delivering a performance that captures the essence of the stadium rockers’ biggest hits.
Enjoy the Festival Atmosphere
Music at the Manor offers more than just music. Enjoy a festival-like atmosphere with a variety of pop-up vendors providing delicious takeaway food and drinks. It’s the perfect way to make the most of the long summer evenings.
Experience Music at the Manor at Waddesdon this July 11-14 with the world’s best tribute acts including The Beatles, Queen, ABBA, Take That, and Coldplay.
Get Your Tickets Now
Don’t miss out on this fabulous series of concerts. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.waddesdon.org.uk/music-at-the-manor. Get ready for an unforgettable musical trip down memory lane at Waddesdon’s Music at the Manor!