One Large Duvet

The One with Bob Barrett

Robert Barrett (born 31 March 1966) is an English actor. He is best known for his role as Sacha Levy in the BBC One medical drama Holby City. He also played a barrister, Mr Levi, in an episode of the TV series Bad Girls.

Career

Barrett was educated at Bedford School, where he was a boarder, he then trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He is best known for his role as Sacha Levy in the BBC One medical drama Holby City.

His extensive stage career began in 1991, and he has over thirty credits to his name in the West End and around the UK. In 2008 he appeared as Malvolio in the Propeller production of Twelfth Night at the Old Vic in London. In March 2012, he appeared in Modestep's video "Show Me A Sign" as "The Boss".

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS STOPS OFF AT MILTON KEYNES THEATRE THIS SPRING

Agatha Christie Ltd and Fiery Angel will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic to the stage, visiting Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 25 Feb - Sat 1 Mar.

Murder on The Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that is amongst her very best.  Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, this brand-new production is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end of the line.

Leading this production is the renowned star of stage and screen, Michael Maloney (Belfast; Young Victoria; Notes on a Scandal) as Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. 

Starring alongside Michael Maloney in Lucy Bailey’s new production of the UK & Ireland Tour of Murder On The Orient Express will be Bob Barrett (Holby City; And then There Were None, UK Tour) as Monsieur Bouc, Mila Carter (Black Sheep, Curious Directive) as Countess Elena Andreyni, Rebecca Charles (Bridget Jones’ Diary, Shakespeare in Love) as Greta Ohlsonn, Debbie Chazen (Romeo and Juliet, The Globe) as Princess Dragomiroff, Simon Cotton (A Clockwork Orange, Park Theatre; The Bodyguard, UK Tour) as Samuel Ratchett, Jean-Baptiste Fillon (Masters of the Air; Poldark) as Michel, Christine Kavanagh (An Inspector Calls, UK Tour; A Room With A View) as Helen Hubbard, Paul Keating (The Who’s Tommy, West End; Eastenders) as Hector MacQueen, Iniki Mariano (George, Criterion Theatre; The Jungle Book, Derby Theatre) as Mary Debenham, Rishi Rian (Ridley, ITV; Damaged) as The Colonel and Alex Stedman as Head Waiter. Also in the cast are Jasmine Raymond and Beth Tuckey.

Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks.  An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?

Murder On The Orient Express will be directed by Lucy Bailey (Witness for the Prosecution, And Then There Were None, The Other Boleyn Girl) and designed by Mike Britton, with lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, video design by Ian Galloway, sound design by Mic Pool, movement direction by Leah Hausman, casting by Abby Galvin and with Victoria Gartner as assistant director.  

Murder On The Orient Express UK & Ireland Tour is presented by Fiery Angel.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

The One With Dan Tetsell

Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s long-running West End hit is set to terrify audiences when Ghost Stories comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 18 - Sat 22 Feb.

After exhilarating audiences across the globe with record-breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Simon Friend Entertainment is delighted to be bringing back Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson’s supernatural sensation Ghost Stories for a full UK Tour. More spine-tingling and terrifying than ever, the Olivier Award-nominated show comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 18 - Sat 22 Feb.

****
'An immaculately crafted evening of entertainment' Time Out.

The production was last seen in the UK in 2019 when, after a celebrated run at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, the show transferred to the Ambassador’s Theatre for its latest West End Run. It embarked on a partial UK tour in early 2020, but this was cut short by the pandemic.

Dan Tetsell (Rivals, Disney+) will play Professor Goodman, David Cardy (Birds of a Feather, ITV) will play Tony Matthews, Clive Mantle (Casualty, BBC) will play Mike Priddle, Eddie Loodmer-Elliott (Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness) will play Simon Rifkind, with Lloyd McDonagh as The Others, Lucas Albion as ensemble and Simon Bass as understudy.

WARNING

Please be advised that Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension.
The show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition to think very seriously before attending.

When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations.

After exhilarating audiences for two years in the West End and across the world with record-breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, Ghost Stories is "Genuine scary fun” (Sunday Times), a worldwide phenomenon more spine-tingling and fantastically terrifying than ever.

"I had to sleep with the lights on" (Metro).

Are you brave enough to book?

Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman say of the return of their celebrated terrifying tales:

“We are beyond excited that Ghost Stories will be scaring the hell out of audiences around the country in its first ever full national tour. It’s fifteen years since we first brought screams, laughs, jumps and killer twists to the theatre and we can’t wait to do it again. Are you brave enough to book?”

2018 saw the release of the film version of Ghost Stories. Based on their own play, the film was written and directed by Andy & Jeremy Dyson. Andy stars alongside Martin Freeman, Alex Lawther & Paul Whitehouse. The film has been hailed as a ‘Modern Horror Classic’ and was voted number 16 in Empire magazines list ‘The Greatest 25 Horror films ever made’.

Ghost Stories is written and directed by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, originally directed by Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman and Sean Holmes. Set and Costume Design is by Jon Bausor, Lighting Design by James Farncombe, Sound Design by Nick Manning, Special Effects by Scott Penrose, Casting Director is Ginny Schiller CDG, Associate Director is Andy Room, Movement Director is Lloyd McDonagh, Costume Supervisor is Rebecca Gunstone and Props Supervisor is Will Edwards.

Simon Friend Entertainment Ltd presents a The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre Production of Ghost Stories.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

The One with Henry Lewis

We spoke to Henry when he was about to be in Mind Mangler

Henry William Lewis (born 21 November 1988) is a British actor and playwright. He co-founded Mischief Theatre, responsible for The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, Groan Ups, Magic Goes Wrong, Mind Mangler and The Goes Wrong Show, and co-hosts Riddiculous, an ITV daytime game show.

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical The Rocky Horror Show is coming back to Milton Keynes as part of a major UK Tour, from Mon 10 – Sat 15 Feb.

Training: Guildford School of Acting Theatre Credits: Emi in Your Lie in April: The Musical in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Jasmine in Aladdin (The Marlowe, Canterbury), Sister Sophia in The Sound of Music (Chichester Festival Theatre), Niece in At Last, it’s Summer (The London Palladium), Original London cast of Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Pegeen Ryan in Mame (Hope Mill Theatre), u/s Jasmine in Original London cast of Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre), Maria in West Side Story (Danish National Symphony Orchestra - Ledreborg Slitskoncert), u/s Kathy in Singin’ in the Rain (Kilworth House Theatre), Here Lies Love (National Theatre), Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (Theatre Royal Windsor), Footloose (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford) Other works include: Wonder.land workshop (National Theatre), Cassie in Tomorrow Morning (Visualize Films), Original cast recording of Death Note

The Rocky Horror Show defies space and time as it continues to captivate audiences around the world, featuring all the outrageous characters and infectious energy that has made the show a global phenomenon for over five decades.

An exceptional cast, led by Adam Strong (We Will Rock You / Disney’s Aladdin), making his Rocky debut in the role of Frank N Furter – will be bringing their biggest party yet to audiences across the country. Bringing laughs, thrills and time-warping fun, comedian Nathan Caton brings his sharp wit and undeniable style to the role of The Narrator.

Brad will be played by Connor Carson, Janet by Lauren Chia, Riff Raff by Job Greuter, Magenta/Usherette by Natasha Hoeberigs, Columbia by Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, Rocky by Morgan Jackson and Eddie/Dr Scott by Edward Bullingham. Completing the cast are Phantoms Ryan Carter-Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson, Erica Wild, on-stage swing Alex Hetherington and on-stage swing/dance captain Stacey Monahan.

The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party that famously combines science fiction, horror, comedy, and music while encouraging audience participation - meaning, of course, getting dressed up in the most outrageous fancy dress.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for 50 years and counting, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “Time Warp”.

The show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80.

Since it first opened, The Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out tour.

In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest-running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in the Rocky Horror Show over the past 50 years.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

🎭 One with Vivian Panka – A Must-Listen Episode! 🎭

Don’t miss this captivating conversation with Vivian Panka, star of the hit musical Dear Evan Hansen! She takes us behind the scenes of this deeply moving show, discussing its powerful themes of mental health, grief, and connection. Vivian shares her passion for the music, her journey in musical theatre, and how she uses her platform to inspire others.

✨ About Vivian Panka:
🎤 Role: Alana Beck
🎭 Credits: Heathers the Musical (West End), 9 to 5 The Musical (UK Tour)
🎬 Film: Heathers: The Musical
🎓 Training: Codarts University for the Arts
📲 @vivianpanka

📅 See Dear Evan Hansen Live!
📍 Milton Keynes Theatre
📆 January 28 – February 1, 2025

This Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Award-winning musical, with music by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land), follows Evan Hansen, an anxious high school student whose well-intentioned lie spirals beyond his control.

Starring Ryan Kopel (Newsies), Lauren Conroy (Into The Woods), Alice Fearn (Wicked), and an incredible ensemble cast, this production marks the first UK staging of Dear Evan Hansen with an ensemble.

🎟 Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

Tune in to the episode to hear Vivian’s infectious enthusiasm, and get inspired to experience Dear Evan Hansen live! 🎶

We spoke to Justine for 105.5fm The Point.

Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s original, award-winning Tina Turner tribute …. aka Justine Riddoch and her talented cast.

When Tina burst onto the scene, she won the hearts of music fans from the outset, creating a fearsome reputation for her live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits were just a taste of what was to come. We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled her to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her super-talented band and dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine is the ULTIMATE Tina (a National Tribute Awards winner since 2013). She’s got the looks, she’s got the moves, she's got the legs, but most of all, she’s got THE voice. Join an army of loyal fans for a truly authentic, fun-packed musical spectacular!

Fourteen years have passed since Totally TINA first sprang to life in the vibrant city of Liverpool, but a Lifetime Achievement Award and many other prestigious accolades along the way have earned Justine’s ‘Totally Tina’ a deserved top spot in the musical tribute world.

Justine admits she has been observing her beloved muse from the start; constantly honing her homage to the legend herself with passion and an unrivalled attention to detail, to deliver the most authentic recreation of the rock and roll Queen’s live performances.

The cast and crew of Totally Tina are pulling out all the stops this year with the promise of a brand new, custom-made performances featuring a whole host of fresh ideas, coupled with the band’s now famous humour.

The Show is designed to make the audience feel that the legendary performer is right back in front of them, strutting her stuff on the most famous legs in show business!

This year’s production is a heady mix of nostalgia and surprise with all the favourite Tina Turner hits, her best duets, much-loved covers and the odd twist in the tale.

Jumping Jack Flash, Honky Tonky Woman, Get Back, It’s Only Rock and Roll and The Bitch is Back have been added to a set which includes Simply The Best, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and Private Dancer to name a few.

All the songs are enhanced by the customary flourish of sparkling stiletto heels, flamboyant tail feathers, high energy dance routines and musical genius. There’s plenty of audience engagement and post-show ‘meet and greets’ too, making the Show more personal.

In fact, it’s probably the closest thing to a live Tina Turner concert!

Justine, a past winner of cult talent show, Stars In Their Eyes performing as Anastacia, is known in the business for her enthusiasm and drive, and has been singing professionally for 30 years. She is justifiably proud of her cast and crew who’ve played a huge part in helping her to create the longest running Tina Turner tribute.

She said: “I am thrilled by the success of this production – we have come so far! Having been told on many occasions that I sounded like Tina, I decided to take the plunge and then spent hours familiarising myself with her life story and scrutinising video footage to watch mannerisms and body movements.

We always add our own personality to the Show each year; the element of surprise keeps things fresh, but my ultimate aim is to remain faithful to a Tina Turner live concert paying tribute to her career, and bring the best version of this amazing woman; her voice, her passion and even her legs, to her many fans.

That’s why we love it when people tell us that they go away feeling as though they have seen the real thing.”

Totally Tina has been the ultimate Tina Turner tribute for the past nine years, from 2013 to 2019 winning Best Female Artist, Best Choreography, Best Sound & Lighting and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the NTMA, and in 2020 and 2021 winning Best Tribute at the NREA and NEA respectively.

The band have played to audiences all over the country and in Europe, and have performed at the Cover Festival in Davos, Switzerland (Tina Turner’s new home country) the last few years.

Justine added: “We love what we do, and we’re lucky enough to have an incredibly loyal army of fans here and overseas. We look forward to meeting many more new fans this year.”

The One with Craig Revel Horwood (Hook) from Peter Pan

Hear from Craig Revel Horwood recorded at Gulliver's Land in Milton Keynes talking about Panto and life on stage. Find out about his Hook and passion for getting families to Panto

Plus want to play a game. How many would you get right?

Go see Peter Pan at MK Theatre this Christmas. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan/milton-keynes-theatre/calendar/2024-12-06

Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love this Christmas in this high-flying swashbuckling adventure, starring the strictly sensational Craig Revel Horwood as Captain Hook! Joining Craig is comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham as Smee and West End stars Ross Carpenter as Peter Pan, Zara MacIntosh as Tinkand Evelyn Hoskins as Wendy.

The One with Maia Hawkins

Maia is playing the Young April from the late 80s. We speak about the part. The concepts and more.

Inspired by the 40th Anniversary of the iconic CD series, the premiere tour of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 12 - Sat 16 Nov.

The world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, a brand-new British musical written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, comes to Milton Keynes this November.

This production stars award-winning comedy actress and EastEnders star Nina Wadia, along with Melissa Jacques (I Should Be So Lucky UK and Ireland Tour, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End & LA) who will be joined on stage by special guest and pop icon, Sonia – performing one of her biggest hits, Better The Devil You Know!

The company also includes Kieran Cooper (Strictly Ballroom – UK tour) as Younger Tim, Christopher Glover (The Kite Runner - 2024 Ireland UK Tour) as Dad, Chris Grahamson (Phil Spector in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical) as Tim, Maia Hawkins (Cassie in A Chorus Line at Doreen Bird College) as Younger April, Lauren Hendricks (Much Ado About Nothing at the East London Shakespeare Festival) as Ms Dorian, Shakil Hussain (Frankie Goes to Bollywood – UK tour) as Frank, Nikita Johal (Wendla in Spring Awakening at Hope Mill Theatre) as Younger Gemma, Luke Latchman (Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre) as Younger Frank, Matthew Mori (professional debut) as Younger Steve, Phil Sealey (TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] - UK Tour) as Steve, Callum Tempest (Miss Saigon at Sheffield Crucible) as Barney and Poppy Tierney (Cabaret at Lido 2, Paris) as Mum.

The cast is completed by Emily Barnett-Salter (Annie - UK Tour), Molly Cheesley (Jane Austen’s Emma - UK Tour), Lizzy Ives (professional debut), Stefanos Petri (professional debut), Martha Pothen (Oliver! at Leeds Playhouse) and Blake Tuke (West Side Story, Opera Australia).

Craig Revel Horwood (Director & Choreographer) said “This is a beautiful and funny story about two schoolgirls navigating life through their shared love of music. Pippa has written a script that takes you right back to sharing your Walkman headphones with your best friend, escaping the boring day to day and dancing like nobody is watching. Everybody remembers getting the latest NOW That’s What I Call Music Album!  Our show is packed full of the biggest hits of the era and I cannot wait to get started and you will love it.”

Pippa Evans (Writer) said “Writing NOW That’s What I Call A Musical! has been an absolute delight, weaving this funny, heart-warming story around such a fantastic collection of songs. September 2024 can't come soon enough!”

Jamii Layton, (Managing Director of NOW That’s What I Call Music) said, “Now That’s What I Call Music will be 40 years old in November, and with our albums having become such an integral part of the soundtrack of peoples’ lives over that time, it is thrilling for the brand to be headlining such a warm and fun-packed show. NOW has always celebrated the creative diversity and all-round magic of pop music. This combination of a life-affirming story and fantastic music selection will make such a strong connection with the audience. It’s a great way for NOW to salute our legacy and also look forward to the future, continuing to celebrate the best in past and present hits.”

Get ready to relive the playlist of your life by celebrating 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand NOW That’s What I Call Music, which has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide. This fun-filled evening is bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham! Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet and so many more. 

It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business - planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives– the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?

The creative team will include Set and Costume Design by Tom Rogers & Toots Butcher, Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Vocal Arrangements by Mark Crossland, Lighting Design by Ben Cracknell, Sound Design by Adam Fisher, Wigs & Hair Design by Sam Cox, Associate Direction by Guy Woolf, Associate Choreography by Aaron Renfree, Associate Sound Design by Ollie Durrant, Casting by Annelie Powell CDG and Production Management by Setting Line.

NOW is produced by ROYO, Universal Music UK, SONY Music Entertainment and Mighty Village.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

The One with Max Fulham (Smee) from Peter Pan

Hear from Max Fulham recorded at Gulliver's Land in Milton Keynes talking about Panto and life on stage. Find out about his Vent act with Gordon and what was that about Uri Geller...

Plus want to play a game. How many would you get right?

Go see Peter Pan at MK Theatre this Christmas. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan/milton-keynes-theatre/calendar/2024-12-06

Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love this Christmas in this high-flying swashbuckling adventure, starring the strictly sensational Craig Revel Horwood as Captain Hook! Joining Craig is comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham as Smee and West End stars Ross Carpenter as Peter Pan, Zara MacIntosh as Tinkand Evelyn Hoskins as Wendy.

The One With Neil Foster

Neal Foster is the adapter and director of Awful Auntie, and for the very first time he is also appearing in the title role. He is the Actor/Manager of The Birmingham Stage Company, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022. Since its foundation in 1992 has staged over one hundred productions and the company has become one of the world’s leading producers of theatre for children and their families. Productions include Horrible Histories Live on Stage for eighteen years in the UK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Neal has written and directed all of the most recent Horrible Histories shows including the Barmy Britain series seen in the West End, across the UK, and internationally. Awful Auntie is his latest David Walliams stage adaptation after Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy and Demon Dentist. He also directed the world premiere of Tom Gates which he co-wrote with the author of the book series, Liz Pichon.

Awful Auntie is adapted and directed by Neal Foster, Assistant Director/Movement Director is Richard J Hinds, the Designer is Jackie Trousdale, lighting is by Jason Taylor, sound is by Nick Sagar and the music is by Jak Poore.

Awful Auntie is suitable for ages 5 +

Based on the bestselling children’s book by David Walliams, the UK Tour of Awful Auntie comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Thu 31 Oct - Sat 2 Nov.

The bestselling children’s author David Walliams and the award-winning Birmingham Stage Company have teamed up for a brand-new production of the family adventure Awful Auntie. This is their latest collaboration in a series of shows which includes the Oliver Award-nominated Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy. It can be seen at Milton Keynes Theatre from Thu 31 Oct - Sat 2 Nov.

When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, she has no idea her life is in danger! When Stella wakes up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell her what has happened. But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie!David Walliams said: “The BSC’s live shows of my books are always brilliant. I can’t wait for the fun to begin again – it’s going to be a hoot!”