Adapted for the stage from the original 1988 film the “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” have arrived at the Milton Keynes Theatre. As the damp nights draw in here we were taken to the French Riviera to meet English gent and conman Lawrence Jameson, played by immaculately groomed and dressed Michael Praed, now very much a silver fox, but for those who remember his known role of Robin of Loxley in the 1984 series of Robin of Sherwood, he has aged well. His aim is to charm the rich visiting divorces and heiresses, and then relieve them of their money and valuables, to assist his fight to keep the peace in a non-existent country where he lets them believe he is a prince. He is aided and abetted by Chief of Police Andre Thibault played by Gary Wilmot, whose Allo Allo style accent and comic timing are perfect for the part. Then along comes young American Freddy Benson to get in on the act, with Jameson eventually agreeing to teach him the tricks of the trade. Freddy is played by Noel Sullivan (Yes of Hearsay fame) who shows that he has much more than a good singing voice with great comic acting, and really surprised us how good he was. As the plot develops the pair decide to compete for the wealth and affections of beautiful Blonde Christine Colgate played by Carley Stenson. Oddly a wheelchair, a German Doctor, a love interest for the police chief and a twist or two all make the second half great fun. Punctuated with wonderful vocal performances and ensemble dancing the show was warmly applauded throughout by the appreciative audience. The show runs until Saturday Book now to avoid disappointment

. For nearly 45 years Rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar has been telling the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through the eyes of Judas Iscariot who is the one to betray him and lead him to those who eventually take his life by crucifying him on the cross. In the first performance of the touring show at Milton Keynes Theatre the audience were not disappointed. The show although obviously not a light-hearted portrayal does have the odd inclusion of humour. The crucifixion scene was not only very moving but very cleverly choreographed. Glenn Carter played Jesus Christ with an amazing performance, especially as a dying man In this performance Judas was played by the understudy Tim Oxbrow who for us stole the show. X Factor Finalist Rachel Adedeji played Mary Magdalene adapting her popular music voice talent to the stage. Well known tracks include What’s the Buzz, Hosanna, Superstar, Everything’s Alright and I Don’t Know How to Love Him. The entire cast play their full part, wonderful range of singing, and their obvious enjoyment of appearing in this production rubs off on the Milton Keynes As always the Milton Keynes Theatre is a pleasure to visit, its local, it’s in the vibrant theatre district surrounded by numerous Bars and restaurants, and parking is Free after 6pm. The Theatres own piano Bar has a great atmosphere as the expectant audience gather before the show. The Theatre staff are as always friendly helpful and welcoming.

Have You Booked Your Tickets to see the Fabulous Sound of Music at Milton Keynes Theatre? The Aisles were alive with the Sound of Music as the tour came to a packed Milton Keynes theatre, The show is based is on the true story of the Von Trapp family, a love story set in a climate of political change when Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany prior to word war 2. The lead role is played by winner of BBC talent show Over the Rainbow. Danielle Hope, who has effortlessly moved from the role of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz to that of Maria. The story begins with disruptive Maria a novice at an Abbey in the Austrian mountains, agreeing with the Mother Abbess that she should be allowed to take on the temporary role of a governess for a local family of 7 children, to allow her to enjoy fresh air and her passion for singing. The Children’s strict widowed father is played by Stephen Houghton, who initially discourages Maria’s attempts to sing with his offspring, however his outlook changes as he sees the positive effect it has on them, and in turn his relationship with them. The singing performances from the entire cast are wonderful from the Mother Abbess down to the youngest of the children. But star of the show unsuprisingly is Dannielle who is as near to Julie Andrews as makes no odds. The audience was made up of all ages and the show is equally appealing to all of them For a touring show one surprising thing is the quality of the set, from the Abbey to the Von Trap home. The scene changes are seamless, and along with the lighting and music you really get the atmospheric feeling of an ancient religious building in the Abbey Scenes. The show is uplifting and you will be toe tapping along with the familiar show songs including Maria My Favourite things Do-Re-Mi Sixteen going On Seventeen the Lonely Goatherd So Long Farewell Climb Every Mountain Edelweiss And of course the Sound of Music