This is not a stage version of the original 1956 Elvis film, nor is it the Elvis Story, but Love Me Tender currently on stage at Milton Keynes is a fun filled musical set in a fifties American Midwest town, laced together with some of the Kings’ best known songs. The start of the show is a little unconventional, and a little irritating until after a few minutes it gets going and the fun starts. Chad played by Ben Reeves recently released from Jail is a visitor to a sleepy one horse town, where the residents have been repressed the Mayor Matilda Hyde played by Sian Reeves. As soon as he arrives he kick starts the Juke box and with it the passions of the locals, and there follows a series of crossed wires as the story unfolds as the locals realise who should be with who. There scenes are punctuated with humour, some more risqué than others, (where did they hang that hat?) The Singing and dancing is full of energy, as the cast revive classics including Heartbreak Hotel, Hound dog, Teddy Bear, It’s Now or Never and of course, Love Me Tender. Shaun Williamson, yes Barry from EastEnders, plays Jim the garage owner and is responsible for some of the best comedy moments, whilst his Daughter or is it his Son is played by Laura Tebbutt. Kate Tydman is Miss Sandra the object of desire for both Jim and Chad and Mark Anderson is cast as geeky Dennis and plays up to the part. However the star of the show is Mica Paris who plays bar owner Sylvia, and her rendition of There’s Always Me was the highlight of the show. A feel good fun show in a great Local Venue

Camelot, Lancelot Laughalot at Spamalot Spamlot Starts with a Finnish at Milton Keynes Theatre. Well Finnish singing and dancing that is, including Fish slapping. Joe Pasquale is billed as star of the show as King Arthur, however despite his popularity he is out performed by the lady of the lake Sarah Earnshaw, whose wonderful voice we heard between the Pythonesque comedy scenes. The show is based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, with the odd other python references including a rendition of Always Look on the Bright Side of the Life’ Following Mr Pasquale around the stage with his coconuts for horse’s hooves is his real life son Joe Tracini, who has obviously inherited his father’s comic funny bones and timing. Other highlights were the Knights who say Ni, the French Taunter, the Black Knight who never gives up, and Herbert’s Guards. In the second half of the show that turns pantomimesque, with several references to Milton Keynes, topical celebrities and recent events, and concludes with and audience member being brought onto stage, and subjected to some gentle mickey taking from the cast. Mr Pasquale does have opportunities to bring to the fore his well-known personality including some “prepared” ad libbing, and making other members of the cast laugh, although he may well not be in the shake down for the end of year singing and dancing awards. Overall a fun show, good music, good venue and a cast who looked like they thoroughly enjoyed what they were doing.

First things first if you are going to see the stage show Barnum, make sure you take your seats a good 10 minutes before the scheduled start. The supporting cast appear amongst the seats performing juggling, hoopla, a variety of handstands and more, building a great atmosphere before the curtain rises. The show at Milton Keynes Theatre for one week only is based on the true story of Phineas Taylor Barnum, who was an extraordinary American showman. There was much love for Star of the show Brian Conley the moment he stepped onto the stage, he acts, sings, performs magic and performs circus skills as well. He also adds his own familiar comic flair, with audience members in the front row drawn into his routine. The story introduces PT Barnum just before he sets up his famous American Museum in New York in the mid-1800s. A family man with a savvy wife, Chairey played by Linzi Hateley. Highlights of the museum are a 160-year-old lady who with a slight marketing amendment attracts the crowds, a 25-inch man, who he names Tom Thumb, clever use of props and scenery bring Thumb into scale. Barnum then recruits his famous “Nightingale” Jenny Lind, played by Kimberley Blake whose wonderful operatic voice charms the audience. There is an obvious chemistry between Barnum and Lind as their show tours America, however the story continues he passes over her contract, and returns home to Chairey. Eventually he agrees to a partnership to establish a spectacular three ring circus and the shows finale plays out. The costumes and set compliment the great cast, and the lighting especially in the Black and White scene very effective. Barnum is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, May 16th there are very few Tickets available but you may be lucky try online at or from the box office.

Last night my wife and I visited Milton Keynes Theatre to see the first night of Dreamboats and Miniskirts, the sequel to the successful Dreamboats and Petticoats. The story moves on into the early sixties and we were treated to 40 songs from that era, all sung live and all music played live. The cast clearly enjoying their roles, and the plot punctuated with comic lines penned by the award winning writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. Prior to the show and at the interval we visited the impressive Piano Bar in the Theatre Foyer, lots of space and not crowded like West End Theatre bars tend to be. The resident pianist helping to give the bar a unique relaxed atmosphere.