One Large Duvet

Simon Tuck

Who are the people behind your favourite theatre productions? From household names to the hidden gems of the arts world, we’re uncovering the stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Join us for candid interviews first heard on Horizon Radio as we explore the theatre and the wider creative world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious, there’s always someone new to meet.

  1. One with 'Jem', River Medway from Here & Now – The Steps Musical

    4 MAR

    One with 'Jem', River Medway from Here & Now – The Steps Musical

    One with 'Jem', River Medway from Here & Now – The Steps Musical The first UK & Ireland tour of Here & Now – The Steps Musical arrives in Milton Keynes from Tue 31 Mar – Sat 4 Apr – it’d be a TRAGEDY to miss it! The producers of the UK and Ireland tour and WhatsOnStage Award-nominated musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation Steps, are delighted to bring the show to Milton Keynes Theatre for a week of performances, from Tue 31 Mar – Sat 4 Apr. The show stars Lara Denning (& Juliet, UK Tour; Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West End) as Caz, Sally Ann Matthews (Coronation Street, ITV) as Patricia, Jacqui Dubois (Ghost The Musical UK tour) as Vel, Blake Patrick Anderson (Emojiland, West End) as Robbie, Rosie Singha (& Juliet UK and Ireland tour) as Neeta, River Medway (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, BBC) as Jem, Chris Grahamson (NOW That’s What I Call A Musical UK and Ireland tour) as Gareth, Edward Baker-Duly (The King and I, Broadway & West End) as Max, Ben Darcy (Pretty Woman, West End) as Ben, John Stacey (Kiss Me Kate, Barbican) as Lesley and Lauren Woolf (I Should Be So Lucky, UK Tour) as Tracey. The cast is completed by Georgia Christofi, Kade Ferraiolo, Albert Green, Harry Jack, Casey Jay, Charlie-Jay Johnson, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Dean Rickards, Markus Södergren, Genevieve Taylor, Jessica Vaux, and Jack Palmer.Featuring Steps’ most beloved hit songs, HERE & NOW has an original book by Shaun Kitchener and is produced by the band and ROYO with Pete Waterman. It is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole and Matt Spencer-Smith as musical supervisor, orchestrator and arranger. It’s Friday night, and the vibe is right as Caz and her fabulous friends dream of the perfect summer of love. But when Caz discovers her ‘happy ever after’ is a lie, and the gang’s attempts at romance are a total tragedy, they wonder – will love ever get a hold on their hearts? Or should they all just take a chance on a happy ending… Steps (Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee) are the UK’s most successful mixed sex pop group of all time, with 14 top-five singles, 4 number-one albums, 22 million record sales, 500 million streams & 11 sold-out national arena tours under their belts. The band’s hits include #1 singles Tragedy/Heartbeat and Stomp, the gold certified One For Sorrow & Better Best Forgotten, the silver certified 5,6,7,8, Last Thing On My Mind, Love’s Got A Hold On My Heart, Chain Reaction, all of which will feature in the musical alongside many more.  Steps’ 2017 comeback tour sold out all 300,000 tickets, making it one of the biggest pop tours of the year. The band have since continued to release new music, including two further iTunes #1 singles, the Sia-penned What The Future Holds in 2020 and the Michelle Visage duet Heartbreak In This City in 2022. In 2022, Steps celebrated their 25th anniversary with a headline summer tour and released the #1 album Platinum Collection, which means they join ABBA, Rolling Stones and Stereophonics as the only groups in UK history to score #1 albums in four consecutive decades. Musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Matt Spencer-Smith, set design by Tom Rogers, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Adam Fisher, wigs and hair design by Sam Cox, make-up design by Jackie Saundercock, casting by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting, Music Technology by Phij Adams and Production Management by Setting Line. Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes #HereAndNow #StepsMusical #Steps #MiltonKeynesTheatre #RiverMedway #WestEndTour #UKTour #Tragedy #5678 #OneForSorrow #StepsOfficial #StepsFans #BetterBestForgotten #Stomp #SummerOfLove #MiltonKeynes #MKTheatre #WhatsonMK #LoveMK #BuckinghamshireEvents

    19 min
  2. The One with Horrible Histories The Concert Neil Foster (again!)

    25 FEB

    The One with Horrible Histories The Concert Neil Foster (again!)

    The One with Horrible Histories The Concert - Neil Foster (again!) Got the low down on this incredible show with our friend Neil Foster. The cast of the hit TV series and theatre shows will be bringing the BAFTA Award-winning TV show to life on stage at Milton Keynes Theatre from Fri 27 – Sat 28 Feb. Following the exciting announcement of earlier this year, Birmingham Stage Company and Lion Television are thrilled to bring Horrible Histories – The Concert to Milton Keynes Theatre as part of a UK Tour.  For the very first time, Horrible Histories Live (and Dead!) on Stage will feature both the hit TV songs and stars of the beloved CBBC series, a unique combination never before seen on tour. Leading the music is Richie Webb, the award-winning composer behind every unforgettable Horrible Histories TV song. From the iconic ‘The Monarchs' Song’ to the riotous anthems that have become fan favourites, Richie joins the cast as Musical Director, bringing his extraordinary catalogue to the stage with a live band. Sharing the spotlight are some of the most recognisable current faces from the multi BAFTA-winning Horrible Histories and its spin-off Horrible Science: Richard David-Caine, one of the show’s longest-serving performers, also known for Class Dismissed and CBeebies’ Swashbuckle. Harrie Hayes, who has embodied history’s most iconic royals, from Elizabeth I to Marie Antoinette. Inel Tomlinson, A core cast member of both shows, from Histories’ Rameses to Science’s Big Danny. Ethan Lawrence, a Horrible Histories favourite and star of Ricky Gervais’ global Netflix hit After Life. Verona Rose, a regular on Horrible Histories and a writer-performer on Top Boy, Fully Blown amongst others and the host of ITV2’s Secret Crush. Joining them are two stalwarts of the 20-year stage phenomenon Horrible Histories Live on Stage: Alison Fitzjohn, an original cast member who has toured the world with Birmingham Stage Company. Neal Foster, the company’s Actor/Manager and creative force behind all the Horrible stage shows since 2005. Together, this extraordinary company unites the best of the smash-hit TV series with the legendary stage productions, promising a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans. When William Shakespeare is asked to create the greatest show on earth, he knows it won’t be easy – but he has no idea how much trouble he’ll get from monstrous monarchs like King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria! Things hot up when Death appears, and now Boudica and Cleopatra want to take over. Can things get any worse? Of course they can! Featuring a live band led by Richie Webb performing his much-loved TV songs, with guest appearances from Charles II, Dick Turpin and a bunch of Vikings barging through the stage door, Horrible Histories – The Concert promises a truly Horrible night out. Bring your singing voices for a show that will make history come alive like never before! Horrible Histories - The Concert is written by Ben Ward & Claire Wetton, songs & music by Richie Webb, directed by Neal Foster, designed by Jackie Trousdale, with lighting by Jason Taylor, sound by Nick Sagar and choreography by Lucie Pankhurst. Executive Producers are Richard Bradley and Simon Welton, for Lion Television, an All3Media Company.  Horrible Histories shows are recommended for ages 5 to 105 (106-year-olds may not like them!). Horrible Histories books launched in 1993 and are written by Terry Deary, illustrated by Martin Brown and published by Scholastic.

    17 min
  3. One with Shakiera Ward from Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes

    11 FEB

    One with Shakiera Ward from Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes

    One with Shakiera Ward from Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes New Adventures is delighted to bring Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes as part of a UK tour. Playing Victoria Page are Ashley Shaw, Cordelia Braithwaite, Hannah Kremer and Holly Saw, alongside Andy Monaghan and Reece Causton as Boris Lermontov, Dominic North and Leonardo McCorkindale as Julian Kraster, Michela Meazza, Cordelia Braithwaite and Katrina Lyndon as Irina Boronskaya, Liam Mower, Will Bozier and Jackson Fisch as Ivan Boleslawsky and Glenn Graham, Liam Mower and Reece Causton as Grischa Ljubov. They are joined by Mark Austin, Tom Barnes Standing, New Adventures Emerging Artist Isabella Chandler, Adam Davies, Cameron Flynn, Anna-Maria de Freitas, Christina Gibbs, Thomas Ireson, Rosanna Lindsey, Callum Mann, Daisy May Kemp, Jarrod McWilliams, Matthew Potulski, Molly Shaw-Downie, Kingston Taylor, Shakiera Ward and Daisy West. Matthew Bourne said: “I’m thrilled to announce that 11 of the original cast of The Red Shoes, which premiered in 2016, are returning for this 10th Anniversary production, performing the roles they created, possibly, for the last time. This is something that no New Adventures fan will want to miss! The Red Shoes was the culmination of a twenty-year ambition to bring Powell and Pressburger's seminal 1948 film to the stage. It was also, in many ways, a personal love letter to a life in theatre and dance.    This production was certainly a landmark event for New Adventures, becoming an instant classic and a beloved addition to our repertoire. I’m so happy to see it return this year, especially as our last tour in 2020 was sadly cut short by the pandemic and left many of our loyal audiences throughout the UK disappointed. So, welcome back to the Ballet Lermontov and to paraphrase the great impresario himself… ‘It's time to put on the red shoes, Vicky, and dance for us again....’” A sell-out before its world premiere season opened in 2016, Matthew Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film went on to win Best Entertainment at the 2017 Olivier Awards, with Matthew Bourne winning the award for Best Theatre Choreographer. The show then returned for a national tour in 2019. A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance, but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion. Matthew Bourne’s magical double Olivier Award-winning production of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film is set to a score orchestrated by Terry Davies, featuring the mesmerising music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound). An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart. THE RED SHOES is supported using public funds by Arts Council England.

    12 min
  4. One Large Duvet - The One with Gemma Sutton (Rhonda Graam)

    28 JAN

    One Large Duvet - The One with Gemma Sutton (Rhonda Graam)

    One Large Duvet - The One with Gemma Sutton playing Rhonda Graam. The first-ever UK and Ireland tour of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, comes to Milton Keynes Theatre direct from the West End from Tue 27 Jan - Sat 7 Feb 2026. The producers of the hit production, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, are delighted to be bringing the first-ever UK and Ireland tour of the West End smash to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 27 Jan - Sat 7 Feb 2026. Tickets are available now at via ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes. The cast will be led by Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi (Moulin Rouge! Das Musical, Cologne; Sweet Charity, Nottingham Playhouse) and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy (Ghost the Musical, UK Tour; Hairspray, London Coliseum), who will share the iconic role of Tina Turner, alongside David King-Yombo (Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre; Oklahoma!, Wyndham’s Theatre) as Ike Turner.  Joining them in the cast is Martin Allanson, who will play Record Producer Phil Spector, with William Beckerleg as record company Marketing Manager Erwin Bach, Rushand Chambers as Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Claude East as Tina’s grandmother Gran Georgeanna (GG), Isaac Elder as Tina’s Manager Roger Davies, Georgia Gillam as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Letitia Hector as Tina’s mother Zelma Bullock, Kyle Richardson as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill, and Gemma Sutton as Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam. Ensemble members are Viquichele Cross as Lorraine, Charlotte Elisabeth-Yorke as Toni, Kane Matthews as Tina’s son Craig, Daniel N’Guessan-Lopez as Tina’s son Ronnie and Richard Taylor Woods as Martyn Ware. The Ikettes are played by D’Mia Lindsay-Walker, Alana Robinson and Sedona Sky, and the swings are Loren Anderson, Ella Howlett, Eleanor Morrison-Halliday, Max Mulrenan, Tom Self and Toby Shellard. Children’s casting includes Chloe Angiama, Chizaram Ochuba-Okafor and Ava Wallace-Corbett as Young Anna Mae Bullock, and Shaniyah Abrahams, Lily Bunn and Mariah Martinez as Young Alline/Young Craig. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL continues to run in the West End at the Aldwych Theatre, where it has played for over 6 years following its world premiere, receiving critical acclaim, and breaking all Box Office records at the venue. It is currently booking until 25 October 2025, making it the longest-running show to ever run at the Aldwych. The production is also a global success, with 8 productions having opened worldwide since 2018, including on Broadway and across North America, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. The show is currently on tour in both North America and Australia. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the story of legendary artist Tina Turner, the twelve-time Grammy Award-winning Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, the musical is an inspiring true story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender, and race to conquer the world against all odds. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet, sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Ethan Popp, and wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is produced by Stage Entertainment, Joop van den Ende and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner. TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is dedicated to the memory of Tina Turner, who sadly passed away in May 2023. Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

    17 min
  5. One Large Duvet - The One With David Sturzaker plays former England manager Gareth Southgate in Dear England

    21 JAN

    One Large Duvet - The One With David Sturzaker plays former England manager Gareth Southgate in Dear England

    One Large Duvet - The One With David Sturzaker plays former England manager Gareth Southgate in Dear England. Really Enjoyed talking to David for Horizon Radio. The National Theatre's tour of Dear England will be entertaining football and non-football fans alike when it’s at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 20 - Sat 24 Jan 2026. Following a record-breaking run in the West End in 2023, James Graham's Olivier Award-winning play Dear England is now on tour, visiting 16 venues across England, in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith for JAS Theatricals. Performances run at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 20 - Sat 24 Jan 2026, with tickets available now via ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes. Dear England is 'gripping, moving and funny…as good as theatre gets' (★★★★ The Sunday Times). Audiences have been brought to their feet for this inspiring, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate's revolutionary tenure as England manager. Heading the cast in “the decade's biggest theatrical triumph” (★★★★ Daily Telegraph) is David Sturzaker as England manager Gareth Southgate, with Samantha Womack (EastEnders, Mount Pleasant) playing team psychologist Pippa Grange. The cast also includes: Jake Ashton-Nelson (Jordan Henderson), Luke Azille (Jadon Sancho), Ian Bartholomew (Greg Dyke), Jass Beki (Bukayo Saka), Ashley Byam (Raheem Sterling), Steven Dykes (Sam Allardyce), Courtney George (Alex Scott), Oscar Gough (Harry Kane), Jayden Hanley (Marcus Rashford), Connor Hawker (Harry Maguire), Tom Lane (Eric Dier), Ian Kirkby (Gary Lineker), Jack Maddison (Jordan Pickford), Liam Prince-Donnelly (Dele Alli), and George Rainsford (Mike Webster). Stuart Ash, Natalie Boakye, Ebube Chukwuma, Sam Craig, Miles Henderson and Alex Wadham complete the company. The cast are also playing additional roles as part of the ensemble. Dear England is written by multi-award-winning stage and screen writer James Graham (Punch, West End; Sherwood, BBC One), directed by Almeida Theatre's Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Ink; Almeida Theatre/West End/Broadway), with set design by Es Devlin Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour; The Lehman Trilogy, National Theatre). It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land. The wider creative team for Dear England includes costume designer, Evie Gurney; lighting designer, Jon Clark; co-movement directors, Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf; video designer, Ash J Woodward; co-sound designers, Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons with additional music by Max Perryment. They are joined by tour revival director Connie Treves, revival movement director Tom Herron, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG, associate lighting designer Ben Jacobs, associate video designer Libby Ward, associate sound designer Johnny Edwards, casting associate Lilly Mackie and resident director Dan Hutton. The National Theatre will run a year-long schools engagement programme inspired by Gareth Southgate’s ‘Dear England’ open letter that he wrote to England fans in 2021. This programme, which will prompt young people across the UK to reflect on their own place in history, just as the footballers in Southgate's squad were encouraged to do, is in response to this year being the 80th anniversary of the Second World War. It will be delivered in schools across England with assemblies and workshops using spoken word and sound design to support students to share the hopes and aspirations they have for themselves and other young people, 80 years from now.

    15 min
  6. One With Ronnie Burden - FRIENDS! The Musical Parody

    14 JAN

    One With Ronnie Burden - FRIENDS! The Musical Parody

    One With Ronnie Burden - FRIENDS! The Musical Parody Could this BE any more exciting?! The UK & Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody will be entertaining audiences at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 13 - Sat 17 Jan 2026. Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale, and Oskar Eiriksson, in association with The Barn Theatre Cirencester, present the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody. The side-splitting musical comedy is packed with iconic moments from all 10 seasons of the beloved television series, and performances run at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 13 - Sat 17 Jan 2026. Tickets are available now via ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes. The iconic characters will be played by Enzo Benvenuti (The Devil May Care; Southwark Borough Playhouse) as Ross, Alicia Belgrade (GREASE; UK & Ireland Tour) as Monica, Daniel Parkinson (Jersey Boys; Trafalgar Theatre) as Chandler, Eva Hope (Snow White and the Seven Elves) as Rachel, Ronnie Burden (GREASE; Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) as Joey, Amelia Atherton (SIX The Musical; Vaudeville Theatre) as Phoebe and Edward Leigh (Shrek; Apollo Theatre Hammersmith) as Gunther, Tom Selleck and Paolo. The cast is completed by Lottie Lester and Meg Darcy as Female Ensemble Covers, Jared Thompson and Harry Mallaghan as Male Ensemble Covers.  Creative team includes Director Michael Gyngell, Books & Lyrics by Bob and Tobly McSmith, Music by Assaf Gleizner, Set and Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter, Sound Design by Chris Whybrow, Costume Design by Jennie Quirk, Wigs, Hair and Make-up Design by Craig Forrest-Thomas, Music Supervisor by Mark Crossland and Music Arranged by Charles Olins. FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is produced by Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale, and Oskar Eiriksson under license from Theatre Mogul. Originally produced in New York City by Lynn Shore Entertainment, Theater Mogul and McSmith Family Entertainment.  Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

    16 min
  7. Season 4 on One Large Duvet

    SEASON 4, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Season 4 on One Large Duvet

    Get ready for a season of standing ovations! Whether you’re a musical theatre geek, a drama seeker, or looking for a family day out, Milton Keynes Theatre is the place to be. FRIENDS! The Musical Parody * 📅 Tue 13th Jan @ 7:30pm 🎸 Pivot! It’s the one where they sing. 🎧 Spotify Search: Friends Theme Remix / 90s Nostalgia Dear England 📅 Tue 20th Jan @ 7:30pm ⚽ The beautiful game hits the stage. * TINA - The Tina Turner Musical 📅 Wed 28th Jan @ 7:30pm 👑 Simply the best night out in MK. 🎧 Spotify Search: Tina Turner: The Essentials Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes 📅 Tue 10th Feb @ 7:30pm 🩰 Breathtaking ballet and haunting romance. Horrible Histories - The Concert 📅 Fri 27th Feb @ 10:30am & 6:30pm 🎻 History with the nasty bits left in (and set to music!). Legally Blonde The Musical 📅 Tue 10th Mar @ 7:30pm 🎀 Omigod you guys! Bend and snap to the box office. Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts 📅 Tue 17th Mar @ 7:30pm 🕵️‍♂️ A classic mystery comes to life. Sunny Afternoon (The Kinks Musical) 📅 Thu 24th Mar @ 7:30pm 🎸 Dedicated followers of fashion, this one's for you. 🎧 Spotify Search: The Kinks - Sunny Afternoon Here & Now - The Steps Musical 📅 Thu 31st Mar @ 7:30pm 🕺 Tragedy? No, it's a party! 5, 6, 7, 8... 🎧 Spotify Search: Steps Greatest Hits Miss Saigon 📅 Wed 8th Apr @ 7:30pm 🚁 The epic love story you can't miss. Mean Girls 📅 Tue 14th Apr @ 7:30pm 💅 You can’t sit with us... unless you have a ticket. Single White Female 📅 Thu 21st Apr @ 7:30pm 🔪 The psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fawlty Towers - The Play 📅 Thu 28th Apr @ 7:30pm 🏨 Don’t mention the war! Absolute comedic chaos. #MKTheatre #MiltonKeynes #HorizonRadio #LoveTheatre #MusicalTheatre #WhatsonMK #SpotifyPlaylists #WestEndTour #MKCity #TheatreLife #TinaMusical #MeanGirlsMusical #StepsTheMusical

    1 min
  8. The One with Michael D. Xavier as George Banks in Mary Poppins.

    19/11/2025

    The One with Michael D. Xavier as George Banks in Mary Poppins.

    The One with Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story) as George BanksCameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group’s spectacular production of the classic multi-award-winning musical Mary Poppins is flying into Milton Keynes from 29th October 2025 for four weeks only.   Since its premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in 2004, the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins has gone on to record-breaking productions around the world, gaining over 50 major international awards, including two Olivier Awards and one Tony Award. Over 15 million people have witnessed the magic worldwide, with the production having been translated into 13 languages. Leading the company are Australian stars Stefanie Jones (the Australian National Tour of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical) and Jack Chambers (winner of So You Think You Can Dance Australia), who reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having previously starred in the Australian production. The pair opened this UK and Ireland tour in Bristol last year, to critical and audience acclaim. Patti Boulaye (Hair, Shaftesbury Theatre; Two Gentlemen of Verona, Phoenix Theatre) will play the role of Bird Woman until Sun 16 Nov, and from Tue 18 Nov onwards, international recording artist and actress Lyn Paul will take over the role. The cast is also led by Michael D. Xavier (Olivier nominee for Into the Woods and Love Story) as George Banks, Lucie-Mae Sumner (West End production of Mary Poppins) as Winifred Banks, Rosemary Ashe (Olivier nominee for The Witches of Eastwick) as Mrs Brill, Wendy Ferguson (Les Misérables, West End) as Miss Andrew, Sharon Wattis (Book of Mormon, West End) as Mrs Corry, Ruairidh McDonald (Matilda, West End) as Roberston Ay and David Burrows (West End productions of Half a Sixpence, My Fair Lady and Oliver!) as Admiral Boom and Bank Chairman.  Olive Harrison, Connie Jones, Yvie Moore, Katie Ryden and Sienna Sibley currently alternate the role of Jane Banks with Oliver Benson, Charlie Donald, Oli Manning, Joshua Miles and Oliver Noble alternating the role of Michael Banks. The company is completed by Jay Luca Allan, Marianne Bardgett, Rhys Batten, Lydia Boulton, Ben Culleton, Jasmine Davis, Matthew Dawkins, Lily De-La-Haye, Nathan Elwick, Darcy Finden, Lyndsey Gardiner, Ryan Gover, Emma Harrold, Cameron Thomas Jones, Billy Mahoney, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Roan Pronk, Henry Rhodes, Jacob Ritzema, Scarlet Roche, Callum Rose, Tyler Timmins, Charlie Waddell, Rachael Ward, Jemima-Jane Willcox, James Wolstenholme and Ellie Young. Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic Sherman Brothers songs: Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and Feed the Birds. MARY POPPINS has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, with new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The book is by Julian Fellowes, and this production is co-created by Cameron Mackintosh. It has orchestrations by William David Brohn and dance and vocal arrangements by George Stiles. It has sound design by Paul Gatehouse, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, projections by Luke Hall and illusions by Paul Kieve & Jim Steinmeyer. The set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley. Co-Choreography is by Stephen Mear. Co-direction and choreography are by Matthew Bourne , and direction is by Richard Eyre. The UK & Ireland Tour is directed by James Powell with choreography recreated by Richard Jones and musical supervision by Stephen Brooker. Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

    22 min

Trailer

About

Who are the people behind your favourite theatre productions? From household names to the hidden gems of the arts world, we’re uncovering the stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Join us for candid interviews first heard on Horizon Radio as we explore the theatre and the wider creative world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious, there’s always someone new to meet.