One Large Duvet

Simon Tuck

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Comedy Interviews
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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.

Aug 5

One with Joel Benjamin as Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing

One with Joel Benjamin as Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing Featuring heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensational dancing, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage, inspired by the beloved hit film, will once again come to life in this fantastic live show. Joining Joel Benjamin as Johnny Castle, Charlie Varlet as Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman and Ellie Fergusson as Penny Johnson will be Lynden Edwards (Dr Jake Houseman), Taryn Sudding (Marjorie Houseman), Duncan Smith (Max Kellerman), Robert Grose (Tito Suarez), India Chadwick (Lisa Houseman), Asher Forth (Billy Kostecki), Cormac Diamond (Neil Kellerman), Matthew Lloyd Davies (Mr Schumacher) and Mimi Rodrigues-Alves (Elizabeth). They are joined by Ayron Campbell, Danielle Cato (Vivian/Ensemble), Anna Cliff, Ellie Cutler, Alexander Emery (Robbie/Ensemble), Sam Harvey (Moe/Ensemble), Danielle Huntley, Hollie-Ann Lowe, Max Mulrenan, Rowen Newsome, Mason Plews, Harvey Ray, Sienna Walker and Jody Zimmerman. For the 2026/27 Tour, the Kellerman’s Band will comprise Laura Andresen Guimaraes, Gabriel Askew, Tim Edwards, Kevin Oliver Jones and Tim Wade. Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage will be directed by Federico Bellone and choreographed by Austin Wilks. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Featuring the hit songs 'Hungry Eyes', ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’, the iconic show returns to the stage, previewing in Milton Keynes Theatre from 25th August 2026. Thereafter, Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage will go on to entertain audiences across the UK and Ireland until the summer of 2027. About Dirty Dancing: Dirty Dancing is an enduring cultural phenomenon that began with an iconic film that grossed over $214 million at the worldwide box office and subsequently launched two multiplatinum soundtrack albums, numerous #1 hit singles, won an Academy Award® for Best Original Song and a Grammy® Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, spawned a television series, multiple competition reality shows, a prequel film, a stage production with sold-out performances around the world, a made-for-television musical adaptation, and an upcoming Lionsgate sequel film. The original film is one of Lionsgate’s all-time best-selling library titles. Notes: Creative Team Written by Eleanor Bergstein Director and Set Designer Federico Bellone Choreographer Austin Wilks Lighting Designer Valerio Tiberi Sound Designer Chris Whybrow Supervising Musical Director Richard John Associate Director Juliet Gough Original Music Supervisor Conrad Helfrich Costume Designer Jennifer Irwin Casting Harry Blumenau CDG CSA Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage originally opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006 with a record-breaking advance of £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history. The production became the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre and played to over 2 million people during its triumphant 5-year run. Produced by Karl Sydow in association with Lionsgate, Magic Hour Productions, and Ivan Mactaggart -Co-Producer for Freedom Riders. Written by Eleanor Bergstein - screenwriter of the phenomenally successful 1987 film - the production features the much-loved characters and original dialogue from the iconic film. The stage production is inspired by the classic hit film directed by Emile Ardolino, written by Eleanor Bergstein, produced by Linda Gottlieb, and starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey alongside Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, and Kelly Bishop).
Jun 10

The One with Lorriane Silver

Lorraine Silver is the voice behind one of the most enduring anthems in UK underground music history—even if she didn’t know it at the time. In 1965, a 13-year-old Lorraine stepped into a DIY singing booth at Woolworths on Oxford Street, recorded an a cappella cover, and walked out with a Pye Records deal. Her debut single, a cover of Shelley Fabares’ "Lost Summer Love," featured an incredible lineup of talent, including iconic bassist Klaus Voormann. But when the charts didn't bite, her music career seemingly came to a quiet end. Unbeknownst to her, a revolution was brewing. In the 1970s, DJ subcultures took over the North of England, and "Lost Summer Love" became a legendary, dancefloor-filling masterpiece at the world-famous Wigan Casino. It wasn't until 1988 that Lorraine finally discovered she was an absolute icon of the Northern Soul movement. From a Woolworths booth to Casino Classics royalty, Lorraine’s story is a testament to the unpredictable magic of great music.
Season 5, Episode 1 Trailer

Season 5

Alright, theatre lovers, listen up! The summer lineup at the MK Theatre is absolutely stacked this season, and you’re going to want to get these dates in your diary right now. Kickstarting the season on Tuesday, June 16th at 7:30 PM, we’re heading to the dojo for The Karate Kid The Musical. Yes, you heard that right—wax on, wax off, live on stage! Exactly one week later, on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:45 PM, get ready for some serious energy because Lord of the Dance is celebrating its massive 30th Anniversary tour. If political satire is more your vibe, block out Thursday, June 30th at 7:30 PM for the brilliantly sharp comedy, I'm Sorry, Prime Minister. Heading into July, dance fans are in for an absolute treat. On Tuesday, July 7th at 7:30 PM, the incredible Matthew Bourne brings his legendary production of The Car Man to MK. Then, we're swapping dance shoes for trench coats on Tuesday, July 14th at 7:30 PM with the gripping espionage thriller, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. Want something for the whole family? The feel-good classic Annie is coming to town on Tuesday, July 21st at 7:30 PM. Bet your bottom dollar it's going to be a good one! And finally... closing out the summer with a massive bang on Thursday, August 27th at 7:30 PM, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser... Dirty Dancing. Because nobody—and I mean nobody—puts Baby in a corner. Head over to the MK Theatre website to grab your tickets before they sell out!"
Apr 22

One with Amy Snudden - Bella from Single White Female

One with Amy Snudden - Bella from Single White Female The stage adaptation of the iconic 90s thriller film comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 21 –Sat 25 Apr, starring Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner. The World Premiere stage production of Single White Female is based on the iconic 90s psychological thriller and adapted by author, journalist and broadcaster Rebecca Reid. The show is embarking on a major UK and Ireland theatre tour, including performances at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 21 – Sat 25 April. Actor, TV presenter and singer Kym Marsh (Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Abigail’s Party) stars alongside actor, TV presenter and chef Lisa Faulkner (Missing You, The Girl Before, Holby City), who returns to the stage for the first time in 21 years, in this bold and modern reimagining of the hit 1992 movie from Columbia Pictures and bestselling book, by John Lutz, that thrilled audiences worldwide and led a generation to fear a stiletto heel Joining Kym Marsh (Hedy) and Lisa Faulkner (Allie) on stage for the six-month tour are Andro as Graham, Jonny McGarrity as Sam and Amy Snudden as Bella. Understudies are Francesca McBride (Bella), Patrick McHugh (Graham and Sam) and Anna Ruben (Hedy and Allie). Allie is a recently divorced mum, balancing being a single parent with the launch of her tech start up. When she decides to advertise for a lodger to help make ends meet, the delightful Hedy offers her a lifeline. But as their lives intertwine, boundaries blur and a seemingly perfect arrangement begins to unravel with chilling consequences. Kym Marsh said: “I am so excited to be bringing this brilliant new play to theatres across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. I remember being totally gripped by the movie when I first saw it in the cinema and could never have imagined back then that I’d be starring in the world premiere of its life on stage. Get ready to be thrilled, shocked and entertained and watch out for those stiletto heels!” Lisa Faulkner said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the stage playing opposite the utterly fantastic Kym Marsh. I got chills watching Single White Female in the cinema back in 1992 so it’s a real thrill to be part of this bold new production. I cannot wait to bring this fascinating story to life and keep audiences around the UK on the edge of their seats!" Full of dark humour and sharp and suspenseful storytelling, this new play updates the original story to the age of social media and all that it brings, in a gripping tale of ambition, obsession, and the desperate need for belonging in an isolated world. Directed by Gordon Greenberg (Heart of Rock and Roll - Broadway, Guys & Dolls - West End, The Baker’s Wife - Menier, NYC) with Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large, Lighting by Jason Taylor, Sound and Composition by Max Pappenheim and from the producer of the hit stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train, Single White Female will captivate, shock, and explore just how far we’ll go to find – and keep – a family together.
Apr 19

One with T'pau Carol Decker

One with T'pau - Carol Decker Join Carol Decker & T’pau on their first full UK tour in a decade playing all their hits, fan favourites and songs from their forthcoming album Be Wonderful. T'pau burst onto the music scene in 1987 with the massive hit single Heart & Soul and the follow up, China In Your Hand, stayed at No1 for five weeks - the longest serving No1 of the year and became one of the most iconic singles of the 1980s. Simultaneously, their debut album Bridge of Spies occupied the No.1 album slot for two weeks and went on to become a certified quadruple platinum in the UK - selling 1.2 million copies. Their own arena concerts followed, and the subsequent 1988 record Rage also went platinum. T’Pau enjoy the exclusive title of holding three simultaneous No.1 slots; China No.1 in the singles charts, Bridge of Spies No.1 in the album charts and the China Remix at No.1 in the dance charts! T’Pau were nominated for five Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello Award , and won an ASCAP Award from the USA for Heart & Soul. tpau.co.uk/
Apr 17

One with Emily Lane - Cady Heron Mean Girls

One with Emily Lane - Cady Heron Mean Girls The cast is led by Faye Tozer (Steps; Strictly Come Dancing) as Ms Heron/Ms Norbury/Mrs George, Emily Lane (Frozen, Theatre Royal Drury Lane) as Cady Heron, Vivian Panka (Dear Evan Hansen, UK Tour) as Regina George, Sophie Pourret (Elf the Musical, Aldwych Theatre) as Karen Smith, and Kiara Dario (The Great Gatsby, London Coliseum) as Gretchen Wieners. The show also stars Georgie Buckland (The Devil Wears Prada, Dominion Theatre) as Janis Sarkisian, Max Gill (Charley's Aunt, Watermill Theatre) as Damian Hubbard, Karim Zeroual (CBBC; Strictly Come Dancing) as Kevin Ganatra and Joshua Elmore (La Traviata, Opera Holland Park) as Mr Duvall. Also joining the cast are Charlie Barnard, Rebekah Bryant, Michael Dean-Wilson, Savannah French, Fergie Fraser, Thomas Gotobed, Jenny Huxley-Golden, Trisha Kumar, Sadie Levett, Arjun Mudahar, Jessie Odeleye, Stefanos Petri, Charlotte Pourret, Jack Rose, Tori Louise Ryan, Lillia Squires and Jayd'n Tyrone. Meet The Plastics – Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist parents, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung. Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs. MEAN GIRLS, the smash-hit musical comedy based on the iconic Paramount Pictures film of the same name, had its first West End performance at the Savoy Theatre on 5 June 2024, where it was seen by over 330,000 people and played until 8 June 2025. MEAN GIRLS recently took home the coveted ‘Best New Musical’ award at the 2025 WhatsOnStage Awards. MEAN GIRLS had its world premiere in 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C and opened on Broadway in April 2018 at the August Wilson Theatre to ecstatic responses, where it played to packed houses. The show then went on a hugely successful US tour in 2019 and recently completed a second US tour. In addition, in 2024, Paramount Pictures released a new twist on the fan-favourite film from the comedic mind of Tina Fey with a fresh and fun re-telling of the story featuring sensational musical performances. The musical MEAN GIRLS has a book by Tina Fey, music and vocal arrangements by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw, scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Katrina Lindsay, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Brian Ronan, hair design by Josh Marquette, musical supervision/vocal, dance, incidental and additional music arrangements by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, orchestrations by John Clancy and dance and incidental music arrangements by Glen Kelly.
Apr 8

The One with John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers - Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil

The One with John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers - Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil This “as good as comedy gets” production (Sunday Times) – which first opened in May 2024 to a host of rave reviews - is directed by originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, and stars Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as Sybil, Hemi Yeroham reprising his role as Manuel, Joanne Clifton as Polly, Paul Nicholas reprising his role as The Major and Jemma Churchill as Mrs Richards. 50 years since Fawlty Towers was first broadcast on BBC Two on 19 September 1975, comedy legend John Cleese, who originally co-wrote the “greatest British sitcom of all time” (Radio Times) with Connie Booth, has chosen three of his favourite original TV episodes - ‘The Hotel Inspector’ and ‘The Germans’ from series one and ‘Communication Problems’ from series two - and adapted them into a two-hour play, complete with a new finale. Theatre goers across the country are in for a treat as this “comedy masterpiece makes a seamless transition to the stage” (The Arts Desk) to deliver “an indisputably funny evening” (Daily Telegraph), as “from the moment Basil walks on stage, the audience start laughing” (Daily Mail) whilst watching “some of the best punchlines ever written” (London Theatre). To quote Broadway World; “if you loved the original TV series, you will adore this show”. John Cleese said: “I’m thrilled with the top-class group of comedy actors that we've assembled for the UK tour of Fawlty Towers - The Play which begins in September. September also marks exactly 50 years since the first ever TV episode was broadcast on the BBC. I never thought that all these years later the stage show would get the reception that it has. But here we are, still making theatres rock with laughter.” The play also features other beloved characters from the original TV sitcom: Mr Hutchinson / Wilhelm played by Greg Haiste; Miss Tibbs played by Emily Winter; Miss Gatsby played by Dawn Buckland; Mr Thurston / Günter played by John Hasler; Mr Walt played by Adam Elliott; Taxi Driver/ Mr Firkins / Mr Kerr / Mr Sharp played by Neil Stewart; and Johanna and Liz (Hotel Guest) played by Josie Brightwell. Completing the company are Ashleigh Harvey playing Debbie (Hotel Guest), Ben Jacobson playing Ken (Hotel Guest), Matthew Gordon playing Mr Dale (Hotel Guest) and Raymond Rose playing Philip (Hotel Guest). Following a tip off that hotel inspectors may be visiting and eager to impress, Basil attempts to ingratiate himself with guests that he suspects are there to critique the establishment. The situation is further plagued by a party of Germans, the deaf and dotty guest-from-hell, Mrs Richards, whose infuriating complaints prevent him from hiding a gambling win from his ever vigilant and bossy wife, Sybil. Together they run their hotel with a little help from the unflappable Polly, and very little help at all from Manuel, the trainee waiter from Barcelona who is the butt of Fawlty’s frustration. Set in a fictional hotel in the seaside town of Torquay, only 12 half hour episodes of the original BBC comedy were ever made. Based on a real-life hotel owner, Donald Sinclair. John Cleese came up with the idea for the character Basil Fawlty when he stayed at Sinclair’s Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay and became fascinated with his incredibly rude behaviour. The iconic TV show won many awards and plaudits including two BAFTAS for Best Situation Comedy and in 2000 it was voted the best British programme of all time in a British Film Institute poll. Creative Team: Written by John Cleese & Connie Booth Adapted for the stage by John Cleese Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger Set and Costume Designer – Liz Ascroft Lighting Designer – Ian Scott Casting Director – Anne Vosser Assistant Director – Denise Ranger Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.
Mar 25

The One with Ben Caplan - Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks

The multi Olivier award-winning hit musical Sunny Afternoon returns to Milton Keynes Theatre, bringing the music of The Kinks to the city from Tue 24 - Sat 28Mar. Simon went to see the show Take a band you know, but a story you might not. Sunny Afternoon transports us to 1960s Muswell Hill, capturing the sharp threads, close-knit family ties, and defiant attitudes of the era. At its heart are Ray and Dave Davies: two brothers bound by a love for music but divided by their search for a specific sound. We see Ray’s uncompromising vision firsthand in the moment he rips a speaker cone to birth the distorted, powerhouse rock classic "You Really Got Me." The production flows seamlessly through the band’s meteoric rise and turbulent stumbles—from navigating shady managers and finding true love to the infamous US union ban and the literal onstage brawls that sent them packing for home. The set design is clever and immersive; a recording studio framed by a "wall to wall" graveyard of amps and speakers, with props that slickly transform the space into various global locations. Danny Horn and Oliver Hoare (both reprising their acclaimed West End roles) embody Ray and Dave with a brilliant, biting chemistry. Their sibling rivalry feels authentic and lived-in. When the music hits—and it hits often—it is electrifying. Whether it’s a single distorted chord, a soaring melody, or a stripped-back a cappella moment, you cannot fail to be moved. The sheer talent of this versatile cast is staggering; seeing actors pick up brass instruments or watching Ben Caplan (as Eddie Kassner) having the time of his life behind the drum kit adds a wonderful layer of energy to the performance. Even with a limited prior knowledge of The Kinks’ discography, I left the theatre immediately diving into their back catalogue (and discovered the fascinating history of the songs they sold to the likes of Sonny and Cher). Sunny Afternoon is a musical masterclass with a story that refuses to give up. Stepping into the legendary shoes of The Kinks, Danny Horn (Sunny Afternoon, WestEnd) will play ‘Ray Davies’, Oliver Hoare (Sunny Afternoon, West End) will play ‘Dave Davies’, Harry Curley (Sing Street, Lyric Hammersmith) will play ‘Peter Quaife’, andZakarie Stokes will play ‘Mick Avory’. These four form the iconic band at the heart of Sunny Afternoon. Returning from the original Hampstead Theatre and West End companies are Ben Caplan as ‘Eddie Kassner’ and Tam Williams as ‘Grenville Collins’, and from the original UK Tour are Victoria Anderson as ‘Gwen’, Deryn Edwards as ‘Mrs. Davies’, Joseph Richardson as ‘Robert Wace’, Lisa Wright as ‘Rasa’ and James Hudson. The company is completed by Alicia Ally, Morgan Burgess, James Chisholm, Phil Corbitt, Alasdair Craig, Dominic Gee-Burch, Kristian Jacobs, Robin Johnson, Sorrel Jordan, Jada Langley, Timothy Roberts, Georgiana Wainwright-Jones and Emily Whitby-Samways Producer Sonia Friedman said today, “From the very first workshop we produced, when I heard that incredible music played live in the room, I knew I had to produce this show. The songs don’t just get under your skin – they live in your veins, they stay with you forever.Paired with such honest, powerful storytelling, Sunny Afternoon became one of the most unforgettable theatre experiences of my life. To see it go on to win multiple Olivier Awards,including Best New Musical, was simply extraordinary – but what really matters to me is that the spirit of The Kinks’ music and their story still connects so deeply with audiences today. I’ve missed this show, so I’m beyond thrilled that it’s back on the road, giving new generations the chance to experience – or relive – the sheer joy, energy and heart of Sunny Afternoon. Huge congratulations to the brilliant company keeping its spirit alive.”

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.

Creator

Simon Tuck
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

49
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Simon Tuck
Show Website

One Large Duvet