Phonebox Magazine

18/07/2024

The Wizard of Oz Review - Milton Keynes Theatre

The brilliant adaptation of the iconic, Oscar-winning film is brought to life through the stunning costumes, riveting performance and phenomenal music score.Throughout the UK and Ireland tour, audiences are immersed into the energetic, unforgettable adventure which is a magical experience for the whole family.

From the very beginning to the end, this musical captivates the audience through the timeless tale of ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ as we join the adventure of Dorothy and her friends down the yellow brick road. Aviva Tulley captures the essence of Dorothy perfectly through her determination and strength along with her faithful companion Toto the dog (Abigail Matthews) who had audiences in hysterics. She sings incredibly - injecting songs with her energy and skill. But, Tulley isn't the only exceptional performer in this musical: the chemistry between Dorothy and her friends (Benjamin Yates as the hilarious Scarecrow, Femi Akinfolarin as the Tin Man and Nic Greenshields as the Cowardly Lion) is heartwarming and creates empathy in the audience towards the characters. The Wicked Witch of the West, played by the talented (pantomine-dame-esque!) Craig Revel Horwood, hooks the audience with her evil schemes - be prepared as she waves her broomstick around!

The show is memorable through its classic, catchy songs like "Somewhere over the Rainbow”, “We’re off to see The Wizard” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” with some amazing, new songs from the creative minds of ‘Andrew Lloyd Webster’ and ‘Tim Rice’. They will have all of the audience singing along. These charming songs are brought to life through the dazzling effects, flawless choreography and beautiful voices.

It's a magical journey with heartwarming moments, fun adventures and lots of laughs. The Wizard of Oz is a vibrant and exciting spectacle which you don't want to miss. A reinvention of the classic that’ll leave you beaming and in awe.

The Wizard of Oz continues until 21st July 2024 at Milton Keynes Theatre.

10/07/2024

Less that 48 hours to go now to our Summer Festival. Here's the music line up for you. Plus our Kids Show and Disco Bingo timings for Saturday. Food trucks, beers, ciders and gins and a shuttle bus back to Olney. It's going to be a good one! Anything else you need to know? Pop over to our website and check out the events section.

05/07/2024

Just some of the action last night at the General Election count in Milton Keynes.

11/06/2024

Everybody’s talking about Jamie review - 10th June 2024

Everybody’s talking about this play

Before we even start on the theatre review, the beauty and the magic of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is that it’s a true story.

A young boy, Jamie, who wanted to be a drag queen and wear a dress to his school prom asked a documentary film maker to help him achieve his goals. The documentary was seen by a theatre director who turned it into a stage production which was spotted by a producer and taken to the West End and the rest is (recent) history.

I say recent because it’s only been a few short years since the ‘Jamie’ phenomenon hit the stage – and screen. The West End run started in 2017, the show went to the US in 2022 and in 2021 the movie, with Max Harwood, Sarah Lancashire and Richard E Grant came out to critical acclaim.

And now we are all enjoying the second national tour of the stage musical, starring Ivano Turco (with great hair) in the lead role, Kevin Clifton from Strictly Come Dancing and former X-Factor winner Sam Bailey.

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. He doesn’t quite fit in and is terrified about the future. But there is something about Jamie that means he is going to be a sensation. And we, as the audience, are with him every step of the way.

Supported by his loving mum and surrounded by many friends, Jamie overcomes all sorts of prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness and into the spotlight.

You’ll be clapping your hands and tapping your feet to show-stoppers like ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’ and the title song ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ and then you’ll find yourself holding back a tear to ‘He’s My Boy’ and ‘Wall In My Head’.

With a stunning and colourful stage set, a sharp script, great singing and world class dancing, this is a sensational show full of emotion, joy and poignancy.

It’s the one everybody’s talking about…

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 15th June.

29/05/2024

Theatre Review May 28th 2024

The show’s the real winner here

Does money really bring happiness? That time-honoured question is asked here in Kay Mellor’s final stage play, The Syndicate.

And while we’d probably all like to be on the receiving end of a sizeable lottery win, there are downsides to that prospect too, as The Syndicate cleverly tells us. Adapted by Kay from her hugely successful TV series of the same name, before her death last year, this delightful production brings us a rollercoaster of emotions.

There’s laughter, gritty northern humour, sadness, drama and jeopardy, and it’s all nicely wrapped up in the cosy and familiar surroundings of a supermarket. A group of shop workers win £24 million just as their jobs are being threatened, but does it make them happy, or does it merely serve to remind them of what they had before?

There are relationships in here, health problems, wealth issues and fame to contend with. And the question is: how will the characters cope?

The TV series starred several big names including Timothy Spall, Alison Steadman and Mark Addy, and this stage production does the same – there’s Brooke Vincent from Coronation Street and Samantha Giles, best known for Emmerdale. They all play their parts with skill and care, helped by a simple yet effective set featuring a colourful shop floor.

This touring production is directed by ex-Corrie TV star Gaynor Faye, Kay’s daughter, so the production is a real family affair. Gaynor also appears in the play, as a lottery agent, and uses the stage so well.

But headline-grabbing jackpot or not, one thing’s for sure – this lottery numbers drama is the real winner.

The Syndicate is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 1st June.

20/05/2024

We had great fun taking photos for this years ‘Colour Run’ the annual Olney Infant Academy & Olney Middle School fundraiser, hosted at the middle school

There were lots of laughs and energy, especially during the warm up, thanks to Stuart at Caveman Conditioning

Remember, every step taken in this run helps support our wonderful schools. Thank you to everyone who contributed, participated, and cheered on!

Check out our photo album from the event and feel free to tag, share, and relive this colourful day!

Photos by Mark Stevenson

17/05/2024

It’s girl power in this enthralling play

When you see how popular and successful women’s football has become today, it’s incredible to imagine that girls were discouraged from playing soccer 100 years ago.

And that’s the premise of this delightful play by Benjamin Peel, which featured at Stantonbury Theatre. Not a Game for Girls tells the amazing story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies FC football team which, against terrible opposition from the mostly male-dominated establishment, became one of the most successful women’s football teams in Britain during and after the First World War.

Despite the fact that the ladies were banned from playing at grounds and stadiums affiliated to the Football Association, they still managed to draw huge crowds at matches in Britain – they even played against France for what was to become the first women’s international fixture.

As factory workers at the Preston firm Dick, Kerr & Co, the women formed a team which became almost unbeatable for nearly 50 years, playing charity matches to raise money for in injured servicemen.

And this play, charmingly directed by local theatre producer Rosemary Hill, explores not just the success of this gutsy women’s team but of the general taboos and discrimination, prevalent in that tough, post-war period.

As the team progress on the pitch and continue their winning run, it’s not just about being the best in their sport that’s the goal. They also have to overcome poverty, prejudice and the shock and horror of war with the effects it has on returning soldiers.

Ignoring social attitudes from men – and women – the players dig deep and win games, proving that football is a game for everyone, in the way we now understand it.

With a local cast, professional crew plus a student production team from Milton Keynes College, this well-crafted play uses a mixture of real-life and fictional characters and blends drama, songs, and choreographed games to capture the spirit and camaraderie of Dick, Kerr Ladies FC.

Not A Game For Girls is an uplifting story, heart-warming and with highs and lows throughout and was beautifully acted and produced by the local cast.
This production is on at Stantonbury Theatre until Sunday 19th May.

02/05/2024

29/04/2024

TODAY 29/04/2024
Rachel Reeves MP visits local businesses The Snug Bookshop, Valerie C and The Courtyard as well as meeting Debbie Whitworth, Mayor of Olney, and the Editor of local magazine Phonebox, Ron Hall in to discuss their issues.

27/04/2024

Wedding fair organised by Olney Town Council is being held this weekend!

26/04/2024

Aladdin Review – Milton Keynes Theatre
A Magical Journey: Aladdin Takes the Stage
In a burst of vibrant colours, sparkling costumes, and mesmerizing performances, the classic tale of "Aladdin" has been brought to life with this first-ever UK & Ireland tour. Stepping into the theatre, we were transported to the bustling streets of Agrabah, where adventure awaits at every turn.
From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is swept away on a magical carpet ride, guided by the spirited and charismatic Aladdin (Gavin Adams). His journey from street rat to prince is a captivating odyssey, filled with heart-warming moments and exhilarating escapades. Desmonda Cathabel portrayed Jasmine perfectly.
But it's not just Aladdin who shines in this production; every character bursts with personality and flair, from the wise-cracking Genie played by Yeukayi Ushe (Disney’s The Lion King, A Strange Loop, Kinky Boots and Motown The Musical) to the villainous Jafar, whose nefarious schemes keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, drawing the audience into their world and making them care deeply about their fates.
Of course, no production of "Aladdin" would be complete without its show-stopping musical numbers, and this production delivers in spades. From the timeless songs from the film including ‘A Whole New World, as well as some new numbers, each song is brought to life with infectious energy and impeccable choreography, leaving the audience humming long after the final curtain call.
But perhaps the true magic of "Aladdin" lies in its ability to transport audiences of all ages to a world of wonder and possibility, where anything is possible. As the final notes fade away and the lights dim, one can't help but feel a sense of joy and wonder, grateful for the opportunity to experience such a magical journey.
Aladdin is a triumph of theatrical spectacle and storytelling, a dazzling gem in the crown of West End theatre. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the animated classic or experiencing the tale for the first time, this production is sure to leave you spellbound and smiling from ear to ear. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic for yourself!

Showing in Milton Keynes theatre until Sun 19 May

17/04/2024

Cluedo 2 Theatre Review

Is it a great play? The Clue’s in the name

What makes a great stage play? A fine cast? A brilliant set design? A wonderful script?

They’re all important of course but for most theatre-goers, the last of these is surely vital. Without a great storyline and an even greater crafting of that story, a play is not a play. So, you need a good writer.

Or writers, in this case. Because Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter is written by the critically acclaimed duo, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.

The BAFTA award-winning partnership was responsible for a string of classic TV greats such as Birds of a Feather, Dreamboats and Petticoats, and Goodnight Sweetheart.

Put their creative skills and brilliant humour in the same room as the directing brilliance of Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) and you must surely have a hit on your hands.

And yes they do. This is a wonderful comedy that makes you laugh, gasp, and think… because it’s a ‘Whodunnit’ and you’re guessing until the very end.

It’s a new story based on the original Hasbro board game and the first Cluedo play but this follows a whole new path. This time the scene is a country house owned by a rock superstar during the swinging 60s. You’ll find Annabel Scarlett, Rev Hal Green, Mrs White and all the other well-known ‘colourful’ characters throughout this riot of a spoof.

I was delighted to see Ellie Leach, last years’ Strictly Come Dancing winner and former Coronation Street actor in her stage debut, and Jason Durr from TV’s Inspector Morse, Midsummer Murders and loads of other roles, up on stage and really getting stuck into the comedy.

The stage set is quite simple so it’s down to the cast to keep things lively and interesting. They buzz around the stage in a whirl of energy. There are little musical interludes as they ‘walk’ through the mansion, and there’s a funny section involving ‘muffins’, ‘crumpet’ and a ‘cream horn’.

It’s a good laugh this, well-acted, clever and great fun. So, who did do it? Well, that would be telling. Go find out for yourself.

Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 20th April.

Pic credit: Alastair Muir

11/04/2024

Emily Thornberry, MP, visited Olney today to help launch the candidacy of Dan Rowland (Labour) as Ward Councillor for the area. Voting is to take place on Thursday 2nd May.
Emily was joined by the prospective Labour MP Chris Curtis and Debbie Whitworth (Olney Mayor and Ward Councillor) as well as Peter Marland (Leader of MK Council).

05/04/2024

in Come speak to Sarah @ Orchard Press, Olney (01234 713298 [email protected] Orchard Press) about your wedding stationery design and print, along with a range of other stalls for flowers, dresses, cakes, hats and more!

03/04/2024

Woman in Black - Theatre Review

A fright and a delight

I have never read any background material about ‘The Woman in Black’, so when I entered an expectant Milton Keynes Theatre this week to see Susan Hill’s creepy play, I wasn’t really sure what to expect.

All I’d been told was that there was a ‘rocking chair scene’, and that it was quite scary at times. Not one who craves fear, I sat down gingerly in the nearly-full auditorium with some trepidation.

And then the play began…

It was an incredible performance. There are two actors (and only two actors), Malcolm James and Mark Hawkins, who both performed amazingly. James plays a number of roles throughout the production, and I was able to follow each of them clearly, as he puts a unique performance and costume design to each of them.

The play was itself a play, with the two acting out the ‘ghost story’ of The Woman in Black. To that end, the first half of the show used fairly minimal set design, which complemented the tiny troupe of actors well, and each scene was reinforced with well-chosen ambient noise to create soundscapes.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much more elaborate the set design became in the latter half of the performance, with a very creative use of shadows and backgrounds.

Where the play truly shines is in its capacity to grow and breed tension. Many scenes had a slowness to them that I found refreshingly different from more modern and high-octane musicals and plays. Rather than being boring, these scenes allowed for physical comedy that got chuckles from the audience.

It was a nervous laughter, however, for the slowness just as readily created an unease that built over time to keep me on the edge of my seat until the final curtain fell.

In all, The Woman in Black was a highly worthwhile performance to see. While MK Theatre is a larger venue than the show’s usual home in London, the play translated well without losing that intimacy that draws you in. And for all my hesitation, I’m very glad I went along.

Go and see the second longest-running West End show while you can. Although you probably shouldn’t ride any horses afterwards!

The Woman In Black is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 6th April.

20/03/2024

Pretty Woman? Pretty good.

There are certainly some big names attached to this production and one particularly caught my eye before I went to the press night – Bryan Adams. Was it really him? The same Bryan Adams who hit number one in the UK charts for 16 weeks all those years ago, with ‘Everything I Do (I Do It For You)’? The same Bryan Adams who co-wrote ‘Summer of ‘69’?

Yes it was. Pretty Woman: The Musical features original music by Adams and Jim Vallance with whom he wrote ‘Summer of ‘69’. There was also the prospect of the smash hit Roy Orbison song ‘Pretty Woman’ (of course) so I was readying myself for a musical treat.

It was that Orbison song which inspired the 1990 Hollywood movie of the same name (with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts) and which was, in turn, transformed into this stage musical.

So the music’s good, but what about the rest of the production? To be fair it’s a pretty unbelievable storyline and one which has not been short of its critics. Does a pr******te really agree to be the ‘escort’ of a millionaire businessman for a week? And would they then fall in love? Hmmm.

At least the potential ‘male chauvinist’ element is well taken care of in the script: Hollywood ho**er Vivian (Amber Davies) is certainly shown here to be no pushover while businessman Edward (Oliver Savile) comes across as a bit one-dimensional. To be fair, Savile has a wonderful voice that carries him through the big numbers.

Keep an eye out also for TV presenter turned actor Ore Oduba (he won TV’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2016) who does a very good job as Mr Thompson while showing off his dancing shoes.

There’s a feelgood factor here from start to finish, some great music, a nice, bright stage design and, as a nod to that 1990 movie blockbuster, it’s pretty good.

Pretty Woman is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 30th March.

13/03/2024

Drop the Dead Donkey theatre review

The Truth is out there.

MK Theatre sees the return of the TV show Drop the Dead Donkey, faithfully recreated on stage. Seven of the old team are brought together to ostensibly start a new TV news channel called TRUTH [News].
Despite the passing of years, the actors were as sharp as ever as they reunited one last time in the chaotic world of news journalism.
The jokes came thick and fast, with many references to what’s happening in the news, adding great authenticity and humour to the show.
The newsroom very much reminded me of the start of any new television channel, including the latest one, GB News, with its potential mistakes and technical failures, which in itself is great news.
Despite being from the 1990s, the show remains fresh and lively, retaining the satirical brilliance we have always known from the talented writers Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton.
Well done to the director, Derek Bond, for bringing this team together in the same cohesive way as all those years ago. It was as though they had never been apart.
This show certainly hasn’t lost its edge with the passing of years.
Staging and design were excellent, adding another dimension to the performance.
The end of the show has the audience roaring with laughter. It was a great night out!
The show is on at MK Theatre till Saturday 16th March. To tell you the truth, it’s not to be missed.

07/03/2024

We love to see your doggies in our offices.

06/03/2024

Theatre Review - I Should Be So Lucky

Hand On Our Heart – we loved this show

Stage shows using hit songs are not a new idea – just look at the huge successes of Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You and Greatest Days. So is there room on the theatre circuit for yet another one?

The answer is a resounding ‘yes’, especially as I Should Be So Lucky features all the great music from top pop writing team Stock, Aitken and Waterman. What’s not to love?

This is a brilliant, captivating show, beautifully written by Debbie Isitt (the creator of Nativity!), fantastically brought to life through Tom Rogers’ wonderful set design and lifted by the digital appearance of the actual Kylie Minogue. It’s uplifting, fun and enchanting. We came out of the theatre at the end singing, dancing and celebrating good times.

I Should Be So Lucky transports audiences back to the vibrant 80s with flair and panache. Set against a backdrop of neon lights and pulsating beats, the musical extravaganza takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the iconic hits of the era, seamlessly woven into a heart-warming tale of love, dreams, and self-discovery.

From the infectious rhythms of Kylie to the anthemic tunes of Donna Summer, the soundtrack is a delightful homage to the musical gems of the decade, which has you instantly tapping your feet and singing along. There’s Rick Astley in there, Sonia, Sinitta and Bananarama too.

The story starts with Ella (Lucie-Mae Sumner) anxiously anticipating her wedding that day to Nathan (Billy Roberts) who is having real doubts. But when Ella is dramatically jilted at the altar, her family rally round and the honeymoon is still on!

Nathan and his best man Ash (Giovanni Spano) soon follow to try and win Ella back but will they be too late? Will there even be a wedding? We see Ella grow in confidence with the help from her inspiration Kylie, who appears each time self-doubt creeps in.

One of the production's greatest strengths lies in its ability to blend the 80s hits with modern life. While that great decade of music might be a distant memory for some, these timeless songs remain, which means the show will appeal to all ages. Hand On Your Heart, Toy Boy, Too Many Broken Hearts, Never Give You Up… the SAW hits just keep coming.

If you want to laugh throughout and enjoy the twists and turns of a story with a holiday romance or three thrown in, go and see this show!

I Should Be So Lucky is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 9th March.

28/02/2024

Theatre review

Shrek The Musical

Shrek, the grumpy green ogre is back on tour with this new production of the DreamWorks musical.

We follow unlikely hero Shrek as he makes his way into the big wide world at the tender age of 7 to go live in a swamp. However his peace and quiet is disturbed when Lord Farquaad (James Gillan) banishes all the mystical fairytale characters to the swamp which infuriates Shrek, who goes on a quest to reclaim his land as his own. He makes a deal to rescue Princess Fiona (Joanne Clifton) from her dragon-protected castle (Cherece Richards) and return her to the diminutive Lord Farquaad of Duloc for marriage. A day Princess Fiona has been dreaming about her whole life.

Alongside Shrek is the irrepressible Donkey, brought to life with show-stealing charisma by Brandon Lee Sears, whose comedic timing and infectious energy had the audience in stitches throughout the performance.

The production’s set seamlessly transitions from Shrek’s humble swamp to the grandeur of Lord Farquaad’s castle, crafted to immerse the audience in this modern fairy tale.

Musical highlights include the rousing “Freak Flag,” the poignant “I Know It’s Today,” and the uproarious “Make a Move.”

Whether you’re a fan of the original film or simply looking for a night of family-friendly entertainment, “Shrek The Musical” promises an unforgettable journey to the land of happily ever after.

Shrek The Musical continues at Milton Keynes theatre until Saturday 2nd March.

14/02/2024

Olney Pancake Race - The Children's Races

14/02/2024

Olney Pancake Race - The Before the Start

14/02/2024

Olney Pancake Race - The Start and Midway....

14/02/2024

Olney Pancake Race - The Finish.....

13/02/2024

I thought it a great idea to do the Pancake Race three-legged —- and it was! Official (and lots more!) photos to follow tomorrow from today’s races!

13/02/2024

Theatre Review

Twelve Angry Men.

Twelve men, one locked room, one verdict. Reginald Rose’s classic story, set in New York City during the 1950’s is as relevant and compelling today as when it was first written. This stage production, directed by Christopher Haydon, remains true to the early productions. Watch out for the clever use stage effects, such as the strategic location (and discreet rotation) of the table within the court house jury room. The impact of twelve men gathered around a table is there, while allowing the audience to focus on the individual characters at different times.
The play is thought-provoking, exposing the controversy of social stereotypes, skewed opinions caused through unconscious and conscious bias, personal experiences and the power and influence of others. It really doesn’t matter if you are familiar with the ending of this story or not, the excellent ability of the actors to draw the audience into the room and feel the tension within, while witnessing the ebb and flow of opinions.
Twelve Angry Men continues at Milton Keynes theatre until Saturday, 17th February.

07/02/2024

Theatre review

And then there were none

Billed as ‘the best-selling crime novel of all time’, And then there were none is billed as the best selling crime novel of all time and written by crime writer Agatha Christie. The play is just as good with actors from both TV and theatre including one of my favourites, Bob Barrett who plays both a Dr in this play and Casualty.

And yet, none of that matters because – whether you are aware of the identity of the perpetrator or not – this is a fun and enjoyable evening of theatre, full of suspense.

The mystique of it all doesn’t take long to get going – 10 people arrive at a solitary house on an island off the Devon coast having been separately invited. Their host is delayed and over dinner their mysterious host remotely accuses them all of having a dark secret including the newly hired staff played by Georgina Rogers, Nicola May-Taylor and Sophie Walter.

Cut off from civilisation by a storm, the killing begins, one by one. With no chance of rescue (‘’None of us will ever leave this island’) they must work out who is the murderer before they meet with their own untimely demise. Throughout this play there is a “drum beat” reference to the nursery rhyme 10 little soldier boys….. and then there were none!!

The set is sufficiently imposing to bring a sense of impending doom and there’s a wonderful nostalgia about the whole play with characters dressed up and behaving like they’ve alighted from the Orient Express or just got off that boat in ‘Death on the Nile’. The cast also have a dialect coach, Edda Sharpe to add further detail. Christie at her best.

Who cares if you already know who did it? It’s the way the story and the characters take you there that matters – and that is done very well indeed.

Look out for my name is David, a hugging bear and a hanging judge…….

And Then There Were None is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 10th February.

31/01/2024

Theatre review

A real cut above the rest

You will almost certainly have heard of the story of Edward Scissorhands and be familiar with the strange title character. And you might well have seen Tim Burton’s gothic 1990 movie on which this stage production is based.

But seeing Edward Scissorhands being given the classic Matthew Bourne treatment on Milton Keynes Theatre’s stage is a real treat – stunning to watch, enchanting as the story unfolds and breath-taking in its dance acumen.

Accompanied by haunting music from masters Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne’s New Adventures dance company once again delivers the goods. This is classical dance but not as you have seen it before – this is the Bourne way of doing things.

First launched into the theatre in 2005, Edward Scissorhands has developed and matured over the last two decades to become this tour de force that was actually an honour to watch. For those in the audience who have seen the movie, memories of Johnny Depp (Edward) and Winona Ryder (Kim) may well have come flooding back.

Poor Edward is alone in a dark castle, unfinished with only scissors for hands. He longs to be accepted by others but, of course, those others don’t always see it his way and it’s a long hard battle ahead.

Having marvelled at the spectacle being played out before you, swooned at the orchestration and fallen in love with Edward, you might just find yourself wiping away a tear as you leave the auditorium. Just like Edward’s hands, this production has the potential to offer a slice all right… of genius.

Edwards Scissorhands is at Milton Keynes Theatre, Tuesday 30th January to Saturday 3rd February.