Milton Keynes Theatre have announced that television, musical theatre and pantomime legend Brian Conley is to star in this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella from Saturday 9 December 2017.
In a career spanning three decades Brian has appeared in award-winning West End musicals and television sitcoms, presented his own chat shows, recorded three albums and completed numerous sell-out tours of the UK.
On stage he has starred as Edna Turnblad in the hit West End musical Hairspray and the title role in the UK tour of Barnum, both of which played Milton Keynes Theatre previously. Brian has completed a nationwide tour of Brother Love, celebrating the music of Neil Diamond, directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, starred in the nationwide tour of Oliver! playing Fagin, played the title role in Jolson, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award, and had leading roles in Me and My Girl, The Music Man and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Audiences shall go to the ball this Christmas as Cinderella transforms from rags to riches, outwits her very Ugly Sisters, and with the help of her hilarious friend Buttons and one very magical Fairy Godmother, wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. Cinderella will feature all of the ingredients of the perfect pantomime; a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.
Cinderella will be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer in a brand new partnership with Milton Keynes Theatre operators, ATG. Brian will star as Buttons, bringing with him the laugh-out-loud comedy audiences have come to expect from the nation’s favourite funny man.
Led by Nick Thomas and Michael Harrison, Qdos Entertainment is the world’s biggest pantomime producer with over 35 years’ experience in staging over 670 top-drawer pantomimes to its credit. Qdos is renowned for producing high-quality festive productions which are both contemporary and true to the traditions of pantomime and bring a host of star names and creative collaborators to its productions staged across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland each Christmas.
Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division said: “We are absolutely delighted to begin an all-new working relationship with Milton Keynes Theatre bringing the magic of our pantomimes to the town and are thrilled to have cast Brian Conley leading our cast. Brian is the ultimate showman, and one of the countries’ biggest and best pantomime performers. Audiences will be in for a treat as he brings his hilarious comedy, stunning vocals and plenty of surprises to the production full of music, dance, laughter and audience participation.”
Emma Sullivan, General Manager at Milton Keynes Theatre says: “We’re incredibly excited to announce a new partnership with leading pantomime producers Qdos Entertainment, and this is why…. Brian Conley will appear as Buttons in Cinderella, this Christmas. In 2015 Milton Keynes’ audiences were enthralled watching Brian walk the tight-rope as the ring-master in Barnum and they’re going to love seeing him take to our stage again, in pantomime later this year…"
To book your seat for the festive fun visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
