Posts - Page 3 of 41 - Georgina Butler

georginabutler October 15, 2019

NEWS: Dance troupe Diversity to perform all new routines in ‘Born Ready, The 10 Year Anniversary Tour’ – Milton Keynes Theatre, October 2019

British street dance troupe Diversity is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a landmark tour that includes a one-off performance at Milton Keynes Theatre.

A decade ago, Diversity took the nation by storm when the dance act won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent, beating singer Susan Boyle to victory in a live television final watched by 20 million viewers.

Since then, Diversity has enjoyed eight sell-out UK tours – plus countless other live performances – and the back-flipping BGT favourites are showing no signs of slowing down.

The dancers are planning to blow theatregoers away with Born Ready, The 10 Year Anniversary Tour. This is a production that promises to showcase amazing new routines and express the troupe’s excitement for what the next decade might bring.

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georginabutler September 5, 2019

NEWS: BalletBoyz to perform new double bill ‘Them/Us’ at Milton Keynes Theatre – September 2019

See the current crop of performers in all-male dance troupe BalletBoyz at their powerful best when they present inventive double bill Them/Us.

This critically acclaimed company is internationally renowned for taking an athletic and adaptable approach towards dance. Always charismatic, and sometimes quite cheeky, BalletBoyz uses ballet technique as a foundation for developing dynamic and accessible dance productions.

The ensemble is dancing at Milton Keynes Theatre for one night only this month. Theatregoers have plenty to look forward to as the boys will showcase their aptitude as budding choreographers alongside their versatility as expressive, energetic dancers in Them/Us.

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georginabutler July 25, 2019

REVIEW: ‘Motown the Musical’ – Milton Keynes Theatre, July 2019

Dancing in your seat is unavoidable when watching Motown the Musical so prepare to be up on your feet bopping along by the end!

The performers in this exuberant jukebox musical are currently showcasing fancy footwork and versatile vocals in a two-week run at Milton Keynes Theatre. Their efforts result in an entertaining show that delivers a heartfelt tribute to Motown and everything that the revolutionary record label represented.

Detroit songwriter Berry Gordy Jr founded the Motown Records label – named after the car manufacturing city’s ‘Motor Town’ moniker – with just $800 in 1959. The former car factory worker was keen to be the best version of himself that he could be, while helping others to do the same. Accordingly, he resolved to invest in atypical musical arrangements sung by black artists and promote them to mainstream (white) audiences.

This ground-breaking gamble launched the careers of Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and countless other legendary performers.

As the defining sound of the 1960s and 1970s, Motown moved the world with hit after glorious hit. Considering this impressive inventory of timeless tunes, Motown the Musical could have easily been a sweet soul sleepover. However, the two-act show powers through a hit parade of songs with purpose and pizzazz so there is no need for audience or cast members to pull an all-nighter.

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georginabutler June 25, 2019

REVIEW: ‘Fame the Musical’ – Milton Keynes Theatre, June 2019

Fame the Musical is lighting up the stage at Milton Keynes Theatre this week, delivering a high-energy burst of nostalgia for fans of the film and inspiring a brand new generation.

This revamped 30^th anniversary production, directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, brings a fresh vibrancy to the original teen musical.

Long before Glee (2009 – 2015) and High School Musical (2006), Fame mixed an intoxicating cocktail of drama, music, singing and dancing to chronicle the lives of performing arts students mastering their craft in anticipation of a big break. The film was released in 1980 and swiftly became a sensation, generating a popular television show and a smash-hit stage musical.

Currently touring the UK, the latest rendering of Fame the Musical is entertaining audiences with dynamic dance and electrifying vocals. And THAT song; that triumphant theme tune you just can’t help but remember? Well, it doesn’t have its moment centre stage until the finale so I’m still humming it now!

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georginabutler June 11, 2019

REVIEW: English National Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’ in-the-round – Royal Albert Hall, June 2019

English National Ballet’s Cinderella in-the-round reimagines the rags-to-riches story as a stunning fairy tale for our times.

Inspired by the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, choreographer Christopher Wheeldon develops a quirky narrative centred around humanity and nature. In short, Cinderella’s compassion, creativity and courage – combined with a little mystical assistance from her dearly departed mother – help her make her own magic.

Wheeldon devised his imaginative interpretation in 2012, as a co-production between Dutch National Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. He has revisited it for English National Ballet, restaging it as Cinderella in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall.

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