Milton Keynes Theatre — Attraction in Milton Keynes

Went to see the pantomime, covid restrictions were still in place so we had to show our vaccination status at the door. The process was efficient, the queue moved quickly but our alloted arrival time was almost two hours before the show started. That was an awfully long time to kill given that there really isn't enough seating available in the foyer and bar areas. Unsurprisingly the bar is extortionatey expensive. Mask wearing was not enforced at all within the theatre and I estimate that 50% of people were not wearing one.

The pantomime itself was absolutely rubbish. It was meant to be Jack and the Beanstalk but it didn't appear to have any storyline at all, just a series of random events on stage. To this day I dont understand why there was a long section where a helicopter appeared to hover over the empty stage, "piloted" by some bloke from the dance group Diversity waving at the crowd. Cool prop, but it was irrelevant to the story and it went on far too long. Diversity themselves (or at least the few members who were onstage) were very flat and lacklustre.

The acting generally was wooden and one dimensional, and the sound quality was poor. There was a generic "baddie" character (not the giant, so I'm not sure how it fitted into the story) and you literally couldn't understand a single word he said because he was mumbling. None of the actors was strong enough to be in a panto. Good pantomimes usually work on two levels - fun for the kids but also with some humour for the adults, but there was none of that here. Just a few tiresome references to roundabouts.

I paid a fortune for tickets to take the family to this show, (and then spent another fortune at the bar on drinks and popcorn) and I regret every penny. I'm actually embarrassed to have brought my daughters boyfriend with us, having built it up so much to him before we went. I've been to many pantomimes at other venues that have been fantastic. This was the worst I've seen by far, I wont ever go to the MK...

We visit MK theatre regularly to watch plays or comedy shows and I have never previously had cause to complain. I booked tickets to see 'Murder On The Orient Express' in February 2024 to watch at the theatre, on 1st March 2025 at 2.30pm. Our seats were in the Circle H35 & H36.

When the play was about to start, there was approximately 6 empty seats and so I went to change my seat. At this point, the theatre employee shouted over to tell me that I could not move as my booking was not for those empty seats. I had completely forgotten that there was a price difference for the seats, as I had booked the tickets so long ago. I don't mind being told not to move - due to this fact. However, what I didn't appreciate is this being shouted out for all to hear! My partner was still sitting two seats away from where she was standing and as she was aware that he was about to join me - she could of had a discreet word with him.

I then also do not appreciate this employee, telling the lady directly sitting behind us - again for all to hear 'they have paid for the restricted view seats and so can't move'. Instead of just saying something like 'there is a price difference with the seating!' I was from then on, very conscious of her presence as she paced up and down the stairway!

How unprofessional and embarrassing, to say the least!

This unfortunately, this will be our lasting impression of our visit to MK theatre, to watch...

My first visit to this theatre, and my first visit to a non-West End theatre in many years. I was pleasantly surprised at the venue, large stage, well designed seating with good leg room, which is so often lacking in the West End. My seat was in row A in the Upper Circle, and although a way from the stage the view was excellent and I didn't feel disengaged from the production as can be the case sometimes when you are seated in 'the Gods'. There is a safety rail which was slightly noticeable but didn't impact my view particularly. I think it was row C which had a steep rake and might avoid this if you are particularly small (I'm 5 feet 4 inches so by no means tall!). My only criticism was how cold the theatre was. I appreciate the need for enhanced air circulation during these Covid times but some warning would have been helpful and I would have brought a blanket! I did appreciate the use of Covid passes and how visitors were very much encouraged to wear masks (as did the staff). I have been very disappointed that some West End theatres have not done this (eg the Colliseum).

I saw Waitress, which is a West End production on tour. I felt sorry for the cast as the theatre was 2/3rds empty for this matinée performance, but they never let it show and gave it their all. A very enjoyable show and venue which I will happily consider booking again as an alternative to...