What’s on at the theatre in MK this August

Posted 1st August 2024

‘Age is but a number,’ goes the saying, and it’s an accurate one – just ask the folks who swell the ranks of Milton Keynes drama group The Third Age Players; some are in their 30s, and the oldest? Two members are a sprightly 90 years young!

The group, part of the u3a, a movement that unites people with the purpose of learning new skills and enjoying fun activities, staged its first full-length play in the late 1990s. More than a quarter of a century on, they are still going strong.

“There are very few scripts written specifically for older thespians, other than rather stereotypical plays, for example, set in residential homes. We are so much more than that!’ promises Greta Langdale, group coordinator and director of production.

You won’t get salacious sex scenes or edgy behaviour with The Third Age Players, perish the thought, but they’ve still got plenty to offer – don’t worry about that!

“We avoid themes which feature young romance, plays which need lots of men, who are a bit like gold dust, and rude or controversial content and anything too physical!” Greta says.

Instead they deliver bespoke plays written by Greta, under her pen name of Margot Lista.
There is no jostling to get the plum part either – she ensures that there are roles in waiting for anyone who wants to channel their inner actor or actress.

“The ethos of u3a is that its groups are run by the members themselves, sharing our skills with each other,” she told Pulse Theatre, “The only criterion is that you are not in full time work. The group gives us purpose and commitment and a sense of belonging, and we also meet socially between rehearsals.

“Keeping the little grey cells active definitely contributes to a healthy life,” she believes, and the proof is in the delivery; there have been plenty of those, close to 30 productions so far. And counting.

The next time to catch TAP on stage will be this September when they perform Secrets, Scandals and Gossip. One of those in the spotlight will be the group’s newest member, Dorothea Conti, and this delivery will be her first time treading the boards with the group.

“She lives at Shenley Wood Retirement Village and still jogs, plays table tennis, paints, and recently shot off on a holiday abroad,” Greta enthused.

That means that both the group’s longest standing, and its newest recruit are both nonagenarians!

If you fancy swelling the ranks of this acting fraternity, which currently has 19 members, you’ll be made welcome – and acting experience isn’t needed. Perhaps you are too shy to step out from behind the curtain, but have other skills you could bring to the group?
Young or old, acting ability proven, or yet to be tapped into, you’ll be made most welcome.

To make contact with the affable group, email tap@mku3a.org or call 01908 501563.

> To book tickets for
Secrets, Scandals and Gossip head to ticketsource.co.uk/mkthirdageplayers

Is Jimmy the one that you want?

He’s offensive, vulgar and doesn’t half put people’s backs up…and we love him!

He brings a smile to our face every time he takes to the stage (politicians do that too, but it’s a different sort of laughter). He is Jimmy Carr and he’s back in the Keynes on August 1 with the new show, Laughs Funny, at MK Theatre.

Jimmy will be doing two performances; one at 7pm and another at 9.30pm – each one delivering a solid 90 minutes of giggle inducing behaviour.

Also at the venue this month, you can head back to school with a trip to Rydell High – Grease is making its return.

Meet the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies, follow the whirlwind summer romance between leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy, and try to stay seated when banging tunes like Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and You’re The One That I Want spill from the stage.
You’d better shape up and go grab those tickets asap if you want in. Grease runs from August 5-10.

Visit atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes