5 things to do in and around Leighton Buzzard

Here is our guide to some of the events taking place in and around Leighton Buzzard this week.
War HorseWar Horse
War Horse

1 THEATRE

War Horse, Milton Keynes Theatre, September 19-October 6

One of the most acclaimed theatre shows of the century so far has galloped in to Milton Keynes Theatre. War Horse has been seen by more than seven million people worldwide and completed its record-breaking eight year London run at the New London Theatre in March 2016. It has won 25 awards including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway. Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship, about a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War, is the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history. The show features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping horses to life on stage.

www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 871 7652

2 COMEDY

Joe Pasquale - A Few of His Favourite Things, The Grove Theatre, Dunstable, September 20

It might have been 30 years since Joe Pasquale burst on to the stage complete with a song that will get on your nerves, but he never looks back, only forward. And that’s why he is looking forward to making a return trip to Dunstable later this week. Describing his show, A Few of His Favourite Things, Joe said: “It will be singing, dancing, music, magic, mind-reading, painting and a lot of audience participation. It’s me going out there and having a laugh. I can’t wait!

“I never thought I’d still be doing it 30 years later.

“I initially did it because I didn’t want to work for a living, but 30 years later I’m still doing it. It’s busy, but it doesn’t seem like work at all.

“I never look back – I learnt that from Bruce Forsyth. He told me, ‘Never look back, always look forward’.

“I never watch myself back on TV. You can’t change it, so leave it alone. When I occasionally do, I think, ‘I wish I’d done that differently’.”

Tickets for the show are extremely limited and cost from £18.

www.grovetheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01582 60 20 80

3 CINEMA

The Meg, Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, September 20

Five years ago Jonas Taylor encountered an unknown danger that forced him to abort his mission and abandon half his crew. Although the incident cost him his career, when a submarine lies disabled at the bottom of the ocean, carrying his ex-wife among the team, he gets the call. Could the Carcharodon Megalodon, the largest marine predator that ever existed, still be alive and on the hunt? Action star Jason Statham stars.

4 MUSIC

The Junkyard Dogs, The Red Lion, Leighton Buzzard, September 22

The four piece covers band from west London will be playing a mixture of hits from the 1960s, 70s and 80s on Saturday night. The Junkyard Dogs formed from a group of musicians with years of experience on the west London jamming circuit. The group has been performing together since 2008, and has enjoyed the same line-up since 2011.

The band plays a mixture of styles centred on 70s blues-rock, but with diversions into rock ‘n’ roll and country-rock, and the occasional whiff of funk. Audiences can expect plenty of Stones and Feelgoods, along with some Quo, Doobie Bros, even some Johnny Cash. The music starts at 9pm and entrance is free.

01525 374350

5 FOOD AND DRINK

Local Food Festival, Rushmere Country Park, September 23

Rushmere Country Park’s Tree Tops Café is proud to support local suppliers of fresh, quality produce in line with their green credentials. Featuring a variety of food and drink stalls from across the area, food demon-strations and tasting opportunities, fun activities for children, including a bouncy castle and food festival experience trail. Plus live music from Tess and the Durbervilles and Songs from the Shows performed by members of The Advanced Theatre Company and The Leighton Buzzard Children’s Theatre with Dance performed by Swing Dance MK. Entry is free, however a £3 vehicle pay-on-exit fee will still apply; separate charges may apply for children’s activities and trails. The event runs from 11am to 4pm.