A brand new year and a brand new exciting programme is getting under way at the Milton Rooms in Malton which embraces top class music, theatre and comedy.

First of all, a black tie ball celebrates the New Year on January 6 and then Malton & Norton Musical Theatre present their 75th anniversary pantomime Dick Whittington for a captivating week from January 20 to 27.

In February, two great shows await – a Phil Collins and Genesis tribute band, Seriously Collins, on the 2nd and on the 8th the acclaimed bluesmen Paul Jones and Dave Kelly present An Evening of Acoustic Blues and Stories.

Coinciding with half term, Opera North present Cinderella on February 14, a family-friendly interactive show for a younger audience with movement and singing encouraged.

The first Hilarity Bites comedy night of the year comes on February 23 and stars Steve Day, Ashley Frieze and host Carl Jones. And Ryedale Blues Club resumes on February 29 with a return of the Alex Hamilton Band.

And a mention of March – the 2nd sees top Dire Straits tribute band The Straits UK roll into town.

New events are being added all the time, so head over to www.themiltonrooms.com for the latest full programme and to book tickets.

January

Saturday, January 6: New Year Black Tie Ball: If you love swing music, Hep to the Jive are bound to impress. With Steve Brooke on keyboards, they recreate the sizzling sounds of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s featuring classic songs from the likes of Glenn Miller, Vera Lynn, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin. But their repertoire also includes more modern sounds from Michael Buble, Caro Emerald and Paolo Nutini. Lindy Hop, West Coast and Balboa swing dances are interspersed with ‘smoochers’, ballroom and Latin American favourites. Doors open 7pm, dancing 7.30pm to 10.30pm. For more information and to book tickets, call 07508 876049.

Saturday, January 20 to Saturday, January 27: Malton & Norton Musical Theatre present Dick Whittington. For their 75th anniversary pantomime, Malton & Norton Musical Theatre have chosen a good old traditional tale with an action-packed storyline, and a very original, funny script. From the sewers of London to the shores of Morocco, the cracking script overflows with comedy and action, with some up-to-the-minute twists and turns along the way. the story features all the usual traditional roles, including the best tongue-in-cheek baddie in the business, King Rat. With an exceptionally busy Chorus, the script also includes plenty of knockabout fun, courtesy of comic Captain Cuttlefish and his sidekick, Scupper. Times vary. For dates, times and ticket prices visit www.themiltonrooms.com/events

February

Friday, February 2: Seriously Collins. Tickets are selling fast for an evening of the music of Phil Collins, including his solo career and Genesis hits. Chris Hayward and his world class band recreate Collins’ extensive catalogue featuring In The Air Tonight, Another Day In Paradise, Easy Lover, Against All Odds, Invisible Touch, Follow You Follow Me, I Can’t Dance and Sussudio amongst others. 8pm. Tickets £20.

Thursday, February 8: Paul Jones and Dave Kelly – An Evening of Acoustic Blues and Stories. Founder members of The Blues Band, Paul Jones and Dave Kelly’s roots go way back. As well as their own material, they not only perform the work of the greats, ranging from Howling’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker through to Sonny Boy Williamson, but they have played alongside them. After over a quarter century as presenter of his BBC Radio 2 R&B show and as a vocalist and harmonica maestro, what ex-Manfred Mann singer Paul Jones doesn’t know about the Blues can be written on a pinhead. Europe’s leading bluesman, Dave Kelly, has played with legends such as James Burton and Buddy Guy, with superb blues vocals combined with guitar virtuosity. 8pm. Tickets £28.

Wednesday, February 14: Opera North presents – Little Listeners: Cinderella. An ideal show to fill those half-term days, this is the much-loved fairytale, but not quite as you know it. It is a fun, family-friendly magical adventure where fate and love triumph. A cast of professional opera singers and musicians present an interactive and relaxed concert where singing and movement is encouraged. Doors open at 1.30pm with a crafting session before the performance at 2pm. Tickets: Children aged two and over £7, adults £2, babies under two free.

Thursday, February 15: Grant Harris – Medium. Grant returns to the Milton Rooms for another evening of mediumship. All of his shows contain laughter and incredible moments of clarity and reassurance for people who receive messages. 7pm. Tickets £15 from www.themiltonrooms.com or call 01709 437 700.

Friday, February 23: Comedy evening with Steve Day, Ashley Frieze and host Carl Jones. The first Hilarity Bites comedy show of 2024. For the past dozen years deaf comedian Steve Day has been performing to huge laughter around the country and abroad – they tell him the laughter was huge to humour him, he doesn’t know either way. Guitar-toting funny man Ashley Frieze has been entertaining audiences across the UK for nearly 20 years and Midlands comic Carl Jones first hit the circuit in 2011, has performed and written for the BBC’s comedy output and is a regular at some of the top comedy clubs across the UK. 8pm. Tickets £10.

Thursday, February 29: Ryedale Blues Club – The Alex Hamilton Band. Glasgow-born Alex Hamilton has been part of the British Blues/Rock scene for more than 10 years and makes a welcome return to the Milton Rooms. Gaining attention on the back of being a talented young guitarist with skills beyond his age, he has since matured and developed a tasteful and subtle guitar technique that has been compared to Robben Ford and Matt Scofield. His debut album at the age of 18 won the Scottish New Music Award in 2011 and his subsequent albums have all been nominated for awards including the British Blues Awards, several years running. 8pm. Tickets £10.

March

Saturday, March 2: The Straits UK. The Straits are the UK’s top Dire Straits tribute band, based in the North East of England. Founded in 2018, they are made up of six musicians all with a passion for delivering quality music and performance every time. The idea of forming a Dire Straits tribute originated with the frontman and drummer, who happen to be father and son. As lifelong Dire Straits fans, attention to detail is second to none. They perform all the hits from the Dire Straits back catalogue, with an authenticity that has been likened to ‘listening to the real thing’ by many. 8pm. Tickets £15.

Sunday, March 10: The Tannahill Weavers. Back by popular demand, The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands, whose diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. From reflective ballads to footstomping reels and jigs, the variety and range of the material they perform is matched only by their enthusiasm and lively Celtic spirits. 7.30pm. Tickets £15.

*The Milton Rooms is on the lookout for volunteers to help to keep things running smoothly. If you can spare any time to help, email info@themiltonrooms.com for more information.