Shows with a spring in their step

March and April bring a busy period at the Milton Rooms in Malton, with some great and varied music and a healthy dash of musical theatre and comedy.

This month, the 10th sees an appearance by the acclaimed Tannahill Weavers and Vicky Jackson’s much-anticipated tribute to American singer Pink on the 15th.

Ryedale Blues Club welcomes La Collectif de Blues on the 21st, before Ryedale Youth Theatre bring their production of The Wizard of Oz to the stage from the 27th to the 30th.

April highlights include The Moondogs on April 6, The Nightcreatures on April 12, the American Four Tops Motown Show on the 26th, The Sounds of Simon on the 27th and Joe Martin on the 28th.

The Studio Bar at the Milton Rooms hosts a free admission Lazy Sunday Session on March 17, a St Patrick’s Day celebration special with Patrick Robertson and friends plus Nick Thompson.

Also with free admission are monthly Sunday Open Mic Sessions, from 3pm to 6pm. Bring your own instrument along to take part on March 31 and April 28.

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

March

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 foot-stomping 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.

Friday, March 15: Pink! – Vicky Jackson. For over a decade Vicky Jackson has been wowing audiences worldwide with her energetic and accurate portrayal of the American Grammy award-winning singer, She has built a reputation as the definitive Pink tribute, combining all of her major hits over 20 years right up to the most recent releases. Perfect vocals and bespoke costumes deliver the authentic Pink experience. 8pm. Tickets £20.

Thursday, March 21: Ryedale Blues Club – Le Collectif de Blues. First time at The Milton Rooms and featuring Steve Fulsham, this is straight up, no nonsense Chicago Blues, Killer harp, low-key, small amps, no effects, just as it should be. 8pm. Tickets £10.

Wednesday, March 27 to Saturday, March 30: Ryedale Youth Theatre presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Evenings at 7.15pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees 2pm. Tickets £14, concessions £12, available online at www.yourboxoffice.co.uk

April

Saturday, April 6: The Moondogs are regarded as one of the UK’s leading 1960s tribute bands and perform all over the country and Europe. Their raw, high-energy performances have often been described by audiences as being as close to replicating what shows were really like back in those magical days of the late 1950s and swinging 60s. Prepare to be transported back as The Moondogs perform iconic hits from The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, The Searchers, The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Hollies, Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers, Cliff Richard and many more. 8pm. Tickets £12.

Friday, April 12: The Nightcreatures - Farewell to Storyville, Songs and Stories from New Orleans supported by Jenny Wren and Her Borrowed Wings. The Nightcreatures duo, Henry Botham (piano) and Tom Davies (guitar and vocals) go on a journey to old New Orleans, singing songs and telling the stories behind them. Old blues, Mardi Gras songs and classic New Orleans material are explored, drawing on the musical heritage of Dr John, James Booker, Professor Longhair and all the great Louisiana bluesmen. Jenny Wren and Her Borrowed Wings are an interesting and inventive rhythm and blues trio, who deliver a jazzed-up bombardment of rootsy musicianship. 8pm. Tickets £15.

Friday, April 19: Hilarity Bites – Alfie Joey, Patrick Draper and host Tony Jameson. For over two decades, Alfie Joey has been in demand as a host, comic and speaker in the corporate, entertainment and charity sectors. Since Patrick Draper first ambled on to the stage in October 2011, he has cemented his place on the UK comedy circuit with a mixed bag of deadpan jokes, visual gags and songs. Since starting in September 2008, Tony Jameson has established himself firmly as one of the brightest prospects in the North East comedy scene and takes audiences on a tour of the inner workings of his mind and the strange things that happen in his life. 8pm. Tickets £10.

Thursday, April 25: Ryedale Blues Club – Redfish Blues Band. Redfish make a welcome return to Ryedale Blues Club. UK Blues Award nominees, they have not only developed a distinctive and defining style of their own, featuring the vocal and guitar talents of Christian Sharpe and the swirling Hammond organ of Steve McGuckin, they have collaborated with the very best in the blues community as featured artists on the superb Cinelli Brothers-produced album No Country For Bluesmen. 8pm. Tickets £10.

Friday, April 26: Soul Satisfaction – American Four Tops Motown Show. Direct from the USA, Soul Satisfaction bring all the sweet soul music and the Motown magic with powerful vocals, splendid harmonies and the high-stepping dance routines. You will be taken on a journey through all the hits of the Four Tops, including Reach Out, Baby I Need Your Loving, Walk Away Renee and Same Old Song plus other classic hits from this golden era including songs from the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and Ben E King. 8pm. Tickets £20.

Saturday, April 27: The Sounds of Simon. Back by popular demand following their sold out show in 2022, The Sounds of Simon are the UK’s leading tribute to the music of Simon & Garfunkel. They explore the friendship that led to songs such as Mrs Robinson, The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water. The full band also run through the pair’s solo careers, with songs such as You Can Call Me Al, Graceland and Art’s smash hit, Bright Eyes. 8pm. Tickets £14.

Sunday, April 28: Joe Martin – Empty Passenger Seat. Joe Martin is an independent singer-songwriter and modern day troubadour who, as a youngster listening to a wide range of genres from the 60s pop of the Beatles and Beach Boys to American folk artists like Simon and Garfunkel and Bob Dylan, knew he wanted to recreate that magic feeling of a captivating story through songwriting. His descriptive lyrics capture the stories of people and encounters picked up on the road. Tales of friends and strangers blend seamlessly with Joe’s own experiences into songs that paint a picture with every verse. 8pm. Tickets £15.

*The Milton Rooms is seeking volunteers to help with the ever-expanding programme of events. If you can spare a little time to help, please email info@themiltonrooms.com for more information.