ESP April 2014

APRIL 2014 Issue 176

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The best guide to What’s On in and around Peterborough Movies at Showcase Peterborough’s Sport Relief Mile Strictly’s Pasha comes to the Cresset Lakeside centre opens @ Ferry Meadows We chat to Warwick Davis Local Live Music Comedy in the City

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The best of local Leisure & Lifestyle for greater Peterborough

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PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum, Emma Bothamley, Mike Harris, Chris Brudenell

COLuMNISTS Pep Cipriano Steve Gonzalez Karen Devine

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REPORTERS Mikey Clarke Alex Jones

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CONTRIBuTORS Gavin Miller Charlotte Jolly Keith Dalton Sarah Tempest

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EASTER BANYAN TREE ACTIVITIES @ GETS A FRESH SPRINGFIELDS LOOK Not only is the food delicious but we have to say the Banyan Tree restaurant on Westgate is looking hot too after a fantastic refurbishment!

Owner Dinesh Odedra told ESP – “We’ve started our refurbishment and the first phase has been completed. We took feedback from our customers on what they’d like to see us do first. There was demand for Shopping more space downstairs.

Springfields Outlet isn’t just a So, we extended bar and lounge great place to grab a the bargain, they have area and haveevents also created a new some fantastic on too and arespace all on ground floor whichhave is perfect for large geared the up for Easter.

They’ll a booking petting groups zoo, classic cars,their theChristmas display parties. fountains, Springfields’ Land Train, “It’s created a totally different atmosphere Spalding Water Taxi launches, plus in the restaurant where there is a great there’s the Museum of Great Regional vibe every night. We’re planning to Attractions to explore. Now it’s spring introduce some DJ events during the the Festival Gardens will also see over ½ Christmas period that utilises this new million bulbs in bloom and the Giant space... so keep your ear to the ground!"

M&S Outlet Easter Egg Hunt is on from April 14We to highly April 21 which is just £3 anhere recommend the food entry. Make youauthentic check their website whichsure is truly Indian.

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53 Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 1QA Telephone: 01733 342800 www.thebanyantree-uk.com solve a series of clues to be in with a chance of winning a supersized Easter egg from Thorntons and a £100 This month MyOnce Bodythey’ve Essentials would Queensgate gift card. to search, be sure shoppers that your Christmas finishedlike their will then party dressafits you perfectly! also receive free bag of tasty Until Christmas they are practically giving away Lipo-Belt chocolates. treatments for just £15 per session, these sessions usually cost up to £65! The treatment’s safe and effective and gets results immediately – you can lose several centimetres in just one session although you could sometimes require more depending on the results you need.

Now there is no excuse not to wear your favourite party Fantastic soul band thedress!

MotorGive CityMBE a call on 01733 or atake a look at Vipers will be 305102 playing at great charity www.mybodyessentials.co.uk gig in Whittlesey this month. The night for info. is being held at New in aid ofmore Macmillan Vision Fitness (formerly known as The Manor Leisure Centre) on Saturday April 5. As well as this amazing local band, there’ll be a special auction where you can bid for their Fitness Instructors for PT sessions or group sessions, plus a raffle with all proceeds to gift or If you’re stuck forgoing an unusual Macmillan Cancerthat’ll Support. something certainly have meaning for anyone up in Peterborough, For tickets call Jessbrought on 01354 622399. we can highly recommend the book of photos, New England, by street photographer Chris Porsz.

GIVE YOUR and plenty of mouth-watering desserts that are completely exclusive to the menu.

BODY A SPRING Running from Sunday December 1 – CLEAN @ MBE Sunday December 29, you can make

history. It’s available for just £13.99 from Reba in Cathedral Square, Shrives chemist in Westgate, Art in the Heart Shop, Visitors Information Centre and Waterstones in Bridge St. Also from Colemans in Cowgate, The Barn garden centre Gunthorpe, the hospital friends shop, Ferrythree Meadows If you like it loud, of theand UK'svia tophis website www.chrisporsz.com rock tribute bands have teamed up for a mighty triple bill of classic heavy music at The Royal British Legion Club, Yaxley on Friday April 4. The Thin Lizzy Experience, Sack Sabbath and Hi-On Maiden bring their tributes to three rock giants to your home town! Each band will deliver a powerhouse set rammed Spalding’s great Italian restaurant Amici with classic classic – expect to tell usafter they’ve launched a delicious hear Run To TheChristmas Hills, Number special menu Of thisThe December, Beast, War Paranoid, Boys withPigs, five new starters, fiveAre main courses Back In Town, Rosalie and many, many more! Tickets are available online or from the venue.

selected lines, ranging from gifts to home accessories. Get some cut-price prezzies before they run out!

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MACMILLAN CHARITY BAND NIGHT IN WHITTLESEY

your bookingarriving by calling 767696.

With the sunshine it’s01775 time for a spring clean. Your skin needs to be rid of the winter gloom and prepared for the summer with a good cleanse and exfoliation. MBE are offering for just £40 a Luxurious Diamond Peel worth £30 with a Deep Glycolic/Salicylic Acid Cleanse worth £25. These treatments are safe, effective and will last so much It’s not always easyfacial. to fitGive Christmas longer than your average My shoppingainto busy schedule.

Body Essentials callaon 01733 305102Luckily, or take Springfields a look at Outlet Shopping in Spalding have extended their opening www.mybodyessentials.co.uk forhours to help us out! Springfields is now open on more info. weekdays until 9pm this month through until the week commencing Monday December 23. What’s more, the car park will be free to use from 6pm.

Subway, The Kitchen and Frankie and Benny’s, however, will remain open until Work’s 10pm. progressing well on the new

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING @ SPRINGFIELDS

CITY BOOK WETHERSPOONS MAKES GREAT WELL ON GIFT THE WAY Wetherspoons pub in Stamford which will be called The Stamford Post, a nod to the former newspaper offices of The Stamford Mercury where it is housed.

It’s scheduled to open on May 27.

50% OFF SELECTED PRODUCTS @ BEALES PHILOSOPHY

HEAVY ROCK If you missedBILL out last Christmas then this SPENCER’S OUTFIT HAS IT TRIPLE popular photography book depicts Peterborough in the seventies and Don’t forget to stop at Beales on SECRET ALL UNDER eighties through some great candid @ THE PALMY Westgate on your shopping travels this GARDEN BALL ONE ROOF shots. It’s a fantastic slice of social Christmas. They’re offering 50% off It’s timeIftoyou’re get your gladstressed rags ontrying and to find the getting step intoperfect the Secret for the party Garden wear don’t forget that fabulousDorothy Spencer’s Ball Burton at Peterborough Perkins, and Evans have Arena on April Tickets are at allSaturday relocated into the5.Outfit store £65, which includesGreen! a drinks a save Serpentine Soreception, now you can three course mealand andfind complimentary your legs all your high street wine, along with all the one night’s favourites under roof. They also have entertainment HayleyWarehouse Sandersonand more.

Topshop,with Topman, and theIt’s Stylophones.

Hayley is a present for a great place to find wonderful singerelse fromtoo Peterborough someone or make life–really easy she’s soand good beengift partcard! of the buyshe’s an Outfit Check out the house band BBC’s Strictly latestonlooks from OutfitCome in our special on www.espmag.co.uk Dancingfeature for several years! All proceeds will go direct to the Phoenix school in Orton for severe and profoundly disabled pupils.

GET PARTY READY @ MY BODY QUEENSGATE IN WONDERLAND To book call Liza on 01733 324568.

As part of an Easter eggs-travaganza, Queensgate is welcoming Alice in Wonderland and friends into the centre as part of a fun, family treasure hunt hosted by the Mad Hatter himself, on Friday April 11.

From 1pm until 6pm, North Square will be packed with characters such as the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts, who’ll be on hand to entertain little shoppers after they’ve completed their search around the centre.

After registering in the square outside John Lewis, visitors will then have to

AMICI LAUNCH CHRISTMAS MENU

RICO PERU POPS UP AGAIN If you fancy a meal with a difference the fabulous Rico Peru Pop Up restaurant returns to Club Caliente in Parnwell this month. It’s a one night only chance to try the tastes of Peru for just £25. We’ve been along before and it’s well worth a try. It’s on Thursday April 3 serving traditional Peruvian dishes and an exciting cheesecake with Chirimoya fruit so check www.ricoperu.co.uk for details and to see the full menu, or call 07886 614100 / 07779 369078.

BOLLYWOOD TIGER’S CHRISTMAS How many deep and meaningful DAY BUFFET conversations have you had over a pint?

Yaxley restaurant Bollywood Tiger is Well you can definitely discuss bringing an Indian flavouryour to the menu philosophy on life at the Palmerston this Christmas with a special Christmas Arms onDay Oundle Road. have aa change from buffet.

So ifThey you fancy regular the monthly turkeyphilosophy and a restsession from theand cooking the the nextbuffet one isislooking at£19.95 the many priced at per adult, whilst facets ofsenior sustainability andchildren the desire citizens and canfor dine for the world to beFor fit for future generations £14.95. bookings, call 01733 246519. of people, plants and animals. What drives this unselfish movement? What possible justification can there be to oppose it?

Important and pressing questions to be discussed and perhaps resolved. It's up to you! Philosophy at the Palmy is at 8pm on April 29, it’s free and suitable for everyone, just turn up and join in and of course enjoy a decent pint!

For more information email info@cbphilosophy.org

TOUR SERIES TO RETURN Good news for cycling fans. The Halfords Tour Series is set to return to

Peterborough on May 20 with top teams competing on the city centre route.

There’s a great atmosphere at this event with high speed action from the cyclists whizzing through the centre, plus it’s televised so you can spot yourself cheering on the teams on the TV later!

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

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Need to get the kids out of the house? If you go down to the park today, you’re sure to have a good time! Take them down to Ferry Meadows and enjoy a picnic with Barney the bear and the Nene Park Trust Rangers on Thursday April 24 from 11am – 1pm. For more info see www.neneparktrust.org.uk

STUDENT DISCOUNT EVENT

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brought a BBQ to cook it on! They’ll be a cupcakes stand, a jams and chutney stall and of course it wouldn’t be summer without a strawberries and cream stand.

And finally to finish it all off, they’ll have a Mini Golf fixture.

The British Summertime Event is on all day from 10am to 5pm.

STAMFORD POTTERY MARKET For the fourth year running potters from the Stamford area will be displaying their work in the Stamford Arts Centre Ballroom Sunday May 4 and Monday May 5.

There’ll be a wide variety of work, including domestic ware, sculpture, jewellery, ornaments, tiles & garden sculpture on show and materials and techniques such as high fired stoneware and porcelain and low fired earthenware and raku will be showcased and it’s on from 11am – 5pm. Free entry.

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The first of Queensgate’s special student shopping evenings is taking place on Thursday May 1 when students can enjoy entertainment and exclusive retailer discounts for one night only!

There’ll be special discounts in most stores, some will even have extras on top of what they usually offer students, and it’s on from 4pm – 8pm.

Only those students who have preregistered via the Queensgate website will be entitled to receive the exclusive discounts and offers so make sure you get online now!

BROTHERHOOD CELEBRATES BRITISH SUMMER TIME The start of British Summer Time is being celebrated at the Brotherhood Shopping Park in Peterborough on Saturday March 29 – the day the clocks change. To celebrate it, the Retail Park has brought the Best of British to Peterborough filling its huge promotional space with a number of quintessential English activities.

They include a traditional sweets and candy stand, the Moor Farm Shop with a wonderful mixture of fresh produce and top class British beef. They have even

Eastern Angles have been staging some fantastic theatre productions based on the stories of Peterborough – now here’s your chance to be part of one of their professional productions! After the success of their play Dark Earth their next production is River Lane and they need you to help make it happen. Eastern Angles are looking for 100 volunteers to work on every aspect of the production from performing and prop making to stage management and sound operation and much more.

Set in the heart of the city, River Lane takes us back to the days of Frank Brierley’s supermarket, Walter Cornelius trying to ‘fly’ the River Nene, Desmond Dekker and the soul music that became the soundtrack of the main character’s lives. The production will be performed in May in the city so why not be a part of it?

No experience is necessary just enthusiasm and commitment. To find out more about each role and to register your interest go to www.riverlane.info or call 07922 604875.

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LOCAL

Entertainment Proudly sponsored by

THE WIZARD OF OZ We’re off to see the wizard… the wonderful Wizard of Oz…. at the Cresset!

PETERBOROUGH ARTS CINEMA FILMS

And somewhere over the rainbow you’ll find soap and pop stars joining forces as The Wizard of Oz hits Peterborough on Tuesday April 15.

The fun-filled family favourite has been turned into a fun pantomime for all the family starring S Club 7’s Tina Barrett and Eastenders’ ‘Lucy Beale’ Melissa Suffield.

Following a hugely successful summer season run in Blackpool this great show is now on a nationwide tour.

Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion on their adventure to see the Wizard of Oz for their dreams to be fulfilled.

S Club’s Tina plays the ultimate villain the Wicked Witch of the West attempting to steal the iconic red shoes from Melissa Suffield’s Dorothy.

Tickets are £13.50 / £12.50 concessions on 01733 265705.

The John Clare Cinema on Broadway begins a fresh season of films starting with Woody Allen’s Oscar winning Blue Jasmine showing on Thursday April 24. Cate Blanchett justifiably won the Best Actress award for her great performance of a former New York socialite whose life has imploded in the wake of her husband's imprisonment. Jasmine is forced to park her Louis Vuitton luggage in the incongruous surroundings of her adoptive sister's San Francisco apartment, and careers between ill-fitting employment, ill-judged social climbing and abysmal interpersonal relations.

MOTOWN & PHILADELPHIA ON TOUR The hits and memories just keep on coming as mutli-award winning Roy G. Hemmings and his 15 strong cast of performers deliver some great memories in this spectacular show.

A full evening show that spans the hits of The Ojays, The Tramps, Billy Paul, Candi Staton, MFSB and The Stylistics to mention but a few of those memorable Philly acts. Not only that, the cast recreate the sounds of Detroit and old favourites such as The Four Tops, The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gayre, The Drifters, Boys 2 Men and many more. Learn more about this extraordinary time for music, and experience the thrill of this high energy show packed with too many hits to count.

Enjoy the tunes at The Cresset on Sunday April 27. Tickets are £24 on 01733 265705.

HANSEL & GRETEL BRINGS STARS TO STAMFORD Get ready to experience the classic fairy tale Hansel & Gretel like you’ve never seen it before when the brand new show comes to the Stamford Corn Exchange on Sunday April 6.

Based on the ever-popular German story, first recorded and published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, Hansel and Gretel brings together the amazing magic, sets, costumes and scripts synonymous with the fairytale. The star studded cast is headed by Coronation Street and Benidorm star Margi Clarke as the Wicked Stepmother/Witch and CBBC’s star of The Slammer JezO as Hansel.

They’re joined by Jessica Hathaway (Milkshake Tour) and Tom Beard (RH Good news, BBC3) who’ll bring their fabulous talents to the respective roles of Gretel and the wandering and wondering Minstrel – all this as well as puppets, illusions and a full supporting cast set to wow the crowds!

Next up is Le Week-End on Thursday May 1 with Jeff Goldblum, Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan in a tale of a long-married couple attempting to get away from it all in Paris, but instead finding the broiling tensions in their relationship coming to an unexpected head.

STAMFORD GETS A SPRING AWAKENING A winner of eight Tony Awards including best musical, an amateur production of the hit show Spring Awakening is coming to the Stamford Arts Centre on Tuesday April 8 and Wednesday April 9.

This unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood is delivered with a power, poignancy, and passion that you’ll never forget! This production is presented by the local talented performing arts students from Stamford College Musical Theatre and is for audience’s aged 15 and over.

Tickets are £15 (£12 concessions and £10 for school groups of 10 or more) and are available from the theatre box office by calling Stamford Arts Centre on 01780 763203 or by visiting www.stamfordartscentre.com.

Alex Jones

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY The iconic sound of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is recreated in this feel-good concert by the East Coast Boys, four phenomenal singers and a great live band, at the Key Theatre on Saturday April 5.

Tickets are £8 (concessions and children: £7) and are available from the theatre box office on 01780 766455 or by visiting www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.uk

This fantastic show is guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles, featuring many hits from both sides of the Atlantic including Sherry, Grease is The Word, Bye Bye Baby, Stay, Silence is Golden, Working My Way Back to You Babe, Oh What a Night, plus many, many more... A night not to be missed.

Alex Jones

Tickets are £18.50 on 01733 207239.

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All showings are at 7.30pm, for more details visit www.peterboroughartscinema.co.uk

NEW YORK KNIGHTS – SINATRA, DIAMOND & STREISAND On Thursday April 17 three of the Big Apple’s finest stars will be paid tribute to when New York Knights comes to the Stamford Corn Exchange.

The show is a celebration of the glittering careers and songs of three of the greatest entertainers on the planet performed by three of the most talented young vocalists in the UK today.

Johnny O’Connor, Matt Andrews and Nikki Miller will take you on a musical ride through the song lists of Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand performing solo classics such as My Way, Sweet Caroline and Evergreen as well as classic duets like You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Something Stupid.

All three artists are well known for blowing their audiences away and are sure to put on one hell of a show this April.

Tickets are £17 (concessions £16.50). Box office: 01780 766455.

Alex Jones

MAGIC – A KIND OF QUEEN Magic, the first and still the best tribute to Queen, perform all of Queen’s greatest hits plus some you may not have heard for a while, in their latest show for 2014.

With five vocals to back up the powerful lead vocal of the dynamic Roger Brown, Magic recreate all the complex harmonies that are Queen’s trademark recording sound. Not attempting to emulate Queen visually, Magic creates all the excitement of a Queen live show, and have performed all over the world.

Catch them live at The Cresset on Friday April 25. Tickets are £21.50 on 01733 265705.

Get the very latest news on entertainment by visiting espmag.co.uk /whats-on

STAMFORD TO CROWN NEW POET LAUREATE

80'S MANIA SHOW

Finalists of the Stamford Poet Laureate competition The Verse will battle it out on Friday April 11, performing their poetry in the Stamford Arts Centre before finding out who’ll be victorious.

A massive line up of 25 best selling artistes including Kim Wilde, A-ha, Duran Duran, Wham, Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Madness, Erasure and The Human League are authentically recreated to look and sound how they did back in the decade that fashion forgot.

Get your shoulder pads and eyeliner at the ready and prepare to relive the 80s! The UK’s official 80s multi tribute reunion concert is heading for the Key Theatre on Saturday May 3.

There’ll be over 35 non stop hits with over 150 costumes in this feel good show together with the Mania Band and dance troupe, a huge video screen projection, laser and lighting design.

The title is a prestigious one and is recognition of great talent and is also a launch pad for any burgeoning poetry career, providing a unique role in the community and further afield.

New Romantics, leggings, leg-warmers, stilettos, shoulder pads, big hair, neon, deely boppers… it’s all here.

Arrive early as the party starts half an hour before with the 80's disco road show to get you all in the mood.

The event will be hosted by Cardinal Pete Cox who’s had his poetry published in the small-press in UK and North America for around thirty years.

The event’s free to attend but you must book your place by booking a ticket or poetry pass from the box office. These are available by calling 01780 763203 or by visiting www.stamfordartscentre.com.

Alex Jones

Tickets are £12.50 on 01733 207239.

THE ONLY WAY IS DOWNTON The sell-out Edinburgh debut from impressionist Luke Kempner (star of YouTube hit Downstairs At Downton, Les Mis and Avenue Q) comes to Stamford Arts Centre.

WITCHES OF EASTWICK BRING MAGIC TO THE KEY

As celebrities start appearing at the Abbey, cultures clash and eras hilariously collide in this brilliant new parody described as – ‘Remarkable, tour de force one-man show,’ by the Daily Telegraph

There’s a great new production on the way from Peterborough Operatic & Dramatic Society that should have you spellbound!

For the first time they’re bringing their version of The Witches of Eastwick based on the film starring Jack Nicholson and Cher to the Key Theatre stage. This hilarious and raunchy musical comedy features plenty of bare flesh, flying, magic and mayhem. Set in the quiet suburban town of Eastwick, Alex, Jane and Sukie are three bored divorced housewives. After one too many martinis, they wish upon the moon for the perfect man to come into their lives and get more than they bargained for with the arrival of the devilish Darryl Van Horne.

Book your tickets now on 01733 207239 and watch all hell break loose at the Key Theatre in Peterborough from April 8 – 12.

Catch this marvellous spoof on Wednesday April 30, tickets are £14 (£12) on 01780 763203.

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN SONGBOOK If you love the songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein, a writing partnership that has been called the greatest of the 20th century, this show pays tribute to them in style on Friday April 25.

Performed by stars from the West End, this truly magical show celebrates the golden age of musical theatre. Rodgers & Hammerstein Songbook features all of the classics you know and love from The Sound of Music, South Pacific, The King and I, Carousel and Oklahoma!

Tickets are £12 on 01733 207239.

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS Flags at the ready – get yourselves along to the Key Theatre on Sunday April 27 for a taste of all your Proms favourites.

The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor June Stokes, will host the annual event to raise money for her chosen charities: Inspire Peterborough, Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, Wednesday PHAB Club and Parents United.

The usual favourites from the Last Night of the Proms, along with a selection of well-known pieces will be performed by local musicians. A prize raffle will also be held during the evening.

Peterborough Opera and Stamford Brass will be playing a selection of popular opera classics, songs from the first World War and Last Night of the Proms favourites.

Tickets £15 on 01733 207239.

STAGE ON SCREEN SEASON AT THE KEY THEATRE Photo: John Haynes

The Key Theatre is introducing a fantastic full season of digital screenings giving us more access to some wonderful theatre and ballet productions without having to head to London!

From The Globe we’ll see some of Shakespeare’s most popular plays performed, starting with a broadcast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on April 16 at 7pm. Renowned tragedy Macbeth follows on May 7 at 7pm.

For ballet fans there’s the Royal Ballet’s new adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale on April 28 at 7.15pm. Screened live, the play tells the story of King Leontes, whose jealousy throws his family and friends into a cloud of suspicion.

Then the National Theatre’s upcoming production of King Lear, starring Simon Russell Beale in the titular role is screened on May 1 at 7pm directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes.

Building on the success of Richard II, the RSC present Henry IV Part I on May 14 at 7pm and Henry IV Part II screened live on June 18 at 7pm, tickets £15 with £12.50 concessions for each screening.

After a fantastically received screening in 2012, the National Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime returns for an encore screening of the original broadcast on May 22 at 7pm.

There are many more screenings to come throughout the summer so visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com for full listings.

Box office: 01733 207239.

www.espmag.co.uk

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A Pash(ion) for Strictly Star!

Saturday night glitz and glamour is coming our way as two stars of Strictly, Pasha and Katya, waltz their way to Sarah Tempest Peterborough. Catching up with Pasha for a quick chat before the show heads to the Cresset, it’s fair to say that ESP reporter Sarah Tempest has fallen just a little bit in love…

Since he first fleckled his way onto our TV screens three short years ago, professional dancer Pasha Kovalev has become a firm favourite on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, filling the Strictly sequinned lycra (almost) as beautifully as our beloved local hero Olympian Louis Smith. So far our affections have been restricted to worshipping from afar (and pressing the pause, rewind and replay buttons) but all that is set to change as Pasha brings his touring show, with professional partner Katya Virshilas, to the Cresset on Saturday April 12, giving us here in Peterborough the chance to get up close and personal with his ballroom.

Putting the ‘pash’ into passionate, Pasha is clearly uber excited about the show ‘An Evening with the Stars of Strictly’. “You can expect lots of music, dancing, and lots of sparkles”, he says. “It’s our third tour and this time we’re going bigger and better. Whilst Strictly has Love Week or Rock Week or Hollywood Week, we’ve decided not to go with any specific theme but every dance has a different mood, story, and character, it’s like a carnival, a kaleidoscope of Strictly all packed into one two hour show.”

Sounds great, but what about the Q&A session where the audience can ask anything they’ve ever wanted to know about Pasha, Katya and Strictly, surely he must be just a little bit concerned about what Peterborough has a burning desire to ask?!“No!” he laughs.“The questions are always so different but it’s weird; some people want to know what’s your favourite cheese”, (for the record it’s Burrata, a creamy mozzarella like cheese which Pasha highly recommends we try with olives and tomatoes!) “whilst other people just want to ask if you’re married or in a relationship or some people want to know what kind of underwear you wear under your costumes. You just smile and try and answer the question without offending anyone!”

So how does he feel about bringing his show to Peterborough, Strictly champion Louis Smith’s home town? “I would love for him to come and see the show!” he says. “What a great opportunity – just let him come! I wasn’t gutted at all [that Louis beat me], it’s a dance competition with a lot of good dancers and we were all kind of competing for the top spot.

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“The goal wasn’t to get the Glitterball, the goal was to become the best possible dancers we could be and I think we managed that just perfectly”. But whilst none of us would deny that he and celebrity partner Kimberley Walsh did just that, when pushed he does admit with a cheeky giggle that – “Oh yes, the Glitterball would have been nice!”

Of course Louis isn’t Peterborough’s only connection with the show; Hayley Sanderson, singer in Strictly’s resident Dave Arch band is another local girl doing the ’boro proud.

“Hayley’s amazing,” says Pasha.“There’s nothing better than to dance to the live band because it gives you extra energy and brings colour to the dance. Sometimes you just dance and think ‘wow, that’s so great, I never knew the song could sound that good’.”

So what about those outfits he has to wear on Strictly? Whilst we think there should be an ‘always bare chested’ clause in his contract, does he mind getting his top off all the time?

“No! I don’t mind! It’s for a good cause so why not?! If you’re dancing a hot Latin dance pretending you’re somewhere in Cuba you would want to feel in character by wearing according costumes so it’s all good. If you get a costume you think doesn’t suit you or the character, you have to stand up and convince the costume department that you would probably look better in something else. We always have a say.”

But despite his successes on the show and a huge fan base, Pasha doesn’t know if he’ll be back this year. “I would love to come back to Strictly and from my point I’m ready but it’s a decision for production. They start talking to professionals around June because that’s when they sign up all the celebrities and start pairing them up. It’s nice to have new blood on the show but I would love to come back if I get an invitation.” We can’t help thinking that there’d be complete uproar (we’ve already drafted a petition in the ESP offices) if he wasn’t asked back, especially with all the fan support he gets on Twitter!

We’ll certainly be keeping everything crossed because if a tight-trousered Siberian hottie, who revealed to me he loves chocolate, and has no objections to taking his top off in our living rooms every Saturday night is allowed to tango off into the sunset with his P45, the producers at the BBC might just find themselves with a mutiny on their hands.

Tickets for ‘An Evening with the Stars of Strictly’ are available now from The Cresset box office 01733 265705… see you there!

Read Sarah’s full interview with Pasha on www.espmag.co.uk

LUNCH

FOR A LOT LESS

Come in for a spot of lunch, any day of the week between 12-2pm and choose any starter, any main course from our full a la carte with boiled rice or naan bread all for just ÂŁ10* *Excludes seafood or platters. Offer valid till 30 April 2014

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Enjoy cocktails and Tapas at our

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53 Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 1QA Telephone: 01733 342800 • www.thebanyantree-uk.com

LOCAL

EVENTS

FLAG FEN RE-OPENS AND THE ROMANS ARRIVE! Travel back 3,500 years in time at Flag Fen Archaeology Park when the attraction re-opens on Saturday April 5. Discover what life was like for our prehistoric ancestors at the finest Bronze Age archaeological site in Northern Europe. Wander through a Bronze Age village, sit within the reconstructed roundhouses, meet the newborn Soay lambs, and stand where our ancestors once stood on the ritual causeway.

See the stunning range of ancient objects found on the site, including weapons, jewellery and even England’s oldest wheel! Plus take a guided tour to discover the prehistoric Must Farm boats, recently discovered in nearby Whittlesey, and currently being conserved at Flag Fen.

Photo: John Moore

Don’t miss a very special event at Flag Fen on Saturday April 19 – Monday April 21 from 10am-5pm: Roman Invasion! Enjoy an action-packed day out as they transport you back 2,000 years in time to meet the Romans! See fights between gladiators, drill with the army, try family craft activities and dig for artefacts. Admission’s £7 adults, £5 concessions and £18 for families and there’s no need to book.

To find out more about Flag Fen, call 01733 313 414 or email flag.fen@vivacity-peterborough.com. www.vivacity-peterborough.com

EASTER FARM FUN @ SACREWELL Easter 2014 is the dawn of a new era at Sacrewell Farm near Wansford.

WAR AT THE TOWER!

On Saturday April 5 at 9.30am the new Sacrewell Play Barn will officially open in all its glory.

Featuring a three-story Sacrewell themed play frame, Didi Car track and giant slide the new facilities will boost the fantastic offer already available at the Farm.

It also of course marks the first day of the locally renowned Big Bunny Hunt.

Explorers will be taken on a bumpy tractor ride up to the woods where they’ll hunt for a hidden egg and present it to the Easter Bunny who will in turn exchange it for a delicious chocolate surprise.

Longthorpe Tower opens for its new season with a bang!

The farm’s lambing event coincides with Easter this year making a visit to Sacrewell even more worthwhile over the Easter holidays. There’ll be lamb feeding shows every day and maybe you can even have a go at bottle feeding one yourself!

To round off the holidays they’ll be hosting a Sunflower Sunday on April 27 where you can plant a seed in their flower bed with your name next to it. Over the summer you can visit your sunflower to see how tall it grows!

For more info visit www.sacrewell.org.uk or call 01780 782254.

EASTER FAMILY

FUN DAY

TRUCKFEST ROLLS INTO THE ARENA

Peterborough based family firm, Rose Landscapes, is supporting local children’s charity Anna’s Hope with Good Friday fun for all!

The big wheelers and the big stars are heading to Peterborough Arena this May Bank Holiday as Truckfest hits town on May 4 and 5.

Head along to their indoor superstore on Friday April 18 from 10am-2pm for an Easter Egg Hunt with a chocolate egg and T-shirt prize for all correct entries, face painting, digger discovery and kids’ goody bags. Refreshments and cakes will be available, plus FREE juice for the children!

For a truly monster day out – there’s nothing quite like Truckfest to provide massive entertainment for the whole family.

All event proceeds will go to Anna’s Hope which helps children and young people with brain tumours.

www.espmag.co.uk

Explore this delightful medieval tower, part of a manor house that was built around 1300.

Inside you’ll discover a hidden gem. Kings, saints, animals, musicians and monsters jostle for space in the finest set of domestic medieval wall paintings anywhere in Western Europe.

The show’s packed with fun things for all the family, and this year is no different. With gorgeous Corrie star Michelle Keegan (May 5) and TOWIE star Joey Essex (May 4) making personal appearances there’s glitz and glamour as well as dozens of trade stands, to the very best in motorised entertainment and exhilarating motorcycle stunt acts.

Visit Longthorpe Tower’s exhibition, which tells the story of the Tower and the remarkable family that built it, who rose from being humble peasants who worked the land to become knights who rubbed shoulders with kings.

Monster trucks Bigfoot and the American Bigfoot will be going head to head in the main arena in a UK vs USA special. There’s the chance to take a ride on the 10-seater Bigfoot Monster Truck Ride and there’ll be a night light parade and firework display on the Saturday. Plus there’ll be children’s characters dropping in for a meet and greet on both days.

For further information about Longthorpe Tower, call 01733 864663 or email longthorpe.tower@vivacitypeterborough.com.

Gates open from 9am until 5.30pm, and ticket prices and more details can be found at www.truckfest.co.uk

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There’s a very special event at Longthorpe Tower on Saturday April 5 – Sunday April 6, Preparing for War – The Tower and Richard III. It’s 1485 and Sir Robert Whittlebury is preparing to fight for King Richard III. Now’s your chance to meet soldiers, handle weapons, see the ‘arming of the knight’ daily at 11am and 3pm, find out about delicious food and gruesome cures, and take part in children’s military drill sessions! It’s on from 10am-5pm and admission’s £4 adults, concessions £3 and families £10. There’s no need to book – just drop-in!

SWING INTO THE 60s AT SACREWELL To mark its 50th anniversary this year, The William Scott Abbott Trust at Sacrewell Farm near Wansford is hosting a 1960s themed Spring Fair on May 4 and 5.

The Farm is getting as many groups and suppliers from the community involved as possible with May Pole dancers from Nene Valley Primary School among those who are making the event special.

Swing along to some 60s music, have a go on the bucking sheep, or try your luck on the horseshoes, show your strength in the tug of war or practice your aim in the stocks.

There’ll be plenty of traditional ‘village fete’ themed activities to have a go at as well as plenty of stalls selling everything from crafts to cordials!

It’ll run from 9.30am – 5pm each day and with more to be announced take a look at www.sacrewell.org.uk for the latest or call 01780 782254.

BEER FEST ON THE BOAT! It’s Easter which means it’s time for the big beer festival at Charters featuring 35+ real ales and 15 ciders.

It all kicks off from 5pm on Thursday April 17 and runs through until Monday April 21 so there’s plenty of time to pop in for a decent pint!

You’ll find the boat moored on the Nene at Town Bridge and there’s a fantastic beer garden you can chill out in if the weather’s good. The venue is a proud member of the Oakademy of Excellence (an elite group set up by Peterborough based award-winning Oakham Ales), and will be serving a tasty selection of brews from around the British Isles from inside the barge.

The popular weekly Quiz Night will take place as usual on Thursday evening from 8pm with a selection of live music acts booked to perform across the weekend.

On Friday April 18 it’s The Gangsters performing live at 10.30pm followed by Jessie’s Ghost on Saturday April 19, again at 10.30pm. Sunday April 20 sees an unplugged session from Children of the Revolution at 3pm.

Children are welcome and the venue will be holding an Easter egg hunt for the younger customers throughout the festival weekend.

Entry to Charters Easter Beer Festival is free.

FARMYARD FUN AT SERPENTINE GREEN Keep the kids amused and get your shopping done at the same time – job done! Enjoy all the fun of the farmyard at a free event at Serpentine Green on Friday April 11.

Join the craft workshop and make farm animals to take home or follow the farmyard trail around Serpentine Green to spot the animals.

The Ark mobile farm will be visiting the centre with a selection of their lovely animals from 11am till 3pm outside the Mothercare entrance. Animal experts will be on hand to answer questions and tell the kids lots of interesting facts about the animals.

Serpentine will also be hosting a pop-up craft workshop outside Next during the day.

Children of all ages will be able to make Easter farm themed masks or decorate wooden chicks or sheep.

Our service is tOtally free

loves Little Miracles

Local hero, Luke Pasqualino headed home to the city to see Sport Relief cash in action recently.

The star of Skins and forthcoming movie Snowpiercer has been wowing local fans with his sword fighting skills as D’Artagnan in The Musketeers. However he put his footballing skills to the test when he visited the project to see how money raised through Sport Relief is helping local families.

Last year Little Miracles received a grant of £4,200 from money raised through Sport Relief. The grant has helped provide a wide range of sporting activities for children with disabilities, from adapted jujitsu to street dance and horseriding.

The 24 year-old actor said he really enjoyed his time there – “I can’t believe I didn’t know this extraordinary place existed. Little Miracles is only around the corner from me and it is such amazing support for so many families in our local community in Peterborough.

“Michelle who runs Little Miracles is a truly inspirational woman and with the help from Sport Relief, she is able to give these kids a safe place to go with their families and be accepted.”

When Little Miracles first opened in 2010 there were just a few mums meeting up for coffee and a chat about the challenges faced when looking after a child with disabilities. Now Little Miracles has over 3,000 children

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registered and provides a wide range of support services from holiday care to face to face counselling sessions.

Director Michelle Fox said – “The money has been amazing; it’s allowed us to provide opportunities for children to try something they may not usually have the chance to. Everyone has loved the sessions; it’s been great to see so many benefits in different ways. For example, one little girl has really enjoyed the horse riding. It has helped improve her core stability and control so much so she is becoming less dependent on her wheelchair.”

Having a film and TV star visit the centre caused great excitement and Luke certainly made an impression on Hannah, a 14 year-old who attends the project – “I love coming to Little Miracles,” said Hannah, “and being able to play with all of the fun equipment. When I need to be in my wheelchair there are still lots of things I can do that I cannot do anywhere else, like going on the trampoline. Luke Pasqualino visiting today was so exciting I told all of my friends I was going to meet a Musketeer!”

Little Miracles is one of hundreds of projects to be helped in the region. The money raised this year will help to give extremely vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Cambridgeshire, the UK and throughout the world a helping hand to turn their lives around so well done if you’ve played a part in the fundraising.

Photos: Kit Oats

A

ctor Luke, star of BBC’s The Musketeers, met some very special children in Peterborough last month, as he spent the afternoon with local charity Little Miracles.

Photo: BBC/Dusan Martincek

E K U L R E E T E MUSK

Meanwhile fans of Luke and The Musketeers will be pleased to hear that the BBC drama has proved so popular (of course!) that it’s been commissioned for a second series so our local star will be back once again as swashbuckling D’Artagnan!

Eastern Angles present…

A community play for Peterborough

By Tony Ramsay

May 8th – 18th Monks, Soul Music and a love story that spans the decades

Box Office: 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk

THE MOTORCYCLE WORKS LTD Anything motorcycle is what we do!

• • • • •

MOT Testing Servicing Repairs Electrics Restorations

Rebores – Crankbuilding – Blast Cleaning Tuning – Race Prep - Re-Wiring – Alarms Trackers – Tyres & Fitting Chain & Sprockets – Brake Servicing Batteries – Classic Restorations

45 Years Experience

Home Cooked Food with locally sourced produce served all day.

• • • • •

Sky Sports Open Log Fire Warm welcome 4 Real Ales Live Entertainment at the weekend (See ESP Gig Guide or website)

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Monday to Saturday: 12pm -9pm Sunday Roast: 12pm -6pm

13 Benedict Sq, Werrington, Peterborough, PE4 6GD Tel: 01733 578883 Mob: 07947 733234

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New Lakeside Activity Centre Opens @

Ferry Meadows If you’re all too ready to embrace the great outdoors, lighter nights and freedom on your doorstep it’s time to get excited as after months of work a fantastic new facility is opening at our favourite park.

Photo: Chris Porsz

building, land games and orienteering and structured courses in sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

The Nene Park Trust is following up its 25th anniversary celebrations from last year by marking 2014 with the opening of its new Lakeside @ Ferry Meadows activity centre. On Friday April 11, following a £2.5 million investment from the Trust and a year of extensive works to the building and surrounding landscape, this fabulous new addition will open its doors to Park visitors.

We’ve been eagerly watching the centre’s progress and frankly we can’t wait to sample what it has to offer – summer time can’t come quickly enough!

Lakeside will be a new hub within Ferry Meadows as the home for Nene Outdoors, a new watersports and outdoor activity venture and Lakeside Kitchen & Bar, a contemporary dining and function venue at the Park. So sporty types get the chance to enjoy some great activities while non-sporty types can settle back on the veranda with a coffee – we like it!

Nene Outdoors is a new company owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Anthony Chapman and Mark Kudlinski.

Anthony Chapman Director of Nene Outdoors said – “With access to the beautiful Gunwade Lake, Nene Outdoors caters for many activities on and off the water. This includes hire of kayaks, canoes, row boats and pedaloes, group activities such as raft

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Nene Outdoors also boasts a brand new 60 seater conference and meeting space with projector, air conditioning and fantastic views of the lake providing a professional environment for away days and meetings. With a campsite and outdoor clothing and equipment shop Nene Outdoors has something for everyone.”

Lakeside Kitchen & Bar will be headed by Raj Regmi of Regmi & Sons, who many will know as the operators of Ferry Meadows Café, and Mike Lucy of the prestigious London catering firm, Company of Cooks. This exciting partnership will offer a new lakeside eating experience for Park visitors as well as the perfect setting for functions such as parties, weddings and conferences.

Raj Regmi, Managing Director at Green and Pleasant said – “Mike and I are very excited about the whole new opportunity at Nene Park. The Lakeside Kitchen & Bar will focus on popular dining out favourites featuring local producers and suppliers complemented with a range of hot and cold soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The beautiful surroundings make this the perfect place to host an event, have a great meal or simply to stop off for a coffee and cake while you are walking your dogs in

the Park. It will be an ideal place to come and relax while being served by friendly approachable staff, making it a destination for the people of Peterborough and all Park visitors.”

To add to the exciting facilities that will be on offer at Lakeside, a leading cycle hire facility will also be provided which its hoped will launch late spring.

That’s not all though as long-standing relationships continue with Lakeside Sailing Club, Peterborough Sailability, Nene Bowmen and the more recent addition, Peterborough Adapted Cycling Scheme operated by Vivacity ensuring there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy whatever their ability or background.

James McCulloch, Trust Chief Executive said – “As the flagship project within our 2020 strategy for Nene Park, it is exciting to now be within just weeks of reopening the centre. We are delighted to have two enthusiastic new tenants on board to work with us in creating what is sure to be the leading waterside activity centre and café in the region.”

Plus of course there’s the new Otter Play Area opening early this month at the Park – a lovely wooden, nature-inspired play area with some great things for the younger kids to clamber on and enjoy!

They’ll also love the Farm Animals Day on April 13 when Ark Farm will be bringing along some of their animals for the kids to meet and they’ll be giving talks throughout the day from 10am – 3pm.

There’s more to look forward to and a great chance to get a feel for all that the new Lakeside centre has to offer on Saturday May 10 at a special Family Fun Day. There’ll be opportunities to watch and take part in various activities whatever your experience and ability as well as lots of family friendly offers. For more details about the event just visit the Nene Park Trust website www.neneparktrust.org.uk, drop into the Visitor Centre or as ever, keep an eye on www.espmag.co.uk as we’ll always keep you updated.

A FLING INSTEAD OF A FEATHER DUSTER pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

A survey by the UK's leading married dating website – IllicitEncounters.com – has revealed over 50% of women recommend a fling to feel rejuvenated. How times have changed. What happened to feeling rejuvenated for doing the housework and baking?

Pep Cipriano

ART MARKS 75 HATS OFF TO HATTON WALL AS CONTEH IS NEXT BALDERSTON YEARS Former world light heavyweight champion John Conteh is next to feature on Kevin Sanders’ after dinner boxing line-up when he comes to Radius at the Solstice on Saturday May 17.

One of Britain’s most successful champions was at one point being lined up to fight Muhammad Ali but the match never materialised and Conteh ended his professional career with 34 wins, one draw and four defeats. This is his first visit to Peterborough.

Conteh has big shoes to fill following Ricky Hatton’s after dinner performance, which lived up to pre-show expectations just as the majority of his fights did. The ‘Hitman’ captivated a sell-out audience with stories of struggles, successes and even suicide.

Hatton’s after dinner speech was as honest and entertaining as his fights were. You could hear a pin drop as he recited his fights with Mayweather and Pacquiao and explained why he considered taking his own life on more than one occasion.

As a boxer, Hatton may not have possessed the ring craft of some of the very best he came up against but he was fearless, aggressive and had a big heart. This is what made him the people’s champion and that’s why his fan-base – by his own admission – is his ‘greatest achievement’.

A fab night was had by all and John Conteh I’m told is another cracking speaker. For tickets, which include a three-course meal and an opportunity to ask questions to the former champion, call Kevin Sanders on: 07872 601467.

It's hard to believe Balderston has been dealing in motorcycles in Peterborough for 75 years and I doubt there are many more local businesses that have been established longer.

As a tribute to founder Harry Balderston, the Hampton dealership commissioned local artists to create some eye-catching artwork to dominate the back wall of the upstairs showroom in time for its annual new bike launch event.

The result has transformed the showroom and lends itself perfectly to the row of vintage and classic motorcycles parked in front of it. Whilst I’d gladly donate one of my testicles to own these bikes, the one I’m sitting on is possibly worth trading in my girlfriend for.

It’s the BMW R nineT and it’s already sold out all over the country and in Europe. BMW will need to decide whether or not to build more units but whatever the decision this bike is already going down as a classic, which is what its looks are modelled on.

The R nineT ticks so many boxes that are typically BMW. It’s beautifully formed, the detail is second to none, the quality is superior to bikes of similar ilk and it actually sounds like a bike based on this period is supposed to. Let me put it this way, if Angelina Jolie is the perfect woman then this is the perfect bike.

Fill your flask with tea, grab your fold-up chair and get yourself down to the showroom. If the two sold examples are still there I’m sure the crew at Balderston will have no objections working around you while you slump, slurp and stare.

RYDERS WELCOME ON EGG RUN It’s the 17th annual Peterborough Lambretta and Vespa Scooter Club ‘egg run’ to Sue Ryder Hospice in Longthorpe on Saturday April 5 and I’ll of course be there weather permitting.

But even if it decides to bucket down I know there’ll still be hundreds of scooterists gathered at the Cherry Tree pub on Oundle Road ready for the 12.30pm set off.

There’s always a great buzz at this event and riders come from far and wide just to take part. If you want to join in on the ride-out all you need is a scooter and an Easter egg. For more details visit www.plvsc.co.uk

CIAOS OUT > 16

www.espmag.co.uk

>> Cello - Forza! >> Wayne – get your chamois out >> Stew – back in the day stories welcome… >> Karl – you booked into the mag? >> Hayley – what happened to Doris pic? >> Chris – thanks for sorting pride and joy

<

BACK IN THE DAY...

Once upon a time there was a bar called Milano’s. It stood on Broadway where Fever now is. Milano’s was the business.

PEP’S LOCAL HEROES:

GARY DE’ROUX

“You can always do more than you think you can do.” And he was right. Gary De’Roux would often tell me this when I led myself to believe my body and mind had reached the limit of being able to give me more.

Gary taught me to test my limitations and push myself to ensure whatever I do it’s to the very best of my ability. Today I always tell myself and others that just when you think you’ve given it your all, you have to believe there’s still something left in the tank.

I’ve known Gary for more than ten years. He’s one of very few people in my life I admire and that I’ve learned from. When I say learned, I wish I could refer to my boxing ‘skills’ but sadly this isn’t the case.

What Gary De ’Roux possessed as a boxer is unteachable.

To use a film analogy, gangster movies were all a bit Jackanory – then Goodfellas came along. Such was the effect Milano’s had on the evening economy when it opened. It was the perfect ‘townie’ venue and the bar fed into its adjacent Rinaldo’s nightclub.

When Milano’s (and Rinaldo’s) closed many of us considered early retirement from the night scene – that’s how good it was. For a while a few bars popped up and subsequently closed because they either tried to recreate that Milano’s vibe and failed or bravely introduced a new look and feel that nobody was quite ready for.

But then Café En Seine took its spot.

Cosmetically it was designed with that continental look in mind, which in reality wasn’t too dissimilar from the original Milano’s look. I guess the River Seine and Milan aren’t a million miles apart.

It looked good, sounded good and had a good team running it but could Café En Seine bring back that old Milano’s feeling? The answer was, no. And that’s because Milano’s was unique.

‘No’ is a little harsh though. If Café En Seine went some way to filling the

void Milano’s left then on a scale of 1 to 10 it came in at a 7 and that was good enough.

What Café did was raise the bar in music by bringing in established local and national DJs. The Milano’s ‘book them, they will come’ ethos worked because of its solid reputation. But Café was the new kid on the (same) block and one of the aspects it got right from the very beginning was its choice of personnel and customer service.

Manager Andy Hardy not only looked like he should own a trendy bar, he drove a car (Lancia Delta Integrale) like a trendy bar owner should have.

He looked like a poor man’s Bradley Cooper and was never without a

Although, the reason I’m still able to train at a respectable level for my age is because of the conditioning, mental strength, science and know how that Gary instilled in me all those years ago when a select group of my friends and I used to be trained by him.

MY WORD OF THE MONTH

BANK HOLIDAY Easter marks the first of the year, so we’ll all go mad as usual: beer, more beer, too much beer, GU clinic, rain, potbelly shorts, flip-flops, salmonella BBQ, Jesus who?, chili sauce on hoodie, morning after pill, sickie, catholic guilt and false sense of it being summer.

We, the punters, were encouraged to put on our best clobber for the occasion, reflecting a bit of class. In truth the same people came to the same bar wearing the same clothes but ATOC had a knack of pulling off a night where you and the vibe just felt that extra bit special for some reason.

Not many venues have done that since. Café En Seine I salute you.

Almost a quarter of the allocation of tickets to see Joe Avati at The Fleet on Thursday September 18 have already been sold.

This means Joe’s return to the city after four years is likely to be a sell-out and that’s no surprise given how good this guy is. Joe’s funny stories of growing up as the son of Italian immigrants will strike a chord with anyone of Italian heritage.

I was lucky because I’d struck up a genuine friendship and trust with a champion. Not only was Gary a champion in his sport, he was and continues to be a champion of sincerity, manners, wisdom, respect and ethics. To be a winner you have to have passion. And whether it’s passion for boxing or Mod memorabilia, when he talks Gary has you transfixed, just as Ricky Hatton is in this photo.

To achieve success in everything you do in life you need to apply discipline, dedication and determination – the three D’s – something else the main man ‘D’ taught me. Thank you Gary.

Most people will probably remember Café by the Touch of Class (ATOC) theme nights that Russell Lambert put on. Café would be decorated with hanging drapes to give the illusion of a high end venue you’d find in London.

JOE AVATI TICKETS SELLING FAST

We were lucky – I was lucky. Gary was crowned British featherweight champion in 1991 when he knocked out Sean Murphy in the fifth round. It was one of the most exciting British title fights of the modern era and there’s no better way to earn such an accolade than by knockout. Ten of Gary’s 13 wins were by knockout.

Gary’s story is for him to tell and someday I hope he will. My story of knowing Gary as well as I do is one that’s taught me a lot about myself and how to make a long lasting successful friendship work when sometimes we’ve both been misunderstood.

smile. His assistant Maddy Hudson was also a natural in this industry.

TOMMY WILL INSPIRE WHITE COLLAR FIGHTERS

Joe’s told me we can expect plenty of new material and he’s looking forward to meeting his Peterborough fans. Tickets for the 8pm show are £22 and you can book by calling The Fleet on: 01733 560218.

Promising St Neots light welterweight Tommy Martin extended his unbeaten fight tally at the recent professional boxing event at The Cresset and he’ll be the source of inspiration for white collar fighters at the venue’s fight show this month.

Saturday April 26 is The Cresset’s next white collar fight night. These shows always sell out and never disappoint.

Some of the fighters witnessed Martin’s hard fought win over the experienced Dougie Curran and if the bouts are half as good as this was then we’re in for some memorable performances.

T! THErrAowCkeeps N I T u H CAUGnow where Peter B

k "Now we

t." his carro

For tickets call: 07595 167679.

www.espmag.co.uk

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Joe McEld ESP grabs an exclusive chat with Joe McElderry at his Peterborough gig and talks reality shows, rats and a new album…

“I’d like to do Strictly,” reveals three-times reality show winner Joe McElderry.

ESP’s Emma Bothamley grabbed an exclusive chat with the singer just before he went on stage recently at his concert at the Cresset.

“I’ve never been asked but I would like to. The thing with Strictly though is it’s exhausting. I wouldn’t be trying to put an album out at the same time... but then you know I say that, but knowing me I probably would!

“It would be fun – the jungle show though, I’m not so sure – I’m petrified of rats!”

Joe was buzzing prior to his Peterborough show in the midst of a full-on 60 date tour and the city crowd didn’t disappoint. Neither did Joe who told Emma performing live is his favourite part of the job – “I’m having a blast.

The band are great and we’re having lots of fun.” He went on to give a fantastic performance that had everyone up on their feet.

Emma was there for ESP and told us – “The concert was excellent – Joe has an amazing voice, really strong – you can understand why he won the X-Factor and Pop Star to Opera Star. He sang songs from all his albums, classical songs as well as pop, as well as singing some new material yet to be released.”

Joe spoke to Emma back stage and having recently won Channel 4’s winter sports celebrity challenge The Jump, completing a hat trick of reality show wins, he told her he’s still interested in more!

“I like reality TV and enjoy making it and being a part of it. The last three shows I’ve done have been so much fun,” said Joe. “I don’t try and pretend to be anything on reality TV. I go on have fun and be myself. I think the public can see when someone’s not being themselves – I go on and I’m just real, that’s the way I try and play it.”

Joe has bags of personality and charm and his devoted fans certainly love him. During the concert he asked the audience to suggest song requests which resulted in a rendition of a certain One Direction tune!

Emma told us – “One of the other highlights of the night was when Joe performed Nessum Dorma at the end of the first half of the show – he had everyone on their feet by the end giving him a well deserved standing ovation – it was such a powerful performance from someone still in their early twenties.”

Photos: Emma Bothamley

Joe included several new songs, some of which he’s co-written and fans will be pleased to hear this talented singer is working on a fifth album so who knows… he could be back in the ’boro on his next tour, fingers crossed.

Read Emma’s review and more of her chat with Joe on www.espmag.co.uk.

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derry

Photos: Paul Clapp

WARWICK’S ON THE RUN WITH A WINNER

Photo: Chris Brudenell

Their first production is the popular See How They Run. Mid-tour, ESP grabbed an exclusive chat with the celeb to find out how the shows were going and to see what’s next for him. I asked how the idea for the theatre company first came about. “I’ve always wanted to do a play. I’ve been offered plenty of television and film roles but never a play,” he said. “I started to realise that I maybe wasn’t going to ever be offered a play so I decided to produce my own and, of course, gave myself a part in it!

ESP’s Mikey Clarke speaks to Warwick Davis about his new theatre company, looking back on his travels with Karl Pilkington, and looking forward to what’s next in his career...

There’s a good chance you may have seen the local Star Wars actor on your television screen during the last few weeks. Warwick’s been on numerous shows promoting The Reduced Height Theatre Company – the first theatre company made up entirely of short actors, and is the brainchild of Warwick himself.

“I also wanted to show people what great short actors there are. Not everyone has been given the same opportunities that I have with my career, so I wanted to give them a platform to show what they can do – in a show that doesn’t make references to their height. This is just about their performances and the play itself.”

See How They Run is nowadays widely regarded as one of the best farces written by Philip King. Warwick told me, “I wanted this to be our first show because I love farce in the theatre. It can be very challenging. I wanted to hit the ground running and give us all a challenge. If you get the precision, speed and the pace right, the show is extremely funny.

The audience has loved it and many people have said it’s been their best night at the theatre.”

Could this be the start of many shows to come?

“The cast have thrown a few ideas around.

Some people want to do a musical and others are thinking Shakespeare. The audience have been great so I think we’re definitely going to come back and give them something else.”

I asked Warwick if he preferred to be in front of a camera or an audience. He explained – “At this moment in time, I love being in front of an audience. It’s exciting because you only have one chance to get it right. You can’t say ‘cut, let’s do another one’. It’s great discipline and it’s so rewarding being there and taking in the applause.”

With a career spanning over three decades, Warwick’s best known for his roles in Star Wars, Willow, the Harry Potter films, The Chronicles of Narnia, television’s Life’s Too Short, and (one of my favourites!) An Idiot Abroad 3.The show saw Warwick travelling around the Marco Polo route with the hilarious Karl Pilkington. On reflection, I wanted to know Warwick’s thoughts on the experience. “I loved everything we did and saw. We were doing things that we never would have done if we were on holiday. India was my favourite

Willow

Harry Potter

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Star Wars

location as it was surprisingly so full of life, friendly vibrant and an exciting place – you never know what you’re going to come across.

It was a real eye-opener too. I saw a gentleman selling a few things in a small hut and felt sorry for him at first, but soon thought that he’s actually probably at the pinnacle of where he wants to be in life – with his own shop, selling things, and is actually probably very happy. You shouldn’t judge people.”

On the day of our interview, I discovered that Warwick was also shooting a new Ridley Scott film (where does he find the time?!). Get Santa stars Jim Broadbent as Santa Claus. “I play a character whose name or identity I can’t talk about just yet,” Warwick said. “It’s a fun Christmas movie and my first Christmas movie.

When I can talk about the film more, I’ll come straight to ESP Magazine with the gossip.”

You can watch my video chat with Warwick on www.espmag.co.uk.

See How They Run is on at numerous venues through until May 10. For locations, full details and to book tickets, visit www.reducedheighttheatre.co.uk.

An Idiot Abroad

THE HAIRY BIKERS’ BORO ADVENTURE Over 100 fans turned out to meet the Hairy Bikers when they pulled up at Waterstones on Bridge Street for the store’s latest celebrity book signing.

A

s ever with the TV duo Si King and Dave Myers the banter was lively as they’re never short of a joke. The guys’ new book supports their recent TV show The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure and includes many of the great recipes from the show.

ESP’s Lorenzo Monteforte was there to chat to the guys and you can see his exclusive video interview on www.espmag.co.uk.

Photos: Chris Brudenell

Dave told him they thoroughly enjoyed making the series – “Basically it was a trek through Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan and Korea. It was kind of good for the roots of the food that we love in this country. I love a Chinese takeaway on a Friday night so we got to the source of the Nile as it were.”

that cream fried chicken, double crispy. We put vodka in the batter which helps you get real crispy chicken.

It’ll take the tiles off your ceiling!”

Of course Dave is now familiar to many for donning his sequins in Strictly Come Dancing and when asked about the experience he joked – “Harrowing for a Saturday night... No, I loved it. For a middle aged man with two left feet, I got through to week seven!”

“Dave did well though, didn’t he?” added Si. “He’s still picking the sequins out of his teeth but he did well.

Dave’s just commissioned a sequinned new set of leathers!”

Si added – “What’s nice about this book is that it’s a bit of a journey because there are some recipes that you wouldn’t have heard of but you would be familiar with the tastes and textures.”

So what’s next for the biker boys? “We’re leaving for the Baltic in May because we are fed up of being hot and roasted in Asia,” laughed Dave. “It got us thinking that in Britain, we love our Mediterranean food, but actually culturally and geographically, we are kind of closer to the northern kinds of Scandinavia.”

“All the recipes work!” chipped in Dave. And which is his favourite one? “Of course it’s not one of ours, it’s actually Auntie Daeng’s green chicken curry. This lady in Bangkok makes the best green curry ever. Oh and

Si finished the chat in style with this gem of a thought… “In Russia, there is this zero gravity tank kind of thing, so we’re going to try and have a poo in space!”

The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.

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Cropped sweater £28 Shirt £35 Jacquard skirt £30 Chain bag £20 Belt £16 All from NEXT

Pastel pink bag, Accessorize £32

FEMININE Pretty pastels are everywhere, in coats, dresses, skirts and accessories. From pretty pinks to luscious lemons, these are the items to choose if you want something more romantic in your closet.

These colours look especially good on people with cool, medium to fair skin tones. Don’t confine yourself to social dressing though. These colours have crept into more formal office wear too.

Cropped sweater, NEXT £28

If pastels aren’t your thing, then you have the option to choose lace instead. No longer confined to glamorous evening wear, lace has appeared on jeans and tailoring in a rainbow of colours. Many fabrics contain ‘stretch’ so great for smoothing over lumps and bumps.

Look out for floaty fabrics. Wispy, sheer and ethereal describe this type of dressing. Fabrics can be cruel so find garments with a built in cami/slip or choose dresses with a see-through sleeve, hiding arms while adding a hint of sexiness.

Blue bag, River Island £60

Catwalk

to Closet It’s often difficult to translate the clothing walking down the catwalks with garments that sit happily in our wardrobes. So, you’ll be delighted to learn that, this season, there’s something for everyone – regardless of shape, size, colouring or occasion.

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by Sue Donnelly

Per Una Speziale Top £169, Per Una Speziale Trousers £59, Bracelets £12.50 each, Shoes £29.50 All from M&S

BOLD Chanel, known for elegant, and Chloe, minimalist dressing, have both created collections with artists in mind. Look out for huge splashes of colour, daubed on with imaginary paintbrushes on a black or white background.

These scream ‘look at me’. They are bold, bright, dynamic.

Bright colour blocking is still around. So choose your favourite and wear head to foot.

Just be careful it doesn’t wear you!

A safer option, but still as eyecatching, is pairing the old perennials black and white.

Look for body conscious dresses that create the illusion of an hour glass figure or, if you prefer a looser fit, tunics worn with leggings or bare legs.

Blue splash dress, Phase Eight

Print dress, Wallis

Lion print t shirt, River Island £20

Parrot clutch bag, Accessorize £32

TROPICAL

Black and white skirt £30 Print top £25 Print jacket £45 All from River Island

ESP’s style guru Sue Donnelly is heading for the screen with Ideal World.

This takes its influence from nature so look out for huge florals paired with animal prints. Think exotic holidays, botanical gardens, jungle scenes and put them altogether. This season embraces one print worn with another print. Try mixing a floral pattern in a skirt/trousers with a totally different floral pattern in a top. Alternatively, you can mix florals with stripes, abstracts or animal prints to create your own unique style. If it looks overwhelming, and you’re young enough, break the pattern with a crop top (another trend) and show an inch or so of midriff.

Having recently hosted the Peterborough based shopping channel’s Spring into Fashion Event, where she took customers through key trends for this season live on Ideal World TV, Sue, a regular contributor with ESP Magazine for several years, will be continuing as a guest on their fashion features, including their most popular Friday Fashion segment. As fresh brands take to the screen, Sue will be helping to pull together key looks for customers to look stylish for less. Featured brands set to be included in the line-up include Van Dahl, Imagini, Lotus and Bon Marche.

Sue lives in Peterborough and is an international image coach, you can find out more on www.suedonnelly.com

www.espmag.co.uk

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NEXT Dalton chair in smart check chatham green £375. Botanical wallpaper (per roll) £18. Fern print curtains from £45.

Cushions from £12. Folded botanical bed set from £35. Fern jar vase £10. Glass terranium £45. Next paint from £14. Fern etched pendant light £35. Throws from £16. Wallpapers (per roll) from £15.

Orchid in bell jar £35. Large recycled bottle vase £28. Home decal words £50.

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Home style

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Beautiful Botanicals If you fancy refreshing your house don’t just spring clean and declutter – although that’s definitely a good plan – introduce some fresh vibes with a few choice changes.

Botanicals, greens and nature inspired themes are everywhere when it comes to the latest homeware trends so why not bring in the spring, literally with some gorgeous plant inspired colours and accessories?

It’s a great way to bring the outside in and banish those winter blues without busting your budget.

Bee Embroidered Cushion, M&S £19.50 Botanical 12pc Dinner Set,

by Sainsbury’s collection at Sainsbury’s £35

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Green knitted pod, NEXT £70

Hanging Dragonfly, by Sainsbury’s collection at Sainsbury’s £3.50

Dragonflies Wall Art, M&S £35

Dragonfly effect bottle vase, NEXT £6

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paparazzi Caught in the act?

SPORT RELIEF AND NIGHTS ON THE TOWNâ&#x20AC;Ś Peterborough got all sporty and charitable with people of all ages joining in with the Sport Relief Mile at Ferry Meadows. The fundraising event returned to the city this year and saw around 400 people walking or running one, three or five miles to raise cash for projects here an abroad.

Emma Bothamley was there to capture the action for ESP. Mitch Brewster was once again out on the town capturing the bar action on Broadway and photographing an up for it crowd at another great session in Edwards and Red Room.

View all our Paparazzi pictures on www.espmag.co.uk or our facebook page.

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PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

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From being a Teenage Dream to A Dark Horse, Katy Perry has seen the light with her new album Prism.

The global superstar’s now heading for the UK in May kicking off her Prismatic world tour with arena dates up and down the country…

If her neon Egyptian get-up on this year’s Brits is anything to go by we should be in for a spectacular show. Word is the tour will include a special standing pit in front of the stage called ‘The Reflection Section’ which will see Katy getting closer than ever to her fans!

The tour will of course be promoting her second No.1 album in the UK, PRISM which followed the huge success of Katy’s chart topping single Roar which was recently certified platinum in the UK. PRISM has already been certified Gold (100,000 sales) in the UK and globally the album is a smash.

On the heels of 2010’s Grammy-nominated Teenage Dream, and after what proved to be one of the most challenging years of her personal life, Katy’s cotton-candy world took a turn down a road of self-reflection as she was creating her new album. “I did a lot of figuring out who I am and reconnecting with myself and growing,” she says. “I’ve let a lot of light in, and through that it’s inspired me to write certain songs that are full of that wonderful positivity.

“I am really proud of all of the songs on this record, and every one says something different...”

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“I am really proud of all of the songs on this record, and every one says something different. There are a lot of different colours, a lot of different moods, and a lot of different emotions. I’ve learned a lot of things as I was making it. When I started writing in November 2012, I was in a much darker place. You can see the transition I was going through in the first song I wrote for the record with Greg Wells, By the Grace of God. Then, there came a point where I needed to reflect and sit down and be like, ‘Okay, what’s going on inside of me, and what are some things I need to get clear and deal with? How can I help myself get to the next level and grow?’ I guess you just have to be open and ready for it."

NICHOLAS

Mikey Clarke

MCDONALD

Nicholas McDonald talks to ESP’s Mikey Clarke about his new album, single, time on X Factor, and how one incident could have stopped it all from happening…

I

know it’s probably a bit ‘uncool’ to say so, but I’m a big fan of X Factor. When ESP’s Editor asked if I wanted to interview Nicholas McDonald, I was more than happy to do so. He’s spent so many hours on my television that I almost felt like I knew him... but it turns out, not as well as I thought I did! During his time on the popular show, Nicholas kept a big secret from us. All will be revealed shortly.

Katy returned to the studio and her hometown of Santa Barbara, which has been a bedrock of creativity for her for years, where she produced seven of the 13 tracks on the album. “That’s where I wrote the song, Teenage Dream, and I kind of go back to the essence of myself out there. I get to reconnect with who I was when I picked up a guitar at 13 and really understood why I wanted to contribute to the music scene. It really brings me back to my roots in every single way. Music is so powerful and spiritual – it’s like the sixth sense. It moves people in so many different ways; it creates memories, it sets the tone, it sets the scene. Going home makes me forget all of the distractions and lets me remember myself just as a musician. I can strip away the make-up layers a little bit and get to the essential oils of who I am."

The record also features collaborations with Bloodshy (Love Me), Greg Kurstin and Sia (Double Rainbow), as well as a return to the studio with Firework producers Stargate (This Moment). Katy co-wrote every autobiographical track. "Being a writer for me is also about being an observer – observing culture, observing people and relationships, observing myself and my feelings,” she explains. “I put all that stuff in there. I write with my girlfriend Bonnie McKee a lot, but sometimes I write by myself. The lyrics to my favourite song on the album, Unconditionally, just came to me all at once. It’s just about me being able to tell my story completely and with great imagery. It’s kind of mathematical – this adds, this subtracts – but in general the theme this time around is just me. I look at the record as telling my whole story, not just making sure every song is a hit. And as much as I enjoyed the candy confection era, I think it's nice to get back to my roots for a bit." www.katyperry.com

After making it to the live final of the show in 2013 alongside Luke Friend and Sam Bailey, Nicholas has signed to RCA Records and has just released his debut album In the Arms of an Angel. He was mobbed at a recent signing at HMV in Glasgow where over 1,000 fans queued round the block to meet him!

Before discussing the album, I wanted to know what life’s been like for the young Scottish singer since the show ended. “Things have been crazy busy,” he said during our exclusive interview. “With the X Factor Tour, my album and a single to work on, it’s fair to say things have been really hectic.”

Nicholas continued – “I’ve always been a fan of X Factor, so as soon as I was old enough (16) I entered and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

I’ve made some really good friends from the show too. I’ll be spending a week with Sam Callahan soon and will be seeing Sam Bailey after that.”

A 16-year-old suddenly being catapulted into the spotlight on national television must be a surreal experience. Nicholas described it as –“Completely crazy. Nothing prepares you for something like that.

Luckily I had a lot of support from friends, family and producers of the show.”

For Nicholas to have made it to the finals of X Factor, he clearly has a large number of fans and will have been eagerly awaiting his album.

“When I found out that I was signing to RCA I was over the moon,” said Nicholas, “as I knew that they worked with some of the biggest artists in the world.

I can't wait to give something back to all the fans that have supported me from the very start. I got to have a lot of creative control over the album so I feel it represents me nicely.” Nicholas’s first track released from the album is a song called Answerphone. He told me – “I chose that as my first song because it’s a really original, fresh and fun song. It’s a song that I knew I would enjoy performing.”

Other tracks on the album include covers of pop classics Someone Like You, Flying Without Wings, Just The Way You Are, and a song titled Superman – which is unfortunately not a cover of the Black Lace party classic (I had to ask).

Nicholas and I ended our chat on a more serious topic. I’d heard the singer has always tried to live each day to the fullest after an incident that happened when he was 8 years-old. I asked what that incident was. “I almost died,” he revealed. “Well technically I did. I was playing football at the age of 8, I remember passing the ball before I collapsed. I was later told that I’d had a cardiac arrest and died.”

After the incident he was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome – a rare and dangerous heart condition, which Nicholas didn’t want to talk about during his time on X Factor in case fans would saw it as a ‘sob story.’

The singer’s debut album In the Arms of an Angel is out now. www.nicholasmcdonald.co.uk

Gavin Miller’s

Guest edited by Mikey Clarke

Movie Previews

THE AMAZING

SPIDER-MAN 2 Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Chris Cooper & Paul Giamatti Director: Marc Webb

The 2012 Amazing Spider-Man was an enjoyable film but there was too much plot and back story being crammed into the 2 hours. Now that the majority of it has already been covered, the sequel can start with a bang – and based on the trailer, it doesn’t look like it’ll slow down after that.

In this epic superhero flick, our hero (Andrew Garfield) once again struggles between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of being Spider-Man. For Peter, there's no greater feeling than swinging between skyscrapers, helping those in need, and spending time with his girlfriend, Gwen (Emma Stone). But, with great power comes great responsibility.

Released

APR

18

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original simply wasn’t for you, then this movie may not be either.

Us Anchorman fans waited nine years for a sequel… it was worth the wait.

The follow up to one of the most quoted films of all-time IS a big deal.

Picking up in the 1980’s, the story sees Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) and his cronies (Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and David Koechner) joining a 24 hour news network in New York. Unfortunately they’re on the graveyard shift while the handsome Jack Lime (James Marsden) takes care of the primetime hours. Ron’s determination to take that slot starts a rivalry similar to the one we saw between him and Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) in the original.

Don’t get me wrong, this is not a film for everyone. If the humour of the

Overall, the jokes don’t always work, but when they do, they are hilarious.

All release dates are correct at the time of going to press.

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES (15) (Released April 28)

DVD OF THE MONTH

Spider-Man has not one, not two, but three villains to fight off this time around. He soon comes to realise that they all have one thing in common: OsCorp.

TITANFALL (XONE/360/PC) Out now

RIO 2

This Xbox One next-gen exclusive has ignited a new era in gaming – despite a lack of offline single-player campaign and gaming modes.

Released: April 4

But that’s an extremely small price to pay for a game that’s reinvented multiplayer gaming beyond the usual suspects like Call of Duty and Battlefield.

In Rio 2 we see Blu, Jewel and their three kids living the perfect life in the magical city.

That is until Jewel decides that the kids should learn to live like real birds and insists the family venture into the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the ruthless Nigel, and meets the most fearsome enemy of all… his father-in-law.

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As soon as your wall-gliding jet-packed Pilot reaches the solace of his mechwarrior as it falls from the sky – all hell breaks loose as gaming is taken to the next level. Your titan is now ready!

THIEF (PS4/XONE/PS3/360/PC) Out now As one of the first major next-gen titles released this year – this will make you feel like the prince of thieves.

It may not do the character and story-telling aspects as well as expected, but it’s stealth elements – as master thief Garrett roams in the darkness of The City – are implemented to a commendable level.

VAMPIRE ACADEMY

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Released: April 23 Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir – a half human, half vampire – living discretely within our world. Rose and her best friend Lissawere were previously students of St. Vladamir’s (A Vampire Academy) before going on the run. When they’re finally captured and brought back to the Academy, they realise that life at vampire high school is even more treacherous than in the outside world.

The excellent mechanics are ultimately pick-pocketed by some poor design choices, but it’s a satisfying game that’s well worth (but not literally) a steal.

CASTLEVANIA: LORD OF SHADOWS 2 (360/PS3/PC) Out now

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The series takes more a sideways than a forward step – as the franchise tries to be all things to all gamers. It builds on the success of the first Lord of Shadows game but providing a more open-world experience with great combat and high production values – as you play as Dracula for the first time in Castlevania history. Sadly some poor elements – pointless stealth sections, ho-hum setting and lacklustre story – drive an unnecessary stake in the heart of a game that still has plenty of bite.

SOUTH PARK: THE STICK OF TRUTH (PS3/360/PC) Out now

TRANSCENDENCE Released: April 25 Wally Pfister, the long time Oscar-winning Cinematographer for Christopher Nolan, makes his directorial debut with this sci-fi adventure starring Johnny Depp. Depp plays Dr. Will Caster, a terminally ill scientist who downloads his mind into a computer. This grants him power beyond his wildest dreams, and soon he becomes unstoppable.

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These types of games are usually a cock-up – see recent Family Guy effort – but this intelligent role-player has torn up the playbook. It’s one of the best-licensed games of its ilk in years – from the developers of Fallout: New Vegas – with great level design, unique weaponry, and immersive exploration of the famous adult-cartoon Colorado town. Despite some repetition and minor niggles, the consistent humour makes it feel like you’re playing an episode with Cartman and co – and is undoubtedly one of the gaming surprises of the year.

PLANTS VS ZOMBIES: GARDEN WARFARE (XONE/360) Out now With great multiplayer mechanics the popular series has made it onto Xbox One with a satisfying bang.

LOCKE

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Released: April 18 In this one-man show, Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy) has worked persistently to craft the life he has envisioned, dedicating himself to the job that he loves. On the eve of the biggest challenge of his career, Ivan receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of events that will unravel his family, job, and soul. Hardy is brilliant in this beautifully rendered drama.

Blasting plants and zombies has never been so much fun across three gaming modes that – despite familiarity ultimately creeping in – sticks to its humorous roots with impressive results. An enjoyably silly experience – which impressively boasts a massive 24-player online mode – that does exactly what it says on the tin.

RAYMAN LEGENDS (PS4/XONE) Out now It was one of the best platformers to end the last-gen era – and it’s been polished up for next-gen consoles.

This is simply an astounding game in both single or co-op modes, that gets increasingly better during its minimum 12-hour duration.

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EARTH DEFENCE FORCE 2025

TRACKS

(360/PS3) Out now Reviews by Gavin Miller

Released: April 25 John Curran’s achingly beautiful new film sees Robyn Davidson on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog. Curran’s film is based on a true story. Aged 27, Davidson actually did walk from Alice Springs to the Australian west coast, and wrote about the experience for National Geographic.

This is her incredible story.

With beautiful level design and a fantastic palette of graphical colours – Rayman has just become a legend for gamers of all ages.

If you want a satisfying shooter with a distinctly B-movie feel – then this ticks a lot of boxes.

Despite basic level design, battling robots and spiders through a meaty campaign with powerful weaponry gives this a Starship Troopers-esque satisfaction.

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But squashing a ton of bugs does ultimately lead to massive repetition – despite being immense fun for large spells.

www.espmag.co.uk

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CLUB

LAND Proudly sponsored by

MIXOLOGY 2ND BIRTHDAY SPECIAL WITH AUDIOJACK & SIDNEY CHARLES

MÉNAGE £250 CASH GIVEAWAY On Friday April 4 Ménage returns to Edwards, Flares & Red Room for a massive £250 cash giveaway on the night! For the chance to win the money all you need to do is be in Edwards on the night and have your mobile phone handy!

As always Ménage a Trois will be throwing another lavish party to kick off your weekend. If you haven’t sampled the Ménage experience then join them on Friday April 4 where their hostesses will supply you with Champagne upon entry, then grab a photo in front of their huge Ménage branded backdrop by our official photographer. Then spend the rest of the night partying away in one of their three rooms musically catering to all your needs! You can get entry to all three venues for one price and don’t forget arrive early to be in with a chance of winning that £250 cash prize! www.facebook.com/menagenights

Mixology is celebrating big style on Friday April 18 bringing you two top names!

Over the past decade, the Audiojack duo have evolved into a formidable outfit; rocking dancefloors from Brazil to Australia, unleashing a consistently high level of their own music and managing the Gruuv record label, which has maintained a sterling reputation for nurturing the very best in talent, new and old.

Jamie & Richard’s style ranges from techno to melodic house with releases outside of their own label on Diynamic, Get Physical and Exploited. No Equal Sides on 2020Vision was the best-selling EP on the label and was the catalyst for the pairings charting on Resident Advisor as the sixth most charted artists of 2012.

The night also includes Hamburg native Sidney Charles who’s been churning out raw jacking house / techno stompers on a consistent basis over the past couple of years and he’ll co-headline their 2nd birthday bash.

Releases on renowned underground labels OFF Recordings / 8-Bit and fellow headliners Audiojack’s label Gruuv are a testament to the quality of Sidney’s productions.

Both Audiojack & Sidney Charles have played at some of the world’s greatest clubs such as Watergate, Space, Fabric, Sankeys (Ibiza) and London's latest super club, Building 6.

KARMA Friday April 25 see's Karma Parties return to Halo; the best music, the right crowd and an unmistakeable atmosphere. A very special guest is set to perform alongside the Karma Residents, follow @karmaparties on twitter to find out more!

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HOUSE PROUD BANK HOL SPECIAL @ SOL GARDEN Are you ready for the 12 Hour Bank Holiday Sunday special?! House Proud have announced that the terrace parties are back!

Sheffield duo and Dalen Light residents James Dean signed to Love Not Money & BEEF Records will be taking centre stage at House Proud on Sunday April 20 with support from Russell James, Sean Johnson, Drew Tilney & Martin Smith.

Even better – this is a free entry event running from 2pm - 2am with a day time BBQ. Full details can be found through www.facebook.com/houseproudmusicuk

RUDIMENTAL STAR @ LIQUID

SPANK BANK HOLIDAY On Easter Bank Holiday Sunday April 20 Spank returns to Halo/Ghost for their first instalment of 2014. Playing the best RnB, hip hop, UK funky, old skool garage & bashment.

Specially selected DJs will be dropping the biggest tunes over two rooms. More than 1,500 attended this event last year!

THROWBACK LAUNCHES THIS MONTH A brand new night comes to Edwards & Flares launching on Friday April 25, ThrowBack is a celebration of all the classics and anthems you used to love but may have forgotten about! Edwards will be playing a mix of house, garage and RnB brought to you

by Eddie Nash, AJ & Nick T. Whilst PJ will be playing the biggest and best party and cheese anthems in Flares!

YOYO EASTER MADNESS!

Look out for the ThrowBack mixtape and remember to ‘LIKE’ their page facebook.com/ThrowbackParties

Peterborough’s biggest weekly student night and mid week event is lining up for another massive Easter celebration, the YoYo team will be taking over Yates, College Arms, Edwards, Flares & Red Room on Thursday April 17!

SNEAKBO @ OFFICIAL CLUB NIGHTS

Last year was crazy busy so remember to arrive early! Warm up in one of their pre-bars and then party through till 5am in Edwards, Flares & Red Room.

Go and ‘LIKE’ their facebook page to be kept up to date with what’s going on, check out all the photos, and join the event for more info – facebook.com/yoyoclubnights One of the busiest Thursdays of the year, this night is not to be missed!

VANITY – RED ROOM Vanity always supplies you with the finest selection of urban music brought to you by the resident and guest DJ’s. At this event on Friday April 11 you’ll see a showcase of talent, a DJ sound clash and battle as they bring two guest DJ’s down to show off their skills and battle it out between one another, each trying to out do the other by scratching, juggling and dropping some serious music!

Check out some sample videos by DJ Fever and DJ Wreckdown on their facebook page now (facebook.com/vanitynights) to see what’s in store for you!

Detox will be in charge of hosting duty and remember to grab one of the notorious Vanity mixtapes on the night put together by DJ Nick T!

Listen up people – Rudimental’s very own Thomas Jules is heading this way and will be appearing live with a PA and DJ set at Liquid on Saturday April 5! This is bound to be a sell out event so make sure you get your early bird ticket now! Go to www.theticketsellers.co.uk/tickets/rudim ental-dj-set-thomas-jules/. There are Meet & Greet and VIP Ticket options available but seriously, don’t hang about!

JELLY ROLL UNDERGROUND TUNES If you like music of a different style but still want a boogie, head for The Jelly Roll, the only underground 60s music club in the area.

The next night is coming up on Saturday May 17 with guest DJs Dave Edwards (Sidewinder, London), Lois Thompson (Chitlin Circuit, Nottingham) and Oxford Paul (Bluecat Reggae Club). It’s at the Burghley Square Club on Burghley Road from 8pm – 2am and admission’s £4. See more on www.lookingforferdy.com

Kicking things off on Friday April 4, the city's craziest and most glamorous party presents special guest SNEAKBO performing live in Halo. Along with custom VIP booths, decorations, models, 1,000 free CDs to give away and two rooms of music playing the best house and hip hop from 10pm until 5am.

Text HALO OCN + FULL NAME to 87202 for guestlist.

#HALOSATURDAYS Grab your Halo Saturdays card and get free entry before 12.30 along with one free drink!

Every week sees two rooms of music open all night with upbeat house/chart mashups in Halo and RnB and hip hop in Ghost. Check out www.facebook.com/haloclublounge for full info.

CLIQUE HIP HOP THURSDAYS Clique is taking over Ghost every Thursday from 10pm. Expect an onslaught of the best RnB, hip hop, garage and bashment from resident DJ Roscoe Jnr. Host Asha makes sure the banter is flowing and the crowd is lively right through until 4am.

D7 Nail

The Dragon • Weekly Live Music (see Gig Guide) • Live Sports (showing all major premiership/championship games) • 6 Real Ale hand pumps • Darts – Poker – Pool – Crib • Happy hour Mon-Thurs 5-7pm • Free pool on Tuesdays • Real ales from £2.20 a pint • Available for corporate and daytime functions

& Beauty Lounge

& Pedicures • Manicures / Gel Nails • Acrylic Polish • Gel 25% OFF • Facials Brows Nail & Lash • HiTeeth Whitening • Individual Treatments • Tinting Eye Lashes (Tues & Weds) • Waxing (Hollywood & Brazilian) • Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up •

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The Ploughman • CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 • CAMRA pub of the year 2014 * • Live Sports showing all major premiership/championship games • Visit our website at www.theploughman-werrington.co.uk • Happy hour Mon – Fri, 5 ‘til 7pm • Live entertainment – see ESP Gig Guide • Karaoke every Sunday with Mighty Mouth Trev • Join our Facebook group The Ploughman

Staniland Way, Werrington Tel: 01733 327696

Joey Essex (May 4) Michelle Keegan (May 5)

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Bishop

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Key Theatre

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by Pep

Cipriano

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE… The party might be over but your boozy binge could still bring you grief the day after if you take to the road.

The Safer Peterborough Partnership is supporting a national Morning After drink-drive campaign warning us of the dangers of being over the drink-drive limit the morning after a night of drinking.

Not only could you find yourself losing your licence, if you are drunk behind the wheel you could cause an accident.

A competition’s running until April 30 in which entrants are challenged to answer three questions about how long it takes for alcohol to pass through the body.

You can enter online at www.morning-after.org.uk and there are prizes to be won.

Clair George, Senior Road Safety Officer for the Safer Peterborough Partnership, told ESP – “People are very surprised at just how long it takes for alcohol to clear the body, and how long after drinking it is before the body is free of alcohol and safe to drive.

“By tasking entrants with finding the answers to three questions, the competition is designed to raise awareness of these issues. The intention is to help normally responsible people avoid unwittingly driving while over the limit the

SPRINGFIELDS

CLASSIC CAR

SHOW

morning after drinking – thereby reducing the risk of a drink-drive conviction, or much worse, causing a crash and casualties.”

During 2012, 290 people were killed in drink-drive accidents in the UK (17 per cent of all reported road fatalities), an increase of around a quarter compared with 2011 (DfT provisional figures).

In 2011 more people failed breath tests between the hours of 6am and 11am than during the hour before or after midnight.

Clair continued – “It takes a lot longer than most people think for alcohol to pass through the body. On average it takes around one hour per unit of alcohol, though this can vary depending on a number of factors. Because of this, there is a real risk that people who would not dream of

driving after drinking may still be unwittingly over the drink drive limit the morning after. This includes people going about everyday activities such as driving to work, doing the school run, or popping to the shops or to see friends.”

So… go give it a try and see how you do on www.morning-after.org.uk. You might be surprised!

If you’re a fan of vintage wheels don’t miss this event which returns for another year with over 200 classic and vintage cars on Sunday May 4!

The show is run alongside the Springfields Festival so in addition to the Classic Cars there are all the attractions of the Festival to enjoy as well.

These classy wheels will be on display at the Springfields Events & Conference Centre, near Springfields Shopping Centre in Spalding.

Admission is £3 adults, £2 senior citizens, accompanied children under 16 can go in for free. www.springfieldsevent.co.uk

NEW CANOPY WHERE WARWICK GETS HIS WHEELS

It’s not every day we get a famous actor swinging into town to pick up a car so you can imagine how excited I was when our local main man in Hollywood, Warwick Davis was the special guest at the official opening of the new undercover car sales area at Motorpoint.

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Photo: Warwick Davis / Oliver Moore

Photos: Chris Brudenell

Warwick was joined by the Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor June Stokes, who did the official ribbon cutting duty and declared the £250k new undercover canopy – where you can browse for a new set of wheels whatever the weather – officially open.

The canopy holds hundreds of cars, allowing for more customer choice and it means when it’s cold and raining you’ll stay dry and when it’s dark the cars can still be seen under the new canopy lights.

Warwick was impressed but saved the rest of his excitement for when he was driven away in a new Motorpoint supplied people carrier for his theatre tour!

nice Citroen Dispatch for the duration of the tour. The least I could do was come and support their opening.”

He told ESP – “The good folk at Motorpoint are sponsoring my theatre production company – The Reduced Height Theatre Company. We’re touring the UK and I needed a tour bus, so these guys loaned me a

Check out Motorpoint’s impressive new development by visiting them at Edgerley Drain Road, Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5NL or call 01733 822122 – they’re open until 8pm weekdays.

Ego have your lashes covered • LVL Lashes - Length, Volume and Lift your own lases. Love LVL • Nouveau Lashes Non-kink, natural lash-on-lash extensions • Permanent Make Up at Peterborough’s only Eye Enhancement Specialist

6 Morris Court, Yaxley, PE7 3GJ Tel: 01733 244486 jrickman@egoeyes.co.uk | www.egoeyes.co.uk

MIKEY’S LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT FOR FIESTA Among the emails we’ve been getting in for our Pride and Joy feature where we ask you to tell us about your favourite wheels, past or present – one that stood out from all the GTIs, turbos, ragtops and GTs was this lowly old Fiesta once owned by ESP reporter Mikey Clarke.

They say love is in the eye of the beholder and there’s no denying Mikey needs to go to Specsavers! But to be fair to Mikey, this feature is all about why a certain car in your life, past or present, made you feel special or evokes special memories.

So, why is it Mikey’s pride and joy? He told me – “This Ford Fiesta was my first car that’s why! Her name was (still is) Ruby and I can’t remember why she has that name. I loved her so much that I couldn’t bear to get rid of her. She’s currently in storage, waiting to be passed down the family – whether that person likes it or not.”

There you go, I guess it takes all sorts of cars. Anyway, please keep your ‘pride and joy’ cars coming in to office@espmag.co.uk

PLEASE CALL FOR A NO OBLIGATION VALUATION ON

01733 306999

No Sale No Fee

t: 01733 306999 e: admin@paullrose.com 15 Cowgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 1LZ

BMW ELECTRIC GIVES YOU WINGS! The city’s first ‘born-electric’ BMW i3cars belong to electrical and mechanical engineering firm, The KA Wing Group Limited. The Orton Southgate-based company and has been involved in the installation of charging points for electric cars in Peterborough and is regarded as being at the forefront of design and installation of energy management systems for business across the region.

Managing Director David Lee told ESP – “We’re keen to play our part in making business more energy efficient and these two vehicles will certainly help reduce our carbon footprint.

BMW is the first major car manufacturer to produce an electric car from scratch, rather than a modified traditional vehicle and the benefits to us and the environment will be noted by many others within the business community over the coming months.”

The KA Wing Group Limited provides an extensive range of design and installation services of electrical, IT and security systems. Telephone 01733 370448 or visit www.kawingltd.com www.espmag.co.uk

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As a dynamic long-established catering equipment company, we deliver both new and refurbished equipment at a price that is right for you. Our customer service is, we believe, second to none. We pride ourselves in giving you the best service possible at great prices. In doing so, we have built up a great reputation for providing catering equipment and services to many companies in Peterborough and surrounding areas.

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HEALTH

FROM BEAST TO BEAu IN 6 QuICk STEpS

and beauty

ESP’s Charlotte Jolly has all the latest health and beauty news…

charlotte.jolly@espmag.co.uk

GO GREEN THIS SpRING Perfect your peepers this season with emerald eye make up for a look that’s sure to be the envy of all your friends. Just make sure you pick the right shade or you’ll look more Hulk than hot!

If you have fair skin like me just use a subtle wash over the lids, like Too Faced eyeshadow single in Nice Stems (available at Boots). Described as a ‘golden clover’ it reminds me of freshly cut grass with a golden shimmer but don’t let that put you off, it’s a very wearable soft shade that looks great against pale skin.

For those of you with tanned or olive skin, emeralds and rich greens will suit you best. Try Illamasqua eyeshadow in Fame across the lid and follow with a deeper green on top such as Urban Decay’s Loaded. Pair with a nude lip!

Deeper complexions require a bright eyeshadow teamed with a dramatic liner. I love Nars Larger Than Life LongWear Eyeliner in Puerta Del Sol and Khao San Road for a show stopping effect.

FORGET

Spring cleaning skin isn’t just for the ladies, it’s just as important for the lads too! Yes men that’s you… pay attention! So gents, for skin that’ll rival your other half’s take a look at these six simple steps as recommended by Skincare Expert and Facial Therapist Amanda Elias:1) Soften your winter skin with a gentle moisturiser especially after shaving which can strip your skin of essential oils.

2) Put a cleansing routine in place if you don’t already have one as spring’s the ideal time to start. Use a face wash or cleanser and make sure you do it both morning and evening.

3) De-fuzz your face (my boyfriend will kill me for saying this) and allow all of your skin to breathe but NEVER dry shave. Always use a shaving gel or oil. Menthol is good for those of you with sensitive skin.

4) Say goodbye to dry hands by using hand cream throughout the day.

Take one to work with you and leave on your desk as a reminder.

5) Get rid of dry lips by applying lip balm regularly.

6) Never leave sweaty skin after you’ve been to the gym as this can lead to breakouts. Always have a shower afterwards and use a medicated wash. If you really don’t have time, a clean flannel across your face is fine.

GREAT GHD

ApRIL OFFER SHOwERS… @ MELANIE RICHARDS

It’s all about purple reign as Tweezerman introduce their new Purple Reign Petite Tweeze set. Purple has dominated the runways lately and is no doubt the shade of the season so this beautiful brow duo will ensure you’re perfectly groomed and on trend!

This style savvy set contains the award-winning Slant and the amazingly exact Point in convenient smaller sizes making it ideal for on the go grooming. Both tools are dressed in regal, luxurious purple with a leather snakeskin case to match! Available now from Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnam & Mason and Feel Unique for £33.

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I love giving you some good news and if you’re a fan of your straighteners this is definitely good news. Ghd Eclipse is ghd's new styler that styles hair faster but with less heat. Perfect for ANY hair texture, it creates long lasting smoothness and shine. This styler can transform even the most difficult and unruly hair without having to turn up the heat. It can style larger sections of hair in a single stroke, making styling significantly faster on all hair types. It uses the optimum heat of 185°C to deliver the quickest and most amazing results yet! Normally these retail at £195 but they’re currently on offer at Melanie Richards Hair Boutique on Bridge Street for £145, that’s a huge £50 off!

R

Spring Clean your Skin Care... …with a helping hand from Mother Nature. Aubrey Organics use a delicate blend of nature’s finest ingredients and science for their new skin care range and so should you. Take a look at their top skin solutions to target everyday skin care problems…

Spring Clean your skin with our Deep Cleansing Glycolic Facial and Luxurious Diamond Peel Our range of treatments helps to correct previous damage, protect and enhance your skin.

• Acne and acne scarring • Body sculpting • Fine lines and wrinkles • Hair removal • Nail fungal • Rosacea and redness • Rejuvenation • Sun damage • Thread veins

We also offer LIPOBELT low level laser body sculpting fat reduction.

To Protect Against Ageing – Sea Buckthorn Oil This powerful antioxidant is the richest source of vitamins A & E, helping to replenish the skin from the drying, ageing effects of the sun and pollution. Aubrey Organics Age-Defying Therapy AHA Mask £13.49 improves skin texture and gently exfoliates for a softer, youngerlooking complexion. Sea buckthorn oil is combined with a mild but effective fruit acid blend to brighten and smooth skin and restore a healthy glow.

5F Aston Business Park, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough, PE2 7BX 01733 305102 e: info@mybodyessentials.co.uk w: www.mybodyessentials.co.uk For Dry Skin - Rosa Mosqueta® Rose Hip Seed Oil Chilean people have long used mountain roses to naturally hydrate their hair and skin. Oil extracted from the rose hip seeds is used in the Revitalizing Range giving you firmer, younger looking skin, which is replenished and rehydrated.

For Sensitive Skin – Sea Aster Extract A powerful anti-irritant, clinically proven to reduce redness and sensitivity and soothe stressed skin. Sea Aster is used as a natural remedy for burns and inflammation, the flowers are known for their cooling effect and their ability to soothe and relieve irritation.

Aubrey Organics Calming Skin Therapy Hydrating Mask £13.49 firms and smoothes skin and restores its natural moisture balance while calming sensitive areas. Ultra-soothing blend of organic aloe and sea aster helps reinforce the skin's moisture barrier and combat redness, while oatmeal and rice spheres gently exfoliate.

For Oily or Acne Prone Skin – Salicylic Acid from Willow Bark Salicylic acid is a potent anti-inflammatory and a superb treatment for acne. Applied topically, it penetrates the pores and encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within, breaking up oil deposits that can cause blackheads and blemishes. Aubrey use only natural salicylic acid, extracted from willow bark.

Aubrey Organics Clarifying Therapy Clay Mask £12.98 89ml is a balancing mask that deep cleanses pores, draws out impurities and gently exfoliates to help keep oily, acne-prone complexions clear and healthy.

All are available from Health Food Stores and www.aubreyorganicsuk.co.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

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WELL

BEING with Karen Devine

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

SPRING CLEAN YOUR HEALTH! We can breathe a sigh of relief as we enter into spring which brings with it a sense of renewal as we finally see the last remnants of our wet, drizzly winter wash away.

Spring is a time for renewal and just like nature, we also feel an urge to grow, renew and burst forth with new vitality. It’s the best time to clear out the old and make way for the new.

DECLUTTER

YOUR

If like me you’re beginning to feel the energy starting to flow again then go with your natural instinct which is to clean, clear and declutter!

LIFE

Starting with your physical body here are a few ways to give yourself a spring clean…

1. Start to move more – if you’ve been less than active over the winter months, start to get the flow going.

Dance, walk, run, stretch, bounce – do whatever gets your chi flowing!

2. Skin brush – using a dry skin brush, each morning, before a shower/bathing, brush over the body using upwards strokes (avoid any sore skin areas), this will help slough off dead skin cells to allow new ones to show, helps your lymphatic system and really helps you to feel the energy flow.

3. Sauna – if you can get to a dry sauna, get in there and sweat it out (not if you have high BP or other health issues that is advised against a sauna) 4. Sunshine – our original superfood, when the sun does come out, jump into it and welcome some warm rays on your body, this is truly energising as well as helping your Vitamin D reserves.

Wherever you have lack of flow in your life, you have to move the obstacles/clutter which helps to move that energy.

First things first, make peace with your limitations right now, then write down on paper all those things that stress you and constrict you, then one by one start to make a start with them.

Once you start, it can gain momentum.

When we gain our energy, we become more creative, we feel a greater sense of wellbeing, joy and happiness.

Enjoy the journey,

It’s also important to move other obstacles that are cluttering up and blocking your energy flow, this could be…

• The cupboard crammed with old stuff no longer needed.

• Sheets, towels, blankets we hang onto for years, either give them away or throw them away.

Karen www.karendevine.co.uk Facebook – Cleanse, Glow and Grow

• Make up bag – you might be surprised at how many old lotions and potions you find and dried up old nail polish.

• Clothes – recycle, give away or throw away those you know you’ll never wear.

• Clear the junk from you car, it’s a vehicle to transport you from A to B, not a skip for your old rubbish!

WATER

• What about all those half used shampoo, conditioner, body lotion bottles and such? Throw them or organise them to be used before buying more.

TO FEEL

• The handbag (if you use one), I’m sure you’ll find a mass of rubbish in there.

WAY LESS SUGAR

MORE VEG! Lessen the amount of sugar and processed grains you eat and add more colourful veg and some fruits to your diet. When you add more of these you can crowd out some of the unwanted processed foods in your life.

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BETTER

Start to intake a little more water, take a few glasses of clean, filtered water during the day – we need it to move wastes out and help conduct energy.

Dilute, swap or reduce your caffeine intake.

• When did you look under the kitchen sink? You might be surprised what you find.

• Oh and then there’s the spice cupboard, you might find that spice bottle that went out of date in 2003 still lurking in the back.

• What about the electronics in your life? Delete those old files, clean up your computer/laptop, your phone. How many old numbers do you have on there you don’t need?

DO YOU OWN PETERBOROUGH’S

COMPETITION

PRETTIEST PET? We all love our pets right?

And we all think ours is the best?

Well if you think your pooch has pulling power or your kitty is the cat that got the cream… or even if you think your hamster is the most handsome, we want pics of your prettiest pets!

Get grooming and preening, diamante collars at the ready it’s time to get snapping your pet and enter our great competition to find Peterborough’s Prettiest Pet. To celebrate National Pet Month we’ve partnered up with Brotherhood Shopping Park in Walton and the main prize will be a pet portrait session with Elegentlee Captured Photo Studio in Peterborough worth £500, plus goodies from Brotherhood Shopping Park.

The lucky winner will receive an amazing pet portrait package to include the following: • • • • • •

A pet studio shoot with Elegantlee Captured Photo Studio in Peterborough A full CD of the images 22 x 15 inch Canvas 4 x A4 Prints 2 x 8x10 prints 3 x 7x5 prints

Gorgeous goldfish? Beautiful budgie? Whatever your pet if you think it has superstar looks all you have to do is post a picture of it on the Brotherhood Facebook page, or email it to promotions@brotherhoodshopping.co.uk for your chance to WIN! The competition closes on April 20, 2014. The top 10 Prettiest Pets in Peterborough will be published in the May issue of ESP Magazine and the winner decided by public vote.

Visit www.brotherhoodshopping.co.uk for full terms & conditions.

Photos: Chris Brudenell

POSH RAISE A PERI PERI LOT OF DOSH FOR SUE RYDER The Posh players warmed up for Wembley in the kitchens at Nando’s and raised over £1,200 for charity… midweek. We asked the 150 attendees to make a £3 donation each, but some donated a lot more.”

Club Captain Tommy Rowe told us they had a great night – “We’ve all had a fabulous time and it’s for a great cause. The players had been looking forward to taking over Nando’s for the evening. It is a personal favourite of the majority of the squad, so to get the chance to cook on the grills was an exciting opportunity. It is a great way of raising money for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and for us to see our supporters.”

Y

ou might have been a bit confused if you headed down to Nando’s last month, as Posh players swapped their football boots for oven gloves. Yes, Posh and Nando’s – two great things about our city, joined forces in the aid of a local charity.

Members of the Peterborough United squad put their cooking skills to the test on March 5, after being signed up by Nando’s to feed the people of the city. The players followed in the footsteps of other sporting teams (the Huddersfield Giants and the Northampton Saints) by taking over the popular restaurant for the evening.

ESP went along to the event to make sure there was no dribbling in the kitchen (sorry, I couldn’t help myself!). It was a great night with plenty of football banter, delicious food and lots of money raised for one of the club’s chosen charities, Sue Ryder. It was particularly nice to see a few children smiling ear to ear as they had photos taken with their favourite players.

We grabbed a few words with the Press Officer for Posh, Phil Adlam, who told us, “We packed out Nando’s – which is great for any restaurant

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Regional fundraiser Jo Marriott told us – "When Posh said they were going to take over Nando's we had no idea quite how good they'd be at it.

After just a few minute's training they were welcoming guests, taking orders, cooking and waiting on tables like professionals. There was a fantastic buzz in the restaurant and the players were more than happy to pose for photographs and sign autographs in between 'working'. It was a great opportunity for some of the young fans to meet their idols in a very different setting.

"As ever we are so grateful for the amazing support we have from everyone at London Road, from Nando's and from the diners on the evening – we think most of them ended up with the meal they ordered!"

You can see our ESP video coverage of the event and lots more on www.espmag.co.uk – our website’s always packed and updated with the latest leisure and lifestyle news and information throughout the month. Follow us on Twitter and like us on facebook for regular alerts.

Mikey Clarke

Live Music every Friday & Saturday nights

REAL ALES, CASK MARQUE APPROVED, CAMRA GOLD AWARD • Proper food at proper prices served daily, Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm and 6pm-9pm.

• Sunday lunches 12.00-4pm • Function room available for private parties • See Gig Guide for bands

9 Oundle Road, Fletton, Peterborough 01733 703495 Find us on Facebook

LOCAL

SPORT

NO JOINING FEE OFFER @ REGIONAL FITNESS & SWIMMING CENTRE

Spring is a great time to kick start that fitness regime you made a new year’s resolution about way back in January.

So get inspired by the lighter nights and change in the weather and make the most of the fact there’s no joining fee at the Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre, plus you can enjoy 30 days for just £30 in April!* There have been plenty of improvements so pop in and take a look at the newly refurbished Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre – which now offers free parking.

It’s just 5 minutes’ walk from Peterborough Cathedral so the fitness centre has so much to offer with extended opening hours for busy city professionals and it’s worth asking about their corporate rates too!

The good thing about this is it offers complete gym membership – there’s no need for unnecessary add-ons, you’ll get swimming, a state-of-the-art gym, access to the sauna & steam room and all classes included in your membership.

The gym’s modern and bright with some great panoramic views of the city with the latest cardio and weight equipment for a fun and effective workout.

If you prefer to work out in a class there are over 50 classes every week with a great range of over 20 different fitness classes to choose from. The centre also has two exercise studios so if you enjoy low impact or high intensity exercise, they have everything from Aquafit and Metafit to Zumba.

Call 01733 864000 now for their great April offer or email regionalpool@vivacity-peterborough.com

GET READY FOR RACE FOR LIFE ESP is once again supporting Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Ferry Meadows and Burghley Park in Stamford.

the Peterborough Race for Life takes place on Tuesday July 8 with the launch at Serpentine Green on Sunday May 11.

This year the fabulous ESP Dance Crew will be helping you warm up and will be teaching you the Cancer Slam – a special dance to get you in fighting spirit to beat cancer! It’s easy to do and a great way to limber up and you can give it a try at the launch event at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre on May 11 when our girls will be demonstrating how it’s done.

Julie Braithwaite, Race for Life event manager in the East, told ESP – “The feel-good factor that comes from being part of the formidable army of women ready to show cancer who’s boss is amazing.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner.

By committing to walk, run, or jog your way round the course and getting sponsored, you’ll be helping more people survive so come on girls, let’s start getting ready!

This year, the Stamford event takes place on June 1 with 5k and 10k routes, and

Smile Boutique’s Route 92 Charity

Challenge

We’ve got to give a big shout out to the team at the Smile Boutique in Peterborough who are taking on one HUGE challenge this month!

Peterborough Dentist Dr. Phil Johns and members of The Smile Boutique Dental Practice will soon be cycling to all 92 English League Football Clubs in aid of Stamford based charity Anna’s Hope which supports children and young people with brain tumours.

The Route 92 Cycle Challenge is a thigh-bursting, endurance challenge and Dr Phil and the team will cycle a massive total of 2369.5 miles, averaging over 130 miles a day.

That’s more than the Tour de France, which is 2284 miles, and they take 21 days, averaging 108 miles a day!

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“Race for Life events are not competitive.

They are not about being fit or fast.

Some women might worry about standing alongside runners decked out in lycra but nothing could be further from the truth. The reality on the day is that participants of all shapes, sizes and ages generate an electric energy as they unite in their determination to defeat cancer.”

This year, organisers are aiming higher and need more women and girls to take part and help raise the much needed funds for vital research.

To enter Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

Anna’s dad and founder of Anna’s Hope, Rob Hughes told ESP – “We have had many people really test themselves to raise funds for Anna’s Hope and what Phil and the members of Smile Boutique plan to do is truly remarkable.

“He has inspired me to get back on my bike and join him and his team on some of the legs on the Route 92 Challenge to give them my support. Every penny raised will go to supporting children in the region who have a brain tumour.”

The challenge starts on Friday April 18 at Peterborough United with Phil Johns leading the way. This challenge is going to be one beast of a cycle ride and will see extreme demanding challenges, all for charity.

They need your support and donations can be made via their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/92clubcycle/ For more information on this awesome challenge please visit www.cycleroute92.wix.com/annas-hope For more information about Anna’s Hope please visit www.annashope.co.uk Good luck guys – hope you’ve got those padded shorts at the ready!

THORPE HALL APPEAL

– ONE YEAR ON It’s hard to believe it’s one year on since the appeal for a new hospice at Thorpe Hall was launched so it’s definitely time to don the party hats and celebrate the fact you’ve helped raise £1,866,468 so far.

ESP has been supporting the Thorpe Hall Hospice Capital Appeal by promoting your fundraising activities, Sue Ryder events and by backing the Starlight Hike, Glamour Galore and much more.

There’s another year to go though and a lot of fundraising still to do to reach the £6 million target. It’s a charity that’s close to many people’s hearts in the Peterborough area and it’s been fantastic to see individuals, schools, businesses, groups, Peterborough’s Mayor, colleges, Peterborough United, pubs, restaurants, banks, shopping centres and the latest partner – BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, all get behind this appeal.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire has pledged to support the appeal with air time, by having presenters take on personal challenges to raise money and profile, and encouraging listeners to get involved. While the total project budget is £6 million the cost of purchasing the walls, windows, doors and

roof is around £600,000. This is the figure BBC Radio Cambridgeshire listeners are being encouraged to focus on with the campaign tag ‘Raise the Roof’.

This new hospice will make a huge difference so where are we at? Well the first two phases of work were finished at the end of February. The entire West Wing, home to the Day Centre, has been remodelled. The boundary wall has been fully restored. A new shop has opened and the glass atrium which will become the entrance to the new hospice in patient unit has been added. The reception area for the new building has been created and is ready to be fitted out.

So folks, we hope you’ll be planning even more fabulous events where you can raise cash and have a great time in the process, or head along to any of these events that form part of a week of celebrations marking the launch of the appeal.

FUTURE EVENTS Firewalk – May 18 Peterborough Greyhound Stadium

TEA PARTY

QUIZ NIGHT

On Saturday March 29, everyone’s welcome to Thorpe Hall’s Spring Tea Party in Queensgate, one of the appeal’s high profile charity partners.

It’s the day before Mother’s Day – the perfect opportunity to spoil your mum, or be spoilt by your children!

On Thursday April 3 the previous winners of the Thorpe Hall Quiz will be battling to retain their crown in this general knowledge brain teaser. Teams of six are invited to join in – the entry cost of £5 includes nibbles and a drink and it’s being held at Thorpe Hall.

FOOTY FUNDRAISING WITH POSH

RACE NIGHT @ THE GREYHOUND STADIUM

On Sunday March 30 Thorpe Hall staff and volunteers will be on hand to wave goodbye to Peterborough United and their fans as they head off to Wembley to contest the Johnstone Paint Trophy. There will be collection buckets for loose change. Throughout the day everyone who texts ‘Thorpe’ to 70007 to donate £3 to the appeal will be in with a chance of winning a signed shirt from the day – and there is no limit on the amount of times you can enter.

On Friday April 4 the Thorpe Hall Capital Appeal will be taking over the Greyhound Stadium in Peterborough to host a charity race night. Tickets for the five course dinner being served in the executive area are sold out but there will be opportunities to get involved for everyone in the Grandstand area.

There’s a host of money can’t buy auction items and two brave hairdressers will be losing their hair in return for sponsorship in front of the crowd.

THORPE HALL OPEN DAY The big open day takes place on Saturday April 5 when everyone is invited to drop into Thorpe Hall between 2pm and 5pm. There’ll be chance to tour all the new areas, browse in the new retail shop and discuss the plans for the future of Thorpe Hall Hospice. There’ll be a celebration cake to tuck into as well!

Sunset Stroll – June 21 The Stamford XT, a group of ex-Round Tablers have organised the Sunset Stroll - a 10k walk within the grounds of Burghley Park in Stamford

Ride For Ryder – June 29.

A 25, 55 & 85 mile bike ride starting and finishing at Thorpe Hall. The £12 registration includes, T-shirt, medal, goody bag and massage.

Summer Fete – August 3.

The big day out for all the family at Thorpe Hall.

Art Week – August 11 – 15 A variety of art workshops at Thorpe Hall.

GET INVOLVED! CONTACT THE FUNDRAISING TEAM Call 01733 225999 or email Thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org

www.espmag.co.uk

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Natasha McFarlane has gone from beauty queen to body builder swapping the catwalk for the stage in national competitions…

It might seem a strange turn from being crowned Miss Peterborough in 2007 and coming 15th in the Miss England contest, but for this 30 year-old estate agent it’s all about health and fitness. She’s just been featured in the March issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine after competing at the Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas and is fast looking like a rising star on the body building circuit.

“I’m a natural bodybuilder so I don’t have any assistance. I want to keep a tight toned, physique with some muscle definition but not too big or muscley looking. When I first started I said to my trainer if ‘I start to look like a man that’s it!’”

The former Orton Longueville pupil now has a rigorous training schedule at Virgin Active in pursuit of a different kind of body beautiful. Her days are dominated by a gruelling fitness and dietary regime involving several meals a day and lifting weights – “No-one can tell you how hard it really is until you actually start doing it yourself,” says Natasha, “but it’s one of the best things I’ve ever started doing.”

“It’s seeing the results and the changes in your body. It makes you very disciplined, very dedicated; it’s a fantastic sport to be involved in.

So what keeps her motivated to stick to her harsh training regime?

“From a lifestyle point of view and without wanting to sound vain – an aesthetic point of view – when you start to see the results you then feel you want to carry on.”

Kay

It’s fair to say it’s not perceived as the most girlie of sports but Natasha is no tomboy and trained in ballet from the age of 3 before moving on to do street dance with Mel Carmassi in the city as a teenager. She likes her make-up and hair done and says she has no desire to become too ‘pumped up’ or to look masculine.

“Strong is the new sexy – it’s all about being healthy and having a good shape. It’s all about looking after yourself. I do it because I enjoy it but I know my limits as well so I’m not going to put myself in any danger.

Natasha intends to go professional and will be competing in the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation competition this month with hopes of getting though to the British Finals in October and then on to the European circuit.

She’s not the only local lass getting into the sport in Peterborough, 26 year-old Kay Dangiol has been inspired by her body builder husband to give it a try and has also started competing.

“Since I started I see myself as more feminine actually,” says Kay. “Whatever I put on I feel good and more confident. I don’t have to worry about hiding my belly and if I want to put on a bikini I can. I don’t want to look too muscular, just to keep toned. Fitness is the most important thing.”

Kelly Goodale’s brother is a fitness model and has shared his interest with his sister. The 33 year-old dental nurse told ESP – “I came out of a long term relationship so for me it was a real confidence thing.

Seeing the results at the gym and looking quite toned – I liked it and felt better. Keeping a nice toned figure is the thing, I don’t want to become really muscular, it’s not me. The nutrition side is good, it keeps you healthy.

I’ve always done kick boxing and horse riding but this is more of a challenge.”

Kelly

If you’d like to give it a try or to enter competitions Natasha recommends finding a trainer who has had success competing themselves for the best advice and support. Forget the extreme images of body builders you’ve probably seen – you can compete in ‘softer’ fitness and bikini categories which look for a more toned physique rather than overly bulging biceps!

Photos: Andy Vernum @ Studio One

www.espmag.co.uk

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COMEDY GIGS FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB

APR

5

The Saturday night laughs keep coming at the North Street Bar Courtyard room and this month is no exception. The line up includes warm and witty deaf comedian Steve Day, slick gag teller John Newton and Toby Blair.

Doors open at 7.30pm, the comedy ends at 11pm and is followed by live music and dancing till 2am.

Mostly Funny

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

Tickets are £10 in advance from www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB SPALDING

APR

11

The new comedy nights at Spalding’s South Holland Centre are going down well and your line up this month is Paddy Lennox the Irishman described as ‘simply a scream’, satirist Nick Revell, Martin Evans and compere Scott Bennett.

Tickets are £10 in advance from www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB BOURNE

APR

11

The comedy club at the Late Bar in Bourne continues this month with sharp satire from Nick Revell, mischievous Irishman Paddy Lennox, James Sherwood and compere Ben Murray.

Tickets are £7.50 in advance from www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

SO COMEDY CLUB STAMFORD

APR

18

The producers of The Graham Norton Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme bring you an evening of the very best in stand up and sketch comedy at Stamford Arts Centre. This month’s line-up includes Lloyd Langford, Shirley Shirley and your compere is David Morgan.

It starts a 8pm and tickets are £15 (£13) £12 students & groups on 01780 763203.

CRESSET COMEDY CLUB

APR

25

The city’s longest running comedy club got off to a great start last month and continues its latest season in style with more great stand up at the Cresset.

Expect super cool delivery with heavyweight punchlines from headliner Adam Crow. Untroubled by political correctness, he can have an audience giggling and eating out of the palm of his hand one minute and then gaping open-mouthed at the harshness of what he’s just said the next. Support comes from Pierre Hollings, the guitar wielding comic who delivers cutting gags, and Tony Burgess, with his Men Behaving Badly style confessions. Cresset regular Dan Evans is this month’s compere.

Tickets are £13 in advance on 01733 265705.

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"You c an brow take away collect n bin garde our free n never ion service… refuse tak bu (to ma e away our t you'll ke jok es abo freedom ut it)!"

WHO PUT THE BINS OUT?!

Over the years I’ve done my best to help create a better, brighter, mostly funnier future for Greater Peterborough.

Every year I aim to subconsciously get into Council chiefs’ craniums with at least one great improvement/money making scheme for them to consider. For example: Turning the Cathedral Square fountains into a car wash during the winter months and sending out annual council tax letters in envelopes made of chamois leather to encourage people to use it.

Selling the naming right of 'The Tump' in Hampton to Donald Trump so he could call it the 'Trump Tump' and build a hotel on top.

Building a brewery on the banks of the River Nene and creating an alcoholic beverage that'll put the city on the

map, (similar to Guinness in Dublin), but using water from the Nene in order to call it 'Guineness'.

All great ideas I'm sure you'll agree. And now for 2014 I have another. As all Peterborough residents will know the PCC (as all the cools kids are calling it) are shortly going to be charging for emptying the brown bin that people put their garden waste in. From what I've heard and read on social media sites there's a lot of strong opinions about it, but instead of turning into your local neighbourhood's Victor Meldrew, why not cut out the photo I've put at the top of the page and stick it onto your black, green or brown bin?

Not only will you be doing your bit to save the environment by recycling, but it'll give the hi-vis operatives that nobody bothers to tip anymore a bit of a laugh the next time they're on their fortnightly bin lorry round.

KEY COMEDY FEST PDATE U

Last month’s Comedy Festival at The Key Theatre was a great week celebrating the super state stand up is in at the moment.

My highlights? Mark Thomas trying to get the word 'Farage' into the Oxford English Dictionary.

The meaning: 'to look over both shoulders before making a racist comment'. The 15 minute interval in Patrick Monahan's show where rather than sit in the dressing room he joined the audience at the bar to share the jokes he hadn't squeezed into the first half and on the last night one of the rising stars of UK comedy, Chris Ramsey took the audience to Hebburn and back in an energetic extended show that entertained throughout.

A quick word also for the Key staff and volunteers who did a fantastic job all week and were (no pun intended) key to the festival’s success.

Oh, and well done you, yes you who's reading this and went to one or more night. There are more great acts coming soon as part of their regular comedy season so check the Key's website.

THE ESP

SCHOOL E C N A D OF The ESP School of Dance is here to help you dance away the winter blues – and lose a few pounds while you're at it!

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a retired dancer wanting to get back in the swing of things, there’s something for everyone, no matter what your age!

Contact the ESP Dance Crew choreographer Nicole for more info about classes near you on nicole.danceandevents@gmail.com or 07515 907802.

WANT THE ESP DANCE T? CREW @ YOUR EVEN uk for details. e@espmag.co.

Call 01733 579707 or email offic

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

Keith Dalton has the ESP guide to the best news and views from the local live music scene…

T*REXTASY LOVE TO BOOGIE AT THE KEY Marc Bolan and T Rex spanned the eras of the psychedelic generation into glam rock, and were at the forefront of both musical movements.

Photo: Mike Harris

In the early 70s they released songs which would inspire future generations like Metal Guru, Get It On and the iconic Children of The Revolution. And of course T Rex’s music was used so effectively as the soundtrack of the Billy Elliot movie.

They were one of the most flamboyant and charismatic bands of the original glam rock era, and on Sunday April 13 you have the opportunity to see T*Rextasy recreate those times at The Key Theatre.

HOOKER TO HEADLINE GIG WITH A BANG!

T*Rextasy have now been performing around the world for 20 years, in a career that ironically out lives Marc’s very own T.Rex. They’re the only tribute band to have been authorised and endorsed by Marc Bolan’s Catalogue Management and are officially recognised as the world’s No. 1 group dedicated to the greatest glam rocker of them all.

It’s a long way off, but ESP can exclusively reveal that Hooker are to headline at the area’s biggest firework event, Firework Fiesta 2014 on November 1.

With their uncanny doppelganger lead singer and lead guitarist, Danielz, T*Rextasy perform a powerful and mesmerising presentation of Marc Bolan’s rock and pop anthems, but although Danielz gives an impressive performance as Marc he’s also a huge fan and admits – “No-one can ever take Marc's place, no-one could ever be that naive.”

The organisers have wanted to bring the popular local rockers to the event in previous years but due to the band’s popularity, had not been able to secure their appearance. So the organisers of the event, The Peterborough and Minster Rotary Clubs and Peterborough Round Table, decided to book early. Spokesman Mark Ruffles told me – “As soon as one Firework Fiesta finishes we have to start with our plans for the following year, so having missed out on Hooker previously we were anxious to get them for 2014. We’re very pleased that they’ve agreed and will be announcing other attractions as we get nearer November 1.”

Instead he regards T*Rextasy as a band of today, playing Marc's music as faithfully as possible and recreating that special energy and performance.

The band’s been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’ and are respected in their own right.

The guys from the band are also excited about their appearance at the Fiesta. Singer Trevor Smith told me – “The band are really looking forward to the event. We seem to always be gigging on the night of Firework Fiesta and miss the fun. However this year, we’ll still be gigging but can also watch the fireworks!”

Truly a rock’n’roll concert for all ages, if you’d like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this show is for you!

Book now on 01733 207239.

Great rock music and fireworks, it’s going to be an explosive night.

IT’S ALL IN THE

NAME

A very popular Peterborough Mod group from the early 80s, The Name, are reuniting for the Mods May Day Festival in Cambridge on Sunday May 4. There they’ll be performing with The Lambrettas as part of a week long event.

Much nearer to home though, the band, who originate from the city, have decided to do an early warm up set locally at The Hand and Heart in Highbury Street, New England on Friday April 25.

This will be the first time the band have played live for 23 years after a very successful period of recording and live appearances. So in 1981, they split after two years constant touring with other Mod revival bands like The Chords and The Purple Hearts plus big venue gigs with Paul Young, The J Geils Band and Hazel O'Connor. Having signed to Virgin offshoot label Dindisc the band spent long periods in

the recording studio but released only one single in 1980.

However, in 2008, Detour Records then released their album 'What's In A Name' which featured all the Virgin recordings that the band produced plus some live tracks. But it was live appearances that were their trademark with their aggressive style prompting comparisons with The Jam. The same classic music will be there, but whether that same aggression still exists 23 years on…well you’ll have to drop by and see for yourself!

VISTAFEST RETURNS IN SPALDING

It’s good to see VistaFest 4 return on Friday April 25 at where else but The Vista in Spalding.

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There’s a great line up once again with music from The Moving, Breaking Sirens, Two Point Zero and Death Valley Piledriver and it’s on from 7.30pm - 12.30am.

The gig is raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society & The Vista Crew Entry is just £5 on the door for a fantastic night of live music, plus there’s a bar,

pulled pork rolls, raffle and much more.

If you want to know more contact The Vista Crew on 07868 891288 or email vistacrewspalding@gmail.com

Proudly sponsored by

www.thebrewery-tap.com 01733 358500

PENNYLESS

AND MUhA

Photo: www.theposh.com

www.charters-bar.com 01733 315700

POSh hAVE GOT ThE FIRE We all love a good sing-along at the footie so it was appropriate to see local band – and Posh fans – The Harrington Blues produce their own song to cheer on the lads as the team prepared for Wembley.

Local folk favourites Pennyless once again team up with the fabulous Eastern European contemporary folk band Muha in another East Meets West gig.

Whatever the outcome of their trip to the hallowed turf in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, let’s hope the song ‘Posh Have Got The Fire’ remains an anthem long after and that plenty of fans download the track for free on Soundcloud.

This time you can enjoy the tunes at Castor Village Hall on Saturday April 26 at 8pm.

Tickets are £10 on 07875 192054. The night’s sponsored by Castor Ales so there’ll be a full bar.

The band approached the football club about the possibility of putting their track into production and the club also produced a video for the song, which can be viewed on www.espmag.co.uk and YouTube.

The lads from the Harrington Blues are a five piece indie/Britpop band and hail from Peterborough and Stamford. They’re regulars at London Road and the song – their take on a Billy Joel classic – tells the story of how the club came through that semi-final at Swindon.

Ben Gooch from The Harrington Blues said – “The inspiration for the song came from a football song the Rifles once did and our love of Posh. We wanted to do a football song without it being cheesy. We thought by telling a bit of a story, the fans could relate to it and it would be more appealing.

“We wanted a chorus that the fans could adopt and could be sung in the terraces. The video was good fun, it was strange being at an empty London Road and having a kick about. It's brilliant, the club have been fully behind it – even Bob Symns popped down and was bopping away.”

The lads have a strong local following and over the past year have played all over the country supporting some big names such as Ocean Colour Scene.

Look them up on Facebook www.facebook.com/theharringtonblues, Twitter @THBbanduk and Soundcloud www.soundcloud.com/theharringtonblues .

MUSIC AND STORIES FROM SUGGS Suggs made his name as the frontman with '80s chart-toppers Madness and has taken that wacky zaniness with him through a career as an actor and TV compere. He also recently has the claim to fame of performing at the Olympics closing ceremony and singing ‘Our House’ from the roof of Buckingham Palace during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.

And now, Suggs is on a 40 date tour called Suggs – My Life Story in words and music.

Included in the itinerary is a night at The Stamford Corn Exchange on Wednesday April 9.

In the show based on his autobiography, Suggs will be revealing a lot of interesting and amusing secrets from his career with the top Ska band, and reflecting on his life having turned 50. Inspired by the fact that he reached that milestone at the same time as his kids decided to leave home, and his cat had just suffered a terrible accident, the Madness frontman takes to the stage in a hilarious, yet moving, one man tour de force playing to rave reviews. One critic reviewed that 'Suggs is an effortlessly engaging raconteur' and another described the show as – ‘Very funny, and delivered with a sense of timing and phrasing that many common-or-garden comics could learn much from'.

During the evening Suggs takes us back to his childhood on the tough streets of 1970's Soho and his first appearance on Top Of The Pops at the age of eighteen... The chat will be interspersed with music as Suggs has musical accompaniment (‘and uncalled for interjections’) from Deano Mumford his close friend and pianist.

Photo: James Pepper

DESTROY DC RELEASE VIDEO

Peterborough's progressive punk trio Destroy DC are releasing a new video for Road to Redemption and are busy in the studio recording EP #3!

Road to Redemption is the lead track from Destroy DC's Pride of the ASBO Generation EP. These guys are fast becoming one of the most forward thinking and exciting bands on the current punk circuit. Made up of some familiar faces from the city’s local music scene they are – Spike T Smith on drums/vocals (Conflict, Steve Ignorant, The Damned, Killing Joke, Morrissey), Gav King on guitars (Fields of the Nephilim, Conflict, ex- Adam Ant, The More I See) with Si Resinator on bass.

They mix furious hardcore punk with roots and dub and incorporate additional odd time signatures and atmospherics to create their monster sound. Their lyrics span a wide range of current issues involving media corruption, mental illness, the rise of the ‘Z-List’ celebrity culture, to the State of War in the eastern bloc in the 80’s and the power of public rallying and revolution.

The band are currently in their DIY label, Revenance Records' recording studio working hard on their 3rd EP.

Madness are hailed as the ultimate British band by many and as front man for 30 years, Suggs has a fascinating story to tell at Stamford Corn Exchange.

You can catch Destroy DC live locally on Friday April 25 at the Voodoo Lounge at Mama Liz's in Stamford.

Get your tickets from the box office on 01780 766455.

www.facebook.com/DestroyDC www.espmag.co.uk

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19 North Street Peterborough PE1 2RA

01733 343785 northstreetbar.co.uk

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GUIDE WED MAR 26 JAMES'S OPEN MIC NIGHT Attica, Broadway

THU MAR 27 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS Crown & Cushion, Great Gransden LET'S MEET JESUS + KING KOOL + THUMPERMONKEY Attica, Broadway OPEN MIC WITH DAVE B The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

FRI MAR 28 777 The Cock Inn, Werrington BE BOP A LULAS The Bluebell, Dogsthorpe CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor CUTTIN LOOSE The Axe & Cleaver, Boston GIANTS + IN ARCHIVES + TURN & RUN + THAT NIGHT FOREST GREW The Met Lounge, Bridge Street HOOKER The Fayre Spot, Bretton NEW GENERATION CASH AND BURN O'Neill's, Broadway OPEN ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE B & PHIL The Boat Inn, Whittlesey OWEN BROWN FUNK BAND The Brewery Tap, Westgate PENNYLESS The Masons Arms, Bourne

Live music sets from 11pm

Courtyard Function Room now open

TUE APR 1

HAYZ The Fayre Spot, ACOUSTIC SESSION Bretton Millstone Inn, Barnack INITMATELY EVA THE DELTAPHONICS THE GUARDS The Cock Inn, The Cherry Tree, STACEYS OPEN MIC WITH LESLEY Werrington Oundle Road The Dragon, CURTIS Werrington Town Hall, March THE FECKIN EEJITS THE LIQUOR & KAMUJAN POKER BLUES BAND The New Inn, Oundle Road The Swiss Cottage, Iron Horse Ranch, WED APR 2 Woodston Market Deeping THE FEDZ JAMES'S OPEN The London Inn, LAVANDULA BANDS THE MISTREATED MIC NIGHT Stamford The Brewery Tap, The Swiss Cottage, Attica, Broadway Westgate Woodston THE LIMIT The Swiss Cottage, MONTEREY GHOST THE NUGETEERS Woodston The Fountain, Soham North Street Bar, THU APR 3 North Street THE ONE OR WOT CODE RED EYED CATS The Cock Inn, THE OVERDUBS King Billy, The Granary, Werrington The Dragon, Northampton Long Sutton Werrington SPARE PARTS ROCKET JUMP The Cherry Tree, THE WHOLE POINT THE RELICS + OPEN MIC Oundle Road Charters, Town Bridge The Blue Boar, Eye The Solstice, Northminster TOUCHED BY THE THE COLONELS TUNNEL HAND OF SOUL The Golden Fleece, BOOGIE BAND The Straw Bear, Stamford The Dragon, Whittlesey FRI APR 4 Werrington THE FLEETING MINDS Mama Liz's, Stamford

SAT MAR 29 BLACK ROSE The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

REVOLVER The Axe & Cleaver, Boston

TREBLE DAMAGE Buckden Social Club, Buckden

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

SUN MAR 30

CUTTIN LOOSE The Golden Fleece, Stamford

BLACKOUT UK The Harrier, Gunthorpe OPEN MIC SHANE POOLE + FRANCIE CHILDREN OF REIHILL + ZAKK THE RVEOLUTION GRAY + MATT The Ploughman, HOWARD Werrington Charters, Town Bridge JACKSON CREEK BAND + HAIR RESISTANCE + TRIPLE SEVEN The Crown Inn, Crowland JELLO ACOUSTIC TRIO Charters, Town Bridge JESSIES GHOST North Street Bar, North Street KICKBACK The Ostrich, North Street MOTOR CITY VIPERS The Brewery Tap, Westgate NOISY NEIGHBOURS Ebeneezers, Woodston

THE THIN LIZZY EXPERIENCE + SACK SABBATH + HI-ON MAIDEN Royal British Legion Club, Yaxley

THE RELICS The Cock Inn, Werrington

TUNNEL The Seven Wives, St Ives

TUNNEL Market Inn, Huntingdon

ZAAK ZOOT GRAY Charters, Town Bridge

ZEB ROOTZ Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

SAT APR 5 CIRCA 73 The Straw Bear, Whittlesey EASIER SAID The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road HOOKER New England Club, Occupation Road

JIMMY DOHERTY & PEP (HIGH ROLLERS) THE DELTAPHONICS The Swiss Cottage, North Street Bar, Woodston North Street LOOSE ROCKET THE GANGSTERS The Carpenters Arms, The Falcon, Whittlesey Boston THE GUARDS O'Neill's, Broadway

FRANKLY MY DEAR The New Inn, Oundle Road

MOTOR CITY VIPERS Manor Leisure, Whittlesey PENNYLESS The Five Horseshoes, Barholm STRINGFINGER + CAMELTOE + SONS OF KAL EL Mama Liz's, Stamford

Get the very latest gigs by visiting espmag.co.uk /thelist

THE RETURNS The Golden Fleece, Stamford

THE 707 The Railway, Ramsey THE GANGSTERS The Dragon, Werrington THE HOUNDOGS Working Mens Club, Chatteris THE LAZOONS Charters, Town Bridge THE LIMIT The Ploughman, Werrington

SUN APR 6 OPEN MIC The Brewery Tap, Westgate

MON APR 7 CHARTERS UNPLUGGED Charters, Town Bridge

TUE APR 8 OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH JAMES EDMONDS The Bull, Newborough

WED APR 9 FRANCIE REIHILL North Street Bar, North Street JAMES'S OPEN MIC NIGHT Attica, Broadway

THU APR 10 OPEN MIC The Solstice, Northminster

FRI APR 11 BLACKOUT UK The Solstice, Northminster CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

THE OVERDUBS The Blue Boar, Eye

If you wanna get your gigs in ESP for free e-mail gigs@espmag.co.uk or post to: 50

www.espmag.co.uk

DR A'S RHYTHM & GROOVES The Masons Arms, Bourne GROUNDED The Dragon, Werrington

STONE PONY The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road THE 707 The Peacock, Peterborough

GRUMPY OLD MEN The Ostrich, North Street

THE LEAGUE OF MENTALMEN The Dragon, Werrington

HONEYWELL The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

THE LEE MAJOR BAND Charters, Town Bridge

HOOKER The Cross Keys, Oundle Road IRON HORSE FESTIVAL LIVE BANDS Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping LOOSE ROCKET Firkin Ale, Bourne

THE RETURNS The Granary, Long Sutton

FRI APR 18 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Solstice, Northminster CODE RED The Ostrich, North Street HEARTBEATS Braza Club, March MONTEREY GHOST The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road THE 707 The Crown, Lincoln Road

SUN APR 13

THE GANGSTERS Charters, Town Bridge

IRON HORSE FESTIVAL LIVE BANDS Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping

THE INFLUENCE The Swiss Cottage, Woodston THE MOJO SLIDE North Street Bar, North Street

SPLIT WHISKERS The Cock Inn, Werrington

MON APR 14

THE RAINMEN North Street Bar, North Street

BE BOP A LULAS Royal British Legion Club, Yaxley

THE ONE EYED CATS The Cock Inn, Werrington

SAT APR 12

TUE APR 15

ZEB ROOTZ The Dragon, Werrington

DAVISON, WATSON & GATES The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DAVE B & PHIL The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

FILTHY LUCRE The Cock Inn, Werrington FRANCIE REIHILL ACOUSTIC North Street Bar, North Street IRON HORSE FESTIVAL LIVE BANDS Iron Horse Ranch, Market Deeping MAIN STREET The Straw Bear, Whittlesey MONTEREY GHOST Georges, March REVOLVER The Court House, Thrapston REX, MICK & JEM The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

WED APR 16 JAMES'S OPEN MIC NIGHT Attica, Broadway

THU APR 17 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Brewery Tap, Westgate DEARLY BELOVED + OPEN MIC The Solstice, Northminster

SAT APR 19 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The London Inn, Stamford CODE RED The Dragon, Werrington FRANKLY MY DEAR The Wheatsheaf, Eastfield Road HOOKER Old Coach House, Market Deeping JESSIES GHOST Charters, Town Bridge LEE MAJOR The Swiss Cottage, Woodston LOOSE ROCKET (EVE) The Axe & Cleaver, Boston

LOOSE ROCKET (PM) The Green Man, Stamford MISCELLANEOUS The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

FRI APR 25

SAT APR 26

THU MAY 1

ACOSUTIC OPEN SESSIONS WITH DAVE B & PHIL The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

BLACKOUT UK The London Inn, Stamford

FROM THE STICKS The Solstice, Northminster

BLACKOUT UK MULLERED AT Charters, Town Bridge THE MILL Ebeneezers, Woodston CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION ROCKET '57 The Cross Keys, The Blue Boar, Eye Oundle Road THE NUGGETS CUTTIN LOOSE The Straw Bear, The Masons Arms, Whittlesey Bourne TUNNEL DESTROY DC The Ostrich, Mama Liz's, Stamford North Street

CHRIS KING ROBINSON + LEON + LIVE BAND The Ruddy Duck, Peakirk CUTTIN LOOSE The Carpenters Arms, Boston FILTHY LUCRE The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

FRI MAY 2 CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Dragon, Werrington FRANKLY MY DEAR The Cock Inn, Werrington

SUN APR 20

HOOKER The Cock Inn, Werrington

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION UNPLUGGED Charters, Town Bridge

JAMES EDMONDS ACOUSTIC North Street Bar, North Street

GEORGE GRUMPY OLD MEN MCCRANOR Ebeneezers, Woodston Charters, Town Bridge LAVANDULA BANDS PENNYLESS The Brewery Tap, + MUHA Westgate Village Hall, Castor REVOLVER RAMSHACKLE The Swiss Cottage, SERENADE Woodston The Swiss Cottage, Woodston

CUTTIN LOOSE The Carpenters Arms, Boston

LIVE BAND The Fayre Spot, Bretton

RETROLUX Hand & Heart, Highbury Street

JAZZ JAM The Brewery Tap, Westgate

LOWER THAN BONES The Seven Wives, St Ives

THE 707 The Burghley Club, Burghley Square

THE JPR TRIO The Dragon, Werrington

SUN APR 27

THE BRAYS The Stage, Market Deeping THE LAZOONS The Royal Oak, Castor THE MALINGERERS The Swiss Cottage, Woodston THE NUGGETS The Dragon, Werrington ZEB ROOTZ The Granary, Long Sutton

WED APR 23 JAMES'S OPEN MIC NIGHT Attica, Broadway

THU APR 24 OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DAVE B The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

THE ABSTRACTS SHAKE HANDS ERIC Charters, Town Bridge The Swiss Cottage, THE GUARDS Woodston The Straw Bear, SHAKEDOWN BLUES Whittlesey - DOUG MACLEOD VINTAGE STUFF Village Hall, Castor The Cock Inn, Werrington SLIDE TO OPEN Iron Horse Ranch, ZACK ZOOT Market Deeping ACOUSTIC North Street Bar, THE GUARDS North Street The Ostrich, North Street

THE MOVING + BREAKING SIRENS + TWO POINT ZERO + DEATH VALLEY PILEDRIVER The Vista, Spalding THE PULSE O'Neill's, Broadway WALKWAY The Cherry Tree, Oundle Road

OPEN MIC WITH ANDY HUGHES + MEG THORPE + ALICE + CJ HATT Charters, Town Bridge

WED APR 30 JAMES'S OPEN MIC NIGHT Attica, Broadway

*ESP can not be held responsible for errors in this listing, be sure to check with the venue for confirmation.

ESP Magazine, 9c, Brookfield Park, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6LA www.espmag.co.uk

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