ESP September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

Issue 241

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SINCE 1998

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Peterborough New Theatre Official Opening

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WIZCON BRINGS STARS TO THE CRESSET

Editor Sharon McAllister sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

ADVERTISING Head of Sales & Marketing Sean McAllister sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

DESIGN Tony Mayer tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

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

COLuMNISTS Pep Cipriano pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk Darren Grigas darren.grigas@espmag.co.uk Keith Dalton keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk Phil Adlam phil.adlam@espmag.co.uk Karen Devine karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS Mikey Clarke mikey.clarke@espmag.co.uk Sarah Tempest sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk Sarah Slack sarah.slack@espmag.co.uk Emily Gray

CONTRIBuTORS Gavin Miller gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk Marc Hernandez marc.hernandez@espmag.co.uk Rachael Church rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

Back for its second event of 2019, WizCon will be packed full of all things magical, focusing on Meet and Greet opportunities with some of the actors in the Harry Potter films, plus fun photo opportunities, a wide range of merchandise and much more.

This event on Sunday September 22 has been created

by Harry Potter fans, for Harry Potter fans, and will also feature a variety of fun stage content, including Q&A panels with the actors and a Cosplay Contest with adult and child categories, so if you’re a Harry Potter fan, get creative and go dressed as your favourite character from the films and you may win a fantastic prize!

There are exclusive Meet & Greet opportunities now on sale with Louis Cordice (Blaise Zabini – Harry Potter), James Payton (Frank Longbottom – Harry Potter), Adrian Rawlins (James Potter – Harry Potter) and Walles Hamonde (Auror 10 - Fantastic Beasts).

Tickets for WizCon are £10 the Cresset box office on from 01733 265705.

CITY’S BIG FIREWORK DISPLAY IS SAVED

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Vivacity, the charitable trust that operates many of Peterborough’s sports, leisure and cultural sites has partnered with Live Promotions and Events, the Spalding based events and entertainments agency to run the city’s annual November fireworks event.

Fireworks Fantasia will take place on November 2 at the East of England Arena and Events Centre, with the display itself

provided by Titanium Fireworks, the company responsible for New Year displays in London and Edinburgh.

The city’s longstanding annual fireworks event, which had previously taken place at Ferry Meadows and later at the East of England Arena and Events Centre, was cancelled in May 2019 by the organisers, citing ‘unacceptable’ levels of costs as a key reason for the decision.

In addition to a spectacular fireworks display, Fireworks Fantasia will also feature an extensive indoor children’s softplay area and entertainments stage, which will be included in the ticket price. There will also be a fun-fair and food and drink vendors, ensuring a great afternoon and evening out for all of the family. It’ll also support Sue Ryder and Young People’s Counselling Service (YPCS) and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire is the official media partner.

THE CHEQUERED SKIPPER IS BACK

The Chequered Skipper at Ashton near Oundle has always been a beautiful country pub to visit so we’re pleased to hear that a new couple are bringing it back to life.

It closed a few months ago under previous ownership but now new tenants Paul Andreff and April McCully have leased the pub, given it a refresh and are working with exclusive wine and food producers.

Food wise, Paul and April have sourced local suppliers for the pub’s menu of fresh, seasonal dishes, all of which will be created by new in-house chef Adam Jackson and sous chef Dillon Wainwright.

Further plans are underway to transform the outside space with new lighting and heating to encourage al fresco dining, as well as the addition of an oak-framed orangery. It’s looking like just the venue for a drive out to, to make the most of the remaining sunny days!

FREE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE COURSES IN PETERBOROUGH! The Health and Care Sector Work Academy is busy in Peterborough this month, with three courses starting around the city, as well as Huntingdon and Wisbech. Earn the Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care, a recognised City and Guilds qualification and take your first step on the career ladder, learning the theory behind the care certificate and gaining insight as to what it’s like to work in the sector from local employers.

In order to be eligible, you’ll need to be looking to work within the sector in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, and in receipt of a benefit. Catch the team at Whittlesey Festival on Sunday September 8 to chat, or call 0800 310 1160 or visit www.healthandcareacademy.co .uk to find out more!

VODAFONE BRINGS GIGAFAST BROADBAND TO MORE OF THE BORO If you’re keen to get Gigafast broadband with Vodafone, look out for their red van and local team out an about registering interest this month. They’ll be in Cathedral Square on September 23 – 29 plus throughout September the team will be taking the Gigavan to a number of local centres across Peterborough including the Herlington Centre, the Blue Bell Inn Welland Road, Lincoln Road, Dogsthorpe Central, Hills Close & Parnwell Local Centre. You can also pop into the Queensgate store for more information.

As the rollout continues new areas where customers can now order include the Glasdstone/ Millfield area, Orton Southgate, Gunthorpe Ridings, Welland and Paston and the surrounding area.

There’s not long to wait in more of the Gladstone/Millfield area, Werrington and other parts of the Ortons too.

NEW TEAM AT THE OSTRICH The Ostrich pub on North Street is now under new management.

This traditional pub will have a key focus on live entertainment and already has several live bands booked in at weekends and the team are promising other live entertainment. This could include comedy nights and acoustic acts as well.

The real ale and craft beers will continue, they’re improving the range of wines and will be

looking to develop the pub’s gin nights too. They’re also ensuring they have gluten free and vegan ale/lager options as regular.

CREW CLOTHING COMPANY AT SPRINGFIELDS

Apprenticeship could be for you.

To ďŹ nd out more and apply for Apprenticeship vacancies visit: www.peterborough.ac.uk/appre nticeships/apprenticeshipvacancies/

NEW PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES

The latest addition to SpringďŹ elds Outlet is Crew Clothing Company which has recently opened at the centre in Spalding.

The British fashion retailer has taken a 1,980 sq ft unit stocked with its range of timeless menswear and womenswear classics at great prices. It is fantastic that another great name has joined their other premium brands which include Joules, Fat Face, White Stuff, Jack Wills and Raging Bull.

FINAL APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES AVAILABLE AT PRC If you received your exams results this summer and are considering what is the right next step for you, how about an Apprenticeship?

Peterborough Regional College are recruiting for the ďŹ nal Apprenticeship vacancies starting in September and October 2019.

Whether it’s an Apprenticeship in construction, engineering, hairdressing, business, IT, childcare or education now is the time to apply before vacancies close. Apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff and recognised qualiďŹ cations, to gain job–speciďŹ c skills. If you are interested in training for your dream career or interested in changing profession an

Emcee Productions are expanding with the introduction of weekly performing arts classes starting in September.

The local company are renowned for producing energetic and fun ďŹ lled cabaret nights, with talented casts of children and adults. Following the success of their themed workshops, Emcee are starting performing arts classes for a variety of ages, with each term working towards a season production for all performers to take part in.

Monique Benoiton-Smith from Emcee says – “We are extremely excited to be introducing ‘Emcee Performers’ where we can give children and adults access to well-rounded performing arts classes. All classes are designed to give performers the freedom and conďŹ dence to be creative and expressive in all forms of performing arts. Classes will be ďŹ lled with singing, dancing, movement, acting, imaginative play/development and performance skills.â€?

Each term will have an individual theme to focus on and there will be a show for everyone to take part in. Classes start on September 7 at Rocket Park Studios, Peterborough. To book on to these classes, please email Emcee Performers emceeprods@gmail.com or call 07974 700285.You can also ďŹ nd out more information on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/EmceeProds.

0% OFF Traditional English Pub Open for meals and snacks - 12pm to 9pm daily

Real food, Real ales, Real pub Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DN Tel: 01733 391111

ALL FOOD PURCHASES IN THE RAMBLEWOOD INN WHEN YOU SPEND ÂŁ30 OR MORE The ESP reader offer is only valid when you spend ÂŁ30 or more on food.

5IJT DPVQPO JT WBMJE BMM EBZ GSPN TU "VHVTU UP UI 4FQUFNCFS BOE BGUFS QN PO 4VOEBZT The discount does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more. To receive your coupon for 0% OFF food purchase, just text us the word RAMBLEWOOD along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown or email offers@espmag.co.uk to receive your coupon along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. Alternatively log on to wXw.espmag.co.uk/offers and click on the Ramblewood offer and print out your voucher.

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LocalEntertainment

Abba Forever Ladybird, Ladybird We love a world premiere and we love our local talent so Stamford Shoestring Theatre’s production of Ladybird, Ladybird by local author and playwright Hilary Spiers ticks all the boxes.

The play’s set in an unspecified location in Lincolnshire, and is a wry and fast-moving comedy exploring the ties that bind families together – and how easily they start to fray. Muriel is a recently bereaved mother of two disparate daughters, whose partners look extraordinarily similar and are totally different in every other respect.

As the family get together to celebrate the younger daughter’s return from working abroad old wounds are opened up and current grievances exposed.

Hilary says her inspiration comes from experiences she’s either had, imagined or assumed would happen!

This comedy looks at how in a family dynamic, people never truly say what they mean until one day, a catalyst inadvertently occurs and unleashes it all.

If you want to see the first ever performances of this wonderful play which runs from September 10 – 14 book your tickets now! Tickets are available from Stamford Arts Centre Box Office on 01780 763203.

Brass and Voices Acoustics at the ready, Foden’s Band is here! Ranked as one of the best brass bands in the whole world, this unique band is coming to Peterborough on Saturday September 14. If you’re looking for a range of styles, voices and tempos this concert is the one for you.

Featuring the city’s award winning choirs Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Peterborough Voices and Peterborough Youth Choir, this is an experience not to miss. Foden’s Band performs a repertoire unlike any other brass band, performing worldwide to thousands of fans. This prestigious event showcases a huge range of music at Peterborough’s very own Cresset… for one night only.

Grab your tickets for £20 on 01733 265705 and don’t miss out!

Emily Gray 6

www.espmag.co.uk

Terry Pratchett’s Mort Terry Pratchett’s black comedy Mort is coming to the Key Theatre Studio this month adapted

by Stephen Briggs. The play is centred around young Mort (short for Mortimer), who finds himself apprenticed to the Grim Reaper to learn the trade of death.

However when he’s given the opportunity to go out on his own, he can’t bring himself to kill the entrancing Princess Keli and inadvertently upsets the entire fabric of time!

Performed by the Peterborough Revellers it runs from September 19 – 21.

Tickets are available from the Key Theatre box office on 01733 207239.

Mamma Mia, ABBA is here!

Calling all Dancing Queens! One of the UK’s leading ABBA tributes is coming to the Key Theatre in Peterborough. Astounding their audiences all the way from Sweden to Britain, this tribute replicates ABBA to an absolute ‘T’.

This all singing, all dancing, all live sing-along show is sure to leave you saying Thank You For The Music. Featuring electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano, bass, drums… and two dazzling ABBA girls to complete the show!

Take a Chance on Benny and Bjorn’s lyrics as this tribute act performs ABBA’s iconic hits in harmony, along with cool choreography, vibrant visuals and moving music in this amazing two hour long night dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic pop groups.

Get value for your money, money, money with tickets at £26 on 01733 207239.

Emily Gray

Calling all Rock’n’Rollers!

Michael starring Ben Get ready for Michael to rock with you once more with this amazing tribute act, produced by world renowned producer James Baker, featuring look-alike Ben Bowman.

Put on your dancing shoes and moonwalk your way through a wide range of Michael’s greatest hits such as Beat It, Billie Jean, The Way You Make Me Feel and Thriller at the Cresset on Sunday September 15.

Michael starring Ben blends a cool mix of Michael’s work along with that of the Jackson 5, making any MJ fan’s heaven! With perfect routines and astounding light shows, this smash theatre event truly celebrates the life of the King of Pop in style.

Shake your body down to this legendary night at the Cresset.

Simply grab your tickets for £25.50 on 01733 265705, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Emily Gray

If you just can’t help falling in love with live music experiences then this one’s for you. Featuring the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Rufus Thomas, get ready to travel back to the birth of rock’n’roll with The Official Sun Records Concert Show this autumn. Brought to you by a rockin’ cast of singers and musicians this tribute show nods to rock legends. From the recording studio to the charts, watch the first steps that this classic genre took on its pathway to changing music forever… right on your doorstep! Head to the Cresset on Thursday September 12 for a Whole Lotta Shakin’, Good Rockin’, and a great night out! Tickets are £24.50 on 01733 265705.

Emily Gray

Carpenters Gold Lose yourself this September with this amazing tribute to the Carpenters at the Key Theatre! Featuring West End star and director Vikki Holland-Bowyer as Karen’s voice (and drums!) and Greg Stevenson’s effortless portrayal of the Carpenter’s light humour through Richard’s perfect piano playing. It’s all live, it’s all seventies glitz. Featuring the Carpenter’s unforgettable hits; We’ve Only Just Begun, Goodbye to Love, Please Mr Postman, For All We Know, Only Yesterday and many more, all brought to you by a smooth seventies live band.

From the London Palladium to the Key Theatre, join the party on Sunday September 15.

Tickets are £22.50 on 01733 207239. Emily Gray

Oye Santana Relive the Summer of Love, Woodstock Festival and Latin legend Carlos Santana with this amazing tribute band! Known as the No.1 Latin rock tribute band in the UK, the award winning six piece Oye Santana band led by Milan Webb is coming to Peterborough on Wednesday September 18.

There is music for everyone in this Latin rock sensation with guitarist Milan Webb playing with a technique and tone that matches the one and only Santana along with keyboard artists Hector Gomez and Gez Kahan, bassist Jon Quirk, percussionist Paul Murphy and on drums, powerhouse Pete Lockwood. As part of their 50 date tour, Oye Santana are checking into the Cresset to perform 50 years’ worth of Santana’s hits, from Jin-Go-LoBa to US Billboard chart’s number one rock song of all time –Smooth! A night of hits and culture that you do not want to miss.

Tickets are £21.50 on 01733 265705.

Emily Gray

The Magic Of Motown The record company that kick started many iconic careers is here. After one million worldwide viewings, it’s Peterborough’s turn to indulge in the Magic of Motown! You’re invited to the ‘biggest party of the year’ with over 40 back-toback Motown classics, brought to you by The Magic of Motown! Featuring the likes of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and many more, this show is sure to leave you mesmerised. Glitter, dazzle, musical experience – this tribute show has it all.

Bringing all of your favourite hits right to your doorstep. Songs including; Ain’t No Mountain, Signed Sealed Delivered, Blame It on the Boogie and many, many more are coming to the Cresset on Thursday September 19. Tickets are £26 on 01733 265705.

Emily Gray

You Win Again - Celebrating The Music of the Bee Gees Great news, the West End is coming to Peterborough!

From London to Peterborough, this tribute to the Bee Gees is here to take you back with their sixties, seventies and eighties classics. Join the celebration at the Cresset, and lose yourself in this tribute to music written for the likes of Dolly Parton, Celine Dion and Diana Ross. Celebrate this September with hits you don’t want to miss, dazzling dances, and moving memories. The show includes all of your favourite hits such as; Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, More Than A Woman, Massachusetts, Words, I’ve Got to Get a Message to You, Too Much Heaven, Islands in the Stream, If I Can’t Have You and many more!

Catch it on Wednesday September 25. Tickets are £26 on 01733 265705. Emily Gray www.espmag.co.uk

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Is it a bird? Is it a plane – no it’s a flying car!

Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) have been flying high with their super successful shows in the city and now they’ll literally be flying in everyone’s favourite magic car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

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his talented bunch haven’t disappointed us yet and with amazing shows like Hairspray, 9 to 5 and The Adams Family, they just keep turning out the hits, so we can’t wait for their next ‘fantasmagorical’ family show this October half-term.

It’s taking over the Cresset next month from October 22 – 26 and is set to be one of the most ambitious musicals ever staged in the city, as a real motor car defies gravity to magically fly to the ceiling of the Bretton venue!

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Many will remember the much-loved 1968 film which was adapted from Ian Fleming’s novel but newbies to the story will soon get caught up in this ‘truly scrumptious’ musical – complete with a hugely talented cast, live band and of course, a car that will fly before your eyes.

The show tells the classic story of eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts who, at the request of his children Jeremy and Jemima, sets about restoring an old race car that turns out to have

magical properties. Trouble brews, however, when the evil Baron Bomburst wants the magic car for himself and Caractacus, the children, batty grandpa and love interest the beautiful Truly Scrumptious must fight to save their ‘fine four-fended friend’.

The award-winning team from PODS brought Chitty into the city centre and Hampton a few weeks back and performed some excerpts from the show in Cathedral Square. ESP was there and if that performance was anything to go by we can’t wait to see the full show.

“

...and is set to be one of the most ambitious musicals ever staged in the city...

”

If you watched the film as a kid this looks set to recapture some great childhood memories and if you have a family of your own, they’ll certainly love the songs and fun in this magical musical.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs from October 2226 at The Cresset at 7.30pm with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. To book call 01733 265705 or visit www.cresset.co.uk.

You can also find out more about PODS on www.peterborough-operatic.com.

LocalEntertainment

Louis Rips It Up This month Peterborough’s local hero, gymnast turned dance star, Louis Smith, will take to his home town stage for the first time.

Louis is bringing his smash hit dance show Rip it Up the 70s to the New Theatre, launching the venue’s new season under Selladoor Venues.

Rip it Up The 50s and Rip It Up The 60s sold over 100,000 tickets and received 5 star reviews across the UK, now Rip It Up The 70s brings us the soundtrack of one of music’s most popular decades. Louis is joined by former S Club 7 star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Rachel Stevens, Melody Thornton, key member of Pussycat Dolls and Lee Ryan from boy band Blue completes the line-up.

While David Bowie and Marc Bolan gave us out-of-this-world glam rock, New York gave us disco and punk. Philly Soul brought its flared stride to the masses, while the Eurovision Song Contest made its greatest contribution to pop music with the arrival of Abba. But that’s not even close to telling the story of 1970’s music and this show has it all.

Rip it Up 70s opens the New Theatre’s autumn season on Friday September 20. Tickets can be bought through the box office on 01733 852992 or online at www.newtheatre-peterborough.com.

Avenue Q Comes to the New Theatre It’s time for you to find out what all the fuzz is about as the UK’s naughtiest puppets head to the New Theatre Peterborough for the very first time in the comedy musical Avenue Q running from Tuesday September 24 – Saturday September 28.

Following five years in the West End, sell-out runs worldwide and smash hit tours in 2014, 2015 and 2016 (packed with mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness!) this Tony Award-winning Musical, created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, co-creator of Book of Mormon and writer of the songs for Disney’s Frozen, is an irresistibly charming tale of the loveable characters on a

downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues.

Hilarious, cheeky and uproariously entertaining, with a cast of 11 hugely talented performers and puppets, Avenue Q is the musical like no other.

Featuring hysterically funny songs including The Internet is for Porn and Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist, Avenue Q is a fun musical with a warm (and very fuzzy) heart.

Don’t let your life suck – book your tickets today! (Suitable for audiences 14+). Tickets can be bought through the box office on 01733 852992 or online at www.newtheatrepeterborough.com. www.espmag.co.uk

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And I think to myself, what a wonderful world…

It’s set to be on everyone’s selfie list and thousands of visitors have already fallen in love with it. Gaia, the huge artwork of planet Earth is looking out of this world inside Peterborough Cathedral.

Photos: Chris Brudenell

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he artwork by artist Luke Jerram is proving just as popular as the Museum of the Moon did last year, suspended high inside this iconic building, and it’s here until September 15 – please don’t miss it!

At the launch event hosted by Kev Lawrence from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, told ESP – “I’m absolutely amazed. Here we are in the half light with this extraordinary image of the Earth turning very slowly, the music playing, the great cross in front of it – it’s an absolutely astonishing sight and I hope lots of people will be really moved, as well as excited and challenged by it.”

With the current focus on climate change and the fragility of our planet it seems just the right time to have it here and we know you’ll be moved when you see it.

The Dean also hopes it’ll put the focus on how we’re treating our world – “We believe it to be a God given gift, we’re stewards of creation and what are we doing, we’re making a mess of it. I think if this is an opportunity for

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people to really again reengage with the really deep questions we have about how we care for the planet, how we look after it, how we preserve it and pass it on in a good way to our future generations – then if this contributes to that it’ll be great – we’ll feel like we’ve done a really good thing.”

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS The final days of the Gaia display coincides with the Heritage Open Weekend on September 14 and 15 and the cathedral will be opening up several different areas you often don’t get a chance to take a look at. So why not take this opportunity to see behind the scenes and take your last chance to see the Earth artwork at the same time?

The full programme is on the cathedral website but the free Cathedral Highlights Tours will take you on a 45 minute guided visit telling you all about the people, events and stories connected with the cathedral.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous how about a Tower Tour? It’s a chance to get

the best view of Peterborough and see into the many hidden spaces… but you’ll need to brave the steps! Tickets are £10 for adults (£8 concessions) and you must book in advance.

GOODBYE GAIA! On Saturday September 14 you can say goodbye to Gaia in style with music for a summer evening to celebrate the culmination of the exhibition, featuring mezzo-soprano Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues who actually began her career as a chorister in the Cathedral Choir.

The concert will include pieces by Handel, Purcell and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, as well as songs from Les Misérables and The Sound of Music. You’ll get a chance to view the exhibition for the final time during an extended interval.

Tickets are £12 per person and it’s unreserved seating.

To find out more or book tickets for any of the events visit www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk.

LocalEvents

Christmas Preview Night @ Van Hage If you love everything about Christmas, you won’t want to miss a special preview night at Van Hage when the Eye garden centre unveils this year’s fantastic festive displays!

Everyone’s invited to drop in for a free mince pie and wine on arrival on Thursday September 26 from 6pm - 8pm and be the first to see this year’s magical Christmas collections.

On the night there’ll be live music, food samples, mince pies and much more plus you can even treat yourself to a new artificial Christmas tree with 10% off on the night.

Emergency Services Fun Day

The annual East Anglian Air Ambulance Emergency Services Fun Day is back giving us a day full of fun, and important safety information, all at our very own Nene Park!

This free event’s sure to keep the family happy as there’s so much on offer. The kids can enjoy the fun fair and exciting displays, whilst parents can enjoy interesting talks and demonstrations

throughout the day! All being well the Air Ambulance will also be flying in between 11am and 1pm!

This family friendly event includes the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue (CamSAR), Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk SERV blood riders and NHS Blood and Transport – and the East Anglian Working Newfoundland dogs.

It’s all happening at Ferry Meadows on Saturday September 7 from 10am-4pm.

Emily Gray

Whittlesey Festival Whittlesey Festival is back with a bang this year, filling the streets with activities, stalls, fun and much more on Sunday September 8.

For 11 years Whittlesey Festival has brought great entertainment to the town and plans on doing just that this year. There’s something for everyone, with over 150 classic vehicles on show, local School Art Exhibitions at the Whittlesey Christian Church in Broad Street, craft fairs, children’s rides and music… with internationally renowned Ukrainian Cossack dancers Orlyk headlining.

Bringing their exhilarating kicks, tricks and flips and amazing Ukrainian melodies to Whittlesey, Manchester based Orlyk have been astounding their audiences worldwide since 1949!

This year’s festival line-up includes The Massed Pipe and Drum Band, Solas School of Irish Dance, Rug- Cutters (Lindy-Hop) dancers, Starlight Twirlettes Majorette Troupe, sports demonstrations, puppet shows, climbing walls, magic shows, water Zorbs, crazy golf, a land train and fair rides.

The festival starts with a parade at 10am and the fun continues until 4pm.

Emily Gray www.espmag.co.uk

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Stamford Georgian Festival

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It’s time to celebrate the age of wonder and invention this month as Stamford Georgian Festival brings history alive in this beautiful town.

BBC New Voices BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, ESP Magazine and Salaam Radio are bringing a unique broadcasting opportunity to Peterborough.

Listen to The Kev Lawrence Breakfast Show and log onto the ESP Magazine website on Monday September 9 for more details.

Photo: Phil Mynott

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e love this bi-annual event which returns for its fourth year from September 26 – 29 and once again is packed with loads of events and entertainment. We’re not the only ones – the 2017 event attracted over 56,000 visitors!

ESP has attended every one and we love it, so if you’d like to see history come alive you can hop on a carriage ride through the town, make like Jane Austen and enjoy everything from themed markets, talks, music and street theatre – with many events free of charge.

Organisers South Kesteven District Council promises us some great entertainment, including Saturday and Sunday programmes on the town’s riverside Meadows with a skirmish between French and English troops, period traders and re-enactors.

For the first time there’ll be a costumed Sunday ‘Promenade’ and on Saturday evening there’s a free parade through the streets with a spectacular lantern parade, live performances, music and some surprises, so make sure you take the family along!

It’s all inspired by the stories of Stamford’s Georgian past, and includes tethered balloon rides reliving a pioneering flight from English balloonist Charles Green from Stamford gas works in 1825.

The street market on Broad Street from 10am – 4.30pm over the weekend is a great opportunity to start picking up some gifts and treats with a huge range of goodies.

Loads of local venues are getting involved – there’s a Steampunk Cabaret on Saturday night at Stamford Corn Exchange, themed shows at Stamford Arts Centre and Medieval almshouses at Browne’s Hospital will open their doors for tours.

Not So Gorgeous Georgians, is an interactive walk for families and reveals some of the gruesome aspects of Georgian life and a Stamford Sights and Secrets Tour offers children a surprise look at chocolate, balloons, bovines, toilets ... and more!

For all information and tickets www.stamfordgeorgian festival.co.uk. Or call Stamford Arts Centre on 01780 763203.

16th – 19th October 2019 7pm (Wednesday – Saturday) 2.30pm (Saturday Matinee)

Key Theatre, Embankment Rd, Peterborough PE1 1EF Box office 01733 207239

www.greasepeterborough.co.uk Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey This amateur production of GREASE is presented through special arrangement with and all authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 122-124 Regent Street, 3rd floor, London W1B 5SA. www.theatricalrights.co.uk

ManTown about

ano Pep Cipri pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

Al FRESCO ANYONE?

Adult store Love Honey claims bonking outdoors has been on the increase this summer. Of course it has. I regularly swap my bed for torrential rain, hurricane winds and loitering foxes.

Time for a Ride Gentlemen

New Vibe at New Theatre It’s no exaggeration when I say we’re very lucky to have an excellent venue in the New Theatre Peterborough.

We’re also extremely lucky that it’s being operated by Selladoor Venues who are at the business end of show business. It’s because of their intervention that our once failing theatre was rescued.

And not only is it being given a new lease of life with refurbishment plans on the way, the standard of the shows we can now enjoy on our doorstep are what a growing city like ours deserves to boast about.

I was at the launch of this season’s programme and was impressed with the quality of what’s in store and by the enthusiasm and experience of a top team behind the scenes.

Yes, the new owners have secured us some of the very best shows money can buy. But they’re also mindful that the venue could do with a bit of sprucing up and with it a testament to its original saviour Peter Boizot.

Before long we’ll see the aptly named Boizot Lounge decorated in a jazz theme and adorned with photographs of Peterborough’s first son

CIAOS OUT: 14 www.espmag.co.uk

enjoying his first love in a building he was extremely proud of. With so much history (and big stars of stage and screen) associated with the theatre, I hope to see this reflected as part of its sympathetic refurbishment too.

We’ve already been able to attract The Four Tops in what was a sellout crowd for their only UK theatre show this year. And September promises to continue where The Four Tops left off with Rip It Up (featuring our very own Louis Smith) and Avenue Q (Tony Award winner for best musical) both close to selling out.

Better still, Strictly fans are snapping up tickets to see ballroom champion Katya Jones (I’ll be drooling at the mouth) star as Glinda in The Wizard Of Oz this Christmas. And what’s more, dancers in this production will be coming directly from the grass roots of Peterborough with the help of the excellent tutelage of Tu Danse.

Get booking folks! Visit www.newtheatre-peterborough.com.

It’s that one time of the year when motorcyclists swap their normal riding attire for tweed jackets, stylish shirts, polished brogues and old-school open-faced helmets.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride takes place across the world on Sunday September 29 and Iron Horse Ranch House in Market Deeping is inviting you along for the ride.

This annual event unites classic and vintage style motorcycle riders to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

Anyone with a motorcycle or scooter can register to take part as long as they fundraise and wear a traditional gentleman’s suit.

Iron Horse Ranch House is expecting more than 200 riders at their diner for 2pm when they’ll have a spot of lunch and be entertained by a band. There’s room for more to join the ride and for details visit www.ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk.

MY

WORD OF THE MONTH

SEPTEMBER Not the month but the song by Earth, Wind & Fire. It was one of Eddie Nash’s tunes to play at the end of the night in Quo Vadis when the lights went up and it was time to go home.

Brings back memories: Sweat and smoke, Sol, leather jacket, Malibu Mission video, VIP Lounge, shiny shoes, 32” waist, Fiat Coupe, three nuns and a priest, Fahrenheit, Santino’s, Amaretto and coke, gold card, lifts home, Abi Titmuss, WKD, paparazzi and Chilli Hut.

Gary - time for a catch-up bro Joe - need you to give me a bonus Wonkey crew - time for another session?

Dave S - when’s your next bank run? Tom - script update? Neil - time to sell my Chopper!

Proudly sponsored by

54 Second Drove Industrial Estate, Fengate, Peterborough www.thenostalgialounge.co.uk Telephone: 01733 562653

Scooter Club’s Nod to Girl From The Fens

Get Grumpy at SAMM’s

I’m left with a song in my head after being sent a link to it on YouTube and I can’t get it out!

I thought I’d seen it all but this is certainly a novel way to raise money for charity.

The guys at SAMM’s bar on Bridge Street aren’t giving too much away apart from telling us it’ll be a night to remember – for all the wrong reasons.

So, if you dare, be sure to go to their Grumpy’s Bar night on Saturday September 14 where you’ll be greeted with loads of insults and rubbish service.

The Facebook page sums it up with: “Come and have a s**t night out for charity.

Enjoy being told to **** off by people who really mean it and compare the most offensive insults with your so-called friends.”

Consciously providing awful customer service and attitude to raise money for charity has got to be a first for Peterborough. I could name a few venues where this is standard without the charity bit, but that’s for another column…

SAMM’s has always strived to bring something different to the city and they’re doing just that. But if you don’t fancy being on the receiving end of a barrage of insults at their Grumpy gig then maybe Lip Sync Battles is one for you.

Much like Lip Sync Battles on Comedy Central, you compete against others to become the king or queen of the stage.

You pick the song, SAMM’s provide the track and then you battle it out!

There’s a cash or alcoholic prize every month for the winner and the next battle is on Wednesday September 4.

The Flatlanders Scooter Cllub at The Ship Inn, March “The end result was a fantastic and funny music video that brought clubs and scooterists together for a marvellous day showcasing some of the nicest areas of East Anglia.

“But it didn’t end there. Our club organised a film premiere at Ebeneezers in Peterborough and it was our very own night at the Oscars!”

I love their commitment to this idea and even going as far as to hold a premiere for the video was brilliant. Scooterists have certainly got some passion and I was pleased to meet up with the club at The Ship Inn at March on my own Vespa. You can find out more about the Flatlanders on Facebook and you can watch the video for yourself on: https://youtu.be/g2Ft6uR33Nk. If you’d like to order a DVD then please PayPal £8 to flatlanderssc@gmail.com under friends and family together with your name and address.

Photo: Luke Burridge

But it’s a good thing. Watch the remake of Girl From The Fens music video and it’ll probably resonate and repeat with you too.

The new version of the video is fab, the song is funny and catchy and the scooters in this take on it are tip top.

The new Girl From The Fens video is a collaboration between Fenland-based Flatlanders Scooter Club and The Ouse Valley Singles Club band. The band already had a video out for the tune which had proved popular but a local scooter fan has come up with a new version paying tribute to the area’s scooterists.

The song is a tongue in cheek take on the local history of the Fens and a girl from the area. Terry Vine, joint founder of The Flatlanders, told me: “I wanted to create a music video along the same lines as Good Thing, the 1980’s Fine Young Cannibals hit, which included a lot of scooterists. Girl From The Fens has references to Chatteris, Wisbech, Kings Lynn, Spalding and Peterborough, so I got scooter clubs from these areas to be in it too.

“I'd already had a video storyboard milling around my head for a few months. I sent my ideas to the film director and he came back with a rundown of the video sequence, which wasn't too far from what I had envisaged, so that was a result.

“Not only did I need to get as many scooterists involved, I also had to bring in marshalls from AAA Motorcycle Training to ensure the 120-mile ride went without a hitch.

We had 120 scooters from eight different clubs feature in the video and there were only two breakdowns!

Terry, right, at the video premiere at Ebeneezers

CAUGHT IN THE ACT! “A humble t-shirt can trigger an increase in endorp hins. Discuss.” www.espmag.co.uk

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In the market for some tasty food or entertainment?

Peterborough City Market is more than a place to grab some new gear or your fruit and veg – it’s a thriving events venue too.

I

t’s recently hosted an exciting Battle Lines art event and there’s plenty more to come plus the Food Court has really taken off proving a great place for some deliciously different grub.

It’s less than five minutes walk from Queensgate Shopping Centre and our city’s covered market has something for everyone with more than 50 stalls!

But did you know it’s available to host external events? From yoga to demonstrations, through to events as big as Battle Lines you too can hold an event there – even better it’s free to use the space!

There’s lots to look forward to already with the City Market’s very own Christmas lights switch on happening over the weekend of November 22/23

with lots of festive fun. The market will also be participating in the first Syntax Poetry Festival in November and we’ll have more on that in the next issue.

If you're on the lookout for a vintage bargain then don't miss the Market Auction, in association with Bateman's of Stamford on alternate Fridays at 1pm (view auction items from 9am).

The Food Court has also become a major attraction this year with some really great independent stalls and eateries bringing some real variety to the city centre.

You'll find some of the finest cuisine in Peterborough with street food from Thailand, Italy, Japan, India, Greece, Nigeria and vegan dishes all perfect for your lunch (and at great prices) or to take home for your evening meal. The latest addition will be a Mexican food stall. Plus in the modern food hall you’ll also find a butcher and fishmonger so dinner is truly sorted!

If you fancy trying your hand at being an entrepreneur they’ll help you get started as anyone taking on a stall gets the first month's rent free. You can get in touch by emailing market@peterborough.gov.uk.

Battle Lines are drawn at City Market

Peterborough is oozing with talent. We have some amazing artists living in Peterborough and the surrounding areas, but you probably wouldn’t know it.

Therefore, we now have Battle Lines – a live art battle created by local street artist and illustrator Princess Marshall.

Battle Lines has been growing in popularity over recent months. It sees artists going head-to-head to create the

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best work they can in just 90 minutes. The audience then votes for a winner.

I joined around 200 people at a recent Battle Lines event at the Peterborough City Market. The atmosphere was fantastic and right away I knew that this was just the type of event our city needs. Artist Lee Mason was voted the winner over Graham George, and both pieces of artwork can now be seen in the market. The evening was finished off with music from Peterborough hip-hop musician Xidus Pain.

Princess decided to bring Battle Lines to Peterborough after seeing it at other UK venues. She told me, "The art scene in Peterborough has been pretty quiet. We're hoping to change that. I know of so many talented artists in the city. Events like this give them a chance to come together, get to

know each other and share ideas. It brings artists from all backgrounds and styles together that perhaps wouldn’t have had the chance to meet without an event like this.”

If you’d like to battle or know someone who would like to, email battlelinespboro@gmail.com or checkout Facebook: Battle Lines / Instagram: Battle Lines Pboro to see when and where the next battle will be.

Mikey Clarke

Food Glori us Food Tap and Tandoor Now Open It’s always great to see some new independents adding to the drinking and dining out scene in the city and the Tap & Tandoor didn’t disappoint.

The ESP team went along to the preview evening ahead of the gastro pub’s busy opening week and enjoyed a great range of cocktails, ales and delicious food.

Director Ajay Kenth told us his experiences in Solihull of having to travel out of town for the food he wanted, but not in the best environment, led to them setting up the first Tap & Tandoor. Combining great beer and tasty food in a laid back atmosphere proved such a success they’ve now introduced the concept to Peterborough.

Now open in the former Carluccio’s restaurant site on the edge of Queensgate, the revamped building sports a shabby chic styling.

Ajay told us – “We’re serving craft beers, keeping the British pub atmosphere, and we’re doing great Indian food.

“You can come in just for a drink so there’s a dedicated bar area, you can watch the football, have a meal or just a couple of snacks.

“The menu itself reflects what we do at home, so we don’t have 50 curries – we have 11. Mixed grills are a great thing to share, marinated meats which are quite visually stunning and then it’s more about big groups. That’s what we’re

M E D I A

S E R V I C E S

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aiming for, that sharing capacity – order seven or eight dishes between you, get it all on the table and dive in. It’s very social eating.”

Drinks wise they’re also keen to offer something a little different which should help them stand out from the crowd.

“We’ve got a core range of mass market beers and then all the craft selection,” explained Ajay. “We also have a package selection so people can take them away as well.

“We look at the ratings on beers, are they award winning breweries, craft breweries and get those that others don’t seem to be doing. The beers will vary on a weekly basis.”

We were pleased to see, and sample, an exciting range of bespoke cocktails which went down a treat and at £8 are well priced. They’ve been put together by an award winning consultant, Rob Wood from Birmingham “Cocktails shouldn’t be full of sugar they should be full of ingredients that complement each other, just as our food does.” says Ajay.

“Hopefully we’re bringing something different to the area that people will like.”

The Chalkboard Tea Room and Bistro The Chalkboard Tea Room and Bistro is now up and running at the Key Theatre's restaurant on the Embankment.

The new venture by two friends, serves a range of afternoon teas, breakfasts, vegan options and their signature 'Chalkboard' charcuterie platters.

After a few weeks of getting their feet under the table, ESP caught up with Hannah Spence, a former teacher, and Andy Jones from City Resources and Escape Peterborough to find out their plans.

“We’ve been friends for a while and both had dreams of opening a tea room so decided to do it!” explained Hannah. “We looked at a few possible locations in Peterborough and jumped at the chance to open The Chalkboard at the Key Theatre. We are going to work closely with the Key Theatre to do themed menus, pre-show and post-show menus.

“We have a fully stocked bar and we can open until late so people can enjoy a drink by the river. We hope to launch our evening menu very soon which will include fillet steak, pasta dishes, salads, calzones cooked in our own pizza oven and a children's menu with vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. We’ve also launched a fish and chip supper on a Friday night.”

They serve their Chalkboards from 12pm daily which are proving popular with a glass of wine by the river. These showcase local British cheeses and meats plus meats from Spain and Italy.

They are keen to use local produce with sausages, bacon and ham from Grasmere, and Hambleton Bakery supplying breads, scones and tarts.

During the day you can pick your own afternoon tea for £15 with a wide choice of sandwich fillings, bread, scones and a large selection of cake and savoury options. Plus there are weekday and weekend deals where prices start from £4 for a hot drink and a cake.

“The views from the restaurant are stunning and we want The Chalkboard to be a place where people can come and relax with friends and family whether they are visiting the theatre or not,” added Hannah. “We have heaters and blankets ready for the winter months!

All the tables in the restaurant have a river view and it is even pretty when raining.” www.thechalkboard peterborough.co.uk

See more on www.espmag.co.uk.

DID YOU KNOW WE DID THIS?

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Double Bubble Tea House

Photos: Karen Ryska

There’s been another new opening in the city offering something new.

The Double Bubble Tea House had its grand opening in Rivergate in August and it’s looking blooming lovely!

Serving Bubble Tea, Thai Rolled Ice Creams and a variety of desserts including vegan options, it’s certainly giving us a taste of something different in the city centre.

It’s the dream of owners Aleksandra who has a passion for baking and constant creating, and Pawel Zarnowiec, with Karen Ryska who’s always ready to snap some amazing pics for Instagram!

So what exactly is Bubble Tea? Karen tells us it’s sometimes known as Boba Tea and Pearl Milk Tea. It’s a Taiwanese tea based drink served with milk or juice, with a flavour and toppings of your choice, served hot or cold depending on your preference.

Karen explained – “Each Bubble Tea is a unique form of sweet and refreshing dessert which drops to the very bottom of the cup! In our menu you will be able to find a variety of both traditional flavours and fruity ones. We are

planning to bring in all the special drinks as well for occasions like Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day.” They are also introducing us to Thai Rolled Ice Creams.

Originaly created and served in Thailand as a street food snack it’s evolved over the years to be served in the best restaurants in the world. Sweet, creamy and refreshing rolled ice creams are served with toppings such as cookies, fresh fruits, nuts, tapioca pearls, bursting juice balls and jellies.

It gets even better with their range of homemade pastries – they’re offering a variety of sweet desserts such as freshly baked croissants, homemade vegetarian marshmallows, chocolate blocks with fruits and nuts, muffins, tarts and much, much more.

All the Bubble Teas (both milky and fruity) are 100% vegan and gluten free, and there’s a choice of milk.

You can find Double Bubble Tea House at Unit 8 in the Rivergate Centre.

Instagram: doublebubble_teahouse www.doublebubble teahouse.com

You can’t beat a bit of tea and cake so we’re loving what they’ve done at Van Hage creating a beautiful new area especially for Afternoon Tea – and doesn’t it look fab?

The garden centre at Eye has made some changes to the VH Café and now you can relax and unwind with a delicious afternoon tea in this designated area surrounded by blooms.

There’s full hire and table booking available so if you have a special occasion or get-together planned you can secure your spot, just give them a call on 01733 221400. www.espmag.co.uk

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WIN TICKETS TO CRAFTING LIVE!

C

rafting Live is bigger and better than ever before, with greater Make and Take numbers and even more events for both families and long-time Crafting Live goers to enjoy.

After the exciting reception at Crafting Live Doncaster, they’ve increased their Make and Take slots in response to overwhelming demand. The Make and Takes are a hugely popular part of the shows, partly thanks to the fact that they’re completely free for all guests! Get stuck into a

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project and take the result home with you to do with as you wish.

They’ll also have free face painting for kids and the incredible Aardman Model Making Workshop, a masterclass led by a veteran Aardman model maker who will guide you in recreating a beloved character from modelling clay. You can take your work home with you too, as a unique souvenir of your Crafting Live visit!

If you’re looking for a truly special experience,

their VIP tickets are the perfect choice. With fasttrack entry to the show, a bonus Make and Take, access to an exclusive VIP lounge and much, much more, they’re the best way to get the very most from your Crafting Live experience.

Head down to the East of England Arena and Events Centre, meet their crafty celebrities, do some shopping with a wealth of exhibitors, and enjoy a weekend at Crafting Live!

COMPETITION

Crafting Live is the award-winning crafting show by Stephanie Weightman, and it’s returning to Peterborough on October 18 and 19 for another jam-packed weekend of fun for 2019!

If you’re tempted, we’re giving away 20 regular tickets and 5 VIP tickets for lucky winners to attend Crafting Live Peterborough completely free and reap all the benefits of this jampacked event.

Just email us the answer to this question along with your name, address and contact number: Q: What is the name of the Aardman animations dog that stars with Wallace?

T&Cs - Closing date September 30. Usual competition rules apply.

There is no cash alternative.

Winners will be drawn at random and notified by ESP.

EMAIL:

COMPETITION@ ESPMAG.CO.UK

More than just a garden centre

Featured date...

10% OFF

26th September CHRISTMAS PREVIEW NIGHT Our garden centre takes on the magic of Christmas!

We are happy to invite all our customers, their family and friends to our special Christmas Preview evening from 6pm - 8pm.

Free mince pie and wine on arrival.

Be the first to view our new Christmas collections and amazing festive display to get you into the Christmas spirit!

artificial Christmas trees on the night

Enjoy wine, live music , food samples, mince pies and much, much more.

Tell your friends!

Featured departments...

LOCAL ARTIST

FOOD

Djibo Art

New menu for VH Café

FAMILY FUN

Mini Farm There’s something for everyone at...

Van Hage Garden Centre PE1 Retail Park, Eye Road, Eye, Peterborough PE1 4YZ t: 01733 221400 e: peterborough@vanhage.co.uk

Join us in Café VH on Tuesdays for OAP day and every Friday for Fish ‘n’ Chip Friday!

paparazzi Caught in the act?

Deepings Raft Race We love a bit of quirky British fun and this annual charity event in August attracted big crowds watching the action on the river, enjoying the entertainment throughout the day and the many stalls.

ESP’s photographer Mike Harris was there to capture the action as 40 rafts took to the water on what proved to be another great family day out with the streets packed with people.

Crews donned colourful fancy dress for this year’s theme of Mardi Gras and Carnival and once again the events raised vital funds for local charities.

The main race winners were the Fat Tuesday Boys and the Deepings Stage took the pub race title. The award for the Best Dressed Raft was a tie between Spalding Round Table and Rio Trio.

See more on www.deepingsraftrace.co.uk or their Facebook Page, Deepings Raft Race.

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www.espmag.co.uk

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Grease is the one that you want!

Grease is most definitely the word with this new musical coming to the Key Theatre next month selling out fast.

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t seems we just can’t get enough of those Summer Nights and tickets have been selling like Greased Lightening!

TAG Theatre Productions have had to add an extra show on Wednesday October 16 with the performances on Friday October 18 and the final show on Saturday October 19 already sold out.

Show Producer, Catherine Mayer, told ESP – “The interest in our performance of Grease has surpassed everyone’s expectations, and with just weeks to go before the show, it’s bound to be a sell out, so we wanted to make sure there were still seats available to those wanting to see this iconic musical.”

We’re hopelessly devoted to the story of the Pink Ladies and T-Birds, hotrods and young love – it’s got to be one of our favourites. This exciting new production of this ever popular musical features an energetic young cast with the lead roles perfectly filled by two talented local actors.

Lily Barron-Clark, from Bourne, will be playing the role of Sandy, the sweet new girl in town who falls for Danny during a school break.

Lily said – “I can’t wait for the show to start, the atmosphere will be unbeatable, especially with a large crowd, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.”

Sandy’s love interest, the charismatic Danny Zuko, will be familiar to many music fans in the city as the frontman of local band Caustic Lights. Calvin Weston from Werrington has performed with local dance studio TuDanse at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London and says he’s always enjoyed being the centre of attention from an early age – “I love the

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escapism from real life, you get to live and breathe someone else’s life for a few hours on stage, and the singing and dancing is such a spectacle that pairs wonderfully with the acting and characterisation in most musicals.”

“

...the entire cast is incredibly strong and audiences are going to love this new, vibrant and fresh production of Grease.

”

Show Director, Darren Maddison says he had no doubt he’d found the right stars for the show instantly and is delighted with the way rehearsals are going. He says it’s going to be an amazing night out – “We are so pleased to have found Calvin and Lily, the moment they met we knew they were perfect for the parts. In fact the entire cast is incredibly strong and audiences are going to love this new, vibrant and fresh production of Grease.”

Grease guest choreographer, Neil Couperthwaite, played ‘Doody’ in the West End It’s good to see local companies getting behind new ventures and headline sponsor Princebuild Ltd, a Peterboroughbased family-run business who specialise in providing a diverse range of services across the construction industry are backing TAG Theatre Production’s first musical.

So get your leather jackets at the ready and grab your tickets to see the nation’s all-time favourite musical at Peterborough’s Key Theatre from October 16 - 19.

Call the box office on 01733 207239. www.TAGTheatreProductions.com

A five star run of shows featuring…

The Broadway hit Avenue Q Singing legend Lulu

X Factor’s Matt Terry TV’s Martin Shaw Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones

Jack Allen

Richie Ross

Starring Role:

Marketing Manager

Lead Role: Theatre Director Previous Credits: I have over 20 years experience in the theatre industry so I’ll be taking the director’s chair to make sure we have the best cast to produce a real hit on Peterborough’s Broadway strip. Like they say ‘Fame costs...

And right here’s where you start paying for it’. I’m aiming for 5 star reviews.

Critical Acclaim: I’m the only one who knows whodunit whenever I watch The Mousetrap.

Quote: “I am the director after all, I make sure everyone is standing in the right place at the right time, saying all the right lines… but not necessarily in the right order.”

Previous Credits: After several years learning my craft and treading the marketing boards working at Vivacity and the Key Theatre, I’m in touch with the needs of Peterborough audiences and know a hit from a flop. I’ll be taking centre stage to spread the word about all the fantastic shows coming to the city.

Critical Acclaim: Our Wizard of Oz Christmas panto star, Strictly’s Katya Jones, says I have two left feet!

Quote: “It’s a challenging role and I’m studying my lines but I’m looking forward to spreading the word about what this great theatre has to offer – hopefully I’ll get a standing ovation.”

At last it’s curtain up for the company bringing Peterborough New Theatre to life and what a season they’re bringing us!

W

e’re all pretty excited at ESP, eagerly awaiting this new addition to our entertainment scene. It’s the first time a professional theatre production company has run the venue on Broadway and the cast from Selladoor Venues are stepping out centre stage to bring us an amazing experience, top quality shows and plenty of celebs to the city.

The team fronted by seasoned theatre director Richie Ross are a talented crew who know the industry well and are ready to bring us the theatre experience we deserve. They’ve already invested

thousands on updating the staging, lighting and sound, bar and box office as well as refurbishing the newly named Boizot Lounge.

“As we prepare to open the doors audiences can look forward to enjoying more than just exceptional entertainment as we rejuvenate some of the wonderful front of house spaces,” said Richie. “Visitors can expect new delicious food and drink offers, dining events, live music nights and fabulous opportunities for private hire.

“We’re going to make it the theatre that everyone wants to come to. Honestly,

Jozef Csendes

Ryan Watson

Lucy Allen

Starring Role:

Starring Role:

Starring Role:

Hospitality Manager

Tech Manager

Previous Credits: I’ve spent 7 years working in customer experience operations including the Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall in StokeOn-Trent, Crewe Lyceum, Oxford New Theatre, Liverpool Empire and Guildhall Arts Centre in Grantham. I’m passionate about ensuring everyone has a good time so plan to be the host with the most who’ll cater for your every need.

Previous Credits: Starting out as an Electrician and moving into Stage Management, his diverse portfolio includes musical theatre, opera, festivals, plays and children’s theatre.

He started his career as a Causal, working the Cambridge Theatre scene and slowly worked his way up the ranks. Since then he has worked at the National Theatre, Leicester Curve, Manchester Opera House, The Other Place and the Marlowe Theatre (to name a few).

Deputy Hospitality Manager

Critical Acclaim: Lula says I’ll make her shout if I forget her rider for her show on October 10 – but this singing legend knows it’s all in hand.

Quote: “I’m the meet and greeter who’ll set the stage for a 5 star night out at our theatre.”

some of the programming that’s coming up in the next 18 months is going to be so spectacular – we will promise to deliver a great customer experience when you walk through that front door.

“Our aim is to put the local community at the centre of everything we do and look forward to people enjoying a great night out with us!”

Dozens of quality shows are lined up bringing us West End hits, great concerts, top plays and proving there’s no place like home for a magical panto – Strictly’s Katya Jones will be appearing in The Wizard of Oz this December.

Hometown hero, Olympic gymnast

Critical Acclaim: I taught Louis Smith everything he knows… about sound and lighting… not gymnastics or dance.

Quote: “I’m wired about opening night and hope to put the spotlight on the fantastic stars we have coming here.”

turned dancer and Strictly winner, Louis Smith has given his endorsement to this new era. Louis is proudly bringing his hugely successful dance show Rip it Up the 70s to the New Theatre and will be launching the new season under Selladoor Venues on Friday September 20.

Then the show that’s seen sell out runs on Broadway and the West End, Avenue Q, sees out the month running from September 24 - 28. This cheeky musical may feature puppets but it’s definitely for adults only! It’s packed with plenty of political incorrectness, mischief and bad behavior. It’s had loads of five star reviews and as the Edinburgh Evening News said –

Previous Credits: Having worked at the Key Theatre for 8 years I’ve played my part in the wings rising from front of house casual to operations assistant. Highly skilled on box office, bar and operations I know how to make sure this theatre experience wins over the critics.

Critical Acclaim: I like to ‘move it move it’ with Matt Terry (X Factor winner and star of Madagascar the Musical) Quote: “When it comes to hospitality I’ll make sure we’re a box office hit that gets applause at every show.”

‘You’d be a muppet to miss it!’

After that, October launches with a bang so you better ‘move it, move it’ to the box office and grab your tickets for the smash hit musical Madagascar starring X Factor winner Matt Terry from October 2 - 6.

It’s then a line-up of stars including Lulu (October 10), Martin Shaw in Gaslight (October 21 – 26), Jorgie Porter and Keith Jack in Fame (November 25) with loads more leading up to the big panto, The Wizard of Oz (December 14 – 31).

So, let the good times roll and take your seats folks – the show is most definitely going on!

TRUSTED TICKET SALES Buy with confidence through Spektrix at the New Theatre.

Book online on www.newtheatrepeterborough.com pop into the box office or call 01733 852992.

The stars are lining up to take to the Peterborough New Theatre stage!

Rip It Up the 70s

Avenue Q

Madagascar The Musical

September 20

September 24 - 28

October 2 - 6

Strictly winner and Olympian turned dance star, Peterborough’s own Louis Smith joins S-Club 7’s Rachel Stevens, Pussy Cat Doll Melody Thornton and Blue’s Lee Ryan to bring a whole host of nostalgia to life in dance show Rip It Up the 70s, with all the hits that defined the era.

The West End and Broadway hit and winner of the Tony Awards Triple Crown for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book - Avenue Q – is a laugh-out-loud musical with all of your favourite (and unforgettable) characters trying to make sense of life’s burning issues.

Full of mischief and bad behavior it’s not for your little muppets with an age guidance of 14+

‘Move it’ to see this critically acclaimed, smash hit, family musical. Based on the much loved Dreamworks film, join Alex (X Factor Winner Matt Terry) Marty, Melman and Gloria, as they escape New York Zoo to find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

Lulu

Gaslight

The Mousetrap

October 10

October 21 - 26

November 4 - 9

Here’s something to shout about as the singing legend performs live as part of her latest huge tour, Still on Fire. The show’s packed with hits as Lulu takes us on a personal journey through her music supported by a four piece band and LED screen visuals of family and career defining moments.

Bill Kenwright presents Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight the classic psychological thriller starring TV star Martin Shaw (Judge John Deed, Inspector George Gently and The Professionals). This new production sees the detective navigating through the mysterious hazes of fact and fiction, in his pursuit of the truth, and just what is driving Bella Manningham mad?

This murder thriller is the longest running show in the world and has kept people guessing for years. The Agatha Christie classic starring Susan Penhaligon, is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, still asking the question – Whodunnit?!

Mr Men and Little Miss On Stage

Fame The Musical

The Wizard of Oz

November 25 - 30

December 14 - 31

November 12 - 13

Direct from the West End Jorgie Porter and Keith Jack lead the cast of Fame The Musical in its 30th Anniversary tour. The international smash hit sensation follows the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows, the romances and the heartbreaks and the ultimate elation of life.

The Wizard of Oz starring Strictly Champion Katya Jones as Glinda! Follow the yellow brick road to the New Theatre for a high energy show full of popular hits and lots of audience participation and all of your favourite panto ingredients. This will surely mean there will be no place like Peterborough this festive season.

Your little ones can look forward to classic Mr Men and Little Miss On Stage as they leap off the page and onto the stage – featuring Mr Bump, Little Miss Splendid, Mr Tickle, Little Miss Inventor and many more.

Tickets are on sale now at

www.newtheatre-peterborough.com

or call

and for your chance to win a year’s worth of free tickets to Peterborough New Theatre make sure you sign up today for more information.

01733 852 992

DID YOU KNOW WE DID THIS?

ESP will carry out a FREE review of your current Digital Marketing Strategy to see what improvements could be made.

Website Design & Management

M E D I A

S E R V I C E S

Social Media

• A new website designed for your business, including customisable submission forms, online booking systems, e-commerce, email marketing tools and customer-relationship software.

• Firstly we will identify which platforms would suit your business best. Then we will set up all your accounts and manage your presence ongoing.

• Choose from a multitude of apps which can be installed to help you manage your business better.

• We can also help you with any paid for Social Media campaigns you may wish to carry out to maximise your business results.

• Your new website will include all on-site Search Engine Optimisation and will be fully set up with Google including analytics to maximise your online presence.

• All web pages will be built to be fully mobile optimised so they display and function correctly on any mobile device or tablet.

• ESP Media Services can also share your content across our own network as part of an ongoing marketing package to expose your business to all ESP’s followers, readers, subscribers and friends.

For your FREE review and a friendly chat with a member of our dedicated digital marketing team call ESP Media Services now on 01733 381266 or email office@espmag.co.uk.

paparazzi Caught in the act?

Party time @ Holiday Inn West The Holiday Inn Peterborough West hosted a fab PreChristmas party for local companies and groups to have a taster of their Christmas parties back in June. Yes we said June…

Their Christmas parties are very popular and 5,000 people have already booked in!

ESP joined 160 guests at the preview and our photographer Mike Harris was there to capture the action. Guests sampled a turkey Christmas dinner, and were entertained by host Kev Lawrence, singer Peter Jay, casino tables and resident DJ Strobe Disco Roadshow.

Carole Hughes from Anna’s Hope was handed a cheque for £500, raised by recent charity events at the hotel and General Manager Peter Gregory outlined all the great changes in the hotel with the addition of a Starbucks, refurbished bar and restaurant, meeting and event suites, gym and a new patio area.

If you’re interested in sampling their Christmas Parties, there’s another event in September please call 01733 289933 or email: conferences@hipeterborough.valoreurope.com.

You can see all of our Paparazzi photos on our Facebook page.

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www.espmag.co.uk

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Gavin Miller’s

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Movie Preview

IT: CHAPTER TWO Cast: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Skarsgard Director: Andy Muschietti

O

ne of the biggest blockbuster horrors of all-time gets its sequel – and final part – as this movie version of Stephen King’s novel receives its highly-anticipated conclusion.

Set twenty-seven years after their first encounter with the terrifying clown-being Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard), a devastating phone call brings back the now grown-up Losers Club – including James McAvoy (X-Men: First Class series), Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) and Bill Hader (Trainwreck) – with the young cast (including Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard) from the first film, still seen in flashbacks.

This time the group aim to finish Released the job they tried to do in the original movie – with the excellent trailer undoubtedly whetting the appetite of fans.

SEP

6

DOWNTON ABBEY The iconic British historical period drama finally gets its own film – a continuation of the TV series that ran from 2010-2015.

Much of the original cast return – including Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Matthew Goode and Penelope Wilton – as the King and Queen visit the legendary abbey, causing a stir among the Crawleys and servants alike. This will undoubtedly be a favourite with fans who’ll be pleased to know they’ve been expecting you…

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Released

Released

SEP

SEP

13

AD ASTRA Brad Pitt’s astronaut Roy McBride travels to the edge of the solar system to try and find his – presumed dead – legendary father (Oscar-winner Tommy Lee Jones) and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet.

He uncovers secrets in the backdrop of the eighth planet, Neptune, which challenge the nature of human existence and our place in the cosmos.

This mystery drama from the director of The Lost City of Z, co-stars Liv Tyler, Ruth Negga and Donald Sutherland.

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THE INFORMER

Released

AUG

30

An ex-convict and former special operations soldier (Suicide Squad’s Joel Kinnaman) working undercover intentionally gets himself incarcerated again in order to infiltrate the mob at a maximumsecurity prison. But when a drug deal goes wrong, and threatens to identify him as a mole, he’s left to fend for himself in this thriller that co-stars Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) and Clive Owen (Children of Men).

RAMBO: LAST BLOOD

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Baby Driver’s Ansel Elgort stars as Theo Decker, a young man whose life was turned upside-down when his mother was killed in a Metropolitan Museum of Art bombing when he was just 13. Confused in the wake of the tragedy he stole a priceless piece of art known as The Goldfinch – before being taken in by a wealthy family after the harrowing events. Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman co-stars in this moving drama.

READY OR NOT

4 4 4

Released

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Almost four decades after they drew first blood, Sylvester Stallone returns as one of his most iconic characters, John Rambo. More than ten years since the ultraviolent fourth instalment, Rambo most confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge for one last mission – as he takes on the Mexican cartel that’s kidnapped his friend’s daughter – in reportedly the final chapter of the cult series.

THE GOLDFINCH

Sales and Lettings teams with over 25 years’ experience

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A new bride’s (The Babysitter’s Samara Weaving) wedding night takes an extremely bizarre and sinister turn when her eccentric new inlaws force her to partake in a terrifying family ritual – that ends up with her being hunted in a lethal game. Four Weddings and a Funeral’s Andie MacDowell and The OC’s Adam Brody also star in this intriguing-looking horror-thriller with a truly chilling undertone.

www.espmag.co.uk

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Tiling, Slating, Lead Work, New Roofs,Re-Roofs, Fascia, Soffit and Gutter.

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It’s time to be a denim diva and don your favourite pair for a good cause.

T

he Jeans for Genes Day campaign is back this September and plenty of celebs are squeezing into their skinnies to promote this great cause.

Supported by Peterborough actor Warwick Davis and stars like our ESP cover girl Mollie King, this annual campaign by Genetic Disorders UK raises funds to support children and families affected by life-altering genetic disorders. It’s estimated that one in 25 children is affected by a genetic disorder, which means 30,000 babies and children are diagnosed in the UK every year.

Warner Bros. UK has for the first time agreed an exclusive charity partnership, with Batman and Batgirl featuring on the limited-edition Jeans for Genes Day t-shirt which will be sold online with all profits going to support children living with genetic disorders.

The t-shirt, available for men, women and for the first time in children’s sizes too, features Batman and Batgirl ‘fighting for a good cause’ and of course teams well with your fave jeans.

Former Saturdays singer Mollie King, now presenting on Radio One, has been joined by her former bandmates Kimberly Walsh, Una Healy and Vanessa White in supporting the campaign along with several high profile names including Eyal Booker, Rebekah Vardy, Josh Patterson, Lauren Pope, Coleen Rooney, Olivia Buckland, Georgia Toffolo and Jack Guinness.

This year, the campaign is giving us a choice of when

34 www.espmag.co.uk

to don our best denim outfits, encouraging us to sign up for a free fundraising pack and then to pick the best day that suits to hold your Jeans for Genes Day between Monday September 16 and Friday September 20.

Mollie King says she was keen to take part once again – “The money raised on this day can help to change the lives of children living with a genetic disorder and offer their families much needed support, which is why I am so proud to be supporting this campaign. I’m really looking forward to being part of this year’s Jeans for Genes Day campaign and encourage everyone to participate, and wear your jeans in support!”

Monies raised on Jeans for Genes Day will fund the work of Genetic Disorders UK and provide grants to organisations for projects, day-to-day support, equipment, respite and events which bring together affected children and their families.

Former Saturdays singer Kimberly Walsh is also getting behind the campaign – “I am once again thrilled to be part of this year’s Jeans for Genes Day campaign and supporting such a great cause. The funds raised help make day to day life that little bit easier and transform the lives of the families and children affected by genetic disorders, seeing what a difference this makes is incredible. Everyone should be a part of this day, so sign up for a free fundraising pack and help make a difference!”

It’s easy to get involved and who doesn’t love to have a dress down day and pull their jeans on? Grab your limited edition t-shirt to add some extra ‘boom’ and ’pow’ to your look and you’ll be on your way to raising vital funds.

Sign up to hold your own Jeans for Genes Day, any time from September 16 to 20 – just head to www.jeansforgenesday.org.

Blue Bell Inn DOGSTHORPE The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience

One of Peterborough oldest Pubs we offer a warm welcome in lovely surroundings.

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.

SEPTEMBER GIGS 7th 14th 20th

BBQs

coming soon!

28th

Dirty Rumour True British Mayhem Candy Twist (The Guards) Junk Puppets

OCTOBER GIGS 5th

Tiger Club

Fight in the woods and undergrowth.

The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve.

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

01733 247171 www.freefirezone.co.uk email: games@freefirezone.co.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk

Blue Bell Inn, Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough PE1 3SA

Tel 01733 313700

HEaLTH

and beauty

ESP’s Rachael Church has all the latest health and beauty news…

rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

As the summer hols come to a close, now’s the time to get planning your new health and wellbeing ideals for this autumn. And ESP has found some local events that can help you do just that. Here are a few of our favourites…

WEar IT PInk

M.a.C’S MakE-uP MaSTErCLaSS! You’re just starting to think about your autumn wardrobe… but what about your autumn make-up look?

The M.A.C make-up team in Queensgate recently held an Autumn Masterclass to teach you tips and tricks of the trade to have you looking insta-ready, even when your glowy summer tan has faded.

If you missed out, make sure you pop in store anyway and talk to some of the stylists about what the autumn trends are and get a stylist to give you a demo anytime.

Grab a copy of next month’s issue or check on www.espmag.co.uk and I’ll tell you more.

On Friday October 18 Breast Cancer Now is encouraging everyone to ‘wear it pink’ and help make life-saving breast cancer research and life-changing support happen.

Lottie Barnden, Head of Mass Participation at Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now told ESP – “In 2017, in the East of England around 5249 women were given the devastating news that they have breast cancer. In the same period around 1177 women from the area sadly died from breast cancer.”

Anyone can take part in Wear it Pink. You might choose to hold a cake sale, opt to organise a raffle or arrange a pink fancy dress day at your school or workplace. No matter how you do it, all the money raised will help to fund vital breast cancer research and support.

Visit www.wearitpink.org to register and claim your free fundraising pack.

BournE WELLBEInG EvEnT Well known to people in the local area, make sure you save the date for the Saturday October 5 event which is planning to be bigger and better than ever. There’ll be loads of stands, talks, treatments, cake and more...

Pop the date in your diary and grab your friends. Find out more details on Facebook.

HaIr and MakE-uP WorkSHoP – LuxE BEauTy and CHarLIE darLoW HaIr This is a great practical workshop for busy working professionals. Teaching you quick and easy natural styles, suitable for the office and day to day, as well as showing you how to glam up for the evening too. It’s taking place on Sunday September 22, 11am-3pm at Stanground Sports College.

Tickets are £70 each including amazing goody bags, light refreshments, prizes to be won, and personal tips to suit you and your style.

Charlie Darlow says, “We can’t wait to teach you all of our pro hair and make-up secrets.”

I will be there, so follow Charlie Darlow on Facebook for more info on how to sign up.

36 www.espmag.co.uk

SEE THE LIGHT @ MBE My Body Essentials always endeavour to bring you the latest innovations in skin care and their newest addition to all their other amazing skin treatments is lightfusion™ advanced light therapy.

This new treatment is designed to enhance elasticity, improve hydration, reduce fine lines, improve uneven skin tone and high colour and help promote collagen activity. We gave it a try and loved the instant brightening and tightening effect.

First of all your skin is cleansed and then a soothing Hydrogel face mask is applied which optimises the LED light wavelengths. Lightweight pads are placed on top of the mask to emit a ten minute facial treatment of pure light therapy that’s relaxing and pain free. It’s designed to promote the body’s own natural healing response and a course of treatments can improve the signs of aging, redness and minor skin problems.

We certainly saw a difference with a glowing, smoother complexion after just one initial treatment.

You can try the photo-facial lightfusion™ as a course or combined with other treatments available at MBE such as Radio Frequency.

You can find out more on www.mybodyessentials.co.uk call MBE on 01733 234251 or drop in at Aston Business Park, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough.

Slimming World Celebrates 50 Years Slimming World’s golden double decker bus, which is on tour celebrating Slimming World’s 50th anniversary year, stopped off in Cathedral Square recently where there were live cookery demonstrations and the chance to sample some of their famous recipes.

Charlotte

A

lso on board were some of the inspirational local slimmers whose lives have changed thanks to losing weight, including Peterborough’s very own Lucie Hadley, who is the current Slimming World Young Slimmer of the Year after shedding over 10 st.

Charlotte Nunns joined her local Slimming World group 18 months ago and dropped 5 and a half stone. Now, she’s trained as a

consultant for Slimming World, and is taking over Oundle’s Saturday morning group on September 14 at Oundle Golf Club.

She says: “I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.”

For more information or to join Charlotte’s group call her on 07494 486131.

Another local lady, Elizabeth Daniels from Thorney, who was overweight and worried about the amount of alcohol that she was consuming has shed both the pounds, and her need for wine with the help of her local Slimming World group.

On Tuesday September 3, Elizabeth will be re-launching the existing Slimming World groups held at Dogsthorpe Community Centre.

Working for many years in a stressful job, Elizabeth found herself relying on alcohol to de-stress and saw her weight increase to 14st 7lbs, lowering her self-esteem and leading to further drinking so she joined her local Slimming World group hoping to take back control.

"Simply telling myself that I was tackling my weight, rather than my drinking, took the shame away,” says Elizabeth. “In my first week of following the plan, I lost half a stone which was a real confidence boost and showed me that I could take control of food which gave me the encouragement to take control of my drinking too.

Buoyed by my continued weight losses, I found that I didn't need wine to cheer me up: looking at my weight loss did that!”

The Slimming World groups held at Dogsthorpe Community Centre are at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Call Elizabeth on Elizabeth 07988 889815.

NEW CONSULTANT FROM 3RD SEPTEMBER

Dogsthorpe Dogsthorpe Community Centre, Poplar Avenue Call Elizabeth 07988 889815

NEW CONSULTANT FROM 14TH SEPTEMBER

Oundle Oundle Golf Club, Benefield Road Call Charlotte 07494 486131

If you want to lose weight and NEVER go hungry, visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk for details of all groups in the area And don’t forget to check out our Slimming World in Peterborough Facebook page for the latest updates

Well Being Karen Devine’s

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Weeding for wellbeing

loneliness, and panic can come along with it and catch you out in moments you don’t expect. I remind myself it’s a process to go through, not something to get over. One thing I don’t do is bottle things up, I have a good network and I can talk. My sweet spots which have been so nourishing for me have been walking outdoors and gardening, after a long walk I feel relaxed, and my mood is instantly elevated.

How letting your garden grow can help your mood bloom...

My garden has become my therapy space. An article I read on Psychology Today by Sarah Rayner really summed this up for me and Sarah gives some good reasons why gardening can lift your spirit: •

•

•

•

• ost of us will at some time in our lives go through periods of feeling low but there’s something I’ve found that has helped me through some of my tough times.

M

We can all sometimes feel fearful, lonely, fatigued, suffer insomnia, as well as a sense of being overwhelmed or suffer anxiousness at certain points.

There will be different triggers for each of us such as divorce, financial crisis, bereavement or other traumas and difficulties. As individuals, we all deal with these events and our feelings differently – some positively and others more negatively.

I want to discuss one positive way we can elevate ourselves, but first I wanted to share a comment made by Russell Brand which really resonated with me when he said – “Society is collapsing, and people are starting to recognise that the reason they feel like they're mentally ill is that they're living in a system that's not designed to suit the human spirit.”

Life has changed so much over the past 20 years, it has become so fast paced and I feel we’re being programmed to constantly ‘need’ something such as new shoes, handbags, the new look, gadgets,

38 www.espmag.co.uk

latest phone. Many people are constantly trying to fill their lives with the next holiday, trip away or night out. Not that there’s anything wrong with wanting to feel good or enjoy a holiday/night out but do these things make you happy, content and at peace or does the novelty wear off and you need the next purchase to help you find the ‘elevated feeling’ again?

In order to feel whole, we must have our basic needs met and fulfilled which are – • Nourishing food • Fresh water • Warmth • Rest and sleep • To feel safe • To feel a sense of belonging with family/friends/community • Personal accomplishments large or small • To reach or maximise our potential

•

‘Looking after plants gives us a sense of responsibility – having to care for plants is a good way to learn to look after and respect other living things’.

‘It allows us all to be nurturers – it doesn’t matter if we are seven or seventy, gardening underlines that we are all nurturers’.

‘It keeps us connected to other living things – gardening can act as a gentle reminder to us that we’re not the centre of the universe. Selfabsorption can contribute to depression, and focusing on the great outdoors – even in the pared-down form of a patio – can encourage us to be less insular’.

‘Gardening helps us relax and let go – the rhythmic nature of many tasks associated with gardening – weeding, trimming, sowing, sweeping – allows thoughts to ebb and flow along with our movements’.

‘Being amongst plants and flowers reminds us to live in the present moment – one of the best ways to calm the anxious mind and lift mood is to become more ‘present’.

‘It reminds us of the cycle of life and so helps us cope with death’.

Rituals can help us work through difficult emotions, including grief, and gardening is a form of ritual involving both the giving of life and acknowledgement of its end; it's symbolic of regeneration.

If you don’t have a garden, you can use planters outside a window or put a hanging basket near the door or you can get involved in community gardens.

Adding colourful pots, calming wind chimes, bird baths and boxes to sit and watch, can all calm the mind and help pull us together.

So is it time for you to make an appointment with Mother Nature today?

When we are imbalanced in any of these needs then we can become self-destructive with bad habits, lack motivation, inactive, sad, lonely or anxious which can lead to longer term mental health issues.

For more read Sarah’s full article at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/w orry-and-panic/201505/petal-power-why-isgardening-so-good-our-mental-health

Having lost both my parents, one in the last year, the feelings of grief and its cousins of fear,

www.karendevine.co.uk

Karen

For even more news and events, check out our website

www.espmag.co.uk

For up to date stories and what’s on like us on Facebook or follow us on twitter @espmagazine /espmagazine

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Ian John Booty (65), Claire Jaggard, Ava and brother George.

? n u R o t Ready

I

t’s almost that time of year again, when Peterborough’s biggest and best running event the Perkins Great Eastern Run takes place. Sunday October 13 will see thousands run 13.1 miles around the city.

For me, having spent most of my life in Peterborough, it’s always a nice nostalgic route and an event I love to fit into my run calendar every year. I recall my mum and dad running it whilst me and my brother and sister raced in the Fun Run which still takes place now under the banner of the amazing Anna’s Hope, a charity very close to my heart whom I’m proud to be a patron of.

40 www.espmag.co.uk

The PGER and Anna’s Hope Fun Run are amazing community events but also attract huge crowds from out of town too. The route is always lined with relentlessly supportive crowds come rain or shine. Last year we had a constant downpour throughout, but that didn’t stop it from being a fantastic event, and I believe the wet weather helped keep me cool to successfully complete a sub-2-hour half marathon with a 20kg pack on my back. Not something I would’ve managed in beating sun, I’m sure. Heavy packs aren’t essential or recommended, but that was one of my fundraising stunts at the time for Anna’s Hope.

The event attracts people of all ages fundraising for lots of amazing causes, including a good friend of mine Ian Booty, who at 65 years young is running it this year for his first time since 1992! Ian’s daughter Claire Jaggard had a complicated birth when baby Ava came into the world a couple of years ago. They are so thankful for the help and support they received from the sick children’s trust aligned to the Rosie Maternity Unit at Addenbrooke’s that they’re running to raise money and awareness for the fantastic team there. Ian says, that they were – “So brilliant and supportive to Claire and Antony and all of us when Ava was born just over 2 years ago.”

It’s not too late to enter PGER or the Anna’s Hope Fun Run, and if you get in quick, you can beat the price rise which goes up £3 after Friday September 20.

There are free running sessions at the Peterborough Athletics Track on Wednesday evenings (September and 18 and October 2). It’s for runners of all levels and offers great support and advice from the coaches there and some of the team from Advance Performance too.

Like a one-stop shop to improve your running performance!

“

The event attracts people of all ages fundraising for lots of amazing causes...

”

If you see me at the start line or anywhere along the route, or ESP’s Mikey Clarke, be sure to give us a shout, the support and cheers from the crowds really does make a difference to the runners and helps keep our tired heads high. I hope you all have a fantastic run!

You can support Ian here www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ ian-booty1.

Head to www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk to enter and find out more.

Follow me @darrengrigas on social media.

Proudly sponsored by

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POSH PAGE

Tel: 01733 380657 www.studio-one.co

ESP’s columnist Phil Adlam brings us the exclusives on all things Peterborough United…

Photos: Joe Dent / www.theposh.com

Podcasts

I will be honest and say that until recently, I had never listened to one. It seems everyone has one now though, from celebrities to comedians, from mates chatting in the pub to football clubs. Yes, you know where I’m going with this. We at Posh have our own official podcast entitled #AUnitedCity. writer of the hit TV show where they essentially went through each of the programmes and explained the concept behind the filming.

S

o what is the appeal of a podcast? Good question.

Media changes so quickly.

Whether that be how you consume your news, or how you’re entertained, there are so many ways to get your fix. One of the first ever podcasts I listened to was actually the ‘Chernobyl Podcast’, six episodes with the

“It was a really interesting listen, it was insightful, it made me think, it made me laugh and it was hugely convenient to listen to.”

It was a really interesting listen, it was insightful, it made me think, it

made me laugh and it was hugely convenient to listen to. It got me thinking. People can listen to podcasts wherever they like, at work (with headphones in), on the train, in their living room, in the car and it’s a huge opportunity to reach a completely different audience.

So we thought, let’s have a go ourselves. Thanks to the help of the Journalism Centre at the Peterborough Regional College, we launched episode one back in July with manager Darren Ferguson joining myself and Posh fan Chris Dowsett in the studio.

It was a 45-minute episode which featured Come Dine with Me with Ivan Toney, Mr and Mr with Darren and chairman Darragh MacAnthony and plenty of chat about music, TV, film and of course football. At the end of August, we recorded episode two with George Boyd our special guest and you can now listen to

the podcast via iTunes, Spotify and all other good podcast providers.

It’s only a matter of time before ESP get involved surely. Can you imagine? Keith reviewing the local music scene with the help of local musicians and bands, Gavin reviewing the latest film release at the Showcase Cinema whilst munching on some heavily salted popcorn and the What’s On guide being spoken in the voice of Alexa in your living room.

They could even call it ESPecially for You, (if in the next 12 months, the magazine launches its own podcast with that name, I want a cut of any profit).

Phil

Commercial, food and product photography, business portraits, press and PR

5 Station Road, Ailsworth, Peterborough, PE5 7AH

The ESP Comedy Guide

sarah.slack@espmag.co.uk

Sarah Slack brings us the ESP guide to where the laughs are at this month…

ESP Talks to Tape Face After storming into the States with appearances on America’s Got Talent and a successful residency in Las Vegas, the international phenomenon known as Tape Face will be back on UK soil this autumn with a brand new tour. Ahead of his performance at the Stamford Corn Exchange, I managed to bag an interview with the man behind the tape to talk oven gloves, sock puppets, and why the world needs more clowns...

F

irstly thank you very much for taking time out of your busy Vegas schedule to promote your upcoming gig in Stamford here in the UK! It’s been a few years since you’ve toured the UK, so what can audiences expect from the new show?

“In many cases it’s more of the same surreal silly humour that audiences have already enjoyed. I have developed this show however to have more strange moments, but we are still sticking with the format of using audience members and everyday objects as the base for all of the comedy in the show.”

In the press release for the upcoming tour, it says ‘Putting your shoes on will never be the same after seeing this show’. Would you care to elaborate, or would that be a major spoiler?

“Let’s just say that when you find the right piece of music and have a sock puppet, certain things change...”

Prior to your huge success in the US, you received the Panel Prize in 2012 at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Now that you’ve had such a significant impact overseas, do you think you were given this quite early on in your career, and has it limited you in any way from coming back to the Fringe now 44 www.espmag.co.uk

you’ve achieved what many would see as the highest accolade to receive?

“Overnight success is a wonderful thing, and whilst I am not sure if winning a prize limits your opportunities, it does put a certain ‘end credits’ to my feelings of the Edinburgh Fringe. The festival was a great place to develop the show and to also see how I need to develop the show outside of Fringe, but there is a lot of world out there which doesn’t care about awards or festivals, and for me everything has to serve a purpose.”

From seeing your shows myself back at the Fringe at the Pleasance Grand, there’s obviously a huge amount of audience participation. How do you deal with people that just don’t want to get involved, whilst also not being able to talk?

“I am very happy to let people say no - the people who come to the show who are sitting there thinking ‘I don’t want to go on stage’ can rest assured that I am thinking the same thing! I am not in the business of getting a laugh at the expense of another human, so I don’t want someone on stage who is hating it and doesn’t want to play. I view audience interaction as an agreement where I am asking the audience member to help me out, and they agree knowing I am going to make them look like the hero and leave the stage to applause.”

Do you have a certain ‘criteria’ for picking the perfect audience member to get involved?

“Sometimes it does come down to if the person is wearing the right coloured top or something, but mostly I am looking for people who look like they are having fun and enjoying the show. The biggest problem I encounter is picking people who want to get involved too much!”

2016 must have been an amazing year as this was when you reached the finals of America’s Got Talent after footage of your auditions went viral on YouTube. How important do you feel YouTube has been in promoting your act, and does it come with its own set of challenges for comedy performers?

“YouTube has been amazing for me as it helped the show reach an international audience.

The only big thing is that the oven gloves routine has essentially become my Stairway to Heaven that audiences are all wanting to see! It won’t be featuring in the new show however as we are

doing 100% new material.”

You’ve previously travelled from New Zealand to the UK as a performer and had huge success in communicating your comedy across to British audiences, but have there been any issues with translating your act for an international audience? Are there any bits of material that no longer get the same reaction, and have you had to cater your act in any way?

“Overall the style of humour I am writing is very much for all audiences. The only piece of material I have had to change for international audiences is a routine where I ask the audience to shout out the sounds of letters because different cultures pronounce letters differently. So when I was doing a show in South Korea, the moment I started this joke I knew it was going to go wrong!”

It’s been widely publicised that you’ve been training other performers to act as understudies (aka T2s!) in your Las Vegas residency, however recently some audiences in the US were disappointed they weren’t getting the “real deal”, so to speak. What was your reaction to this situation, given it was so overtly promoted, and has it changed how the residency will be promoted in future?

“The people who were most upset were the people who wanted to have a ‘celebrity’ experience of seeing “that guy from the TV” in front of them, but when 1-2 people are upset, the other 178 people in the room are laughing and giving the show a standing ovation at the end. We have worked incredibly hard to keep the show quality the same, and ultimately the show is about a character playing in a world of people and props, so we will continue to be promoting the show as exactly what it is - the Tape Face show.”

What was the audition process like for performers who wanted to become the next Tape Face?

“It is a very fun process indeed – a lot of the time people don’t even know when the auditions have even started! The main characteristic is that you need to have funny bones – if you know funny then we can play.”

Finally, I can’t imagine what will top having a successful three year residency in Las Vegas, but do you have a five year plan for the future of Tape Face? Does it include more UK dates, or even a potential return to the Fringe?

“I am the type of performer who writes plans, goals and lists, but I am also the type who doesn’t tell people what I am up to! What I can tell you however is that we are not even halfway through the plan at this stage. This may include more festivals in future as I think one thing is certain the world needs more clowns!”

Tape Face will be performing at the Stamford Corn Exchange on Thursday September 26. For more information and to book tickets, please call 01780 766455 or visit www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

Fleabag Screenings After the hugely successful second series was broadcast earlier this year, it’s no surprise when it was announced there would be a live screening from London of the original theatrical version of Fleabag, tickets soon sold out in cinemas across the country thanks to the show’s dark humour and critically acclaimed performance from Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

If you’re still looking to buy your tickets however I’ve put together this comprehensive list of all the local cinemas where at the time of writing, there are still some tickets available (however sexy priests played by Andrew Scott are not guaranteed):

Comedy

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Live Performance: • South Holland Centre, Spalding (Thursday September 12) • Showcase Cinema, Peterborough (Thursday September 12) Delayed/Encore performances:

COMEDY NIGHT AT THE EXETER ARMS After becoming one of the pub’s most popular nights, The Exeter Arms have now announced they’ll be running a regular monthly comedy club in association with Mirth Control Comedy. The line-up this month includes Brummie comic Andy White and MC Winter Foenander, whilst the show is free entry. For more information call 01780 756321.

• Key Theatre, Peterborough (Wednesday October 2) • Showcase Cinema, Peterborough (Wednesday September 25) • Stamford Arts Centre (Wednesday September 25 & Monday September 30)

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Cresset Comedy The Cresset recently launched their brochure for the rest of 2019 which not only boasts an impressive line-up of music and theatre, but there’s also some great comedy gigs coming up where tickets are still available.

Firstly on Tuesday October 29 multi-award winning comedian Russell Kane will be performing his brand new show The Fast and the Curious. Packing more energy than a Duracell factory, the show has already received great reviews and has been described as a comedy whirlwind by The Guardian.

Then on Friday November 22, Ben Elton will be returning to live comedy after a 15 year absence, with his new show promising to try and make sense of a world which appears to have gone stark raving mad.

Finally on Wednesday November 27, viral satirist and exasperated news reporter Jonathan Pie will be performing his ‘Fake News’ tour to further berate the people in power for an evening of no-holds-barred political comedy.

For more information and to book tickets for any of these shows, call the Cresset’s box office on 01733 265705, or visit their website at www.cresset.co.uk.

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City Comic @ The Tap Local stand-up comedian Lewis Harlock will be performing his new show, Is This It? this month after a sell-out performance at the Greater Manchester Fringe.

Performing on Wednesday September 25 at the Brewery Tap, expect a show about life, love and hope in front of a hometown crowd, which may be awkward given his promise of including embarrassing anecdotes and having his parents in the audience!

Lewis told me – “People can expect an hour of stand up about me trying to live the most authentic experience I can, whilst struggling through embarrassing moments on a near daily basis. I think this show is the best material I've written in my life and I can't wait to perform for a hometown audience.”

Tickets are available on Eventbrite or will be £6 each on the door.

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KEY COMEDY NIGHT This month’s comedy club at the Key Theatre features Duncan Oakley - a comic who performs an infectious mix of musical comedy and stand up that has seen him become one of the leading headliners in the business.

Joining him will be up and coming comedians Harry Stachini and Jamie Hutchinson. Tickets available on 01733 207239.

COMEDY AT BOURNE TOWN HALL Funhouse Comedy Club will be launching a brand new comedy night this month at The Old Town Hall in Bourne. Performing at their first gig will be songwriter, animator and comedian Howard Read, who is best known for his appearances with his animated associate; Little Howard. Tickets are available on www.funhousecomedy.co.uk.

LIGHTBOX CAFÉ COMEDY CLUB Topping the bill is comedian and writer John Ryan along with Mandy Muden, who most recently appeared on Britain’s Got Talent thanks to her disastrous tricks and ridiculous jokes which helped her reach the semi-finals.

Also appearing will be Rahul Kohli, who was a finalist in the English Comedian of the Year contest in 2018, along with MC Paul Revill. Tickets available by visiting www.funhousecomedy.co.uk.

SOUTH HOLLAND CENTRE COMEDY CLUB This month’s comedy club in Spalding will be their 5th anniversary special and will be headlined by Chris McCausland, as seen on Live at the Apollo. Joining him will be the fantastically funny Rosco McCelland along with comedian, writer and actor Diane Spencer. Tickets are available on 01775 764777.

CRESSET COMEDY CLUB The longest-running comedy club in Peterborough, the Cresset’s comedy club will feature four of the best up-and-coming comedians in an intimate club-style environment for a great chance to see the next big thing. Tickets are available on 01733 265705. www.espmag.co.uk

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NIGHTlife

Your guide to the nighttime scene

COMEDY AND DJs @ THE LIGHTBOX CAFÉ

ROSSKO HEADLINES MIXOLOGY Raver. Record Collector. Music head.

10 years Resident DJ. One of the few that has made his name through his quality of selection alone. This month the Mixology guys welcome the exceptional Rossko to Red Room on Broadway on Friday September 27.

Immersed in London’s rich electronic music scene over the last 20 years Rossko has carved out an original sound and armed himself with a relentless library focused on cutting-edge House & Techno with a knack of unearthing forgotten gems of the past.

His DJ sets are always slick and powerful, those who’ve witnessed him perform will note not only his diversity in his track selection, but his ability to create a vibe rather than just play to a crowd. With his upfront grooves and infectious vibes behind the decks, his DJ output reflects his passion for the music, meaning he can be found at both large scale events such as Sonus Festival, Cocoon In The Park & DC10 as well as small intimate venues such as Robert Johnson, Sub Club & CDV. Joining Rossko and Mixo residents Tom Skinner, James Chan & Dan Clare (Maur) on the line-up is a DJ whose hype continues to build and build across the UK and abroad. We welcome back hometown talent Alisha!

Since Alisha’s previous performance at Mixo’s 7th Birthday special event headlined by Steve Lawler, she has continued garnering praise with her high-octane, rolling sound with track selections that always feature unheralded talent. She recently made her room 1 debut at the UK’s most revered club, Fabric and as ever has a plethora of huge gigs on the horizon for the likes of Toolroom at Ibiza super club, Eden, WHP and The BPM Festival in Portugal.

M E D I A

S E R V I C E S

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The evening entertainment continues at the Lightbox Café on Bridge Street this month with their popular Comedy Night on Friday September 13 and they keep the laughs coming with another one on Thursday September 26.

The café turns venue again on Saturday September 21 when the Groove Yard Sound System DJs head down.

If you like your 90’s tunes then don’t miss the Loaded 90s Reunion on Friday September 27 and then it’s Love is Love Gay Disco on Saturday September 28.

SAFE AND SOUND There’s underground house tunes at mama Liz’s in Stamford this month as Safe and Sound take over the Stamford venue. Head down between 9pm and 3am on Saturday September 7 – entry’s free.

BREWS AND TUNES @ THE TAP The pub on Westgate brings us Thank Funk it’s Friday on September 6 with resident DJ Mr Nash bringing you hits from back in the days of Shanghai Sams, L’Aristos & Cantors, from 9pm – late, free entry.

On Saturdays September 7, 14 and 21 it’s time to hit the dance floor with Saturday Night Groove brought to you by resident DJ Rick Allen playing a great mix of hits from the 70s to the present day, accompanied by videos on the large screen it’s on from 9pm – late, free entry.

See out the month in style on September Saturday 28 for The Get Down with Resident Mr Nash on the decks from 9pm – late, free entry.

STRICTLY SOULFUL Strictly Soulful is back on the scene with an evening of the finest liquid funk, drum & bass rollers at the When Polly Met Fergie cocktail bar in Westgate Aracde.

Resident DJ’s, Instant, Tredda, Moskit, Muel and Diego Bertelli will be playing out the tunes on Saturday September 7 from 9pm 2am. It’s free entry. Over 18’s only.

DID YOU KNOW WE DID THIS?

NIGHTS OUT AT CHARTERS The bar on a boat continues to bring us plenty of diverse nights out along with their regular live music and real ales.

If you love a bit of a quiz, head down on Thursday nights and get you mates together for their weekly general knowledge quiz at 8pm when teams of up to six compete for a £20 bar prize, free entry. Or there’s the monthly Music Quiz on Sunday September 8 at 6.30pm if that’s your speciality.

The indie tunes come thick and fast on Friday September 6 at their monthly Indie Night with DJ Anthony Thornhill from 9pm.

It’s Vinyl Night with resident DJ Derek Gibson on Friday September 20 at 8pm, and he returns with Sounds of the Suburbs Punk & Indie classics on vinyl on Friday September 27 accompanied by Ollie Jones, Paul Davies, Neal Wright & Warren Allett from 8pm.

SIGNAL REGGAE NIGHT Signal, Peterborough's premier reggae night hosted

by Eclectic Ballroom moves to a Friday night at The Doghouse cocktail lounge in Westgate Acrade and will now be held on the first Friday of every month with the first on September 6. If reggae, ska, dancehall and dub are your tunes of choice this is the place to be.

Resident DJ's Jimbob, Moskit, Lenroy B, Ziggy (The Gangsters), Prince Farrell and special guests serve up the very best from 9pm - 2am. Free entry before 11pm.

PARTY NIGHTS @ THE SOLSTICE It’s that time already and The Solstice team are lining up a variety of Christmas party nights in Harry’s bar, the Radius function suite and The Solstice to suit everyone’s festive budget and size of party. With silver, gold and diamond packages on a diamond and black theme the nights start at £20 per person and look like they’ll have your party sorted with food, DJs decorations and the works plus there are loads of optional extras to choose from. If you’re the one organising this year’s Christmas do, get in touch with Mary on maryboyle@thesolstice.co.uk or call 01733 560231.

Leaflet Distribution – through our unique magazine distribution network or hand outs at events.

CALL: 01733 381266

The Ostrich Inn Real ales • Live music Function/meeting room hire • Open to all

THE HEART OF THE CITY CENTRE

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BURGHLEY Saturday 7th Blue Cat Reggae Club (downstairs)

AUGUST Friday 30th Latino Sound Saturday 31st True British Mayhem SEPTEMBER

Friday 20th Retrolux

House of Soul (upstairs)

Friday 27th The Mighty and the High

Friday 13th Nicole Lawrence

Saturday 28th Sound Injectors

Saturday 14th Third Stone From The Sun

Friday 6th Big W Disco

(All bands start at 9pm)

Sunday Carvery – All welcome, Sundays 12-4pm.

Adults

£7.95

Children

£4.95

Senior

£4.95

Selection of meats and local veg

We are now able to offer an Outside Bar & Event Catering Service. Please call for more details.

Last Tuesday of every month for senior citizens we offer a 3 course lunch for just £5.00

7 Burghley Road, Peterborough PE1 2QA Tel: 01733 896989 | www.theburghleyclub.co.uk

PETERBOROUGH

Enjoy our new look Beer Garden.

Sky Sports and BT Sports showing all games of football

SEPTEMBER 1st Another Girl Another Planet (Outside on the stage)

14th Stealer

Family friendly pub open at 12 midday everyday apart from Posh match days when we open at 10 am.

21st The Zephyrs 28th The Expletives OCTOBER 5th Mistabeat

26 London Road, Peterborough PE2 8AR /ThePeacockPeterborough

- Live Music Every Weekend - see Gig Guide - 5 constantly changing Real Ales including Gluten Free and Vegan

17, North Street, Peterborough, PE1 2RA (just off Westgate)

- Courtyard Beer Garden - Craft Beers - Quality Wines - Large Gin Selection

keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

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

The Who’s Tommy Live @ The Key A Saturday Night to Remember with Shalamar Following on from the recent visit of the Four Tops to Peterborough’s New Theatre (which I was unable to get to but my spies tell me was a superb concert) the same venue has announced another big soul act is to visit the city.

Shalamar are embarking on the second leg of their tour this autumn and are returning to Peterborough New Theatre on Saturday November 2!

Their new album went straight into the Top 20 Album Chart and is entitled ‘GOLD- The Greatest Hits’ and it features 42 feel good tracks including all of the band’s US and UK top 40 chart singles.

Because of the band’s international schedule there’s only room for 10 shows on this second leg and the date in Peterborough will be the most Northern show in the UK so it’s expected that besides appealing to the local classic soul and disco crowd then a lot of people from outside the area will be planning a ‘Saturday night at the theatre’.

Lead singer Howard Hewett said – “Our first show in Peterborough in May 2017 was on a Tuesday night and our second in 2018 was on a Sunday. Both were great crowds – now we’ve got Saturday, the best night of the week for a party. We’re really looking forward to coming back and performing all our greatest hits from the album to the people of Peterborough.”

Howard is an original member of Shalamar as is Jeffrey Daniel and they appear in Peterborough alongside Carolyn Griffey. They’re sure to make it a great night.

There may also be a very special guest joining the band on the New Theatre stage and plans are also underway for the party to continue afterwards in the Boizot Lounge with show promoter Steve Jason looking to host a ‘Gables Aftershow Party’ with some of the original DJ’s from the famous Werrington venue that was the home of the Peterborough Soul crowd during the mid 80’s.

Tickets for Shalamar are on sale from https://www.newtheatre-peterborough.com.

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The Who released their iconic album Tommy fifty years ago, and to celebrate on Thursday October 3, The Key Theatre welcomes The Goldhawks as part of their massive UK tour playing the album live in its entirety.

At the time of release in 1969, Tommy broke new ground. Firstly it was a double album and secondly it was arguably the beginning of Rock Opera as a concept. The album was composed by guitarist Pete Townshend and achieved huge critical success. It tells the story of Tommy Walker, a deaf, dumb and blind boy and the trials he faces growing up, before becoming a ‘Pinball Wizard’.

Featuring hits including The Acid Queen, I’m Free and See Me Feel Me, it’s been produced as a movie and a West End musical and now tours as a complete live performance from The Goldhawks.

The Goldhawks are an 8 piece world-class international band, acclaimed as the world’s number one tribute to The Who, with many accolades from friends and family of The Who themselves.

Their front man, Doug Freeman, faithfully recreates the extraordinary vocal range of lead singer Roger Daltrey, and says - “The music of The Who is special because it touches a raw nerve – it’s full of the passion and angst that you can relate to when you’re a teenager – and when you grow up.”

There are still many music fans who argue that The Who were THE most exciting live band so this is not to be missed as I understand that we can also expect a finale after Tommy with some all-time classic hits from The Who – the ultimate way to close the show!

Tickets are available from the Key Theatre box office on 01733 207239.

Rob Bull Releases New EP A few weeks ago, I noticed on social media that Rob Bull of popular city cover’s band Children of The Revolution was performing a solo acoustic gig at The Bluebell in Werrington Village, so I decided to walk down for a couple of beers. What a splendid way to spend a Sunday afternoon, listening to a very talented guy perform with just his guitar on a stool in the corner of the room.

It was very informal and Rob took requests from the room as well as treating us to some of his own compositions.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and was glad I walked!

Rob is a very busy man because he was also opening for Austin Gold in their second sell out gig at The Key Theatre on August 31 which also saw the release of his own new EP, called Wrong Side of Right, which is out on CD and all digital formats now.

Proudly sponsored by

Fri 6th Candy Twist Sat 14th Another Girl, Another Planet

Feel The Funk @ Orton Hall

Sat 21st Children of the Revolution

You may recall that earlier this year I introduced you to Let’s Funk, a professional functions band from Peterborough turning out some fine old school Funk/Soul/Disco & Boogie.

This month the band has a special gig at Orton Hall Hotel and it sounds like a good night out if Earth Wind and Fire, A Taste of Honey through to the Gap Band are the type of tunes you want to dance to.

The event on Saturday September 28 is an exclusive limited ticket event and will kick off with a disco from 7pm and Let's Funk! performing live from 8.30pm.

Let’s Funk consists of Malcolm Fovargue (aka Silvester Gold) and Claudia Sleight (aka CeCe) - on vocals and percussion, Vic

Fri 27th High Rollers Sat 28th Last Minute Brigade

Staniland Way Werrington 01733 327696

Lennard on guitar and vocals, Tony Eve on keys and synth, Callum Travis Eve on bass, vocals and synth and drummer Richard Futter.

Callum told ESP – “We specialise in a way that our repertoire is considerably different to other funk and party bands, as you won't hear the usual ‘pop’ from us, but instead a more discerning set with songs you've not heard from any other function band, as we dare to be different!”

Grab your advanced E-Ticket for £12 (subject to booking fee) from the ticketsellers. Click on the link http://tkt.to/ortonfunk or call 0121 472 6688 (24hr) booking line. www.letsfunk.band

Check Out Cuttin’ Loose

Peterborough band Austin Gold have launched their second album. It’s called AG2 and it’s received high acclaim.

Consisting of original material, it follows the success of their debut album Before Dark Clouds and the single release Caught On You has featured on both BBC Radio 2 and Planet Rock!

Meanwhile the band once again sold out The Key Theatre for their end of August gig supported by Robert J Bull ft The Midnight Riders. Last year’s show at The Key received rave reviews and they’ve enjoyed a massive rise in popularity in the past 12 months culminating in the 2nd album.

ESP will bring you all the latest news when we catch up with Austin Gold in the October edition.

Photo: Shoot It All Photography

Sell Out Gig for Austin Gold

Cuttin’ Loose are a Lincolnshire band formed in 1989 by brothers Pete and Baz Warsop. Pete plays guitar and Baz the drums. Having had a few line-up changes over the years their current settled line up was established when they were joined by Mark Delaine-Smith on bass a few years ago.

Given the lengthy existence of the band, I’d never seen them play until a few weeks ago. I think it may be because the band have spent a lot of their time playing gigs around their native Boston, but whatever the reason, I’m pleased that they’re now visiting the Peterborough area more and more. In fact since I saw them, they’ve played two more venues in this area.

They play a really varied spread of songs from the hard driving Nirvana classic, Come as You Are and Quo’s Wild Side of Life to the more melodic Stealers Wheel, Stuck in the Middle and The Verve’s Lucky Man. They also treated us to a great rendition of Great Balls of Fire.

You don’t see many three piece bands these days, particularly ones who can cover such a varied playlist and they’re well worth seeing.

You can help them celebrate their 30th Anniversary at a gig at The Mason’s Arms in Bourne on Friday October 18, they also play The Golden Fleece in Stamford on Saturday November 2 and The Ploughman in Werrington on Friday November 29. www.espmag.co.uk

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GIGGUIDE

THU AUG 29

THE CONTACTS

OPEN MIC JAMS

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

The Queen's Head, Queen Street

OPEN MIC NIGHT SAMM's, Bridge Street

OPEN MIC WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER The Blue Boar, Eye

THE EXPLETIVES The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

Charters, Town Bridge

OPEN MIC NIGHT The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

MON SEP 2 SAT AUG 31

SLIDER

BEACHY HEAD DIVING CLUB

The Crown, Lincoln Road

COSMIC RODNEY

FRI AUG 30

JIMMY DOHERTY (3PM)

The Angel Inn, Yarwell The Crown, Lincoln Road

OPEN MIC WITH STACY LOWETH The Blue Bell, Werrington

SUMMER BREEZE The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH THE BOATMEN

DIRTY RUMOUR

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

The Bull, Newborough

ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER

GROOVE CARTELL

The Millstone, Barnack

The London Inn, Stamford

OPEN MIC WITH ANNA

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

Fletton Club, High Street

THU SEP 5

ALICIA + MARTINI POLICE Mama Liz's, Stamford

BLACK STAR REVOLUTION The Crown, Lincoln Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Lakeside Bar, Tallington Lakes

DIVISION The Queen's Head, Queen Street

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

HIGH ROLLERS The London Inn, Stamford

LATINO SOUND The Burghley, Burghley Road

LOOSE ROCKET The Carpenters Arms, Boston

REPOSE The Fayre Spot, Bretton

THE BLUETONES The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

The Jubilee, Bourne

FILTHY CONTACT

LEE JOSHUA ROSE The Stage, Market Deeping

THE DIVIDE

TUE SEP 3

ERIN ENDERLIN + KAYLA RAY Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Ploughman, Werrington

VOODOO ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE B

THE RETURNS

Mama Liz's, Stamford

Palmers Ale House, Long Sutton

TRUE BRITISH MAYHEM The Burghley, Burghley Road

The Ostrich, North Street

WHISKY TWIST The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

SUN SEP 1 6TH AVENUE The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

CANDY TWIST The Ploughman, Werrington The Blue Bell, Werrington

DUSK TIL DAWN The London Inn, Stamford

JESS ORESTANO The Queen's Head, Queen Street

LOOSE ROCKET Masons Arms, Bourne

THE BROADCASTERS

ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

THE FOX IN THE BASEMENT + A GREAT NOTION + BEN CALLANAN

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Peacock, London Road

The Ostrich, North Street

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The Crown, Lincoln Road

THE POCKET SYMPHONY + FUZZ & THE FELTS + NICK CORNEY & THE BUZZ RATS

MATTY HAYNE (3PM)

NICOLE LAWRENCE

Charters, Town Bridge

The Burghley, Burghley Road

OPEN MIC NIGHT The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

RETROLUX The Blue Bell, Werrington

Mama Liz's, Stamford

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE

THE REPOSE

The Waterton Arms, September

The Solstice, Northminster

THE PALMY UKE BAND

THE CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIENCE

The Solstice, Northminster

TIGER CLUB The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

The Limetree, Paston Lane

SAT SEP 7

VARIOUS ARTISTS (10.30AM - 4PM)

BEERBELLY

Whittlesey Festival, Town Centre

Ebeneezers, Woodston

COSMIC RODNEY Palmers Ale House, Long Sutton

DIRTY RUMOUR The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

ELECTRIC WARRIORS The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

LIVE BAND The Fayre Spot, Bretton

OUTLAW EAGLES Fletton Club, High Street

FRI SEP 6

CIRCA 73 VELOCITY

THE MOLL GRIPS

MON SEP 9 GEORGIA BUNN The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor

SAT SEP 14

DIRTY RUMOUR The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

WED SEP 11 BACKROOM ACOUSTIC The Ale House Kitchen, Ramsey

THU SEP 12

TRUE BRITISH MAYHEM

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

STEALER

The London Inn, Stamford

VENDETTA + REAPER + LOST BRETHREN + FINAL THREAT

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

THE NUGGETS

British Legion, Yaxley

OPEN MIC WITH ANNA

The Ostrich, North Street

The Crown, Lincoln Road

THE HICKSVILLE BOMBERS

ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

THE PALE WHITE

THE EXPLETIVES

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

TUE SEP 10

REPOSE

Thorney Club, Thorney

THE BRAYS

OPEN MIC NIGHT The Bull, Newborough

XV FRAMES + SUPPORT Mama Liz's, Stamford

FRI SEP 13 ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

SUN SEP 8 HAYLEY DI RITO

LET THERE BE D/DC

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Crown, Lincoln Road

EYES WIDE OPEN The Ostrich, North Street

HALO The Hurdler, Stamford

PEGLER The Crown, Lincoln Road

REELIN AN-AROCKING Fletton Club, High Street

STEALER The Peacock, London Road

THE MIGHTY AND THE HIGH Post Office Sports and Social Club, New England

THE SIDEKICKS Palmers Ale House, Long Sutton

If you want to get your gigs in ESP for free, e-mail:

GIGS@ESPMAG.CO.UK THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN

RETROLUX

ROB JEFFREY

The Burghley, Burghley Road

The Angel Inn, Yarwell

THE BROADCASTERS

THE MIGHTY AND THE HIGH

TRUE BRITISH MAYHEM

The Blue Bell, Werrington

Quinn's Bar, Whittlesey

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

THE GANGSTERS

THE MONEY SHOT

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Burghley, Burghley Road

SUN SEP 15 OPEN MIC NIGHT The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

ROB & DAVE (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge

SALMON DAVE The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

TRUE 90S The Crown, Lincoln Road

ULTIMATE STONE ROSES

THE NUGGETS The Golden Fleece, Stamford

THE NUGGETS

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE & SHAUN

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

The Ale House Kitchen, Ramsey

THE ZEPHYRS

SAT SEP 21

The Peacock, London Road

AFTERSHOCK The Royal Oak, St. Ives

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

OPEN MIC WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER The Blue Boar, Eye

ACOUSTIC SESSION WITH THE BOATMEN The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

BAKLASH

SUN SEP 22

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Crown, Lincoln Road

AMONG THE CITIZENS

ANNA AND JIMMY

Mama Liz's, Stamford

OPEN MIC WITH THE BOATMEN AND PHIL Q

BLACKOUT UK

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

ANOTHER GIRL ANOTHER PLANET

LEXIE GREEN & JOHN WRIGHT (3PM)

The Crown, Lincoln Road

CANDY TWIST The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

HIGH ROLLERS

Charters, Town Bridge

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Ploughman, Werrington

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

MALLORY KNOX + LED BY LANTERNS + THE COLLIER The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

Charters, Town Bridge

CARPARK RENDEZVOUS The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

FILTHY CONTACT

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Stage, Market Deeping

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

HIGH ROLLERS

KICKBACK

MON SEP 23

NOASIS

BAD SAM + TRAVIS CUT + PARDON US

THE HILLBILLIES British Legion, Yaxley

THE RAINMEN

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

JUNK PUPPETS

TUE OCT 1

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

OPEN MIC WITH ANNA The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Ploughman, Werrington

THU OCT 3

LET'S FUNK! (TICKETED)

Mama Liz's, Stamford

Orton Hall Hotel, Orton Longueville

OPEN MIC THE GOLDHAWKS The Key Theatre, Embankment

The Ostrich, North Street

PAUL HENSHAW

The Ploughman, Werrington

Charters, Town Bridge

FRI OCT 4

STEALER The Cock Inn, Werrington

STINGRAY The Ostrich, North Street

SUBWAY 77 The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

CANDY TWIST The Ostrich, North Street

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

CUBANS & COGNAC

THE EXPLETIVES

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Solstice, Northminster

The Peacock, London Road

THE GANGSTERS

THE BROADCASTERS

THE RETURNS

LEON The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

The Ostrich, North Street

The Nags Head, Bourne

LEE JOSHUA ROSE

The Glasshouse, Key Theatre

LIVE BAND

OPEN MIC WITH ANNA

FRI SEP 20

ROGUE STATE CIRCUS + THOMAS DUNLEAVY + LAUREN APRIL + JESS ORESTANO

MON SEP 30 SAT SEP 28

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

TUE SEP 17

The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

The Blue Bell, Werrington

THU SEP 26

TO ENHANCE YOUR GIGS PLEASE CONTACT US ON 01733 381266 FOR MORE DETAILS

GEORGIA EVANS

THE SOUND INJECTORS

FRI SEP 27

Mama Liz's, Stamford

MON SEP 16

WED SEP 25

LONDON CALLING + MARCH TO THE GRAVE Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

TUE SEP 24 OPEN MIC WITH ANNA The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

THE MIGHTY AND THE HIGH The Burghley, Burghley Road

The Crown, Lincoln Road

SUN SEP 29

The Solstice, Northminster

THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN The Ploughman, Werrington

DIVISION

TORI LAMOUR + SUPPORT

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Met Lounge, Bridge Street

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27

NOASIS

GIG of the MONTH

The Solstice, Northminster, Peterborough Noasis is the definitive tribute to Manchester's super group Oasis, so don’t look back in anger and miss out on this great live night featuring all the attitude and all the hits.

For more details call 01733 560231 or visit www.thesolstice.co.uk.

www.espmag.co.uk

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