key + times November & December 2012
What’s on at the Key Theatre and around the city
Heritage Theatres & Arts Sport & Leisure
Get set for another magical Key panto!
Libraries & Archives
Brought to you with Peterborough
Content Tis the season to be jolly and Vivacity has a wealth of fun activities lined up this November and December which will be sure to get you in the festive spirit!
you don’t miss out. Last but not least Vivacity Gyms are there to support you. If you overindulge, you don’t need to feel so guilty, just head on down to the gym and sign up for our great membership offer!
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Panto
vivacity-peterborough.com
Join us at our new Historic Christmas Fayre in the stunning Cathedral precincts this December. Complete with a period market selling unusual gifts, entertainers, jesters and musicians on site creating the Christmas atmosphere. Also in December Father Christmas comes to visit our Libraries in ‘Stories with Santa’. Come and listen to some tales, and tell Santa what you would really like for Christmas this year. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the Key Theatre’s traditional family Pantomime. Mother Goose opens at the start of December and runs into the New Year, with over 50 performances to choose from – make sure
This is the last issue of Key Times in its current format. Thank you to all of our valued readers for their support over the past two years. We hope that you will enjoy our new Vivacity magazine, available in all Vivacity venues and downloadable from our website, due out in the New Year! In the meantime keep in touch with us via facebook and twitter, visit our website vivacity-peterborough. com or email us with your questions at enquiries@ vivacity-peterborough.com Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you from all of us at Vivacity.
6 Arts
8 Heritage
16 Libraries
23 Sports & Leisure
37 Theatre
To find out the latest news about what’s going on across Vivacity, visit vivacity-peterborough.com Look out for the new Vivacity magazine, available from all venues in the new year, or online at our website. Vivacity is now on Facebook. Simply search for Vivacity Peterborough. Information correct at time of going to print. Dates and times may be subject to change, please check with the individual venues upon booking.
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Family
The Key Theatre Company presents the ever popular Christmas Pantomime
Thursday 6 December – Sunday 6 January 2013 Tickets: £11-£16 (including concessions), family tickets available Join in the fun with the Key Theatre’s annual pantomime, the perfect Christmas treat for all the family. This year’s tale of the Goose that lays the golden eggs is sure to be an ‘eggs-stravaganza’ that you won’t want to miss – with jokes, music, dance and good, clean, family fun throughout! The Key Theatre pantomimes are renowned for their top quality homegrown talent, and this year’s production, written and directed by Michael Cross, is no exception. With a fantastic view from every seat of the theatre’s intimate and friendly auditorium, it all adds up to the perfect panto! Choose from over 50 performances, with concessions for children, tickets, and a range of party rates and other discounts available. auditorium ensures that Thisfamily year’s pantomime
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at the Key Theatre is the ever popular tale Box Office 207239 Goose. of01733 Mother Key Theatre pantomimes are renowned for their quality, action, magic and adventure and this year’s tale of the Goose that lays golden eggs will make the perfect Christmas treat for all the family. Written and directed by Michael Cross, Key Theatre pantomimes are known throughout the region for their quality and traditional sense of good, clean, family fun. And with over 30 years of experience, it’s no wonder that thousands of children have grown up enjoying panto at the Key and many now bring their own families too! Created by local people for local people, it’s very much a ‘Peterborough thing’ and the Key’s wonderfully intimate
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everyone is part of the fun and also gets to enjoy the best seat in the house!
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Dates Thurs 6 Dec Fri 7 Dec Sat 8 Dec Sun 9 Dec Mon 10 Dec Tues 11 Dec Wed 12 Dec Thurs 13 Dec Fri 14 Dec Sat 15 Dec Sun 16 Dec Mon 17 Dec Tues 18 Dec Wed 19 Dec Thurs 20 Dec Fri 21 Dec Sat 22 Dec Sun 23 Dec Mon 24 Dec Tues 25 Dec Wed 26 Dec Thurs 27 Dec Fri 28 Dec Sat 29 Dec Sun 30 Dec Mon 31 Dec Tues 1 Jan Wed 2 Jan Thurs 3 Jan Fri 4 Jan Sat 5 Jan Sun 6 Jan
Early Performance 11.00am 1.00pm
Sc
11.00am 11.00am 11.00am
Sc
1.00pm 1.30pm 11.00am
£14.00 £14.00
Sc
£14.00 £14.00 £14.00
Sc
£14.00 £14.00 £14.00
Sc
1.00pm 1.00pm 1.30pm
£16.00 £16.00 £16.00
1.30pm 1.00pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.00pm 1.30pm
£16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00 £16.00
1.00pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.00pm 1.30pm
£14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00
s
Afternoon Performance 2.15pm s Sc £14.00 4.00pm £14.00 No performances 2.15pm s Sc £14.00 2.15pm s Sc £14.00 2.15pm s Sc £14.00 2.15pm s Sc £14.00 No performances 4.00pm AD £14.00 4.30pm £14.00 2.15pm s £14.00 2.15pm s £14.00 2.15pm s £14.00 No performances 4.00pm £16.00 4.00pm £16.00 4.30pm £16.00 No performances 4.30pm £16.00 4.00pm £16.00 4.30pm £16.00 4.30pm £16.00 4.00pm £16.00 4.30pm £16.00 No performances 4.00pm £14.00 4.30pm £14.00 4.30pm £14.00 4.00pm £14.00 4.30pm £14.00
Evening Performance 7.00pm £10
Panto Discounts s Special discount for senior citizens – £10.00 (groups of 10+) Family Ticket available – 2 adults and 2 children £44.00 Sc Special discount for Schools – £9.00 (Plus 1 FREE seat for every 12 purchased) Key I.P. discount available – 2 for 1 offer Signed Performance for the deaf and hard of hearing Children under 2 years/Babes in Arms – half full price AD Audio described performance
7.00pm
£14.00
7.00pm
£14.00
7.00pm
£14.00
6.30pm 6.30pm 6.30pm
£14.00 £14.00 £14.00
7.00pm 7.00pm
£16.00 £16.00
7.00pm
£16.00
CONCESSIONS • Children/Under 16s and students £3.00 OFF full price tickets at all performances
7.00pm
£16.00
• No senior citizen concessions – Except at special senior citizen group rate performances
7.00pm
£14.00
• Discounts for parties: (from Friday 7 December only) 20+ = 10%, 50+ = 15%, 100+ = 20% Full House (365) = 25%
7.00pm
£14.00
ONLY ONE DISCOUNT APPLIES PER BOOKING
* All persons regardless of age must have a valid ticket for admission to the auditorium Preview night Thursday 6 December at 7.00pm Press night Monday 10 December at 7.00pm
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If your group or party would like a mention from the stage be sure to tell our box office when booking. We have a range for concessions for children and a range of party rates and discounts available. The Key’s box office team will find the best price for you and your group. Tickets are now on sale and with over 50 performances to choose from, there’s sure to be a time and date to suit everyone! Book early to avoid disappointment. Call the Box Office on 01733 207 239 or book online at vivacitypeterborough.com
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Arts
1 October – January 2013
City Gallery
Places To Be by Antony Gormley Places to Be is a series of three life-size sculptures by artist Antony Gormley owned by Peterborough Sculpture Trust. Best known for his iconic sculpture Angel of the North in Gateshead, Antony Gormley has a major place in the shaping of British contemporary sculpture. Places to Be is one of a portfolio of 26 sculptures managed by Peterborough Sculpture Trust, in partnership with Vivacity Culture and Leisure. Antony Gormley has made his mark with highly acclaimed public sculpture such as Another Place where 100 cast iron figures face out to sea on Crosby Beach near Liverpool. His work is appreciated all round the world and masterpieces
include Horizon Field (a sculpture installation in the Austrian Alps), Habitat (his first permanent installation in the United States in Anchorage, Alaska on the grounds of the Anchorage Museum), and closer to home, Gormley’s sculpture Voices from Oxford sits atop Exeter College in Oxford, overlooking Broad Street. Last year Gormley was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance for the set design for Babel (Words) at Sadler’s Wells.
For further details of the tour locations and/or the sculpture collection visit www. peterboroughsculpture.org
30 November - 26 January 2013
City Gallery
Sparkle and Spin A real treat at City Gallery is the Sparkle and Spin Exhibition by Paola McClure. Paola is a Dundee-based artist and is well known for her intriguing, alien-like creatures and voluptuous upholstered female figures. She crafts her figures from vintage fabrics and second-hand clothing - an effective way of recyling and producing brand new art at the same time. Paola is interested in fabrics, pattern and colour, and her infuences range from the primitive to the camp. Sparkle and Spin is a touring exhibition produced by 20-21 Visual Arts Centre. Paola has created several new pieces of work for the touring exhibition, 6
including a large-scale installation, photographs from her collection and two pieces with which visitors will be able to interact to make their own sculpture or installation. Although Paola’s work is brash, bright and humourous the work can have a darker edge to it and distortions of proportions can lead to a sense of unease. This unease can be exaggerated, as with any figurative sculpture, by the very physical presence of the work. The eyes, however, do not follow you round the room... Paola has work in private collections in Britain, Canada and Australia.
Free admission
Heritage
Cathedral Precincts & Peterborough Museum
13-16 December
Christmas Market Christmas is set to be even better than ever in Peterborough this year.
Museum to a craft fair with local stallholders selling the best of local products.
Vivacity and Peterborough Cathedral are inviting you to enjoy a festive event with a twist, for the first time in 2012 - a Historic Christmas Fayre.
The event is arranged in conjunction with Black Knight Historical and draws on the success of this summer’s Heritage Festival, but with a seasonal twist.
Come along and experience a traditional Christmas market with exotic stalls, entertainment and seasonal refreshments.
Fun and entertainment is guaranteed for all the family, making Christmas a very merry time indeed.
Explore the Cathedral Precincts whilst visiting a period market with all kinds of unusual gift ideas inspired by the past.
From 13-16 December, 10am to 9pm daily, Sunday, 10am to 5pm
There will also be entertainers (including firebreathers!), musicians, re-enactors and jesters.
For more information call 01733 864 663, email museum@ vivacity-peterborough.com or visit vivacity-peterborough.com
Then head over to Peterborough 8
Admission is FREE
Heritage
Peterborough Museum
Guided Walks If you are looking for a great way to discover Peterborough’s rich heritage and learn more about our city, why not book onto one of Vivacity Heritage’s guided walks? Run regularly from Peterborough Museum, guided walks are perfect whether you are a visitor to the city, or a local resident. Historic Peterborough Tours provide an entertaining introduction to the city’s story and operate every Saturday at 2pm. Different themed tours are also offered on Sunday afternoons at 2pm. Especially for the festive season, the Yuletide Peterborough Tour will be introduced. Join the Lord of Misrule to explore the origins of local Christmas traditions. Ghost Walks take place every Tuesday night, providing a spooky look at Peterborough’s past, whilst the Crime and Punishment Walk and Inns and Taverns Tour provide a unique evening of entertainment. All tours last about 100 minutes and take place whatever the weather, starting from outside the Museum on Priestgate. Ghost Tours are not 10
recommended for young children, or those of a nervous disposition. Walkers can turn up and pay on the day, but places are limited and pre-booking is recommended. n Wartime Peterborough: 4 November, 2pm n Georgian Peterborough: 11 November, 2pm n Buildings Then and Now: 18 November, 2pm n Victorian Peterborough Tour: 25 November, 2pm n Medieval Peterborough: 2 December, 2pm n Stone Me: Monumental Peterborough Tour: 9 December, 2pm n Yuletide Peterborough Tour: 16 December, 2pm n Ghost Walks: 20 November and 18 December, 7.30pm n Crime & Punishment Walks: 15 November and 20 December, 7.30pm n Inns & Taverns Tours: 6 December, 7.30pm All tours cost £5 adults, £3 concessions. For more information call 01733 864 663 or visit vivacitypeterborough.com. Tickets can be bought from the Visitor Information Centre on Bridge Street or the museum.
The Wicker Man It would be hard to imagine a spookier place to watch a scary classic film like The Wicker Man than in the open air at atmospheric Flag Fen. Settle down between the reconstructed roundhouses to watch this original cult classic. The story begins when a police sergeant is called to an island village in search of a missing girl. The locals claim she never existed. Stranger still, however, are the rituals that take place in this remote community. The eerie soundtrack is sure to resonate across the darkness at historic Flag Fen, a Bronze Age site with many stories of its own still waiting to be uncovered. The Wicker Man has been scaring the living daylights
out of movie buffs since it was first released in 1973. Edward Woodward, who first made his name in the TV series Callan, plays Sgt Howie, who little realises what he is getting in to when he takes up the investigation on the remote Herbridean island of Summerisle and meets community leader Laird Summerisle, played with sinister charm by Christopher Lee. Bring a blanket to wrap-up warm while this cult horror film sends a chill down your spine. Minimum age is (strictly) 15. Pre-booking is recommended. 17 November at 7.30pm. Adults £8, concessions and Vivacity Heritage Pass holders £5 Call 01733 313414 or email flag.fen@vivacity-peterborough.com
24 & 25 November
Peterborough Museum
Military History Fair Join us at Peterborough Museum for an exciting weekend that will bring 2,000 years of military history to life. Featuring displays by the Soke Military Society, consisting of uniforms, weapons, equipment, military models and other items of interest from the two World Wars and beyond. Many of the displays will have particular relevance to the history of Peterborough. There will also be a chance to find out about other aspects of military history with costumed re-enactors from local groups, including Roman soldiers, Viking warriors and soldiers and civilians from the Middle Ages who will bring the past to life for visitors.
Visitors will even have the opportunity to handle replica weapons and armour. Also throughout the day there will be displays of militaria, war games and military modelling, including ‘have a go’ sessions. In addition there will be a chance to see rarely displayed military items including weapons, armour and uniforms from the Museum’s own collections. A great day out for all the family. 24 and 25 November from 10am to 4pm Admission is FREE
For details call 01733 864 663 or email museum@ vivacity-peterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com 13
Heritage
17 November
Flag Fen
Heritage
1 December
Peterborough Museum
Tree Dressing Day Help us turn the front of Peterborough Museum into an explosion of colour this winter. Celebrated on the first weekend in December, National Tree Dressing Day encourages everyone to appreciate the trees around us. Drop in to the Museum in Priestgate all day on Saturday, 1 December, for a host of activities that will be fun for all the family. Decorate and personalise a ribbon before hanging it from one of the trees that grow in front of the building.
Trees and their myths have been celebrated across the world for centuries, so why not don your own fairy wings and join in the fun at the Museum this December. At Peterborough Museum on 1 December, open from 10am to 5pm. 50p per ribbon, 50p per trail. For information call 01733 864 663, or email museum@ vivacity-peterborough.com
There will also be the chance to try a fairy trail around the Museum (and perhaps beyond!). We’ll be telling you all about ancient tree myths and magical tales of fairy tree spirits as well.
1 & 2 December
Longthorpe Tower
Medieval Christmas There is a great chance to experience a very unique Christmas this year. Turn back time to join in a Medieval Christmas at Longthorpe Tower. Not only can you meet Lord and Lady Thorpe, but you can pitch in to help them deck the tower (no tinsel here!), before sampling a traditional medieval Christmas dinner in what would have been the family’s dining chamber. We’ll be reviving a host of medieval customs too. See the selection of the Boy Bishop daily at 11am and take part in a mummers play at 3pm each day - the first at the tower. With its fine medieval wall paintings, Longthorpe Tower 14
is the perfect venue for such fantastic festivities. It will certainly make a change from any Christmas festivities in which you have indulged before. Spend a Medieval Christmas at Longthorpe Tower on 1 and 2 December. The tower will be open from 10am to 4pm daily. Normal admission charges to the tower apply. For more information call 01733 864 663, or email museum@ vivacity-peterborough.com
Christmas Murder Mystery For a Christmas party with a difference, why not come along to one of our Murder Mystery evenings? The setting for your very own whodunnit could hardly be more historic or atmospheric than Peterborough Museum. We’ll be transforming one of the galleries to reflect how it would have been in the 1890s when the building was the Peterborough Infirmary. The setting is 1891, Victorian Peterborough, and the city’s infirmary is holding a fundraising dinner which goes horribly wrong when a murder is announced, but... whodunnit? Could it be one of the influential citizens who has come along to donate? Perhaps it was a member of the medical staff - or
could it even have been you? Guests are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing up and getting involved. You’ll have the chance to examine the murder weapons, visit the crime scenes, interview the suspects and review the evidence - before your table submits who has been deduced to be the killer. Prizes will be offered for the best (and worst) solutions. The evening includes a full three-course silverservice Christmas meal and costs £60 per person. A complimentary glass of wine is included, further drinks will be available to buy. Spaces are strictly limited and pre-booking is essential. 19 and 21 December, 7pm for 7.30pm start. £60 per person. To book call 01733 864 663
10 November
Peterborough Museum
Saturday Club @ the Museum Looking for something different and stimulating to do as a family? Interested in history? Looking for inspiration for a particular homework project? Then why not try the Saturday Club @ the Museum? A different historical period is explored every month through
gallery activities, handling objects from the Museum’s collection and craft. Saturday, 10 November, 10.30am – 12noon £5 per family (2 adults, up to 3 children, £2 per additional adult or child. Call 01733 864663, or email museum.education@ vivacity-peterborough.com
Peterborough Museum
6 December
Young Explorers Join us in one of our galleries on the first Thursday of each month (term time only) for a special toddler session full of story, rhythm, rhyme and craft. In our December session we will explore noises in a Victorian kitchen with ‘Peace at Last’!
Thursday 6 December, 10am to 11.30am, £2 per participating child (babies free) To book or for more information call 01733 864 700, email museum.education@vivacitypeterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com 15
Heritage
19 & 21 December
Peterborough Museum
Libraries & Archives
8 & 15 December
Vivacity libraries
Enjoy storytime with Santa Sssshhh! Don’t tell everyone, but Santa is being very kind and visiting Peterborough libraries in December. He’ll be spending some time with children who visit the library and take out lots of books like good girls and boys. Come and listen to some stories, and tell Santa what you would really like for Christmas this year. Write it all down in a letter 16
(*please note there will be no replies to letters), he’ll even help you decorate it before he takes it off to show his elves at the North Pole. No doubt Santa and his helpers will see what they can do to fulfil your Christmas request. Ho, ho ho! This is a FREE event for children aged 11 years and under, who must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces are limited so please book early
with your local library. Saturday 8 December n Hampton: 10am to 10.30am n Stanground: 11am to 11.30am n Woodston: 12 noon to 12.30pm n Orton: 1pm to 1.30pm n Central: 2.15pm to 2.45pm Saturday 15 December n Thorney: 10am to 10.30am n Eye: 11.30am to 12 noon n Dogsthorpe: 12.30pm to 1pm n Werrington: 1.30pm to 2pm n Bretton: 2.30pm to 3pm
Libraries & Archives
1, 8, 15 & 22 December
Various libraries
A Victorian Christmas Did you know that the Christmas tree only became popular during Victorian times? How would you have celebrated Christmas if you were a Victorian child? What did the rich children have at Christmas? And how about the poor children who lived in a workhouse? Find out all this and more at our Victorian Christmas event at your local library. Find out how Peterborough was celebrating Christmas, using real newspaper articles and images from over 100 years ago, from our Archive. Help bring Peterborough in Victorian times to life.
You can enjoy some crafts and even make a Victorian card, Christmas tree decoration and a special cracker to take home with you. And enjoy a few stories filled with festive cheer and sparkle too. Werrington Library: Saturday 1 December, 11.30am to 12.30pm Central Library: Saturday 8 December, 11am to 12.30pm Orton Library: Saturday 15 December, 11am to 12 noon Bretton Library: Saturday 22 December, 12pm to 1pm
For ages 8 and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £1 per child. Please book at your local library.
5-8 December
John Clare Theatre
Joy To The World For their Christmas show at the John Clare Theatre this year, Peterborough Playgoers will be taking you on an exciting whistlestop tour. It will take in Christmas customs, songs and sketches from all over the globe. It will, of course, include Lapland, where Father Christmas is bound to make an appearance. You can be sure of plenty of well known Christmas songs and carols, as well as some less familiar ones. The show will be packed with fun to get you in the spirit of the season, including a traditional minipantomime loosely based (very loosely!) on Sleeping Beauty. So, you will need to fasten your seatbelts and be prepared 20
for a journey round the world that will be entertaining, but will also highlight the true meaning of Christmas. Joy To The World will certainly bring joy to all who join in with Peterborough Playgoers, one of the city’s longest established and popular theatrical companies. The show is devised and directed by Steve Cutts and Pam Tedcastle. Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 December. 7.30pm Wednesday to Friday and 2.30pm Saturday.
Tickets available from the Visitor Information Centre, Bridge Street, 01733 452336: Evenings: £9, Matinee: £8 (including a programme and refreshments)
Peterborough - Who, What, Where & When?
Local historian Stephen Perry concludes this year’s series of popular local history talks with a look at local man George Meadows.
This will be followed by his festive mixture of trivia found in Peterborough’s archives. He will also screen for the first time a
previously unseen and evocative film clip of historic Peterborough. 12 December at John Clare Theatre, Central Library from 2.30pm to 4pm.
£1 on the door. For more information ring 01733 864160 or email archives. services@vivacitypeterborough.com
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Libraries & Archives
12 December
John Clare Theatre
Cross Country Running Academy Whether running for the sheer joy and fun of it, or with an eye on more serious athletic endeavours, cross country running is one of the greatest challenges of fitness and spirit. Now Vivacity Sports & Leisure is working with GPAN, the Greater Peterborough Athletics Network to provide training for children in school years 6 to 9. If you have a child aged 10-13 years old who would benefit from structured training by experienced GPAN coaches with other keen and talented youngsters then the Cross Country Running Academy will give them the opportunity. While humans have raced each other over natural terrain since before recorded history, formal cross country competition traces
its history to the 19th century and an English game called “hare and hounds” or “the paper chase”. English schools started competing in cross country races in 1837. The challenge today remains the same as it was then, building up the stamina required to tackle any course and all the natural obstacles that it can throw up. There’s certainly no better way to channel the enthusiasm and drive of a young runner and the Cross Country Running Academy will get them off on the right foot. Every Saturday at Stanground Academy, from 9.30 to 10.30am. £1.50 per session until 1 December. For more information email gpanchair@gpan.org.uk or call Tim Cook on 01778 342913.
Mondays and Thursdays
Werrington Leisure Centre
Karate Classes Study the art of karate with a choice of styles at Werrington Leisure Centre at the Shotokan and Falcons Karate Classes. Both forms of karate can help improve fitness, increase confidence, while learning practical self-defence techniques. Both are taught in ideal conditions by experienced instructors. Martial Arts present not only a challenge to the individual, but can be a powerful and positive influence on their outlook on life. The structure and demands of the sport help develop confidence, motivation and self-discipline. It is an unbeatable way to expand both physical and
mental strength and agility. Shotokan Karate classes are held on Mondays from 7pm to 8pm Falcons Karate Classes are held on Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm Shotokan Karate costs £5 per session (minimum age is 5 to 6 years old) Falcons Katate costs £5 per adult and £4 per child (minimum age 5 to 6 years old) For Shotokan Karate contact Sensei Robin Reid on 07870 771 193 For Falcons Karate contact Sensei Neil Flowers on 07983 617 539 vivacity-peterborough.com 23
Sports & Leisure
Every Saturday until 1 December
Stanground Academy
Arts
Key Theatre
Beat Orchestra – Participants and leaders needed The Beat Orchestra, a new creative ensemble, is setting out to inspire young people in Peterborough.
Vivacity, Orchestras Live and Britten Sinfonia, the project will comprise of 14-19 year olds from across the city.
Hip-hop takes on classical, beatboxing meets bhangra, drum ‘n’ bass is mashed up with jazz, and pop goes head to head with indie as the group sets out to create and compose its own music. The Beat Orchestra will be established with support from the Arts Council, with additional funds from Orchestras Live and Vivacity. Led by city-based Beat This CIC in partnership with
The group will meet on Saturday mornings at the Key Theatre and the orchestra will showcase their new music at a series of concerts in the city over the coming year, including a large-scale concert as part of Peterborough Arts Festival in 2013. Local musicians and five local music leaders are being sought by The Beat Orchestra to work on the project over the coming year.
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“We would like to encourage musicians from all musical backgrounds to apply,” said Lee Ashton, Director of Beat This. If applying for the role of music leader or musician contact Lee on 01733 873014 or leeashton@beatthis.org If you’re a young musician aged 14-19 and want to be a part of Beat Orchestra ring Vivacity’s Joan Crump on 01733 864531 or email Joan.Crump@vivacitypeterborough.com
Arts
10 November
Peterborough Cathedral
Elgar – Dream of Gerontius In an event no music lover should miss, Ralph Allwood MBE will be directing Elgar - Dream of Gerontius in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of Peterborough Cathedral. Edward Elgar’s setting of Cardinal Newman’s epic poem The Dream of Gerontius is one of the great choral works of all time. Ralph Allwood, renowned for his directing of the Eton Choral 34
Course and the Rudolfus Choir, will conduct the combined voices of the Cathedral Choir, PCMA Festival Chorus and the Peterborough Choral Society, accompanied by the Aurelian Symphony Orchestra, in what promises to be a very special performance. The concert will be held at Peterborough Cathedral on: Saturday, 10 November at 7.30pm.
Tickets: £19, £15 and £12 according to seat position. Halfprice for under 18s. Discounts available for members of PCMA Tickets are available from www.pcmusicassociation.org from Stamford Arts Centre, call 01780 763 203, or visit www.stamfordartscentre. com and in person from the Peterborough Visitor Information Centre in Bridge Street.
Grisly Tales From Tumblewater Devised from the novel by Bruno Vincent, Teasel Theatre’s rip-roaring production of Grisly Tales From Tumblewater is an exciting and darkly comic delight. Tumblewater is a city squeezed in a dual grip by the evil landowner Caspian Prye and a malevolent witch. Into this strange and creepy world stumbles orphan Daniel Dorey on a quest to find his estranged sister and armed only with his wits and a satchel of spine-chilling stories. Daniel soon finds himself caught up in all manner of escapades and adventures. He discovers Tumblewater is not a very welcoming place - unless you’re an undertaker
or an umbrella salesman. The city is beset by a dripping atmosphere and sinister mood. Some parts of the tale may be a little too dark for the very young, but it is highly recommended for youngsters of eight and over. Those who find the morality tales of Roald Dahl (or the gothic tingle of Lemony Snicket) appealing will love it from the initial downpour all the way through to the first glimpse of sunshine at the end. The Scotsman said of its Edinburgh Fringe success: “It cheers the soul.” Saturday, 3 November at 3pm and 7pm Tickets £6.50
5-10 November
Key Theatre
Peterborough Gang Show 2012 For generations, Peterborough residents have hailed the delights of the annual Gang Show. There’s no mystery about its long-running success, it is simply built on family entertainment. There are great songs, dance, comedy and fun. And the show is delivered with the vim and vigour of a talented young cast. Peterborough Gang Show 2012 will again be built on the solid foundations of this great tradition with a cast of Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders. In fact, the Key Theatre stage will be alive to the sound of entertainment with a cast of no
less than 90 Scouts aged between eight and 58 giving it their all. Variety is the key word and Gang Show has something for everyone, this year including the greatest hits from West End favourites Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Saturday Night Fever. Peterborough Gang Show is also proud to have the city’s own film star, Warwick Davies as Local Ambassador. Monday 5 to Saturday 10 November. Monday to Friday at 7.15pm (no performance on Wednesday 7); Saturday at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £11 (£8 Monday and Saturday matinee)
To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com
A £1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions.
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Theatre
3 November
Key Theatre Studio
Theatre / Arts
10 November
Peterborough Cathedral
Elgar – Dream of Gerontius In an event no music lover should miss, Ralph Allwood MBE will be directing Elgar - Dream of Gerontius in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of Peterborough Cathedral.
in what promises to be a very special performance.
Edward Elgar’s setting of Cardinal Newman’s epic poem The Dream of Gerontius is one of the great choral works of all time.
Tickets: £19, £15 and £12 according to seat position. Half-price for under 18s.
Ralph Allwood, renowned for his directing of the Eton Choral Course and the Rudolfus Choir, will conduct the combined voices of the Cathedral Choir, PCMA Festival Chorus and the Peterborough Choral Society, accompanied by the Aurelian Symphony Orchestra,
The concert will be held at Peterborough Cathedral on: Saturday, 10 November at 7.30pm.
Discounts available for members of PCMA Tickets are available from www. pcmusicassociation.org from Stamford Arts Centre, call 01780 763 203, or visit www. stamfordartscentre.com and in person from the Peterborough Visitor Information Centre in Bridge Street.
14-17 November
Key Theatre
Calendar Girls Calendar Girls has become legendary since it first burst onto the stage and then became a hit film. It is based on the true story of eleven WI members who decided to pose nude for a calendar to raise cash for the Leukaemia Research Fund. It tells the story of what happens after Annie’s husband John dies from leukaemia. She and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow WI members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence.
To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, or book online at www.vivacity-peterborough.com 38
The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame. Tim Firth adapts the film into this compelling play which will be presented by Peterborough’s Mask Theatre company.
In the Key Theatre, Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 November, nightly at 7.30pm, matinee on Saturday, 2.30pm. Tickets: £11
A £1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions.
16 November & 14 December
Key Comedy Nights In association with awardwinning Bottle Rocket Comedy Club, a hilarious season of Key Comedy Nights continues. Little wonder there has been a great reaction in the city as these nights have been bringing the very best headliners from the comedy circuit and the hottest rising stars of mirth to the city. And there’s still a double-treat ahead before Christmas ... Friday, 16 November: Canadian Wes Zaharuk tops the bill. His side-splitting and anarchic physical comedy easily makes him one of the most exciting acts on the UK circuit. Wes is a one-man tour-de-force with a worldwide reputation for fast-paced, surreal humour, razor wit and an eccentric collection of props. If you like to laugh until you cry then he’s your man. The bill also features Bobby Mair (Laughing Horse New Act Winner 2012), Northern storyteller Katie Mulgrew and your MC is Adnan Ahmed. Friday, 14 December: Awardwinning musical comedian and stand-up Vikki Stone tops the show. Vikki has appeared in MTV’s Flashprank, BBC3’s Britain in Bed and Most Annoying People. She will be joined by James Acaster, Matt Rees and host Adnan Ahmed. Shows start 7.45pm. Tickets: £8 advance/£10 on the door
To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com
A £1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions.
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Theatre
Key Theatre Studio
Theatre
18 November
Key Theatre
Peggy Seeger Folk music courses through Peggy Seeger’s veins. She is the half-sister of folk legend Pete Seeger and her first life partner was English songwriter Ewan MacColl who wrote the classic First Time Ever I Saw Your Face for her. Peggy is known for her excellent renditions of Anglo-American folk songs and for her activist songwriting, especially in the field of feminism. Her best known pieces are Gonna Be An Engineer and The Ballad of Springhill, which is rapidly becoming regarded as a traditional folk song. After living 35 years in England, she returned to the USA in
1994 and took up residence in Asheville, North Carolina. Peggy eventually moved to Boston to take up a teaching post at Northeastern University before moving back to Oxford in England in 2010. She now tours as a solo concert artist, singing and giving workshops. Peggy has made 22 solo recordings and has participated in over 100 recordings with other artists. Peggy’s new live album was recorded in New Zealand. Sunday, 18 November at 7.30pm Tickets £14.50 (£13.50 concessions)
19 November
Key Theatre
Buddy Holly & The Cricketers Get set to Rave On when Buddy Holly & The Cricketers return for their annual smashhit show at the Key Theatre. The show is a hit-packed tribute to the life and music of Buddy Holly who created a legend in the space of just 18 months before he was killed in a plane crash in 1959. The show features some of the finest and most talented actormusicians in the business whose combined West End credits include Buddy (the original Holly tribute show), Lennon, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Jailhouse Rock and Sunday In The Park With George. This is a fast, furious, rollercoaster of a concert that always has audiences on their feet singing
To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com 42
along to the rock and roll era hits and dancing in the aisles. Holly hits are sure to include That’ll Be The Day, Rave On, Oh Boy, True Love Ways, Peggy Sue and many more. The show also features hits from Buddy’s buddies, like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, and even The Beatles who declared they owed much to the influence of Buddy Holly. Give yourself an early Christmas present - book now! Monday, 19 November at 7.30pm Tickets £17
A £1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions.
8m3 French circus sensations Atelier LeFeuvre et Andre will present their internationally acclaimed double bill 8m3 (Chez Moi Circus and Ni Omnibus) at the Key Theatre Studio. 8m3, that’s the volume of the stage, too small for two artists, too small to do circus in. 8m3 is two solos. One after the other. One before the other. One without the other? Chez Moi Circus - a juggler finds himself alone in his caravan, in front of an old television set. In his shrunken space he takes the audience on a journey through his life as an artist. With plenty of humour, objects come alive, but will everything
really happen as it’s supposed to? Circus and transport are linked. It’s all about proportions. With Ni Omnibus, the landscape comes indoors, music is the engine, the fittings and props and the bus becomes a theatre. Following performances at the International Mime Festival with their previous hit Le Jardin, experienced duo Didier Andre and Jean-Paul Le Feuvre bring their unique circus skills to the UK once again. Suitable for ages 7+
Tuesday, 20 November at 7pm Tickets £10 (£5 concessions)
20 November
Key Theatre
The Chris Barber Band British jazz trombonist Chris Barber celebrates his 63rd year as a bandleader with a rousing show at the Key Theatre. Chris and his 10-piece band with its seven-strong front line will be playing a wide selection of his favourites. Numbers will range from Barber’s roots in New Orleans-style with Bourbon Street Parade (still his signature tune) and Chimes Blues, to the early music of Duke Ellington (Black & Tan Fantasy and Jubilee Stomp), and Sidney Bechet (Petite Fleur which was a number one hit for Chris) on to the music of Bob Crosby (Big Noise from Winnetka and South Rampart St Parade). Further on to the blues of Sonny Terry and
Brownie McGhee (Cornbread, Peas and Black Molasses) to soul with Joe Zawinul’s Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and soulful blues like Miles Davis’s All Blues, and back to When The Saints to get everyone up on their feet. Chris Barber is a worthy British jazz scene legend whose appeal crosses many musical boundaries. He has successfully kept traditional jazz and blues alive, whatever musical trends come and go. Don’t miss this chance to stamp your feet, sing-a-long and have a great night’s entertainment. Tuesday, 20 November at 7.30pm Tickets £19
To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com
A £1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions.
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Theatre
20 November
Key Theatre Studio
Theatre
21 November
Key Theatre
An Audience With John Motson He is a broadcasting legend who is known to millions as the voice of football.
the BBC’s voice on major cup finals - the FA Cup, European Championship and World Cup.
Now you get the chance to hear him talk about his incredible life spent in the spotlight and to ask him the questions you’ve never had the chance to ask before in An Audience with John Motson.
This includes his incredible record-breaking sixth World Cup Final in Berlin in 2006 and his 29th FA Cup Final in May 2008.
John is simply one of the best known personalities in sports broadcasting. He has been a member of the BBC’s top-rated Match of the Day team for 40 years. His contributions to Match of the Day, Grandstand, Football Focus and Five Live have been regular and varied. From 1979 to 2008 he was
It is an achievement not matched by any other commentator. John has also researched and narrated more than 30 football videos. He has also written four books, including Motty’s Diary: A Year In The Life Of A Commentator, which was published in 1996. Wednesday, 21 November at 7.30pm Tickets £18.50
22 November
Key Theatre
Mother Courage and Her Children Two ideologies collide in a conflict that stretches across a continent and threatens the balance of world power. In its midst, one woman, her three children by her side, sees an opportunity to survive, a way to profit from the slaughter, by selling goods to both sides. And the time is about to come when, in her quest for material gain, she must make the ultimate sacrifice. Regarded by many as the greatest play of the 20th Century, and even the greatest anti-war play of all-time, Mother Courage and Her Children asks fundamental questions about the effects our beliefs have on the world,
To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com 44
and the role of ideology in society and world affairs. Lee Hall, who wrote the screenplay for Steven Spielberg’s epic film version of War Horse, has produced a brilliant translation of Bertolt Brecht’s masterpiece, making it accessible, bang up to date and full of dark comedy. Brought to the Key stage by the highly acclaimed Blackeyed Theatre company with breathtaking ensemble performances and live music. It is suitable for children 13+
Thursday 22 November at 7.30pm Tickets £12.50 (£10 students)
A £1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions.
Mother Goose The Key Theatre pantomime team has hatched another certain winner with this year’s spectacular production of alltime favourite Mother Goose. As always, it will have the Key’s hallmark of quality family entertainment with a traditional sense of good, clean, fun. It is a formula that always works, and over 30 years generations of Peterborough children have grown up looking forward to their annual festive treat at the Key Theatre. As always Mother Goose will feature top-notch actors, singers and dancers, and some of the up and coming talented youngsters who have been graduating from the Key Youth
Theatre training programme. It’s loud, it’s boisterous, it’s funny, the music’s great, and watch out if you are in the front rows, because there’s certain to be inter-active audience participation, another highlight of the annual Key panto. Every Key panto is golden, but Mother Goose will be an absolute cracker, you can take our word for that. The record-breaking Key Theatre pantomime is created by local people for local people, it’s no wonder everyone joins in with the local gags in this unique festive treat. For a full list of dates and prices visit vivacity-peterborough. com or call the Box Office.
26 November & 21 January
Key Theatre Studio
Key Open Sessions Musicians, singers, rappers, comedians, clowns and even mime artists will be able to show off their talents at the Key’s new Open Mic nights - Key Open Sessions. Over the next few months the Key will be staging these events to give talent of all ages and types from the Peterborough area the opportunity to be involved. The sessions will take place on the fourth Monday of each month in the Key Theatre Studio (apart from December 17). Acts will be provided with sound, lighting and the opportunity to showcase their talents. So, if you play an instrument, sing,
fancy a new career as a standup or a storyteller or anything else, please come and join us. If you are interested in appearing at one of the sessions, you can just turn up on the night and we will try and fit you in. BUT, if you want to make sure of your place in the performance please email key.theatre@ vivacity-peterborough.com stating what your act is and which date you would like to perform on.
26 November, and 21 January, 2013 Entry £3
To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com
A £1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions.
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/ Drama
6 December – 6 January 2013
Key Theatre