Key Times+ Nov/Dec by Vivacity

key + times November – December 2011

What’s on at the Key Theatre and around the city

You couldn’t wish for a better panto

Heritage Key Theatre & Cresset Sport & Leisure Libraries

Brought to you with

Welcome to our very Festive edition of the Key Times+. As the year draws to an end, we’re counting the days at the Key Theatre until this year’s panto, Aladdin, which is set the fill the theate with Eastern promise. The action kicks off on 8 December, and with tickets already selling fast, be sure to book your place on this magic carpet ride to fun and adventure for all the family!

gym memberhip, or take part in one of our special Christmas holiday activities. As we reach the end of 2011,

we can look back over a vivacity-peterborough.com great year for culture and

Elsewhere, there are many other celebrations taking place including a Flag Fen Christmas Craft Fayre, where you can be sure to pick up a some ideal gifts, and special craft sessions at Peterborough’s libraries to keep the smaller members of the family occupied over the holiday season. At Vivacity’s Leisure Centres, why not get in shape for the party season with a Vivacity

Content

leisure in Peterborough, and look forward to some exciting times ahead. Not least will be the Spring re-opening of the Peterborough Musuem, which has been closed for a major redevelopment project throughout 2011. Read our update feature in this issue. However you choose to celebrate this season, we hope you have a fantastic time and look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year. PS Your feedback is very important to us, so please let us know what you think. Email enquriries@ vivacity-peterborough.com

4 Pantomime

8 Music

14 Museum

20 Drama

28 Sport

To find out the latest news about what’s going on across Vivacity, visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com Vivacity is now on Facebook. Simply search for Vivacity Peterborough. Key Times+ Pick up the latest copy of Key Times+, which now includes all of Vivacity’s arts, culture, heritage and sporting events, from all Vivacity outlets, the Peterborough Evening Telegraph and online at our website.

31 Libraries

41 The Cresset

Be the first to know Join our mailing list to get a FREE copy of Key Times+ every two months. Simply email key. theatre@vivacity-peterborough.com or call the Key Theatre box office on 01733 207239 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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Aladdin A magic lamp is set to light up Peterborough this Christmas, and lead the way to a fantastic family adventure. Come with us - we will supply the magic carpet - and escape the chilly blast of winter as we take you on a fantastic pantomime journey with the ever-popular story of Aladdin. Of course, this lavish and colourful production will have all the Key’s unique ingredients of slapstick humour, music, spectacle, and audience involvement. That’s what makes the Key panto Peterborough’s festive favourite, and with 59 performances to choose from, there’s bound to be one that fits in with your plans. Something else that makes the Key panto special is the intimate and welcoming auditorium which ensures that everyone gets a great view, and you really do feel a part of the show. Nobody feels left out of the fun at the Key - oh no they don’t! As always, Aladdin will feature a cast that includes local talent alongside highly skilled professionals, and it comes from a creative team building on 30 years of panto experience. The story of Aladdin, a poor boy who finds fame and fortune thanks to a genie in a magic lamp, will be sure to enchant audiences from Thursday, 8 December until Sunday, 8 January, 2012. Check out the concessions for children and a range of party rates and discounts.

ALADDIN – 8 Dec 2011- 8 Jan 2012 Thurs 8 Dec Fri 9 Dec Sat 10 Dec Sun 11 Dec Mon 12 Dec Tues 13 Dec Wed 14 Dec Thurs 15 Dec Fri 16 Dec Sat 17 Dec Sun 18 Dec Mon 19 Dec Tues 20 Dec Wed 21 Dec Thurs 22 Dec Fri 23 Dec Sat 24 Dec Sun 25 Dec Mon 26 Dec Tues 27 Dec Wed 28 Dec Thurs 29 Dec Fri 30 Dec Sat 31 Dec Sun 1 Jan Mon 2 Jan Tues 3 Jan Wed 4 Jan Thurs 5 Jan Fri 6 Jan Sat 7 Jan Sun 8 Jan

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# $$ Key I.P. discount available - 2 for 1 offer Special discount for senior citizens Discount (groups of 10+) - £10Special (groups of 10+)for Senior Citizens - £10.00 √√ Signed performance for the deaf and Family Ticket available - 2 adults √% hard of hearing and 2 concessions £44.00 % Children under 2 years/babes in arms Special discount for schools - £9.00 %AD half full price (plus 1 FREE seat for every 12 AD Audio described performance purchased)

To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, visit the Destination Centre, A £1 booking fee applies to all in BridgeStreet, or book online at www.vivacity-peterborough.com cheque and card transactions. 4

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Theatre / Panto

8 December –8 January

Key Theatre

Theatre / Music

Thursday, 17 November

Key Theatre

The Nick Ross Orchestra Recapture the sounds and memories of a golden musical age as the Nick Ross Orchestra presents an unmissable evening of music and song with the classic Big Band Sound of the Glenn Miller Era. With a line-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, a rhythm section and singers, the Nick Ross Orchestra faithfully recreates the sound of the 1940s. The NRO library features hits from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Ted Heath, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Benny Goodman, Ray Noble and Stan Kenton and others. And the repertoire would not be complete without reference to the songbooks of

Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. For many this music will evoke memories of a different age. Of relationships forged in wartime, of tunes drifting from a wireless set, of dances and uniforms, of holding hands, of being stirred by music from the soul, of experiencing the exciting tingle of expectation and excitement as a Big Band hit its blood-pulsing beat. For younger members of the audience it will be a chance to experience timeless music that has survived war, social upheavals, and fickle trends. Music superbly played by the NRO. Thursday 17 November at 7.30pm Tickets £18 (£16 concessions)

Thursday, 24 November

Key Theatre

Holly at Christmas 2011 All fans of rock and roll can have a berry merry festive season treat when Holly At Christmas 2011 hits the stage at the Key Theatre. Holly is a legend, and this Holly rocks around the Christmas tree with some of the greatest dance-in-the-aisles music ever. For 18 years, tribute act Buddy Holly and The Cricketers have been keeping alive the music and the legacy of the late, great, Buddy Holly. This bubbly, bouncy, brand new show has the biggest Holly hits, including It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Rave On, Peggy Sue and Oh Boy plus many more. And the great news is that it

also revives the hits of Buddy’s buddies, like Elvis Presley (with whom he appeared when Elvis visited his home town of Lubbock, Texas), Little Richard (the flamboyant entertainer who came as a shock to Buddy’s parents when he took him home after a show), Eddie Cochran (with whom he toured the States), Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Brothers (Buddy’s big pals) and fellow Texan, Roy Orbison. It also includes a nod to The Beatles who admitted being influenced by Holly. The show features top actormusicians from the West End. Thursday, 24 November, at 7.30pm Tickets £16.50

To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, visit the Destination Centre, booking fee applies to in BridgeStreet, or book online at www.vivacity-peterborough.com Aall£1.50 cheque and card transactions. 6

Theatre

7-12 November

Key Theatre

Peterborough Gang Show 2011 Hail, hail, the Gang will all be here for another rousing show of song, dance and comedy. Peterborough Gang Show 2011 will be an all-round variety show, and around 80 enthusiastic Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders from Scouting Groups around Peterborough will make sure it is another winner. The show will include original comedy sketches and numbers from the biggest musical hits including Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz and Bugsy Malone. This is the 64th Peterborough Gang Show, which retains the ethos created by the legendary Ralph Reader 70 years ago, but the secret of Gang Show is the youthful vigour of the cast and

top class up-to-date material. Monday 7 to Saturday 12 November. Monday to Thursday at 7.15pm, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm. Saturday matinee at 3.30pm Tickets Monday £7, Tuesday to Saturday £10 Family tickets Tuesday to Saturday £36

26 & 27 November

Key Theatre

Disco Daze Last year’s Key Theatre show from the students of Tu Danse Studios, Magical Musicals, was a resounding success. The great news is, they’re back and with a touch of Saturday Night Fever as they take you back to the 1970s in brand new show Disco Daze. The young performers are putting the final touches to the show in rehearsals right now. They promise the result will be an exciting two-hour journey back to the days of flares, platform soles and Glam Rock. They will have you on your feet as they get down to the beat of classic hits from the likes of Michael Jackson, Elton John,

Donna Summer (the Disco Queen herself) and, of course, The Bee Gees who produced the biggest selling soundtrack album ever for the greatest disco movie of them all, Saturday Night Fever. The performers are too young to remember all that, of course, but many people in the audience will remember it well no doubt and they too will think that You Should Be Dancing. Yeah! You can also Abba good time to their hits too.

Saturday 26 November at 3pm and 7pm and Sunday 27 November at 2pm and 6pm Tickets £8 (£6 concessions)

T.Rextasy You would have to compare him to Take That to understand just how big Marc Bolan was in the 1970s. With hit after hit for the elfin rocker and his band T. Rex, Britain was in the grip of Bolanmania. In fact, 40 years ago a T. Rex record created such a stir that it started a whole new trend in pop. It was Get It On, and with its compulsively infectious beat added to Marc’s ethereal and sparkly look, Glam Rock was born. It paved the way for Bowie, Sweet, Alvin Stardust etc. It made T. Rex so hot that their record company, EMI, could hardly press 45s fast enough

to keep up with demand. Bolan was an immediate superstar, he had the look, the guitar playing ability and an amazing way of creating deceptively simple but maddeningly infectious hits, that there was no stopping him. They just kept on coming, Ride A White Swan, Jeepster, Hot Love, 20th Century Boy, Telegram Sam, Metal Guru and the rest. Come along and see T.Rextasy the best T. Rex tribute band of all and you can bang a gong! Friday 18 November at 7.30pm Tickets £18 (£17 concessions)

Key Theatre Club

Key Theatre Club The best way to get the most out of your theatregoing is to join the Key Theatre Club, where you can make new friends and enjoy great special events.

theatres, and great discounts to be had on tickets to top shows at the Key. The really amazing thing is that membership is from as little as £6.50 a year.

One of the most popular aspects with members is having the chance to rub shoulders with the stars in our after-show KTC events at the Key Theatre.

So, if you would like to get closer to the action and really feel as if you are part of the Key Theatre family, don’t delay just ring the Box Office and ask for details about how you can join the KTC today.

There are also many social events, visits to big shows at other

Theatre

Friday, 18 November

Key Theatre

Theatre / Eastern Angles / Vivacity Archive Service

Eastern Angles

Forty Years On Forty Years On needs to talk to people who moved to Peterborough in the 70s and 80s in order to explore the development of the city. We want to hear your tales about life in Peterborough during this time, particularly if you moved to the new Orton, Bretton and Werrington townships. Your stories will create an important oral archive about the city’s transformation and will inspire a community play for 2013. So part of your life could literally be played out before you! As part of the Forty Years On project, we’re also cataloguing the Peterborough Development Corporation records, exploring the plans, the people and their vision for Peterborough.

on the men and women of the corporation who were employed to change the face of Peterborough. But the corporation is only one part of the story - we want to hear YOUR experiences of actually living in Peterborough, the ‘new town’. Can you help us tell Peterborough’s story? Contact the Project Officer, Tina Bramhill on 01733 864298 or email tina.bramhill@ vivacity-peterborough.com We’re also looking for volunteers to help us with conservation and cataloguing, conducting and transcribing interviews and the 2013 community play. So get in touch if you’re interested!

And once we’ve finished, the public will be able to access these fascinating documents about Peterborough’s expansion for the first time.

Forty Years On is a three year archive and theatre project run by Eastern Angles and Vivacity. It is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported by Arts Council England.

Our first play, The Peterborough Effect, will be performed in Autumn 2012 and will focus

For more information visit www. easternangles.co.uk or www. vivacity-peterborough.com

Museum & Art Gallery

Heritage Tours If you’re looking for an unusual and fun way to spend an evening, as well as find out more about our city, why not book onto one of Peterborough Museum’s evening walks? There are the Peterborough Ghost Walk, the Peterborough Crime & Punishment Walk or the Peterborough Inns and Taverns tour. Ghost Walks will take place on 15 November and 20 December, Crime Walks on 17 November and 15 December and Inns & Taverns Tours on 3 November and 1 December, all at 7.30pm. The Historic Peterborough Tour on Saturdays at 2pm is the essential guide to Peterborough’s past. Find out more about the fascinating,and often undiscovered, history

of Peterborough, from the foundation of the Saxon abbey to the modern city. A must for visitors to Peterborough or local residents alike. On Sundays at 2pm there is a different tour exploring different aspects of our rich heritage in more detail. Sunday 6 November: Tudor & Stuart Peterborough Sunday 13 November: Wartime Peterborough Sunday 20 November: Monarchy, Monks & Martyrs Sunday 27 November: Medieval Peterborough Sunday 4 December: What’s In A Name Sunday 11 December: Yuletide Peterborough Sunday 18 December: Yuletide Peterborough. Price £5 adults, £3 concessions

16 November & 21 December

Museum & Art Gallery

Heritage Talks The Museum stages a regular programme of talks throughout the year, and during the closure period these have been re-located to the John Clare Theatre on the third Wednesday of the month. The talks cover a variety of topics from thousands of years of human history, and cover personalities,social history, military topics, politics, art and the history of science. All talks are illustrated, and discussion with the audience is positively encouraged! Here are two to look forward to: Wednesday, 16 November: Peterborough and the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. The bloody story of a failed Medieval revolution. Find out how a popular rising not 14

only led to Wat Tyler marching on London, but a riot and bloodbath in the heart of our city. It promises to be a stirring account from Stuart Orme. Wednesday, 21 December: The Life and Times of William Shakespeare. Who was William Shakespeare? Did he even even write his plays? This talk by Don Chiswell will examine the life and times of the Stratford Bard and look at the conditions that allowed his genius to flourish. Both talks take place at 7.30pm in the John Clare Theatre in Central Library in Broadway. Price is £5 adults, £3 concessions, available on the door. For more details call 01733 864663 or email museum@ vivacity-peterborough.com

Flag Fen

Sunday, 4 December

Christmas Craft Fayre Visit Flag Fen on Sunday, 4 December for one day only for a Christmas craft fayre and visit Father Christmas himself. Explore Flag Fen and visit more than 20 craft stalls with a wide range of goods on sale for that last minute, or unusual, gift. Try lots of family Christmas activities too and youngsters can visit Father Christmas’ grotto, and he will listen to their Christmas wishes and even hand out some presents. There is an additional charge of £3-per-child to visit Father Christmas, which includes the cost of the gift. Sunday, 4 December, 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm). Entry £5 adults, £4.50 concessions, £3.75 for children (under 5s free) or £13.75 for a family.

For more details, call 01733 313414, e-mail flag.fen@vivacity-peterborough.com or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com 15

Museum & Art Gallery

Countdown to museum reopening Excitement is growing as works draw to a close on Peterborough Museum, and the countdown begins to a grand re-opening for the city centre attraction in Spring 2012. As the builders move out, staff will begin to move the museum’s precious collections back into the building, and help install the new displays. The new exhibits will showcase the best of Peterborough’s rich heritage to local people and visitors to the city alike, within the wonderful surroundings of this important historic building. Most of the galleries with their amazing objects and stories have been completely redisplayed and refurbished. These will give greater access to our remarkable collections, with more objects

on view. Displays have been designed to appeal to a range of audiences, from handson activities for families and schoolchildren, to information for researchers. During the works, much of this beautiful building has been restored to its original grandeur, including areas that up to now have not been open to the public. Such as our surviving Victorian operating theatre, one of only a few in Europe. Visitor facilities will also be updated and improved, including new toilets, a cafe and a new-look shop. This £3.2 million project has been funded by Peterborough City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Vivacity. To find out more, or even get involved as a volunteer visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Theatre / Drama

Key Theatre

Monday, 14 November

Friend or Foe Two young evacuees from the horrors of The Blitz, David and Tucky, are brought face-toface with the enemy in Michael Morpurgo’s evocative Friend or Foe. The boys naturally feel that they should hate this enemy that has wrenched them from their homes and families. But their feelings are about to be challenged by a twist of fate. For, one night the sky above the countryside where they now live is lit up by gun flashes and the thump of a German bomber crashing. And it is one of the crew who saves David’s life. Monday 14 November at 2.30pm and 7pm Tickets £10.50 (£8.50 students) Key I.P. £9

Henceforward Fast forward to the near future and picture a scene where a writer is battling a creative block that started with his wife leaving him. His only company is his malfunctioning android housekeeper, NAN 300F. There’s no question of going out to clear his fuddled brain, because Jerome lives in a shuttered highrise flat, safe from maurauding gangs like the Daughters of Darkness and the Sons of Bitches who roam the streets. The gangs are in the middle of all-out warfare and civilians can become collateral damage. That’s what has happened to Zoe, an actress who bangs on his door seeking shelter after falling prey to the feral girls in the Daughters of

Darkness. What happens from there is a pure Alan Ayckbourn comedy about topsy-turvy human relationships, but with a science fiction twist. Suffice to say, Jerome and Zoe make love. He blots his copybook by recording their passion for musical inspiration. She storms out. Now Jerome’s plan to fool the Department of Child Wellbeing into letting him see his estranged daughter again, by passing Zoe off as his new fiancee, is bust. Surely he won’t re-programme Nan to sound and look like Zoe? Or will he? Saturday, 19 November at 7.30pm Tickets £12 (£10 concessions)

To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, visit the Destination Centre, £1.50 booking fee applies to all in BridgeStreet, or book online at www.vivacity-peterborough.com Acheque and card transactions.

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Theatre / Drama

Saturday, 19 November

Key Theatre

Lord Of The Flies It is one of the most searing and shocking stories of cruelty, survival, and how thin the human veneer of civilisation is, and it is coming to the Key Theatre Studio. There have been modern attempts to plunge human beings into a situation where only the fittest will survive - like television’s hit series Lost - but nothing matches the sheer gut-wrenching and emotional power of William Golding’s classic, Lord of the Flies. It tells the story of a group of schoolboys, the only survivors of a plane crash on a deserted island. With no surviving adults they are left to fend for themselves. But, as their sense of order breaks down, their childish fears motate in to

something much darker and more primitive: The law of the jungle. Their games now take on a horrible significance, and eventually people back in civilisation would no longer recognise this group of once well-behaved youngsters. They have become a tribe of faceless, murderous savages. It is an appalling journey they have taken from boyhood to manhood, against the overpowering and most demanding urge to survive, at all costs. This intimate production comes from 20twenty Theatre. Friday 18 November at 7.30pm Tickets £7.50 (£6 students)

November 24 & 25

Key Theatre

I ♥ Peterborough Two rehearsed readings of Eastern Angles’ exciting new production of Joel Horwood’s irreverent and poignant new play I ♥Peterborough are coming to the Key Theatre. This is a chance for Peterborough theatre lovers to get an exclusive preview of this scorching no-holds-barred look at Peterborough’s underbelly. It certainly isn’t for youngsters as I ♥ Peterborough contains strong language and drug references. The last time Joel Horwood collaborated with Eastern Angles on the play I Caught Crabs in Walberswick both playwright and theatre company found themselves with an Edinburgh

Fringe smash hit on their hands. Now, following Joel’s success with the acclaimed Nabokov Theatre Company, and writing comedy Christmas shows for The Lyric, Hammersmith, the young writer and the Eastern Angles team are re-united. There is every chance that I ♥ Peterborough will rock another Edinburgh Fringe audience with it’s earthy sense of humour and Horwood’s natural ear for realistic everyday dialogue. Don’t miss this local treat!

Thursday 24 and Friday 25 November at 7.30pm Tickets £5

Theatre / Drama

Friday, 18 November

Key Theatre

Xmas_DPS_KeyTimes_ART_Layout 1 17/10/2011 09:20 Page 1

Library activities in Peterborough | 2011

Theatre The Key Theatre is sure to be full of Eastern promise this Christmas and New Year as the ever-popular tale of Aladdin returns for 2011-12.

8DEC 20118JAN 2012

It’s Panto Time at The Key

Aladdin returns to the Key The poor boy who finds fame and fortune thanks to a genie in a magic lamp has it all. Magic, adventure and excitement together with an abundance of slapstick, humour, music and spectacle guaranteed to entertain all the family.

view and feel part of the action from the very start. With 59 shows to choose from, there’s sure to be performances at a time and a price to suit you.

Please contact us for times and prices. To book, visit or call the Box Office on 01733 207239, visit vivacity-peterborough.com or pop along to the Destination Centre on Bridge Street.

Museum

Family craft events

3-23 DEC 2011

Drop in events. Make patchwork paper decorations, seasonal finger puppets and other winter characters inspired by stories.

Why not post your letter to Santa at your local library where Santa’s helpers will collect them. Santa has been busy getting presents ready for children all over the world, but he still has time to send a personalised reply. Libraries across the city will have special post boxes and reply letters can be collected the next time they visit the library. Starting from Saturday 3 December. Replies can be collected up to Friday 23 December, within normal opening hours. Available at all libraries. There is no charge for this service.

at Flag Fen

Xperience Xmas at Werrington Leisure Centre

21 DEC 9.30am – 4pm (extended hours

Our new Detective Xperience could be for you! Have a go at fingerprinting, tracking suspects, reconstructing stolen goods, mystery solving and much more.

Our dance instructors will choreograph some fantastic routines in jazz, street dance, break dance, chart and musical theatre. If you like to dance you’ll love this day.

Explore Flag Fen and visit over twenty craft stalls for that unusual or last minute gift. Try our family Christmas activities and perhaps make a decoration to take away.

20-21

for more information on all these events visit vivacity-peterborough.com

Free entry, suitable for ages 6-11 accompanied by a parent or carer. For more details phone 01733 864280 or email: libraryevents@vivacity-peterborough.com.

19 DEC 9.30am – 4pm (extended hours

Flag Fen Archaeology Park, The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough

There is a small additional charge of £3 per child to visit Father Christmas (includes the cost of a gift).

(Hampton Library) and 1-3pm (Bretton Library)

Show off some moves on the dance floor!

Spy School is back!

For more details, visit our website vivacity-peterborough.com, e-mail flag.fen@vivacity-peterborough.com or call Flag Fen 01733 313414.

17 DEC 201110am-12pm

Dance Xperience

Visit Flag Fen for a Christmas craft fayre (one day only) and visit Father Christmas!

Your Christmas Fayre Day would not be complete without a visit to Father Christmas' grotto, and he will be on hand throughout the day to receive visits from children.

(Orton Library) and 1.30-3.30pm (Central Library)

Our new Detective Xperience is for you!

4 DEC 2011 Sunday 4 December 2011 10am - 4pm (last admission 3pm) £5 adults, £4.40 concessions, £3.75 children (under 5s free) or £13.75 family

3 DEC 201110.30am-12.30pm

Want to be a Detective? 2011 available from 8.30-9.30am and 4-5pm)

Christmas Craft Fayre

at selected libraries

Santa’s post box

Sport

As always the real star of the show is the Key’s intimate and welcoming auditorium. Patrons of all ages can be sure of a great

Festive Fun

Chrimbo holiday fun with a difference!

DEC 2011

9.30am – 4pm (extended hours available from 8.30-9.30am and 4-5pm)

You and your team of secret agents will be sent on a special mission to collect hidden information that is being held in a secret bank vault. You will have a go at navigation, code breaking, gadget making, laser challenges and more.

2011 available from 8.30-9.30am and 4-5pm)

Why not take advantage of this

SPECIAL OFFER only £18 per day for sports activities Use code SXSC010 when booking online. Call 0770 3030711, email sara.strid-coughlan@sports-xtra.com or visit www.sports-xtra.com for more information or call Werrington Leisure Centre on 01733 576606.

While every effort will be made to ensure that these sessions go ahead as planned, a minimum number of bookings are required at least 48 hours in advance. All sessions are subject to change/cancellation at the management’s discretion.

for more information on all these events visit vivacity-peterborough.com

Activities for adults with a disability Vivacity has teamed up with DIAL Peterborough to offer a number of exercise and sports opportunities. In a friendly and relaxed environment, these sessions can help you achieve your goals. Mondays: Balance & Coordination at Peterborough Athletics Track (indoors & outdoors), 10.45am-11.45am. Price £2.50

Tuesdays: Bushfield Leisure Centre, 10.30am12.30pm. Price £2 Fridays: Peterborough Prison, 3pm-5pm. Price £1.

Booking essential. Call Matt Taylor on 01733 863783 or email matt.taylor@vivacitypeterborough.com

Werrington Leisure Centre

Roller Discos Werrington Leisure Centre are blowing the dust off their skates, ready for midJanuary, as they will be hosting a series of Roller Discos on Saturday evenings. It will be ideal for all ages and all abilities, with no pressure

whether you just want to find your feet or if you are already a pro-skater. For more information, or to register an interest, please e-mail ben.clawson-chan@ vivacity-peterborough.com

Various venues

Mars Just Play! Football Sessions Just Play! kickabouts are great for when you want to play without committing to a weekly game or team. It’s all about loose, casual play. So any excuses about fitness or levels of experience should be left at the 28

bottom of your kit bag! Find yourself a kickabout, book your place, turn up and Just Play! Visit www.justplay.thefa. com to find your nearest Just Play! centre, times and prices and book onto a session.

Sports Xtra – December Fun Want to become a detective? Then our new DETECTIVE XPERIENCE is for you. If you have ever wanted to join a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team this new Detective Xperience is just for you. Have a go at fingerprinting, reconstructing crime scenes, tracking stolen goods, mystery solving and much more. This new Xperience will run at Werrington Leisure Centre on 19 December from 9.30am-4pm. Extended hours are available from 8.30am-9.30am and 4pm-5pm. SPY SCHOOL IS BACK! This is holiday fun with a difference. You and your team of secret agents will be sent on a special mission to collect hidden information being held in a secret bank vault. You will have a go at navigation, code breaking, gadget making and laser challenges, and you will need to use all of these new skills to be able to complete your mission successfully. The ever-popular Spy School Xperience will run at Werrington Leisure Centre on 20 and 21 December from 9.30am to 4pm. Extended hours are available from 8.30-9.30am and 4pm-5pm. DANCE XPERIENCE. Learn how to show off some dance floor moves. Our instructors will choreograph fantastic hip-hop, street dance, break dance, and other routines at Werrington Leisure Centre on 21 December from 9.30am to 4pm. Extended hours available 8.30am-9.30am and 4pm-5pm. All activities open to children aged 5-12. Special offer of just £18 a day on all these activities. To claim this discount use code SSCXMAS when booking online. Visit www.sports-xtra.com or contact Sara on 0770 3030711,or email sara.strid-coughlan@sports-xtra.com. vivacity-peterborough.com 29

Sports & Leisure

Athletics Track

Santa’s Post Box If your child is writing a letter to Father Christmas this festive season, why not post it at your local library, where Santa’s helpers will be collecting the letters for him?

which can be collected the next time they visit the library.

Santa and his helpers have been busy getting presents ready for children all over the world, but he still has time to write to the children.

Ask staff for details of the days and times of these weekly events, which introduce children under five to the magic and adventure of reading.

In your letter you can tell Santa all about yourself and what you want for Christmas.

Santa’s Post Boxes will be open from Saturday 3 December at libraries across the city.

Libraries across the city will have special post boxes for children to send their own letter to him. All children taking part will receive a personalised reply

While you are in the library, why not also enjoy one of our storytimes?

Santa’s replies can be collected up to Friday, 23 December within normal library opening hours. FREE

3 & 17 December

Libraries

Family Festive Fun Don’t miss out on Family Festive Fun at the Library, these are FREE events in association with City College Peterborough’s Family Learning service.

long as they like.

There are family craft events being held in selected libraries across the city. They are suitable for children aged 6-11, accompanied by a parent or carer.

Saturday 17 December 10am-12pm (Hampton Library) and 1pm-3pm (Bretton Library)

Drop in and make patchwork paper decorations, seasonal finger puppets and other winter characters to take home.

Saturday 3 December 10.30am-12.30pm (Orton Library) and 1.30pm3.30pm (Central Library)

You can also come along to Werrington Library to make your own salt dough Christmas ornaments on Saturday 17 December 10am-12pm

The crafts will be inspired by specially chosen stories which you will be able to read and enjoy as a family.

It’s great fun for youngsters, educational, and brings a flavour of the Christmas spirit to get families in the mood for the festive season.

These are drop in events and families can stay as

All these events are FREE of charge.

For more information, call 01733 864280, visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com or e-mail libraryenquiries@vivacity-peterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com 31

Libraries

From 3 December

Libraries

7 – 25 November

Libraries

Laptop course If you want to avoid the crowds this Christmas and do your shopping in the comfort of your home, then why not come along to a FREE Online Shopping workshop at your library? You’ll find out how to find specialist items, compare prices, get some great deals - and savings too. You can even have everything delivered directly to your door! This way you can save shoe leather and all that stressful hustle and bustle in the Christmas shopping rush. If you are ready to find out more about shopping the modern way, then why not take the plunge and book your place today?

Saturday 12 November 10.30am12pm and Friday 18 November 1.30pm-3pm (Central Library) Friday 25 November 11am12.30pm (Dogsthorpe Library) Tuesday 15 November 2pm3.30pm (Werrington Library) Wednesday 9 November 5pm6.30pm and Friday 18 November 3pm-4.30pm (Bretton Library) Monday 7 November 11am12.30pm (OrtonLibrary) All these events are free of charge. For more information: Call 01733 864280 or email: libraryenquiries@vivacitypeterborough.com or check out www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Libraries

Download eBooks Readers in Peterborough can take advantage of a new age of technology with the launch of a free e-books lending service from Vivacity’s Library Service. The FREE service offers books for download via the library’s website (http://peterboroughebook.lib.overdrive.com). You can download books 24 hours a day from the comfort of your own home or office, or even on the train journey to work. All you need is a computer or mobile device with an internet connection, a library card, and the FREE SOFTWARE available from the Peterborough eBook Library website. Simply browse, download,

checkout and enjoy! Titles can be read and enjoyed immediately, or transferred to a variety of devices. Loans will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, so there are never any charges. Over 550 titles are on offer, with a range of novels and non-fiction available for three-week loans. Reservations can also be placed for items that are out on loan to other readers. For more information, contact your local library or call Peterborough Libraries on 01733 864280. Please note that at the moment Kindles are not compatible with this service.

For more information, contact your local library, call 01733 864280, or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com 32

Theatre

John Clare Theatre

Peterborough Arts Cinema Film fans can see some great movies by attending Peterborough Arts Cinema showings at the John Clare Theatre at 7.30pm. Just look at this varied programme coming up ... Thursday 10 November: Catfish (cert 12A) is a modern day tale of deception told in the style of a documentary and is one of the year’s most intriguing pictures. Thursday 17 November: Archipelago (cert 15) tells the story of a mother (Kate Fahy) and her grown up children in the story of a fractured family and a far from jolly gathering on one of the Scilly Islands. Thursday 24 November: How I Ended This Summer (cert 12A) is a Russian film that won the

Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival last year. It’s beautifully shot and superbly acted and is set in the remote Russian Arctic at an isolated meteorological research station. Two illmatched colleagues live in an atmosphere of dislike and a radio message revealing a secret threatens to be explosive. Thursday 1 December: No film show Thursday 8 December: The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec (cert 12A) is a ripping French adventure yarn from director Luc Besson. Adele (Louise Bourgoin) is an intrepid tomb raider in this interpretation of the Jacques Tardi comicbook series set in Paris in 1912, which is rich in burlesque acting and droll good humour.

30 November – 3 December

John Clare Theatre

A Classic Christmas Peterborough Playgoers are back at the John Clare Theatre with their eagerly awaited annual festive season treat. And A Classic Christmas follows the format much loved by Playgoers’ audiences, consisting of Christmas songs, carols, poems and sketches based on classic literature with a Christmas theme. However, don’t be put off if you think this sounds a little stuffy, because there is a lot of comedy and humour, particularly in the second half which includes a traditional Victorian-style melodrama.The show is directed by Veronica White, who is also the Chairperson of the society. Music, as always, will be provided by Marjorie Richardson and Tim Dighton.

Last year, Peterborough Playgoers celebrated its 75th Anniversary and continues to produce high class, and critically acclaimed, performances. It is not too late to join the society for this show, or if you fancy treading the boards in future, or being involved in a back stage capacity. Go to the website at peterboroughplaygoers.org.co.uk Wednesday 30 November to Saturday 3 December. Nightly at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £9 evening performances and £8 for the matinee To buy tickets, visit the Destination Centre, in Bridge Street, or call 01733 452336.

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PETERBOROUGH

PLAYGOERS 1935-2011 vivacity-peterborough.com 33

Creative Gatherings

Citizen Power For more than a year now,those involved with the arts in Peterborough have been coming together at Creative Gatherings as part of the Citizen Power programme. Citizen Power is a partnership between Peterborough City Council, the Royal Society of Arts and Arts Council England. It is made up of six projects examining new ways

of encouraging people to get involved in helping communities to become stronger, safer, greener and more able to overcome challenges. Creative Gatherings are part of the Arts and Social Change project which is working closely with Vivacity and local arts organisations to build a practical and inspirational arts offer for the city. More than 170 people have attended since summer 2010

and have taken the opportunity of meeting and talking to other local artists. The ultimate aim is for the Creative Gatherings to become an established self-organised network for the benefit of the local arts community and Peterborough as a thriving city of creativity and culture. If you want to know more and get involved email susannah.willcox@rsa.org.uk or see www.citizenpower.co.uk

Sports & Leisure

Brand new look for Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre The £1 million refurbishment to the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre, which began earlier this year, has finally been completed. The plan was to regenerate the whole centre, thanks to funding from Peterborough City Council, making it bright, fresh, and much more enjoyable to visit, workout, and spend more time there. It is all part of Vivacity’s aim to bring you the best quality sport and leisure facilities in Peterborough. The revamp kicked off with a brand new fitness suite which opened in January of this year, and refurbishment of the rest of the centre has now been unveiled. The most obvious improvement upon arrival is the brand new foyer and reception area, with a distinctive colour scheme and high tech entrance/exit barriers.

It brings everything into the 21st century. One of the biggest improvements has been to all the changing facilities, which have been fully revamped to deliver a clean, sleek style. A state-ofthe-art new health suite is now in place, which includes a steam room, sauna, plasma TV, and some ‘swish’ new furniture. In fact, everything you need to relax at the Regional after an extensive workout, or a gruelling swim. Vivacity would like to thank everyone for their patience throughout any disruption caused during the process. If you would like to see the new facilities, or find out more about the many Vivacity gym membership options available, simply call 01733 864760 or check out www. vivacity-peterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com 37

Theatre

Key Theatre spring preview After the panto, Aladdin, closes on Sunday, 8 January, the Key Theatre will be closed for a few weeks while building work is completed. This exciting improvement includes new dressing rooms, offices and a new backstage area, thanks to funding from Peterborough City Council. The new spring season will be announced in the JanuaryFebruary edition of Key Times+, here is a sneak preview. Drama highlights include: Harold Pinterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Birthday Party and Ben Eltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Silly Cow, plus welcome returns from Blackeyed Theatre, NIE Theatre and The Original Theatre Company. Westwood Musical Society return with Singing In The Rain, and there will be new productions from the talented students at Peterborough Regional College. Look out for comedy from Master of Farce, Damian Williams, in A Bedfull of Foreigners, and great music from The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Talon with The Best of The Eagles, Roger Dean with The Johnny Cash Story, and The Barron Knights. If you would like Key Times+ sent direct to you every two months call the Box Office on 01733 207239 or email key.theatre@ vivacity-peterborough.com

Essence of Ireland It is like having Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Spirit of the Dance rolled into one great roof shaking shamrock of a show. Now, with their biggest and most talented cast of dancers, singers and musicians yet, the Essence of Ireland team return with a show to set your feet tapping. This spirit-lifting event combines breathtaking dance routines with

the very best of Irish music, a touch of Irish craic, and all cleverly woven into a heart-warming tale. Anyone Irish (or otherwise) can’t fail to be mesmerised by this truly amazing show. Thursday 10 November and Friday 11 November at 7.30pm Tickets £24.50 (£23 concessions for over-60 and under-16)

Saturday, 12 November

The Cresset

Charlie Landsborough His music runs the gamut from folk and country to gospel and rock and roll, and perhaps that’s the key to Charlie Landsborough’s success. Add to this his easygoing personality and the heartfelt lyrics of his own songs and you can see why Charlie is such a hugely popular recording artist and sell-out concert performer. His songs come from the heart

and have been recorded by many artists including American legends Jack Jones and Pat Boone,and Irish stars Daniel O’Donnell and Foster and Allen. Now he’s back with his five-piece band to delight Cresset audiences once again. Saturday 12 November at 7.30pm Tickets £18.50 (concessions £16.50)

Wednesday, 16 November

The Cresset

The Journey Through Music The touring concert/show The Journey Through Music has just completed its first tour in Italy to huge success. Now the show comes to the UK and we’re sure music lovers will be delighted. This is a live music tour of the world of hits in chronological order. So expect the biggest smashes from the 50s right up to the current day. And they are all performed

immaculately by 15 top musicians at the heart of the show, with guests dropping by to join in. The mood is enhanced by brilliant visual projections of news and music milestones from different eras, and a stunning light show. Wednesday 16 November at 7.30pm Tickets £12, groups of 10+ £9.50 per ticket

To book, call the box office on 01733 265705 or book online at www.cresset.co.uk A booking fee applies to all card transactions.

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Theatre / Music

10 & 11 November

The Cresset

Theatre / Music

Monday, 21 November

The Cresset

Steeleye Span Folk rock pioneers, and an inspiration to generations of fans, Steeleye Span are now a six-piece band again for the first time in many years. Steeleye Span,along with Fairport Convention, created the highly successful folk revival of the 70s with a string of hits that included Gaudete and All Around My Hat, which earned a gold disc. They also had three Top 40 albums.

Now the great voice of Maddy Prior - she was with the band for 36 years - is back out front. And the Steeleye Span line-up also features band stalwart and fiddler extraordinaire, Peter Knight, Rick Kemp on bass, Peter Zorn and Julian Littman on guitars and Liam Genockey on drums. Monday 21 November at 7.30pm Tickets £19.50

Saturday, 26 November

The Cresset

The Drifters If any group deserves to be classified as a legend in pop then surely it is The Drifters. It may be hard to imagine now, but The Drifters first had hits back in the late 50s and are still going strong. Certainly the line-up has changed many times over the years, but that unique vocal harmony, like treacle dripping off a hot spoon, remains constant. The current recording line-up

perform new material live in concert alongside the group’s greatest hits, including Under The Boardwalk, Save The Last Dance For Me and Up On The Roof. You can also expect them to pay homage to former band members like Ben E. King with his solo hits. Saturday 26 November at 7.30pm Tickets £25 (concessions £24)

Friday, 9 December

The Cresset

That’ll Be The Day Prepare for a party this Christmas as the UK’s most successful touring rock ‘n’ roll production, That’ll Be The Day, returns with a brand new 2011 festive season show. Trevor, Gary and the gang get you in the mood for the celebrations ahead by bringing on back the good times with a combination of their unique comedy routines mixed with a non-stop line up

of all the best Christmas hits to produce a show with a real feelgood party atmosphere. The Daily Mail critic said: “What a great value for money show That’ll Be The Day is. Not to be missed!” Yes, Christmas has never been so much fun! Friday 9 December at 7.30pm Tickets £21.50

To book, call the box office on 01733 265705 or book online at www.cresset.co.uk A booking fee applies to all card transactions.

Jethro Cornwall’s Minister of Culture, Jethro, brings his latest laughter-loaded show to the Cresset. And we can promise it will be a hilariously funny evening of slightly naughty entertainment from the cream of Cornish comics. Originally a ‘timber man’ from Lavant Tin Mine, Jethro will be performing armed with nothing more than a microphone, a stand and a small table with his favourite drink to hand. With his very own, uniquely irreverent, style of delivery, Jethro will be pacing the stage from side to side whilst regaling audiences with the best of his classic stories. The rib-tickling proven hits

from his successful career will be delivered as only Jethro can, along with new material as he undertakes a journey through his mischievous repertoire of adult material. Jethro has sold over four million DVDs of his stand-up comedy to date. So isn’t it about time you came to the Cresset and experienced some serious nonsensical twaddle live? Many fans just can’t get enough of his live shows and come again and again to see him. Be aware, Jethro’s show contains material for adults only. Friday 18 November at 7.30pm Tickets £18.50

Friday, 2 December

The Cresset

Ladies’ Night Girls, get your tickets now and get ready to kick start your Christmas festivities with thrills, spills and rippling torsos. Why should fellas have all the fun of striptease shows when there are handsome hunks just waiting to strut their stuff to the applause of female admirers? Forget the Full Monty, this is live, this is happening, this is a riot of fun and frolics. What more could a girl ask for? So, grab your handbags and slap on the lippy for a Ladies Night in the company of some gorgeously hunky men. If you find the thought of muscles and baby lotion irresistible then this is definitely not to be missed.

Plus, Ladies Night is a great excuse to organise a big night out with your friends and workmates. You can really let your hair down and enjoy a night to remember. Your ticket also gets you a glass of sparkling wine on arrival to get you in the party mood. There is also a sumptuous buffet, not to mention hunky male waiters. Then, of course, there are some tantalising male strippers and even two drag queens. Friday 2 December at 7.30pm Tickets £16.50 Group bookers call 01733 842500 to buy 10 or more tickets for just £14.50 each

To book, call the box office on 01733 265705 or book online at www.cresset.co.uk A booking fee applies to all card transactions.

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Theatre

Friday, 18 November

The Cresset

The Key to a great night out The Key Theatre is the perfect venue for all kinds of theatre, including drama, musicals, comedy, dance and live music. Our main auditorium has a unique atmosphere, providing both intimacy and an excellent view from all of its 360 seats, and the new 94-seat Studio Theatre is ideal for fringe theatre, film and comedy. L

Key Theatre seating plan

28 29 30

28 29 30 28

28 28

H 28

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

5 C

3 B

1 A

28 29

17 19

STAGE

8 9 10

37 34

36 37

Telephone bookings can be made during Box Office opening hours by calling 01733 207239 or book online 24 hours a day at www. vivacity-peterborough.com A ÂŁ1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions.

35 36

The Key Theatre Box Office is open from 11am to 8pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and from an hour prior to performances until 30 minutes after curtain up on Sundays.

The Studio seating plan

G 36 37 F

35 36 E

33 D

31 C

20 21

22 A

Contact details BOX OFFICE 01733 207239 MARKETING & ADMINISTRATION 01733 207237 FAX 01733 567025 EMAIL key.theatre@vivacity-peterborough.com WEBSITE www.vivacity-peterborough.com You can find the Key Theatre at

The Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 1EF vivacity-peterborough.com 45

Coming up at the Key Peterborough Gang Show The gang are back with their annual show 7 – 12 November Page 6 Friend or Foe An exciting tale of adventure and friendship by Michael Morpurgo Monday 14 November Page 20 The Nick Ross Orchestra A welcome return for the popular big band Thursday 17 November Page 8 T.Rextasy The ‘Get It On’ 40th anniversary tour Friday 18 November

Page 9

Lord of the Flies Peterborough based 20Twenty Theatres present the William Golding classic in the Key Theatre Studio Friday 18 November Page 23

Key Theatre Peterborough

Henceforward A futuristic farce from the heart of Define Theatre and the mind of Alan Ayckbourn Saturday 19 November Page 21 Holly at Christmas Buddy Holly and the Cricketers perform their annual seasonal show Thursday 24 November

Page 8

Disco Daze Tu Danse Studios take you back with the sounds of the 70s 26 – 27 November Page 6

Aladdin The Key Theatre’s very own traditional family pantomime 8 December 2011 – 8 January 2012 Pages 4 & 5

Box Office: 01733 207239/www.vivacity-peterborough.com A £1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque & card transactions