Key Times+ July/August by Vivacity

key + times July & August 2012

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on at the Key Theatre and around the city

Heritage Theatres & Arts Sport & Leisure Libraries

Can you

? t i g i d Yes you can! Discover what lies beneath Flag

Fen

Brought to you with

The Summer Holidays are fast approaching, and there’s a lot to look forward to across all of Vivacity!

for all the family which runs for the whole of the summer. And, if you’re quick, you’ll just be in time to catch the Peterborough Arts Festival Finale with headline act Hard-Fi performing on the main stage.

vivacity-peterborough.com

Discover Flag Fen with Vivacity’s ‘Dig for a Day’ summer camp for 8-12 year olds. Supported by Raksha Dave, from Channel 4’s Time Team, this is your chance for kids to come an archaeologist for a day on an internationally renowned bronze age site.

As Olympic fever grips the nation, why not join in by trying out a new sport at one of Vivacity’s leisure centres or paying a visit to the Lido? Or, if sport’s not your thing, why not visit one of our libraries to take part in the Summer Reading challenge for free? You can step back in time to the age of the Vikings at Peterborough Museum with their blockbuster exhibition

Although there’s so much happening over the summer, it’s never too early to plan ahead and luckily the Key Theatre’s exciting Autumn season is now on sale with a variety of performances for everyone, including drama, music, comedy and dance. The season kicks off with the Key Youth Theatre’s production of Willy Russell’s Our Day Out between 15-18 August We hope you enjoy this issue of Key Times+ – please let us know what you think by emailing enquiries@ vivacitypeterborough. com. Or get in touch

Content 4 Flag Fen

6 Heritage

20 Libraries

24 Half-term activities

28 Sports & Leisure

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

31 Vivacity gyms

32 Theatre

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.

vivacity-peterborough.com 3

Peterborough Heritage

live

archae o

3000 yloegy event a in the makin rs g!

ﬂag fen lives!

ﬂag fen is coming to life this summer for a unique three week dig! 23 July – 12 August

Join the archaeologists as we unlock the secrets of one of Europe’s most important Bronze Age sites. See history come to life: % % % % % % %

Get up close to the dig! Archaeologists’ talks Costumed interpreters Try traditional cra�s Ancient skills in action Bronze Age brewing Handle artefacts ...and much more

DIG INTO HISTORY FOR ONE INCREDIBLE DAY Join us at Flag Fen near Peterborough this summer as we dig into history – literally! A team of archaeologists, including members of Channel 4’s Time Team, will be doing a LIVE dig at this internationally important Bronze Age site for the ﬁrst time in over a decade. And you can join them! Experience this amazing event ﬁrst-hand as we uncover more of Flag Fen’s incredible secrets – and try to solve some of its enduring mysteries, such as why a kilometre-long wooden causeway was built. As well as the incredible LIVE dig, there will be costumed interpreters, displays, demonstrations and more to transport you back 3,500 years! A truly unique experience not to be missed.

Dig deeper Want to get even closer to the dig? Join the team and get exclusive ‘back stage’ access to online blogs and interviews, dig souvenirs and an invitation to the ‘a�er dig party’! Packages start at just £10 to join this uniquely funded dig. For more information, go to www.DigVentures.com, email info@digventures.com or call 0208 333 5770.

Want to dig deeper? Join our ‘online site hut’ and Archaeology Summer School. Book your place today!

3000 years. 3 weeks. 1 unique experience.

FFL_KeyTimesA5.indd 3-4

Calling all junior archaeologists! Vivacity is also running an Archaeology Summer School for 8-12 year olds on weekdays between 23 July and 3 August. Become an archaeologist for the day % meet the professionals % hone your skills on a simulated dig % interpret your ﬁnds % learn traditional cra�s % bring history to life! It’s a full day of fun, but tickets are strictly limited - call 01733 313414 now for more information.

Opening times and prices Flag Fen Lives is open every day from Monday 23 July – Sunday 12 August, 10am – 5pm (last entry at 4pm). The site remains open to the general public as normal until October. General admission prices apply: Adults £5, concessions £4.50. Children/full time students £3.75. Under 5s FREE. Family pass (2 adults, up to 3 children) £14.00. Entry is FREE to Vivacity Annual Heritage Pass holders. Flag Fen Archaeological Park The Droveway Northey Road Peterborough. Sat nav: PE6 7QJ Enquiries and bookings: 01733 313414 Email: ﬂag.fen@vivacity-peterborough.com Web: www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Bronze Age brooch and swords discovered at Flag Fen

8/6/12 4:49:38 pm

Heritage

Heritage Pass

Vivacity Heritage Pass Sign up for Vivacity’s Heritage Pass and enjoy unlimited entry all year round to all three Heritage sites for just £10 for an individual pass, or £35 for a Family Pass. The three Heritage sites are Peterborough Museum, Flag Fen Archaeology Park and Longthorpe Tower. The recently refurbished museum features interactive hands-on exhibitions, including displays of Jurassic sea monsters, local archaeology and history, and the story of the world’s first prisoner-of-war camp, all within a beautifully restored historic building in Peterborough city centre. Flag Fen is one of the finest Bronze Age archaeological sites in Northern Europe, comprising the remains of a timber causeway, built some 3,500 years ago, as well as a visitor centre, re-created ancient buildings, livestock and 6

37 acres of wonderful parkland. Situated just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, Longthorpe Tower is a beautiful medieval tower house to the west of Peterborough. It features an incredible painted chamber, decorated with the finest medieval wall paintings in Western Europe, providing a window to the world as it was 700 years ago. The tower also includes an interactive exhibition on the history of the tower through the ages. Heritage Pass holders are also entitled to discounts or FREE ENTRY to selected exhibitions and events throughout the year. For more information, pop into one of the sites and ask a member of staff for details or visit vivacity-peterborough.com or call the museum on 01733 864663.

Dreams Made Manifest You can feel the mood and dramatic tension in Halima Cassell’s extraordinary work Dreams Made Manifest at The City Gallery. Born in 1975 in Pakistan, brought up in Manchester, and now living in Blackburn, Lancashire, Halima’s varied, multi-cultural background is tangibly present in her work. A natural creativity presented itself at an early age and was nurtured to fruition as Halima carved her way through an art-based education achieving an undergraduate degree in 1997 and a masters degree five years later. The culmination of this process is Halima’s precociously mature work.

Fusing her Asian cultural roots with a fascination for African pattern work and a passion for architectural geometry. Combining strong geometric elements with recurrent patterns and architectural principles, her work utilises definite lines and dramatic angles in an attempt to manifest the universal language of number and create an unsettling sense of movement. To achieve these effects she uses heavily grogged clay that allows her to work on a large scale and utilise relatively thick surfaces to carve to the desired depth. At The City Gallery until 27 July, FREE entry (based in Peterborough Museum).

11 August – 9 September

City Gallery

Alphabet You will be able to enjoy Alphabet, the latest work by Michael Craig-Martin at The City Gallery. Michael is one of the most influential British artists of recent decades. He was a key figure for the YBA generation of artists whom he taught in his capacity as tutor at Goldsmith’s College of Art. In Alphabet, he has produced 26 screen-prints in which the letters of the alphabet are overlaid with everyday objects. Alphabet is created in signature Craig-Martin style, these visually arresting images are set against a background of vivid monochrome colours. In this series he plays with the idea of the ABC children’s primer. Instead of a direct ‘A

is for Apple,’ ‘B is for Ball’, the relationship between the letter and image depicted is not instantly obvious, and requires some guess work. Over the past decade, Craig-Martin’s practice has embraced digital technology. He has used a computer to create an image-bank of everyday objects employed in large-scale wall drawings and paintings. He drew upon this resource to create Alphabet, which was then produced using traditional screen printing methods. The series of 26 screen prints were published by the Alan Cristea Gallery in 2007 and is part of the Hayward touring exhibition programme. At The City Gallery from 11 August to 9 September. FREE entry (based in Peterborough Museum). vivacity-peterborough.com 9

Arts

Until 27 July

City Gallery

Theatre

Key Theatre

Key Theatre Club The Key Theatre Club offers great value with many benefits and excellent discounts for members on not only theatre tickets but also from a host of local retailers when you show your KTC members card, plus 10 per cent off food and drink at the Riva restaurant. The Key Theatre Club has enjoyed some great club events over the past 12 months.

some more exciting events which include A Big Autumn Quiz, a Rocky Horror Halloween Night and an Away Day to a top West End show.

Dining Out at Riva with a performer from the Edinburgh Fringe, the Big Entertainment Quiz and the Panto Party Night were all particular highlights of the club Calendar.

In October, we have our AGM with cheese and wine included in the free ticket. The committee is made up of volunteers with a shared interest in theatre and socialising.

They all sold out quickly as did our recent Walking Treasure Hunt, with a delicious cream tea, and our evening picnic trip to the Open Air Theatre at Tolethorpe for a performance of The Three Musketeers.

Two-for-one panto tickets are another popular perk, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait, come along and join us now!

We are currently scheduling

Call the Box Office on 01733 207239 or find out more about the Key Theatre Club online at vivacity-peterborough.com

Sports & Leisure

Vivacity Leisure Centres

Smart Fitness Personal Training If you are looking for a personal trainer to get you fit, then Martin Smith could be your man. Martin is a freelance personal trainer working with Vivacity across four leisure centres in the city. Martin has been working in the fitness industry for over six years and has worked on a wide range of abilities, getting results for many different clients, all with their own goals and targets. He can help you get the body you want with professional input on exercise, nutrition and effective supplementation. 10

He says that what you put into your body is absolutely key in achieving the success you crave. As well as his other professional skills, Martin holds lower back pain management and pre & post natal exercise qualifications. An initial consultation is free of charge.

For more information visit www.smartfitnesspeterborough. co.uk

VIV_KeyTimes_A5_advert_v4_Layout 1 18/06/2012 13:10 Page 1

The Key Theatre Presents

Call the Box Office on

01733 207239 to find out more and book tickets

Thursday 6 December 2012 to Sunday 6 January 2013 Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough PE1 1EF

vivacity-peterborough.com

Heritage

Longthorpe Tower

Longthorpe Tower Events Longthorpe Tower is a medieval gem - a Tower house built over 700 years ago which contains the finest Medieval wall paintings in Western Europe. Owned by English Heritage, the Tower is now managed by Vivacity, who have installed an exhibition to tell the story of the building. During the summer, the Tower is open every weekend, and two of these events will also bring the Tower to life. On 28 & 29 July, visitors can find out how the magnificent medieval wall paintings were created at Longthorpe Tower, with a visit from some medieval artists. Learn about the weird and wonderful substances that were used to make the colours and help us recreate one of the paintings. Visit Longthorpe Tower over the

August Bank Holiday weekend and meet the Medieval occupants of the Manor. See the Thorpe family dining in their chamber and get a cure from the Barber Surgeon. Help out with the arming of a knight (daily at 3pm), handle arms and armour and see how people lived 600 years ago. Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July (Medieval paintings event), Saturday 25 to Monday 27 August (Medieval Living History). 10am to 4pm Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Adults £3.50, Children £2 (under-5s free), Concessions £2.50, Family £8, English Heritage Members free, Heritage Pass holders free. For more details call 01733 864663, email museum@vivacitypeterborough.com or check out vivacity-peterborough.com

City Centre

Guided Walks If you’re looking for a great way to find out about Peterborough’s rich heritage and learn more about our city then book a place on one of Peterborough Museum’s guided walks. Historic Peterborough tours, every Saturday afternoon, provide a great and entertaining look at the city’s story. Tours with different themes are offered on Sunday afternoons and a full listing can be found on our website at vivacity-peterborough.com Ghost Walks take place every Tuesday night during July and August to meet demand during the summer season, providing a spooky look at Peterborough’s past, while the Crime Walks and Inns and Taverns tours give alternative evening entertainment. 14

All tours last about 100 minutes and take place whatever the weather, starting from outside the Museum on Priestgate. These tours are not recommended for young children, or those of a nervous disposition. Walkers can turn up and pay on the day, although places are limited and prebooking is recommended. Historic Peterborough Tours every Saturday at 2pm; Themed Tours every Sunday at 2pm. Ghost Walks every Tuesday at 7.30pm, Crime Walks 19 July & 16 August, Inns and Taverns Tours 5 July and 2 August at 7.30pm, £5 adults, £3 concessions. Full details at vivacitypeterborough.com

Vikings at the museum You may not spot longships coming up the Nene carrying fierce warriors, but The Vikings are taking over the Museum throughout the summer!

What’s more, you can absorb the sights, sounds and smells in our hands-on exhibition. Then see history brought vividly to life as the Vikings run rampant.

This blockbuster exhibition for 2012 is for all the family and invites you to step back in time to the Age of the Vikings.

Meet costumed re-enactors who will recreate life a thousand years ago, watch combat displays, plus a chance for kids to take part in a Viking shield wall.

Join the Viking feast in the specially re-created longhouse, read all about warrior battles and adventures written in the Vikings Sagas eight centuries ago. Here’s your chance also to stand on the prow of a Viking ship and imagine crossing the Northern seas to raid and plunder. Discover fun facts about daily life, entertainment and beliefs, and view some amazing Viking finds from all over Britain.

Admission is included in the special exhibition price. There will be a programme of talks, lectures and children’s activities throughout the summer. Until 7 October. 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, 12 noon-4pm Sundays. Adult £4, children £2.50, concessions £3.50, families £12. Free to Heritage Pass holders. Call 01733 864663, or visit vivacity-peterborough.com.

Peterborough Museum

Community Events There’s lots to do at Peterborough Museum for all ages and interests. Enjoy knitting or sewing, or want to try it? Then, be encouraged by our friendly experts and share ideas with like-minded people at Knit and Stitch @ the Museum. Just buy a coffee in our new Bailey’s Coffee House, the rest of the fun is FREE! Join us for SATURDAY CLUB to experience a different historical period each month with your family through handling artefacts and craft activities (£5 per family). Or for the younger amongst you, Toddler Fun @ the Museum, offers unique activities where our amazing collection inspires chatter and rhyme, and much more!

Every Wednesday, Knit and Stitch @ the Museum, 10.30am, for the price of a coffee! 14 July: Saturday Club @ the Museum, 10.30am. £5 per family. 5 July, 2 August: Toddler Fun @ the Museum, 10.30am. £2 per child, babies free. For more details and bookings telephone 01733 864663; email museum@ vivacity-peterborough. com or check the website at vivacity-peterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com 15

Heritage

Until 7 October

Peterborough Museum

Heritage

14 July

Flag Fen

Bugs and Butterflies Normally, you would never spot it. But, all around us there’s a miniature world of frantic activity involving a myriad of different species.

We’ll also be taking part in the national Big Butterfly Count where you can help scientists learn more about our beautiful native butterflies.

The chances are, even if you spot these little creatures, you will know next to nothing about them.

It’s going to be bugtastic!

Now there’s a chance to open your eyes and ears to the world of insects and bugs, because the ancient landscape of Flag Fen is the perfect home to so much wildlife.

On 14 July from 11am to 1pm. Normal Flag Fen admission charges apply: Adults £5; concessions £4.50; children/full time students £3.75; under 5s FREE; family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £14; Heritage Pass Holders FREE

So, why not join Vivacity and Buglife on-site this July to become a mini-beast detective. Try your hand at pond dipping and bug hunting (with sweep nets like the professionals use!) and our insect experts will be able to help you identify your catches.

For more details and bookings, telephone 01733 313414, email flag.fen@vivacitypeterborough.com or check the website at vivacity-peterborough.com

21-22 July

Flag Fen

Flag Fen Summer Events Kick start your summer on 21-22 July with The Vikings are coming at Flag Fen, an event not to be missed. Experience a Viking raid on Peterborough and watch a full scale battle between hundreds of warriors. Visit the Living History camps to explore life one thousand years ago, plus fun family activities and storytelling. From 23 July there will be a buzz of excitement as the first live archaeology on-site for 20 years begins with DigVentures. If you got in early and booked your place you are in for a real treat. There’s something for everyone in the celebration of the site’s history and the return of live archaeology. You can meet archaeologists (including TV Time Team regulars) 16

and see the excavation. There will be costumed characters and regular site tours explaining why Flag Fen is one of the most important Bronze Age sites in the world, demos of ancient technologies and familyfriendly crafts too. Kids can join in the ‘digforaday’ summer school for 8-12 year olds. Supported by Raksha Dave from Time Team, children can become archaeologists in the mock dig tent and learn about people who lived at Flag Fen long ago. There’s also a living history extravaganza over the August bank holiday to include Celts, Romans and more. For dates and full details call 01733 313414, email flag-fen@vivacity-peterborough. com or check vivacitypeterborough.com

Libraries

7 July - 5 September

Storylab Take the Summer Reading Challenge 2012. Children are invited to read six books over the course of the summer holiday. Join in at your local library where children will be given their Storylab pack. There are stickers to collect, with a certificate and a medal at the end. The challenge runs from Saturday 7 July to Saturday 5 September and it’s FREE to join.

Storylab launches at the Children’s Tent at the Peterborough Arts Festival. On Saturday 7 July in Central Park, meet bestselling authors The Two Steves (sessions at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm) free, suitable for primary age. On Sunday 8 July in Central Park (sessions at 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm), join illustrator Ellie Sandall’s workshops for children aged 3-7, based on her fantastic animal picture books. Free.

26 July - 7 August

Folklore Jambo! That means hello! Join us at your local library to listen to stories from another part of the world, and have fun making a traditional craft to take home with you. Listen to tales from India. How did the African elephant get his trunk? From Australian folklore, how did the kangaroo get his tail? At Folklore Around the World events, you will enjoy hearing tales and finding out about customs from another

country. £1 per adult, suitable for youngsters aged 11 and under. Central Library, Thurs 26 July, 11am-12 noon; Orton, Fri 27 July, 10-11am; Stanground, Fri 27 July, 3.30-4.30pm; Hampton, Sat 28 July, 11am-12 noon; Bretton, Mon 30 July, 2.303.30pm; Werrington, Mon 30 July, 2.30-3.30pm; Thorney, Thurs 2 Aug, 2.30-3.30pm; Dogsthorpe, 7 Aug, 11am-12 noon.

27 July - 11 August

Going For Gold Come along to your local library and take part in Going For Gold events to mark the Olympic Games. Children can celebrate this great event with sporty activities to inspire and enjoy. They can create their own themed crafts and play weird and funny games, including making a torch and a medal and play games like Balloon Volleyball, Straw Javelin and get 20

competitive with quizzes. £1 per child, suitable for ages 6-11. Places can be booked in advance at your local library. Woodston, Fri 27 July, 2-3pm; Eye, Thurs 2 Aug, 3-4pm; Orton, Fri 3 Aug, 10-11am; Central, Fri 3 Aug, 2-3pm; Bretton, Sat 4 Aug, 11am12 noon; Hampton, Sat 4 Aug, 11am-12 noon; Stanground, Mon 6 Aug, 2-3pm; Werrington, Mon 6 Aug, 2.30-3.30pm; Dogsthorpe, Sat 11 Aug, 11am-12 noon

Sporty Art, Craft & Puppets Children aged 6-11, accompanied by an adult, can enjoy Olympics sportthemed arts & crafts sessions with City Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Learning Service. The events are FREE, but places must be booked in advance at local libraries. An art tutor will show families how to make a laurel crown and a mini-athlete puppet to take home on Tuesday 31 July at Dogsthorpe, 10am-12

noon, Orton, 1.30-3.30pm; Wed, 1 Aug, at Stanground, 10am-12 noon; Central 1.303.30pm; Wed 15 Aug at Dogsthorpe, 10am-12pm, Werrington, 1.30-3.30pm; Thurs 16 Aug at Stanground, 10am12pm, Central 1.30-3.30pm. There is also a workshop where you and your children can make a larger puppet to take home on Thursday, 9 August at Central Library from 11am-1pm.

3-18 August

Insectopia Ever wondered if centipedes really do have 100 legs? Does a grasshopper really hop? Are all ladybirds ladies? Come along to your local library and get answers to many bug questions. Join in with bug stories and creepy crawly crafts at Insectopia sessions where you can even meet real bugs up close and personal (if you dare). Suitable for ages 11 and under. The price is just ÂŁ1 per child, but

book in advance at your local library as places are limited at: Dogsthorpe, Fri 3 Aug, 11-12 noon; Bretton, Mon 13 Aug, 2.30-3.30pm; Central, Tues 14 Aug, 11-12 noon; Thorney, Thurs 16 Aug, 2.30-3.30pm; Eye, Thurs 16 Aug, 3-4pm; Orton, Fri 17 Aug, 10-11am; Woodston, Fri 17 Aug, 2-3pm; Werrington, Fri 17 Aug, 2.30-3.30pm; Stanground, Sat 18 Aug, 10-11am; Hampton, Sat 18 Aug, 12-1pm

6-10 August

Froglife Froglife will be running a series of events in city libraries during August as part of an exciting wildlife project. My Wild Life brings people from different generations together through shared discussions about wildlife. The project, part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, uses fun reminiscence events to capture local stories about growing up, playing outside and encountering wildlife. Anyone

willing to join in will be invited to take part in interviews, creating an oral history record in the form of a DVD. Froglife will bring along kits full of interesting items, as well as some real wild creatures, so come along and find out more about native reptiles and amphibians, and share your wildlife experiences with us. Orton, Mon 6 Aug, 11am-1pm; Werrington, Tues 7 Aug, 11am1pm; Bretton, Thurs 9 Aug, 11am1pm; Central, Fri 10 Aug, 1-3pm vivacity-peterborough.com 21

Libraries

Tuesday, 31 July

Creaky Knee Families can have fun being entertained by professional actor and storyteller Andy Hawkins, at selected libraries. The Creaky Knee Stories sessions are suitable for children aged 6-11, accompanied by an adult, and cost just £1 per child. So, enter a world of imagination and intrigue! Andy’s storytelling power will whisk you to another world. A world of genies, giants, unicorns and talking raindrops.

Let his stories, anecdotes and wonderful poems take you on a marvellous journey into your imagination. After taking drama, theatre studies and contemporary performance art at Canterbury University, Andy went on to become an actor on both stage and screen. On Tuesday, 7 August at Bretton Library, 10.30-11.30am; Orton Library, 12.30-1.30pm; Central Library, 2.30-3.30pm

8 - 14 August

Save Money & The Planet Reducing your carbon footprint is not only great for the environment, it can also save you money!

grants that may be available. There are FREE goody bags for those attending.Call your local library to book your FREE place.

Come along to one of our free events and learn from Jenna Hiley, Peterborough City Council’s Climate Change Officer, about the impact your energy consumption has on our city, along with helpful tips and guidance on how to monitor your energy use, save money, and take advantage of

Bretton Library, Wednesday 8 August, 6pm Central Library, Thursday 9 August, 10.30am Orton Library, Monday 13 August, 2pm Werrington Library, Tuesday 14 August, 6pm

Thursday, 23 August

Story Tent Professional storyteller Marion Leeper will be at libraries to entertain families with some great tales. Hear stories from around the world to inspire your own tales and images, and decorate your own story tent. Marion grew up in a family of actors, raconteurs, tellers of tall tales and downright liars. She has been listening to, and telling, stories (true

and less true!) for longer than she can remember. She has worked with young children for many years as a teacher and storyteller and has appeared with Cambridge Storytellers. Suitable for ages 6-12, accompanied by an adult. £1 per child, book at your library. Thursday, 23 August at: Werrington Library, 10.3011.30am; Central Library, 1-2pm; Hampton Library, 3-4pm vivacity-peterborough.com 23

Libraries

Tuesday, 7 August

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y e ʼ

Summer

Holiday fun

activities in Peterborough | 2012

Theatre

Our Day Out at The Key Theatre

Key Youth Theatre (KYT) is going back to its roots... with a twist!

So come and join KYT (and one or two surprise guests) for what promises to be a rollercoaster of emotion and fun.’Our Day Out’ will be a ‘Great Night Out’!

20 years on from our original production, the show that KYT was born from, we will present an all new version of Willy Russell’s fantastic musical! Our Day Out is the story of a school trip for Mrs Kay and her progress class, whose best laid plans for a fun day out at Alton Towers are scuppered by school tyrant Mr Briggs, when he insists on going with them. We are then plunged into the world of inner city youngsters being set free in a new environment and the wonders that they encounter.

Heritage

Wednesday – Saturday

Nightly at 7:30pm Tickets: £1 with a 2:30pm (including co 0 -£15 nces matinée on To book ca sions) ll the Saturday Key Theat

re Bo on 01733 2 x Office 07239

Vikings Invade! Peterborough Museum and Flag Fen Flag Fen

Join us to make exciting crafts with a Vikings theme to celebrate our summer blockbuster exhibition. There will be a range of different crafts throughout the summer holidays, so a great chance to keep the kids entertained! There’s no need to book, just drop-in!

There are some amazing activities taking place at Flag Fen this summer.

For more details telephone 01733 864663, e-mail museum@vivacity-peterborough.com or check the website.

Story Lab Take the Summer Reading Challenge

Children are invited to read six books over the course of the summer holiday. Join at your local Peterborough library where children will be given their Storylab pack. There are stickers and other goodies to collect along the way, with a certificate and a medal when they read six books of their choice.

7& 23 AUG 2012 Look out for professional storytellers visiting us on 7 and 23 August. Other great events we’ve got planned involve insects, frogs, puppets, crafts and sports (but not all at the same time!). Check our website for details.

7-8 JUL 2012 Storylab will be launched on the weekend of 7-8 July, at the Peterborough Arts Festival. Come to our special Children’s Tent in Central Park where you can meet children’s authors and illustrators over the two days!

15-18 AUG 2012

Peterborough Museum

Weekdays throughout the summer holidays 10:30am – 12:30pm £1 per activity.

Library

The first weekend of the holidays will see the site overrun with Viking warriors. Also, see page 16 for details of our fantastic season of archaeology, including Archaeology Summer School!

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

Sport

Sports Holiday Activities at Werrington and Bushfield Leisure Centre

Werrington and Bushfield Leisure Centres have a whole host of activities over the summer. We see the return of the ever-popular Sports Xtra at Werrington, including Spy School, Dance Xperience, Futsal and Detective Xperience, all open to 5-11 year olds. For more information please contact Sara Strid-Coughlan from Sports Xtra on 0770 3030711, or email sara.strid-coughlan@sports-xtra.com. Please visit www.sports-xtra.com for more information.

At Bushfield, take sport to new heights with four days of trampoline sessions, test yourself with our Junior Boot Camp or bust some moves at a number of Hip Hop Dance sessions. To book a place, contact Bushfield Leisure Centre. Also, Parkside Multi Sports return, running three day courses. Contact Parkside Football Club on 01733 753918 to book. To find out more, contact the centres directly on 01733 576606 (Werrington) or 01733 864656 (Bushfield).

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

Summer Hip-Hop Dance Sessions

Parkside FC is providing a funfilled summer of multi-sports at Bushfield Leisure Centre throughout the holidays.

On Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 July, Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 August and Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 August.

Sessions will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Activities for 4-8 year olds.

From 10am to 1pm £5 per session/child or £12 for 3 days To book call 01733 753918.

Sports Xtra Bookings are open for Sport Xtra’s Xperience days at Werrington Leisure Centre for children aged 5-11 between 9.30am-4pm. Dance Xperience on Tues 24 and 25 July and Mon 6 and Tues, 7

Then try our trampoline sessions for various age groups over four days at Bushfield Leisure Centre. They are being held from Monday 30 July to Thursday 2 August.

Every Wednesday from 25 July to 15 August, and then Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 August, from

9am to 10.30am (5-8 year olds) and 10.30am to 12pm (9 years+) £3.00 per session or £10 for four sessions. Advance payment required at Bushfield Leisure Centre. For more information call reception on 01733 864656.

Summer Junior Boot Camp August. Futsal Xperience on Mon 23, Tues 24 and Wed 25 July and Tues 7, Wed 8 and Thurs 9 August. Spy Xperience on Monday 6, Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 August/ Detective Xperience on Thurs 9 and Fri 10 August.

Trampoline Sessions Ready to bounce into action this summer?

For all those budding dancers out there we have fun-filled Hip Hop Dance Sessions running during the summer holidays, at Bushfield Leisure Centre.

Daily: 10am-11am 6-10 year olds 11am to 12pm 10 years + 12pm to 1pm 6 to 10 years 1pm to 2pm 10 years + Price £5 per session/child or £16 for 4 days Call 01733 864656 for details. Bookable in advance.

Feeling active and needing to burn off some steam this summer? Then come along and try the new Junior Boot Camp sessions at Bushfield Leisure Centre. Sessions are for 11-16 year olds

and are running from 23 July to 31 August. Every Monday and Friday from 10am to 11am. It costs just £2.50 per session with Vivacity Card Sport or £3.50 for non members. For more information contact Bushfield Leisure Centre reception on 01733 864656.

Posh Football Course Children aged between 4 and 12 can enjoy a week’s football course with Posh’s UEFA and FA-qualified coaches. The courses take place between 10am and 3pm on Monday 13 to Friday 17 August.

The fun-packed course costs £10 for one day, £20 for two days and £25 for three days for Junior Posh members. Non-members pay £5 more per day. Additional days cost £10 for everyone. For more information or to register, visit www.the poshfoundation.com

Racquet Sports

Bushfield Rollers Due to the success of Rollers at Werrington Leisure Centre, Vivacity is expanding the service to include Bushfield Leisure Centre.

come along and join in the fun.

From Sunday, 2 September, Bushfield will host a monthly Roller disco from 10am to 1pm. So

For more information call 01733 864656 or email steve.luker@ vivacity-peterborough.com.

Sunday 2 September from 10am1pm. Family session Age 4+ £3.50 admission. £1.50 skate hire

Do you want to be the next Andy Murray? If yes, then come along to Vivacity’s tennis coaching sessions! A new course has started at Werrington Leisure Centre, designed to teach basic tennis skills and drills for children

aged between 4 and 7. The sessions take place on Mondays, from 4.30pm to 5.15pm, and cost £21 for six weeks. For more information, and to book your place, call 01733 576606.

Rollers School Leavers Special On Saturday, 14 July, Rollers presents School Leavers Disco Special. It’s for all those who have left school - however many years ago - and wearing fancy dress is positively encouraged. FREE ENTRY to all in fancy dress at the 28

7.30pm to 10pm session only. Family Skate is also available as normal from 5pm to 7pm. Age 4+ no maximum age for £2.50 Saturday 14 July, 7.30pm10pm session only. Age 13+ no maximum age. £3.50 admission. £1.50 skate hire. vivacity-peterborough.com 29

Sports & Leisure

Parkside FC

Vivacity value gym membership

Membe rship starts f rom just £24 per month *!

Summer’s here

and the holiday countdown has begun! Get in shape for the summer with a Vivacity gym membership With access to four Leisure Centres and the Peterborough Lido, there’s no excuse not to look good on the beach this summer! Call us to discuss your summer fitness requirements and to book a FREE one day trial, or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com for more information

Werrington Leisure Centre: 01733 576606 Bushfield Leisure Centre: 01733 864656 Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre: 01733 864760 Jack Hunt Swimming Pool & Gym: 01733 264644 * based on off-peak direct debit

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Theatre

Sunday, 15 July

Key Theatre

New York New York Three West End performers and a live band present an evening of glamour and razzamatazz in a night to remember at the Key Theatre. There’s no need to catch a boat or a plane, just get down to the Embankment and you’ve arrived in New York, New York for a show so good that they named it twice. It’s a show where memorable hits come thick and fast and your toes just won’t stop tapping to the sounds of The Great American Songbook. Cleverly crafted arrangements maintain a Big Band feel from the line-up of piano, bass, drums, reeds, trombone and trumpet. Fabulous numbers that are part of

the history of both Broadway and Hollywood musicals include Get Happy, The Lady Is A Tramp, Sing Sing Sing, Me and My Shadow, Let There Be Love, Come Fly With Me, Mack the Knife and, of course, New York, New York itself. This superbly staged spectacular is filled with glamour, fun and gentle humour. Like walking home from a fabulous West End night out, you’ll be humming and whistling all the way, thanks to a show with a real feelgood sparkle that’s as good as a tonic. Sunday, 15 July at 7.30pm Tickets £15

16-17 July

Key Theatre

Travels With My Aunt If you had led a sheltered life, the last person you would expect to lead you into a world of anythinggoes-adventure would be your septuagenarian aunt. Unless you happen to be a tightly-buttoned-up, early-retired, bank manager called Henry Pulling, who has an eccentric Aunt Augusta that is. Poor Henry didn’t have a clue what lay ahead when, at his mother’s funeral, he met his aunt again for the first time in 50 years. While Henry has led a sheltered life, Aunt Augusta has been tearing round the world in the fast lane, and unlikely as it seems the odd couple discover they have a bond. And Aunt Augusta

sees it as her duty to open Henry’s mind to the possibilities of a more exciting life. So he sets off on a head-spinning trip in Augusta’s wake, on board the Orient Express bound for Paraguay - and anywhere else that sounds exciting en route. Henry’s holiday soon turns into a rollercoaster ride of sex, drugs and sausage rolls. Not to mention CIA agents, fortune tellers, spies and smugglers. All aboard for a riotous ride! Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 July Nightly at 7.30pm, Tuesday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £16 (£13 concessions), Matinee £12 Key.I.P £9

To book, call the box office on 01733 207239, visit the Destination Centre, A £1.50 booking fee applies to in Bridge Street, or book online at vivacity-peterborough.com all cheque and card transactions. 32

Our Day Out The Key Youth Theatre is going back to its roots with a twist, as it presents an updated version of Willy Russell’s favourite Our Day Out.

Towers for Mrs Kay’s progress class. But there’s a bad omen when school tyrant Mr Briggs invites himself along and soon events spiral out of control.

KYT had a smash hit with the original show back in 1992 which laid the foundations for today’s successful theatre school, and subsequently to great acclaim in both 2006 and 2007. It is the story of a school trip to Alton

Wednesday 15 to Saturday 18 August. Nightly at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets Wed & Thurs £13, Friday £14, Sat mat £12, Sat evening £15, Key I.P: £10

23 - 28 Juky & 30 July - 4 August

Key Theatre

KYT Summer School The KYT Summer School involves acting, movement, music and singing, plus loads of fun too.

If you have never been, don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime - but there are only a few places left!

This is your chance to learn and develop new skills in a creative environment. There’s a fantastic mix of interesting talented young people guided by professional actors, dancers and musicians. And it’s a great way to make new friends!

Week One: 23-28 July Week Two: 30 July-4 August 9.30am to 5pm (late finish Saturday). £145 per week Call the Box Office on 01733 207239 or apply online at vivacity-peterborough.com

1-30 September

Key Theatre

Where The Road Stops Where The Road Stops is a unique walking performance. Please meet for the beginning of the show at the Key Theatre Box Office. There is an age restriction of 16+. The duration of the show will be 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please be prepared for all weathers. There will be 110 shows. One audience member per performance. It’s the story of one man, Tom, and his many

memories. Tom must leave, he’s spent his whole life right here. You can be his final friend on his last walk through the city. Saturday 1 to Sunday 30 September. Daily performances throughout September. Mondays to Fridays at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm Tickets £8

Theatre / Drama

15-18 August

Key Theatre

Theatre

Saturday, 8 September

Key Theatre

Roger McGough: As Far As I Know Spend an evening with Roger McGough as he presents his new book of poems, As Far As I Know. Hilarious and surreal, Roger is a poet of many voices. Menace and melancholy there may be, but with plenty of McGough’s characteristic wit and wordplay too. Newly elected President of the Poetry Society, Roger has been honoured with a CBE for services to literature and the Freedom of the City of Liverpool for ‘good behaviour’! Roger, a former French teacher in Liverpool, and pal John Gorman began organising arts events in Liverpool, then they met Mike McGear - the brother of Paul McCartney - and formed the trio The Scaffold.

When they signed with Parlophone records in 1966 they became an unlikely part of the Merseybeat craze. In 1968 they topped the pop charts with the rib-tickling Lily The Pink. Roger also further enhanced his credentials with Beatles’ fans by writing much of the humorous dialogue in the Fab Four’s hit animated film Yellow Submarine. He also appeared in All You Need Is Cash, a mockumentary detailing the career of a Beatleslike group called The Rutles. His show is aimed at adults and 14+.

Saturday 8 September at 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£12.50 concessions), £10 under-16s

Thursday 13 September

Key Theatre Studio

John Hegley: The Adventures of Monsier Robinet Enjoy a fantastic evening of poetry and comedy with John Hegley as part of Peterborough’s first We Love Words Festival of Poetry and Literature. John has been performing poetry and music since 1970 when he started busking in Hull. Since then, he’s produced numerous books and performs all over the UK. He’s a true master of bringing poetry to life. His latest show is The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet, which tells tales of a Frenchman with some unusual (but clean) habits, and his dog Chirac. There is some love interest

which appears rather one-sided and the extraordinary tapping of a television set. All of which make this a highly entertaining experience for the whole family. It was recently announced that John, whose poetry collections include Glad to Wear Glasses, The Sound of Paint Drying and My Dog is a Carrot, has been given the honour of being appointed Poet-in-Residence at Keats House in London this summer. John said he was delighted to help promote the work of one of England’s greatest poets.

Thursday 13 September at 7pm in the Studio Tickets £8 (£5 under-16s)

Theatre

Saturday, 8 September

Key Theatre Studio

Penguin Long Nose Puppets’ new show Penguin is based on the awardwinning book by Polly Dunbar. Ben is delighted when he rips open his present and inside is a penguin. “Hello Penguin!” says Ben. Penguin says nothing. Ben tickles Penguin; he pulls his funniest face; he puts on a happy hat, sings a silly song and does a dizzy dance. Penguin says nothing ... so: Ben fires Penguin into Outer Space. Penguin comes back to earth without a word! It isn’t until a passing lion intervenes that Penguin finally speaks. And, when he does, Ben discovers something that was really worth the wait.

Penguin is exciting, surreal, and full of surprises. The lively songs by Tom Gray of Gomez will have everyone joining in. A spectacular theatre experience for all ages - especially 3 to 7 year olds. “Penguin addresses themes of anger, danger and love, and encourages children to remember events, read pictures, and laugh”. The Times “Take an hour out to restore your faith in all that is good about being alive.” The Argus

Saturday 8 September in the Key Theatre Studio at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm Tickets £5

12-15 September

Key Theatre

The Yeomen Of The Guard Peterborough Gilbert and Sullivan Players will delight G&S lovers with a new presentation of eternal favourite The Yeomen of the Guard. It could hardly be more topical as it arose from the nostalgia surrounding Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and the reopening after the restoration of the Tower of London. The Yeomen, personal bodyguard of the Monarch, have been much in evidence during Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. So it is appropriate that the Players, who last performed it in her Golden Jubilee year, have chosen it again. The grandeur of the Tower is a fitting setting for this colourful

operetta set in Elizabethan times and regarded by Gilbert and Sullivan as the best thing they had done. There is some stunning choral and solo music to accompany a story full of romance and intrigue which is touchingly human and funny, yet with a cruel and dark streak. Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 September. Nightly at 7.30pm Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets Wednesday to Friday evening and Saturday matinee £13. Saturday evening £15 Concessions £10 (available on Wednesday evening and Saturday matinee)

Key Shorts We are delighted to announce the first Key Shorts International Film Festival of short films from around the world. Forty films from more than 20 countries are programmed across the five evenings, each bringing a wide range of styles and themes, from comedy to romance, drama to thriller and animation. From Ireland to Argentina, China to Estonia, and many countries in between, each evening will screen a varied programme to surprise, enlighten and entertain, opening a window on how film-makers from many countries see their world and respond to it through short films. Highlights will include The Piano Tuner (from France). What

happens when a piano tuner who pretends to be blind, witnesses something he shouldn’t? Sugar (from Holland). Borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbour should be straightforward and uncomplicated. Shouldn’t it? Crossing Salween (from Ireland). A young girl, Ko Reh, escapes persecution through the jungles of Burma along with her mysterious guide. A treat for film fans not to be missed.

Monday 17 to Friday 21 September, nightly at 7.30pm Tickets £4 Weekly tickets £12.50

20-21 September

Key Theatre Studio

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is a sell-out touring production of Robert Tressell’s classic story of a group of decorators who are joined by Owen, an artist and journeyman prophet with a vision of a just society. Owen’s spirited attacks on the greed and dishonesty of the capitalist system attempt to rouse his fellow men, the ‘philanthropists’ (working for poverty wages to generate wealth for their masters) from their complacency. This enduring story is brought to life by two hugely talented performers using the entertaining songs of the Edwardian times. The basis of Tressell’s inspiring

story suggests that the interests of ‘the workers’ and their bosses are incompatible, and that workers collude in their own oppression. The author was buried in a pauper’s grave in Liverpool in 1911 and the book that inspired the growing Labour movement was not published until four years after his death. Anne Hopper of The Stage said this production featured: “A dazzling array of characters presented with theatrical skill and good humour.”

Thursday 20 to Friday 21 September, nightly at 7.30pm Tickets £9 (£7.50 concesssions) Key. I.P £7

Theatre

17-21 September

Key Theatre

Theatre

Monday, 24 September

Key Theatre

Kathryn Tickell Kathryn Tickell is the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes whose work is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of Northumbria. This magical show is based on interviews and recordings Kathryn has done over the years. She has worked with family members and the shepherd musicians from whom she learned, including mouth organ player Will

Atkinson and fiddler Willie Taylor. Three generations of musicians take part in this reflection of immensely strong communities, their music and collective stories. Auithor David Almond described it as “A beautiful and important work.” Monday 24 September at 7.30pm Tickets £14.50 (£13 concessions)

25-26 September

Key Theatre

Romeo & Juliet This bold and exciting new production of Shakespeare’s most tragic tale comes from the highly acclaimed Icarus Theatre Collective.

family pride and ancient quarrels destroy the most joyous of love stories, as Romeo and Juliet are tragically driven apart.

It follows their succcessful productions of Macbeth and Hamlet. This is, of course, the eternal story of star crossed lovers who must hide their passion from their warring families and closest friends. Misadventure,

Tuesday 25 to Wednesday 26 September, nightly at 7.30pm, Wednesday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £16 evenings, £15 matinee £10 students concession available on all performances Key. I.P £3 off full price

27-29 September

Key Theatre Studio

I ♥ Peterborough Fresh from a four-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Eastern Angles present a great new theatre piece called I ♥ Peterborough. Written by East Anglian playwright Joel Horwood, this is a no holds barred depiction of growing up in an overspill town. Lulu is a big bloke with a dodgy wig, high heels and delusions of celebrity. Teamed with his

son Hew, both Peterborough born and bred, they form a dysfunctional double-act. During their darkly comic cabaret-style theatre performance, the family’s lives are laid bare. It’s set to the sounds of the 70s and 80s. Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 September, nightly at 7.30pm Tickets £10 Key. I.P £8.50

All New Blues Brothers Revue The All New Blues Brothers Revue are a band on a mission to be the most-action packed and entertaining band around.

brothers Jake and Elwood are Dave Wiggins, the mastermind behind the creation of the whole act, and James Proctor.

Featuring audience participation from the start, blended with all the hits from both the original film and its sequel Blues Brothers 2000, it combines some cool choreography and a whole lot of soul. Taking the roles of those hat-wearing, soul-singing

There’s going to be lots of funky music with a top lineup of musicians creating the Blues Brothers’ sound. Saturday, 29 September at 7.45pm Tickets £17 (£15 concessions)

2-6 October

Key Theatre

Carmen – The Musical The Revellers are excited to be returning to the Key Theatre this autumn to present Carmen - The Musical. This is the tragic story of factory girl Carmen and her brief (but passionate) encounter with Don Jose, a soldier. But, it ends in murder when Carmen withdraws her affections in favour of Escamillo, the Toreador. This musical version by David Badger

and Bobbie Field contains all your favourite arias in Bizet’s glorious score, ensuring that Carmen remains one of the most popular of all musical theatre works. The Revellers will present the show with a 50-strong company and a full orchestra. Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 October, nightly at 7.30pm Tickets £14, except Tuesday £12

Sunday, 7 October

Key Theatre

Swan Lake We’re thrilled to welcome back to the Key stage the Russian State Ballet for another fantastic performance of this classic. Following its sell-out shows in the last two years, the company returns to Peterborough as part of a national tour. The association of the world famous ballet company and the Opera Theatre of Komi dates back to 1958 and this production transforms Swan

Lake into a fairy tale. It features a timeless score by Tchaikovsky and the combination of the music and dance is truly magical. The ballet has captured the imagination of many generations with its mystery and romance and will surely continue to do so.

Sunday, 7 October at 7.30pm Tickets £23 (£19 concessions)

Theatre

Saturday, 29 September

Key Theatre

Theatre

8-11 October

Key Theatre

Duet For One Top TV and stage actors Haydn Gwynne and William Gaunt star in this multi-award-winning play. Resonant with echoes of the life of cellist Jacqueline du Pre, Haydn (star of TV shows such as Peak Practice and MerseyBeat) plays celebrated concert violinist Stephanie Abrahams. Through a series of highly charged encounters with her doctor, Alfred Feldman (William Gaunt of classic

TV series The Champions, Next of Kin and No Place Like Home) she is forced to re-evaluate her life and face a truth too difficult to comprehend in this moving and sensitive story.

Monday 8 to Thursday 11 October, nightly at 7.30pm, Wednesday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £20 (£18 concessions)

12-13 October

Key Theatre

Three Men In A Boat This highly acclaimed Jerome K. Jerome classic, with its essentially British theme, is still spiffing good fun for today’s audiences.

youthful friendship, mischief and folly as the trip becomes a journey of death defying battles with swans, culinary disasters and contrary tea kettles.

Oozing the charm and wit of Victorian England it tells the story of three friends and a dog who decide to take a boating jaunt between Kingston and Oxford to escape the stresses of city life. It’s a ripping yarn of

Friday 12 to Saturday 13 October, nightly at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £16 (£13 for over60s, £8.50 students)

15-16 October

Key Theatre

Shakespeare Schools The UK’s largest Youth Drama Festival is returning to Peterborough this October.

entertainment with four youthful half-hour productions of different Shakespeare plays.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival works in partnership with the National Theatre to help 700 schools from across the country to stage abridged Shakespeare productions in their local professional theatre. Family and friends are invited to celebrate an evening’s professional

One teacher said after last year’s show: “I can honestly say that the children’s performance was the proudest moment of my career.” Monday 15 to Tuesday 16 October, nightly at 7pm Tickets £8 (£6 concessions)

Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Fear The world’s most successful detective takes to the stage and pits his wits against dastardly villain Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes - A Study in Fear!

Merrick in Emmerdale, and Nicholas Briggs, who provides the voices of the Daleks and Cybermen in TV’s Doctor Who.

Holmes begs his old friend Dr Watson to help him on one last case and it leads to a breathtaking showdown at the Reichenbach Falls. Starring Ian Sharrock, who for 10 years played Jackie

Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 October, nightly at 7.30pm, Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £16 evenings (£13 concessions), matinee £12. Key. I.P £10

19-20 October

Key Theatre

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark Here is a wonderful show to enthrall and delight little people with big imaginations aged between three and seven, from Blunderbus Theatre Company. Of course, adults who still sleep with the lights on are welcome to come too. Join Plop, the baby barn owl as he journeys into the nighttime world of campfires, fireworks and moonlit adventures. It doesn’t help that Plop is afraid of the dark,

which isn’t a good thing for an owl. Based on the bestselling children’s classic by Jill Tomlinson, this gentle, reassuring tale is brought to life with an irresistible blend of live music, puppetry and storytelling. Friday 19 October – Saturday 20 October, Friday at 11.30am and 1.30pm, Saturday at 11.30am and 2pm Tickets Friday £5.50, Saturday £6.50

Sunday, 21 October

Key Theatre

Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick Despite their experienced approach to their folk music art, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick have lost none of their fervour. They played an important part in the booming British folk scene in the middle to late 60s. Dave first came to prominence as a young instrumental virtuoso in the Ian Campbell Folk Group. He worked with other icons,

including Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger before teaming up with Martin for three great years. Dave went on to join the legendary Fairport Convention while Martin became recognised as one of folk’s great innovators. Together again they are dynamite.

Sunday 21 October at 7.30pm Tickets £14.50 (£13 concessions)

Theatre

18-20 October

Key Theatre

Theatre

22–24 October

Key Theatre

Soap Opera If you thought nothing could be crazier than some of the storylines we see on TV’s top soaps then think again. Leslie Grantham leads an all-star cast in in this spoof murder mystery which is set behind the scenes at the failing soap, Hollyenders Street. It has been on the air for 15 years and viewing figures are the worst ever, so a new hardnosed producer is brought in to

save the show. Sound familiar? So, characters are cut, stories are sexed up and new blood brought in. Before long, the cast are at war and then somebody snaps. It ends in murder and a juicy case for fan of the show, Detective Emmerside. Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 October. Nightly at 7.30pm, Wed matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £16 (£13 concessions), Matinee £12, Key I.P: £10

Thursday, 25 October

Key Theatre

Pam Ayres Her heartwarmingly funny poems always delight audiences, and Pam Ayres’ new show coincides with the paperback release of her autobiography The Necessary Aptitude. Pam has been an audience favourite for more than 35 years with her observations on the comic details of everyday life. Her new show will include a

selection of new poems and stories, as well as some audience favourites. After the show, Pam will be signing copies of her autobiography which was a bestseller when first published in hardback last year. Pam is also a regular on TV and radio shows such as Just A Minute and QI. Thursday, 25 October at 7.30pm Tickets £20

Saturday, 27 October

Key Theatre

ABBA Forever The unique hit sound of Abba is carefully replicated in the highly acclaimed tribute to the eternal supergroup by ABBA Forever. Out front are two Abba girls with those wonderful harmonies and all the glitz and glamour associated with the ever-popular hitmakers. They are backed by a six-piece band featuring electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and piano, drums and bass guitar.

The wonderful lyrics penned by Benny and Bjorn are so familiar that the audience is soon singing along to this greatest hits selection that’s certain to include Waterloo, Dancing Queen, S.O.S, Super Trouper and Take A Chance On Me in a terrific two-hour show that never fails to entertain. Saturday, 27 October at 7.30pm Tickets £19 (£17 concs)

Jackson - Live In Concert Following last year’s incredible sell-out show, we’re thrilled to welcome back Amir Sharma with his show, Jackson - Live In Concert. Amir’s portryal of Michael Jackson in his prime has to be the most vocally and visually accurate tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres. Amir is joined on the stage by a talented cast of musicians,

singers and dancers who work their way through all the hits. Amir has got the look, the Moonwalk, and above all, the voice, to present Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean and all the rest in the exciting style of Jacko himself live on stage. Sunday, 28 October at 8pm Tickets £19 (£17 concessions)

Wednesday, 31 October

Key Theatre

Farm Boy With Steven Spielberg’s film version of War Horse a hit at the cinema and now on DVD, this follow-up is beautifully timed. Michael Morpurgo’s sequel was a sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010 and the 2011 Brits off Broadway Festival in New York. This new production by the New Perspectives company will delight family audiences. It

tells the story of the changing face of the English countryside and the bonds between a grandfather and his grandson, who is enthralled by the stories his grandfather has to tell. Wednesday, 31 October at 2pm and 4.30pm Tickets £10 (£7.50 students). Key.I.P £9

December 6 – January 6

Key Theatre

Mother Goose The Key Theatre team has hatched another surefire winner by deciding to stage Mother Goose as this year’s sensational pantomime. As always, it will have the Key’s hallmark of quality family entertainment with a traditional sense of good, clean, fun. It’s a formula that always works, and over 30 years generations of Peterborough children have

grown up looking forward to their annual festive treat. Created by local people for local people, it’s no wonder everyone joins in with the local gags in this spectacular annual treat. Tickets are now on sale. For a full list of dates and prices please visit vivacity-peterborough.com, or call the Box Office.

Theatre / Drama

Sunday, 28 October

Key Theatre

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.

Key Theatre seating plan

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. Telephone bookings can be made during Box Office opening hours by calling 01733 207239 or book online 24 hours a day at vivacitypeterborough.com A ÂŁ1.50 booking fee applies to all cheque and card transactions. Throughout January 2012, the box office will be open 10amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;6pm.

The Studio seating plan

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

The Key Theatre, Embankment Road, Peterborough, PE1 EF 46

Coming up at the Key New York, New York An evening of music from the Great American Songbook Sunday 15 July Page 32 Travels With My Aunt Tabs Productions present a sparkling adaptation of Graham Green’s classic novel 16 – 17 July Page 32 City Academy of Ballet The Peterborough Academy give their annual performance on the Key stage 19 – 20 July Street Danz Style Danzfusion return with their showcase of local talent Saturday 21 July Our Day Out The Key Youth Theatre present their 20th

anniversary production of the Willy Russell classic 15 – 18 August Page 33 Penguin Long Nose Puppets present a new show in the Key Studio for families and children aged three to seven 8 September Page 36 We Love Words Roger McGough and John Hegley give special performances as part of Peterborough’s first festival of poetry and literature. 8 – 13 September Page 34 The Yeoman of the Guard Peterborough Gilbert and Sullivan Players present another G&S classic for audiences to enjoy at the Key 12 – 16 September Page 36

Key Theatre Peterborough

Key Shorts Our first International Festival of short films 17 – 21 September

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists A new two-handed version of Stephen Lowe’s original adaptation of Robert Tressell’s book 20 – 21 September Page 37 Romeo & Juliet Icarus Theatre Collective return with another Shakespeare classic 25 – 26 September Page 38 I ♥ Peterborough The Key Theatre in association with Eastern Angles present a new piece, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe 27 – 29 September Page 38

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

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