Key Times+ March/April by Vivacity

key + times March & April 2012

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

Countdown to Peterborough Museum reopening. The wait is nearly over!

Heritage Theatres & Arts Sport & Leisure Libraries & Archives

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Spring is in the air, and there’s a lot to look forward to at Vivacity.

Elsewhere, the Key Theatre is also reopening with its new Spring season, with something for every taste.

vivacity-peterborough.com

The countdown to the Peterborough Museum reopening is well and truly underway. The city centre building has been closed since Christmas Eve 2010 as it undergoes a £3.2 million refurbishment, thanks to funding from Peterborough City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Vivacity. The doors open again on 31 March, with an exciting programme of events and exhibitions lined up for the summer, plus we’re launching a new great value Vivacity Heritage pass – find out more in our Museum feature.

Content 8

Libraries & Archives

Take your pick from comedy, drama, musicals, opera and more. And with Easter fast approaching, there’s a whole range of great Easter holiday activities to keep the whole family amused, from fantastic Olympic Poetry sessions at Peterborough libraries to a Rollers special Easter themed roller disco. We hope you enjoy this issue of Key Times+ – please let us know what you think by emailing enquiries@vivacitypeterborough.com.

13 Heritage

20 Sports & Leisure

24 Easter holiday fun

28 Theatre

To find out the latest news about what’s going on across Vivacity, visit 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.

29 Music

44 Upcoming events

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

New Heritage Offer for Peterborough Visitors and residents can make the most of a great new opportunity to visit three of the city’s heritage sites with the launch of Vivacity’s annual Heritage Pass. For just £35 for a family (£10 individual) the annual Heritage Pass provides unlimited entry to Peterborough Museum, Longthorpe Tower and Flag Fen - plus FREE entry to selected events and exhibitions at the sites. Peterborough Museum is set to reopen its doors to the public at 12 noon on Saturday, 31 March, following a multi-million pound refurbishment thanks to funding from Peterborough City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Vivacity. Stunning new galleries and exhibitions are set within a splendid Georgian building. Discover the history of life in a Napoleonic prisoner of war camp at Norman Cross and explore a world full of Jurassic creatures and natural specimens. Experience the theatre of a Victorian surgery in an original and rare operating room, and enjoy extra-ordinary stories attached to the historic collections that span the ages. The museum reopens with Comic Book Superheroes, a family-friendly exhibition

showcasing fascinating memorabilia and artwork. Packed full of fun activities and interactive features the museum is ready to welcome visitors back with a bang. Admission charges may apply to special events. Flag Fen is a pathway to the past, offering a unique opportunity to explore an ancient land and discover how our ancestors lived over 3,000 years ago. There’s something for all ages and this summer you can get involved in live archaeological excavations, or explore the new natural sensory play area, opening in June. Open daily from February to 31 October, 10am4pm (last admission 3pm). Admission charges apply – see website for details. Under new Vivacity Management, Longthorpe Tower proudly opens its doors this Easter weekend offering visitors the chance

to glimpse into a medieval world at one of Britain’s most important historic sites. A Grade 1 listed medieval wonder and a rare example of a medieval tower house, Come along to see the Tower and its incredible wall paintings as well as the opening exhibition which tells the story of the Tower, the people that built it and explains the life in a medieval manor house. Chapel, prison and bedroom - all in one room – definitely somewhere different to visit this Easter! Longthorpe Tower will open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter until the end of October, 10am – 4pm daily (last admission 3.30pm). Admission charges apply – see website for details. For more information on heritage events and activities visit vivacity-peterborough. com or call 01733 864663.

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Heritage

City heritage sites

Spring is in the air!

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Membership starts from as little as £6* per week - call now for more details: Werrington Leisure Centre: 01733 576606 Bushfield Leisure Centre: 01733 864656 Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre: 01733 864760 Jack Hunt Swimming Pool & Gym: 01733 264644

Or sign up for a free one-day pass at www.vivacity-peterborough.com * Based on monthly off-peak direct debit membership ** Free gift subject to availability

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Libraries

Saturday, 31 March

Various libraries

Easter Hunt Fun Hop in to any one of the Peterborough libraries and let your little bunnies take part in our Easter hunt competition. The Easter bunny has visited all Peterborough libraries and left clues everywhere for you to find. Look low, look high, they may be staring you straight in the eye! Just ask staff for a form to take part in the hunt. Hand it back when the form is complete and you have found all the clues. The

hunt will start on Saturday, 31 March and all entries must be in by closing time on Thursday, 5 April. Complete entries will be put into a prize draw, which will take place on Saturday, 7 April and the winner will be contacted by their local library (one prize per library). It is suitable for children aged five and over and is great Easter fun. The libraries will be adding an Easter twist to regular storytime and rhymetime sessions throughout the week too.

15 & 17 March

Various libraries

Mother’s Day Fun It’s that time of the year again as Mother’s Day approaches. We are celebrating this special time by giving your child a chance to come along to a fun session, and make something that comes from the heart. Come to the library to share some specially chosen stories about mothers that will make you smile and laugh. Create something your Mum will treasure and take it home with you to give to her

on Mother’s Day. Contact your local library for more information on these FREE events on: Thursday, 15 March: Woodston Library 10.30-11.30am. Saturday, 17 March: Bretton Library 10-11am; Dogsthorpe Library 12-1pm; Hampton Library 9.30-10.30am; Orton Library 11am12pm; Central Library 2-3pm; Stanground Library 12.30-1.30pm; Thorney Library 11am-12pm; Werrington Library 10.30-11.30am

Friday, 16 March

John Clare Theatre

Stephen Booth This popular author has made a successful career out of crime writing, now Stephen Booth will be telling his fans in Peterborough all about it.”

Black Dog, he has had great reviews and was shortlisted for the prestigious Gold Dagger award. His latest book The Devil’s Edge is another bestseller.

Stephen will be talking about his popular creations, DC Ben Cooper and DS Diane Fry, and the sinister cases they have worked on in the beautiful and atmospheric Peak District.

Friday, 16 March at 7pm at the John Clare Theatre, Central Library, Broadway. Tickets £3 (£2 concessions and reading group members) available from Central Library.

Since Stephen arrived on the scene with his debut book 8

Email libraryenquiries@vivacitypeterborough.com or call 01733 864280 for more information.

Saturday, 14 April

Olympic Poetry To get into the Olympic spirit, Vivacity Sports & Leisure have teamed up with Library Services to give children the opportunity try some Olympic sports and get creative with writing some sporty poetry. Peterborough Poet Laureate, Nikki di Giovanni will be helping you write your own poems to take home about your favourite sport. You will also have the chance to try a variety of Olympic sports with taster sessions in basketball (Werrington),

boccia, hockey, table tennis and badminton (Bushfield). The sessions are suitable for children aged 7-12 and cost £2 per child. Places need to be booked in advance at either Werrington or Orton library. Saturday 14 April: Werrington Leisure Centre, 10am11.45am; Bushfield Leisure Centre, 2.15pm-4pm. Call Werrington Library (01733 864282) or Orton Library (01733 864296)

Friday, 23 April

John Clare Theatre

Storytelling Live World Book Night is a national celebration of reading and books on Friday, 23 April. Tens of thousands of people will be giving away copies of 25 different titles in communities across the country. Peterborough libraries have teamed up with the Cambridge Storytellers to celebrate the occasion. You’ll enjoy an evening of dramatic storytelling mixing traditional and modern with original

folk tales linked to the books being given away on World Book Night. Three professional storytellers, Marion Leeper, Malcolm Busby and Rowan Wylie will keep you entertained. There will also be a free prize draw to win some great books. Friday, 23 April at 7pm, John Clare Theatre, Central Library. Tickets £3 (£2 concessions and reading group members) available from Central Library.

John Clare Theatre

Arts Cinema Film fans can enjoy great movies by attending Peterborough Arts Cinema showings at the John Clare Theatre at 7.30pm. Thursday, 8 March: The Guard is an eccentric crime caper starring Brendan Gleeson as an unorthodox garda whose quiet Irish coastal town of Connemara becomes an international crime hotspot. Co-starring Don Cheadle. Thursday, 15 March: The

Skin I Live In is an offbeat and claustrophobic chiller. Antonio Bandaras stars as a plastic surgeon who is replacing a young woman’s entire skin with an artificial covering. Thursday, 22 March: Midnight In Paris sees director Woody Allen back on romantic form. Great cast includes Owen Wilson (right), Adrien Brody, Kathy Bates and Carla Bruni. But Paris by night is the real star.

www.peterboroughartscinema.co.uk

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Libraries

Werrington & Bushfield Leisure Centres

Arts

30 June – 8 July

Peterborough Arts Festival 2012 Prepare to be amazed, intrigued, entertained and spellbound by this year’s Peterborough Arts Festival. With music, performance art, theatre, dance, and family entertainment taking over venues throughout the city, whatever your taste, you won’t be disappointed. This summer’s Festival also provides a back drop to the Olympic Torch Relay event, which heads into the city from 3 – 4 July. 30 June-1 July: City Centre Opening Weekend 2 July – 6 July: Festival Plus 7-8 July: Festival Finale in Central Park. You can find out more at vivacity-peterborough.com, although we’ll be keeping some details under wraps until much closer to the time, so keep checking back for updates!

City Art Gallery

City Gallery Re-opening Local Peterborough artist Chris Porsz and the City Gallery have put together an exhibition of photos Chris took from the late 1970s and early 1980s and of the city today. Each photo in the exhibition captures a moment in the life of Peterborough from locations such as Cathedral Square, Bridge Street and other recognisable landmarks across the city. The exhibition will also include a number of reunion photos, which Chris has been working on for a number of years. Many of the images were taken in the early 1980s and Chris has been able to contact some of the people in the images. 10

Chris persuaded many of the photos’ subjects to return to the scene, and produce modern day images of themselves in the place where the original photo was shot, sometimes more than 30 years ago. Chris sates: “The idea is to recreate some of these shots thirty years later to see what time has done to them, and to me as well.” Peterborough Through A Lens will be the first exhibition of the new programme for the City Gallery, which is housed inside Peterborough Museum, in Priestgate. See vivacity-peterborough. com for full details.

6 – 16 March

Various libraries

Over 50s Reminiscence Sessions Reminiscence sessions are being held across the city as part of the Forty Years On project to encourage people to share their memories of Peterborough in the 70s and 80s. The sessions will provide an opportunity for people to look at original materials from the time, including photographs, plans and numerous documents relating to the development of Peterborough, including the creation of Bretton, Orton and Werrington townships. Your stories of the period will create an important oral archive about the city’s transformation from a small cathedral city to a major modern hub meeting the needs of 21st Century families. Your tales will also inspire a community play. So,

part of your life could literally be played out before you! Forty Years On is a three-year archive, oral history and theatre project run by Eastern Angles and Vivacity, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported by the Arts Council England. The Reminiscence Sessions are FREE and refreshments will be provided. Please contact Tina Bramhill, Project Officer on 01733 864298 or email tina. bramhill@vivacity-peterborough. com to book a place at: Orton Library: 10am-12 noon, Tuesday, 6 March; Bretton Library: 10am-12 noon, Friday 9 March; Werrington Library: 10am-12 noon, Tuesday 13 March; Central Library: 10am12 noon, Friday 16 March.

Volunteering Opportunities There is nothing quite so satisfying as giving something back to the community in which you live. Perhaps you are bored, have time on your hands, or want a new challenge that will get you out and about meeting new people. If that’s the case you could put a new spark into your life by volunteering with Vivacity. You can help with: Sport Libraries Heritage Computers Children Theatres Arts Festival One-off events and more!

Are you enthusiastic and have a love for the theatre? If so, you can help in the Key Theatre as a Front of House Assistant. Do you have excellent customer service skills? If you do, we would love to hear from you. This varied role will help us to run a smooth Front of House to ensure our visitors have a good time. Or, perhaps, Longthorpe Tower would appeal to you as a Volunteer Steward. Do you enjoy meeting people? Do you have an interest in Heritage? We are looking for volunteers to help us bring to life Vivacity’s newest Heritage site. For further details email volunteering@vivacitypeterborough.com. Tel: 01733 864775. For a full list of opportunities visit www. vivacity-peterborough.com vivacity-peterborough.com 13

Heritage

15 March – 3 May

Heritage Walks If you’re looking for a fun way to find out about the history of our city, join one of the Museum’s guided walks. The Historic Peterborough Tour will show you our fascinating, often undiscovered, history. There is also a range of themed tours on Sunday afternoons at 2pm, visit vivacity-peterborough.com for a full listing. Or why not join the Peterborough Ghost Walk to explore spooky stories, take

part in the Crime & Punishment Walk to learn about our sinister history, and the Inns and Taverns Tour to learn about our pubs. Tours all start from outside the Museum in Priestgate. Historic Peterborough Tours every Saturday at 2pm; Ghost Walk on 20 March & 17 April at 7.30pm; Crime Walk on 15 March & 19 April at 7.30pm; Inns & Taverns on 5 April and 3 May at 7.30pm. £5 adults, £3 concessions (under 16s, full time students, over 60s).

7–9 April

Longthorpe Tower

Medieval Living History Here is a great opportunity to see one of Peterborough’s most historic and fascinating buildings. Be enthralled by Medieval Living History by visting Longthorpe Tower on its opening weekend, and meet the medieval occupants of the Manor. See the Thorpe family dining in their chamber, and even get a cure from the Barber Surgeon. Help out with the arming of a

knight (daily at 3pm).There’s great fun for all the family this Easter! Saturday 7 to Monday 9 April (Easter Weekend). Open 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). Normal admission charges apply, £3.50 adults, £2.50 concessions, £2 children. Call 01733 864663, visit vivacity-peterborough.com or email longthorpe.tower@ vivacity-peterborough.com

31 March – 6 May

Peterborough Museum

Comic Book Superheroes Comic book fans can have a marvellous time at a fantastic new exhibition at Peterborough Museum. It’s going to be a big draw because the Comic Book Superheroes Exhibition will tell you more about the powers of amazing characters like Spiderman and Batman. You can also learn about designing a comic, and the history of comic books. 14

Test your own special powers, dress up as a superhero, and enjoy the wonderful comic book memorabilia and artwork from local enthusiasts. 31 March-6 May (Superhero event day Saturday, 28 April). 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, 12 noon-4pm Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Call 01733 864663 or email museum@vivacitypeterborough.com

Peterborough and the Titanic Disaster One hundred years on, the story of the sinking of a great liner still has the power to fascinate and move people. There have been films and books, and still new generations want to learn more about the “unsinkable” ship and its cataclysmic encounter with an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Now, in a fascinating talk, Stuart Orme, Interpretation Manager at Vivacity, will tell you what really

happened on board the doomed ship. And be prepared to be surprised as Stuart also reveals Peterborough’s little known connections with the Titanic. This will be an illustrated talk, and Stuart will be delighted to answer questions and discuss points with the audience. Saturday, 14 April at 7.30pm at the Museum in Priestgate. Admission is £3 per person.

Sunday, 15 April

Peterborough Museum

International Roma Day Celebrate Peterborough’s long connection with the Roma gipsy community as part of the Worldwide International Roma Day celebrations. Organised by the Community Partnership Group (COMPAS), this event offers a fascinating glimpse into this colourful culture. The event will include zesty, energetic singing and dancing and a range of interactive craft activities for all the family.

The first Roma Day celebrations were declared in Poland in 1990 at the site of the fourth World Romani Congress of the International Romani Union (IRU) in honour of the first major international meeting of Romani representatives in Britain in 1971. Since then, this celebration of Romani culture, which also raises awareness of the issues facing Romani people, has gained in strength and popularity. FREE ENTRY

Wednesday, 18 April

Peterborough Museum

Leaving, Moving and Settling The rich heritage of the Pakistani community in Peterborough is to be celebrated in a special event taking place at Peterborough Museum. Leaving, Moving and Settling is being held in collaboration with the Iqra Academy. Try your hand at traditional crafts, taste dishes from Pakistan, watch displays of singing

and drama and learn more about the diverse story of this community which is now at the very heart of our modern city. Pakistani food, fashion and culture has certainly made an impact on Peterborough over the years, enriching life in the city in the process. Wednesday 18 April, 12pm-2.30pm FREE ENTRY vivacity-peterborough.com 15

Heritage

Saturday, 14 April

Peterborough Museum

Heritage

23–24 June

Heritage Festival Plans are already well under way for this summer’s Heritage Festival, and it’s set to be a spectacular weekend event. Re-enactors will be bringing our story to life from the Iron Age to the Second World War, in the wonderful surroundings of the Cathedral Precincts. There will be a medieval market, heritage displays, falconry, and a family activity zone. New for 2012 at the Heritage Festival will be: n Children’s Zone - an activity area for the kids, with jesters, storytellers, games and activities.

n Victorian Travelling Cabinet of Curiosities - come face to face with a Mummy, hear the explorers’ tales, or take a different view of Peterborough through a Camera Obscura. n Talk in Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday night by a television historian - details will be revealed soon! n A week of talks, events, tours and activities in the run up to the big weekend.

For full listings, visit vivacity-peterborough.com

20 & 21 April

Peterborough Museum

Murder At The Museum For two nights only we’ll be getting away with murder at the museum! Join us at a rip-roaring 1930s evening of murder and mayhem with our talented student actors. When a party goes horribly wrong and someone is found dead, we’ll need your help to unravel the mystery. You’ll need to speak to suspects and witnesses, and piece together the clues to find out whodunnit! Join in the fun by 16

dressing up for the evening! Snack food and drinks are included in the price for this event created by Peterborough Museum’s Young Consultants, in collaboration with the Voyager Academy. Friday 20 and Saturday 21 April at 7pm. Tickets: £4 per young person, £5 for accompanying adults. Call 01733 864663, email museum@vivacitypeterborough.com or visit vivacity-peterborough.com

Sports & Leisure

Thursdays

Werrington Leisure Centre

Falcon Karate Club Learn the art of Shukokai Karate with insurance-backed and CRB checked instructors.

karate for self-defence. Thursdays 7pm to 9pm Adults: £5 Children: £4

Falcon Karate Group meets at Werrington Leisure Centre and helps improve fitness, gain confidence and learn

Call Sensei Neil Flowers on 07983 617539 or Sensei Brian Whatford on 07973 136083.

From Monday, 16 April

Werrington Leisure Centre

Racquet Sports Do you want to be the next Andy Murray? If so, start with our tennis coaching sessions. A new course will start after Easter, designed to teach

Bushfield Leisure Centre

basic tennis skills and drills for children aged between 4 and 7. Starting Monday, 16 April 4.305.15pm. Cost for 6 weeks: £21. Call 01733 576606.

From Tuesday, 3 April

Easter Football Coaching Learn the fundamentals of the beautiful game at Parkside Athletic Easter Holiday Football Coaching.

between 4 and 7. Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 April and Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 April, 10am-1pm. £5 per day, £12 for three days.

Open to boys and girls aged

Call 01733 753918

Bushfield Leisure Centre

From Tuesday, 3 April

Easter Multi-Sports Camp A variety of street games for children aged 4-7 years at Parkside Athletic Easter Holiday Multi-Sports Camp.

help a range of motor skills. Tues 3 to Thurs 5 April and Tues 10 to Thurs 12 April, 10am-1pm. £5 a day or £12 for three days.

It’s fun and intuitive and will

Call 01733 753918.

Rollers Easter Special Every Saturday, Werrington Leisure Centre hosts an evening of roller discos for all ages and abilities. On Saturday, 7 April, Rollers presents the second special event of the year. This spectacular Easter-themed evening is set to be just as big as the Be My Valentine! hit. Saturday 7 April 5pm to 7pm: Age 4+ no

maximum age. £2.50 admission. 7.30pm-10pm: Age 13+ no maximum age. £3.50 admission. Skate hire available at £1.50. Come on, get your skates on and have some fast and funky fun! For more information contact Werrington Leisure Centre on 01733 576606, or email: werringtonsports@ vivacity-peterborough.com

Easter holidays

Werrington Leisure Centre

Sports Xtra Kids, you can be a dancer, a spy, or a CSI, just BOOK NOW for Easter holiday fun. n At Detective Xperience you can join in a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). 11 and 12 April from 9.30am-4pm. Book for both days or just one. n Spy Xperience gives you the chance to be a Junior James Bond and learn exciting detective and spy craft, 13 April from 9.30am to 4pm.

n Dance Xperience shows you all the moves, 11 April from 9.304pm. n Futsal is an indoor version of football, with smaller teams and a smaller ball, April 12 from 9.30am to 4pm. Extended hours available 8.30am-9.30am and 4pm-5pm. To book or for more information: call 07703 030711, visit www. sports-xtra.com or email sara. strid-coughlan@sports-xtra.com

Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre & Jack Hunt Pool

Vivacity Swim Academy Swimming is one of the most essential skills a child can learn, and swimming lessons are taking a new form at the Vivacity Swim Academy. The new Swim Academy follows the Learn to Swim Framework for teaching swimming, produced by the ASA which takes the swimmer from Stage 1 ‘Tadpoles’ through to Stage 10+ and beyond. The intention of the Swim Academy is to provide

instruction in a fun environment in order to aid learning. The classes will run every day of the week at either the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre or Jack Hunt Pool.

To find out more about Vivacity Swim Academy call the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre on 01733 864760 or Jack Hunt Pool on 01733 264644. vivacity-peterborough.com 21

Sports & Leisure

Saturday nights

Werrington Leisure Centre

Theatre

Key Youth Theatre

A Message from the Director It has been my pleasure to run the Key Youth Theatre for eight years now, and it fills me with great pride to see what has been achieved by everyone in that time. We have developed from around 60 members to over 200! The quality is clear by what is produced by the students of KYT.

five-star reviews for our productions, and every time we stage a new one, we challenge ourselves to raise the bar even higher. The next 12 months sees KYT enter into its 21st year with the return of our fantastic Easter Drama Workshop... we must be doing something right! Paul Collings

We have received no end of

10 – 14 April

Key Youth Theatre

Easter Drama Workshop Running for one week only, from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 April. This will be a fantastic opportunity for young people to create their own production working alongside professional actors and workshop leaders. The finished production will be presented live on stage to friends and family in the Key Theatre Studio on 14 April.

As it is the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens, his famous stories and characters will be the inspiration for the show. It is sure to leave proud parents and pals asking for more. The workshops will take place at the Key Theatre from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Price: £95 per child (£10 discount for each additional child).

From 23 July

Key Youth Theatre

Summer Schools 2012 No wonder kids are delighted that school’s in for summer. Since 1992 the Key Youth Theatre project has been teaching youngsters the ropes of being a stage star, including dancing, singing and acting at Summer School. Many KYT graduates have gone on to become professionals, several appearing in top West End shows. Make sure your talented youngsters don’t miss

out on this year’s Summer School. Week 1: Monday 23 to Saturday 28 July. Week 2: Monday 30 July to Saturday 4 August. Price: £145 per week. There will be special offers to mark Summer School’s 21st year. For an application form go to vivacity-peterborough. com and click the KYT link to Summer School.

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. vivacity-peterborough.com 23

EASTER_DPS_KeyTimes_v3_Layout 1 13/02/2012 15:56 Page 1

Easter fun Easterfun

Library

activities in Peterborough | 2012

Theatre

3 Great Family Films at The Key

This Easter, the Key Theatre are showing 3 great family films.

3 APR

4 APR

5 APR

Kung fu Panda:

Tangled:

Up:

Peterborough Museum Join us for a host of Superhero craft activities at the newly re-opened Museum. Then you can try our Superhero trail (available from Reception). No need to book – just drop in!

2-5 & 10-13 APR Craft activities 10:30-12:30pm. Trail all day 50p per child, Craft activities £1 per child. For more details telephone 01733 864663, e-mail museum@ vivacity-peterborough.com or check the website.

Holiday Fun at Peterborough Museum and Flag Fen

Flag Fen

Longthorpe Tower

This Easter at Flag Fen, there are exciting new activity backpacks available to borrow with fun stuff to do for all the family. Also, enjoy an Easter egg hunt trail with a seasonal prize!

Visit Longthorpe Tower and meet the medieval occupants of the Manor. Meet the Thorpe family, Barber Surgeon and help out with the arming of a knight (daily at 3pm). For more details email longthorpe.tower@vivacitypeterborough.com

2-16 APR 10am-5pm. Normal admission charges apply; trail 50p per child. For more details telephone 01733 313414, e-mail flag.fen@vivacitypeterborough.com or check the website.

7-9 APR 10am-4pm. Normal admission charges apply.

at selected libraries

Meet Elmer the Elephant Elmer the patchwork elephant will be making a personal appearance at selected libraries. Enjoy listening to your favourite Elmer stories, and take part in our fun activities. No need to book, just come along to this FREE event.

Ask ab out o value F ur great HERITA AMILY GE PAS S

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

Olympic Poetry and Sports Taster Sessions

Join Sports and Libraries for great Olympic sports and poetry writing. Poet Nikki di Giovanni will be helping you to write your own sporty poems and you can try 13 APR 2012 Orton Library (10 -10.30am); your hand at a variety of Olympic sports. Peterborough Central Library (11.30-12 noon); Suitable for ages 7-12. £2 per child, book in advance at Werrington and Orton Libraries. Werrington Library (2-2.30pm);

14 APR 2011

Stanground Library (3.30-4pm).

78 year old Carl Fredrickson The age-old tale of decides to live a life long Rapunzel is brought to life Following his run in the dream to see South as the girl in the tower, Key’s Panto, Aladdin, America. He ties thousands now in her teenage years, Ty-po the panda returns of balloons to his house and discovers the world, thanks as Po, the overweight, lazy, floats away. What he didn’t to the outlaw Flynn Kung-fu novice who is, expect was to inadvertently Ryder. unexpectedly, chosen to kidnap 8 year old about et to ask fulfill an ancient prophecy. Russell in doing so. Don’t forg aster Drama E the KYT Running for p. o sh rk o W from EK ONLY All screenings at 2pm. Tickets £3. For more information or to book, call the ONE WE Sat 14 April Tues 10 – Box Office on 01733 207239 or email: key.theatre@vivacity-peterborough.com

Heritage

Family Favourites

14 APR 2011

Hampton Library (10 -10.30am); Woodston Library (11-11.30am); Eye Library (12.30-1pm); Bretton Library (2-2.30pm)

Sport

Werrington Leisure Centre, 10am-11.45am; Bushfield Leisure Centre, 2.15pm-4.00pm Telephone Werrington Library 01733 864282 or Orton Library 01733 864296 for details.

Easter Sports at Werrington and Bushfield Leisure Centres

Xperience Sports

Rollers Easter Special

Want to become a detective or show off your moves on the dance floor? Then check out the website to find out more. Whether you want to try out your spy skills or try something new, Werrington Leisure is, once again, hosting a number of X-perience days. For more information and to book your place, please visit www.sports-xtra.com or contact Sara from Sports Xtra on 0770 3030711 or email sara.strid-coughlan@sports-xtra.com.

Rollers present the second special event of the year, and this spectacular Easter themed evening is set to be just as big as Be My Valentine.

Bushfield Leisure Centre

Skate hire available (£1.50)

Parkside Athletic Multi-sport Camp Take part in a number of different sports at this specially designed multi-sport camp. Parkside Athletic Football Coaching Football coaching for all boys and girls aged between 4-7 years. Learn the fundamentals behind the beautiful game whilst having fun this Easter.

10 -12 APR 2012 10am – 1pm £5.00 PER DAY £12.00 FOR 3 DAYS. For more information please contact Lyn or Malcolm on 01733 753918 (4-7 year olds).

7 APR 2012

5.00pm – 7.00pm, Age 4+ no maximum age £2.50 admission 7.30pm – 10.00pm, Age 13+ no maximum age £3.50 admission For more information contact Werrington Leisure Centre on 01733 576606 or email werringtonsports@vivacity-peterborough.com 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

Theatre

6-10 March

Key Theatre Studios

The Birthday Party Critics who were less than complimentary about budding playwright Harold Pinter’s first full-length work later had to eat their words. Because The Birthday Party has become something well worth celebrating as one of his best-known works, and one of the most praised. It is a brilliant demonstration of how comedy and menace can be fused to underscore

Key Theatre

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the light and shade of human existence. The setting is a seaside boarding house where the arrival of two strangers heralds shocks for Stanley. It will be a dramatic treat from Peterborough Mask Theatre. Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 March, nightly at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm, in the ground floor studio. Tickets £8 (£6 concessions)

Sunday, 11 March

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The Merry Widow Opera della Luna make a welcome return with a glittering new production of Lehár’s ever-popular operetta The Merry Widow.

attempt to keep her money in the principality by finding her the right husband. Librettists Viktor Leon and Leo Stein based it on an 1861 comedy play.

The production captures the glamour and decadence of turn-of-the-century Paris and the story is told with the company’s trademark wit and imaginative staging. It concerns a rich widow and her countrymen’s

The operetta has enjoyed extraordinary international success since its 1905 premiere in Vienna. Sunday, 11 March, at 4pm Tickets £16.50 Key I.P. £15

Saturday, 17 March

St John’s Church

Francesco Attesti The Rotary Club of Peterborough Ortons proudly presents a Classical Charity Concert, featuring the renowned Italian pianist, Francesco Attesti. Francesco Attesti is considered one of the finest interpreters of the Romantic and early Twentieth Century Repertoire, and performs regularly in internationally prestigious concert

halls including Philharmonia Hall of Saint Petersburg, Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Moscow and Mozarteum of Salzburg. Don’t miss the chance to witness the talent of this eminent pianist as he performs for one night only at St John’s Church, Cathedral Square, Peterborough in aid of local Rotary Youth Projects. Saturday, 17 March, 7.30pm Tickets £12.50

Theatre / Music

Key Theatre

Music in March Whatever your taste in popular music, the Key has shows that will strike the right chord. n Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra present Carry On Swinging with the biggest hits of the Big Band era and stars including Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Frank Sinatra. On Thursday, 8 March at 7.30pm. Tickets £16.50. n One Night With Elvis is a terrific tribute show as Lee Memphis King covers the whole Presley legend from his 1950s’ rock and roll days to the Las Vegas years. On Friday, 9 March at 7.30pm. Tickets £20 (£19 concessions).

n Magic: A Kind of Queen is a fantastic celebration of the classic group and singer Freddie Mercury. Fans will love this hit-packed show. On Friday, 16 March at 7.30pm. Tickets £18.50 (£17.50 concessions). n The Johnny Cash Story sees Roger Dean playing the greatest hits of the Man in Black, and telling stories about the country music legend’s life and music. On Saturday, 17 March at 7.30pm. Tickets £16 (£14 concessions). n The Barron Knights were the jokers of the Swinging Sixties and sending up the groups and stars of the period was their calling card. They’re still great. On Friday, 30 March at 7.30pm. Tickets £16.50.

Brett Goldstein Grew Up In A Strip Club Stand up comic Brett Goldstein has reason to be thankful that his dad had a mid-life crisis and bought a strip club in Marbella.

sleazy days with anecdotes about the Mafia, the clients, and, of course, the strippers who gave him lessons on life.

Growing up in these rather unusual surroundings provided Brett with a rollicking story to tell. One that has had audiences in stitches, including the crowd at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. You really couldn’t make it up as Brett talks about those lazy,

WhatsOn Stage said: “Goldstein is an excellent comedian. This is top class.” Monday, 12 March at 7.30pm. Tickets £8.50 (£5 students) Key I.P. £7

Tuesday, 13 March

Key Theatre

The Trial Steven Berkoff’s adaptation of Frank Kafka’s searing story of oppression has become a classic work of 20th century theatre. With its crackling script and the Blackeyed Theatre company’s trademark ensemble-style physical theatre, The Trial will be guilty of enthralling the Key audience. This unforgettable piece of theatre craft is suitable for everyone from age 14+.

It tells the story of Joseph K, an estranged citizen hunted down for a crime by an authoritarian regime. Thrown in a dingy cell his despair grows deeper and only thoughts of escape keep him from madness, as he awaits trial.

Tuesday, 13 March at 7.30pm Tickets £12 (£8.50 students) Key I.P. £8.50

19-21 March

Key Theatre

Silly Cow The muck-raking of certain elements of the press gives a somewhat topical twist to Ben Elton’s hilarious spoof. Meet poison-pen journalist Doris Wallace, a bitchy red-top queen who has clawed her way to success and celebrity of her own. Doris doesn’t have a good word to say about anybody. But then, why should she care?

She’s got the lot. The toy boy, the drugs, the loot, and a big TV break on the horizon. But skeletons are rattling in Doris’ cupboard, and pigeons are coming home to roost! Monday 19 to Wednesday 21 March, nightly at 7.30pm Tickets £16 (£13 concs) Key I.P. £9

Theatre

Monday, 12 March

Key Theatre Studio

Theatre

Thursday, 22 March

Key Theatre Studio

Next Swan Down The River Might Be Black The Key Theatre Studio will become a psychiatric ward for a night, thanks to this searing drama. It was written by playwright and poet Sean Burn and follows the shifting alliances of three young women on a psychiatric ward over one momentous week. Namely Cerys (19) who is black and depressive, Kay (26) white and bi-polar, and Zee, a

Pakistani British student nurse and former service user. Fighting a faceless institution in their own way, the play examines diversity, friendships, sexualities and power at a time of rising uncertainty in a lyrically haunting way.

Thursday, 22 March at 7.30pm Tickets £8.50 Key I.P. £7

Friday, 23 March

Key Theatre Studio

Private Resistance They were Britain’s secret army, trained to make a last stand and fight back if all was lost and the country was invaded by Hitler’s forces. Now the thrilling tale of Winston Churchill’s so-called Auxiliary Units - a guerilla army primed to go underground and resist the Nazis - is told in this drama researched and written by Eastern Angles’ Artistic Director, Ivan Cutting.

An exciting fusion of dance & live music

It’s the ultimate ‘what if?’ scenario. And it so nearly came true.

Friday, 23 March at 7.30pm Tickets £8.50 Key I.P. £7.50

Saturday, 24 March

Key Theatre

Dancin’’ BEAT

Set in 1940, it’s a thrilling story of secrecy and sabotage, and of the bonds created and destroyed by war.

Dancin’ Beat Those talented students from Peterborough Regional College are about to dazzle with a brand new all singing and dancing show. Featuring an exciting collaboration between Performing Arts Dance and Music students, Dancin’ Beat is a fusion of dance styles and live music with specially devised choreography.The show also features pupils from local

schools and showcases a range of dance styles from jazz to contemporary, ballet to hip-hop and musical theatre to tap. With live musicians providing the soundtrack and DJs providing the beats, it adds up to a great show that is not to be missed.. Saturday, 24 March, at 7.30pm Tickets £8

Murder Mistaken A chilling suspense story that gets into the mind of a killer is set to delight thriller fans.

money, and can’t wait to get his hands on it, so Edward decides to hasten his wife’s end.

Murder Mistaken, by screen writer Janet Green, is in the classic British tradition of the 50s, and the tension builds in nerve-twisting fashion as the story of a man who preys on unsuspecting women edges to a shattering climax.

What the cunning charmer doesn’t know is that there’s a nasty surprise waiting in her will. Learning from his mistake, Edward marries a rich widow, but his avarice knows no bounds and when another attractive and wealthy woman crosses his path, Edward’s thoughts turn once more to murder.

It’s the story of how Edward Bare hides his dark nature behind a veneer of sophisticated charm. A charm that works on the victims he carefully selects, for Edward has a passion for older women. Or rather, for their money. When his current rich wife is becoming a bore, Edward decides it is time for her to go. He can practically smell the

Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 March, nightly at 7.30pm, Wednesday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £16 (£13 concessions), Wednesday matinee £12 Key I.P. £9

27–29 March

Key Theatre Studio

Oh What A Lovely War Thanks to the stupendous success of Downton Abbey on ITV, and the BBC TV adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong, there’s a renewed interest in the First World War. In both TV hits, audiences saw the terror men faced in the mud and blood of the trenches. They were the heroes, but thousands were sent to needless deaths by incompetent and uncaring generals when they patriotically answered the call: “Your Country Needs You.” It may be more than 90 years since the Armistice, but the searing satire of Oh What A Lovely War has never been more potent or moving.

At times bitingly sarcastic and wittily scathing, but always respectful of the men who put their lives on the line, Oh What A Lovely War tells its story through the songs and documents of the period. The music, dance, songs and sketches create a vivid and emotional picture. Packing up their troubles in their old kitbags to command the Key Theatre Studio stage will be talented Performing Arts students from Peterborough Regional College. Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 March, nightly at 7.30pm, with Thursday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £8 (students £6)

Theatre

26–28 March

Key Theatre

Theatre

Saturday, 31 March

Key Theatre Studio

Tales From A Sea Journey A company of young performers will be riding the crest of a wave with an evening of salty tales and sea shanties. This award winning production was inspired by eight young people from the New International Encounter (NIE) company undergoing a 3500mile transatlantic voyage aboard a cargo ship bound for Guadeloupe in 2009. This

experience is intertwined with seafaring myths and songs in a very funny award-winning show. Using physical theatre, live music and a European ensemble, the show explores the pull and power of the sea. Saturday, 31 March at 7.30pm Tickets £8.50 Key I.P. £7.50

3 – 5 April

Key Theatre

Easter Movies This Easter, the Key Theatre will be showing three great family films. n Tuesday, 3 April: Kung Fu Panda (PG). Following his run in the Key Theatre’s panto Aladdin, Ty-po the panda returns as Po, the overweight, lazy, Kung-fu novice who is, unexpectedly, chosen to fulfil an ancient prophecy. n Wednesday 4 April: Tangled (PG). The age-old tale of Rapunzel

is brought to life as the girl in the tower, now in her teenage years, discovers the world thanks to outlaw Flynn Ryder. n Thursday 5 April: Up (U). The story of 78-year-old Carl who decides to live a lifelong dream, of seeing South America. He ties thousands of balloons to his house and floats away. All showings at 2pm Tickets £3

Wednesday, 11 April

Key Theatre

The Pat McManus Band and Limeshark He has toured the world supporting stars from Bon Jovi and Black Sabbath to Sheryl Crow and Rory Gallagher, now Pat McManus comes to the Key Theatre. Pat has recorded over 30 albums and has been an in-demand guitarist and violinist on many albums by other artists. He formed his own blues rock band in 2007 and the trio has successfully

toured throughout Europe, in between releasing two CDs of new material and two live DVDs. His support band is Limeshark, from Lincolnshire, who mix their guitar-driven rock with samples and sequencers, earning them comparison to Rush and Muse.

Wednesday, 11 April at 7.30pm Tickets £15

Theatre

17–21 April

Key Theatre

Singin’ In The Rain If ever a show guaranteed you a brolly good night out, then this is it. Westwood Musical Society is splashing out on a superb stage production of the Gene Kelly movie, featuring a shower of hit songs that include the title classic. The story follows Don Lockwood, a Hollywood star who is having a staged romance with the most gorgeous actress in town.

However, with the arrival of the new sensation, ‘talking pictures’, and a chance meeting with a lovely young chorus girl, things are about to change for Don, and for Hollywood, forever. Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 April, nightly at 7.30pm, with Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £14 evening shows, £12.50 Saturday matinee

Sunday, 22 April

Key Theatre

Last Night of the Proms The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Paula Thacker MBE, will host the annual Last Night of the Proms at the Key Theatre. The event will raise money for her chosen charities, the Royal British Legion Women’s Section and Find A Cure for Alex, Kidney Research UK. The Mayor is delighted to welcome the RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band who are a group

of enthusisastic volunteers from the East of England, based in Cambridgeshire. The band will be playing the usual favourites from the Last Night of the Proms, along with a selection of pieces. A prize raffle will be held during the evening.

Sunday 22 April at 7pm Tickets £15 (£12 concessions)

Monday, 23 April

Key Theatre Studio

Metamorphosis You can imagine Gregor Samsa’s horror when he wakes up from anxious tossing and turning to discover he’s been transformed into a gigantic insect. This brand new 60-minute adaptation of Franz Kafka’s popular novel mixes mirth, mayhem and the macabre. It is a classic piece of physical theatre with three actors using masks, extensive multi-rolling

shadow imagery, puppetry, choreographed movement sequences, mime, narration and audience interaction. Welcome to a metaphorical world where man is transformed through work into something terrifyingly non-human.

Monday, 23 April at 7.30pm Tickets £8.50 Key I.P. £7.50

A Right Royal Knees Up To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations we’re inviting everybody to let their hair down with A Right Royal Knees Up! This will be a feelgood party packed with singalong memories spanning four weddings and a Coronation. From the 1940s to the present, this will be a show to get your spirits soaring, your hands clapping and your feet

tapping. We’ll also be delighted if you sing your heart out to the timeless classics from the Queen’s milestone years, and raise the roof at the rousing, flag-waving finale. Make sure you book early, you don’t want to miss out on this salute to our marvellous Monarch.

Tuesday, 24 April at 2.30pm Tickets £12.50

Wednesday, 25 April

Key Theatre Studio

Health Hazard What links Stephen Hawking, cardboard tube fights and Shane MacGowan? Or, for that matter, George Washington, the Queen and global armageddon? Well, you can find out as Laurence Clark embarks on his one-man-mission to sell the benefits of free healthcare to America. Inspired by the furore over health reforms on both sides of the Atlantic,

Laurence heads off with camera in hand to find out how Americans view our NHS. Punctuated with bizarre incidents and amazing characters, this is comedy gold from the comedian, presenter and writer who has appeared on Are You having A Laugh? Wednesday, 25 April at 7.30pm Tickets £8.50 Key I.P. £8

Thursday, 26 June

Key Theatre Studio

Spitfire Solo It is June of the new Millennium, and for 80-year-old ex-Battle of Britain pilot Peter Walker a new challenge looms. From the comfort of the Silver Birches retirement home, he must once again find the determination and stength to do what must be done. As he relives past glories, losses, wartime dramas, family memories and the heady days of blue skies

and battles, he searches for the answer to the biggest question so far. Blending theatre, music and film, Nicholas Collett plays a multitude of characters telling the story of one man’s battle for survival. He even recreates the Battle of Britain - on stage! Thursday, 26 June at 7.30pm Tickets £10 (£8.50 concs) Key I.P. £8

Theatre

Tuesday, 24 April

Key Theatre

Theatre

Friday, 27 April

Key Theatre

Rat Pack Direct from London’s Leicester Square Theatre, The 02 Arena, and a Royal Command Performance comes this stupendous show. This is the original British tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr packed with the excitement of Las Vegas. Featuring classics like My Way, Amore and Mr Bojangles, the cast includes David Alacey from TV’s

Lovejoy, Des Coleman who played Lenny in EastEnders, and Paul Drakeley the BBC Musician of the Year. They are joined by Don Hunt, Musical Director to Sir Bruce Forsyth, and his orchestra and The Flamingo Showgirls, who add even more glamour to a swinging evening made of memories. Friday, 27 April at 7.30pm Tickets £17.50 (£16 concessions)

Saturday, 28 April

Key Theatre Studio

The Sea Show and Universarama! The Squashbox Theatre Company will delight youngsters with two great shows at the Key Theatre. The Sea Show (11.30am) is for children aged 5+ and their families and is a hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy. Kids will love crazy characters like Morwenna the mermaid, Ruan the seagull and salty seadog Captain Pemburthy.

Universarama! (3pm) will enthral children aged 8+ as Professor Johnson takes them on a journey to the edges of space and time. Both brilliant shows have been created by actor/ puppeteer and musician Craig Johnson, a member of Cornwall’s renowned Kneehigh Theatre. Saturday, 28 April at 11.30am and 3pm Tickets £6 (£5 concessions)

Wednesday, 2 May

Key Theatre Studio

I’m An Aristocrat, Get Me Out of Here! The scene is Paris in 1792, and there’s nothing romantic about the location. Revolution grips the city and the secret police march traitors to their deaths. What Paris needs is a hero. Someone who can deliver it from this terror and restore freedom and justice. Will such a hero emerge? You bet! With comedy and thrills galore you’ll gasp, laugh and be amazed

at the elaborate sword fights, the heart-wrenching love scenes, and the sensational death-defying French accents! This laugh-outloud comedy adventure was inspired by the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, and three daring actors play over 20 roles in a fast-moving slapstick spectacle. Wednesday, 2 May at 7.30pm Tickets £9 (£7.50 concs) Key.I.P. £7

Kiss Chase When John Dean goes to a school reunion he discovers shocking secrets about the death of his teenage sweetheart. When John stormed out of the school gates for the last time he was glad to be free of bullying. Now, 30 years later, he wants to show everyone how he’s changed. But, when he gets locked in the gym with a group of old enemies,

the mood turns dark and it becomes apparent that some of them were more involved in 16-year-old Suzannah’s death, in a house fire, than he suspected. But what is John going to do about it? Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 May, nightly at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets Evenings £16 (£13 concs), Saturday matinee £12 Key.I.P. £9

10–12 May

Key Theatre

Guilty Pleasures Here’s a raunchy comedy that’s a must for every girl’s night out. You can bring the bloke in your life if you like, but it’s for adults only and may contain some slight male nudity - if you happen to sit in the right seats! It’s set in a ladiesonly health spa and follows the comic misadventures of GC and his hilarious staff of fantasy men with their sizzling ‘spa specials’. Fun ensues as they try to fulfil

the special requests of their demanding female clients. An all-star cast includes hunky Mark Bannerman from EastEnders, Eggheads’ CJ De Mooi and Joseph star Craig Chalmers. Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 May, Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 5pm and 8pm Tickets Evenings: £18.50 (£16.50 concs), Key.I.P. £15.50, Saturday at 5pm: £16

Tuesday, 15 May

Key Theatre Studio

Harold Pinter Double Bill The European Arts Company, who had a hit with Chekov’s Shorts, are set for a welcome return. Now they feature two Harold Pinter short black comedies. In The Dumb Waiter two hitmen are waiting in a basement to do the job, but strange messages keep appearing via a serving hatch. Who are they from, and who is their next victim? Comedy

and menace seamlessly collide. Meanwhile, in The Lover, Richard and Sarah appear to have a perfect 10-year marriage. He commutes to the city to pour over spreadsheets, while she shows her lover the hollyhocks. But, everything is not as it seems... Tuesday 15 May at 7.30pm Tickets £10 (£7.50 students) Key.I.P. £8

Theatre

3–5 May

Key Theatre

Theatre

Wednesday, 16 May

Key Theatre

Withering Looks LipService, those loveable literary lunatics, are back with their cult Bronte spoof Withering Looks. The comedy duo of Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding, just couldn’t resist the urge to dust off their crinolines, wear flattering bonnets and sit at rain-lashed windows in a pale and decorative manner. This is a corset-busting “authentic” look at the lives of the Bronte

sisters. Well, two of them actually, Anne’s just popped out for a cup of sugar from a neighbour on the wild and windy moor. Funny? You bet! Withering Looks won the Critics’ Award for Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival.

Wednesday, 16 May at 7.30pm Tickets £10 (£7.50 students) Key I.P. £8

Thursday, 17 May

Key Theatre Studio

Fagin’s Last Hour The Dickens Fellowship described this stunning reimagining of the classic by actor/writer James Hyland as “A tour-de-force not to be missed.” Praise indeed, as this unique one-man show offers a fresh insight into literature’s most controversial villain. Many who read the Charles Dickens classic tale of crime and punishment, Oliver Twist, may

always have wanted to learn more about the fascinating character of Fagin. This is their chance, because London Theatre Award Nominee, Hyland, tells this story from the point of view of Fagin the Miser just one hour from facing his execution. Thursday, 17 May at 7.30pm Tickets £9 (£7.50 concs) Key.I.P. £7

Friday, 18 May

Key Theatre

Think Floyd Live In Concert Regarded as the UK’s number one Pink Floyd tribute band, Think Floyd are renowned for their stunning celebration of a musical icon. Think Floyd have been successfully touring around the UK and abroad for more than 15 years. Their success has been earned by faithfully recreating all the atmosphere, visual magnitude, and musical excellence of Pink

Floyd live on stage. The band’s new show for 2012 celebrates the 40th anniversary of Floyd’s ground-breaking movie Live At Pompeii. The show will feature a selection of tracks from the iconic film and a range of classics from the Pink Floyd story.

Friday, 18 May at 7.30pm Tickets £17.50

Marty Wilde He has earned his place in the history of British pop music, and Marty Wilde is still driving his fans wild. Marty, like Cliff Richard and Billy Fury, was one of the few British stars who could compete against the tide of hits from America in the 50s and early 60s. Marty even took American hits of the time like Rubber Ball, Teenager In Love and Sea of Love and

was more successful with them on this side of the Atlantic than US originals like Bobby Vee and Dion and The Belmonts. Marty’s live shows are still renowned, and he’ll be singing all his own hits and classics in another night to remember at the Key.

Saturday 19 May at 7.30pm Tickets £20 (£19 concessions)

20 May

Key Theatre

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers The thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums will get your blood pulsing in time to this spirit-rousing sound. Through years of rigorous touring as Europe’s leading taiko drum group, Mugenkyo have developed a gritty, passionate style all of their own. It retains the traditional spirit of taiko, while creating a contemporary sound and a modern stage show that has

captivated audiences everywhere. The drum rhythms create layers of percussive soundscapes with the contradiction of delicate bamboo flute, in a spellbinding display of precise choreography and sheer athleticism. Sunday 20 May at 7.30pm Tickets £18, £14, under-18s £10, family £46 Key I.P. £13.50

21 – 23 May

Key Theatre

The Bugle Boy In an all-too-short space of time, bandleader Glenn Miller created a legend and the big band sound that dominated the war years.

In the forces Glenn created a new band and his legend grew. Sadly, it ended in tragedy. But this fabulous show will get you in the mood with all his hits.

The Bugle Boy tells the life story of Glenn Miller who played in various bands but dreamed of creating his own sound. He found that mellow sound and was enjoying fame when America joined the Second World War.

Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 May. Nightly at 7.30pm, Wednesday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets Evening performances £16 (£13 concessions), matinee £12 Key I.P. £9 (Showdeal applies)

Theatre / Drama

Saturday, 19 May

Key Theatre

Forget the winter blues, just look forward to summer at the Key Theatre. For a start, we can tell you June is bursting with great shows that will appeal to every taste. n The Sleeping Beauty, that classic and most enchanting ballet, is presented by the highly acclaimed European Ballet company under the direction of Stanislav Tchassov, former Principal Dancer of The Bolshoi Ballet. Set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, enhanced by over 45 beautiful hand-crafted costumes, this ballet is ideal for audiences of all ages. Tuesday, 1 June at 7.30pm. Tickets £20 (£18.50 concessions). n Talon: The Best of the Ealges is not to be missed by fans of the most successful Californian band of them all. Talon are celebrating their 15th Anniversary Tour with a show that encompasses all the Eagles’ hits, from Hotel California to Desperado and Take It To The Limit, with solo hits by Don

Henley and Joe Walsh included. June 8 at 7.30pm. Tickets £18.50. n Born In The Gardens is a hilarious and deeply touching play by Peter Nichols of Privates On Parade fame. It’s set in a mock-Tudor house in Bristol in 1979 and centres on the far-from-normal lives of Maud (who talks to the telly) and her son Mo (who talks to the cat).Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 June, nightly at 7.30pm. Thursday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets for evening shows £16 (£13 concessions), Matinee £12. Key I.P £9 (Showdeal applies). n Andrew Lawrence: The Best Kept Secret In Comedy will delight fans of stand-up. Andrew has been seen on BBC1’s Live At The Apollo and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow. Friday, 15 June at 8pm in the Key Theatre Studio. Tickets: £10. n Images of Dance are a favourite with Key audiences and the company returns with a programme of new ballets

commissioned by former Royal Ballet principal Margaret Barbieri. Ranging from classical to modern, they include a new Sweeney Todd, set to music by Malcolm Arnold. Monday 18 June at 7.30pm Tickets £12.50, Students £9. Key I.P: £11 n Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime is Oscar Wilde’s gripping tale of love, honour, duty, fortune-telling - and murder! Wednesday 20 June at 7.30pm. Tickets: £10 (£8.50 concessions). Key I.P: £8. n Jimmy Tarbuck swaps The London Palladium for the Key Theatre. Despite all his TV success over more than 40 years, Tarby still loves playing to a live theatre audience best. Jimmy has hosted numerous television shows, variety shows, chat shows and game shows, and his cheeky grin and boy-next-door charms have won him fans far away from his native Liverpool, where he famously went to school

with John Lennon. At the Key he will be sharing anecdotes, demonstrating his quickfire wit, and thoroughly entertaining the audience in a show which promises comedy for grownups - rather than adult comedy. Thursday, 21 June at 7.30pm. Tickets £20 (£17.50 concessions). n The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s latest hilariously frenetic show is The Complete World of Sports (Abridged). The boys are back after a highly successful run in New York and a sell-out US tour of this new show, which you can see ahead of its West End premiere - a real coup! Only the RSC could revisit the entire history of athletic competition in a marathon of madness and mayhem as the world’s greatest sporting events are shrunk down to theatrical size. It may not be the Olympics, but it’s funnier! Saturday 30 June at 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (£13 concessions)

Theatre

Coming up in June at the Key

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..

The Studio seating plan

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

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

Coming up at the Key A Moment of Mishearing Indian musician and author Amit Chaudhiri presents a unique multi-media musical production Saturday 10 March Page 28

Journey to X The Key Youth Theatre present a new play as part of the National Theatre’s Connections programme for 2012 15-16 March Page 23

The Merry Widow The acclaimed Opera della Luna present Lehár’s classic Sunday 1 March Page 28

Silly Cow Ben Elton’s comedy about a bitchy tabloid queen who had clawed her way to success and celebrity. 19-21 March Page 31

Brett Goldstein Grew Up in a Strip Club The actor and writer, turned Stand-up comic performs his popular one man show in the Key Theatre Studio Monday 12 March Page 31 The Trial Steven Berkoff’s brilliant adaptation of the acclaimed German novel by Franz Kafka Tuesday 13 March Page 31

Next Swan Down The River Might Be Black A new play featuring actors who have all had problems with mental health Thursday 22 March Page 32 Murder Mistaken A tense psychological thriller from the pen of Janet Green 26-28 March Page 33

Key Theatre Peterborough

Oh What A Lovely War The students from Peterborough Regional College present this classic First World War satire in the Key Theatre Studio 27-29 March Page 33 Singin’ In The Rain Westwood Musical Society return to the Key with another classic musical 17-21 April Page 36 A Right Royal Knees Up Celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee in style Tuesday 24 April Page 37 The Rat Pack An excellent tribute to the legendary trio of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr and Frank Sinatra Friday 27 April Page 38

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