ESP April 2010

R

APRIL 2010 Issue 128

FREE

For the latest, check out:

www.espmag.co.uk

£1.99 WHERE SOLD

This month’s issue is packed full of...

gabriella cilmi Interview

WhaT’s On Live music heaLTh & BeauTy FashiOn mOvies WheeLs FOOd

Leisure & LiFesTyLe for

PeTerBOrOugh, sTamFOrd, OundLe, WhiTTLesey, sPaLding, BOurne...and mOre

DISTRIBUTION

P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG / TEL 01733 579707 / FAX 01733 579708 / EMAIL: OFFICE@ESPMAG.CO.UK ESP MAGAZINE LTD STUDIO COLUMNISTS CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL

21,000 COPIES

63,000 READERS

ESP distribution stands are located right across the Greater Peterborough area with magazines available at over 800 separate locations.

Editor Sharon McAllister

Pep Cipriano

Karen Devine

alex.fahey@espmag.co.uk

Andy Slater

Joanne Quinney

PHOTOGRAPHY

Steve Gonzalez

Senior Designer Alex Fahey

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

ADVERTISING Head of Sales & Marketing Sean McAllister

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Sales Executives Shirley Frost

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

Laura Waltham

laura.waltham@espmag.co.uk

Andy Vernum Emma Bothamley Mike Harris Lara Johnson Lydia Fahy Neil Golding

MODELS Katie Worth Hariadne Beau-Phipps

Maggie Gaziano

maggie.gaziano @espmag.co.uk

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

Sarah Tempest

sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS Liv Slater Lara Johnson Mike Clarke Keith Dalton

Directors Sharon McAllister

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost

Sean McAllister

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Matt Zilch

matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

ESPmag.co.uk

Gavin Miller

For all the latest news, views, reviews and gossip, check out ESP Magazine’s Local Leisure website www.espmag.co.uk

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Mark Shaw

mark.shaw@espmag.co.uk

Kerry Bates

kerry.bates@espmag.co.uk

ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any of the Peterborough newspapers. ESP is written, researched, designed and published by ESP Magazine Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All design and artwork is the copyright of its respective owner. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is given by the publishers.

Celebs

P10

P42

Events

Feature

P30 Comedy

contents

P34

P50

Screen Scene

P16 Fashion

P38 Food

P32 Paparazzi

AVAILABLE FROM OVER 800 OUTLETS IN: PETERBOROUGH CITY CENTRE, GLINTON, WERRINGTON, GUNTHORPE, EYE, DOGSTHORPE, WALTON, NEW ENGLAND, MILLFIELD, NETHERTON, WESTWOOD, BRETTON, FENGATE, FLETTON, BOONGATE, STANGROUND, FARCET, WHITTLESEY, YAXLEY, STILTON, FOLKSWORTH, SAWTRY, CASTOR, LONGTHORPE, HAMPTON, WOODSTON, ORTON WISTOW, ORTON LONGUEVILLE, WANSFORD, ELTON, OUNDLE, CROWLAND, NEWBOROUGH, SPALDING, SPRINGFIELDS, DEEPING, LANGTOFT, NORTHBOROUGH, STAMFORD, ETTON, BARNACK, HELPSTON, TALLINGTON, BOURNE... AND MORE. www.es p mag .co.u k ( April )

Gossip

Marshall Peugeot

gossip@espmag.co.uk

YOURS FOR THE TAKING This Morning presenter and former Big Brother housemate Alison Hammond has teamed up with Yours, one of Europe’s leading plus-size retailers based in Werrington, to offer real women on-trend clothes that flatter and fit.

She’s scouted curvy women to model the clothes through a competition and the three finalists look fantastic modelling her new range that’s just been launched.

“My range is full of clothes that you can wear to a party or just sitting on the sofa watching a film,” said Alison.

“There are millions of beautiful plus size ladies out there who have never stepped on a catwalk just like me, so we can do it together and have a lot of fun in the process.”

Just take a look at www.yours.co.uk to order.

SPORT RELIEF MILE Every year the Sport Relief Mile takes place in 16 cities across the country run by BBC Sport. We’re pleased to hear that more than 1,000 people took part in the city’s first ever Sport Relief Mile, joining in by jogging, running or walking the fun run and enjoying the lovely sights of Ferry Meadows. The money raised from the event goes to help all the vulnerable people in the UK and the world’s poorest countries, and every little helps. To find out more about Sport Relief, you can visit www.sportrelief.com.

The City Club in Priestgate is undergoing some major reconstruction work, and is going to be transformed into a new look venue that will appeal to 25+ crowds in town. The existing main bar will be linked to the popular downstairs Xoo bar with a new funky spiral staircase, and the cellar bar will have more seating areas for those ladies who wish to rest their feet and socialise! The biggest change will be the name of the venue which will now be known as The Mojo Bar and Lounge. They’ll be hosting regular live music and DJs on weekend nights, and will also be open every lunchtime from 11am – 3pm.

The official opening weekend is on April 9, however they’ll be open to the public during Easter weekend. If you want to know more call Steve Jason on 01733 562101.

ALAN TITCHMARSH @ VAN HAGE Van Hage is delighted to announce that everyone’s favourite television gardener Alan Titchmarsh will be visiting the new Peterborough Garden Park for a book signing. We all know and love Alan from his days presenting Ground Force with his fellow garden and landscapers Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh. Alan’s written around 40 gardening books and numerous novels, and on screen he now hosts his own chat show on ITV. His new book How To Garden imparts his lifetime of experience and provides practical guides for beginners and those slightly more experienced gardeners. So join Alan on April 15 from 12.30pm onwards, and pick up a copy of his new book for only £6.99!

Proudly sponsored by

As you wander through his life amid sadness, humour and turmoil you do wonder how much of this is a biopic of the author’s life… who knows? The twist at the end leaves you hoping that it’s not too much of a reflection. We reckon it’s worth a read and a good first novel and a feather in the cap of Whittlesey. It’s available from the website or call Gary on 07904 299 140.

They say that within every person is a book waiting to be written. Well Whittlesey man Gary Wright’s taken that as read (pun intended) and written his first book.

CITY CLUB GETS SOME MOJO It’s always good news to our ears when we hear that a venue in Peterborough is getting a makeover.

Caged is a story of sibling rivalry, lust and the frustration of living your life as a run of the mill guy, but with dreams.

Tel: 0844 3340713 www.marshallweb.co.uk their bit for the environment in a really fun way. We’ve got a green comedy night, a Trashion Show, swap shop style events, eco-film screenings and a huge picnic made with food people have grown themselves.”

ESP will be supporting many of these events and if you’d like to get involved call PECT on 01733 866437.

FUSE ARRIVES @ WESTGATE

NELLY’S BOUTIQUE IN WHITTLESEY Local lass Fran Walker’s just opened a new exclusive boutique for all you fashionistas on Whittlesey’s High Causeway. Nelly’s Boutique is selling Dollbaby dresses, Lipsy, Gabriella Ravello as seen on ASOS, Lollipops Paris Handbags, Juicy Couture and Ayten Gasson silk underwear. The collections have carefully been selected from luxury designer brands from around the world, including Paris, Sydney, New York and London, so it’s nice to know that you can find something unique and exclusive at Nelly’s. It’s opposite The Original Factory Shop and is open from 10.30am – 6pm, so pop along and give an independent store your support, you’re sure to find something that’ll make you stand out from the crowd.

Great news for fashionistas, Fuse is now available at Westgate Department Store, Park Road, Peterborough!

Young, trendy and fashion forward, Fuse has the balance of it all. Having graced the pages of Vogue last year Fuse is a must have addition to every girl’s wardrobe. With uber-cool styling and statement pieces for your wardrobe, Fuse offers all the latest catwalk looks at affordable prices. The new brand can be found on the department store’s ground floor adjacent to young fashion brands Esprit, Mexx, Animal, New York Laundry and Bay Trading. So girls what are you waiting for?! Get big name brands at Westgate!

BADGER BACKS BIG WIGS

WHITTLESEY AUTHOR IN PRINT

Having been made redundant in April 09 Gary took six months out and wrote Caged in what he describes as one of the happiest times of his life. Having self published the book he went through the notoriously slow process of agent seeking, not deterred he has now made the book available through www.authorhouse.co.uk.

www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5PT

GO GREEN THIS SUMMER Here’s a date for the diaries: the Peterborough Green Festival 2010 launches on May 29 and runs until June 6. Last year’s festival saw a whole host of different activities take place and gave the town centre a real carnival atmosphere. The Green Festival coordinator from environmental charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) Stuart Payn, told ESP – “It’s all about getting people to start thinking about doing

Fancy yourself as the next Alan Sugar?

Sue Ryder Care is offering you the chance to prove your skills while raising funds for charity with the Big Wigs Challenge. Ruth Badger, one of the stars of The Apprentice, is lending her support and the idea is that you take a £50 note and use it to raise loads more funds! Sue Ryder Care fundraiser Emma Long said – “We don’t tell them what to do with the money, we just want them to think of an ingenious way to make it grow and give it back to the charity with substantial interest.” All teams will receive support from the Thorpe Hall fundraising team – for more info go to the launch at Thorpe Hall on April 27 or see www.suerydercare.org/ thorpehallhospice.

Come and see Shaun and his team for a cracking deal on a brand new Peugeot which is really worth talking about!!

INDULGENCE @ JOHN LEWIS Fancy treating yourself this spring, or are you looking for a special gift? Well John Lewis is offering a selection of gift packages where you’ll receive some expert advice and beauty treatments from their fully trained advisors. The packages range from £45 to £85, and all include a glass of bubbly on arrival, an appointment with a fashion advisor, a complimentary refreshment selection in their Place To Eat, and finally a John Lewis gift voucher to spend on whatever you like! Treatments may vary on which package you choose. To book your fashion/beauty appointment, you can call 01733 344644 and ask for extension 5318. Enjoy!

Sample our Special Thai & Pan Asian Dishes Every Tuesday Enjoy 2 Courses Inclusive of Rice and Vegetables for ONLY £10

Eastern Run on October 10, then why not do it to support ASBAH? The city-based charity, the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, will pay your entry fee, supply a runner’s swag bag and give advice on fundraising and greet you at the finish line in their own marquee. For more information, call Ian Morley on 01733 421328.

WALK ON WATER

PETERBOROUGH FESTIVAL ON ITS WAY Here comes summer! Plans are well underway for this year’s Peterborough Festival from June 26 to July 4 and you could be a part of it.

The festival kicks off with the carnival parade through Peterborough city centre down to Central Park and is followed by a weekend packed with performances, displays and entertainment. More performers for the festival and participants for the carnival parade are needed so if you want to get involved in the city’s biggest party contact Dave King at the city council on 01733 207235.

The ESP Dance Crew will be performing live on stage along with some fantastic entertainment throughout the weekend and plenty of displays and attractions around the park.

More sponsorship will help bring in bigger names to the line-up and there are various packages available so contact Connaught Media on 01733 555163 if you think you can put some cash their way.

EASTERN RUN MADE EASY If you fancy taking part in the Great

A new way to have fun comes to Ferry Meadows this summer – called HydroSphere, it’s basically Zorbing on water. You climb into a big, soft plastic sphere and run across the water, like you’re a giant hamster in a water-borne exercise ball. After a brief trial period last summer, visitors enjoyed it so much that it’s returning for the whole summer! Co-owner Martin Duke told ESP – “Ferry Meadows has been the perfect location for us. This year we’re making a new addition which is The Roller. It’s a special HydroSphere that allows two people together to walk on water giving twice the fun!”

Try it out for just £3 for four minutes – call 07842 102442 or email hydrosphere@hotmail.co.uk for more info.

Daily Lunch Time Specials £8.95 The Perfect Solution for a Working Lunch

STARLIGHT WALK FOR CANCER The 13 mile walk for women is back in Bourne this year, hoping to beat the whopping £20,000 that was raised last year. So ladies, encourage your friends and family to take part, and join others as you walk the lovely route through Bourne and surrounding villages. Special guest Fiona Castle will be making an appearance, sharing her story and officially starting the walk. Everyone is to meet at Midnight on June 18. Entry is £15, for more information and entry forms, call 01778 420820.

Lunch 12-2.30pm Mon-Sat 12-3.30pm Sun (Buffet) Dinner 5.30-11.00pm Fri & Sat 5.30-10.30pm Sun-Thurs

Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1FP

COLUMBO IN PRESCRIPTION MURDER The A Team’s very own ‘Face’, actor Dirk Benedict is starring in a brand new production coming to Peterborough from the Middle Ground Theatre Company.

Dirk dons his mac and plays the character of quirky detective Columbo who faces some very bad medicine in this new show. Columbo’s puzzled face and unkempt appearance fools killers into thinking he’s slow, but his mind is in fact razor sharp.

He finds himself dealing with a case which unfolds the story of Roy and his wife – who is later found dead. Has Roy committed the perfect crime? To find out, get yourselves over to The Key Theatre, the show’s on from April 19 – 24, nightly at 7.30pm, and on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets start at £15. For more info call the box office: 01733 207239.

GO WEST ARE BACK After an amazing 25 years in the music industry 80s heroes Go West hit the Boro with their anniversary tour. Peter Cox and Richard Drummie will be performing live at The Cresset on April 17 as part of a national tour. The guys first got together as teenagers in 1974 and went on to be one of the big names of the 80s and early 90s with hits like We Close Our Eyes, Call Me and King Of Wishful Thinking, the soundtrack to Pretty Woman. Tickets for this one are £22.50

INSPIRATION Jem’s Hip Hop dance school present their brand new theatre show, Inspiration, at Stamford Corn Exchange. Following the success of Impact which they performed last year, this new spectacular show will consist of various exciting hip hop routines, performed by the students who’ve attended the ever growing hip hop academy. It’s sure to be a fantastic show and the talented students won’t fail to give a vibrant and energetic performance. It’s on April 10 – 11 and tickets are £10, £8 for children and £9 for senior citizens. Box office: 01780 766455.

LIAR COPACABANA Both music and passion will be hitting Stamford in April, as members of the Stamford Amateur Musical Society are delighted to be presenting Barry Manilow’s fabulous Copacabana. The show is based on the lyrics of Manilow’s famous hit song, starting off with Lola’s tale of true love and romance. The show is set in 1947 in steamy Havana and there’ll be great dance routines, sensational choreography and dazzling colourful costumes. Copacabana looks set to be a great show, especially for Manilow fans out there! It’s on from April 27 until May 1 at the Stamford Corn Exchange.

Tickets can be purchased from both Stamford Art’s Centre and the Corn Exchange, and start at £7.50. Box office: 01780 766455.

The Key Youth Theatre will make you laugh and cry with sheer joy in their new play. Liar promises to take the young stars to the next level and provide us with some fantastic entertainment. The show tells the story of the new kid in town, Ronnie, and his unfortunate attempts to win the heart of the school goddess, Katie. There’ll be an excellent array of characters that will portray the talents of the youth theatre to the max! It promises to be hilarious yet heartwarming, and definitely won’t disappoint. It’s on at the Key Theatre on April 7 – 8 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8.50, Box Office: 01733 207239.

TALON Highly praised tribute band Talon will be recreating The Eagles’ fantastic album Hotel California live on stage at The Key Theatre.

They’ll be presenting the very best of The Eagles, singing some of the classics from Take It Easy to Long Road Out Of Eden. Talon has been recognised for recreating the vocal harmonies and music perfectly, delivering bigger and better shows year after year.

The Hotel California Tour 2010 promises to be yet another stunning show for new and existing fans. We’ve heard that tickets sell out fast so if you want to see this brilliant tribute act get April 30 in your diary. Tickets are £17.50. Box office: 01733 207239.

THAT'LL BE THE DAY Often referred to as ‘the hottest show in town’, the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the nation’s most successful touring production returns to the Cresset with its latest show on April 18.

Featuring back to back non-stop nostalgia classic gold hits from the 50s through to the 90s mixed with all new feel-good comedy routines, this definitely is a show not be missed!

If you love classic-gold pop music and you like a good laugh, come and enjoy over two hours of non-stop nostalgia and take the ultimate trip down memory lane!

You’re advised to book early, tickets are £19.50 from The Cresset on 01733 265705. www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

TANGOMOTION The spirit of 1930’s Buenos Aires will be coming to the Spalding stage at the beginning of this month.

The Virtuoso Tangomotion dancers have previously appeared on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and Madonna’s Evita, and this is your chance to see these fantastic dancers perform.

The show features two of the UK’s leading Tango dancers, there’ll be live music from Tango Siempre and vocals from the amazing Guillermo Rozenthuler. The Independent On Sunday described the show as ‘intense, epic and beautiful…’ which says it all! Tangomotion is on at the South Holland Centre on April 1 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12.50. Box office: 01775 764777.

THE BLACK VEIL A new Charles Dickens chiller is coming to Peterborough soon, and is designed to creep you out and chill you right to the bone! However, to take your mind off some of the horror, the star of the show is young James Alexandrou, best known for playing Eastenders’ heartthrob Martin Fowler who turned on Peterborough’s Christmas lights a few years back! The story begins with a young medical practitioner innocently sitting in his parlour, when a visitor arrives, muffled in a black shawl and her face concealed by a black veil who unfolds a terrifying, tragic mystery and a series of shocking events. If this sounds like something you’re brave enough to witness then the show is on at The Key Theatre from March 31 – April 3, 7.30pm for the evening shows, and also at 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets are £17. Box office: 01733 207239.

THE GRADUATE Brought back to the stage from its West End and Broadway days, the story based on the legendary Oscar winning film which starred Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft is coming to Peterborough. This first class performance shows the best of the newcomers with confidence and flair! When character Ben graduates from college, confused about his future he becomes involved in a seductive affair with Mrs Robinson, an older women. It all soon comes back to bite him on the bottom though when he finds himself falling for Mrs Robinson’s daughter!

The Graduate will be on at The Key Theatre from April 15 – 17, nightly at 7.30pm, and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets start at £16. Box office: 01733 207239.

LARRY GARNER Larry Garner is one of the top blues artists touring the world today, and he’ll be performing live in Stamford towards the end of April. His songs are written about stories from his past and everyone’s present, being both meaningful and amusing. His lyrics also deliver a sense of irony and adding to this, Larry’s wonderfully expressive voice and fine musical talent on the guitar makes for a brilliant performance. Larry’s swamp blues music is strongly inspired by artists such as Silas Hogan and Clarence Edwards, so if you’re familiar with their music then you’ll love what Larry has in store. He’ll be performing at Stamford Arts Centre on April 23 at 8pm. Tickets are £14. Box office: 01780 763203.

ENTERTAINMENT

Need a night out? Lara Johnson has the ESP guide to the best shows around…

entertainment @espmag.co.uk

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am - 2.00pm 11.30am 11.30am Closed

4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm - 10.30pm - 10.00pm 4.30pm - 10.00pm

Outlets in:

SWAN LAKE The ever popular Vienna Festival Ballet is bringing the fantastic Swan Lake to Stamford. It’s one of the best known love stories, capturing all the emotions, from hope to despair, terror to tenderness and not to mention all the lavish costumes and stunning scenery! The international stars will be performing to the glorious music from Tchaikovsky, giving audiences a dramatic and emotional ballet performance.

Swan Lake will be on at the Stamford Corn Exchange on May 8 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets start at £17.50 for adults, £10 for kids. Box office: 01780 766455.

Peterborough, Sleaford, Lincoln, Mansfield

Fillets in Hampton 4 Stewartby Ave, Hampton Vale, Peterborough PE7 8NJ

01733 240 204

If you can’t make the Peterborough Midnight Walk there are others taking place in March on May 29 and Huntingdon on June 12 – these are both six mile walks while the Peterborough one has a choice of six or ten miles.

Over the last two years the walks have raised over £170,000 and they hope to raise another £100,000 from this year’s event. If they manage to raise £109,000, that will pay for a year’s care for one of their beds at Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Helena Waters from Sue Ryder Care said – “We’re thrilled that Tori’s decided to follow in the footsteps of her predecessors Claire Smith and Susan Saunders as the latest Face of ESP to take part and show her support. We’re really grateful that ESP have continued to support the Midnight Walk and the girls always add a bit of glamour to the evening – even after walking 10 miles!”

Tori Bradshaw, Helena Waters from Sue Ryder Care and EPS’s Charlotte Jolly.

ESP GIRLS SIGN UP FOR THE MIDNIGHT WALK Get your lippy and your trainers on girls it’s time for a night on the town with a difference!

Yes the Midnight Walk for Sue Ryder Care is back and Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw and the ESP girls will be strutting their stuff with hundreds of others on May 1 around Peterborough.

The walk starts at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre, the sponsors of the event, and you can join the ESP girls in the warm up before setting off. So come on girls put your name down, put your best foot forward and gather some mates to chat to on the way round – you can do it!

It’s a girls only event but guys are needed to marshal the walk so whether you want to take part or help out call 01733 330060 for details or see www.suerydercare.org/midnightwalks

GLAMOUR GALORE You came, you shopped, you enjoyed some pampering!

Yes last month’s Glamour Galore at Thorpe Hall raised a fantastic £1,300 for Sue Ryder Care.

The event was supported by ESP and Westgate Department Store who put on a mini fashion show with Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw taking to the catwalk. It was compered by our Wickedly Perceptive columnist Sarah Tempest with ESP’s style guru Sue Donnelly giving advice on how to wear the latest looks.

Sue Donnelly and Sarah Tempest

Dozens of stalls sold all things girlie with Laura and the team from Bodycare and U Wear in Stamford giving make-overs and bra fittings, while other stalls included Harlequin Hats, Virgin Vie, Upper Cuts and A1 Cosmetics amongst others.

The new Pick Me Up Pamper Zone was a big hit and now plans are underway for the next Glamour Galore event in November.

“The evening was a great success and is attracting a whole new audience to Thorpe Hall,” said organiser Jackie Page, “we hope to make the next one even bigger and better in November.” www.suerydercare.org www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Saturday 3rd April

Origin

The Tap Room will host Origin.

DJ's Mr Clubman, Sito & Julz will bring you tunes from the era 89-93. 9pm - 2am £3 admission.

Winner of the Good Beer Guide 2009 ‘Own Brew Pub of The Year’ Award 80 Westgate, Peterborough

01733 358500 email: brewerytap.manager@oakagroup.com web: www.oakhamales.com

Opening Times: Mon-Thu 12 noon - 11.00pm Fri & Sat 12 noon - late, Sun 12 noon - 10.30pm

Sunday 4th April

Jump Back & Jive

The Tap Room welcomes Jump Back 45 for a night of Rock and Roll, Doo Wop and Rockabilly sounds of the 50's.

8pm-Midnight £3 admission.

Saturday 10th April

The Jelly Roll

The Tap Room is pleased to welcome The Jelly Roll. A unique club in Peterborough playing 50s & 60s rhythm, blues and soul. To add flavour to the mix, they’ll be adding vintage ska and reggae, with a dash of funk from time to time. 8pm – 2am £3 admission.

Friday 23rd April

Comedy on Tap

Registered member of Peterborough Centre Safe

The Brewery Tap would like to invite you to an evening of comedy in the Tap Room. Tickets are still only £6 in advance or £8 on the door!

Limited availability. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Please visit our website for further details.

Europe’s Largest Brew Pub and home of

EVENTS events @espmag.co.uk

Liv Slater and Lara Johnson have the ESP guide to what’s hot this month...

ADAM F HITS TOWN Peterborough’s urban music scene is thriving at the moment, as many of the biggest stars in rap, R‘n’B and D‘n’B are starting to play at the city’s clubs. Now, Tony and Clint from Subliminal have managed to secure a world exclusive – Adam F will be playing a one-off look through his back catalogue on May 7 at Club Dissident.

Tony, co-promoter of Subliminal told ESP – “It’s a huge honour for us to be hosting this event. Adam truly cares about the fans of his music and the underground scene from where he started.”

He’s won a MOBO award for his genre-defying releases and regularly plays across the world, working with Missy Elliott, De La Soul, LL Cool J, Pharaoh Monch & Redman. His label Breakbeat Kaos has brought through the likes of Pendulum, Brookes Brothers and Baron.

Tony told us – “An event of this nature would normally be reserved for much larger nights in the capital, so naturally Clint and I are delighted we’ve got this on in Peterborough!”

Tickets are £5 from www.theticketsellers.co.uk from April 1.

SHANNON’S BALL You’ve probably seen Shannon Corr in the news recently, the brave teenager from Peterborough who’s currently battling bone cancer. The former dancer has had to have a leg amputated and is trying to raise £30,000 for a prosthetic limb that will enable her to resume dancing. A ball and auction will be held at the Sibson Inn on July 3 in her honour – get your glad rags on and help Shannon dance again! Anyone is welcome, tickets will need to be bought in advance, and the ball will be on from 7pm ‘til 1am. For more information, you can email Sandra on skelly263@hotmail.co.uk, or call 07732 274041.

MUSIC & ALE BANK HOLIDAY BONANZA The Old Coach House in Market Deeping plays host to a massive weekend of music and real ales on the May bank holiday weekend, from April 30 – May 3, to raise funds for Have A Heart – Heart FM’s charity for disadvantaged kids.

You can enjoy 15 real ales, including one specially brewed for the event, and real ciders alongside some great entertainment. The music starts on Friday night with an appearance from X Factor’s Nicole Lawrence while indoors resident DJ Simon is joined by Heart FM’s Lee Warren, playing club classics.

They’ll be joined by the Heart FM girls, who’ll be giving out goodies all night.

Saturday’s music kicks off at 5pm with a set from The Guards, who combine rock from the sixties to the noughties to make their own songs, as well as performing a few covers. The Brays will be playing later, and this Peterborough band is definitely worth checking out. They recently supported Feeder in London and played at the IndigO2 in London – catch them in a smaller venue while you still can. It’s a good idea to make a day of it, as there’ll be a hog roast in the garden.

Bring the kids on Sunday, for the It’s A Knockout-style competition while on Monday, there’ll be jazz and reduced prices on the real ale as all the barrels must be finished! For more info, call 01778 341460.

RICKY WHITTLE @ TRUCKFEST The date has been set for this year’s Truckfest – on May 2 and 3, the East of England Showground will be taken over by big, beasty trucks, loads of families and a few special celebrities. This year, Kym Marsh, Alex from Ice Road Truckers and the rather hot Ricky Whittle will be appearing live. Kym Marsh is a sexy popstar-turned-actress, who’s now well known as barmaid Michelle Connor in Coronation Street. Alex is a star of the cult hit, Ice Road Truckers who’s done some hair-raising deliveries and is known for his shocking sense of humour. But the main highlight – for us girls at least – is definitely gorgeous Ricky Whittle. The former athlete wowed audiences on Hollyoaks, a soap known for featuring more attractive cast members than any other on TV, then captured even more female hearts when he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.

Let’s hope that the May bank holiday weekend gets hot in more ways than one!

Truckfest has so much more with two days worth of breath taking action in the main arena with possibly the best line up of entertainment including a Bike Stunt show and monster truck action featuring Bigfoot battling the scrap cars and wowing the crowds. www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Tickets are £14.50 for adults, £6.50 for children or £35.50 for a family pass. Ticket hotline: 0871 230 7149 or visit www.truckfest.co.uk

SPENCERS’ BALL IS HUGE SUCCESS

THE NO.1 VENUE FOR STAMFORD, PETERBOROUGH & SURROUNDING AREAS

The Spencer’s March Ball, organised by Lisa Schwarz at Spencer’s Hair Salon, Park Road, was a massive success, raising over £8,000 for the Phoenix School and Corpal.

Face of ESP Tori Bradhsaw was there and told us – “There was a lovely atmosphere and everyone looked really good in their masks. Lisa really did a fantastic job and I felt fabulous in my gown from Swanky Rags!”

Also in attendance was Eastenders actor David Proud from Whittlesey who reportedly had a great time. Lisa Schwarz will also be organising a hog roast in the summer, so watch this space!

PROM EVENTS EVENING @ JOHN LEWIS Girls, get yourselves over to John Lewis’ prom events evening in Queensgate as this is something you won’t want to miss! They’ll be showcasing their collection of dresses and accessories, and also providing free fashion advice on all the latest trends, and highlighting a selection of their spring fashions. You can also help yourself to some light refreshments that will be on offer throughout the evening, whilst enjoying what John Lewis has to offer. If you also want a little bit of advice and help on make-up techniques, an Elizabeth Arden consultant is there to help and will be demonstrating some techniques using their new tinted moisturiser.

Tickets are £4 and are available from the call centre on 01733 344644, or you can visit the gift list reception on the first floor. It’s on April 22, doors open at 5.45pm and it finishes at 8.30pm on the second floor.

CHARITY MUSIC NIGHT Peterborough Post Office Club on Bourges Boulevard, will be hosting a special night of live music to raise funds for Sue Ryder Care’s Thorpe Hall Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Care on April 3. Acts confirmed so far include solo artist Mauricky Collins, Fat Chantz and 60s tribute, The Nuggets.

There’ll be raffles throughout the night between the songs and Barry Rutherford, Fat Chantz member and event organiser told ESP – “We’ve been discussing an event like this for some time to help a cause close to many of our hearts, and really wanted to get the right acts on the line-up. We’re all very proud to be able to offer our support and are looking forward to putting on a truly memorable evening of live entertainment.”

Get your tickets from the Post Office Club on Bourges Boulevard on 01733 762951, or by emailing tickets@thenuggets.co.uk with the number of tickets you require.

GOLDEN BALL RETURNS Sisters, Claire Hankins and Sallie Fenwick are once again organising a charity ball in aid of Sue Ryder Care – Thorpe Hall Hospice. Claire told ESP – “We really wanted to do something for the hospice after our dad’s stay at Thorpe Hall. We thought the nurses, doctors and staff were fantastic, not only with dad but us as a whole family too.”

The ball has proved a fantastic success over the last few years and will be held at The Holiday Inn on May 15. It’s a black tie and masquerade ball including a threecourse meal, live band After Dark, disco and live entertainment. The evening starts at 7.30pm for an 8pm dinner. Tickets are £40 and are available by calling Claire on 01733 262083.

For more information about Sue Ryder Care visit www.suerydercare.org.

FRIDAY 30TH APRIL

CO2 PARTY DJ LEEROY BLASTING OUT THE BIGGEST DANCE ANTHEMS & R&B WITH THE NEW FOAM PARTY THE CO2 CANNONS! 10PM-3AM

SUNDAY 2ND MAY

Our thanks to Swanky Rags on Broadway for making Tori the belle of the ball – If you want to look just as fantastic pop in or give them a call on 01733 345181 or visit www.swankyrags.co.uk.

BANK HOLIDAY MAYDAY MADNESS Warming up for all the summer festivals - Global, Leeds, Creamfields, Reading we bring you music from all the festival genres. Indie, Rock, Dance and R&B and everything else in-between. Don’t forget your wellies!

10-3am, warm up in brownes before for drinks offers & live DJ

ALL APRIL EVERY WED, THURS & FRI BUY 1 GET 1 FREE BOTTLES AND FREE ENTRY B4 11PM!

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS CENTRAL NIGHTCLUB & BROWNES STAMFORD

THE BEST COCKTAILS IN STAMFORD Plus 3 BOTTLES FOR £5 every night - Live DJ & the best cocktails in town

Double-Up Smirnoff for £1 Live DJ every Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat Karaoke every Wednesday Every Saturday after 12pm in brownes:

70s, 80s, 90s & cheese R.O.A.R – management reserve the right to withdraw promotions and nights without prior notice – over 18s only. Join our Facebook group.

www.centralnightclub.com

£1

Drinks Wed & Thurs all night, Fri & Sat until 10.30pm

HUGS = MORE MONEY BUT NO SEX

Pep Cipriano

MAN

I used to think – give a woman your credit card and your relationship will last. But according to the University of North Carolina women need four hugs a day (instead of £400 a day) to maintain happy relationships because hugs release the orgasm hormone oxytocin. So, prepare to never have sex again or keep giving her money to burn? Either way men are screwed.

about

TOWN pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

AS HEARD ON

Fridays 7pm-8pm

Proudly sponsored by:

BMW SUPERBIKE IS BEST IN CLASS Here I am pictured sitting on the superbike of the moment – the BMW S1000RR. Soon I’ll be test riding it for real thanks to Man About Town sponsors Balderston BMW. Motorcycle journalists are telling us this is the bike to beat in its class and that Japanese and other European manufactures have some work to do to claw back their status with the S1000RR setting a new benchmark.

Bike lovers reading this will be interested to know BMW’s first attempt at manufacturing a superbike trounced the likes of Yamaha’s R1, the Honda CBR1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R100 and Kawasaki ZX-10R and others in a track shootout compiled by MCN magazine. I certainly can’t wait to give my own verdict.

Lincoln Road-based Balderston are also agents for the Italian Gimoto made-tomeasure leather gear. An Italian can never have enough leather, particularly when it’s custom designed. I’m thinking of getting the Mr Blobby look or maybe The Stig. Either way you’ll see me coming.

For information about Gimoto and to arrange a test ride on the stunning S1000 RR call Balderston on 01733 565470.

CAMRIDER OFFER ENDS IN APRIL While on the subject of two wheels, the three-session £199 bike course being offered by CAM Rider in Werrington comes to and end on April 16.

It’s suitable for any rider, totally new or with experience and you can use it as the foundation for your bike training and purchase final practical tests and any additional training (if required) to follow on at the end. You get: • CBT (compulsory basic training) and certificate • Use of a 125cc / 500cc bike for three sessions

BOXING’S BREAST TICKET THIS JUNE Ever wondered why I love going to boxing shows so much? Just look at the contenders in this photo…

Watching these delicious ring girls (supplied by Angels) negotiate the ropes when entering and leaving the ring was one of the highlights of my evening at the recent semi-professional boxing show put on by Lee Nightingale and Ricky English at Club Metro on London Road.

The fights weren’t bad either. Some cracking performances by several local lads, most of who train out of Smack Down Boxing Gym in Hampton. The event attracted more than 1,000 people who were treated to some action-packed bouts (15 in all) and a show stealer by local glamour model Kelly Bell who knocked her opponent out cold within seconds of the opening bell! Not bad for her first fight, Kelly showed she had a lot of front and watching her swing her bombs was chest the ticket.

Next show is June 5, same place and a promise of much of the same addictive action with some potential stars in the making.

Tickets for these shows are snapped up fast so don’t delay and secure yours by calling 01733 311548 or email lee@smackdownboxing.co.uk

• Petrol and third party, fire and theft insurance • Helmet, gloves and waterproof riding gear • Training from excellent DSA and MRTA instructors Check out more details at www.camrider.com or give the guys a bell on 01733 320820. If I can pass my full bike test with them first time then anyone can.

MY WORD OF THE MONTH

Kebab

This one’s a cracker. ‘Kebab’ has a lot to answer for: sick, meat (?), heart attack, bad breath, clubbing, beer, fight, chili sauce, stain, diarrhea, Chili Hut, juice, dribble, chin, burp, toilet roll, fridge, skid marks, stench, taxi seat, fat, cardiac arrest.

www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

ANYONE FOR JENNA NEXT MONTH? It seems we have my fellow columnist Steve Gonzalez to thank for begging CAUGHT IN THE our editor to use a photo of Kelly ACT! Joe was so impressed with Posh’s new away Brook as our cover girl on last month’s strip; he bought sun glasses and a cap to issue. She’s his favourite and I have match. no complaints there – Kelly would definitely get it. So, in the spirit of choosing whom we’d like on the cover, mine’s Jenna Jameson please. Pick an image from any of her films in any of her poses; trust me it’ll perk me up... Thank you.

NEW MEXICAN WAVE WITH CHIMICHANGA Our city centre can now offer an extra slice of traditional Mexican cuisine following the recent opening of Chimichanga where Verve once stood. Chimi’s is owned and operated by the Prezzo restaurant group so expect to enjoy much of the same dining experience that comes with its popular Italian eateries.

I’ve yet to eat there (girls, Friday nights are best) but I’m eagerly waiting to sample an extensive menu that includes grilled specialties, wraps, tortilla burgers, fajitas, Texan pasta dishes and inviting salads. The cocktail list mixes classic drinks as well as more inventive recipes and as you’d expect there’s a couple of decent Mexican beers on offer too.

The restaurant is very nicely decked out and I’m told Peterborough is one of a few select cities that boast a Chimichanga. More power to our elbow I say. You can check out the menu at www.chimichanga.co.uk and book a table on 01733 891119.

THANKS ANGELINE FOR ACE SCHOOL REUNION It was a year in the making but our Stanground School (class of 1990) reunion was every bit as brilliant as it promised to be and it’s all thanks to Angeline Lenaghan and her persistence, drive and dedication to make it happen.

Angeline Parker (as we knew her at school) used the power of Facebook to get a group started and stuck with the idea of putting a reunion on even when with only a few weeks to go until the big event it looked unlikely to happen because numbers were falling short.

Determined, Angeline was sure we’d have enough people to make it stack up financially when the time came and how right she was. More than 100 of us who made the effort hadn’t seen one another for 20 years but you wouldn’t have guessed it.

It was a great night at our old school, made even better with the presence of two former teachers and the fact that I was on the winning quiz team! Guys, let’s keep the Facebook group going. It was a special year with some special memories. Thanks Angeline and an even bigger thank you to everyone who made the effort to show and made it a night never to forget.

SINGLETONS I’M HERE! Europe’s largest online dating service for singles www.parship.co.uk has revealed that two thirds of British singles prefer grey hair to the less natural look.

Single people also rated mental qualities over physical attributes in the poll.

Dr Victoria Lukats, psychiatrist and dating expert, says – “What singles most value in a potential partner are qualities like openness, the ability to communicate well, intelligence and a sense of humour. These characteristics are rated more highly than physical attractiveness.”

CIAOS OUT:

I obviously possess all of the above traits including a smidgen of grey hair (I’m nearly 31 give me a break) so why aren’t single birds queuing to date me?

• • • • • •

Linzi – make me an offer I can’t refuse…

Dave – thanks for sorting my MOT. Crap coffee though.

Kirsty – Joshua’s timing was atrocious. I wanted fish & chips!

Ellie @ Caffé Nero – why are you so happy all the time?

Mikey – good luck and thanks for making me think I can produce.

Marie / Jasmine – how much are you missing me?

Opening Hours Lunchtime: Tuesday – Saturday 12pm – 2pm Evening: Tuesday – Saturday 5.30pm ‘til late Now open for Sunday Lunch 12pm to 4.30pm Please book to avoid disappointment For more updates please log onto our Facebook page

Embankment Road, Peterborough

Tel 01733 894952 www.riva-restaurant.co.uk info@riva-restaurant.co.uk

Ristorante I taliano

20's style flapper dress New York Laundry £24.99

Cropped pants Esprit £28 Floral blouse Mexx £19

Ditsy print bandeau dress New York Laundry £19.99 Floral print 50'2 cross dress New York Laundry £21.99

Westgate Department Store may very well be the best kept secret on the high street. With big name brands such as Esprit, Mexx, Fuse, Animal and Weirdfish the department store is the perfect place for label-lovers. If you’ve been in Westgate recently you’ll be aware of the many changes that have taken place on the ground floor fashions department. Not only has the overall look and feel of the place changed enormously, thanks to a major refurbishment last year, the fashion range has also improved beyond recognition. You will find the likes of New York Laundry and Bay Trading to be bang on trend with the latest looks.

It’s no wonder then that our Face of ESP Tori Bradshaw was all too happy with her £500 spending spree which was just one of her fantastic prizes.

“Westgate has a great range of clothes, shoes and accessories for young people,” said Tori. “New York Laundry is my favourite department! There are so many things to choose from.”

“Westgate Department Store may very well be the best kept secret on the high street”

stiletto ahead of the fashion and sizzle in style with Fuse's spring / summer collection available in store now.

And of course the best thing about Westgate is that you get the complete department store shopping experience. Why not have a beauty consultation on one of the gorgeous make up counters like Tori did, try on Esprit's latest footwear range or indulge yourself in the accessories department or even meet your friends and grab a coffee over lunch at Café Nova.

Tori tried out a range of looks in store and also enjoyed a fantastic make-over by Tracy on the Lancome counter who showed Tori how to perfect a gorgeous smoky eye look for her glamorous nights out. If you’d like a make-over just call Tracy on 01733 887930 ext: 241 and she’ll be able to give you a skin consultation or make-up advice and can explain more about the BAFTA colours range currently worn by the stars!

“Tori can wear anything really, she has such a lovely natural look,” said Tracy. “I made the most of her eyes with a bold look and therefore did less on the lips to provide balance.”

This season it's all about romance: floral prints and floaty fabrics. Put some flower power into your wardrobe with girly dresses and ditsy print tops. New York Laundry has a fantastic range of pretty dresses.

The introduction of Fuse this month is just the latest exciting development to be taking place at Westgate. Young, trendy and fashion forward, Fuse is big news for fashionistas everywhere. Stay one www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Floral dress Esprit £42

Westgate Department Store Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2TA Tel: 01733 887930

FASHION fashion @espmag.co.uk

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Shatterprint zip front dress

£55 Oasis Blue and white nautical dress (worn underneath) £38 Oasis Blue tights £8 John Lewis Grey snakeskin bag £40 Oasis Cararan necklace £16 Collette by Oasis Cararan ring £8 Collette by Oasis

Clash‘n’fashion When it comes to spring / summer prints – the only way to wear them is to make them clash!

Striped dress

£30 Topshop at Outfit Navy shoes £38 Dorothy Perkins at Outfit Floral bag £28 Topshop at Outfit Metallic twist necklace £16 Collette by Oasis Silver bangle £14 Collette by Oasis

Prints are big news this season, from florals and polka dots, to paisley, eclectic, tribal and animal prints. Why not make a statement by mixing prints together? It sounds very wrong but looks very right!

Colourful prints are a brilliant alternative to this season’s pretty pastels and nudes. From culottes, playsuits and pretty dresses – mix it up to get the look of the moment. Team with jackets, still key for spring, and stick with tights or leggings until the weather warms up.

Polkadot playsuit £28 Topshop at Outfit Butterfly print top (worn underneath) £28 Topshop at Outfit Gold tight leggings £14 John Lewis Navy shoes £38 Dorothy Perkins at Outfit Flower hairband £6 Topshop at Outfit Flower and pearl bracelet £8 Dorothy Perkins at Outfit Butterfly ring £12 Mikey London at Outfit

www.es p mag .co.u k ( April )

Floral dress £40 Topshop at Outfit Navy shoes £38 Dorothy Perkins at Outfit Scarf £18 Oasis

Nautical jacket £28 Topshop at Outfit Horse print top £20 Topshop at Outfit Denim skirt £25 Topshop at Outfit Floral leggings £20 Topshop at Outfit Rosaline nude sandals £45 Miss Selfridge at Outfit Bag £35 Topshop at Outfit Necklace £18 Mikey London at Outfit

Print playsuit

£45 Miss Selfridge at Outfit Rosaline nude sandals

£45 Miss Selfridge at Outfit Bag

£28 Topshop at Outfit Hat

£22 Topshop at Outfit Scarf

£14 Photos: Lydia Fahy at Studio One Models: Katie Worth and Hariadnie Beau-Phipps Styling: Lauren Thompson Hair and make-up: Lydia Fahy www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Topshop at Outfit

eVery Sunday

SUNDAY LUNCH with live pianist Bring your family to us this Sunday and enjoy lunch with a difference. in the relaxing atmosphere of our restaurant you will enjoy a three course lunch of quality assured english meats accompanied by a delicious selection of fresh vegetables. From £7.95 per person

Just 2 miles from the centre of Peterborough, the Holiday Inn Peterborough West is one of the city's most prestigious hotels, fully air conditioned and situated opposite an excellent 18-hole golf course and some 500 acres of beautiful parkland. With our recent refurbishment, our contemporary restaurant has an excellent reputation, as has the hotel's Club Moativation with pool, spa, sauna, steam room, aerobics, beauty treatment, solarium and gym. Golf at Thorpe Wood course opposite the hotel can be pre-booked.

Holiday Inn Peterborough West Thorpewood, Peterborough PE3 6SG

Tel: 0871 942 9186 www.holidayinn.co.uk

Off-Peak Leisure Membership from only £32.50 Join Club Moativation health and fitness club now and take advantage of an offer for your mind, body and pocket! Our great facilities include; a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room, or book up for one of the many exercise classes running throughout the week. Off-peak membership for £32.50 per month per person or joint membership only £45.50 per month.

Friday 30th april

MOTOWN & SOUL NIGHT looking for a night out with a difference? then why not join us for a night of pure soul. the evening will include a 2 course themed buffet, live entertainment from Steve allen and radio Cambridgeshire dJ ian Gray and a disco. £19.95 per person Friday 11th June

COUNTY BALL this year the County Ball celebrates its 21st presentation and promises yet another spectacular evening of dining and entertainment. Champagne and Canapés reception at 7.30pm with music from a Cafe Jazz duo. dinner is served at 8.30pm, followed by a great night of entertainment and breakfast served from 1.00am. £75 per ticket, £675 for a table of 10.

Matt

S Zilch Matty Speaks T A M F O R DCALLING Well another tour to add to my collection will finish this month; I’ve been out living it up as a production assistant for a Michael Jackson tribute act from the States called Who’s Bad. After travelling the length and depth of the country I return home to the great tradition of the Stamford Fair taking over the town yet again (Paparazzi pics to follow I think). It’s been an interesting tour, especially as I was the only English lad, I had great fun teaching all the Yanks some of our great English phrases! I had a great time and anyone who says Americans are too uptight is wrong. If you get chance check out the videos and the band at www.whosbadmusic.com, I’m looking forward to the lads coming back in November.

Q&A ...with Judith Mackie – Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre

matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

What’s your favourite thing about running/being involved with the Corn Exchange?

GOING HEAD2HEAD IN STAMFORD STAMFORD FACT OF THE MONTH Former Olympic decathlon champion Daley Thompson played for local footy team Stamford AFC, The Daniels back in 1994 when he was signed up by then manager Steve Evans sparking a revival for the club.

Daley was one of several high profile signings around that time including ex-Posh favourites Trevor Quow, Steve Collins, Milton Graham and Micky Gynn, along with Scottish international David Speedie.

One of Peterborough’s best known hairdressers is expanding into Stamford.

Head2Head is opening its third branch in Star Lane in early April. The first Head2Head was opened by Rob Tyler in Stanground 15 years ago, with another shop at Werrington Centre.

“Head2Head is a bit different from other barbers in the area, as we offer great entertainment and banter as well as a haircut. My singing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but the regulars love it,” Rob told ESP. The new Stamford shop will be run by Rob’s business partner Aaron Day. It will be open six days a week, and from 7am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For more details visit www.head2headbarbers.com

STAMFORD PAPARAZZI

“Watching people enjoying themselves and coming away at the end of the show feeling they’ve had a great night out. The programme offered at the theatre is so diverse so every week we’re meeting people from children to pensioners at totally different events, and it’s extremely pleasing when disabled people say ‘thank you’ for making the theatre so accessible to them.”

What is your favourite show/event that has been on at the theatre?

“The Vienna Ballet company putting on the Nutcracker was a sensational show, the costumes and back cloths were amazing and we can't wait for them to return in May with Swan Lake. Personal favourite so far was the Let’s Hang On Show, although this was a tribute show the harmonies were spot on to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and that's why I’ve re-booked them because I thought they were exceptional. I can't wait for the Bay City Rollers to take me back to my youth in April.”

Where is your favourite place to go on a night out in Stamford?

“I love to eat! The Indian next door to the Corn Exchange, The Bengal Clipper is often where we end up as most of my nights out are at the Corn Exchange.”

Has the economic climate affected the Corn Exchange much?

“In the last two months it’s been a little quieter; people are choosing which show to come to very carefully and watching their pennies. Also I’ve had an increase in acts trying to book into the theatre as many theatres are closing around the country or are pulling back their programming to include less shows as audiences have diminished in some areas.”

What more would you like to achieve at the Corn Exchange?

“To finish the front of the building by restoring it back to its original splendour of 1857 with a huge stain glass window covering three floors and having a coffee shop in the bar area so people can admire the view through the new window. But most importantly just keep the project going as a full time working theatre through the wonderful support of our 98 volunteers and the audience who support the Corn Exchange.”

www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

25%

OFF

any hairdressing service to new clients

Thorpe Wood Health & Racquet Club, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SB Tel:01733 344307 Email: hairxclusiveltd@btconnect.com • Website: www.hairxclusive.co.uk

Confessions...

Susan Saunders

Inner psyche, or me no likey?

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

My mind, like many ladies’ minds, is quite complex, filled with thoughts such as boys (a complex subject in itself), shopping, food and more shopping. Though this mind and vivid imagination of mine is sometimes less friend and

more foe. I often land myself in hot water by my thought process (1 + 1 = 2000 questions and 7 + 7 = bubbles and fairies and happily ever afters – confusing!) I don't always know how I feel or think about things, I am, what some may call ambivalent!

A friend of mine, Bedders, or the marvel that is Anthony Ashley, suggested that to really understand yourself you should tap into your inner psyche and getting hypnotised is a way to achieve this. So, in an attempt to get to grips with myself and give a boy an insight into my inner thoughts, I decided to let him have his wicked way with me (not like that – you dirty fox face) and get hypnotised...

I figured that Bedders and I could do a trade for a trade. He’d get an insight into my spectacularly confusing mind and in exchange I might get to hear some tales about some of the males he’d hypnotised and at last begin to understand how their minds work too.

I mean what is it about guys and their obsession with computer games such as Football Manager and watching what to me looks like little specs of dust moving around a pretend pitch, when they could be snuggled up watching a classic like Bridget Jones? Baffling.

Yes I was going to watch a little clock tick tocking past my left eyeball and my right…. and drift off into a deep… deeeep… sleep (not that I need much encouragement, I can fall asleep anywhere. I

had a little cat nap in Alice in Wonderland, though it was a very good movie). Well that was the plan anyway.

Unfortunately I've always had an inner whimp (along with the inner, or not so inner, chubby kid), which reared his ugly head when I was about to take the plunge. I had to call Anthony and cancel.

I completely chickened out because growing up I read a couple of books in a series called The Demon Head Master: a head master who hypnotised his pupils into doing bad things.

Demon Head Master this was not, but all the same I started thinking – ‘what if it changed my slightly delusional (at times) persona to deranged?’ Visions of me trying to rob a bank with an unripened banana to feed my shoe addiction didn’t seem all that appealing to me.

All this got me thinking – inner psyche or me nolikey?

Am I the only person who’s intrigued about these things? Or is this over-curious streak the thing that gets me into slightly risky situations? I mean I very nearly got put to sleep like a very old pooch (RIP Lassy), all in the name of research.

I suddenly realised that I just need to accept the fact that girls are girls and guys are guys and there are many differences between us. We’ll never really understand each other fully, nor will I ever know why they’re so strange and need correcting constantly (“PUT THE TOILET SEAT DOWN”, “PMT only applies to us girls” and “Weren’t you wearing those socks yesterday?”)

Girls on the other hand may be completely obsessed with shopping, say that we’re fine when we’re not and when getting ready, try on three different outfits before picking the first one.

Girls are allowed to change their minds aren’t they...? the only thing I object to is getting my mind changed permanently!

Susan's Disclaimer Just to let you guys know, Anthony is not a Demon Headmaster man but I've been told that he can work wonders in the world of hypnosis for curing fears and helping to change habits etc. He can be contacted by email on info@anthonyashley.co.uk.

Thanks to Harlequin: 22/23 St. Davids Square, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5QA Tel: 01733 896758 / 896039 www.harlequinthepartyshop.co.uk

www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

HEALTH and beauty ESP’s Charlotte Jolly has all the latest health and beauty news…

BLOOMING GORGEOUS! Corals, nudes and pretty pastels are all in this spring as make-up gets a fresh and fruity twist.

Say goodbye to thermals and dark days and say hello to new beauty products designed to make us think of bright mornings and sunshine.

Spring has well and truly sprung in the world of beauty!

This season think fresh, fruity and fun so forget heavy glitter and dark nails and think soft, sheer shades to suit all.

Pretty pastels are one of spring’s biggest beauty trends and Clinique’s Juiced Up Colour collection is just perfect for achieving this look. Inspired by the fresh, healthy feeling of spring, the range is colourful yet wearable, creating a refreshingly natural look. It has the added bonus of being packed with vitamins and antioxidants meaning it’s actually good for you as well as looking great. The limited edition Fresh Picked Eye Shadows include pear and berry shades, leaving a shimmery wash of colour whilst the Vitamin C Lip Smoothies add a pop of colour. Finish by giving your complexion a healthy bloom with their Fresh Picked Allover Colour in Mixed Berries.

Bobbi Brown’s Cabana Corals range of vibrant orange shades may appear scary at first but are surprisingly easy to wear. The range contains lip and cheek colours in every shade of coral possible, from Pink Corals to Nude Corals, so there’s bound to be one that is perfect for you. The California Coral Pot Rouge leaves cheeks with a subtle, beachy glow and looks fabulous with the Shimmer Lip Gloss available in three new shades; Sunset Beach, Golden Nectar & Coral Sand.

Yes, it may still be dull outside but there’s no excuse for your make-up to be dull too so head to the shops and give your beauty bag a modern spin this spring. www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

READY, SET, RACE FOR LIFE...

This year’s Race For Life is set to be full of amazing times for everyone who takes part, as women of all fitness abilities and ages join together to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK and the brilliant life-saving work they do.

Whether you wish to walk, jog or run the 5k course is up to you, but it really is time to join friends, family and colleagues to take part in 2010’s Race for Life which takes place on June 29 and June 30 at 7.30pm at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough and on Sunday May 16 at Burghley House in Stamford. For those ladies out there who are extra fit and step up to the challenge you can choose to double your distance and complete 10k at the Stamford run.

Last year thousands of women from across the region took part in the event and helped raise funds but this year we’d like even more of you to join in the fun and raise as much as possible, helping to smash the £108,083 target. So, dig out your trainers, pull on your jogging bottoms and start training now.

As well as doing your bit to help beat cancer by raising money for the UK’s largest women only fundraising event, you are guaranteed to have a great time whilst doing it. It’s an experience you’ll remember forever and it really is the taking part that counts.

Now specialising in INOA hair colour

ABSOLUTELY ALICE With the release of Disney’s new Alice In Wonderland film, starring the lovely Johnny Depp, O.P.I. have launched a limited edition collection of Wonderland inspired nail varnishes set to be as popular as the film itself. The collection includes four fantastic colours, two striking shades of red – Thanks So Muchness and Off With Her Red as well as a shade of glittery blue, Absolutely Alice and my personal favourite, Mad As A Hatter, a multi-coloured glitter. These pots of wonder are the ideal boost to your nail polish collection so get your hands on them now before it’s too late.

25% off Cut & Blow Dry Restyle Cut & Blow Dry Blow Dry/Set (short) *Promotion till the end of April

25% off* colours (Tues & Wed) Please call for more details

BUY OF THE MONTH Fitting perfectly with this spring’s pastel trend, April’s buy of the month is Benefit’s Sugarbomb face powder.

Containing four flattering shades of peach, plum, shimmery pink and rose, either swirl the powders together for an all over glow or pick out your favourite shade for a pop of colour. It even smells good enough to eat!!

*excluding INOA

Student discount available Opening hours Mon closed

Tues 9am – 5.30pm

Weds 9am – 8pm

Thu 9am – 9pm

Fri 9am – 6pm

Sat 8.30am – 4pm

SW31 Hair & Beauty, 12 London Road, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JD Tel: 01780 782824

Come up and see me… make me smile!

It’s not surprising our Face of ESP is grinning from ear to ear. As part of her fantastic prize package she received when she won the Face of ESP Tori was given £500 worth of treatment at The Smile Boutique! Her perfect smile has been enhanced with teeth whitening at the city dentist and we have to say Tori and her pearly whites are doing us proud.

Tori needs to look great when she’s out representing ESP and her treatment at this award-winning dental practice on Park Road has helped her feel extra special. “The results of the whitening treatment I had at the Smile Boutique were incredible,” said Tori, “I’m extremely pleased with the results!”

While professional teeth whitening has become hugely popular the Smile Boutique of course offers regular treatments too and while the dentist isn’t everyone’s favourite place, the team here aim to literally make you leave with a smile!

“Our aim is to provide a happy environment for our patients and our team, and we’re dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care and dentistry” says Cheryl Lawrence. “When you visit our practice we treat you as our guest not as a patient.

“We appreciate that many people are anxious about going to their dentist, we try to help this by creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to help overcome any fears you may have.” www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

There certainly aren’t many dental practices where you’re offered complimentary drinks including lattes, herbal teas to help you relax, fruit juices, chilled water or even a glass of wine! We love the post treatment scented hot towels too – a lovely extra touch that leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalised.

The Smile Boutique offers a full range of dental treatments all under one roof including the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, implants and facial rejuvenation.

“Our expertise is within smile design and cosmetic dentistry but we also offer general dentistry treatments to a high standard,” says Cheryl. “No mater what your dental needs and concerns we’re confident we can fulfill them.”

And so they should be having racked up a series of awards at national level. They’ve been finalists in Practice Manager of the Year 2007, The Probe Awards and Best Patient Care and Best Marketing in The Private Dental Awards. Then their hard work was finally recognised in April 2008 when they scooped two national awards, Practice Manager Of The Year and Dental Nurse Of The Year, “To receive two awards at this level is an extreme achievement, and we are extremely proud,” said Cheryl. “Our team are also proud to have won the best team in the East at the recent Dentistry Awards.”

If you need to bite the bullet and know it’s time to get your teeth checked out, give them a call on 01733 551534 for a free consultation.

The Smile Boutique 150 Park Road Peterborough Tel: 01733 551534 www.thesmileboutique.co.uk

Karen Devine

AS SEEN ON

TV

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

GMTV, LK Today and UKTV Style’s ‘Spa of Embarrassing Illnesses’

Spring might well be in the air right now but talking to many people they seem to have no get up and go and certainly have no spring in their daily step!

Being a bit tired sometimes is not unusual for any of us if we know we’ve been doing too much and of course if we’ve been 'stressed out' or not eating well. All can deplete our energy reserves.

There seems to be a common habit that runs through modern life right now and that’s the higher intake of caffeine. I’m not talking the odd daily cuppa here, I mean the caffeine which is found in various high energy caffeine drinks that are used more in frequently now and may be causing a real slump in energy overall.

We’re accepting this as the 'norm' now with people guzzling down a can of this stuff to them perk up in the morning or glugging down a few cans at night time to keep them awake!

Seeing a young lad drinking one on his way to school was a shocker - who’d want to teach a kid of 13 who’s bouncing off the walls high on caffeine for a few hours?

We’re also being tempted by the little caffeine shots on the newsagents’ counters to help give us energy! The trouble is this gives you a long term false sense of energy, what I mean by that is take all those high caffeine drinks (and excess sugar) out of your diet and you’ll find where your energy is really at... probably flatlined on the floor!

These types of drinks taken over a long period of time may eventually leave you feeling low. When you over stimulate your body with chemicals it

may wear it down. In this case it might be your glands that support your energy levels such as your adrenal glands.

So if you’re the one who’s tired all the time and using high caffeine drinks to get you through the day and night you might want to wean yourself off them, I say wean as you may not know how addicted you are to caffeine especially at that high level, when you stop these you might feel – Lethargic Low in mood Irritable Lack any drive Suffer headaches Possibly have more cravings for sugar and carbs... and so on.

It’s normally these kinds of symptoms that make you go for the next big caffeine fix. Too much caffeine can affect your sleep, make you nervous, may cause palpitations, excessive sweating and more. Remember what goes up, generally comes down, if you are on this type of stimulation each day you’ll feel the ‘lows’ when the 'high' effects wear off!

You might also end up with weight gain to add to your fatigue in the longer term (not a great combination!)

We live in a society of 'buttons' – we press the button for the washing machine, the dishwasher, the computer, the lawn mower, the microwave and so on. We get taken around in a carriage called our car and yet we’re seeing a 'slumber' society where being shattered is normal for many!

If it’s YOU who’s tired all the time, and you know you’re not putting in the right type of fuel for your body, then only YOU can change it!

Karen N.B. if you are generally tired and run down talk it over with your GP as there may be other underlying causes.

For more information on nutrition and health go to www.karendevine.co.uk and my retreats website www.devinedetox.co.uk

Karen has a diploma in nutritional medicine, nutritional therapeutics and homotoxicology; she is a member of the British Association of Nutritional Therapists and runs her own private practice.

50 OFF %

at

Best Western Orton Hall Hotel The Village Orton Longueville Peterborough PE2 7DN

t: 01733 391 111

ALL FOOD PURCHASES IN THE RAMBLEWOOD INN WHEN YOU SPEND £30 OR MORE

The ESP Reader Offer is only available with a coupon and is only valid when you spend £30 or more on food from 29th March to 31st May 2010.

The discount does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more.

To receive your coupon for 50% OFF food purchases, just text us the word ‘RAMBLEWOOD’ along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown, or email offers@espmag.co.uk to receive your coupon along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. Alternatively log onto www.espmag.co.uk and click on the Ramblewood logo on the home page to print out your own voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07762 147679

Normal text rates apply

Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

c

The page that wants to open a supermarket in Coronation Street to take on Freshcos. I'm going to call it Frasdas, Frainsburys or Frorrisons.

d

Hi, and welcome back to Mostly Funny – this month I've been chatting to Katy Brand, the comedian and actress who won best female newcomer at the 2008 British comedy awards. On April 22 she'll be bringing Katy Brand's Big Ass Tour based on her ITV sketch show to The Cresset. Here are the small questions I asked and her big-ass replies.

Photos: Mike Harris

THE BIGGEST ASS IN COMEDY The audience enjoys a laugh at Only Joking at Radius

Hi Katy, what can people expect from seeing you live?

“We're just working out the logistics at the moment, but it's going be a selection of sketches and songs from all three series plus some new material and characters.

There isn't going to be a 4th series of Big Ass as I'm working on a new show for ITV so this is very much a chance to finish it all off by doing a live show.”

Which characters are you most looking forward to performing live?

“Amy Winehouse and the Queen are two of my favourites. I play the Queen as part Phil Mitchell, part Alan Sugar. Captain Rosie's another good one as that's one of my original characters and I'm going to be doing a supernanny monologue that'll be based on Jo Frost.”

Will any other actors from your TV show be joining you?

“No, it'll just be me performing on my own so I'm going from Lady Gaga to the Queen in less than 30 seconds!”

Now there's something you don't see every day... and will you be making any celebrity-like demands on the tour?

“I find if I'm wearing a pretty costume then someone's more likely to get me a cup of tea, but normally they just tell me to get lost!”

Your live tour's called Katy Brand's Big Ass Tour, but in your experience who’s the biggest ass in the world of popular entertainment?

“I've never met anyone who I've found to be that bad, but I've not got a lot of fondness for Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, I find them both insufferable. I was so pleased to be able to take them off in the last series.”

Recently people would’ve seen you on Let's Dance For Sports Relief dancing to a Beyoncé song, but I was disappointed that you hadn't blacked up. Was this because host Claudia Winkleman had used it all to apply as mascara to her face? She had so much plastered on that she could barely keep her eyes open!

“I think anyone who stood next to her at the moment would look like the colour of a fridge, but then Claudia would be the first to admit her tanning's got out of control at the moment.”

Finally what creature comforts from home will you miss while you're touring?

“The thing I'll miss the most is my Labrador, Billie. The last time I went on holiday I was literally counting down the days ’til I could come home and see her again. I read a good tip somewhere that the best thing to take while you're on tour is your own pillow so I'll definitely be bringing that with me.” www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

THE STRIFE OF RILEY From live comedy to TV comedy now, and if you haven’t already done so can I urge you all to watch at least one episode of BBC1 sitcom Life Of Riley. It’s on Wednesday nights at 7.30pm until mid-April and stars Caroline Quentin who really should know better.

There aren't words to describe just how awful this show is – in fact the only way to describe it is to invent a new word. How about flabysmal? (a combination of flabbergasting and abysmal). Yes, that'll do. The Life Of Riley is flabysmal.

GLOVE & MARRIAGE In a year when the marriages of Tiger Woods, John Terry and Ashley Cole have dominated the headlines it's good to see one sportsman who's marriage is rock solid. Last month retired boxer Barry McGuigan bucked the trend for ill-advised televised comebacks when he and wife Sandra won an episode of All Star Mr & Mrs on ITV1. The sight of McGuigan knocking out the actor who plays Coronation Street's Steve McDonald (although sadly not literally) has gone a long way to erase the memory of Joe Calzaghe's attempt to dance on Strictly last year.

Sure, it wasn't a patch on the night McGuigan won the WBA World Featherweight title in 1985 – but not even a dazed or concussed boxer would have guessed that 25 years later he'd still be pulling in viewers on Saturday night telly. And if they had guessed – they wouldn't have imagined it'd be answering questions from Philip Schofield and Fern Britton about his mother-in-laws trifle! (Apparently when Barry trained for big fights that's what he missed the most).

This victory against a Coronation Street favourite will also come as a major blow to Joe Calzaghe. In April 2008 he lost in his attempt to win All Star Mr & Mrs when Corrie legend Ken Barlow (actor William Roache) beat him.

Since that defeat Calzaghe has spilt with his 'Mrs' Emma-Jo and is currently dating Strictly dance partner Kristina Foreign-name-anoff.

I'm sure all boxing and soap opera fans would love a re-match and who knows... with the right training that fake diamond-encrusted carriage clock they give to the winner of All Star Mr & Mrs could be sitting on his mantelpiece by the end of year. Dare to dream Joe, dare to dream.

STAND OUT STAND UP There are some great live comedy nights this month, so take your choice!

April

30

WHAT’S

ON

ONLY JOKING @ RADIUS

20% off

The Comedy Consultant’s monthly Only Joking night hits Radius on Northminster again on April 30.

your first full set of nails

Headliner on the night is Steve Day with James Cook, Maureen Younger, Jonathan Elston and the compere for the evening is Adam Tempest. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8.30pm. Tickets are £10 in advance on 07890 062371 or £12 on the door.

April

CRESSET COMEDY CLUB

The Cresset in Bretton holds its Comedy Club on April 23 and this month’s line-up includes Dougie Dunlop, Mark Maier, Pete Jonas and Simon Clayton. Tickets cost £9.50 and the show starts at 8.15pm. Box office: 01733 265705.

• Extensions • Manicure, Pedicure and Massage • Acrylic, Gel Powder, Crystal Powder • Pink and White, Silk wrap • Walk ins welcome

OPENING TIMES Mon – Sat: 9.30am- 6.30pm Sundays by appointment only

23 April

PrOfESSIONAl AMErICAN NAIl CArE

JONGLEURS @ SPALDING

The South Holland Centre in Spalding hosts a line-up from Jongleurs on April 22 at 8pm. There’ll be a compere and three stand-ups from the Jongleurs circuit. Enjoy the laughs from your table with a drink from the bar or a platter of Tex-Mex delights! Tickets are £12. Box office: 01775 764777.

22

29 Broadway, Peterborough, PE1 1SQ Telephone: 01733 342733

CAUGHT IN THE ACT?

ESP PAPARAZZI GOES BOXING! Paparazzi Pep was in his element at his most recent photo job. He managed to combine his favourite hobbies – boxing and girls – and came away unscathed!

Club Metro on London Road was the backdrop for a fantastic boxing event that drew a crowd in excess of 1,000, making it one of the best social and sporting events of the year so far.

Fight fans were treated to 15 bouts of semiprofessional boxing with opponents coming from all over the country to challenge some of Peterborough's up and coming fighters who train out of Smack Down Gym in Hampton.

Highlight of the night was a special bout between two ladies – featuring local glamour model Kelly Bell who knocked her opponent out cold with the first punch of the contest!

Kelly, dressed in pink, was certainly the crowd pleaser of the night and fingers crossed she'll return at the next show on June 5 to defend her unbeaten start.

Promoters Lee Nightingale and Ricky English have already scheduled fights for the June event and tickets go on sale soon. A big shout out to both and a big thanks for putting on a show that entertained the city's boxingloving public.

Bag your tickets for the June show by calling 08432 161484.

VIEW PAPARAZZI ONLINE All the photos taken by the Papazazzi crew go up on our new website www.espmag.co.uk – even those we haven’t managed to fit into the mag. The photos are available to order too, so if you find any particularly embarrassing ones of your mates, you can get a copy to keep!

www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Proudly sponsored by

www.es p mag .co.uk ( April )

CELEBS celebs @espmag.co.uk

The Sweet About Me singer is turning disco diva and is now On A Mission to show she can’t be pigeonholed.

Sharon McAllister talks exclusively to gorgeous Gabriella Cilmi…

“I knew that I wanted to do something different when I first started writing this record,” says Gabriella. “I loved Sweet About Me, I’m really proud of that song, it really took me from being an unknown schoolgirl to an international recording artist travelling the world. It was an amazing experience and I feel really lucky, but it kind of pigeonholed me in a way.

“I love so many different kinds of music I didn’t really know what to do first, then one of my band mates played me a Donna Summer record – I Remember Yesterday – and that’s when I started to get into the whole disco vibe, Gloria Gaynor, Giorgio Moroder, Flashdance, Fame all that kind of thing.

That kind of directed the sound of the record and the single On A Mission is such a girl power record.”

Considering she’s just turned 18 Gabriella is back in the spotlight and seems blessed with confidence but remains pretty down to earth – she attributes that to her background.

“I’ve always been a bit of a fighter and my family are Italian/Australian so the women are all very in control and strong. I think it’s because this time I’m really hungry for it because I’ve experienced it and I know it’s what makes me happy. Life’s too short and if you want something you need to go out and get it.”

You certainly can’t accuse her of failing on that one – she signed her first record contract at just 13 years-old, quickly acquired critical acclaim and was catapulted to global fame by the success of her worldwide mega hit, Sweet About Me, which sold over two million copies and was recently PRS certified the most played record of 2009. Gabriella’s debut album Lessons To Be Learned notched up close to a million sales, she’s gone on to win, or be nominated for, several awards, and has toured the world. Out of that whirlwind has there been a defining moment so far I wonder?

“Playing the main stage at Glastonbury – I was so excited and nervous and freaked out I nearly weed my pants!”

Fortunately she did keep her cool with no visible ‘accidents’! When it comes to photos and videos she certainly looks confident but any suggestions of going into acting are laughed off – “Oh no, I can’t act! Although I’d like to play Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar because I like the song. I might like to write a musical maybe.”

There’s no denying Gabriella is looking pretty hot and the press have been quick to notice the Sweet About Me star’s new sex symbol status, of which Gabriella comments – “I just gotta laugh!” – taking it all in her stride in her breezy style. Yep, there are no signs yet this girl is getting too big for her high heel boots!

Let’s not forget Gabriella’s still only a teenager herself so although she’s already an international star she still manages to get star struck.

“I saw Robert Plant at the O2 Arena and I thought, ‘I have to go talk to him because he’s my hero’, and I went up to him and tapped him on the back and all I could think to say was ‘are you having the salmon or the pie’!” she giggles.

And what does our gorgeous ESP cover girl think when she sees herself on the front of magazines? “It’s kind of weird but cool at the same time, it’s sort of like looking at a different person. Billboards are really weird because my face is so huge!”

Gabriella’s about to jet off once again for a month and confesses she’ll miss her home in London and her family. There won’t be much time to relax but when it comes to chilling out Gabriella’s not much different to many girls her age – “I just watch cheesy box sets of things like Glee – I love Rachel because she’s kinda like me, Puck and I also love the coach.”

Gabriella’s second album Ten has just been released on Island Records. www.gabriellacilmi.com www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

SIZE MATTERS NOT He’s the world’s leading little actor who’s appeared in some of the biggest film franchises of all time so it stands to reason Peterborough’s Warwick Davis has a few tales to tell. Now you can read his autobiography and discover that Size Matters Not. Sharon McAllister meets the little guy with some tall stories…

“I didn’t actually think I’d done enough stuff, I thought you had to be quite old and retiring to write your memoirs,” laughs Warwick about his new book. “But then the more people asked me the more I thought, well I do tell a lot of stories about the things that I’ve done and there are actually quite a lot of them so maybe it would be a good idea.”

His autobiography Size Matters Not comes out mid April and Peterborough’s very own Hollywood actor reveals how he’s managed to carve out a successful career in movies like Return Of The Jedi and Harry Potter despite the inevitable difficulties faced by being just three-foot-six!

“When you’re living the life it’s part of what you are and what you do and you don’t seem to know how many fantastic experiences you’ve had an how much you’ve done. Once I started to write the book I was able to take that step back and realise I have a real treasure trove of memories.”

Since making his screen debut as Wicket the Ewok in 1983’s Return Of The Jedi Warwick’s starred in Willow, the Leprechaun movies and featured as Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter movies as well as guest appearances on shows like Extras with Ricky Gervais. Having worked with some huge names in the industry I wonder if there’ll be any surprise revelations.

“There are going to be things that people don’t know and little on-set stories from Willow, Harry Potter, Leprechaun – there are all sorts of interesting movie going stories, but also things

Photos: Terry Harris / Studio One Darth Vader outfit supplied by: Harlequin, 22/23 St Davids Square, Fengate, Peterborough 01733 896758 / 896039 www.harlequinthepartyshop.co.uk

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

about my childhood growing up and what’s it like to be a little person in this world. There’s something for everybody really.”

Warwick explains that his genes are arranged in a vaguely peculiar manner and he has a disorder that no-one can pronounce (or understand!) and that’s why he’s less than average height. He’s certainly managed to use this to his advantage, but admits it’s posed its problems...

“Oh it does but my parents were such an integral part of the fact that I’ve turned out the way I have because they’ve always treated me like a normal child.

“There are challenges that you face every day, and I’m not just talking about someone who’s little, but anybody physically different from anyone else. I think that because of that you’re made of stern stuff and you just learn how to deal with things. Often it’s good to have a sense of humour about it yourself and you’ll see from the book I certainly have that. I just love looking in at myself and poking fun. I think if you can do that you’re not going to go far wrong.”

Warwick’s book illustrates many times when being in the right place at the right time has seen him gain many lucky breaks, right back to his Nan hearing a radio advert appealing for short people to appear in Return Of The Jedi “She happened to hear that in her kitchen one afternoon,” recounts Warwick, “so imagine if Nan had nipped to the loo or answered the front door, I wouldn’t be here talking to you now and written the book because I wouldn’t have had anything to write about – I’d probably be an insurance man like my dad!”

Apart from filming Harry Potter, Warwick reveals he has another exciting iron in the fire. “I’m developing

a comedy series for BBC One with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, we’re writing at the moment which is really exciting. They’re so thrilled it was my idea that I had a couple of years ago and I shot a little taster of a couple of scenes and sent it to them just for an opinion really, to say – ‘in your opinion is this funny?’ I didn’t hear anything for a long time and then got a call from Ricky saying they absolutely loved it, they took it to the BBC and they were very supportive and have now commissioned a pilot for Life’s Too Short. I play a kind of alternate version of myself.”

Having appeared as Professor Flitwick, Warwick takes a second role in the next Harry Potter outing as Griphook, one of the goblins from Gringotts – “He has quite an important part in the seventh book,” adds Warwick “and it’s been lovely to play that character as well.”

Warwick’s lived in Peterborough for 20 years and has been taken to the city’s heart. For that reason he now calls the city home.

“I like the people, I feel quite welcome and quite at home here even though I’m not born and bred. I enjoy the easy access to the rest of the country and I can be in London quicker from here than I could from where I grew up in Surrey.

“Hopefully over the years I’ve managed to make a contribution to the city, whether it’s giving talks at schools or doing charity events. I’ve got a place in the museum about people important in the Peterborough area and that’s very nice, that’s an honour, I feel very proud of that.” www.warwickdavis.co.uk

Live Music April 3rd 10th 17th 23rd 24th

Overdubs Total Eclipse Frixtion Honeywell (AMS night) Honeywell

May 1st Unlimited

Also

Members Club New members welcome Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free

Admission £2 – members free

Food

• A selection of fine real ales • Darts, dominoes, crib, snooker and pool also available • Function room available for party hire (not Saturdays)

Food available daily all non members welcome

Ebeneezers, Grove Street, Peterborough Tel: 01733 567352

The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.

Tipi & bell tent hire

20% discount if you mention ESP Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

Fight in and around buildings or in the woods and undergrowth.

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

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

Contact Andrew on: Tel: 07817679174 e-mail: fragilearth@googlemail.com www.fragilearth.co.uk East Anglia’s Premier Bushcraft & Wilderness Living Experiences

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

FOOD

accompany these proved so popular they’re now available to buy from the restaurant – another endorsement from their regular diners that they are rightly proud of.

The menu will soon move away from comfort foods to include more lighter dishes such as lobster and Cromer crab, which again they often collect themselves, but you can also pop in for coffee and homemade sausage rolls and cookies from 10.30am.Their Lite Bite menu over lunch has also proved very popular since it was introduced a few months ago with dishes priced between £4.85 and £8.95.

food @espmag.co.uk

Fiddlesticks

26 London Road, Wansford Tel: 01780 784111 The menu changes seasonally at Fiddlesticks but on the night we went along we opted for a succulent fillet steak with stilton and a tasty fish casserole.

The steak (£22.50) didn’t last long on its plate and my fish dish (£16.95) was a lightly spicy mix of monkfish, tiger prawns and king scallops which tasted as gorgeous as it looked.

Head chef Dawn and her partner Tom have been running Fiddlesticks for 13 years and the repeat business at this lovely country restaurant is testament to their high standards.

You don’t get much fresher than salad and vegetables grown in the chef’s own back garden but when their own veg plot runs dry Fiddlesticks order in as locally as they can, even swapping meals for veg supplies from local diners!

We had to try the famous Fiddlesticks caramel meringue – a spectacular mass of sweet and gooey mixed with fresh and fruity! We could soon see why it’s such a crowd pleaser and great for parties but were relieved we only had to tackle the one – it’s huge!

Cheese fans won’t be disappointed with the range on offer either which includes Lincolnshire Poacher, Shepherds Purse Olde York and Somerset Brie amongst others. Their homemade chutneys to

BEEHIVE IS BORN AGAIN The Beehive on Rivergate will be re-opened this summer by the people behind Jim’s Yard restaurant in Stamford and Jim’s Bistro on Broadway and the renovation of the building is progressing well.

£1 COFFEE AT ANDRONICAS WITH ESP! The fabulous Andronicas World Of Coffee, previously only found at Harrods, opens at Peterborough Garden Park near Eye this Easter.

The gourmet coffee specialists expanded their original plans for the cafe at the centre prior to its opening and promise great things for coffee lovers!

Have one on us for just £1 when you present the magazine at Andronicas during April 2010 only.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Local musician and artist Geoff Hayward (otherwise known as Geoff the chef) is working on painting the pub’s sign – and it’s looking good!

The pub’s due to re-open in July and with an emphasis on first-class food and a relaxed atmosphere, the planned beer garden at The Beehive will be the perfect place to while away those long summer evenings.

BLACK HORSE @ NASSINGTON Kevin and Donna are the new managers at this lovely country pub and have big plans to develop the food side of the business again, bringing in Diabetic specialties along with a vast daily selection board. Kevin’s slogan is – “If you can’t see what you want just ask,” and the only time that there isn’t any food on offer is Tuesday and Sunday evenings. Lunch is served from 12.00 ’til 2.30pm and Sunday lunch is 12.00 ’til 4pm starting from just £5.95. Give them a call on 01780 782324.

13th Century pub, 21st Century Food The Bucket Bar Menu £3.00 Choices from Chicken balls with sweet and sour sauce Devilled white bait Breaded whole tail scampi Piri Piri chicken Meatballs with coriander dip Steamed mussels Sausages marinated with red onion

‘A dining experience with a difference’ • Lunchtime Tuesday to Friday – 12pm to 2pm (2 course option) • Evening Dinner Tuesday to Saturday - 7.00pm to 10.30pm 3 courses includes coffee & mints £25.95 • 3 course Sunday lunch, includes coffee + mints £19.50 Bookings essential

4 Lincoln Road, Northborough PE6 9BL 01733 252300 www.the-pack-horse.co.uk

The Cherry House Restaurant 125 Church Street,Werrington, Peterborough 01733 571721

Malaysian & Thai Restaurant Cocktail Bar

Experience Paradise at Malayba An unforgettable journey to the Far East where you can enjoy the fantastic exotic flavours.

Come and relax at our bar with a Polynesian cocktail in its tranquil surroundings. You can enjoy your business lunch or even celebrate a special occasion, and choose from our extensive menu. Or you can also book for your own private function, and all parties will be catered for.

01733 561806

Opening hours Mon – Sat 12.00 noon – 2.30pm 5.30pm 11.00pm Sun

12.00 noon – 2.30pm 5.30pm 10.00pm

44 Broadway Peterborough PE1 1RT Email: malayba1@btconnect.com Website : www.malayba.com

All our food is free of additives and preservatives and we use halal meat.

• Cosy log fire • Local fresh produce • Real ales served in top condition • Beer garden • Child friendly with play area

• Monday – Friday – food served 12-2pm, 6-9pm • Saturday – Sunday food served all day. Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm • Early Bird menu Mon-Fri, £12 for two main courses 6pm-7pm • Sunday evening quiz – cash prizes to be won • Karaoke first Saturday of every month • Live entertainment Friday nights

Marquee available for weddings and other events - very competitive pricing

48 King Street, West Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 9HP Tel: 01778 347190 www.redlionwestdeeping.co.uk theredlionwestdeeping@hotmail.com

Traditional pub with a warm, welcoming atmosphere

Restaurant The Golden Pheasant Celebrate National Ale week at our annual beer festival

• Locally sourced food served daily • Monday – Saturday - Brunch 10am – 12am, - Lunch 12am – 3pm, - Dinner 5.30pm – 9pm • Sunday - 10am – 7pm

Easter Weekend April 2nd -5th There will be 16 beers to try over the weekend, plus the ciders and fruit beers. The live music programme is Fri night, Sat afternoon and Sat night and Sun afternoon.

Restaurant bookings are being taken as normal over the Easter Weekend, complete with Easter Egg Hunt on the Sunday.

Events Marquee For hire, our fully serviced events marquee, for weddings, conferences, parties, in fact it’s the perfect setting for any occasion. NOW OPEN all year round.

Bar & Lounge • Selection of fine ales

(CAMRA award for excellence)

• Live entertainment every Saturday night • Disco every Friday night

New enu ExcitrtiinngginMApril sta

Food Starters from £3.50 Mains from £5.50

Sunday Roasts £6.95

The Lounge is warm and inviting, a home from home with huge leather sofas to sink into!

Boutique Wedding Venue, Conferences, Small to large parties welcome. Restaurant can seat up to 65 guests and can hold 100 guests for evening reception.

• Food served daily noon – 2pm and 6pm – 9pm, Sundays 12noon ‘til 6pm • Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun • Pit-stop for Green Wheel cycle route • Real ales, large beer garden and parking area

16 Market Place, Market Deeping, Peterborough PE6 8EA

Main Road, Etton, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 252387 www.thegoldenpheasant.net

E-mail: info@deepingstage.com • www.deepingstage.com

Telephone: 01778 343234

The G uildha

ll girl s

Oh yes, does this bring back some memories or what!

Come on admit it – did you have the coloured hair, spend your time looking cool outside Virgin Records in Queensgate or being a rebel by the Guildhall?! From the 70s through the 80s to today the people of Peterborough have been out in the centre showing off their fashions and musical influences and local guy Chris Porsz has been capturing it all. Long before the ESP Paparazzi crew ever hit the streets Chris, a local paramedic has spent his spare time snapping the city’s people and places.

“It would be great if people came forward so that I can perhaps reunite them and maybe even do a reshoot three decades later!” says Chris.

Chris has a regular Paramedic Paparazzo page in Saturday’s Evening Telegraph and you can see more of his photos on www.peterboroughinpictures.co.uk where you can add names to faces and anecdotes if you recognise anyone.

He’ll be exhibiting some of his favourite pictures in Queensgate later this year and is planning a book and a second calendar after the success of his first one last year.

“I’m making up for lost time now taking even more photos,” added Chris. “I wish I’d taken more before Queensgate arrived but in those days film was expensive. I promised many people a copy and never managed it so this is my way of paying people back. I’d be really keen to hear from anyone who recognises people in my pictures.”

Chris Porsz

If you’ve seen anyone you remember from back in the day, email office@espmag.co.uk or call us on 01733 579707.

Cathedral www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Square

80’s chat

Chris Porsz back in ‘83

www.espmag.co.u k ( April )

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

Marshall Peugeot Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5PT Tel: 0844 3340713 www.marshallweb.co.uk

The PeugeoT 5008 is a life saver!

Whether you want to escape and have some fun or take the family for a trip this really is a life saver in every respect. Its amazing space saving capacity means you’ve room for everything while the new 5008’s safety features mean you’re in safe hands.

In the front there are big boy’s gadgets too for your music and phone, not forgetting the sat nav.

For the driver you have your own toy in the form of a little plastic screen that pops up when you start the engine to let you know your speed, MPG and distance from the car in front.

What can I say; it’s big, comfortable with lots of hidden extras. Great for families with gadgets for the kids, like 7” colour built in screens and Bluetooth headsets, it accepts DVD players, games consoles and portable video players plus you can use two different ones at any one time, so no fights in the back.

www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

As with all MPV’s the space is amazing and all the seats in the back fold flat so there’s no heavy load lifting over that last bump… whether it’s your surfboard or the kids’ picnic supplies!

When it comes to safety the 5008 has the Euro NCAP 5* rating, the highest you can get. Along with ESP there’s also the Head Up Display, designed so you can keep your eyes on the road at all times and Distance Alert which stops you from getting too close to other cars – handy if the kids are distracting you! You can be sure all your

passengers are safe and sound with six Smart Safety Airbags and there are Isofix fittings for child seats.

Compared to some big family cars the new 5008 is good on performance with effortless acceleration and fantastic handling which made driving it a real pleasure. Prices start at £17,345 up to £24,145 which is a small price to pay to keep the whole family happy and safe.

“performance with effortless acceleration and fantastic handling” Thanks to Nene Park Trust and Barry at the Water Sports Centre for their assistance. Not forgetting Shaun Pluck and his team at Marshall Peugeot Peterborough for the loan of the car (always a pleasure).To arrange your own test drive, call them on Tel: 08443 340713.

Shirley Frost

Profile Name:

Kevin Robbs

For fire safety advice call FREE on

0800 328 9208 and quote code ESP

Job: Crew M anager Based at: Dogsthorpe Fire Station Years in se rvice: 25 ye ars Best part of putting somet the job: “Feeling you’re hing back in to the local co really Worst part mmunity.” : “People th inki advice or ac tion and then ng it’ll never happen to th getting need lessly caught em and not taking Most rewa out or injured. rding part : “The fact th ” reactive and at w we’re seeing that the fire sa e’re now much more pr oactive than fety message s are getting through.”

PLAYING WITH FIRE It’s not all heroics in the fire service – they’re actually more interested in prevention than dramatic images of firefighters emerging from blazing buildings.

The job brings them into contact with kids and young people all the time, not just when they’re hosing down a wheelie bin fire, started by someone playing with a match.

So how do you get kids to realise firefighters aren’t action figures in a game but have a serious job to do? According to firefighter Kevin Robbs you meet with them on their turf before they end up getting you called out through 999.

“We certainly don’t ignore young people, in fact we engage with them in as many ways as we can. In fact young people can really be a help to us as they’re not set in their ways and can pass on fire safety messages to their families.”

There’s nothing more exciting for kids than firefighters turning up at school, but rather than the sirens blaring out because of a hoax call or arson the crews go into schools and kids’ groups to explain the dangers and why hoax calls can cost lives. Young people can also go into local fire stations to find out more about what the job really involves.

www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

The fire service also works hard to bridge cultural divides and works closely with young kids of all ethnicities in Peterborough to encourage them to consider the fire service as a possible career. There are also separate talks given focusing on specific things like safety in the kitchen.

Sadly you’re just as likely to see fire crews at a road accident as you are a house fire, so youngsters out of mainstream schooling who could be out driving illegally or irresponsibly are also a major target. To get the message across to these teenagers the fire service invite a young man who by his own admission was a ‘boy racer.’ He paid the price with serious injuries. He stresses the point to young people about his consquences on how by being stupid on the road his life now is confined to what can be done from a wheel chair and with restricted mobility. It’s intended to be direct and hard hitting, but it works.

Fire has always held a fascination for every generation of kids but for some playing with fire has left them burnt or scarred for life. Firefighters help out at a special burns camp where young people who may have never seen anyone else with similar injuries get to make friends and enjoy a week of activities at Grafham Water.

“It really helps the young people with their rehabilitation and not to just see us as rescuers,” says Kevin. “We volunteer to help out – it’s very rewarding.”

The fire service also uses the Heart Kids characters on their website and in booklets to help teach young people through games and cartoons about fire safety messages. It also uses a traffic light colour code system to guide them through their decision making, red being bad and green being the right choice, to encourage positive behaviour.

Community Fire Prevention Advisor Wendy Coleman is well aware you need to use whatever you can to reach young people and capture their imagination.

“It’s all about using a variety of communication tools to get the message across and providing those tools to as many groups and schools as we can.

We’re engaging with them to make it as fun and memorable and to use the messages in other aspects of their lives.”

If you want fire safety advice, information materials or want to see the Heart Kids in action just go to www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Assistant Manager Required

If you are the assistant manager we are looking for at our unique venue, you will have at least 2 years' bar and restaurant managerial experience, passion and knowledge for working with real ales, have a proven history in driving sales and giving great hospitality, as well as leading and inspiring your team to produce outstanding customer service every time. Personal Liquor licence is mandatory. A driving licence is preferable. The role will include operating the venue to company standards and procedures, and working closely with the general manager to produce highly profitable results.

How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to recruitment@oakagroup.com.

Employer Oaka Group.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

FUSION EMPLOYEES GIVE SOMETHING BACK… Aside from providing a high quality service to customers of BGL Group’s insurance brands, giving something back to the community is very much at the heart of Fusion; from volunteering challenges to charity fundraising and corporate donations. In fact, the Group has pledged to give a whopping £1million to good causes by 2012.

Fusion’s contribution to fundraising activities helped raise over £200,000 for the NSPCC, which was BGL Group’s charity partner for the last two years.

This relationship ended on a high in February with four Fusion employees joining a team of 23 BGL colleagues on a nine-day charity trek in South Africa, raising more than half of the overall total.

In addition to supporting the corporate charity, Fusion employees still find the time to support charities close to their own hearts and can benefit from match-funding by the business of up to £500. Customer Relations administrator Kyla Whammond turned daredevil to bungee jump from 160ft to raise more than £1,000 for a nursery project in Kenya for orphaned or disadvantaged children. More recently, employees from across the site had a ‘bad hair’ day or donned wigs in an event dubbed ‘Februhairy’ and collected £275 for Sue Ryder Care.

Fusion’s donations have made life a little easier for two local charities.

Peterborough-based Unity Superstars is the country’s first competitive cheer-

F E A T U R E

leading squad for young people with learning, sensory or physical disabilities. A donation of £2,000 was put towards a trip to compete in the World event in Orlando. The local branch of Family Action, which is based at St. Barnabas Community Centre, provides financial, emotional and practical support to local families. It was given £1,500 to buy Christmas gifts for 30 of the centre’s children.

Volunteering in the community is equally important and last October, a team of seven employees rolled up their sleeves and picked up gardening tools to clear shrubbery and repaint fencing at the nearby Eyrescroft Primary School in Bretton.

Looking ahead, Fusion employees have taken part in a company-wide ballot to select BGL’s next charity partners. The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) were selected to receive a one-off donation of around £50,000 and Marie Curie Cancer Care were chosen as the community charity partner, to benefit from fundraising activities over the next two years.

About Fusion Fusion is the call centre operation of the BGL Group – one of the UK’s largest personal lines insurance brokers. Fusion employs around 1,000 people across three call centres in the UK, over 450 of which are based in Peterborough.

With more than two million customers, BGL Group specialises in the provision of car, van, bike and home insurance and offers a wide range of supplementary products including personal accident cover, breakdown cover, home emergency assistance, legal protection, travel and pet insurance.

Fusion Contact Centre employees handle all sales, service, renewals and customer relations calls both inbound and outbound for BGL’s own insurance brands which include major high street names, the award-winning eco motor insurance ibuyeco, the number one bike insurer Bennetts, and the successful price comparison website comparethemarket.com.

If you are interested in joining Fusion, why not apply? We have various positions available on our website www.bglgroup.co.uk/careers. Or call, 01733 845536.

SCREENSCENE

MOVIE

Previews

IRON MAN 2

Released: April 30 Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson Director: Jon Favreau With the world now privy to his duallife as superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) is under pressure from the government, press and public to reveal his technological secrets to the military, in this blockbuster sequel to the 2008 mega-hit.

CLASH OF THE TITANS

With Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes (Don Cheadle replacing Terrence Howard) – reportedly doubling as Iron Man’s ally War Machine – by his side, Stark must face a powerful new adversary in the form of Mickey Rourke’s Whiplash.

Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow and a recurring cameo from Samuel L Jackson’s Nick Fury will continue to whet the appetite for a future movie of The Avengers, but I’d start booking your tickets at the Showcase very soon for this one alone, if the wellliked first movie is anything to go by…

Released: April 2 Cast: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes. Director: Louis Leterrier The release of this swords-andsandals epic was delayed by a week so it could be transformed into 3D after the success of Avatar – which starred this film’s lead, Sam Worthington.

The in-demand frontman stars as Godborn human Perseus who takes on a dangerous mission to bring down the God of the Underworld, Hades (Ralph Fiennes), before he can seize power

gavin.miller @espmag.co.uk

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Released: March 31 The makers of Shrek and Madagascar jump on the 3D bandwagon (it’s also in 2D) as Gerard Butler and America ‘Ugly Betty’ Ferrera add their voices to this animation which sees a hapless young Viking train his new dragon pet. www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

KICK-ASS

REMEMBER ME

Released: April 2

Released: April 2

Nic Cage headlines a fairly unknown cast in this tale of regular humans seeking justice as superheroes without actually having any powers, in this movie from Stardust director Matthew Vaughn, which is getting some good early reviews.

Sadly for all you Twilightholics out there, Robert Pattinson’s latest romantic vehicle alongside Lost’s Emilie de Ravin and Pierce Brosnan isn’t getting such good feedback, but hey, it’s got the man-of-the-moment in it, so it’ll do well enough.

from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth.

This special-effects laden bonanza from the director of The Incredible Hulk, boasts computer-generated demons, beasts and the massive monster Kraken, but we’ll have to wait and see whether it finds a big enough audience to cover the blockbuster budget.

CEMETERY JUNCTION

REPO MEN Released: April 16

Released: April 14 The geniuses that are The Office and Extras’ Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant helm this seventies British-set comedy based on the lives of three youngsters at an insurance company, with Ralph Fiennes and Gervais himself supporting.

Jude Law continues to try and solidify a position as a leading man in this sci-fi thriller alongside Oscarwinner Forest Whitaker (The Last King Of Scotland) and Liev Schreiber (Wolverine), which sees artificial organs bought at a price to prolong life.

All release dates are correct at the time of going to press.

Game On

HEAVY RAIN (PS3) Out now

This innovative adventure-thriller is Sony’s best exclusive since last year’s Uncharted 2.

Developers Quantic Dreams have unveiled a compelling and immersive world where every button press can change your outcome – in this emotional and gut-wrenching triumph featuring multiple characters on the trail of the mysterious Origami Killer.

What it lacks in freedom and intermittent clunkiness is easily surpassed by fluid ingenuity that enables you to get drenched inside the most original game of the year so far.

ALIENS VS PREDATOR

BATTLEFIELD: BAD COMPANY 2

(X360/PS3/PC) Out now

(X360/PS3/PC)

Gamers have been waiting for so long to live out James Cameron’s Aliens – and now you can.

Out now

You can star as a marine, alien or predator in three separate singleplayer campaigns that vary in strength – with the motion-tracking pulse rifling marine mode being the most polished alongside decent online play.

The graphics are a bit 2005, and as an FPS it’s clunky, but for a first next-gen effort ‘staying frosty’ has never been so much nerve-jangling fun. #####

#####

If you thought Modern Warfare 2’s online play is king – think again.

Developers DICE have rolled out the best multiplayer shooter experience that usurps anything put before it with the best squad play and destruction engine ever seen.

Its great work is undone by a trite single-player campaign that is notable, but far too short, as the massive online arenas undoubtedly prove to be the main selling point that will leave fanboys truly satisfied. #####

FINAL FANTASY XIII (X360/PS3) Out now

I’ve only a basic knowledge of the heralded ex-Playstation exclusive Final Fantasy – but this has quickly become a guilty pleasure.

In its first high-def outing this heavily Japanese-influenced action RPG is well worth the time and energy – even though it takes a long time to get used to the exceptional combat engine and constant tutorials.

SONIC & SEGA ALL-STARS RACING

YAKUZA 3 (PS3) Out now

It’s taken a while for this English sub-titled Japanese export to make it to the western hemisphere – but this slice of Tokyo’s gangster life comes recommended.

(X360/PS3/DS/WII/PC) Out now

Yakuza is unashamedly rough around the edges with great fighting and cut-scenes seamlessly blended into a large expansive world with side quests and mini-games.

It’s hard to slag off such a blatant ripoff when it’s done so enjoyably well.

Sonic & Sega Racing is unashamedly a Wii Mario Kart wannabe – with delightful courses and great characters including Sonic and 360 exclusive Banjo-Kazooie – and brings colourfully familiar racing to next-gen consoles.

Its uncharacteristic early linearity soon diminishes as this luscious world blossoms into gaming heaven.

If this is your bag, then there’s a Fallout 3-esque time scale to be had – with only repetition and dated ingame graphics hampering one cool experience.

#####

#####

WHITE KNIGHT CHRONICLES

GUITAR HERO: VAN HALEN

NAPOLEON: TOTAL WAR

With some exceptional Playstation exclusives starting to make 360 owners sit-up and take notice – this Japanese RPG sadly won’t be one of them.

In my gaming reviews a lot of the time it comes down to being a fan – but you’d have to be an ardent hardcore enthusiast to get anything out of this.

Another welcome addition to the Total War franchise sees the Napoleonic war brought to life.

The developers have let themselves down with an unexpectedly bland and tedious affair that offers poor lip synching cut-scenes and uninspiring combat.

This is sadly a low point for the trail-blazing series – I’ve become a belated fan myself – with only 25 songs related to the eighties band and about another twenty fillers.

#####

(PS3) Out now

(X360/PS3/WII) Out now

(PC) Out now

#####

#####

Reviews

Fans of the genre may be inspired by the beautiful scenery and plot twists – but this is a major disappointment.

The guitar playing is taxing, but with a distinct lack of extras, this should have simply been cheap DLC, and even Van Halen fans should think twice.

DVD

It doesn’t feel as polished as Nintendo’s product, but has the important ingredient of fun – despite offering no originality whatsoever.

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (12A) Released: April 12 (also on Blu-ray) Brit Gerard Butler (300) stars as a man killing off people connected with the murder of his wife and daughter from his jail cell, much to the chagrin of do-gooder prosecutor Jamie Foxx (Collateral) in this vigilante thriller. ###

ST TRINIAN’S 2: THE LEGEND OF FRITTON’S GOLD (12A) Released: May 24 (also on Blu-ray) Colin Firth and Rupert Everett return as the girls of St Trinian’s – including Gemma Arterton and Sarah Harding – hunt down pirate treasure with Dr Who’s David Tennant on villain duties in this uninspiring sequel.

You can step into the shoes of General Bonaparte or fight against him in this history-laden strategy that boasts a noteworthy multiplayer campaign.

Despite some great battle-hardened graphics, the series is starting to show its age in some departments – but it still ticks a lot of the right boxes. #####

ALSO OUT: ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS 2: THE SQUEAKQUEL Released: April 12.

GLEE: SEASON ONE – VOLUME 1

ONLINE REVIEWS For the latest movie, DVD and game reviews from ESP , visit: www.espmag.co.uk/re views

Released: April 12.

## www.espmag.co.u k ( April )

Andy Slater’s

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

In the last of my current explorations into the past and present mindset of our local music heroes, I spent a few hours chatting with Colin Smith or Citizen Smith or Smithy or Smiffy or probably in the past a combination of the lot depending on a pub landlord’s perception and level of dypsomania.

The Motivators

Colin, Steff, Pip, Lee and Chris – all first name terms with everyone there – had a real residency under the late Pete Carter’s banner as not The Motivators but The Dogs Bollocks… TDB played for four years just about every Sunday.

Colin Smith

“At the end of that time I was knackered, when I left I didn’t play for about six months.

Colin seems to have been playing in a pub somewhere near you for the whole of the time I’ve lived in Peterborough, nearly 25 years. The start of the journey however was over in Ramsey when as a teenager he’d hear the music coming from his brother’s and sister’s bedrooms. “My brother played a lot of country and I loved it. I bought a guitar and had to hide it from my dad, he would clip me around the ear if I said I wanted to be a guitar player, he wanted me to be a tradesman.

Funny, when I got playing in pubs he used to clip me around the ear for not bringing him a recording home!”

“Having said that, it was a great time though, we went over to the States and recorded an album of our own stuff in Nashville, the quality of the recording is superb.” At this point I remind Colin again I haven’t got a copy…! “We used a studio to mix it down where Johnny Cash was recording. We kept hanging around to see if he would show up… he didn’t, but it was a great experience.” I guess it’s one of those things that any musician from Peterborough would love to say… “We recorded our album in Nashville…”

Yep that’s quite cool lads.

After shifting from drums to bass to guitar he formed his first band, Cheater, with later collaborator Paul ‘Loop’ Allen – “We used to have to break into the youth club in Ramsey, nick the PA, do a gig, break back in and put the PA back… we actually got caught by the Plod breaking in to put it back.”

After a bit more copper dodging and forays around the lower Fens of Huntingdon and St Ives the band split and Colin moved to Peterborough to form a band – NUJ – (Nudge) a short-lived early 80s project that didn’t do that much. It did enough however for Colin to be collared by Danny Hurren and the band Charlie Sez was born, again it pottered around for a while until he got a call from The Motivators.

“They were playing a gig at The Peacock and they asked if I could help out as second guitar, I did the gig and then guested a few more times until I was really part of the line up…” www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Photo: Mike Harris

Photo: Mike Harris

Those old enough will remember the institution that The Motivators became, Sunday nights at The Cherry Tree became as ritualistic for some as going to church every Sunday was for our elders.

Fortunately his mojo, after his six months sojourn, returned and once again with Danny Hurren and with Fozzie Dixon on drums, Albert Tatlock was the next vehicle to ride the circuit with. After a few months of doing so, a summer season in Benidorm of all places, was booked. Six months in the sun turned into a few weeks and the band were back in Blighty and finished.

Then up steps Loop and Paul Blant fresh out of The Setting Sons, the Jam tribute band. They teamed up with Colin and Citizen Smith was born. Now I reckon that was about 2001, Colin dusted a few cobwebs off his memory, groaned into his hand and agreed – “jeez was it that long ago.”

There are loads of you out there that have lived your social lives with this band as the soundtrack, there’s nothing much to report that you don’t already know but my favourite story was the six months break they took to learn a new set. Big relaunch of the band, Brewery Tap, six months later… what had they learned? Half of Growing On Me by The Darkness… genius.

Colin’s proudest moment though is actually playing at The Marquee Club in London “That was special, it was an industry gig and we got complimented by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, it’s closed now but we actually got to play there.”

Fastforward to a couple of years ago and ‘Smiffy’ had transformed into Brotherhoods Roundabout with Chris Allen, John Haire, Steve Dunmore and Ken Norman. A bit more proggy with a 80’s synth twist but still, always taking the weather with him… a Crowded House reference harking back to the Smiffy days.

Colin’s other musical love is production. The fact that he’s run his own sound and lighting company for 20 years stands testament to this.

Along with his partner, Monique, he’s set up Emcee Productions and has just finished a massive cabaret show at the Holiday Inn to critical acclaim. “I love it, that’s a start, we want to take it further but for people to say that the production was as good as they’ve seen in the West End, was great.”

Colin is a great performer and personally a great guy to have around, his wonderfully organised chaos of a life is emblazoned with humour, fun and humility. I’ve known him 20 years I guess and over that time he’s become a great friend, he still hasn’t fixed my dripping pipe… but he will… soon… sometime…won’t you buddy…Ring you?

Again?…Oh…OK …

To book the band or talk cabaret and production call Monique 07974 700285 or if you need sound and light call Colin 01733 704303 / 07720 054998.

LIVE MUSIC

MAMA’S BATTLE OF THE BANDS Over the past few months, bands have been competing at Mama Liz’s in Stamford in the hope of winning the Battle Of The Bands and the final takes place on May 1. The standard of bands entering has been very high and only The Ruined, Vendetta, Death Valley Piledriver, Stringfinger and Don’t Look Down have made it this far. If you like your music, loud, hard and fast, this is definitely a line-up worth checking out. Entry £3. Liv Slater

SHAKE HANDS ERIC

ROACHFORD @ THE MET

Following the release of their single in February, Shake Hands Eric have become something of an internet sensation, receiving airplay from radio stations based around the world. Long Stay These Days, is a wry, folkpop tale of the perils of getting older. Formed early last year, the – how shall we put this? – mature musicians have enough life experience under their collective belts to comment on the human condition in an accurate manner.

Featuring musicians from the One Eyed Cats, a Talking Heads-soundalike band and a former drummer with oldskool punk band The Destructors, songwriter and singer Richard Young has formidable backing and with a sound influenced by The Kinks and Merseybeat pop, as well as world rhythms, they delight crowds wherever they play.

Legendary UK soul singer Andrew Roachford, who’s previously performed as simply Roachford, comes to the Met Lounge on April 30 as part of his acoustic tour. Roachford first burst onto the scene in the late 80s with tracks such as Cuddly Toy and Family Man and was Columbia Records’ best-selling artist for over a decade. Born into a musical family, his early influences were reggae and jazz which you can hear in his songs. He’ll be previewing a few tracks off his latest album and, of course, perform his hits. Tickets £10 in advance. Box office: 01733 566100 or www.seetickets.com Liv Slater

To listen to their tracks, visit www.shakehandseric.com Liv Slater

BEWARE OF THE FLOWERS, IT’S OTWAY John Otway first achieved notoriety when live on The Old Grey Whistle Test he leapt six foot astride an amplifier with no protection between the very hard object he was descending towards and the most delicate parts of his anatomy. A fascinated public rewarded this very daring but stupid act with a hit record –Cor Baby That's Really Free and a sizable live audience. He also wrote the lyrics that were voted as one of the greatest song lyrics of the Millennium in a BBC poll. The catchy title – Beware Of The Flowers Cos I’m Sure They’re Gonna Get You Yeh. "I remember writing that song," say's Otway, "and I remember thinking at the time it was good. I didn't realise that I was writing the seventh greatest lyric in the past thousand years though."

No doubt John will be treating the audience to similar lunacy when he visits Bourne Corn Exchange on May 15.

Tickets are £10 in advance. Box office: 0782 803 2241.

Keith Dalton

POGUES DRUMMER IN TOWN The Pogues drummer, Andrew Rankin, who played Randall Rootz’s first festival is opening the first Randall Rootz Presents night at The Voodoo Lounge in Stamford. His band, Mysterious Wheels, play on April 3 so expect a bit of good old blues rock with a country twist. Tickets are £5 in advance from the venue or £5 on the door or www.mamaliz.co.uk for more info.

Andy Slater

MOTOR CITY VIPERS It’s another big one! After being kept busy in recent months with an array of private bookings across the region, classic soul maestros – The Motor City Vipers – return to the area with another of their soul-night specials at Thorney Golf Club on Saturday April 10. Featuring no less than three DJs spinning sounds from the soul archives – eight piece band, The Motor City Vipers, will be performing two full-on sets of Motown magic, classic soul anthems and northern gems. They’re guaranteed to fill the dancefloor, get your dancing shoes on and head over. Tickets are just £7 adv / £8 on the door and available from the venue or by phoning 07976 958712 or 07860 770005. www.motorcityvipers.co.uk

told ESP – “We formed about seven years ago, but hadn’t got as far as we should have as not all of the members could give the same level of commitment.” So Gizz set about finding a group of musicians as passionate, and talented, as him – resulting in over 25 gigs being booked and an album due out in the summer.

FRESH, FURIOUS AND THRASH One of Peterborough’s best-loved metal bands is taking another step up the ladder to success, following a sensational appearance at last month’s Hammerfest in North Wales.

The More I See have been playing across the country since they formed in 2003, but a recent line-up change has meant that they’re now able to grab hold of every opportunity offered to them! Joining Gizz, the lead guitarist and Peter the singer, are three very fresh faces who represent the finest young talent in the city – James (19) on guitar, Drew (18) on bass and Harry (16) on drums. Gizz www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

The new members have really made a difference Gizz told ESP – “Harry (the drummer) approached me in the Met Lounge and said he was a drummer looking for a band. He seemed really keen and had no pretensions – he struck me as a guy that was going to get on.” The sound of the band has got a little leaner and tighter too, as James, Drew and Harry have been bringing more modern, extreme metal influences, such as Lamb Of God, to the songs. Along with strong, Iron Maiden-influenced singer Peter, the band’s sound hits you like a wall and has all the things you love about thrash, without sounding too dated.

We spoke to Harry, the drummer, and he told us – “I’m really excited, we’ve only done a few gigs so far but I’m looking forward to the summer – I’m lucky to be joining a band that’s already at this stage!”

The More I See are certainly making a big noise on the scene and with new blood, they’re pushing harder than before – which makes for an exciting live show. Catch them live at Club Revolution, Park Road on April 4 with Glamour For The Kill, or visit www.myspace.com/themoreisee Liv Slater

ALBUM LAUNCH & REVIEW

VAMPIN’ BY KING KOOL Returning with their first album since 2007, Fenland garage-rock duo King Kool have certainly built on their previous success with the new album Vampin’ which is quickly gaining critical acclaim in the national music media. ESP went to find them at the album launch party at King’s Cross Jester Bar venue a few weeks ago and spoke with lead man Dan Donovan during the sound-check.

So what’s new in the King Kool camp I asked. “Everything and nothing.

The line-up remains as just Pas and me, but the music has developed a new dimension from our previous work – it’s fearsome, but somehow more King Kool; like we’ve really found our voice now!”

Fearsome isn’t the word. The KK sound is loud, it’s in your face, it’s direct.

In the words of their record company, it’s like finding yourself tearing up the road through death valley in the company of mutant bikers on a road trip to hell… yet, it’s not aggressive, it’s not vulgar, but it is exciting and it’s very, very addictive!

APRIL 1st

From start to finish, the London venue was wall-to-wall with the sound of taut drums and jet-engine guitar riffs only to be punctuated by Mr Donovan’s occasional ramblings of old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll being played in smoke-filled rooms. You can’t help feel that the KK sound is striving for the halcyon days of garage-punk, yet it’s quite ironic that the duo are clearly the new pioneers of their craft, bringing meaningful melody and lyrics to a new, refined sound that’s respectful and sometimes reminiscent of The Pixies, Stooges and Sonic Youth but remains modern, fresh and… dare I say it… Kool.

Available for private bookings and functions

Vampin’ is available now on the Oil Bug record label cat no.

5060110362233. Sample tracks and copies of the album are available through the band’s website. www.kingkool.co.uk

Gizz Butt & The Beatles tribute 2nd Infamy / The Scene Is Dead 3rd Siren 4th Drum Monkey (new disco with live percussion) 5th Quiz Night 7th Karaoke 8th Latino band (salsa, merengue & mambo) 9th Them Stowaways 10th Retrolux 11th Afternoon Open Mic Session (2pm till late) 12th Quiz Night 14th Karaoke

15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 28th 29th 30th

Lloyd Watson Open Mic Citizen Smith Afternoon Open Mic session (2pm till late) Quiz Night Karaoke Lloyd Watson, Rex Gates & Murray Hockeridge Lee Major The Gangsters Afternoon Open Mic session (2pm till late) Quiz Night Karaoke Feet To The Fire Swomp Rock

83-85 Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6JQ Tel: 07775 841239 Email: thecellarbar2009@hotmail.co.uk

Andy Whittaker

RHYTHM & BLUES FEST Early doors news on a regularly summertime festival and new kid on the block landed in my inbox this month, the festival is particularly exciting as it’s new!

Fenland Rhythm And Blues Festival is a four day extravaganza from Friday 28 to Monday May 31 at The Plough in Farcet Fen and is the brainchild, among others, of Dave Astell.

Headliners include Ian Siegal, Danny Bryant, Kent Duchaine, Derek and the Moondogs and our very own Lloyd Watson.

Another one tucked away in the under card is Lexie Green, having heard a rough cut of her latest album it would not surprise me if she was the star of the festival…

Expect slide guitar and harmonica workshops, a mammoth jam session, food and camping all for £25 plus £15 for your camping pass, as Alfie would say …bargain! Check out www.fenlandrhythmandblues.com for all the gen. Andy Slater

NEW BOYS ON THE BLOCK A new addition to the names for you to consider when looking for a night out with live music – Sellout. They’re a new covers outfit made of four seasoned musicians from the Lincs/Cambs area: Conrad Stubbs on bass, Craig Slcare on drums, Dan Moore on guitar and vocalist Tommo. They play pop and rock classics with an upbeat slant on things with material ranging from Tainted Love to Eye Of The Tiger, and Robbie Williams to Guns ‘n’ Roses. Sellout play The Golden Fleece in Stamford on April 3.

Keith Dalton

Live Music APRIL Thu 1st Fri 2nd Sat 3rd Fri 9th Sat 10th Fri 16th Sat 17th Fri 23rd Sat 24th Fri 30th

Ian (Retrolux) Graham Porky Pig The Les Woods Band Blues After Midnight White Spirit Circa 73 Retrolux The Lloyd Watson Band The Electric Warriors Frankly my Dear

MAY Sat 1st Fri 7th Sat 8th

Citizen Smith Children of the Revolution 101 Proof

The Ostrich Inn 17 North St, Peterborough 01733 752255

• Every Wednesday Quiz £1 per person - £100 Jackpot -8.30pm • Selection of real ales • Food served from 12-3pm • Beer garden • Bar Billiards • Mighty Mouth Karaoke with Trev every Sunday 8.30pm • Texas Hold ‘em Poker every Tuesday 7.30pm

CLUBLAND

HYPE, FRICTION AND SHIMON @ METRO Element have a massive night this month at Club Metro on May 1, as they team up with Destiny and bring some of the biggest jungle and D‘n’B names to the city. Headliners include DJ Hype, who’s known for creating new genres in the D‘n’B scene and founding the Ganja label; Friction, who uses three decks to create a unique mix and Shimon, one of the legends of D‘n’B, while MCs Eskman and Fearless are on the mics. VIP tickets £22, standard tickets £12 from www.theticketsellers.co.uk or 0844 870 0000.

BATTLE @ MAMA LIZ’S Shindig will be taking over Mama Liz’s, Stamford on April 2 with a DJ competition.

Entrants will be playing house, electro and breaks – expect some great sets as the rivalry between these guys is pretty fierce. Entry £3.

HAPPY HEARTCORE Party hard and help disadvantaged kids at the Club Classics night on April 2 at The Loft, Bourne. Hosted by Lee Warren from Heart FM, all money raised goes to the Have a Heart Appeal. Alongside giveaways and the Heart promo girls, Lee will be providing you with club anthems you know and love. Entry £3 before midnight.

FIERCE @ EDWARDS Global clubbing brand Fierce Angel comes to Edwards, Broadway on April 4 for a massive Easter Sunday.

Formed by the people behind Hed Kandi, this is a seriously www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

sophisticated night of the latest house sounds, plus a few classics thrown in. Edwards will be redecorated in the lavish Fierce Angel styles, while heavyweight headliners Martin Wright and Justin Wilkes take care of the decks. Joined by local talent Matt Hall & Paul Satchell, this is a night that house-heads shouldn’t miss.

Call 07956 305609 or 07879 621876 for tickets, booking recommended.

comes from Mixy, Flipz and Skillz on the Mic with Hip Hop DJs Slademan and Mista Crowe, Dubstep from Obsean and Drum and Bass from Hallsie and Robbi B. Advance Tickets £6 from District 7, Park road or www.locality1.com

SPRINGTIME IS HERE As the weather (hopefully!) warms up, cool off at Central, Stamford on April 30. DJ Leeroy is hosting a Foam Party with Co2 cannons, so get wet and wild to the biggest dance anthems and R ‘n’ B tunes.

FABIO RETURNS TO DISSIDENT 4cross at Club Dissident will be proudly presenting Radio One’s godfather of drum ‘n’ bass, DJ Fabio, on April 16, for a night that’s sure to be an education for Peterborough’s D‘n’B scene. Fabio’s show with Grooverider is broadcast worldwide every weekend, keeping up-to-date with the latest sounds leading to him regularly winning awards and playing sets across the globe.

Joining him for the last hour of his set will be MC Det – one of the longest serving MCs in the game. Starting out back in the days of jungle, he’s influenced a whole generation of MCs while working with all the big names and is most famous for the track Flavour For The Raver, a collaboration with Skibadee and Fearless. Entry £7.

SKINNYMAN TO SMASH DISTRICT 7 Skinnyman returns to Peterborough on April 2, this time he’ll be joining the Locality and Hybrid crews at District 7.

He’s one of the few British MCs that hardly needs introducing – all you need to know is that last time he came to town, the night was a sell out and had people jumping on the tables. Support

Festival season is fast approaching, so get your mudcaked wellies out for a field-themed party at Central, Stamford on May 2. Aiming to bring you the vibe from all the biggest festivals, including Global Gathering, Reading and Creamfields this night crosses genres such as indie, dance and R‘n’B – it’s definitely worth checking out.

BAR 9: DEEP, DARK AND DIRTY If you’re into dubstep, you’ll have heard of Bar 9 – one of the original names on the scene, he’s built a reputation for dirty, skanking tunes and comes to Cub Dissident on April 9. Joined by Obsean, Bobby Bits, Hallsie, Lokut, DJ L, Jimmi Fresh, Herbz, Vendeta and Darka and Luger and with hip hop, glitch hop and dub reggae in Room 2, this’ll be one filthy night. Entry £6.50.

FOKUS HIP HOP NIGHT One of Europe’s most established MCs, Fokus, will be calling at Club Dissident on April 24 to kick off a new monthly hip hop night. Not just known in his homeland of Poland, Fokus is one of the founding members of the Paktofonika and Pokahontaz crew. He’ll be supported by Xidus Pain, a Peterborough artist who’s previously worked with Grandmaster Melle Mel and The Suga Hill Gang, as well as WJDN and DJ Squeeze plus other local DJs and rappers. Entry £10.

FIND YOUR MOJO One of the most eclectic nights this city has seen for a long time returns to the new and refurbished Mojo Bar and Lounge (formerly Xoo Bar) on April 3. Trainspotter’s Mobile Disco play pretty much everything and anything old and new – including disco, punk-funk, electro, soul, jazz, new beat, dark pop, electronics, hip-hop and anything you can think of requesting. The last event was great, full of people looking to have a good time and some classic songs – and a few guilty pleasures!

LADIES NIGHT @ DISTRICT 7 Treat you other half to a night out without breaking the bank at the No Work Friday Special at District 7, Park Road on April 1. With dancehall from Mr. Lion and Bizzy T all night and discounted door entry for couples at £7 for both, it’s bound to be one sexy night.

Drinks offers include two bottles for £4 and wines for £2 – spend this night with your partner and get in the good books for the whole of Easter!

BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Young Lion will be at District 7 on March 27 for Frantic Fridayz – as he’s known for his dancehall mixes, expect some good sounds.

Entry £7.

THE MORE THE MERRIER A brand-new night, SubbΩhmz, comes to Club Dissident on April 3, promising dubplate after dubplate from DJs including Kut 'Coalminer' D, Selecta-X, Propz & Rowney, Darka & Luger, Hallsie B2b Selecta and Konichi & Decimal-Bass. They’ll be joined by MCs Juiceman, Jaff, Marga, Frisko, Murka, Spoze, Lean and Sn+Per. Room 2 will feature showdowns between different labels and cover styles from Dubstep to Hard Bounce – in total there’ll be 35 different artists from across the UK at this night, so come down and lend your support to what promises to be an amazing first night. Entry £7.

“THE CLASSIC AWAY FROM IT ALL VENUE JUST 15 MINUTES FROM THE CITY”

April

• Food served daily, Mon – Sat 12pm-2pm and 5pm-9pm. Sun 12 – 5.30pm • Every Tuesday - Karaoke 9pm • Every Wednesday - Quiz Night 8.30pm

• Function room available for private parties

3rd 9th 10th 16th 17th 23rd 24th 29th 30th

Daffy and the Aliens Lucky 7 Karsie Chiefs Stealer Road Crew No Man’s Band Storm Open Mic Night Les Woods

The Events field this summer BIKER MEET NIGHTS From 31st March starts Biker meet nights, every Wednesday thereafter

SCOOTER PARTS FAIR 25th April

May

1st Hooker

NABD BIKE RALLY 14th – 15th May

RHYTHM AND BLUES.COM WEEKEND 28th – 31st May

FENLAND FOLK FESTIVAL 18th – 20th June

9 Oundle Road, Fletton,

Peterborough 01733 703495 FAX 01733 757563 All bands subject to change

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th 9th 10th 11th 14th 15th

Westwood Blues Club Lloyd Watson Highway Somewhere Totally Plugged Up Reggae Night DJ Jam Session Lee Major Highway Somewhere Totally Plugged Up DJ Jam Session Siren

16th 17th 18th 21st 23rd 24th 25th 28th 30th

Filthy Lucre Simon James Totally Plugged Up DJ Jam Session Siren Lloyd Watson Totally Plugged Up Strum Wot Ya Brung Filthy Lucre / Rock Night

W E R R I N G T O N

• • • • • •

Raising money in support of: East Anglia Air Ambulance & National Association for Bikers with a Disability

The Westwood Hotel 85 Mayors Walk, West Town, Peterborough 01733 873284 thewestwoodhotel@hotmail.com

•

Real Ale - £2.40 pt all day, every day Live music Saturday nights (see ESP Gig Guide) Food served Wed, Thurs, Fri – 5-8pm, Sat 1-8pm, Sun 1-5pm, all home cooked Live Sky sports Real ales Happy Hour – Mon- Sat, 4-7pm, pint of Fosters and John Smiths £2.10, cider £2.20, Guinness and Kronenbourg £2.60 Very friendly home from home pub.

Milking Nook, Werrington, Peterborough Telephone: 01733 811953

GIGS events @espmag.co.uk

FRI MAR 26 CARIBA The Office Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Swiss Cottage Woodston

CITIZEN SMITH The Cross Keys Oundle Road

JAYNE The Red Lion West Deeping

MICK JONES (MR POSH) The Office Oundle Road

PORKY PIG The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

SATURDAY DROVER Quinns Club Whittlesey

STREETDOGS + GIRLFIXER + DESTRUCTORS + DON'T LOOK DOWN Club Revolution Park Road

THE GUARDS New England Club Peterborough

THE MARQUIS + ICONS OF THE BRAVE + SUPPORT Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

THE NUGGETS The Ploughman Werrington

LIMESHARK

TUNNEL

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

MOTOR CITY VIPERS

SUN MAR 28 JEREMY WATSON TRIO

Yaxley British Legion Club Yaxley

MURRAY HOCKERIDGE + DAVE KILMINSTER The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

NO MANS BAND The Fayre Spot Bretton

ROCK THE DONKEY The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

SHAMELESS The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

THU APR 1 GIZZ BUTT + THE BEATLES TRIBUTE The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

IAN GRAHAM The Ostrich North Street

WESTWOOD BLUES CLUB The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

SLIDE TO OPEN

FRI APR 2

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

CARIBA

THE MIGHTY QUINN

The Office Oundle Road

The Ostrich North Street

CLOSER 2 HOME

THIS IS HELL + MORE THAN LIFE + LIVES AT SEA + HEX

ELECTRIC WARRIORS

Club Revolution Park Road

TWENTY 4 The Hit & Miss Stamford

SAT MAR 27 ADI + CP + SCOTTY The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

AFTERDARK Ebeneezers Grove Street

BURLESQUE The Decoy Milking Nook

The George Inn Ramsey The Swiss Cottage Woodston

GIPSY RUFINA + DOUBLE HANDSOME DRAGONS + THE HENDO SAN PROJECT + THE DEADITES Club Dissident Lincoln Road

HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE The Ploughman Werrington

INFAMY + THE SCENE IS DEAD The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

DAFFY + THE ALIEN JASMINE ALLEN The Ostrich North Street

The Fayre Spot Bretton

FRONTCOVER

KEV COLLINS

The Stage Market Deeping

GRUMPY OLD MEN The Fenman Stanground

PORKY PIG The Ostrich North Street

OAK + MOLEGRIPS + LOOSE BABY CHARLOTTE

RETROLUX

The Stage Market Deeping

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

TWENTY 4 The Pear Tree Stamford

WIND UP TOYS The Cross Keys Oundle Road

THE MORE I SEE + GLAMOUR FOR THE KILL Club Revolution Park Road

THE WHISKY JAX

GRUMPY OLD MEN

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Three Horseshoes Werrington

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

KARSIE CHIEFS The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

Charters Town Bridge

MOONLIGHT SHADOWS

The Red Lion West Deeping

TOTALLY PLUGGED UP

SAT APR 3

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

The Three Horseshoes Ramsey

WINNIE CLARKE

ANDREW RANKEN + THU APR 8 THE MYSTERIOUS CARIBA WHEELS Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Office Oundle Road

CARIBA

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

The Office Oundle Road

CIRCA 73 The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

LATINO BAND SEAN TAYLOR + SUPPORT

CLOSER 2 HOME

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Village Club Farcet

FRI APR 9

DAFFY AND THE ALIEN The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

DEE-TECTIVES + HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

DICK HIGH Quinns Club Whittlesey

HOOKER The Wheatsheaf Eastfield Road

LES WOODS BAND The Ostrich North Street

NO MANS BAND The Roundhead Bretton

OUTA STOCK Goodbarns Yard St Johns Street

PORKY PIG The Marquis Of Granby Bourne

SELLOUT The Golden Fleece Stamford

SIREN The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

SUNSET STRIP The Waggon & Horses Langtoft

SWINGING THE LED The Cock Inn Werrington

THE GUARDS The Deeping Stage Market Deeping

THE MIGHTY QUINN The Lime Tree Walton

THE OVERDUBS Ebeneezers Grove Street

BLUES AFTER MIDNIGHT The Ostrich North Street

BOTTLED OUT The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

COMPLETE MADNESS Bourne Corn Exchange Bourne

HOOKER The Cock Inn Werrington

LEE MAJOR The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

LES WOODS BAND

MOTOR CITY VIPERS Thorney Golf Club Thorney

PORKY PIG The Dragon Werrington

RETROLUX The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

SLIDE TO OPEN The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

THE GUARDS The Stage Market Deeping

THE OVERDUBS The Lime Tree Walton

TOTAL ECLIPSE Ebeneezers Grove Street

WHITE SPIRIT The Ostrich North Street

SUN APR 11 OPEN MIC SESSION The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

TOTALLY PLUGGED UP The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

The Swiss Cottage Woodston

THU APR 15

LLOYD WATSON

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

Quinns Club Whittlesey

LUCKY 7 The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

PORKY PIG The Cross Keys Oundle Road

STEVE MOORE

LLOYD WATSON SIREN The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

FRI APR 16 CARIBA The Office Oundle Road

The Red Lion West Deeping

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

STONE PONY

The Lime Tree Walton

The Fayre Spot Bretton

THE GUARDS O'Neills Broadway

THEM STOWAWAYS

CIRCA 73 The Ostrich North Street

DAFFY AND THE ALIEN

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

SAT APR 10 ACOUSTIC NIGHT

DRAGSTER + THE MARK + DON'T LOOK DOWN

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

CARIBA The Office Oundle Road

WADOO

BEETLES 1964 + GIZZ BUTT

SUN APR 25

The Fayre Spot Bretton

CARIBA

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

SAT APR 17

CLOSER 2 HOME

CARIBA The Office Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Roundhead Bretton

The Office Oundle Road

FLUID

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

GROOVE CARTEL

LLOYD WATSON

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

DAVE WHITMORR

The Swiss Cottage Woodston

MONKEY BOY

WATSON TRIO

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

TOTALLY PLUGGED UP

The Stage Market Deeping

HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

CITIZEN SMITH

The Carpenters Arms Coates

TUE APR 27

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

DAVE PAISLEY Quinns Club Whittlesey

FRIXION Ebeneezers Grove Street

LEFTOVAS The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

LEE MAJOR The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

LLOYD WATSON The Ostrich North Street

NO MANS BAND The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

RAGESTAR

Ebeneezers LLOYD WATSON The Palmerston Arms Grove Street Oundle Road SIREN The Westwood Hotel MOONLIGHT Mayor's Walk SHADOWS SOUL WEAVER The Letter B The Cross Keys Whittlesey Oundle Road PORKY PIG STEVAN JOHNS The Old Coach The Red Lion House West Deeping Market Deeping

RETROLUX The Ostrich North Street

ROAD CREW The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

SHAMELESS The Ivy Leaf Club Whittlesey

SIMON JAMES The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

SUNSET STRIP The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

THE GUARDS

GRUMPY OLD MEN The Hit Or Miss Stamford

HONEYWELL Ebeneezers Grove Street

LLOYD WATSON The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

MICK JONES (MR POSH)

The Harrier Gunthorpe

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

TUE APR 20 OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

STRUM WOT YA BRUNG The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

THU APR 29 FEET TO THE FIRE The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

IRISH SESSION BAND The Office Oundle Road

OPEN MIC NIGHT

FRI APR 30

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe

SUN APR 18

TOTALLY PLUGGED UP

WED APR 28

COLD SWEAT

The Office Oundle Road

The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Golden Fleece Stamford

OPEN MIC SESSION

THE FROG ISLAND JAZZ BAND

SAT APR 24

PORKY PIG ROCKET TO MEMPHIS + EMPRESS OF FUR Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

STORM The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THE ELECTRIC WARRIORS

The Cross Keys Oundle Road

STEALER

The Ploughman Werrington

CIRCA 73

LLOYD WATSON + REX GATES + MURRAY HOCKERIDGE

HOOKER

OPEN MIC SESSION

Elme Hall Hotel The Bricklayers Arms Wisbech Whittlesey THE JEREMY

THU APR 22

Blackstones Sports Club Stamford

Quinns Club Whittlesey

The Fayre Spot Bretton

THE COUNTRIES

The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

CLOSER 2 HOME

The Ploughman Werrington

FRI APR 23

FILTHY LUCRE

DRUM MONKEY

Quinns Club Whittlesey

The Red Lion West Deeping

Prince of Wales Feathers Castor

SUNSET STRIP

SUN APR 4

MONKEY BOY

STEVE CARLISE

TWENTY 4

The Boat Inn Whittlesey

The Boat Inn Whittlesey

The Bluebell Inn Dogsthorpe The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

STEALER

THE CANDLE THIEVES

The Axe & Cleaver Boston The Ostrich North Street

THE GANGSTERS The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

ALADDINSANE The Cross Keys Oundle Road

AMY METCALF The Red Lion West Deeping

CARIBA The Office Oundle Road

FILTHY LUCRE The Westwood Hotel Mayor's Walk

FRANKLY MY DEAR The Ostrich North Street

HALCYON DAYS + REPLIC8 Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge Stamford

LES WOODS BAND The Cherry Tree Oundle Road

RETROLUX PRUFC Beer Festival Fengate

ROACHFORD The Met Lounge Bridge Street

SWOMP ROCK The Cellar Bar Thorpe Road

THE HOUNDOGS The Lime Tree Walton

THE OVERDUBS The Fayre Spot Bretton

If you wanna get your gigs in ESP for free e-mail gigs@espmag.co.uk or fax on 01733 579708 or post to: ESP Magazine, PO Box 431, Peterborough, PE6 7FG. *ESP can not be held responsible for errors in this listing, be sure to check with the venue for confirmation.

PUB GUIDE Bluebell (DOGSTHORPE)

The Roundhead

• Live music every weekend (check ESP Gig Guide) • Food served Monday-Sunday • Sky + Espn • Real Ales • Quiz Night Sunday • Large family beer garden • FREE pool on Mondays • Carling £2.50 during Premiership football

• Sky Sports • Karaoke every Friday • Live bands every Saturday • Family friendly, children welcome until 7pm • Happy Hour 9.30am – 6pm • Live football with free food on Sundays • Function Room for hire UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

St Pauls Road, Dogsthorpe Tel: 01733 554890 www. Bluebellpub.co.uk

Rightwell East, Bretton.

Tel: 01733 267340

Lime Tree

Cross Keys

• Live entertainment - SEE ESP GUIDE • Live Sky sports • Real Ales • Beer gardens front and rear • Two pool tables • Quiz every Sunday night • Function room for hire

• • • • • • •

Sky Sports Beer garden Two pool tables Live music every Friday Karaoke / Disco Sats Poker night every Sunday Beer garden and children’s playing area • Quiz night every Tuesday

Paston Lane, Walton Tel: 01733 708320

Oundle Rd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 565103

The Office

The Ploughman

• Disco / Karaoke - Fridays • Live music on Saturdays • Poker night with free buffet on Wednesdays @ 8pm • Happy Hour - Sunday 12-2pm • Premiership football games including 3pm Saturday kick off’s • Function room for hire • Family beer garden

• Sky Sports • Free Pool on Mondays • Function room for hire at reasonable prices • Happy hour Mon – Fri, 5-7pm • Live entertainment – see ESP Gig Guide • Award winning real ales available • Join us on our Face Group

72 Oundle Road, Woodston Tel: 01733 557248

Staniland Way, Werrington Tel: 01733 327696

The Packhorse

The Westwood Hotel

• Full evening menu served Monday – Saturday • Sunday Lunch 12 - 6pm (booking advisable) • Early bird menu - 5.30 - 7pm, 2 courses £12 • Real ales a speciality – families welcome - beer garden

• Live entertainment - Thursday to Sunday (See Gig Guide) • Biker friendly • Rock Night - monthly • Reggae Night - monthly • Karaoke • Private beer garden • Private function room available 85 Mayors Walk, West Town Tel: 01733 873284

Lincoln Road, Northborough.

Tel: 01733 252300

The Golden Pheasant • Food served daily noon – 2pm and 6pm – 9pm, Sundays 12noon ‘til 6pm • Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun • Pit-stop for Green Wheel cycle route • Real ales, large beer garden and parking area Main Road, Etton, Peterborough.

Tel: 01733 252387

ADVERTISE HERE To advertise your pub here for only £16 per week call Ian on:

01733 579707

Free listings for your live entertainment included Email: laura.waltham@espmag.co.uk

Last few spaces available!

But what no-one can take away from him is his talent and even though he’s only 20 he’s already raced for Great Britain in the Speedway World Cup and there’s no higher honour than that.

He admitted – “I’ve done a few things I’m not very proud about but I’ve learnt my lessons.

“When you leave school and start earning a lot more money than your mates it’s easy to get caught up in it all and that’s what I did. Yeah, there’s things I wish I’d never done now but you have to live with it, you can’t turn the clock back.

Photo: Mick Hinves

SPORT sport @espmag.co.uk

enemies as friends. He even had a punch-up with Aussie Troy Batchelor and now finds himself on the same team!

SPEEDWAY’S WILD CHILD One word sums up life for wild child Lewis Bridger – cool!

He’s the latest skid on the block at Peterborough Panthers, the city’s top flight speedway team who roar off on another Elite League title challenge on Good Friday morning.

Bridger is a one-off, in more ways than one. He’s been racing bikes of one sort or another since he was in short trousers and at one time was ranked Britain’s most promising young racer and a member of the country’s Academy.

But he gave up the tarmac for the shale when he was 14 and is now the British Under 21 Champion and the guy who could turn the Panthers into champs again.

Bridger’s move to the city team is another big step up in his career and he’s set his heart on a golden double this summer.

“I want to be World Under 21 Champion at the end of the season and I’ve got a good chance – I’ve already ridden in the final three times so I know what I have to do to win it. I want to win things with Peterborough.

I’ve spent all my professional career at Eastbourne and we never even got into the play-offs. I got tired of sitting on the couch watching the Grand Final and not being involved. I want to change all that this year.”

Bridger’s already become a fan of the city: he’s spent several weekends here and was at Queensgate all day when the club had a promotion a couple of days before their opening meeting, a morale-boosting win over a 40th Anniversary Select that boasted World Champions Jason Crump and Nicki Pedersen in their line-up.

He added – “The place looks pretty cool, I enjoyed meeting all the fans and then having a look round some of the shops.”

Catch Lewis and the boys in action at the East of England Showground, Alwalton on Thursdays, Fridays and some Mondays from April-October.

For the full fixture list see www.peterboroughspeedway.co.uk

THE MONTH AHEAD Friday, April 2: Panthers v Coventry, 11am.

Friday, April 9: Panthers v Poole, 7.30 pm.

Friday, April 30: Panthers v Ipswich, 7.30pm.

touched his legs. My penance, well, I had to buy him a pint later… a small price to pay I think.

Photos: Paul Young Phantoms Media

Photo: Steve Hone

He’s someone who lives life on the edge on and off the track. He’s been banned by his former club Eastbourne for skipping a meeting to enjoy the nightlife in Poland; he’s had his brushes with the law on the South Coast; he’s made almost as many

“The thing with Troy was more our pit teams than the pair of us and we’ve put all that behind us now. We’re getting on great.”

“Leading up to the game, I’d watched Canada win Gold at the Olympics,” said Kev, “it looked easy and a lot of fun. In reality, when I slid onto the ice I realised just how hard it is – but, both Abby and myself had a real laugh. There’s already talk of another charity match next year and despite the fact it took my knees and ankles a full week to recover, I’m 100% up for playing again!”

So, although my team lost to Kev’s, we raised loads of money for Sports Aid, Active Inspiration and Cancer Research. I had a great time, and will be a regular visitor to Planet Ice now, perfecting my skills for next year’s match!

Mikey Clarke

ICE COOL CASH FOR CHARITY Putting a group of untrained skaters on the ice and loading them with oversized kits was always going to be entertaining. That’s why hundreds of people turned up to Planet Ice in Bretton to watch and laugh at a recent charity ice hockey game.

The players consisted of me, Heart FM breakfast show DJs Kev and Abby, Saxons player Mark Kerr and Steve Briggs from The Evening Telegraph to name just a few. I feel a special mention needs to be given to goalkeeper Toby Clarke, who had to be physically helped up by the referee every time he fell over… which was a lot!

If you were at the game you would’ve seen an hour of slips, slides and falls and yes, I was guilty of many of them. Every time I got the www.esp m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

POSH SPORT RELIEF puck anywhere near the goal, the excitement level rose, I raised my stick back behind my head to give it a massive wack… and promptly fell over. Even worse, my error went on to cost my team (Wall’s Warriors) the game, as we went on to lose to Zee’s Flyers 5-4.

The best bit of the game for me wasn’t the goals or the cheering crowds, but the changing room banter about who we’d target to knock over! The prime candidate from the other team for me was Kev Lawrence from Heart FM. Midway through, the biggest cheer of the game (well, in my head it was) came when Kev fell to the ground with a bump as my stick

Posh players haven’t had too much to smile about this season, but they put their on-field troubles to one side by going back to school to raise money for Sport Relief.

Captain Joe Lewis led the way by wearing a pink tutu as the players took part in lessons and a sports day at The Deepings School.

Students raised money through sponsorship to compete against the players in the sports day, while other youngsters donated money to watch. Other pupils bid in an auction for players to join them in classes.

“I remember doing these types of events when I was a kid and it was weird being back on the sports field again! I have to say that Sport Relief is a great charity and it’s really good to be involved,” Joe Lewis told ESP.

Kerry’s

FITNESS THAT PACKS A PUNCH

WAG’S

DIARY kerry.bates@espmag.co.uk

TUES 7.30PM -9PM LADIES ONLY CLASS

Watch out there’s a hen party about ! The future Mrs Chris Whelpdale is about to hit Stamford…

• Classes: - Mon - 5.30pm-6.30pm - kids classes, 6.30pm-8.30pm - fighter class.

- Tues – 6.30pm-7.30pm open class, 7.30pm-9pm ladies only.

- Weds 5.30pm-6.30pm kids class, 6.30-8.30 - fighter class.

• Opening hours: Mon 9am-9pm, Tue 9am-9pm,Wed 11am-9pm,Thur 9am9pm ,Fri 9am - late, Sat 9am - late, Sun 10am-3pm • Personal Trainer contact Vic Imbriano on 07595 167679 • Members only gym at only £25 a

Amazingly, considering our wedding is just a few weeks away and we have a baby Whelpdale on the way, our lives are and have been remarkably calm (touch wood!). However, I do believe things will soon start progressing and become a whirlwind of excitement… one thing which is really getting me going is the thought of going to John Lewis to bleep our way through our wedding gift list! Oh and also the idea of having near naked men serving me drinks all night long but I’ll get onto that a little later on!

month or pay-as-you-go £30 a month. • Learn to box, weight loss, and all Call Lee for details - 08432 161484. over body workout.

The idea of being let loose in John Lewis with a machine which logs EVERYTHING I bleep through, is really getting me very, very excited. How sad am I? Sadly it won’t be very 'fun' things we’ll be choosing. Instead we’re going more down the bath towels, pram and knife rack route! Even Chris is getting excited about putting our list together... probably not half as much as I am, but excited none the less.

Whilst doing our wedding plans, I’ve also been 'trying' to eat sensibly so I’m not a huge whale when I walk down the aisle in May! I must admit I’m not doing too well so far. Nothing fits me anymore (very depressing for a girl) and I’m being made to buy maternity clothing which I personally don’t find too flattering!

Phorpres Close, 10 Vision Park, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FZ

So... on to my hen night which I’m sure you’re all wondering about! I know bridesmaids and friends are meant to be the planners, but as I have friends all over the country I thought it’d be much easier if I just nudged everyone in the right direction and did the whole thing myself. We’re planning on staying very local with a night out in Stamford with the fun starting at my house where our very own 'butler in the buff' will serve us champagne whilst we get ready. I’m this sure will get a few of the girls very excited, but who wouldn't be right?! After that bit of fun, it’s off out for dinner and a night out at Central for us, after that, a lovely big slumber party back at mine.

08432 161484 WE’RE GOING TO THE DOGS

Chris is having his stag do a lot closer to the wedding... six days before to be exact! With the football season only finishing in May he has to wait until then before he can venture out for his last night of freedom. I’m actually quite worried about what the boys may do to Chris' face; I’m scared he’ll come home with no eyebrows. I’d be gutted if he walked through the door with damaged facial features. I don’t mind what they do from the neck down as photos won’t show up any of that!

If you fancy a little trackside action and a few bets to get your pulse racing you need to try a night out at the Greyhound Stadium in Peterborough – it’s the dogs danglies!

The footy season’s coming to a close now, it’s been a long, tough season for all the boys and I’m sure they’re looking forward to getting away and not thinking about football for a good two months. They’ve been doing well the last few games so fingers crossed they can climb their way up the table a little... I still have a feeling, and I’m sure the boys do too, that they can stay up this year, so fingers crossed for the rest of the season and to next year!

It was maths class for Lee Frecklington, Gabriel Zakuani went to a business studies class which looked at how Posh could attract more families to London Road, while Chris Whelpdale put his rhythm to the test by taking part in the music session.

Mark Shaw

Photo: www.theposh.com

Aaron Mclean took part in the food technology class and Craig Mackail-Smith joined a history lesson looking at how football’s changed over the years.

You’ll find the stadium at Fengate - to find out more on our great offers visit www.peterboroughgreyhounds.com or call 01733 296939.

SarahTempest W

i

c

k

e

d

l

y

P

e

r

c

e

P

t

i

judge Len Goodman beat snake-hipped Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle to win the series and be crowned champion.

IT’S STRICTLY UP TO US I’ve usually got better things to do with my Saturday night during the winter months than sit glued to my telly in front of Strictly Come Dancing. That said, I am absolutely fed up to the molars with the ongoing “did the best dancer win?” debates. There was uproar at the end of the series and cries of “fix” from certain camps when BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins, dubbed the ‘Dancing Hobbit’ by

However, the job was done, the title was won, the trophy displayed pride of place on top of the Hollins toilet cistern (probably), the sequins packed away and all seemed to go quiet on the subject – until now. Yes, just when we thought we had a few months respite from pink frills and creosote tans, the debate has tangoed back into the forefront again with the news that, despite competing in 45 shows of the spin-off Strictly Live tour, Chris failed to win even just once, again prompting the question of whether the series title went to the best dancer.

Enough already! If it truly was just a dancing competition and the series producers truly only

IT ASDA BE A WIND UP Feeling lazy and not wanting to brave the Saturday crowds down at Asda on Rivergate, I decided to go on-line and get my shopping delivered. I took my time over it, looking at the special offers section, checking out cheaper alternatives and looking at the items recommended for me in the ‘We think you’d like…’ part. All was going well, everything seemed very straightforward and logical, I clicked on a Smarties Easter Egg and Asda thought I’d like a box of Quality Street too – thank you very much, how clever. But then I got to the baby and toddler section to order some nappies (yeah, yeah rock ‘n’ roll I know, but life can’t be glamour all the way!) and what did Asda think I’d like to also purchase, based on my need for a box of Pampers? A bottle of Italian Prosecco at £7.14 a bottle and some sausage and bacon rolls for £2.50! Not sure I’m seeing the connection here?!

v

e

sarah.tempest @espmag.co.uk

wanted the best dancers to waltz through to the next round, then they should forget the votes of the viewing public and rely solely on those cast by the panel of judges? But whilst they’re still happy to take our money from the premium rate phone lines, they need to remember just one thing – we can vote for who the hell we like. End of. That’s why the whole John Sergeant debate drove me crackers – yes he may have looked like Jo Brand’s dad on the sherry (sorry Jo Brand’s dad, I’m sure you were great in your time) but the furore over him being voted through each week, and him eventually quitting the show as he feared he might actually win, was absolutely ridiculous. Who cares if it’s more about popularity than footwork? Our money, our vote, our rules. So stick that in your feather boa and twirl it.

FOXTROT OSCAR And on the subject of Strictly, it’s been reported that Kelly Osbourne has been signed up to take part in the next series after coming third in the US version. A source said – “She’s young, sexy, high profile and controversial,” and it’s hoped that she can “sex” up the show, boost flagging ratings and even go on to win after coming third in Dancing With The Stars.

No, no, no, when will they ever learn? What the British public love is a trier – how else would dancing carthorse Kate Garraway have made it through to week seven or Bambi-on-ice Fiona Phillips through to week four? One whiff of ‘unfair advantage’ and they’re cha cha chucked off quicker than their quickstep shoes can hop, skip and jump them out of there.

I guess they might think that being up to your fingernails in piccalilli poo is enough to drive you to drink but why would buying nappies mean I was likely to have a yearni ng for pork based snack products? I just hope they’re not trying to imply that being busy with a young baby means we can’t possibly be getting enough sausage!

SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN ‘UP ALL NIGHT’ the As if we hadn’t had our fill of celebrity scandal recently with antics of Ashley, JT, Vernon et al, it now appears that certain Mark members of Take That can’t keep it in their trousers either. drink Owen has reportedly confessed to 10 affairs, as well as a and dope problem, and promptly packed himself off to rehab ’s leaving his poor wife to work out her next move; whilst Howard mother the on g cheatin affair, month eight an for d been expose , it of his youngest daughter. But if that wasn’t shocking enough and help g receivin ntly appare was Mark that d reporte was then than advice for his booze and drug demons from none other getting Howard who’s Blimey, s.

William Robbie good mate support from – Tiger Woods?!

UK were down at To mark World Kidney Day on March 11, city based charity Kidney Research pressure checks. blood free staff Barclays and public the offering Street Church Barclays Bank on new Harry the filming from break a took Peterborough’s very own local celeb Warwick Davis POSH players. few a did as , checked getting by cause the support and down Potter movie to pop sly high dangerou with d diagnose were The day proved to be very successful as several people attention medical get to ordered were and s, symptom no suffering despite blood pressure, immediately. these things checked I was going to head down there myself because it always pays to get be better if I went to the probably it’d decided I end the in but problem, a become before they a Hollywood actor, equation the into add but thing nurse instead. Well, getting it checked is one have been so probably I’d and t statemen bank latest my of sight the plus shorts, in POSH players off the scale I’d have broken the monitor!

www.es p m ag .co.u k ( A pril )

Photos: Terry Harris

I KID(NEY) YOU NOT