ESP February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

Issue 246

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SINCE 1998

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Your best guide to What’s On

Food Films Shows Live Music Health & Beauty Interview – Gorka Marquez How to Revamp Your Style Feature

Oti Mabuse The Greatest Dancer

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More than just a garden centre

On offer in the Food Hall this Valentine’s Day… View our tempting selection of chocolates, truffles & fondant crèmes. At £3.75 per 100g you can pick your own selection which we when delicately wrap and bow so they’re the perfect gift!

Speciality Cheeses

Speciality Oils & Vinegars

On the cheese counter we continue to stock a wide range of cheeses throughout the year our most popular being the Snowdonia Black Bomber followed

by Gouda with cumin but if you’re after that perfect starter dish to cook for your loved one this Valentine’s Day it has to be the Delice Cremier - a soft cheese perfect for baking in the oven and then dipping in your favourite freshly baked bread!

Did you know we also stock oils & vinegars? Bring your own bottle to fill or purchase our pre bottled glass pourers. Fig & Date continues to be our most popular flavour followed closely by Red Bell Pepper which tastes amazing drizzled over salad or pasta. Even better – they’re all Slimming World friendly!

We know some vinegars can be an acquired taste so come and try a sample instore today!

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea for Two Enjoy Valentine’s themed cakes and a glass of Prosecco each, 2 for £25 booking.

Please email danni.case@vanhage.co.uk to book in your place.

Valentine’s Offer Dine in at home this Valentine’s night with 2 x rib eye steaks for £12

Featured departments...

Local artist

Djibo Art

GBC Garden Buildings Centre Located in the outside area near the Mini Farm

Little Owls Childcare Peterborough Located in store, please find their Facebook page for more information including available session dates.

There’s something for everyone at...

Van Hage Garden Centre PE1 Retail Park, Eye Road, Eye, Peterborough PE1 4YZ t: 01733 221400 e: peterborough@vanhage.co.uk

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DESIGN Tony Mayer tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

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Photographer: David Ellis

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum, Emma Bothamley, Mike Harris, Chris Brudenell,

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GET SOCIAL WITH ESP! Every month we keep you posted on what’s happening in the city, as we have for over 20 years now, but in between issues you can get daily updates on our website and social media so you always know what’s going on.

Make sure you’re signed up to our Twitter and Facebook for the latest news and reviews, videos and pictures. There are loads of extras on the site but if you miss out on your copy of ESP Magazine you can also read it online via the website so you never have to miss a thing!

We’ll be making even more improvements soon, so make sure you take a look at www.espmag.co.uk.

LOCAL YOUNG SINGER ON CBBC

Andrew James

COLuMNISTS Pep Cipriano pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk Darren Grigas darren.grigas@espmag.co.uk Keith Dalton keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk Phil Adlam phil.adlam@espmag.co.uk Karen Devine karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS Mikey Clarke mikey.clarke@espmag.co.uk Sarah Tempest sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk Sarah Slack sarah.slack@espmag.co.uk Tai Carter

CONTRIBuTORS Gavin Miller gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk Marc Hernandez marc.hernandez@espmag.co.uk Rachael Church rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

ESP MAGAZINE LTD Directors Sharon McAllister sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk Sean McAllister sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

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ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any other Peterborough publications. 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.

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You may have seen talented young singer and musician Thomas Dunleavy perform locally – but lately you might also have spotted him on CBBC’s talent competition Got What it Takes.

The concept of the show is eight teenage singers compete for a life changing prize to perform at Radio One’s Big Weekend festival.

Every episode the teenagers compete in an industry based challenge to win a place in the sing-off. If they don't win it's down to their mums to win a 'mum' challenge which so far has been a scary rollercoaster ride and slimey musical chairs for his mum!

The show’s presented by Anna Maynard and is aired every Wednesday at 5.45pm and runs for several more weeks on CBBC. The public then vote for the winner in March so make sure you check out our local star and give him your support.

Thomas is 14 years-old and goes to Sawtry school, you can keep up with his progress on his Instagram: @thomasdunleavyrocks and Facebook: thomasdunleavyrocks where you’ll find his best of clips.

VIRGIN HOLIDAYS OPENS NEW CITY STORE

It’s been good to see Virgin Holidays take over the gap left

by Thomas Cook in Queensgate recently.

ESP’s Man About Town Pep Cipriano popped in to find out more and was greeted by the very smart looking team all dressed in their red uniforms on their official opening day.

It’s a great new store that has previous Thomas Cook employees now recruited and saved by Virgin Holidays. The good-hearted team also hope to work with local charities in the area and for the store opening they were supporting a local fundraiser for a little boy called Elliot by holding a raffle. The 5 yearold is currently battling anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

HALF TERM FUN @ SACREWELL Don’t worry, Sacrewell tell us they’ve lined up plenty of fun to keep the kids amused especially over half term. The farm experience near Wansford has its Big Machinery Weekend on February 1 – 2 with an array of farm vehicles from vintage tractors to state-of-the-art combines available to view, climb aboard and explore.

During half-term it’s Pirate Week from February 15 – 23. Pull on your peg leg, polish your eye patch and give Polly a cracker because the pirates are sailing into Sacrewell. Throughout the week, visitors are being

encouraged to dress up as pirates and jump aboard the pirate ship that will be landlocked in the Small Animal Village. On site, buried treasure will be unearthed as savvy swashbucklers follow clues around the farm, but they had better be quick as there will be real pirates hidden aboard the pirate ship ready to put on a show.

Then you can round up the month Brian Cox style with their annual Star Party on February 29 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Look to the skies as Peterborough Astronomical Society return bringing a range of telescopes and setting them up outside the Playbarn for explorers young and old to gaze into the unknown. Then join them for a wondrous tour of the universe as they take you on a journey through the Solar System using apps and technology that is available for all to use, meaning you can continue to explore on your very own smartphone.

Tickets are £6 for adults (under 16s free).

To book visit www.sacrewell.org.uk.

FESTIVAL OF VINTAGE HEADING TO PETERBOROUGH

Here’s one to look forward to if you like all things vintage and retro.

The East of England Arena and Events Centre has announced that The Festival of Vintage, an event celebrating the music, fashion and style from the 1930s to the 1960s, will be coming to the venue in September.

The festival will include vintage entertainment, fashion parades, classic vehicle displays, shopping and live music, and is aimed at meeting the growing interest in vintage clothes, vehicles, music and lifestyle.

Keeley Harris, founder and organiser of the Festival of Vintage, said: “I’m really excited to be bringing the Festival of Vintage to my hometown of Peterborough.

The festival has been held in York for the last 10 years and it

has attracted a huge following with thousands of people attending from across the world. I’m really pleased that this success will now be replicated at the East of England Arena, a place which has a special place in my heart because I was marketing manager there about 15 years ago before I relocated to Yorkshire. It’s great that 2020 will see two Festivals of Vintage – in York in April and in Peterborough in September.�

Refreshments will be available.

For tickets (ÂŁ5/ÂŁ3 students) visit: www.stamfordartscentre.com or call the box ofďŹ ce on 01780 763203.

NEW CAMBRIDGESHIRE SUMMER RUN

SHORT FILMS SERIES COMES TO DEEPING

A season of international short ďŹ lms is coming to Deeping St James this month in the ďŹ rst festival of its kind for South Kesteven.

Supported by SKDC and the Open Door Baptist Church, Deepings Shorts has been organised by InvestSK, the council’s economic growth and regeneration company.

Film fans are in for a treat on consecutive Saturdays in February, with live action and animation from 16 countries.

The programme includes acclaimed comedy, drama and sci-ďŹ and boasts several award winners including Oscarnominated shorts.

There will be an introduction at each event from ďŹ lm expert Clifton Stewart, a media lecturer at Coventry University and De Montfort University, Leicester.

The season runs on February 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Doors open at 7pm, screenings start at 7.30pm and are appropriate for ages 15+. Films not in the English language will have subtitles.

We’ve just heard from Golazo that they’ll be bringing the most exciting 10 mile fully closed road run in 2020 to Peterborough.

The route starts and ďŹ nishes at the East of England Showground and heads down to the historic village of Elton, making the experience completely unique.

Whether you’re an elite racer, completed many running events, you enjoy running with friends and family, a fundraiser or even a complete beginner to running, this is the perfect event for all.

With the 10 mile route, it’s a great stepping stone from the 10k events to the half and even the full marathon distances and a chance to enjoy trafďŹ cfree roads in the company of thousands of like-minded spirits.

The Cambridgeshire Summer Run will have an electrifying Event HQ, with entertainment, kids inatable activities and exhibition.

The date of the Cambridgeshire Summer Run is Saturday June 6, with a start time of 9.30am.

Entries go on general sale on February 4. Find out more or get entering, visit www.cambridgeshire summerrun.com.

0% OFF Traditional English Pub Open for meals and snacks - 12pm to 9pm daily

Real food, Real ales, Real pub Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, The Village, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DN Tel: 01733 391111

ALL FOOD PURCHASES IN THE RAMBLEWOOD INN WHEN YOU SPEND ÂŁ30 OR MORE The ESP reader offer is only valid when you spend ÂŁ30 or more on food.

5IJT DPVQPO JT WBMJE BMM EBZ GSPN UI +BOVBSZ o UI 'FCSVBSZ BOE BGUFS QN PO 4VOEBZT The discount does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more. To receive your coupon for 0% OFF food purchase, 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 on to wXw.espmag.co.uk/offers and click on the Ramblewood offer and print out your voucher.

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LocalEntertainment

Tai Carter has the ESP guide to the best shows around…

Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Fastlove – A Tribute To George Michael Now having 18 countries under its belt, Fastlove has quickly grown into a huge phenomenon spanning the entire globe. Paying tribute to the legend George Michael himself, head down to the New Theatre to celebrate an incredible artist and his amazing life.

This wouldn’t be complete without a retrospective look into all his music, complete with classics, old favourites and new additions to the set list. Including Somebody to Love, Spinning the Wheel and Older, I’m Your Man, Freedom 90, Careless Whisper and Club Tropicana.

Direct from London's West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael tribute show and is coming to Peterborough on Saturday February 22 promising everything you could ever want from a George Michael tribute, so book now!

Tickets are £29 from www.newtheatrepeterborough.com or by calling the box office on 01733 852992.

Spirit of the Dance After 20 years successfully paving the way, the world acclaimed dance company, celebrates its anniversary with a world tour. With an audience of over 20 million, this hit show is an explosion of Irish fusion, creating high octane intensity, incorporating a wealth of different styles.

Immerse yourself in the diverse selection that Spirit of the Dance has to offer, from Scottish, Flamenco, Latin, Salsa, Street Dance and Hip Hop. Get ready for one of the greatest dance shows ever right here in the city on Wednesday February 19!

Tickets range from £22 - £32 on www.newtheatre-peterborough.com or by calling the box office on 01733 852992.

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Women in Rock Having made their Peterborough debut in 2019, this female collective of hard rockers has been taking the UK by storm with their sold out show. From being welcomed on staged for Harley Davidson and performing to crowds of over 120,000, this group will surely leave you speechless!

Included in their two hour set are the likes of Blondie, Cher, Tina Turner and Joplin! Throw in costume changes, an electric stage presence and you have yourself a night of guaranteed fun on Friday February 28 at the Cresset.

Tickets are £24.50 on sale now at www.cresset.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01733 265705.

The Ronnie Scott’s Songbook brings ‘full on brilliance’ (Observer) to the stage, as this internationally acclaimed music venue, proves to you how it earnt that title.

Beginning as simply a basement music bar, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has grown to become the foremost venue in jazz, hosting the world’s best artists from Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald, to Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder. Showcasing rare archival footage and images, this is an amazing opportunity to celebrate the rich history of this acclaimed venue in this great show at the Key Theatre on Friday February 28.

Tickets are £23 on sale now at www.vivacity.org or by calling the box office on 01733 207239.

The Bee Gees Story Get ready for a musical odyssey, spanning four decades of music from The Bee Gees.

You’ll be in awe of the refined similarities in musicianship, and be swept away by the beautiful harmonies, making you feel like they’re really there!

Described as ‘Breathtakingly Accurate!’

(Daily Star) you’ll be carried through your favourite songs in style. Featuring classics like Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, More Than A Woman, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep Is Your Love, Jive Talkin’, Tragedy and Too Much Heaven you’ll love this story of the band which is coming to the Key Theatre.

The most authentic production of The Bee Gees you’ll ever see, book now for the show on Sunday February 23 at www.vivacity.org or by calling the box office on 01733 207239.

Re-Take That

California Dreaming

Calling all Take That fans, you do not want to miss out on this one!

Re-Take That, a decade seasoned, authentic and the most celebrated of all Take That tribute shows, this multi award winning phenomenon should have you jumping out of your seat to buy a ticket.

Be welcomed back into the world of Gary, Jason, Howard, Mark and Robbie with chart toppers such as Greatest Day, Back For Good, Shine and Relight My Fire. Catch them at the Cresset live on Thursday February 20.

Tickets are £25.50 on sale now at www.cresset.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01733 265705.

Grab your peace signs, ponchos and medallion necklaces as you relive the golden age of the ‘flower power’ era in the 60’s. Welcome back to the ‘Summer of Love’! Featuring classic psychedelic tunes such as Monday, Monday, Creeque Ally, Dedicated To The One I Love and California Dreaming.

Be transported back to the feel good energy and positive vibes. Complete with music from The Beatles, Sonny & Cher, The Turtles, The Lemon Pipers and plenty more don’t miss this 60’s trip at Vivacity’s Key Theatre on Saturday February 8.

Tickets are £25 on sale now at www.vivacity.org or by calling the box office on 01733 207239.

The Jungle Book Made critically acclaimed by Disney’s animated movie, return to the story we all know and love with Joseph Purdy Productions’ rendition of The Jungle Book.

Watch as the young Mowgli attempts to evade the evil tiger as his journey sets him on a number of misadventures in the jungle.

Complete with gorgeous sparkling sets and costumes, this wonderful story will be fun for the entire family as you sing and laugh your way through.

Catch it at the Cresset this half term on Sunday February 16.

Tickets are £13.50, under 14s £11.50 and family tickets are available too on sale now at www.cresset.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01733 265705.

The King Is Back Having received international acclaim Ben Portsmouth has proved to be the foremost talent in Elvis Presley tribute shows.

Sharing both his on stage charisma, and musical prowess, Ben grew up surrounded by Presley, living off his music and honing the style we all know and love. He looks like Elvis, sings like Elvis and has rapidly risen through the ranks of Elvis tribute artists.

In August 2012, Ben made history when he won the Elvis Presley Enterprises Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest which took place in Memphis, crowning Ben as the Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, the first artist from outside the USA to ever win this prestigious title.

Head to the Cresset on Friday February 7 and see why he’s ‘the king’ at what he does.

Tickets are £30.50 on sale now at www.cresset.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01733 265705. www.espmag.co.uk

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LocalEntertainment

The Jive Aces Pop Divas Live!

Pop Divas Live! the family-focused pop party of the year is coming to the Cresset on Monday February 17.

The highly acclaimed touring production brings their own brand of pop acts to the stage for the whole family with a dazzling array of superb vocals, choreography and state of the art videos. The show is a perfect night out for both little and big divas alike.

Featuring tributes to some of the best female pop performers around, sing your heart out to your favourite tracks by Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor and Rihanna!

The show’s created by Katie Barker Dale, an experienced industry creative, who’s spent over 10 years as a professional dancer and choreographer and says - “It’s been amazing to see my vision come to life with the help of a fantastic team. I’ve always wanted to create a show like this and the best part of the whole experience has been seeing the kids and their parents having fun, singing and dancing along together.”

Tickets are £16.50 with Family Tickets available at www.cresset.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01733 265705.

The UK’s No.1 swing and jive band and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists, The Jive Aces, present their brand new show The Big Beat Revue at the Key Theatre and having seen them before, ESP can thoroughly recommend them!

The show on Friday February 21 features special guests, vintage pin-up, dancing, singing and tapping showgirls, Kara Lane, Lottie B, Antonio Socci and Grazia Bevilacqua.

From beginning to end the show is full of colour, 40's and 50's songs and rhythms with a dash of rock ’n’ roll.

The show will have your feet tapping with all-time classics made famous by Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, The Andrew Sisters and Ella Fitzgerald along with a wide selection of originals taken from their 10 studio albums.

The show was premiered this summer at the Edinburgh Fringe to sold out crowds earning five-star reviews and is now touring all over the United Kingdom by popular demand.

Tickets are £21.50 on sale now at www.vivacity.org or by calling the box office 01733 207239.

Peterborough Arts Cinema If you love films and want to enjoy something that’s not always on offer at the larger cinemas, Peterborough Arts Cinema offers a diverse choice.

Screenings are at the John Clare Theatre inside the Central Library on Broadway on Thursday nights at 7.30pm and this month is no exception.

Thursday February 6 they’re screening the Critics' No 1 film of 2019 – The Souvenir followed by US film Booksmart on Thursday February 13.

On the eve of their high school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realise they should

have worked less and played more.

Determined not to fall short of their peers, the girls try to cram four years of fun into one night.

Next up on Thursday February 20 it’s the Sundance Winning Documentary, Honeyland (Macedonia) and they round off the month on Thursday February 27 with Mrs Lowry & Son starring Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall.

Visit their website www.peterboroughartscinema.co.uk for tickets.

A Choral Celebration with Peterborough Sings!

Country Superstars The world’s largest multi tribute touring country show comes to Peterborough complete with 11 country stars and hosted

by Sarah Jayne – Europe’s leading tribute to the queen of country Dolly Parton.

Watch the history of country music unfold before your eyes with tributes to iconic acts such as Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette, John Denver and Shania Twain.

Each artist not only looks and sounds like their musical counterpart, but in fact labour for hours ensuring every detail is taken into consideration. From script, hair, make-up and mannerisms, you won’t see anything like it this year!

A must see for any fans of country, see it on Friday February 21 at the Cresset.

Tickets are £23.50, concessions £21.50. All tickets are on sale now at www.cresset.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01733 265705.

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The city’s unique music education charity Peterborough Sings! celebrates ten years of singing in the city with a choral celebration at the Cresset on Friday March 6.

It’s ten years since William Prideaux was appointed director of Peterborough Male Voice Choir, going on to establish women’s choir Peterborough Voices, Peterborough Youth Choir and the Peterborough Sings! charity, forming a choral organisation of over 200 singers.

Join the choirs with their special guests for a fantastic evening of music celebrating all they’ve achieved over the last decade.

Tickets are available at www.peterboroughsings.org.uk, or from the Cresset box office on 01733 265705.

LocalEvents

New shows at the New Theatre It’s hard to believe that New Theatre Peterborough only launched back in September 2019. With so many hits already under their belt, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s been much longer. Under the new management of Selladoor Worldwide, we’ve been treated to well-known classics such as Avenue Q and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as well as Cabaret and many more. I’d like to tell you about a couple of other great shows coming soon…

Friendsical

Bang Bang!

March 3 – 7 Tickets £15 - £29

February 25 – 29 Tickets £18 - £29

January sadly saw the muchloved TV comedy Friends being taken off Netflix. Just as I was starting to miss the crazy antics of those eccentric chums, I heard about Friendsical – an original and unique new parody musical inspired by the iconic show.

The 2019 Edinburgh Festival smash-hit opened to a rapturous response from audiences and now we have the chance to see it right on our doorstep.

Friendsical sees Ross’ wife leave him for another woman and he fears he will never find love again… until Rachel runs back into his life. Will he end up with his one true love? The familiar story is bound to feel nostalgic for my fellow fans of the show, but I’m assured there’ll be plenty we’ve not seen before too. For example, it features original songs such as ‘(He’s her) Lobster!’, ‘Richard’s Moustache’ and ‘You’re Over Me, When Were You Under Me?’ The gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention! What could possibly go wrong?

It stars Thomas Mitchells as Chandler (The Buddy Holly Story on UK Tour, Big Girls

There are some big names linked to Bang Bang! and I can’t wait to see it.

Georges Feydeau’s little known play, Monsieur Chasse! has been adapted by one of comedy’s biggest heroes, John Cleese – so we know we’re in safe hands here.

In this show which surprisingly marks Cleese’s writing debut, we see Leontine, a respectable society lady, who discovers that she’s been hoodwinked by her husband, Duchotel.

He’s been pretending to go hunting but really chasing after other ‘prey’, so she vows to take revenge on the philanderer! But while Duchotel’s away, his lifelong friend comes calling – and he’s on the hunt too. Will Leontine get caught in his sights, or instead set a trap of her own?

Audience reviews from the original production at Colchester Mercury Theatre described the show as “Hilarious!” “Very Funny” and “...a riot of comedy… brilliant farce with laugh a minute one-liners which had

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Don't Cry on UK Tour ) and Ally Retberg as Phoebe (Fame on Italian Tour), who’ll reprise their acclaimed roles in the hilarious show, and will be joined by a new set of friends for the 2020 tour.

Having not seen the show myself, I’m unable to give my opinion on it just yet – but if those song titles are anything to go by, I’m certain it’ll be a laugh-out-loud riot!

Remember, this is a loving parody not to be confused with the Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. series Friends.

Mikey Clarke

us in stitches. A must see.”

If the involvement of Cleese isn’t enough to get you excited about Bang Bang, it also stars Tessa Peake-Jones who became a household name with her role as Raquel in the iconic comedy Only Fools and Horses. There’s also Tony Gardner, who first made his name in comedy as part of the award-winning comedy duo Struck off and Die and also Wendi Peters most widely known for her role as Cilla Battersby in Coronation Street and is currently appearing in the West End smash-hit musical BIG. It’s so good to see such a variety of shows here in the city and here at ESP we’ve been lucky enough to catch quite a few of them. So far the staging and quality have been impressive so if you haven’t given it a try yet maybe these two shows will be the ones for you.

Tickets for Friendsical and Bang Bang! As well as many more can be booked online at www.newtheatrepeterborough.com or at the box office on 01733 852992.

Mikey Clarke

Made in Dagenham Essex Girls, Ford Cortinas and Harold Wilson – it’s time to meet the girls who changed the world. Stand up for your rights and book your tickets for Made in Dagenham!

We have some amazing local talent in this city and our local theatrical groups always seem to shine. The long established Westwood Musical Society has brought us some great shows in the past and after the success of 2018’s wonderful Spamalot, they’re back next month with their new production of the hit musical Made in Dagenham.

This fantastic British comedy musical about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what’s right was inspired by a true story, and the show’s based on the hit movie.

It follows the fortunes of Ford factory machinist Rita O’Grady and the girls from the Dagenham car plant in their quest for equality for women. With a laugh-out-loud script by Richard Bean (One Man, Two Guvnors, and The Hypocrite) it was dubbed ‘The best British musical since Billy Elliot’ by The Stage when it hit the West End back in 2014.

We’re sure that Westwood Musical Society will give it their own unique touch and are set to bring us another fantastic night out at the Key Theatre.

You can’t beat a heartwarming story along with some great songs. It’s the lively tale

of Essex Girls going on strike, singing and winning. It actually happened and we think you’ll love it.

What other show brings you An American Ford boss out to bust the strike, Harold Wilson, Barbara Castle a Ford Cortina, dance routines with a sixties vibe, husbands, kids, suffering, supporting, songs to make you cry and songs to make you ‘Stand Up’ and shout for your rights.

This is more than just a musical – it’s an uplifting human journey. It really happened.

It changed History. It’s emotional, it’s funny.

You’ll love it!

Make sure you don’t miss Made in Dagenham at the Key Theatre running from March 24 – 28.

Tickets are £19 and can be booked online at www.vivacity.org/theatre-events or call the box office on 01733 207239.

Don Giovanni The World’s Greatest Lover!

Merry Opera brings Mozart’s fabulous music to the Stamford Arts Centre on Wednesday February 26 with a staging of Don Giovanni in an English translation by Amanda Holden.

Merry Opera aim to make opera more accessible and say – “We’ve fallen asleep in many a traditional performance. But if you find a production sung in a language you can understand, where you hear the words clearly, in which the singers convince you about the characters, then you will surely feel the thrill.”

It’s Judgement Day for Don Giovanni, the world’s greatest lover. This is a supernatural comedy-thriller occurring in breakneck real time; beginning with murder, ending with a hellish sentence passed on the legendary seducer; the epic downfall of a man who always knows what we need, always makes us happy, but eventually realises he’s out of time.

Polarising audiences for centuries, startlingly modern yet a dinosaur, can Don Giovanni still make us love him as he hurtles through his final hours?

It’s directed by international opera director John Ramster, with music direction by Cannes prizewinner Gabriel Chernick.

See this fantastic fresh production at Stamford Arts Centre on Wednesday February 26. The performance will be in two halves of just over one hour each with an interval of 20 minutes.

Tickets are £15, concessions £13 from the box office on 01780 763203 or visit www.stamfordartscentre.com.

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LocalEvents

Peterborough Kids’ Fest

Men United in Song If you’ve ever done karaoke, sung in the shower or wish you could belt out a tune, how about learning to sing and doing it for a great cause?

Following its phenomenal success over the last few years, Men United in Song is back for 2020, once again raising money for Prostate Cancer UK. Launching this month, the project aims to sign up 40 local men with a range of previous singing experience (including none) to rehearse over 10 weeks for a charity concert at the Cresset on Saturday May 9. To date the project has engaged hundreds of local men, raising many thousands of pounds for the charity, as well as inspiring similar projects across the country – a fantastic result!

Still not sure if this is for you? Well the guys who took part previously can’t seem to recommend the experience highly enough.

“While I'd sung karaoke before I knew that this would be very different,” says James from Market Deeping. “I learned so much in just a few weeks and made some really great friendships too.”

“The whole experience was extremely rewarding and exciting,” says Stuart from Bourne. “You get to see what your voice is really capable of and to share a few pints with a great bunch of guys from all walks of life, who you might not normally meet. The sense of achievement when you finally get to perform in front of an audience in the concert is amazing. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.”

The introduction sessions will be on February 27 (6-10pm) and February 29 (2-6pm) at the John Mansfield Campus in Peterborough. Absolutely no previous experience is required to join, just a willingness to get involved and give it your best shot! “We’re not looking for 100 percent in musicality, but 100 percent in enthusiasm,” says William Prideaux, director of Men United in Song. “Why not give it a go, it just might be the best thing you’ve done in a very long time!”

For further information contact Jo on 01733 425194 or email menunited@peterboroughsings.org.uk.

12 www.espmag.co.uk

The Peterborough Kids’ Fest is finally here to beat the winter boredom and is being held at the East of England Arena on February 8 & 9.

It’s all indoors and sounds a great weekend packed with entertainment, games and activities.

The organisers have brought together attractions they’ve selected to educate, entertain and inform and include fun obstacle courses, circus workshops, arts & crafts, sports, STEM events, storytelling and face painting, as well as bubble football, go-karting, a soft play area, dance and sports.

The Kids’ Festival is for children aged from 1 - 14, with a dedicated under-5s area, an adult’s crèche, quiet areas for breastfeeding mothers and special provisions for those with additional needs including SEN. Sounds like great fun for all the family so check out all the details on www.eastofenglandarena.com/events.

Silent Disco at the Cathedral The introduction of silent discos inside Peterborough Cathedral might seem unusual to some but the idea’s really taken off!

The next family friendly event is on Saturday February 15 from 7 – 9pm when you can don your headphones and dance the night away, silently but in great company. You’ll be grinning while you boogie in this amazing space.

It’s one for all ages and there'll be a tuck shop and drinks on sale.

Tickets are £8 per person and £6 per person for groups of ten or more – why not get your mates together?

Book online www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk or call 01733 355315 (office hours).

Cathedral Pancake Race 2020 There’s another flipping good event to join in with, or watch, at Peterborough Cathedral this month as they celebrate Pancake Day with a fun race.

Teams of four will run in relays, taking a route around the outside of the Cathedral whilst tossing a pancake. New this year will be a special 'flip zone' to test the pancake flipping ability of each team.

Why not register to have a go, or watch your friends and colleagues take up the challenge!

It’s all happening in the cathedral grounds on Tuesday February 25 over lunchtime from 12 noon – 1pm.

Details of the route and entry form are available on the cathedral website and it's free to watch, so pop down and cheer on the teams.

It’s £20 per team of four so head to www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk and sign up.

Family Circus Day in Stamford There’s all the fun of the circus in Stamford this month with family friendly activities popping up at the Arts Centre and around the town!

It’s all happening on Friday February 21 so look out for circus and silliness in unusual places between 11am and 4pm! Join in with fun activities including aerial performance sessions, circus themed arts and crafts, poetry, music, film, digital arts and more.

Check out the Arts Centre website for full details and keep an eye on their social media for more or pick up a programme from the Arts Centre.

Most activities are free!

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ManTown about

ano Pep Cipri pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

KEEPING CANCER AT BAY An article in European Urology concluded men need to ejaculate frequently to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Handy. And in time for Valentine’s…

Can You Help Peter’s £40k Challenge?

Most of us who follow Posh mascot Peter Burrow will know he’s a charitable rabbit who’s up for almost anything that’ll raise money for good causes.

ENTER THE DRAGON FOR THE 22ND TIME! One of the city’s much-loved annual events returns this summer for year 22 and even I might give the Dragon Boat Festival a whirl considering the only time I go near water is to wash with it.

ESP is once again proud to be the festival’s media partner and this year’s sponsor Whirlpool UK invited us along to the launch event.

Get Saturday June 13 in your diaries for the big day at Peterborough Rowing Lake and let’s see if we can all raise more than last year’s impressive £35,000 for event charity Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Organisers Gable Events are expecting more than 40 teams to compete over the 200-metre course in 30ft dragon boats and as well as the races, there’ll be plenty of entertainment and stalls for all the family to enjoy.

Dragon boat racing is the fastest growing water activity in the UK and the best part is you don’t need any previous experience. It’s the perfect opportunity for friends, families and workmates to have a bit of fun whilst raising money for a worthy cause.

You can email thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org or call: 01733 225999 to sign up.

Anyone know where I can get inflatable armbands?

CIAOS OUT: 14 www.espmag.co.uk

Well, his current challenge is a big one – nearly as big as that carrot he carries around with him but never manages to eat.

Peter has set himself 40 challenges to raise £40k by the end of the year for two young Posh fans Dan McLellen and Louis King.

Dan is 11 years-old and has a rare type of congenital muscular dystrophy. There are less than 300 children in the world like him who’ve been diagnosed with this condition.

Many children never walk and some like Dan struggle with stairs, running and balance.

It’s a progressive condition, which means as he grows getting around and staying well is going to be harder for him.

There are plans for a clinical trial of a new drug and lots of efforts to understand more about the type of MD he has. Money raised will help Dan and help fund that work.

Louis is 10 years-old and was born with Downs Syndrome and a Ventricular Septal Defect in his heart. Despite his learning and physical disabilities, Louis is an incredibly happy, friendly and sociable boy who loves meeting people and trying new things.

He was invited by The Free Kicks Foundation to model the new Posh home strip at the club’s kit launch in 2017 and that’s where Louis’s passion for all things Peterborough United began.

Louis tries to raise as much money as he can to support the charity to continue the work it does supporting disadvantaged children.

Peter’s determination to help these two boys has already seen him bank more than £500 but there’s clearly a long way to go. He’s planning a football tournament and is also in the early stages of hosting a pantomime for Christmas.

Our friendly rabbit also wants to canoe the full length of the River Nene but at the moment this is just an idea and Peter needs some help to make it happen.

Peter also needs to be set loads more challenges, big or small. It could be anything as long as he can raise money doing it. And he could do with auction and raffle prizes too.

So, if you can help or want to get involved in any way all you need to do is buy him a bag of carrots and email peter1934burrow@yahoo.com or call the rabbit hotline on: 07803 255165.

Gary – is hibernation done with? Emma B – remember, filter please! Briggsy – decided yet?

Rob H – let’s do coffee Terry – you booked your room? John M – talk to me about the Mini!

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ROMANCE

Well, it’s the month of Valentine’s, so this is for those of you who’ve been with your other half for a while and romance is: not telling her she’s got a piece of Chinese crispy seaweed wedged between her teeth, scratching your bits at the dinner table, her farting in front of you, bathing in his bathwater, leaving the toilet seat up, kissing first thing in the morning with skunk breath, wearing the same pants for at least three days, letting your ‘gardens’ overgrow and spending Valentine’s night at your mother-in-law’s.

CAUGHT IN TH

E ACT! “There’s nothing wrong with being a Virgin.”

WORD OF THE MONTH

Choose Holiday Inn for Valentine’s

Old School John Will Be Missed

Here we go again. Valentine’s Day is coming and I really can’t be bothered.

Photos: Emma Bothamley

I was sad to read that our city council leader John Holdich will be standing down at the local elections in May after more than 40 years in local government, making him our city’s longest serving councillor.

I first met John when he was Mayor in 1995. I organised a football tournament to raise money for his charities and proudly handed over to him a cheque for £1,200.

After that I’d bump into John from time to time and he was always extremely grateful for my efforts.

I’d have to listen to his poor punchline jokes but it was a small price to pay for a friendly and genuine chat.

Then in 2008 when I started working for the council our meetings would become more regular and even though we’d be discussing work, John’s warm welcome towards me remained the same. And so did the quality of his one liners and jokes, which by this time I actually found comfortingly amusing.

John comes from the last of a line of what I consider to be ‘proper’ councillors. Anyone with an interest in becoming a councillor would do no wrong to pick his brains and follow in his footsteps. Prince Charles doesn’t just hand out OBEs to anyone you know!

And while you’re at it, ask John what the secret is to being happily married to his lovely wife Barbara for 54 years. Now, that’s old school and we could all take a leaf out of John’s book when it comes to demonstrating total commitment and dedication both in his personal and professional life.

John: if you’re reading this, I wish you and Barbara all the very best and thank you for the support you’ve given me over the years. See you soon I’m sure.

MY

Ask if she remembers what you bought her for February 14 last year and I bet you a packet of Love Hearts she doesn’t remember.

So, you might as well pop to the petrol station for some cheap flowers that’ll be dead next morning. Put them with the box of Ferrero Rocher you got as a Secret Santa from work and it’s job done for another year.

Of course, in return and as a way of thanks she might actually French kiss you for the first time in 10 years – and then she’ll remind you to take the bin out before you go to work.

But there must be a better way to mark the annual day of lurve and I reckon the Holiday Inn at Thorpe Wood just might have the tonic.

The hotel is offering a day pass to their Club Moativation gym and afternoon tea for just £24.95 per person.

This means for a smidgen under £50 you can both use the gym facilities that include a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room – then devour a scrumptious selection of cakes and sandwiches in the hotel’s renovated restaurant and bar area.

It’s all about pampering and it means you’re spending the day together enjoying an experience instead of eating cheap chocolate and trying to arrange half dead flowers in a vase you only get out once a year.

There’s certainly no shortage of gym equipment to have a go on and PT Dan Winstone and his team can give you some pointers if you need them. Dan whizzed me through all the basics and said the day

pass could be used in one of the classes too.

The gym and its studio is a really good set-up, it’s not intidimating and the PTs are very approachable. Membership ranges from £36 to £43 a month, which is an absolute bargain considering what’s on offer, plus it’s open for long hours to work around all lifestyles.

But I’m not going to lie, it’s all about the afternoon tea for me. Not only did it look good, it tasted divine too. Afternoon tea should reek of presentation and this one gets 10 out of 10.

There’s no conventional round tiered serving tray, the Holiday Inn version has a contemporary – to want of a better word – shelf version, where each layer is stacked with delights.

Two of the treats that stood out for me were the silver-sprayed strawberries and the chocolate plant pot – both beautifully presented and unique. Afternoon tea is served from 12 noon until 3pm and there’s a glass of Prosecco each for a few extra quid too.

So, you can spend the morning enjoying all that Club Moativation has to offer, the afternoon scoffing and the evening back home eating those Ferrero’s and watching your flowers die. If Carlsberg did Valentine’s Day… but they don’t…

Holiday Inn do…

And they have a Starbucks!

www.espmag.co.uk

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Photo: Emma Bothamley

Here we row again.

PETERBOROUGH DRAGON BOAT RACE, 2020 On your mark, get set, go! Entries are now officially open for the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival 2020 on Saturday June 13 at Peterborough Rowing Club.

Last year’s festival saw 48 teams race each other in authentic Chinese dragon boats and raised £35,000 for local charity Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Mikey Clarke As well as raising much needed funds for this wonderful charity, I assure you this is also a lot of fun! I’ve joined the ESP Motley Crew many times now and regardless of what place we come (never 1st – but we plan to change that this year), everyone walks away grinning ear to ear.

I love how some teams take the race very seriously – stretching and giving passionate motivational speeches, whilst others lounge in the sun drinking beer and gorging on burgers cooked fresh on a BBQ. The thing that all teams have in common however, is that we all love every minute of it.

Organisers Gable Events are hoping the 2020 festival, which will be the 22nd held in Peterborough and sponsored this year by Whirlpool UK (with ESP Magazine being a media partner), will be the biggest and best to date.

Teams will compete over the 200-metre course in 30ft dragon boats, each with an ornately carved dragon’s head and its own drummer at the front beating out time.

As well as the races, which are expected to be watched by several thousand spectators, there will be plenty of bankside stalls and

entertainment for all the family to enjoy – and I’m not just talking about the occasional crew you see end up in the lake (it’s a rarity honest!).

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice has to fundraise £2.4 million this year to continue providing its vital support to people across the region, which makes events like the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival even more important.

There is a great incentive for teams to raise as much sponsorship as possible – the top fundraisers will be awarded the charity trophy and receive a special escape room experience at Escape Peterborough.

“

16 www.espmag.co.uk

As well as raising much needed funds for this wonderful charity, I assure you this is also a lot of fun!

”

Nilesh Patel, Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice’s Senior Community Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who supported us at the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival 2019; it was a 48 team sell out and raised a staggering £35,000. This could pay for over 1,800 hours of our expert and compassionate palliative care, helping our Sue Ryder Nurses and care team support patients and their loved ones through the most difficult times of their lives.

“We are thrilled to once again be the charity partner for the 2020 festival and would love to see everyone come together to make it the best one to date.

“Dragon boat racing is the fastest growing water activity in the UK today – as well as the most fun! The best part is you don’t need any previous experience, just plenty of enthusiasm, energy and fighting spirit! It’s the perfect opportunity for friends, families, workmates and groups to come together and do something completely different.

“All funds raised will ensure that we can carry on providing our specialist care and being there when it matters for local families.”

The ESP Motley Crew can’t wait to participate this year and we hope to see you there. Just be warned… we’re bringing our ‘A’ game!

For more information and to sign up, please email thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org, call 01733 225999 or visit www.sueryder.org/peterborough-dragonboat-festival-2020.

For more information about Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/thorpehall.

Mikey Clarke

Food Glori us Food The Wheatsheaf Inn Celebrates First Birthday The team over at The Wheatsheaf Inn at Titchmarsh will be celebrating their first anniversary this month and they’re making a weekend of it.

Frankly we don’t blame them as it’s clearly been a successful year for the Pub24 folks so as it’s only half an hour from Peterborough it’s well worth heading over and helping them celebrate from Friday February 28 to Sunday March 1.

As well as great food they like to organise some fun at the pub too and will be hosting their first 12hr charity Skittlethon on the Friday starting at 10pm and going through to 10am including many games, challenges and even a world record attempt. They’re also holding a Charity Horse Racing event, so get ready to place your bets and win some money. In the evening there’s live music from popular singer Matt Howard at 8pm to round off the day.

The team told ESP – “Stuart, Frankie, Gemma and the team would like to thank all their customers for the love and support shown in the past year, which has aided us in establishing The Wheatsheaf as a great place to meet, eat, drink and have fun. We look forward to welcoming you all back over the coming year.”

Before the big birthday weekender though there are plenty of other foodie delights to celebrate.

There are vouchers available for Valentine’s Day this month when they’ll be offering their normal menu but with the addition of some lovely specials on February 14 and 15.

Then it’s Pancake Day on Tuesday February 25 – why not treat yourself to a variety of indulgent fillings between 3pm and 6pm.

It’s then not long before you’ll be treating that other special someone as Mother’s Day approaches on Sunday March 22.

For this one they’ll be laying on a delicious set menu of 2 courses for £22, or 3 courses for £27 and booking is essential.

The food menu features great seasonal dishes, pub classics and hearty puddings and they aim to offer a range of dishes for those with food allergies or intolerances as well as a separate vegetarian and vegan menu along with a range of vegan friendly wines.

It’s quiz night on Thursday February 12 at 8.30pm and they’ll be screening the England fixtures for the Six Nations if you like to enjoy a homemade pie, a pint and some sporting action. They’re starting a lunch club every second Wednesday, and are dog friendly.

You can book on 01832 732203 or email info@thewheatsheaf.pub to reserve your table.

18 www.espmag.co.uk

Valentine’s @ Van Hage If you’ve been along to Van Hage at Eye recently you may have noticed their lovely Afternoon Tea area beautifully decorated with flowers in a more quiet corner of their café.

As it’s the month of love they’re offering a special Valentine’s Afternoon Tea for 2 which includes Valentine’s themed cakes and a glass of Prosecco each. It’s 2 for £25, so just email danni.case@vanhage.co.uk to reserve your place.

It’s worth popping into the Food Hall too as they have a tempting selection of chocolates, truffles and fondant crèmes to choose from – just choose your own selection and they’ll wrap them making a perfect gift for your special person too!

Loving the Valentine’s Menu @ The Brewery Tap We can always recommend the Thai food at the Brewery Tap and if you’re looking for somewhere for date night they have just the thing.

Their Valentine’s Set Menu is a delicious two courser with a bottle of house wine for two for just £25 per person, so you can love the price as well as the food. There’s a great choice on the set menu so you could spice things up with a starter of Panang Beef on Skewers or Coconut King Prawns perhaps, followed by Tamarind Sea Bass or maybe Weeping Tiger Steak.

It’s available on February 13, 14 and 15 so plenty of choice on the date too – book now on 01733 358500.

Harvest Barn Opens on Mondays Harvest Barn Farmshop on Ramsey Road is also home to a lovely café area and they’re now open on Mondays.

They tell us they’re currently trialing some new home style menu dishes, including Hunters Chicken, Ham, Egg & Chips with freshly cooked ham, homemade pies, new and exciting brunch offerings and proper homemade puddings!

They’re also working closely with the chef to devise a new, exciting spring and summer menu to roll out this Easter.

It’s all about fresh, locally sourced and grown produce with much of it from their own garden as well as locally sourced free range meat and eggs. They also stock a wide range of gluten free & vegan products so if you haven’t popped over lately it’s worth a visit as you can stock up on your food shopping but enjoy having a meal served up at the same time.

They have regular specials available and offer a tasty homemade roastie on a Sunday from 12 noon.

Origin8 does the Business at Allia The Allia Future Business Centre in Peterborough has welcomed Origin8 as its new catering partner, to run the café on the top floor of the centre, based on London Road, at the Peterborough United football stadium.

Allia chose Origin8 as their new catering partner due to their outstanding reputation in the local area for the provision of fresh and tasty homemade food and drink, and because of shared values around recycling and the environment.

They tell us the menus will be changed seasonally, and fresh produce is locally sourced, supporting suppliers in the region.

Origin8 will aso cater for the thriving conference and meeting room facilities at the centre, with everything from lunches for small meetings, to large events for up to 220 people.

Paul Smith, Centre Manager at Allia Future Business Centre Peterborough, said “We’re delighted to partner with Origin8 to provide catering for our centre in Peterborough. The café serves as an important space for the many tenants at the bustling and busy centre to grab a coffee, some lunch and have a meeting or take a break from their offices. We also welcome people from the wider business community in Peterborough to use the café for networking or working business lunches.”

Lyndsey Hall, MD at Origin8, said “Allia is the perfect partner for us. We share many of the same values, especially regarding sustainability and the environment, and being a small business ourselves, we're committed to supporting local farmers, bakers, cake makers and other local companies. We're really looking forward to providing Future Business Centre tenants and the wider business community with our locally sourced, homemade products."

Bean For Lovely Coffee!

We all love a good cup of coffee at ESP and recommend popping into Bean Around for a quality caffeine fix next time you’re in the city centre.

It’s filled the void where Patisserie Valarie used to be in Cathedral Square and we’re really pleased to see an independent business taking off so quickly.

Bean Around is a relaxed place where you can have a creamy coffee that they make from their own beans. You can certainly taste the difference and even our resident coffee

addict Pep Cipriano has given it the thumbs up, so it must be good!

A Sicilian theme greets you when you enter and that means grabbing something to eat with your beverage isn’t just an ordinary experience. It wouldn’t be Sicilian without the savoury arancini snack on offer and you can choose fillings from ragu, ham and cheese or spinach and mozzarella.

And if it’s just a cuppa and cake you’re after then Bean Around is right up your street too. The beverage menu also includes hot chocolates, iced drinks and milkshakes.

Whatever you choose to drink you’ll be spoilt for choice with what to munch on if you have a sweet tooth. We’ve never seen so many tempting scones, tarts, muffins, croissants, teacakes and doughnuts!

If you haven’t Bean yet then check it out and tell us what you think. www.espmag.co.uk

19

darren.grigas@espmag.co.uk

www.thefitnessfinders.com

Photo: Tim Chapman

Proudly sponsored by

Find fitness professionals, activities and events near you..

Ready for a full Marathon?

Last year I had the pleasure of running Peterborough’s inaugural marathon from Sublime Racing and despite being slightly hungover from a family party the night before, I had a brilliant time.

20 www.espmag.co.uk

Having worked closely with Martin Jennings of Sublime as well as Sam Hale and her team at Advance Performance, I had no doubt it would be a great event, and they definitely delivered. The route is around 95% traffic free, taking in paths around Ferry Meadows, the Green Wheel, a lovely stretch along the embankment and barely any need to step foot on any roads throughout the whole 26.2 miles.

As Peterborough is so flat, this is a fantastic race for those chasing a marathon PB (Personal Best). My 3hr 30min-ish wasn’t breaking any records, but as it was fuelled by party food and red wine, I was happy enough with that, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a training plan.

This year it’s back and with a fresh sponsor to back it – Enervit a European market leader in sports nutrition – as the Peterborough Marathon Official Nutrition Partner and title sponsor.

Enervit is ideally placed for an event like this having partnerships with the Ironman European Tour across 43 events, two Pro Cycling teams, the Italian National

Cycle Team and several European marathons so I’m pleased to see them attached to a Peterborough event.

The Enervit Peterborough Marathon is happening on Sunday April 5, starting and finishing within yards of the Race HQ and event venue, the Marriott Hotel.

Andrew Pirie, Sales and Marketing Director for UK and Ireland at Enervit, said, “Enervit has been able to introduce exceptional innovation into the world of endurance sports, in particular through their advanced training methods and their unique Nutrition System.

We are delighted to have agreed a Title partnership with the Peterborough Marathon and look forward to supporting their ambitious plans with Sublime Racing and Advance Performance sports outlets.

“As we continue to expand our footprint internationally in the attractive and fastgrowing GB Sports Nutrition market, we are excited to have the opportunity to showcase the heritage of our brand and the product range we offer to endurance athletes to help achieve their personal goals and improve their performance.”

“

The route is around 95% traffic free...

”

There’s more strong support for this event with five-time Olympian Jo Pavey as Race Ambassador.

If you’d like to push yourself why not make this the year you take part in a great event for our city – maybe leave off the party food and red wine though!

You can find out all you need to know and register for the Enervit Peterborough Marathon online at www.sublimeracing.com.

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• All web pages will be built to be fully mobile opt

• ESP Media Services can also share your content across our own network as part of an ongoing marketing package to expose your business to all ESP’s followers, readers, subscribers and friends.

For your FREE review and a friendly chat with a member of our dedicated digital marketing team call ESP Media Services now on 01733 381266 or email office@espmag.co.uk.

2020 NEW YEAR, NEW HOBBY? TIME TO WATCH THE PETERBOROUGH PHANTOMS! Never been to watch ice hockey before? Well now is the perfect time!

T

he Peterborough Phantoms Ice Hockey Club are entering the business end of the season as they compete in the NIHL National League for the first time. The Phantoms play the majority of their home games on Sunday evenings, starting at 5.30pm, and they’d love to see you there.

22 www.espmag.co.uk

It’s all action and an exciting sport to watch with all the family so why not drag them away from the TV, phones and games and enjoy some live action instead.

The team’s press officer Tom Lea told ESP things are really hotting up on the ice with the Phantoms proving a great team to get behind – “Slava Koulikov’s team won three trophies last year in an action-packed and fun filled season at Planet Ice in Peterborough.

They began by winning the Autumn Cup against the Sheffield Steeldogs, before beating the Basingstoke Bison in the South Cup to win their second trophy of the year. Trophy number three was won at the expense of the Bracknell

Bees, as the Phantoms cruised to victory in the NIHL South Playoffs.

“Phantoms currently compete in the second division of British Ice Hockey. And this year, the league format has changed to bring more of the best teams from around the

“

It’s all action and an exciting sport to watch with all the family...

ESP’s Easy Guide to Ice Hockey Duration: 60 minutes (3x20 minute periods) clock stops each time the referee blows his whistle.

Team numbers: 5 skaters and 1 goalie on the ice at a time for each team. Players tend to swap every few minutes with teams having around 18 skaters on their bench.

Scoring: Most goals wins, game goes to overtime with a draw, penalty shots if no winner in overtime.

Photos: Tom Scott

Rules: Physical contact is allowed between players contesting for the puck. Rough contact, which could cause injury, is covered by various rules. Some penalties are worth 2 minutes, more serious offences are worth 5 and some offences can see players ejected from the game.

The Ice: country together into one league, guaranteeing exciting matches and action-packed weekends on a weekly basis.

“And now, the Phantoms have advanced to the Semi-Final of the National Cup, where they hold a 4-2 lead over the Hull Pirates after the away leg. After three trophies last year, another this term would be the dream for the Phantoms, who continue to punch well above their weight in all competitions. The winners of the semi-final will take on either the Swindon Wildcats or Telford Tigers, who contest the other semi-final.”

The Peterborough Phantoms squad consists largely of local players, who are assisted by players from around the UK and overseas.

Ice hockey is a family friendly sport and offers endless fun for people of all ages. Tickets are available on the website or from the Planet Ice Box Office upon arrival at each match. The full fixtures list can be found online at: www.gophantoms.co.uk/fixtures.

If you’ve never been along before it’s great fun to watch, even if you don’t know all the rules, the crowd are welcoming and the team would love for you to join them on the Phantoms journey!

There are several lines on an ice hockey rink, and these are either red or blue.

•

The red line across the centre divides the ice into two halves.

•

The blue lines divide the ice into thirds or zones.

•

The centre zone is the neutral zone; the others are the attacking zone and the defensive zone.

•

The semi-circle around the goal is the crease; attacking players cannot score if they are in the crease deliberately.

Players to watch: Martins Susters, Corey McEwen & Petr Stepanek – The “SMS” Line!

www.espmag.co.uk

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JUGGY IS OUR NEW VOICE

Meet Juggy – you’ll be hearing and seeing a lot more of him from now on.

T

he winner of the New Voices competition run by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire last year has just started his own show on the station called Upload and next month he also begins a new series of columns in ESP magazine.

ESP editor Sharon McAllister was on the judging panel in the local search for new talent which offered the chance to host a radio show and also to contribute to the magazine. It was a fantastic opportunity for someone to get started in the industry and Jagvir ‘Juggy’ Sohal was the winner out of dozens of people who auditioned last September, having to tell an engaging story in just 60 seconds!

Now he gets considerably longer to chat with his new radio show on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire every Wednesday from 8-10pm.

Not only is it a new show it’s also an exciting new project – a chance for people to get their creative content on the BBC and Juggy is buzzing to be involved.

“I am very excited, I feel like it’s a great time as I will be fronting something new the BBC are doing as well, which is Upload,

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so it is exciting times all round. I have been preparing behind the scenes with the amazing team at BBC Cambs giving me training sessions and lots of advice.”

“

Upload is an exciting opportunity for people to get themselves on the BBC.

”

David Harvey, Editor BBC Radio Cambridgeshire told ESP it’s an exciting new idea and Juggy will now be giving even more people the chance to get involved in the station.

“Juggy Sohal really stood out at our New Voices audition and we’re very proud to be welcoming him to our team. Juggy will host a new show called Upload, Wednesday evenings from 8pm. Upload is an exciting opportunity for people to get themselves on the BBC. Anyone can upload their creative work and Juggy will showcase the best Cambridgeshire has to offer.”

If you have a story to tell, create audio, music, video or poetry for example. Upload it!

Anything goes, and whilst they can’t promise to broadcast it all, they will consider everything that comes in.

For Juggy it’s also an amazing opportunity, as the station’s New Voice he’s finally getting the break he hoped would come.

“I discovered my passion for radio quite late on and after years doing local hospital and community radio, I feel like I have found something I am really enjoying. The appeal is I get to talk for ages and play great music which are two things I really like doing.

“It is a really important career break because there are times in this industry where you feel like it's not going to happen for you, so the fact that I won New Voices and get to do this show is great.”

Juggy might just be settling in behind the mic this month, but his next challenge will be to join the ESP team providing some new features and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with.

“Writing is another passion of mine,” says Juggy, “so I am really excited about adding a diverse voice to the ESP team.”

Listen to Juggy’s new show Upload on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire every Wednesday from 8-10pm and follow ESP’s social media for all the latest updates.

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paparazzi Caught in the act?

Tunes, beers and fun…

The Ostrich Inn is really proving itself as a key player on the local music scene and when we dropped by the place was packed with a friendly crowd enjoying local four-piece band Stingray. They have lots coming up so be sure to check our Gig Guide ESP’s photographer Mike Harris also dropped by at The Bughley, another city venue that’s popular for live music.

Clarksdale Contract were providing the tunes and performed an impressive set. There’s loads more live music this month.

Last month’s big event was of course the Straw Bear Festival in Whittlesey where once again the town was packed with folk enjoying the weird and wonderful aspects of this quirky weekend we love so much! Music, dancing, ales, people in bizarre outfits – what’s not to like?!

You can see all of our Paparazzi photos on our Facebook page.

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ESP cover star Oti Mabuse gives the lowdown on The Greatest Dancer…

W

e love a dance show here at ESP and since Strictly finished we’ve been hooked on a new one with The Greatest Dancer airing on BBC One. After being glued to the auditions it’s now time for things to hot up this month with the live challenge shows when every week, each of the dancers are set a challenge to create a performance that will impress the viewers at home and keep them in the competition.

The show’s seen dancers of all ages and dance styles so far from ballet to jazz, street to ballroom, contemporary to disco and they’re competing to win £50,000 and a chance to perform on Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly has strong links with this show too with former Strictly Come Dancing champion and former judge Alesha Dixon acting as co-host and of course Oti Mabuse, recently crowned the 2019 champion with her dance partner Kelvin Fletcher, one of the Dance Captains. Oti is joined by multiplatinum-selling singer Cheryl, Broadway and Glee star Matthew Morrison and the newest member to the team, American pop star, dancer and choreographer to the stars, Todrick Hall.

ESP cover star Oti had two acts in the final of the last series and eventually won with Ellie but says she’s not feeling under any pressure.

“There is absolutely no pressure to win.

It's not really about me; I try to make it as much as possible about the acts, and this series I'm going into it like, I don't know what I want, whoever I feel a connection to is the person that I'm looking forward to taking this journey with. It might not be somebody who needs to grow as much, but just might be an act that I feel deserves to be seen and deserves to have a platform.”

Oti is definitely not afraid to put in hard work – she’s been choreographing musicals, working on Strictly and now The Greatest Dancer – but seems to thrive on it.

“It is a lot of dance. I'm very much dance involved, it's really nice to take the knowledge that I gained from Strictly to The Greatest Dancer because I know what it means to actually have a journey. Having young acts that can dance already and developing them

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into professionals and then going to the musical world where we actually do then work with professionals who know what they're doing, and giving them a little bit of the Strictly knowledge and The Greatest Dancer knowledge that I have is great.

“The three jobs that I mainly do, they kind of cross ways and it just feels like one big production. I get to meet different types of people from different walks of life!

In the next few weeks it’ll be time to choose a final three as the series heads towards the finals next month.

“I'm very excited about choosing my final three,” said Oti. “I think the pressure comes from seeing acts and not repeating the same, so I want to not see an Ellie in my team or I can't do another KLA or I prefer not to do another Globe Girls. Not because I don't think they're great but I think it's time to bring a little bit of diversity to the show, to bring something new. Even though it might be similar styles, it'll just be coming from me, and how I can change that scene or that style. So it's really exciting because it's going to be a challenge, but I'm up for it.”

As a dancer on Strictly and a Dance Captain on The Greatest Dancer, which role does Oti prefer?

“Being a Strictly dancer is about being a team player,” Oti explained. “You are in a room with 19 of the top dancers in the whole country and some of them probably in the world. There are World champs and there are European champs from different walks of life, so the standard of professionalism and love and quality and hard work in that working space is phenomenal. I've been in so many rehearsal rooms, and there is nothing like the Strictly pros and being a part of that family. With TGD, even though I am on a panel with other people, my journey is with my acts, so I get to create that same level that I have with the dancers.

“With my acts, I get to teach them how to be disciplined, to work hard, to be ambitious, to be competitive but to also be professional and be passionate. So I really don't have a preference, I love that one can influence me to make other people better. I don't think I'd be where I am without Strictly and I don't think I'd be who I am if it wasn't for the professionals. So just being with them and around them makes me who I am so that I can do a good job on The Greatest Dancer.”

Get your latest dance fix every Saturday night on BBC One – get all the latest on social platforms: Facebook/GreatestDancer Instagram @GreatestDancer Twitter @GreatDancerTV Hashtags: #GreatestDancer #TGD

If you love all things dance this is a great year to see some really fantastic performances across Peterborough and if you’re a Strictly Come Dancing fan you’re really spoilt for choice!

The Cresset has a great line up of not only Strictly pros but also many other dance performances showcasing our local talent too.

This month the biggie though has to be Dance To The Music, starring and created, directed and choreographed by ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff.

As Craig Revel Horwood would say – it’ll be Fab-U-Lous daaarling!

After a 45-date tour of the UK in 2018, Kristina is excited to be touring the show which sees added appeal with heartthrob host Jake Quickenden – who first found fame on The X Factor, then I’m A Celebrity and Dancing On Ice – hosting the night.

It also features South African Dancing With The Stars professionals Marcella Solimeo and Dylon Daniels, fabulous costumes, stunning vocals and breathtaking choreography so the stage is definitely set for a stunning evening of dance.

Dance To The Music is the first and only dance show in the UK to portray the evolution of dance through musical eras and genres from the roaring 20s with the Charleston and Tap dances, moving through every decade of dance and finishing with modern day Ballroom and Latin. All the stunning dance sequences are linked by a clever light-hearted script with plenty of humour and anecdotes revealing the fun facts of showbiz life.

With over 15 styles of dancing performed to the biggest hits of every decade, Dance To The Music is the ultimate family show which can be enjoyed by all generations.

Don’t miss the show at the Cresset on Monday March 2. Tickets are £28.50, VIP Tickets (inc. cast Meet & Greet) £46.50 – book

now on www.cresset.co.uk or call 01733 265705.

Why not learn to dance yourself?

The Cresset’s thriving performing arts programme provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to celebrate their community through the arts.

Since opening in 1997, The Cresset Dance Studio has played host to weekly dance classes for students aged from 3 years old up to adults – with a diverse mix of styles on offer, including tap, hip hop, street dance, and the current RAD Certified Ballet classes taking place in the studio every week with Miss Lesley.

Twenty local primary schools will take to The Cresset stage as part of the theatre’s annual Primary Dance Festival – with original costumes, choreography and specially prepared performances, this stunning dance showcase takes place twice every year, with the next event set for this February.

There are also plenty of other dance events happening at The Cresset throughout 2020, including shows from Encore Dance Academy, The Hebden School of Dancing, the Elizabeth Boardman School of Dance, UK Street Dance Championships and Urban Dance Academy.

For those with an interest in drama as well as dance, Limelight Theatre School run a mixture of classes at The Cresset for children ranging from 3 to 12 and over – perfect for those who are just starting in the world of performance. The Cresset also hosts open auditions for RARE Productions twice each year, as well as their own panto auditions in

Get your dance fix at The Cresset…

Encore Dance presents 20 Fabulous Years – February 8 & 9 Encore Dance Academy’s 20 Fabulous Years is a stunning celebration of the last two decades! Past and present Encore pupils are hard at work rehearsing numbers to some soundtrack and chart favourites – come and join the Encore party!

Dance Through The Decades – Sunday March 15 The students of The Hebden School of Dancing invite you to join them in this performance spectacular as they Dance Through The Decades, celebrating the school’s tenth anniversary with this stunning showcase of its talented students. A fabulous evening not to be missed!

Giovanni Pernice: This Is Me – Wednesday April 8 Strictly Come Dancing favourite Giovanni Pernice is back with a brand new show for 2020 – This Is Me. The Italian’s natural charm combines with beautiful choreography and a fabulous soundtrack to pay homage to the music and dances that have inspired Giovanni’s career.

UKSDC East Anglia Street Dance Championships 2020 – Sunday May 3

The Cresset are delighted to be once again hosting the richest dance talent that hails from around the Eastern region. Watch as the street dance crews, break-dancers, lockers and poppers compete for an array of medals and prizes at this actionpacked competition.

Tickets & Info at www.ukstreetdancecha mpionships.com.

Urban Dance Academy Showcase – Sunday June 14 Award-winning and authentic street dance school Urban Dance Academy present their annual showcase which brings together 300 students from all UDA classes and venues including Peterborough, Ramsey, March and Huntingdon.

gossip with his trademark wit and candour.

Neil Jones in GINGERLAND – Tuesday July 21

Craig Revel Horwood The All Balls & Glitter Tour – Friday July 3 The star of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing is taking to the road with his debut solo tour! Join Craig as he talks about his life from Australia to the West End to Strictly and reveals a wealth of backstage

Straight from his directorial and choreographic debut at Sadler’s Wells, London; BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones presents his brand new live dance show, GINGERLAND. Neil will show you the real reason he’s a three-time World and eight-time British Champion!

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Things are really set to heat up next month at the New Theatre in Peterborough as two of Strictly’s top professional dancers join together to bring us one sizzling show. Firedance will be a melting pot of fabulous Latin routines as Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez take to the stage on Wednesday March 25 in the hottest show of the month. Sharon McAllister caught up with Gorka to find out more…

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A

s we’re huge fans of Strictly Come Dancing here at ESP, and yes we admit it – big fans of Spanish dancer Gorka ‘the corker’ Marquez – we didn’t hang about when Firedance went on sale. Teaming up with another of our dance favourites, Karen Hauer, we just knew this was going to be a hot ticket!

Chatting to Gorka he told me you can expect hot pulsing beats, seductive choreography and passionate performances that will take your breath away.

“It’ll be a little different to what we are used to seeing in the ballroom shows – that’s all glitter and glam, Fred & Ginger – so we ‘re trying to do something a little more edgy, more different,” says Gorka. “And with the live band we can mix in old songs and more modern songs and different versions. It’s going to be a different show with a lot of Latin dances, lots of passion and fire and all very dramatic.”

His dance partner in the show Karen Hauer is from Venezuala and another stunning performer, so the combination of them teaming up is set to be a fiery Latin dance explosion.

“Karen is very easy to work with,” says Gorka.

“We have a chemistry and connect – when it comes to choreograph ideas it was very easy.”

Gorka’s flair for dancing started from a very young age. Originally from Bilbao, Spain, aged 11 he attended Ballroom and Latin dance classes where he quickly excelled and became one of the top dancers representing Spain across the world.

He became a fan favourite on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing when he made his debut in the 2016 series paired with EastEnders star Tameka Empson. In 2018 he was partnered with TV star Katie Piper after having waltzed Alexandra Burke to the final the previous year.

Many of the Strictly professionals have hit the road touring their own successful dance shows so it was only a matter of time before Gorka and Karen decided to showcase their own Latin talents.

“I always wanted to do my own show,” explains Gorka, “but I was always thinking you have to have the right moment, you know... and having this opportunity with Karen, we both have some ideas and a concept of what we want to create, but I think it was the right moment.”

With so many of the professionals now on tour I wonder if it’s getting a little competitive out there, but Gorka assures me that’s not the case.

“No not at all… never has anyone said ‘my show is better than yours’ – it’s always ‘my show is on this date’ and everyone says ‘I will come and see you’. I went to see Giovanni’s show and the boys… we are friends, we work together we are like family we all support each other.”

The incredible success of Strictly has provided an amazing showcase for some of the world’s most talented dancers and given them a new platform that’s propelled them into the public eye. The professionals now attract thousands of fans from all over the world but Gorka is quite modest about his new found fame.

“The show has so many viewers so people recognise us but I just think I’m a lucky dancer who has the opportunity to work on the best show on the tele, so I don’t think of myself as a celebrity.”

Gorka famously found love with actor Gemma Atkinson when she appeared as a celerity dancer on the show and the couple now have a baby daughter, Mia. He seems quite the devoted dad teling me – “I love it – I can’t imagine now anything without her.”

Gorka might be a doting dad but it certainly doesn’t sound like he’ll be a dominating one pushing his little girl into the spotlight.

“If she wants to dance she will dance, I will support her, but whatever she wants to do we will support her you know. I don’t mind – if she wants to be a dancer she will be a dancer. If she won’t she won’t. I’m not going to force her; it’s whatever she wants to do.”

Fatherhood has given him a new perspective in his busy schedule mixing nappy duties with hard graft on the dancefloor preparing for Firedance.

“I took a couple of months off to spend time with my family, it’s an amazing blessing and I am very fortunate to work all the time and have so many opportunities but at the same time I think it is important to have quality time with my family, you know, life and time flies and I want to spend some time at home with them and we will do other things – you have to have balance. It is important to keep myself grounded and relaxed like normal person, have your family, see your friends, and still be able to do the job so just a balance in both.”

Now settled in the UK with Gemma, it seems a far cry from Spain but he seems a happy boy.

“I love the culture, I’m very happy living here… obviously I could do with more sunshine in Manchester but I love the country!

“One of the things I love about the British people is how much they love dance and dancing it’s just amazing… here they don’t just appreciate the dance but all the performance, it has such a good reputation here in the UK, everyone loves the show and appreciates what you do.”

We’re sure there’ll be huge support for Firedance which features a live band of Latin musicians and a dynamic dance ensemble performing Argentine Tango, Flamenco, Contemporary, Paso Doble, Samba and Salsa. It promises to be an amazing show of fresh and exciting dance from two of the world’s finest.

We were disappointed that Gorka wasn’t given a celebrity partner in Strictly this year, and although he was still a part of the show we’re hoping he’ll be back in the spotlight this year so has he heard yet?

“We normally get the call later in the year, so I’ve not had the call yet but hopefully… I would love to be back, everyone would love to be back.

It’s the best show to be able to work on, it’s a family show, everyone loves it, so fingers crossed!”

There may well be quite a campaign if he isn’t so be warned BBC controllers! Of course he did get to partner up with girlfriend Gemma on the Strictly Christmas special which was a treat for him and us.

“Yes it was fun and it was nice to do it together, it’s creating memories together and so when Mia grows up she can see mum and dad dancing together!”

Gorka is big on his fitness as his many Instagram followers will have seen and he’s now posting videos of his exercise regime.

While learning to dance isn’t going to make many fellas look like Gorka (sadly) he thinks dancing is one of the best ways to keep fit if the gym isn’t for you.

“The good thing about dance is that it’s a way to exercise without thinking you’re doing exercise.

Dance uses your whole body, you’re using your brain which is good for memory, for coordination and it makes you socialise with other people which makes you happier. Any kind of dance, anything that makes you move – any kind of dance will help you be fitter.”

Make sure you don’t miss Firedance at the New Theatre on March 25. Tickets are available on www.newtheatre-peterborough.com or call the box office on 01733 852992.

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Gavin Miller’s

gavin.miller@espmag.co.uk

Movie Preview

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BIRDS OF PREY: AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN Cast: Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead Director: Cathy Yan

One of the most talked about stars in Hollywood reprises her role as the eclectically zany Harley Quinn – in this DC Comics spin-off from her Suicide Squad role.

Margot Robbie has been supremely consistent in her acting outings since rising to fame in The Wolf of Wall Street some seven years ago, and this time she ditches The Joker (let’s be fair it seems like Jared Leto’s iteration is all but dead in this universe) to join superheroes Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) – to try and save a young girl from an evil crime lord.

Said crime boss is Batman lore, fan favourite, Roman ‘Black Mask’ Sionis (Ewan McGregor) – along with his equally iconic right-hand man Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina) – but the foursome have no choice but to to tackle the nefariously narcissistic villain when their worlds collide in this twisted tale, led by Robbie’s ‘bonkers’ kick-ass anti-hero Quinn.

All being well this should help make a nice transition to Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad semi-reboot next year…

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Cast: Jim Carrey, James Marsden and the voice of Ben Schwartz Director: Jeff Fowler My six-year-old boy would be devastated if this wasn’t featured in prominence on these very pages – as he’s currently ‘Sonic mad’ and can’t wait for the first live-action version of SEGA’s legendary character.

Particularly now as all the furore over the hideous original computergenerated ‘rat-looking’ Sonic has been retooled – which delayed the production for more than four months at the end of last year – and fan feedback to the new more familiar

video-game style has been largely well received.

As the speedy hedgehog – based on the global blockbuster video game franchise that launched in the early nineties – embraces his new home on Earth, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) teams up with his new best pal Tom (James ‘Cyclops’ Marsden) to defend the planet from Jim Carrey’s evil genius Dr Robotnik.

With die-hard fanboy good will now on its side, let’s hope it can pick up box-office pace to make up for all the extra money spent on trying to ‘right’ those terrible ‘wrongs’…

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With Iron Man dead, Robert Downey Jr now talks to animals as the iconic Dr John Dolittle in this family friendly fantasy. When Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) orders Dolittle – who has marooned himself in his home with animals after his wife died at sea – to come and try and cure her of a deadly sickness after eating a poisonous substance, it sends him and his animals on an adventure to a far away land to find the fruit required to aid her – and gets into many misadventures along the way.

FANTASY ISLAND

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Split breakout star Anya Taylor-Joy portrays the title character in the latest comedy/drama remake of Jane Austen’s famous 1815 novel – that boasts a heavily British-influenced cast that includes Miranda Hart, Bill Nighy and Rupert Graves. She takes over from the role that helped launch Gwyneth Paltrow’s career in the mid-nineties as the naive young woman who thinks of herself as a romantic ‘matchmaker’ in her small community in 19th century England – with varying results due to her ‘meddling’.

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A crew of aquatic science adventurers – including The Twilight Saga’s Kristen Stewart (who recently impressed in the Charlie’s Angels reboot), Vincent Cassell (Ocean’s 12) and TJ Miller (Deadpool) – have to work together after an earthquake devastates their subterranean laboratory in a submarine miles below the ocean’s surface. But when they encounter a group of deadly awakened creatures at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, it turns into a battle for survival in this science-fiction horror.

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This supernatural horror thriller from Blumhouse Productions – the team behind such hits as Get Out, Paranormal Activity and The Purge – sees the enigmatic Mr Roarke (Ant-Man’s Michael Pena) make the secret dreams of lucky guests come true at a luxuriously remote tropical resort. But when their fantasies turn into a nightmare, the new inhabitants have to solve the island’s mysteries in order to escape with their lives. Michael Rooker (The Guardians of the Galaxy) co-stars.

THE CALL OF THE WILD

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UNDERWATER

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Hollywood legend Harrison Ford ‘cherry picks’ his roles carefully nowadays – and this adventure film remake of the 1935 movie based on Jack London’s 1903 novel clearly took his fancy.

When domesticated St Bernard/Scotch Collie Buck is stolen from his Californian home and sold to freight haulers, he is turned into a sled dog in the harsh wilderness of Alaska and Canada’s Yukon during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush – with Ford coming to his aid as experienced outdoorsman John Thornton.

Alan Partridge legend himself Steve Coogan headlines this British satire based on the exploits of the super rich reteaming with 24 Hour Party People director Michael Winterbottom. Regular TV comedy captain David Mitchell, Isla ‘Mrs Sacha Baron Cohen’ Fisher and Asa Butterfield (Ender’s Game) all star in this story centred around Coogan’s fashion mogul Sir Richard McCreadie’s milestone birthday celebrations on the Greek island of Mykonos – despite his retail empire being in crisis.

TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG

DARK WATERS

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Some of Hollywood’s top actors – including Oscar-winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator), Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim), Nicholas Hoult (X-Men First Class series) and Thomasin McKenzie (who recently shot to fame in Jojo Rabbit) – all team up for this British-Australian production based on Peter Carey’s classic exploits of the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly (1917’s George MacKay). The story follows the ‘killer’ bush ranger and his gang as they flee from authorities during the 1870s in the Australian outback.

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Mark ‘Hulk’ Ruffalo stars as Cincinnati-based corporate defence attorney Robert Bilott, who sympathetically takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company – and exposes a lengthy history of pollution after investigating a number of unexplained deaths in West Virginia. But he then inadvertently puts his family –including wife Sarah (Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway) – at risk as he digs deeper and unearths atrocities on an unimaginable scale in this based-on-true-events legal thriller.

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heAlth

and beauty

ESP’s Rachael Church has all the latest health and beauty news…

Get fit this chinese new yeAr

rachael.church@espmag.co.uk

February is such a cool time of year. The month for celebrating ‘love’ and happiness, eating pancakes, and planning for spring.

The Chinese New Year celebrations started on January 25 and will go on until February 8 this year. And in case you are wondering, it’s the year of the Rat! But that got me thinking about one very good way to increase your health and wellbeing this February, the often forgotten form of Chinese inspired wellbeing, Tai Chi.

There are different styles such as Yang, Chen and Wu. Some teachers often practice a combination of styles. The main differences between the various Tai Chi styles are in the speed of movement and the way the body holds the postures. But overall, it’s a pretty accessible way to exercise and relax for everyone of all ages.

Tai Chi combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements.

Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, Tai Chi is today practiced around the world as a healthpromoting exercise.

Check out the website www.kungfupeterborough.com for more information on how to get involved in Tai Chi or other local martial arts locally.

A fun heAlth fAct for you – februAry 3 is nAtionAl sickie DAy According to national statistics the first Monday in February is the day when people are most likely to pull a sickie! As one of the people who has a proper ‘commute’ to work nowadays, I feel their pain.

One of the factors attributed to this is the first payday since Christmas, meaning people have been out celebrating all weekend with a particularly heavy one. Another theory is that people have a tendency to re-evaluate their career path in January, meaning that a lot of these sickies are actually to attend interviews. These factors combined have been linked to the estimated 350,000 absences from work on the first Monday of February last year.

So if you are visiting one of Peterborough’s many pubs or clubs, maybe try one of these natural hangover cures so you don’t join the stats…

Coconut Water – There is research showing that coconut water is easier to consume than plain water or sports drinks and is not associated with nausea or stomach upset. Coconut water is high in electrolytes, including potassium, which your body sorely needs after overindulging in alcoholic beverages.

Ginger Tea – To settle the stomach sip ginger root tea sweetened with just a touch of raw honey. In addition to helping with digestive upset, it can help to stabilise blood sugar levels, which are adversely affected by alcohol consumption and poor eating.

Eggs – Eating eggs for breakfast may just help your body release the after-effects of the alcohol that lurk in your system. Of course, they’re also a great source of protein and will help you rebuild energy reserves.

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VAlentine’s DAte beAuty tips Going out on Valentine’s?

Here are a few last-minute beauty tips to make sure you impress your date on February 14!

Hydrate your skin for a warm glow – The first step in your date night prep routine? A flawless-looking complexion, of course! Moisture is key for glowing skin, so don’t skimp on applying a moisturiser before moving on to makeup tonight.

Rock a red lip – It’s time to pucker up! Does anything scream Valentine’s Day quite like a classic red lip? Seriously, red is the colour of love. Don this gorgeous shade on your lips as a sure way to enjoy a long goodnight kiss.

Create romantic waves – On Valentine’s Day, it’s all about wearing your hair in a soft, loose hair style that gives off a romantic vibe. One of our favourite Valentine’s Day hairstyles would have to be beachy waves – and the good news is, this is one look that’s easy to create with a hair wand just before you leave for dinner.

FEbruary’S big QuEStion:

cAn i mAke A pAncAke heAthy?

When you're making pancakes from scratch they can have a lot of healthy qualities. First, you can make them with whole grains like whole-wheat flour, which will add heart-healthy filling fibre. You can also add extra-healthy toppings, like fruit to boost vitamins and fibre and protein-packed nuts to transform them into a nutritious breakfast. So the answer is definitely yes, indulge yourself on Pancake Day (Tuesday February 25) with these tips, and you won’t need to feel guilty at all.

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Well Being Karen Devine’s

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

When it comes to the benefits of chocolate, you need to take a trip to the dark side!

The ancients knew intuitively that the cocoa bean possessed some amazing properties, today it is said that there are over 300 healthy compounds that are beneficial for health, including vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, amino acids, fibre and more. There is also a natural euphoric compound known to lift our mood.

“

There is also a natural euphoric compound known to lift our mood.

In the UK alone the chocolate industry is worth billions with many people tucking into a bite or two most days. Many by their own admission hunt out their chocolate fix around 3pm or late evening.

With Valentine’s Day this month you’ll probably be getting a box of choccies to indulge in too – but whether it’s a gift or you’re just a chocaholic to gain the benefits from chocolate I’m afraid you need to go dark!

The chocolate we know today is a far cry from its origins which dates back to 450bc in Mexico, when the Aztecs believed that the cacao seeds were the gift of the gods. The seeds were said to have so much value that they were used as a form of currency as well as presented for royal feasts.

Today most of the cacao beans are cultivated in the tropical regions around the Equator, where the hot and humid climate is well suited for growing cocoa trees.

Originally prepared only as a drink, chocolate was served as a bitter liquid, mixed with spices or corn puree. It was believed to be an aphrodisiac and to give the drinker strength.

When the Spanish arrived in the New World they also discovered the value of the local cacao crop.

They introduced sugar and spices to sweeten the bitter cocoa and chocolate quickly spread across 36 www.espmag.co.uk

the rest of Western Europe.

Today our regular chocolate is high in sugar, saturated fat added into other sugary laced liquids such as caramel, orange, mint and strawberry creams etc and so it’s now a high calorie product.

Therefore, the medicinal healthy food the raw cacao was known for is now largely lost in our regular bar of milk chocolate I’m afraid – sorry!

”

Dark chocolate such as 70-95% cocoa is generally dairy free, so there are no milk solids and it typically contains less sugar. Not everyone’s favourite I know, but if you want to enjoy some of the benefits of chocolate then you will only find it by turning to the dark side! It can also help with sugar cravings by having a couple of squares after a meal.

So whilst we can see that cocoa from the bean has known benefits, once it’s manufactured and turned into milk chocolate those benefits have gone and you’re left with a fatty, calorie rich product and therefore it should only be eaten as a treat and not daily. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching that can be an excuse to indulge – enjoy.

Karen www.karendevine.co.uk https://www.worldcocoafoundation.org/blog/history-of-cocoa/

PETERBOROUGH SLIMMER REACHES NATIONAL SEMI FINAL AFTER 8 STONE LOSS Local slimmer Gina Dean was one of just 45 women to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition after losing an amazing 8st 3, where she met TV heartthrob Jake Quickenden.

Gina says meeting the X-Factor and I’m a Celebrity star was great, but nothing compared to the lifestyle benefits she is experiencing, following her weight loss transformation.

“I had been getting bigger and bigger over the last 20 years and when I saw pictures of myself taken at a friend’s wedding I knew I had to do something!

“I walked through the doors of my local Slimming World group and never looked back, it’s been life changing for me. There were so many day to day things I struggled with, knee problems meant it was so painful to walk, I was constantly out of breath and working in a school, it got to the point where I couldn’t sit on the floor with the children anymore.”

Gina joined the group in Yaxley in January 2018 and now 8 stone lighter she’s running four times a week as well as doing a Zumba class. The knee problem has gone, she’s feeling full of energy and a new found level of self confidence. Clothes shopping is totally different too – “I buy things because they suit me, not just because they fit!”

She’s also found a new love for cooking and experimenting with new recipes. “I’ve found a new way of eating that easily fits around my life and what makes it great is that I can still enjoy

the same meals as friends and family. Chips, burgers, lasagne, roast dinners are all still on the menu, just cooked and prepared differently in a Slimming World friendly way and I never feel hungry.”

As well as the changes in herself, Gina’s also made a new family of friends at her Slimming World group. “Without the support of my fantastic group and consultant I couldn’t have done it. Every week I’m picking up tips and ideas for new recipes and loads of advice in a safe and friendly environment. I’m so glad I walked through those doors that day.”

There are 50 Slimming World groups in and around Peterborough, if you’re inspired by Gina’s story visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk/nearest-group to find the one for you.

IT'S FREE FOOD FEBRUARY! There are over 50 Slimming World groups in and around Peterborough where you can achieve your weight loss dreams in 2020 and get #thatfeeling...

Bretton, Cardea, City Centre, Deeping, Dogsthorpe, Eastrea, Eye, Fletton, Glinton, Hampton, Netherton, Orton, Paston, Sawtry, Stanground, Thorney, Walton, Werrington, Whittlesey, Woodston, Yaxley Visit: www.Slimmingworld.co.uk/nearest-group to find the one for you and keep an eye on our Slimming World in Peterborough Facebook page for all the latest updates

We’ve tasked ESP’s new style expert Karen Miller to give three local mums a fabulous new makeover. While Karen Miller Karen gives them her tips on style to suit their colouring, lifestyle and figure, the expert team at My Body Essentials are giving each of them some professional skin treatments too. In this issue we meet the three lucky mums and we will reveal their great new looks in the next issue of ESP, but you can also pick up some useful style tips from Karen too...

r e v o e k Ma Mother’s Day

Plan

It’s my great pleasure to have been asked to style a makeover for three very special mums in time for Mother’s Day this year. As with all of my clients I start off with a really detailed consultation, getting to know them, their lifestyles, personalities as well as taking their measurements (not as scary as it sounds, I promise.) I met with Gemma, Lin and Anne, understood their challenges and ideally what they’d like to get out of this experience.

38 www.espmag.co.uk

Name: Lin

Mum of two and grandmother Figure type: Hourglass Revamp objective: Wants to look fashionable and up to date

Introducing

Introducing

Karen says...

“Dressing an hourglass body shape well involves ensuring that the fabrics and colours enhance rather than hide the natural curves.”

Karen says...

“Gemma’s personality is outgoing, bold and fun, so we’ll be looking for outfits that show off her figure and personality at their best.”

Lin...

Gemma...

Starting with Lin, a mum of two and grandmother, Lin is retired although she plays the ukulele in a band and has a very active social life.

She really wanted to understand what colours suit her and is looking for some ideas on how to keep her look fashionable but age appropriate. Lin has pale skin with pink undertones and her hair is naturally ash brown, although it’s now highlighted blonde. The colours that will work best for her have a cool undertone to them and include blues, purples, pinks and muted, cool red amongst many others.

Lin’s figure is a classic hourglass shape, meaning she has a defined waist and a well proportioned bust and bottom. What I found was that Lin hasn’t been making the most of her shape, often opting for tops that drown her petite frame and not making the most of her lovely shape. Dressing an hourglass body shape well involves ensuring that the fabrics and colours enhance rather than hide the natural curves. Some classic items that work well for anyone with an hourglass shape are; wrap style dresses, boot cut or flared trousers, or skinny trousers if you have a slim / slender thigh. Jeans with some lycra in them will work wonders to ensure a good fit and a lasting shape. An absolute no, no is hiding away in baggy t-shirts or jumpers, this can make you look much bigger than you actually are.

Next, I met with Gemma, who’s a super busy single mum with four children.

Gemma wants to add some variation to her look, ensuring that it’s versatile, taking her from work to the school run and supermarket effortlessly. Gemma’s colouring has the same cool undertone as Lin, however it’s much stronger and dramatic, with dark brown hair and striking blue eyes.

The colours that will work well for Gemma are more dramatic than the colours that work well for Lin and they include; greens, deep cool reds, dark grey and black amongst many others.

A word of caution around wearing black, there is only one colour type that can wear black well without it making you look older, drawn and grey, however, if you’re not ready to throw out all of your black then it can be rescued with colours that are the best colours for you. Providing you wear these colours close to your face they will help you to ensure that people are seeing your best features rather than the colour of your outfit.

Name: Gemma

Mum of four Figure type: Hourglass Revamp objective: Wants a versatile look to go from work to casual

Gemma’s body shape is also an hourglass therefore we will be focussing on shapes that enhance her waistline and show off her curves. Gemma’s personality is outgoing, bold and fun, so we’ll be looking for outfits that show off her figure and personality at their best whilst ensuring they’re versatile to accommodate her busy lifestyle.

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Introducing

Anne...

Karen says...

“Anne will look fabulous in a whole range of colours including burnt oranges, muted blues, greens and brown.”

Name: Anne

Mum of three Figure type: Pear Revamp objective: Wants to change up her look now she’s lost weight

My final meeting was with mum of three Anne.

Anne has recently lost 2 stone in weight and wants to know how to make the most of her new figure. She works as an occupational health nurse and is also studying at university.

She loves colour and she described her style as relaxed, casual and quirky. She’d like to be more confident with knowing what colours work best for her as well as having some new ideas that take her away from her comfort zone of trousers and nice tops.

Anne’s natural hair colour is dark blonde although it is highlighted.

Her skin tone is warm with a yellow undertone and her eye colour is green. Anne will look fabulous in a whole range of colours including burnt oranges, muted blues, greens and brown.

Anne’s body shape is a ‘pear’ meaning she is super lucky to have a small waist and great curves. A traditional pear shape is smaller on top and more curvy on the bottom. Pear shapes look amazing in fluid fabrics, tops that have detail around the neckline, large collars, skirts that skim over the hips, often in an ‘A’ line shape and trousers that are flat fronted and boot cut can work really well.

General tips on colour Colour is one of the most impactful ways to show off your personality, highlight your best bits and disguise the areas of your body you aren’t comfortable with. Colour analysis is based upon the systematic comparison of colours to find the best palette that works with your natural colouring, including, eye colour, skin tone and natural hair colour. Once you know your best colours it’s easy to put outfits together that ensure you’re always looking your best. Most people can wear most colours, however it’s the undertone, depth and intensity of the colour that will either make you look amazing or will make you look drained, tired and 10 years older.

Wearing the colours most suited to you will make you; • Look younger, brighter, fresher • Enhance your personality and confidence • Make you feel differently and therefore show up differently • Communicate your energy • Make others react differently towards you (different colours have associated meaning in colour psychology.)

Body Shapes Hourglass Do’s • Accentuate the waist if comfortable to do so • Wear tops with large collars, lapels or sleeves • Stick to styles that highlight not hide • Opt for scoop, sweetheart and V necklines • Pencil and ‘A’ Line, knee length skirts and dresses Hourglass Don’ts • No bulky details or high necks if busty • No baggy T-shirts or jumpers • No slouchy shapeless trousers or jeans, combat trousers • Double breasted coats will add unwanted width • Avoid baggy boyfriend jackets or swing coats Pear Shape Do’s • Wear shirt styles with ‘A’ line skirts and waisted ‘A’ line styles that skim over the hips • Go for lots of detail with embellishment above the waist • Opt for wide leg, flat front trousers • Voluminous sleeves will help to proportion the slimmer shape above the waist • Statement necklaces or jewellery Pear Shape Don’ts • Tiered flouncy bottoms will increase volume on the bottom half • Jodhpur style trousers and pleats will increase hip width • Fishtail skirts will increase hip width • Lower necklines will highlight a smaller bustline • Avoid swing coats with no fitted waist

Make sure you grab a copy of next month’s issue of ESP or read it online on www.espmag.co.uk as we unveil the great new looks for our mums and give you some tips on how to change your own style.

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ESP’s columnist Phil Adlam brings us the exclusives on all things Peterborough United…

YOUTH – THE WAY FORWARD I think it is fair to say that down the years we’ve had some talented young players that have progressed through the Academy. I have spoken through this column in the past that the co-owners of the football club are committed to the system, investing heavily in ensuring there is a pathway through to the first team.

I think it is amazing that the pair decided to start their journey in coaching back at the place where it all started. Particularly when you consider that both of them are no longer local to the city of Peterborough.

Having worked at the club for nearly 20 years, I’ve seen coaches come and go and some have wonderful qualities, but above all, when you are working, particularly in youth football, the qualities you need the most are dedication and commitment.

This season, we’ve seen Ricky-Jade Jones make the step-up in his stride. The 17-yearold, who only signed a professional contract just before Christmas, has already netted in the Leasing.Com Trophy and the Emirates FA Cup, including in the third round at Premier League side Burnley.

He’s proved a handful in League One too, so much so that already scouts from higher leagues are regularly visiting the Weston Homes Stadium to keep a check on his progress. It’s even more of an achievement for our under 18s therefore to clinch the Youth Alliance League title with a game to spare.

Photos: Joe Dent / www.theposh.com

The youngsters, who’ve also been without Harrison Burrows, Bobby Copping and the injured Flynn Clarke for much of the campaign, secured the title with a 4-1 victory at Barnet late last month, becoming the first Posh side to win the league this millennium.

You have to want to coach. You have to want to get up early, work long hours and put the effort in. Because if you do, with your talent, you will get rewards. I know that behind the management team, there’s another team of dedicated employees who very rarely get the plaudits they deserve, I hope they recognise their importance to the success on the pitch too.

So congratulations to everyone within the Academy for securing the league title.

Congratulations for bringing through players to the first team group and continuing to be successful within the ultracompetitive under 18 bracket. And congratulations for demonstrating that dedication, commitment, coupled with talent, can go a long way.

And who are the under 18s managed by?

Two former Academy graduates. Matthew Etherington and Simon Davies were part of the original youth set-up that reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup in the 1990s before both departed for the Premier League, joining Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £1.2 million.

Commercial, food and product photography, business portraits, press and PR

5 Station Road, Ailsworth, Peterborough, PE5 7AH

Real ales • Live music Function/meeting room hire • Open to all

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BURGHLEY FEBRUARY Saturday 1st Americana

Saturday 15th Saturday 29th Groove Cartell The Gangsters Friday 21st Children of the Revolution

Friday 7th DJ Wayne

PETERBOROUGH Family friendly pub open at 12 midday everyday apart from Posh match days when we open at 11 am.

MARCH Saturday 7th Saturday 22nd Blackout UK Frankly My Dear

Saturday 8th Cosmic Rodney

Sky Sports and BT Sports showing all games of football

(All bands start at 9pm, free entry unless stated)

Sunday Carvery – All welcome, Sundays 12-3pm.

Adults

£8.50

Senior

£6.95

Children

£5.95

Selection of meats and local veg

We are now able to offer an Outside Bar & Event Catering Service. Please call for more details.

Last Tuesday of every month for senior citizens we offer a 3 course lunch for just £5.00

FEBRUARY 1st The Deps 8th The Money Shot 15th The Broadcasters

26 London Road, Peterborough PE2 8AR

7 Burghley Road, Peterborough PE1 2QA Tel: 01733 896989 | www.theburghleyclub.co.uk

Blue Bell Inn DO GS THORPE

22nd Mister J 29th Third Stone from the Sun MARCH 7th Glam Slam Glitz

/ThePeacockPeterborough

The Ostrich Inn THE HEART OF THE CITY CENTRE

One of Peterborough oldest Pubs we offer a warm welcome in lovely surroundings.

ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 1st Repose 8th Eyes Wide Open 15th The Deps

22nd Racing the World 29th Tiger Club MARCH 7th Stealer 13th The Expletives

- Live Music Every Weekend - see Gig Guide

- Craft Beers

- 5 constantly changing Real Ales including Gluten Free and Vegan

- Large Gin Selection

- Courtyard Beer Garden

Blue Bell Inn, Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough PE1 3SA

Tel 01733 313700

17, North Street, Peterborough, PE1 2RA (just off Westgate)

- Quality Wines

Watch 6 Nations Rugby Here

The ESP Comedy Guide

sarah.slack@espmag.co.uk

Sarah Slack brings us the ESP guide to where the laughs are at this month…

John Bishop performs in Peterborough Last month the New Theatre announced popular comedian John Bishop will be visiting the theatre this year to perform for one night only as a warm-up gig ahead of his brand new tour.

Performing on Thursday December 10, John’s achieved huge success with a number of his own comedy, entertainment and documentary shows along with hosting the Royal Variety Performance back in 2013. Since then he’s toured seven shows across the country and this warm-up gig will be a work in progress show which he will be bringing to 30 different UK cities between September and December.

It’s great to see the New Theatre continue to book top name comedians since the venue opened its doors in September 2019. At time of writing tickets for this hugely anticipated gig are still available, so to book yours before they sell out contact the New Theatre on 01733 852992.

GIG OF THE MONTH:

Stewart Lee As I write there are still a few tickets left to see Stewart Lee’s new show ‘Snowflake/Tornado’ at the New Theatre on Friday February 14.

Seen by many as one of the greatest comedians living today, critics have already described Stewart’s new tour as ‘joyously funny’ (The Guardian) and ‘a virtuoso piece of physical comedy’ (The Telegraph).

The show consists of a double-bill of two new 60 minute sets; Tornado questions Stew’s position in the comedy marketplace after Netflix mistakenly lists his show as ‘reports of sharks falling from the skies are on the rise again. Nobody on the Eastern Seaboard is safe’, whilst Snowflake questions Stew’s worth in a society demolishing the liberal values he’s been keen to espouse in a fairy-tale landscape of winter wonder.

To make sure you get tickets to this hugely anticipated show, call the New Theatre box office on 01733 852992.

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Comedy

Gig Guide FEB

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Follow ESP on Twitter!

After nearly three years writing for ESP, I’ve noticed that sometimes when gigs are released or there’s a hot bit of comedy news, its publication in print can often be missed due to our monthly deadlines.

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This is why for 2020 I’ve decided to get back on Twitter to make sure readers can get the very latest comedy news online, including gig reviews, exclusive ticket competitions, notifications of newly announced shows, plus much more.

So if you’d like to be kept updated with the latest comedy news in Peterborough, please follow my Twitter account, which can be found by searching for @slackcomedy1.

I may be a little rusty after closing my own account back in 2014, but I’m hoping this will be a great opportunity to promote local gigs whilst engaging with ESP’s readers directly in order to celebrate all the cracking comedy that comes to this city.

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JONNY AWSUM Performing at the Stamford Corn Exchange’s Theatre Lounge, musical comedian Jonny Awsum is best known for his appearance on Britain’s Got Talent back in 2017, where he received standing ovations and unanimous approval from the judges as well as achieving over 50 million online views of his performances. After supporting both Lost Voice Guy and Tape Face on their hit UK theatre tours, Jonny is now touring the UK with his very first solo tour which will include brand new material together with the greatest hits from his TV and comedy club sets. Tickets are available on 01780 766455.

GRIFF RHYS JONES Following sell out performances of his previous one man shows and a hugely acclaimed tour of Australia and New Zealand, Griff Rhys Jones is back and once again all over the place including the Key Theatre with his brand new stand-up show. Join one half of Smith & Jones, one quarter of Not the Nine O’clock News, and one third of Three Men In a Boat as he presents an evening of hilarious true stories, riffs, observations and details of his recent medical procedures. It’s all guaranteed to be packed with wicked insights into the pains of celebrity, the vicissitudes of parenthood and encounters with the great, the good and even the royal.

Tickets are available on 01733 207239.

A PINT OF COMEDY Join the Stamford Arts Centre for their hugely popular regular comedy nights, live in the Cellar Bar! With some of the UK’s best headline acts, the hilarious Alan Seaman compares. Full details of live acts are available on their website as they’re announced. Tickets are available on 01780 763203.

DOM JOLY'S HOLIDAY SNAPS Best known for his appearances on Trigger Happy TV, comedian Dom Joly is bringing an exciting travel-themed show to the Stamford Corn Exchange this month. The writer and broadcaster is undertaking his first UK tour since 2011, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live. Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotting seeker of dangerous travel spots – from North Korea through the Congo and Syria to Chernobyl, he's visited some of the most unusual places on the planet. Joly famously attended school with Osama Bin Laden and armed with a trusty Powerpoint, fans can expect his holiday snaps to provide comedy and a sense of danger. Tickets are available on 01780 766455.

THE NATIONAL TRUST FAN CLUB Join Helen Wood’s one-woman quest to visit every National Trust property and become the NT’s biggest super-fan.

Performing at the South Holland Centre in Spalding, don’t miss this chance to see Helen’s new show direct from its world premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Tickets are available on 01780 766455.

CRESSET COMEDY CLUB Established back in 1998, The Cresset's Comedy Club is the longest running in Peterborough and prides itself on showcasing new comics every month. Hosted in the intimate Fitzwilliam Suite, capacity is limited so be sure to book your tickets early! Line-up to be confirmed, tickets available on 01733 265705.

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NIGHTlife

Your guide to the nighttime scene NIGHTS OUT AT THE BREWERY TAP The Saturday Night Groove sessions continue at the Brewery Tap this month with resident DJ Rick Allen from 9pm on Saturday February 1, 8 and 15.

Round off your week on Friday February 7 with Thank Funk it’s Friday with resident DJ Mr Nash from 9pm and on Friday February 14 he brings you For the Love of Jazz.

The popular L’Aristos Club Night returns on Saturday February 22 with resident DJ Mr Nash and special guest DJs TBC along with Steve Walsh. Admission’s £5 from 8.30pm and is raising money for Cancer Research.

DJ MATTHIAS TANZMANN & DENMARK’S ANEK HEADLINE MIXOLOGY This month the Mixology crew at RedRoom on Broadway welcome one of the pioneers of deep and tech house who’s defined and redefined the genres over the past 20 years.

The incredible Matthias Tanzmann will be taking the venue by storm on Friday February 28.

Emerging from his native Leipzig in the midnineties, the German producer, DJ and label boss of the exceptional Moon Harbour records continues to explore new ground while staying true to their roots.

2019 saw him nominated as Best Tech House DJ in the annual Ibiza DJ Awards; the sixth time he’s been recognised.

M E D I A

S E R V I C E S

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DID YOU KNOW WE DID THIS?

That is no surprise given Matthias is one of the prominent names who plays at the iconic DC10 in Ibiza, where he’s resident for the Circoloco crew. His DJ style is unique in the way it threads together elongated grooves, subtle melodies and infectious basslines into soundtracks that never lose sight of the dance floor and keeps people locked in for hours on end.

Joining Matthias for this Mixo winter special event is ANEK who stole the show the last time they played at Mixology with a set of tech-house thumpers. Denise & Karina have been going from strength-to-strength playing at the likes of Hï; XOYO and Pacha.

Their trio of Mixology residents: Tom Skinner, Dan Clare (Maur) & James Chan will be warming things up as always.

It’s not often you get to see Matthias playing in an intimate environment in the UK. Make sure you don't miss out on seeing a master at work.

NIGHTS OUT AT CHARTERS BAR There’s plenty happening to keep your nightlife lively at the bar on a boat this month.

On Friday February 14, Locality will be taking over Charters Bar for a one off fundraiser in association with Eclectic Ballroom. Expect a great night rammed with hip hop, reggae and drum ‘n’ bass with DJs Double S, Mista Crowe, Instant, Jimbob and Linksy from 9pm ‘til late.

Please check out the Go Fund Me page to read all about where the money raised on the night will be going.

Friday February 21 brings us Sounds of the Suburbs and on Friday February 28 it’s their regular Vinyl Night with resident DJ Derek Gibson from 9pm – free entry.

Leaflet Distribution – through our unique magazine distribution network or hand outs at events.

CALL: 01733 381266

WHAT’S YOUR NAME The early Warehouse and Chicago acid house scene was a social movement and a subculture revolution.

1988 was another moment when a particular music, and people came together and changed a country's culture.

If this is your kind of music, a night of classic house sounds using vinyl records called What’s Your Name is heading for Ebeneezers Club (function room) in Grove Street on Saturday February 8 with DJs Julz and Otis from 9pm. Admission’s a fiver.

VANITY VALENTINE’S MIXTAPE GIVEAWAY Vanity returns for their first event in the RedRoom of 2020 on Friday February 7 for the Valentine’s special. An annual tradition where you’ll catch the Vanity DJ’s bringing out a mash up of the sexiest urban music combined with all the biggest bangers out there!

Whilst you’re in the building you can head to the DJ box to grab yourself a free mixtape! And check the competition on Facebook to grab a FREE USB with all the Vanity Valentine’s mixtapes ever made.

Jump on the guest list now to get a FREE Ciroc + mixer drink voucher upon entry. Simply text ‘Vanity + your name’ to 07411 258999.

TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG - A NIGHT OF 2 TONE AND MOD REVIVAL Rudy, a message to you! Saturday April 4 sees the first Too Much Too Young.

If music started to grab hold of you in a serious way about 1979, you were probably bitten by the Ska bug!

Bands like The Specials, The Beat, Madness, The Selecter, Bad Manners, (early) UB40 enthralled us. The clothes! Those rhythms! 2 Tone had arrived!

Then we had the great Mod Revival, headed up by the greatest band of them all, The Jam. Bands like The Chords, Secret Affair, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Purple Hearts, The Lambrettas all came along and helped us spend our paper round and pocket money.

Fast forward 40 years, and all the above are still influencing many people, emotionally and musically, and are still listening and dancing to those same records.

Saturday April 4 sees the first night dedicated to the above, and we are sure it will be a success due to Peterborough being home to many of the like minded souls mentioned above.

Your host is Julian Roberts, with local DJs Paul Davis and Ollie Jones spinning the tunes, all on glorious vinyl at Ebeneezers on Grove Street from 9pm, admission’s £5.

See you there, and don’t forget your dancing shoes… One Step Beyond!

EX-PRODIGY STAR LEEROY THORNHILL AT CHARTERS Charters is getting ready to host the big one this month!

The popular live music venue has joined forces with local DJs and promoters Eclectic Ballroom to bring one of the most renowned DJs and former member of dance act The Prodigy to Peterborough on Saturday February 29.

Leeroy is a British electronic music artist and formerly a dancer and occasional live keyboardist of the British rave act The Prodigy. Since leaving The Prodigy Leeroy’s gone on to make a name for himself as a renowned DJ. He now resides in Germany and is being flown in

especially for this event which is brought to us by Warren Allett, General Manager of Charters Bar, Zed Malik and Jim Norton aka Eclectic Ballroom.

Leeroy will be supported on the night by local lad Nick Slater of Shades of Rhythm, Nick was part of the Peterborough based trio who made a name for themselves back in 1989 when they produced multiple tracks for their self-penned album Frequency, although Sound of Eden is perhaps the track they’re most associated with.

This one is strictly for over 18s. The venue will remain open to the public until 9.30pm and will reopen to ticket holders at 10.30pm.

Tickets are on sale via Eventbrite.

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keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk

Keith Dalton has the ESP guide to the best news and views from the local live music scene…

Come and join us at a pub that’s at the heart of the community and has charity at its heart!

LIVE MUSIC Fri 7th Feb Hard 2 Please Sat 15th Feb Children of the Revolution Fri 28th Feb Last Minute Brigade Sat 29th Feb The Divide

Staniland Way Werrington 01733 327696

Cambridge Rock Festival moves to East Of England Arena This year is looking pretty exciting as we’re starting to see some bigger names on the music scene heading our way at a variety of venues including Little Mix and Westlife at the Posh ground, and the likes of Paul Carrack and more at the city’s New Theatre.

Now I’m also delighted to tell you we have another biggie to look forward to as the classic rock and blues event, the Cambridge Rock Festival, is moving to the East of England Arena and Events Centre, this summer.

Get June 18 - 21 down in your diary for this family-run, family-friendly, music festival which will be a fantastic addition to the summer’s events.

Organised by volunteer music fans for music fans, it has a great, friendly, non-corporate vibe and 2020 will see over 65 acts appearing over four days on three stages with tribute acts, rock and blues bands and an acoustic stage featured. I can’t wait!

You might remember that back in the day it started out as Rockinbeerfest at Huntingdon Racecourse, with the first headliner being Dr Feelgood; The Stranglers and Wishbone Ash and then following a number of relocations to

Howard Hewett Gig in the City

Kent Duchaine @ The Ostrich If you like a little American Delta Blues, the Ostrich on North Street has secured a corker this month.

Settle back on Sunday February 2 with highly acclaimed Blues artist Kent Duchaine who’ll be live from 4.30pm.

As part of their ongoing music policy at the Ostrich they’re looking to present high quality live music, including original work at the venue.

Kent has been described as ‘one of the 5 best concerts Nationwide (in any music genre)’ by The Sunday Times. It’ll be free entry as usual for what is sure to be a stand out gig and marks the start of a series of high quality gigs by acclaimed artists which they intend to put on this year.

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greenfield sites, the festival is now relocating to the purpose-built East of England Arena.

Dave Roberts, festival director, said, “We’re sure that the move will have great benefits for all those attending, including tiered seating, hard standing for cars, permanent buildings, better transport links and more affordable accommodation for those not wishing to camp. It will also make life easier for us and we hope to secure the Cambridge Rock Festival for the future!”

The festival will continue to feature its usual real-ale bars with over 70 real ales and 25 farmhouse ciders on sale, and the new specialist gin, Pimms & Prosecco Bar. The first few artists confirmed for this year include a diverse selection of original bands from Pendragon, Atomic Rooster, Dare, Hazel O'Connor, Cats in Space, Tygers of Pan Tang to The Strawbs. The Thursday night will feature top tribute shows to ELO, ACDC and Pink Floyd.

Tickets are on sale now and prices and information can be found on the event website: www.cambridgerockfestival.co.uk.

One of the most respected Soul & R’n’B singers in the world comes to Peterborough on Friday March 6 at a venue that will provide a perfect setting for the event!

Howard Hewett, the lead singer in Shalamar, who’ve proved to have a strong following in the city if their previous gigs are anything to go by, is coming

to the UK to just four cities for his debut solo tour. On eof those will be Peterborough at St John’s Church right in the city centre.

Show promoter Steve Jason told ESP – “We’ve brought Shalamar to the city three times now and it’s clear the band have a committed fanbase in this area, we’ve hoping they’ll be interested in seeing Howard in this unique setting.

“This will be a rare opportunity to see one of the most gifted R&B singers in the world – here in Peterborough. It’s a lot smaller than the theatres we’ve played with Shalamar and the acoustics in the church are superb.”

Howard’s one of the most gifted vocalists in the postMarvin Gaye era of popular R&B. His voice led the group to worldwide fame on feel-good dance favourites like A Night to Remember and For the Lover in You.

There’s another added bonus to this gig as Howard will be supported by award winning UK Soulstress Natasha Watts who’ll be coming to Peterborough for the first time.

Natasha was named Best British Female Artiste 2018 in the Brightstar Music Awards and over the past couple of years has supported Gladys Knight, Shalamar, Soul II Soul and Alexander O’Neal in concert. She has three well received albums under her belt and Natasha has toured all over the world. Natasha has also been hosting her own radio chat show for BBC Berkshire for the last year.

With two impressive soul voices in a unique setting this should prove to be something very special.

Tickets are on sale now from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketsource.co.uk or call 01733 233233.

Proudly sponsored by

Cap’n Rasty And The Big Time Charlies If you ever saw The League of Mentalmen in action on the local circuit you’ll know what a great night out it would be.

The latest incarnation of the band – Cap’n Rasty’s Big Time Charlies – has adopted a pirate theme and the guys are as mad as ever and bringing us more good times with every performance.

Cap’n Rasty (Mark Rastall) told ESP they’ve been going down a storm with their usual madness!

“We are getting a fantastic welcome from both old and new fans and the audience numbers are rising.

It's still ace to see people's faces when they realise we have murdered one of their fave songs!

“We still play a lot of the old Menatalmen tracks, but have brought a whole host of new mangled tunes on board and have included several medleys – kinda like a punk Jive Bunny!”

You can catch this mad crew in action locally at the Bughley Arms in Bourne on Saturday February 15 for what they’re promising will be a Valentine’s Massacre (of tunes!)

“Without a doubt you'll see four talentless chancers not taking themselves seriously, in costume, mangling, murdering and warbling love songs for the lost ‘n lonely,” says Mark, “I expect it will be hot, sweaty, loud and busy (what's not to like there then?)”

Cap’n Rasty says they’re looking to venture further afield so watch out world!

“We would definitely like to play a few more festivals this year, and we are in the process of sorting a mini tour to Germany.

“We must have a bit of a niche, what with the tunes we mangle, that and being dressed as pirates must make us somewhat of a scarce spectacle to say the least.”

Solo Success for Adam Leon A local guy many of you will recognise as the frontman with the band LEON is enjoying solo success and having released his own album, Picture Perfect, he now has a new single out this month.

The single Breathing is Hard Without You is available from Friday February 14 and Adam has a local gig at When Poly Met Fergie in Westgate Arcade on Thursday February 27.

Adam Leon who hails from Stilton has been writing music from a young age and is enjoying success having been signed up to Tap-Water Records in Germany.

He grew up playing bars and clubs and self funding recordings of original music. Adam did his first self funded international tour in Zimbabwe in 1997 having an amazing life changing experience and followed this up with other self funded tours to other countries and finally his dream to play in America and landing a guest appearance on the Jay Leno Tonight Show broadcasted worldwide.

Teaming up with Brian Reeves (Jungle Room Studios) in California in 2005, they recorded the Picture Perfect album, the first of many recording sessions to this date featuring well known and respected artist such as Tim Pearce (guitarist Bon Jovi, Madonna, Iris from the GooGoo Dolls) Phil Symonds (bass Jessie Jay) & Erik Eldenius (drums Billy idol, Cher) Michael Shulman (drummer for Pink) David Morrata (bassist for Phil Colins).

Adam’s been playing a couple of festivals in Europe so we caught up with him to find out more…

ESP - The material you’ve released so far has been well received – what are your ambitions for this year?

Adam - “My first single, You Live Your Life, got released last year on Spotify (the YouTube video is at 126,000 views and climbing). After that the Thomas Godel remix reached 19 in the top 40 UK Upfront Club charts. The other two singles did really well.

“And then the Picture Perfect album got 30,000 streams on Spotify and is climbing. So the plan for this year is a double single release of the track Breathing Is Hard Without You, one of them shortly released after being a club remix, and the YouTube video on February 14. Two singles will be released later on through the year, with the new album being released towards the end of the year.

“I start touring in Germany on May 1 for a few dates and then I’m out there again at the end of June and end of October followed by LA.”

How would you describe your sound and where do you get your inspiration?

“My musical influences are Ed Sheeran, Queen, U2 & Coldplay. How would I describe my music – a lot of it is piano driven and written about the different stages through life, like meeting your soul mate, then becoming a family, and how sometimes it can be a struggle, but no matter what happens you are soul mates and don’t let life crush your dreams.”

What have been your highlights so far and what are you most looking forward to?

“Being signed up to Tap-Water Records. I have really enjoyed recording with Brian Reeves who’s worked with many big artists like U2, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Billy idol and working with world class musicians who played some of my favourite songs and seeing them enjoy playing on my tracks was a real buzz, I feel truly blessed.

“A big buzz is watching your song climb the charts, when you go into the Europe independent charts top 100 at 16 and go to number 2 was amazing. The latest buzz is seeing the track on YouTube – for You Live Your Life to get 79,000 views in six weeks was amazing.

“I’m really excited about the new album coming out, this is the best music I’ve ever written and hopefully everyone likes it. I feel truly blessed. A big thank you to my label Tap-Water Records, Brain Reeves,Tim Pearce, Phil Symonds, Erik Eledenuis, Michael Shulman, David Morrata, Kenny, Tom Savage and Austin Gold.”

Listen for yourself on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, iCloud, YouTube under Adam Leon, the album is called Picture Perfect. www.adam-leon.com www.espmag.co.uk

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GIGGUIDE

THU JAN 30

THE HOUNDOGS Mama Liz's, Stamford

BLUES AGAINST YOUTH The Ostrich, North Street

OPEN MIC WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER The Blue Boar, Eye

PALMY UKE BAND OPEN PRACTICE NIGHT The Lime Tree, Walton

POWERED OPEN MIC NIGHT The Blue Boar, Eye FRI JAN 31

ACOUSTIC SESSION WITH THE BOATMEN The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Blue Bell, Werrington

GOLDBLUME + SOVIET FILMS + SHIRKA + COURSE CORRECT

THE RETURNS The Crown, Lincoln Road

THE VELTONES The Brewery Tap, Westgate

VELOCITY The Ploughman, Werrington SAT FEB 1

AMERICANA The Burghley, Burghley Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

COSMIC RODNEY The Crown, Lincoln Road

CRETIN 77 + M2TG + RATS ARSE + I GOT SPIDERS

SUN FEB 2

FRI FEB 7

6TH AVENUE

FILTHY CONTACT

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

KENT DUCHAINE (4.30PM) The Ostrich, North Street

OAKHAM MIC NIGHT The Brewery Tap, Westgate

THE HERBIE LAMB QUARTET (4PM) Mama Liz's, Stamford

TWO LUCKY PLUCKERS (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge

The Blue Bell, Werrington TUE FEB 4

The Ostrich, North Street

ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER

CUTTIN LOOSE

The Ostrich, North Street

The Jubilee, Bourne

The Millstone, Barnack

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

THE LAZY OYSTER BAND

JANUS STARK + THE TARA REZ BAND + I GOT SPIDERS

Fletton Club, Fletton

The Burghley Burghley Road

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE Yaxley FC, Yaxley

LEON The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

LOOSE ROCKET The Nag's Head, Bourne

STEALER The Cock Inn, Werrington

THE DEPS The Peacock, London Road

THE SHAMBERTANS + FRED'S HOUSE Charters, Town Bridge

RETROLUX

THE SOUND INJECTORS

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

The Golden Lion, Spalding

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Angel Inn, Yarwell

REPOSE The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

The Peacock, London Road

FRANKLY MY DEAR

THE NUMBERS

THU FEB 6

PETERBOROUGH BIG BAND (£5 OTD) The Brewery Tap , Westgate

PLAMY UKE BAND OPEN PRACTICE NIGHT The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

VOODOO ACOUSTIC WITH DAVE B Mama Liz's, Stamford

FOLK NIGHT WITH MARTIN & SANDRA The Falcon, Whittlesey

Charters, Town Bridge

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

GO WITH THE FLOW

TRASH CITY

The Crown, Lincoln Road

HARD 2 PLEASE

Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor

The Ploughman, Werrington

MARK MORRISS + JOHNNY QUINN

SUN FEB 9

OUSE VALLEY SINGLES CLUB + ALDOUS PINCH Mama Liz's, Stamford

Mama Liz's, Stamford

LEXIE GREEN (3PM)

MOJO SLIDE

MIZMERIZE

The Ostrich, North Street

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

SAT FEB 15

SAM LYON (4PM)

The Fayre Spot Bretton

REPOSE The Crown, Lincoln Road

Charters, Town Bridge

Mama Liz's, Stamford

SAT FEB 8

OPEN MIC

BETI GIE

The Talbot Inn, Stilton

Fletton Club, Fletton

CANDY TWIST CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Burghley Arms Bourne

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION The Ploughman, Werrington

ELECTRIC WARRIORS

THU FEB 13

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

CAPTAIN BACKWASH

EYES WIDE OPEN

The Hand & Heart, Highbury Street

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

PALMY UKE BAND OPEN PRACTICE NIGHT

The Jubilee, Bourne

BENT BACK TULIPS

CAP’N RASTY & THE BIG TIME CHARLIES

LIVE REGGAE

REVOLVER

Fletton Club, Fletton

ACOUSTIC SESSION WITH THE BOATMEN

COSMIC RODNEY

The Crown, Lincoln Road

23 REASONS

The Ostrich, North Street

The Ale House, Ramsey

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

WED FEB 12

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

The Burghley, Burghley Road

PORKY PIG

BECCA RAYNER MON FEB 10

Greystones, Sawtry

Mama Liz's, Stamford

CUBANS & COGNAC

The Nag's Head, Bourne

MON FEB 3

OPEN MIC WITH STACEY

THE MONEY SHOT

The Ploughman, Werrington FRI FEB 14

STEALER

BLACKSTAR

The Ostrich, North Street

The Ostrich, North Street

GROOVE CARTELL The Burghley, Burghley Road

JUNK PUPPETS The Crown, Lincoln Road

KEITH LUCKEY (3PM) The Frothblowers, Werrington

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

REVOLVER The Stage, Market Deeping

If you want to get your gigs in ESP for free, e-mail:

GIGS@ESPMAG.CO.UK THE BROADCASTERS The Peacock, London Road

THE CLARKSDALE CONTRACT Charters, Town Bridge

THE DEPS The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe SUN FEB 16

ANNA & JIMMY The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

THU FEB 20

ACOUSTIC NIGHT WITH DAVID JAMES SMITH + ROB BULL + BON ROGERS-WHITE + MATTY HAYNES The Ostrich, North Street

PALMY UKE BAND OPEN PRACTICE NIGHT The Lime Tree, Walton

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE Cottenham Rock Club, Cottenham

RAMSHACKLE SERENADE Social Club, Kings Cliffe

THE MORPHICS + FUZZ AND THE FELTS + ICE CREAM HEADACHE + KNOCKOUT DAMNATION Mama Liz's, Stamford

NOVA STATUS

MON FEB 24

Mama Liz's, Stamford

OPEN MIC

RACING THE WORLD The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

RADIUS 45 The Ostrich, North Street

THE MIGHTY & THE HIGH Charters, Town Bridge

OPEN MIC NIGHT

TO ENHANCE YOUR GIGS PLEASE CONTACT US ON 01733 381266 FOR MORE DETAILS

The Fayre Spot, Bretton

PENNYLESS (4PM)

FRI FEB 21

SAT FEB 22

SUN FEB 23

CANDY TWIST

FIRED UP

Mama Liz's, Stamford

The Cock Inn, Werrington

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION

FRANKLY MY DEAR

JOHN MOSEDALE + THE OLD GREY DOGS + EVA ROSE

VELOCITY (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge TUE FEB 18

OPEN MIC WITH THE BOATMEN The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

The Burghley, Burghley Road

CITIZEN SMITH

ACOUSTIC & FOLK NIGHT

The Glasshouse, Key Theatre

KAREN WEST

LIVE SOUL

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

Fletton Club, Fletton

DIRTY RUMOUR

The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Crown, Lincoln Road WED FEB 19

The Burghley, Burghley Road

FILTHY CONTACT The Fayre Spot, Bretton

LIVE BAND

MISCELLANEOUS The Nag's Head, Bourne

MISTER J

The Lion, Ramsey St Mary

KICKBACK

PAGAN

The Ostrich, North Street

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

The Peacock, London Road

MORNING GLORY The Crown, Outwell

The Pizza Parlour & Music Cafe, Cowgate

PEMBROKE TENNESON (3PM) Charters, Town Bridge

The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

THE OVERDUBS WED FEB 26

BACKROOM ACOUSTIC WITH THE BOATMEN

The Crown, Lincoln Road

SAT FEB 29

The Ale House, Ramsey THU FEB 27

BLACK DOG MURPHY

ADAM LEON

The Ostrich, North Street

When Poly Met Fergie Westgate Arcade

OPEN MIC WITH GRAHAM CLEAVER

HUSH The Seven Wives, St Ives

The Sportsman, Chatteris

THE MIGHTY & THE HIGH

The Blue Boar, Eye

PALMY UKE BAND OPEN PRACTICE NIGHT The Ostrich, North Street

COSMIC RODNEY Fletton Club, Fletton

DIRTY RUMOUR The Yard of Ale, Oundle Road

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE The Crown, Crowland

OUTSIDE IN FRI FEB 28

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH THE BOATMEN The Boat Inn, Whittlesey

CANDY TWIST The Ostrich, North Street

HUSH

The Golden Fleece, Stamford

THE DIVIDE The Ploughman, Werrington

THE GANGSTERS The Burghley, Burghley Road

THE MONEY SHOT The Crown, Lincoln Road

The Cock, March

THE PALMY UKE BAND The Ostrich, North Street

LAST MINUTE BRIGADE

THIRD STONE FROM THE SUN

The Ploughman, Werrington

The Peacock, London Road

THE LAZOONS

TIGER CLUB

The Brewery Tap, Westgate

The Blue Bell, Dogsthorpe

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12

THE OUSE VALLEY SINGLES CLUB

GIG of the MONTH

Mama Liz’s, Stamford This Valentine’s special promises to be a corker with the band who brought us Girl From the Fens and many more ably supported by Aldous Pinch.

They combine 1950’s Skiffle with the energy of punk and the swing of rock ‘n’ roll with the odd dash of reggae and hilarious Folk-like story-telling!

Tickets are £10 in advance on www.seetickets.com.

www.espmag.co.uk

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