ESP Winter Special 2022

Peterborough’s essential What’s On and Where To Go Guide!

Live

Comedy

Cover Image Nadiya Bychkova, Strictly Come Dancing, BBC/Ray Burmiston Design

Tony Mayer Contributors

Pep Cipriano

Miller

Devine

Slack

Jackson

Harris

Bloye

Pashko

There are illuminations coming to the city centre and at Peterborough Cathedral to brighten up the darker nights, two ice rinks where you will be able to enjoy skating in both Cathedral Square and in the beautiful setting of Nene Park as well as two amazing family pantomimes both guaranteed to raise a smile.

Since 1998 ESP has always been about the social scene and all the good stuff there is to enjoy in and around the city from comedy shows to movies, dining out to gigs, special events and new things to try. Of course as this issue leads us into the festive season it’s also packed with plenty of suggestions of places to party.

It’s a busy issue, but everything you love about ESP is always online with our

website www.espmag.co.uk constantly updated and our social media bringing you the very latest news on entertainment and events to keep your social life buzzing.

It’s always the place to head for upbeat features and the latest what’s on news all year round, so make sure you check in regularly for ideas of things to do and where to go, whether you love theatre, comedy, live music or getting out in the great outdoors.

If you have anything for us to mention or want to keep in touch please email me sharon.mcallister@ espmag.co.uk

We hope you enjoy this issue and make the most of the winter months ahead.

Sharon McAllister, Editor/Publisher

Welcome to our latest issue of ESP Magazine packed with loads of great ideas to make the most of the winter months ahead.

Food Films

Peterborough’s

Events LIGHTS, ICE AND FESTIVITIES, THE COUNTDOWN IS ON TO CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY

The annual lights switch on event is happening on Friday November 18 in Cathedral Square with family fun and music on stage from 5pm. It will mark the start of the festivities in the city which will include a fantastic ice rink and festive stalls.

City radio station PCRFM is leading the switch on entertainment with breakfast show host Kev Lawrence from PCRFM and Saturday breakfast on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire compering the event along with Keith Dalton. Kev told ESP he can’t wait.

“We’re keeping it traditional and family led. When that countdown starts and I look out into the crowd and see everyone shouting along and then the big Christmas song kicks in, I always think ‘wow’ and that moment is just brilliant. I love it! It really signals the start of the festivities.”

There’ll be plenty of Peterborough talent to keep you entertained with music from opera singer Gabriella PinedaRodriguez, young band Upon This Rock, singer Tommy Philpot and also the Cathedral Choir. Stars from the city’s pantomimes Dick Whittington and Peter Pan will be causing some chaos and joining the fun. Then four-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Peterborough gymnast Jake Jarman will help push the plunger to light up the city centre and the huge real Christmas tree at 7pm, with the free entertainment continuing until 7.30pm.

It’s being brought to us by Peterborough City Council with support from headline sponsor Peterborough Positive as well as local company Princebuild.

BID Business Improvement manager

Pep Cipriano said – "Peterborough Positive is proud to be headline sponsor of the Christmas lights switch-on event and we’re looking forward to seeing Cathedral Square and the city centre illuminated with festive decorations.

“In addition, as a Business Improvement District, we have been able to work in partnership with the city council to offer opportunities to city centre businesses by inviting them to have a trade stand on the day of the switch-on and throughout the festive period.

“We are sure businesses will be keen to be part of the festivities and offer lots of fabulous Christmas gift ideas for shoppers."

Places for stalls are limited and enquiries should be sent by email to melissa.butcher@peterborough.gov.uk

Matthew Pudney, Director of Princebuild added – “Princebuild are really pleased to be supporting this wonderful festive community event in Cathedral Square. The Christmas lights switch on always has a wonderful festive feel to it and it’s always nice to see so many families brought together and enjoying the fantastic entertainment put on by PCRFM and Peterborough City Council.”

Once the city is illuminated the festive build up continues with the arrival of a giant, covered 20x20m ice rink surrounded by fabulous festive stalls. The 'real ice' rink will be delivered, courtesy of Dash Events Ltd, on November 25 and can host up to 120 skaters at any one time.

Deputy council leader, Cllr Steve Allen said: “The ice rink and market stalls will provide a fantastic new experience for shoppers in the city centre, who can take a break from picking up gifts to hit the ice!”

The rink will be in Cathedral Square until Wednesday January 4, 2023 festooned with twinkling lights and playing seasonal songs. There will also be 80s and 90s themed evening sessions with music.

To book tickets visit www.peterboroughice.com

ready? Ten, nine, eight… the big countdown will soon be here as Peterborough city centre lights up for Christmas!

CHARTERS STAGES CHRISTMAS MARKET

The enormous beer garden at Charters bar on the river at the Town Bridge is always great for a drink with friends, but this fantastic new space turns festive in December staging a Christmas Market.

Get your Christmas shopping started and pick up some unusual gifts on Saturday December 10 and Sunday December 11 from 12-7pm. There’ll be the chance to try some festive treats with a food fair, desserts and sweeties as well as stalls packed with crafts and gifts.

The event is family friendly and will have free entertainment too with music from Meg McPartlin from 3-6pm and The Mighty and The High from 10pm on Saturday and Pembroke Tenesson from 3-6pm on Sunday.

So eat, drink and be merry – and get some presents ticked off your list while you’re at it!

BURGHLEY CHRISTMAS FAIR

Enjoy a magical festive shopping experience in the idyllic surroundings of Burghley House in Stamford.

The region’s largest Christmas Fair features over 130 stalls offering everything from luxury gifts, artisan food and drink to Christmas decorations and winter clothing. You’ll definitely get that festive feeling as you wander amongst the traditional chalets, heated marquees and avenue of pagodas decorated in sparkling Christmas decorations and lights.

It’ll be a wonderful festive day out with carol singers, a Victorian carousel and much more.

It’s on from Thursday November 24 to Sunday November 27 from 9.30am - 4.30pm each day with late night shopping until 9pm on Friday night.

Tickets are Adult £6, Child (3 years+) £3 when booked in advance or a little more on the gate. Book online at www.burghley.co.uk/events

The Friday evening coincides with the Christmas Lights Switch-On in the city centre, so it’s a great opportunity to pop in after the lights go on and see what the stalls in the Cathedral have to offer.

Shopping is sorted atChristmas Craft and Gift Market

The countdown’s on and if you’d like to make your Christmas shopping a far more pleasant experience and find some unusual gifts too, head to Peterborough Cathedral’s annual Christmas Craft and Gift Market

It’s an inspiring space to do your Christmas shopping and offers a wonderful selection of gifts and crafts so make sure you book a slot for Friday November 18 or Saturday November 19. With more stalls than ever this year, the market will include unique jewellery, homewares, glass and wooden items, most of them from local and independent traders.

The Christmas Craft and Gift Market opening hours are: Friday November 18 from 1pm until 9pm, and on Saturday November 20 from 10am until 4pm.

Entry is by timed ticket, £2 per person (under 16s free). Whilst you are given an entry time to help manage numbers, there’s no fixed time to finish your shopping so there’s no rush. Tickets are now on sale and they can be booked via

www.ticketsource.co.uk/PeterboroughCathedral-Events. Any remaining tickets will be on sale at the door.

For more information visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

Shhh… it’s Silent Disco time at the Cathedral

We love this idea! There’ll be no moaning about the music being played at this disco so get your dancing shoes on. Peterborough Cathedral is hosting a Christmas Silent Disco on Friday December 2, from 7pm to 9pm. All ages are welcome and each person gets a set of headphones to select a channel of favourite pop classics, then dance the night away. Tickets are £8 per person or £7 per person for groups of 10 or more.

A Tudor Christmas

Writers and historians Alison Weir and Siobhan Clarke will be talking about Christmas in Tudor times on Thursday December 15, at 7.30pm via Zoom, as part of the Cathedral’s series of online History Talks.

Find out how many of our Christmas traditions, including carol singing, gift giving, mulled wine and mince pies were just as popular in the sixteenth century.

Tickets are £7 per viewing. Sounds like a nice early Christmas present for history lovers!

All tickets can be found via the Cathedral website www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

Katharine of Aragon Festival returns in 2023

History fans will be pleased to see a popular annual event return to the city in the New Year. Keep an eye out on the Cathedral’s website nearer the time but we can tell you the next Katharine of Aragon Festival, will take place from January 27 to 29 next year. This Tudor themed festival commemorates King Henry VIII’s first wife who was buried at the Cathedral in January 1536.

Events will be held at both the Cathedral and Peterborough Museum and the full programme will be announced soon. Look out for re-enactors, family-friendly drop in events, a historian’s talk and lots more. We’ll have a full feature on the event on www.espmag.co.uk nearer the time but keep an eye on www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/katharine.aspx for tickets.

Christingle servicefor families

This popular Christmas service for families, with seasonal readings, carols and traditional Christingle oranges to take home, will take place on Sunday December 18, at 3pm at Peterborough Cathedral. We know it’s a regular feature of the pre-Christmas calendar for many, so save the date and don’t miss out.

It’s an inspiring space to do your Christmas shopping ” “

Let there be light!

A fantastic sound and light show is set to illuminate Peterborough Cathedral once again with a new art projection by Luxmuralis.

The first event last year was a huge success and now a second son et lumière performance is to be staged in November, when Luxmuralis bring us a new light show, The Beginning, from Wednesday November 23 to Saturday November 26

This sequel to The Angels are Coming will once again transform the magnificent west front and nave of Peterborough Cathedral with incredible images and will be a must-see event for all the family in the build up to Christmas. It’s based around the Nativity story and timed to coincide with the start of the Advent season.

It starts with a colourful light projection onto the outside of the Cathedral, accompanied by music composed by David Harper, then you will enter the medieval building to experience an immersive light and sound installation, this time inspired by the fragility and beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

ESP went along last year and

thought it was a real winter highlight. Other visitors described the show as ‘magnificent, beautiful and festive’, ‘truly memorable and mesmerising’ and ‘a very moving experience from start to finish’.

The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough said: “I know how much visitors enjoyed the light show from Luxmuralis last year and we can’t wait to see this year’s presentation. Advent and Christmas are always very special times at Peterborough Cathedral and this will be a wonderful way to be reminded of the Nativity story in a fresh and exciting way as we begin our Christmas preparations.”

Ticket prices for the light show have been frozen at last year’s levels for the Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with a small rise for the Friday and Saturday evenings. Entry to the show is by timed ticket and early booking is advised.

For more information or to book please visit www.peterboroughcathedral.org.uk/luxmuralis

WORLD CUP STREET PARTIES RETURN

World Cup fever is here and Peterborough’s famous street parties are back too, in a big, brand new venue.

They’ve stepped up a gear to host the city’s popular World Cup Street Party events inside the huge East of England Arena at Alwalton.

They’ll be screening every England game live (except Iran) kicking off on November 25 for England Vs USA . There’ll be

music from DJ Boost from 5pm with all the finest footy anthems and local breakfast show presenter Kev Lawrence will be the host. Local band The Guards will play live before the match kicks off at 7pm.

Then on November 29 it will be a repeat for England Vs Wales but this time tribute band NOASIS will be providing the tunes. There’ll be plenty of giveaways, bars and food on site.

The events will continue for as long as England progress in the competition so fingers crossed!

Find out all you need to know and get your tickets quick on www.worldcup2022.uk

LIONS RFC LIGHTS UP FOR FIREWORKS NIGHT

JOIN THE STAR PARTY

If you’re a star gazer or just want to find out more, join Peterborough Astronomical Society (PAS) for their Star Party at Sacrewell, the farm attraction at Thornhaugh.

The event on Saturday November 19 includes a planetarium, telescopes and help identifying what’s above you in the night sky, glowsticks and much more.

Doors open at 5.30pm and the event finishes at 9.15pm (last entry at 8pm) with a programme of talks and displays throughout the evening. Entry costs £6 per adult and children under 16 can visit for free. Hot drinks and snacks will be available to buy in the cafe. www.sacrewell.org.uk

HOP ON BOARD THE SANTA EXPRESS AT NVR

Peterborough’s fantastic Nene Valley Railway is running its hugely popular Santa Express services from November 3 with dates available through into December. These always book up so don’t hang about for tickets.

It’s time for the big bang, and plenty of ‘ooohs and ‘ahhhs’ as the sky lights up on fireworks night!

The display by the Peterborough Lions Rugby Club in Bretton is always a good one, and has become an annual favourite with the 13th spectacular lined up for Sunday November 6

As well as a really impressive display there’s plenty of family entertainment, a barbecue, funfair and a bar so you can make a night of it. Discounted tickets are available if bought in advance but there will be some available on the gate.

Other displays include the Firework Fantasia at the East of England Arena in Alwalton on November 5, and the Springfields Fireworks and Music Extravaganza at the shopping centre in Spalding on Thursday November 3

DECEMBER DAILY DASH

If you want to keep fit this winter and make some time for you in a busy month, why not walk, jog or run 5k every day this December and raise vital funds for Sue Ryder?

Do it your own way. On your own or in a group. Fast or slow. Morning, noon or night. However you do the December Daily Dash, when you go the distance, you will be making a difference.

It is free to take part, but it’s your donations and fundraising that will make all the difference to patients and families needing Sue Ryder’s specialist palliative, neurological and bereavement support.

So make December yours. Sign up now and find out more at www.decemberdailydash.com

www.espmag.co.uk

There are various experiences available; including trips for groups, but whichever one you choose it’ll be a memorable festive event. For families each child ticket will include a gift from Santa, a train ride, refreshments and entertainment. Of course the man in red will be on hand to say Ho! Ho! Ho! and children can visit Santa in his grotto.

For the big kids there’s the Evening Yuletide Express on December 3, 10 or 17 for a relaxing steam-hauled journey, with drinks and festive nibbles served onboard. The Overton platform will be decorated with lights to view and there’ll be mulled wine, music and carols.

The fun continues after Christmas on December 31 when you can blow away those post-Christmas cobwebs and join their Steam heated services hauled by a Steam Locomotive. There’ll be a complementary mince pie for adults and sweets for children, and the Turntable Café will be serving refreshments.

www.nvr.org.uk

Celebrate in style at the East of England Arena and Events Centre.

Choice of party nights from 1st – 17th December.

Start your evening with a FREE glass of bubbles before enjoying a delicious three-course Christmas dinner.

Choice of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Bar opens at 7pm. The fun continues after dinner with a DJ and dancing through until 1am.

Tables seat up to ten individual guests and are available for £40 per head. To book visit www.eastofenglandarena.com/events/winterwonderland-christmas-parties

Cipriano

Man About Town

ESP’s longest serving columnist has championed Peterborough in his passionate trademark way for more than 20 years.

YES, ANOTHER COFFEE SHOP

I can hear it now… “We don’t need more coffee shops!” My answer to that is, yes, we do. That’s why I was super happy to see a new coffee shop open on Westgate. This one is a real gem.

remember houses at the turn of the 20th century with outside toilets? This still has one, which has been stylishly refitted and is for customer use.

My sources tell me at least two more independent coffee shops are due to open by springtime and may we see many more in 2023.

Coffee shops are the lifeblood of city centres. They increase muchneeded dwell time, provide a space to work and most of all they help with our wellbeing because if you don’t feel better after caffeine and a natter then you never will.

IMPROVEMENTS SET FOR CITY’S ‘MINI MANHATTAN’

Lincoln Road in Millfield. Yes, we all have our opinions on the area and that particular overpopulated stretch of road, but the potential to properly showcase it has been discussed for years.

Our city council has also been cash-strapped for years, which is why it’s applying for funding pots at every opportunity. The result is a combination of Towns Fund (£2.5million) money from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and additional funding from the council’s redevelopment budget, means we’re going to see some investment in the area.

And the reason I love independent coffee shops like MD Coffee is they all have a certain charm about them that you don’t really get with chain franchises.

Housed in the former D’Arcy’s jewellery shop, which closed after nearly 100 years in business, the new owners have kept some of the shop’s vintage display cabinets and exposed an old brick fireplace to give it a quaint and characterful décor that’s calling you through the front door.

The guys knocked through the living space and into the kitchen, so there’s ample seating and display areas for their own jewellery and seasonal gifts. Like all good coffee shops, there’s good cake and savoury lunch options with sandwiches, wraps and other foodie bits.

But best of all is the courtyard, which I can see is going to be popular come summer. It’s small but cosy and yes, it gets the sun. Oh, and

So, more coffee shops please, we all need them and they’re embraced.

Show me an empty coffee shop and I’ll bring you the moon on a stick.

In summer a public consultation on plans to make improvements on Lincoln Road between Searjeant Street and Windmill Street tabled options to widen pavements, improve landscaping, add electric vehicle charging points, introduce new bins, add new cycle parking, additional benches and the possibility of cycle lanes and the introduction of a community art trail.

I’ve always referred to Millfield as our city’s mini-Manhattan. It’s our multicultural beating heart, bustling with activity and atmosphere and I love it. There’s a food and drink offering from what feels like all corners of the world and the cafés are perfect for people watching.

Yes, there will be people reading this wondering what Lincoln Road I must be seeing when many seem to see an overcrowded potential crime hotspot, but I guess that depends how you interpret wearing rose tinted spectacles.

There’s a focus on continuous improvements to the area – there always has been – and that’s why, despite its documented challenges down the years, it’s not a war zone and never will be.

The new year looks set to be a tad brighter for the most misunderstood and under-appreciated community in our city and I’m looking forward to watching those improvements come to fruition.

COULD YOU BE AN AMBASSADOR?

Peterborough Positive, the city’s Business Improvement District, is recruiting to a City Centre Ambassador post. I’m told the manager is a top guy to work for. Fancy it? www.peterboroughpositive.co.uk/latestnews

SORRY, YOU LOOK LIKE CASPER

Christmas and New Year for most of us is full of joy, happiness and blah blah blah. But it’s also a time when relationship statuses change and people get dumped.

This means there’s usually a fair few singletons looking for love, but according to some online thingme about dating that dropped into my feed, lots of us are making silly mistakes that push people away when you first meet.

Seriously, I do wonder who writes these things and if they actually get paid for it, but here’s what the article says we’re failing on, which puts potential lovers off us.

Sleep Deprivation

“A lack of sleep can change your mood while also making you look less attractive.”

Pep’s Tip: Go to bed after Eastenders. Buy an electric blanket and let the dog / cat sleep in the car instead of the bedroom.

No Hobbies

“Men prefer women who like sports, dancing, traveling, and art. As for women, they are attracted to men who travel, are physically fit and don’t sleep at the movies.”

Pep’s Tip: Was this written in the 1950s?

Poor Manners

“When you’re dating bad table manners could leave you without a second chance and people are put off by noisy eaters the most.”

Pep’s Tip: If you hack out with a teaspoon every smidgen of yoghurt that’s left in the pot, until you’re down to practically cracking the plastic, then you

shouldn’t really mix with other human beings.

Laziness

“Active people are much more likely to meet a partner as opposed to those who are lazy. Lazy people tend to be less outgoing and successful.”

Pep’s Tip: If you’re lazy then it’s likely you’ll have the personal hygiene of a skunk. Forget dating and watch adult films instead.

Gothic Paleness

“Our skin tone also influences our appearance. Melanin and carotenoids are responsible for skin coloration and people unknowingly look for a healthy partner, which is why pale skin may push them away. Eat fruit and vegetables that contain large amounts of carotenoids like carrots, tomatoes, apricots, and mangoes.

Pep’s Tip: Get a fake tan and eat McDonalds.

CAN YOU HELP WITH MARCO’S NEXT CHALLENGE?

Charity fundraiser extraordinaire, Marco Sementa, is no stranger to this column.

In seven years, he’s amassed £60k for 50 charities by organising 200 football matches. His Team Sementa project brings people together of all ages and abilities. It all began after he lost his mum in 2012 and Marco held a game in her memory.

He’s made a big impact through his charity work on our city’s communities and was recently awarded the BBC Cambridgeshire Make a Difference Fundraiser of the Year accolade.

Marco’s currently toying with several ideas to raise money as well as continuing with football matches into 2023 and he’s keen to hear from anyone with ideas of their own. Email him at marco_sementa@hotmail.com

NOT GETTING A PIZZA THE ACTION

Pizza has been named the UK’s most popular takeaway of 2022 with one in five opting for Italy’s answer to cheese on toast as their number one treat.

And the most common time to order pizza is 6.07pm on a Thursday night.

I don’t think I’ve ever ordered pizza at this time and day of the week. I thought I’d diary what I’ve been doing at 6.07pm on a Thursday for the last couple of months.

Week one: Working late to avoid going home and putting the heating on.

Week two: 6.07pm was the precise time I was ghosted on an online dating site, again.

Week three: Scoffing a Twix McFlurry with a bunch of boy racers at the Boongate drivein.

Week four: Seriously considering peeing in my ashtray while stuck in traffic on the M25.

Week five: That would be telling…

Week six: Having my back waxed.

Week seven: Wiping dog slobber off my new light grey jeans.

Week eight: Debating with an ‘extremely happy all the time’ person that constant positivity is just another form of avoidance.

Clearly, I have no life or anyone to share a ham and pineapple (yes, pineapple, grow up) pizza with. Slice anyone?

MY WORD OF THE MONTH:

COLD

I’m not coping well. We had a summer where I was taking Teams calls in my pants and today I’m scrolling through eBay looking for the best hot water bottle. Here’s why I love (not) the cold so much... Crusty nose, crusty other things, heating on/off Russian roulette, tissues in the wash, spiders moving in, cheap Primark gloves, cold gear knob and not enough belly button fluff being generated.

CIAOS OUT!

Stew: Caffeine & Cogs scoping meeting?

Dave S: coffee time

Matt: are we having that beer next century?

Footsygirluk: you still trading?

G: If a man at 60 lives his life like he’s 40, he’s wasted 20 years of his life

Tim: confession time again?

www.espmag.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE THEATRES

Christmas at Peterborough’s theatres is set to be magical from wonderful traditional panto to spectacular festive shows. It will be the first full Christmas season Selladoor Venues have run at the New Theatre on Broadway and the recently acquired Key Theatre on the Embankment and there’s plenty of fun for all the family.

SANTA’S NEW SLEIGH

In the Key Theatre Studio, younger imaginations will be catered for with a brand-new show for pre-school children, Santa’s New Sleigh, running from December 12

24

In this festive play by Brad Fitt, Sprocket and Dibs have a problem. Christmas is fast approaching and Santa’s Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will

CIRQUE

ENCHANTMENT

Over at the New Theatre, a stunning new show will play exclusively for Peterborough audiences from December 16 – 18 and we can’t wait.

Escape to a mystical world of frozen beauty and magical adventure with Cirque Enchantment.

This magical production features superb choreography, breathtaking

PANTO FAMILY FUN WITH DICK WHITTINGTON

Ask anyone in Peterborough and they will most likely have seen a panto at the city’s beloved Key Theatre so we’re delighted to see the fun return to the stage this year.

This intimate auditorium with a perfect view in every seat is a great way to introduce the little ones to live theatre and they always get really involved in the performance… and so do the grown ups from what we’ve seen!

Get ready to boo and hiss at Queen Rat and cheer on Dick Whittington and his cat from November 25 through to January 8, 2023

Peterborough’s longest-running panto sees Simon Aylin back by popular demand as Dick, David GriffinStephens provides the laughs as Dame Fanny Fitzbottom and there’s great original music by Simon Hanson. This family panto follows our hero seek his fame, fortune and happiness in London Town. With help from the magical Fairy Bowbells and his trusted feline friend, can they stop the wicked Queen Rat from stealing all the sweets and taking over London? Oh yes they can…

NEW YEAR – NEW SHOWS AT THE NEW THEATRE

ROCK OF AGES

Tue 31 Jan – Sat 4 Feb 2023

Rock of Ages is the hilarious smash hit musical comedy lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems, played loud and proud by an awesome live band.

The former Coronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy returns to the show in the role of Dennis Dupree in the ultimate ‘80s rock ‘n’ roll musical. You’ve seen the film, now see the show!

FIREDANCE

February 23, 2023

We caught this show earlier in the year and absolutely can’t wait to see a fresh, but just as fiery version next year.

Two of Strictly’s hottest performers are the perfect pairing for this powerful and passionate Latin themed show. Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer will be taking things to another level with original dances, new live music and lots more

THE COMMITMENTS

May 15 – 20, 2023

Sprocket and Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day?

Only time will tell, but with audience participation, sing-along songs and a free present from Santa for every child it promises to be the perfect festive treat. It’s ideal for pre-school and children up to 8 years.

vocals and mesmerising circus performers. With an eclectic musical soundtrack including: Wings, Mad World, Sweet Dreams, Relight My Fire, I’ll Put A Spell On You and many more, Cirque Enchantment sees a little girl with a big imagination enter a frozen circus wonderland and a mysterious path of good versus evil, meeting an array of weird, wonderful and talented characters along the way.

Returning to tour the UK and Ireland, 5 years after a phenomenally successful, record-breaking run in London’s West End subsequent sell-out tour, The Commitments is based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic and features over 20 soul classics performed live on stage.

SIX THE MUSICAL

June 6 – 11, 2023

Reigning on Broadway and in the West End, the international smash hit musical SIX is coming to Peterborough!

Winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score, the 2022 Whatsonstage Award for Best West End Show and a GoldDisk winning album. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

Photo: Raymond Gubbay

HAVE A FERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS AT NENE PARK!

What could be better than your favourite park at your favourite festive time of year?

over. Prices start from just £6 per skating session with all proceeds going straight back to maintaining the beautiful Park. The price also includes free parking so taking the family won’t blow your budget.

Christmas at Ferry Meadows will be open daily with the exception of Christmas Day. Open hours are 4pm8pm weekdays, and 10am-8pm at weekends and during the school Christmas holidays.

Nene Park in Peterborough is lovely to visit in any season, but in winter it can be particularly magical when it’s frosty or it’s snowed. This year the Park is going all out for the festive season and come sun or snow it will have a distinct Christmas feel with ice skating and gifts galore.

Ferry Meadows will have all you need to keep you entertained from November 25 to January 2 with an open-air ice rink, mini Christmas market and vintage fun fair, festooned with twinkling lights and festive garlands.

It’s an idyllic setting and we can’t wait to head down and get in the Christmas spirit with some winter fun and shopping for some great gifts.

The ice rink has room for up to 35 skaters in a session and the eco-friendly synthetic ice is scientifically engineered to allow you to glide just as smoothly as you can on real ice, whilst having minimal impact on the environment. It’ll be open daily throughout the winter season and it’s suitable for ages 4 and

After a skate you can head to the mini Christmas market to sample some delicious food and drink, from warming mulled wine and indulgent hot chocolate to traditional Bratwürst and a range of tasty sweet treats. We’re feeling all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it!

Kick off your Christmas shopping too with several stalls offering unique gifts and the opportunity to support local community groups. There’s even more to choose from in the Ferry Meadows Gift & Farm Shop, where you’ll find gorgeous Christmas decorations and some fantastic present ideas for something a little different. There’s also a new range of festive Farm Shop produce available from premium local suppliers.

An exciting vintage fun fair and rides on the festive-themed miniature railway will provide even more entertainment, alongside a variety of children’s crafts and activities, including letter writing to Father Christmas and sharing Christmas wishes on the Park wishing tree. Nene Park Trust’s fundraising Christmas stars will be available again this year from the Visitor Centre and as a craft activity. The stars will then be hung in the Park for everyone to enjoy.

Book your skating sessions online or at the ice rink kiosk at the Park, subject to availability. www.nenepark.org.uk/christmas

Photos: Natural History Museum

Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery

– time to discover the city’s hidden gem

If you’re looking for some indoor activities this winter it’s time to hunt out Peterborough’s hidden gem – you’ll be surprised what Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery has to offer.

This beautiful building located in the heart of the city is just a stone’s throw away from Cathedral Square, and it’s somewhere with lots of things to see and do for free, but many don’t even know that it’s there.

Looking for things to do with the children? Then look no further, the museum has amazing fossils to see up close, Roman artefacts and a host of interactive galleries and exhibitions to check out.

There’s always something new to see in the art galleries, which showcase nationally and internationally renowned artists as well as talented local artists.

Renowned sculptor Antony Gormley’s statue series titled Places To Be once took up residence in the galleries for a time before being placed up on the rooftops of some prominent buildings in the city centre (make sure you look up in Cathedral Square to see them!).

Laura Hancock, Heritage Engagement Manager from Peterborough Museum told ESP –

“There are some stories from Peterborough’s past which might surprise visitors to the city, and residents alike. Did you know that the building which now houses the museum was the city’s hospital, up until about 100 years ago? We still have the original Victorian operating theatre, where you can discover the (sometimes gruesome!) truth of early surgery. Or that in Jurassic times, Peterborough used to be underwater. The amazing fossil collection on display includes some real giants of the sea, who lived at the same time as T-Rex on land.”

Open from Tuesday – Saturday

10am – 4pm, Sunday 12noon – 4pm and Mondays during school holidays 10am – 4pm. Peterborough Museum, Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF peterboroughmuseum.org.uk

Follow Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery on social media for all the latest news and events. Facebook / Instagram: @peterboroughmuseum Twitter: @pboromuseum

What’s on

October Half Term at Peterborough Museum

Looking for a spooky-thrill this Halloween? Try one of the city centre ghost walks or tours in the city’s most haunted building. Peterborough Museum’s spooky walks and tours are perfect for the Halloween season – we know, we’ve tried them!

Join if you dare as a costumed guide leads you by candlelight. You’ll have to watch your back as you discover eerie tales and re-live the real encounters that have taken place in and around Peterborough Museum – you might see some of the stories come to life in front of you!

There are six different walks and tours to choose from including Candlelit Ghost Tour (age 14+), Halloween Ghost Walk (Age 8+) or Horror Night (Age 16+). peterboroughmuseum.org.uk/events/halloween

Christmas Shopping at Peterborough Museum

Want to find unique gifts for friends and family this Christmas? Head to the Museum’s Christmas Craft Fayre, Saturday November 26, where local traders will be selling their beautiful arts and homemade crafts. Plus, there’ll be a Creative Christmas exhibition in the Art Gallery, showcasing the work of local artists which will be free to visit and better yet, the art will be available to buy! You’ll be sure to find something special this Christmas.

You could add a really personal touch to your Christmas gifts this year by making them! Join one of the Christmas craft workshops and make a special handcrafted present for friends and family.

peterboroughmuseum.org.uk/events/christmas

Peterborough Libraries launch mass book amnesty!

Winter is a time to get cosy and curl up with a good book but if you’re worried you’ve kept library books too long and fear a fine, here’s a chance to start borrowing again.

Step into the enchanted wood, filled with lots of bright and beautiful orange pumpkins. Meet Flag Fen’s friends, Wenzel the wizard and Whizzy the witch who will be there to help you choose the perfect pumpkin. You can leave the mess behind as you carve your pumpkin masterpiece in the Witches Yurt! That's not all – you can even make your very own Witch or Wizard broomstick to take home with you.

Head down to Peterborough’s famous archaeological site for a truly historic Halloween from October 26 - 30, from 10am – 4pm.

flagfen.org.uk/events

Library users from school children to adults are being urged to hunt out and return any overdue library books to their local library – there will be no fines and library accounts will be cleared of any debt to allow users to start borrowing again.

Returning books is completely hassle free, so if you have any overdue books just pop into your local library, speak to a member of the team and they will clear your account. Even if you’ve misplaced books that you had, just let the team know and they will waive any fines so you can get back to enjoying the library.

peterboroughlibraries.org.uk

www.espmag.co.uk

Who says we have to grow up?

Wedo believe in fairies, we do! It’s fair to say we could all do with a bit of fairy magic this year and hopefully Tinkerbell will have plenty for us as she helps Peter Pan take to the sky –yes actual flying – to take on the dastardly Captain Hook.

With Hollyoaks star James Fletcher as Peter (could he look more perfect for the role?) and none other than Kevin Kennedy, Corrie’s loveable Curly Watts, turning bad guy as our panto villain, we reckon it’ll have you cheering and booing in equal measure.

Kevin told ESP he can’t wait – “It’s great fun, I can’t think of a better job to have at Christmas.

“I love playing Captain Hook. I’ve played him before and I love it because it’s traditional and you don’t have to build up that part to be bad. As soon as you walk on and they see the hook and the hair and the pirate costume they know exactly who it is.

“It’ll be very traditional, very funny and you’ll recognise everything I’ve stolen

from other Captain Hooks on the tele. Sightly ridiculous, but nonetheless deadly!”

Jamie is our hero Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, but he’s familiar to many as troubled teen Dylan Jenkins in Hollyoaks. This gives him the chance to shine in a far more playful role.

He’s very excited about one aspect in particular – “Lots of flying! We have a full rig for me to get up in the air so there will be flying this Christmas!”

But one of his favourite things about panto is that all important audience interaction.

“If kids don’t like something they let you know! Kids can be the toughest critics but also the most rewarding people to win over because if they do believe in fairies this Christmas they’re going to have a whale of a wonderful time!”

Joe Chambers, from CBeebies TV show The Rhyme Rocket will be having fun playing Hook’s sidekick Smee.

“Smee is very much under the thumb of Mrs Smee and also Captain Hook – he gets drawn into the nasty stuff with him but tries to keep himself on the straight and narrow. I think he’s got a good heart whilst being a complete buffoon!”

More comedy comes from Edward Simpson who plays Mrs Smee – “I play the traditional dame with a slight twist. Usually the dame is a widow with a silly son, whereas this time I’m married with a silly husband!

“You can expect plenty of traditional cheeky dame gags, plenty of costume changes and lots of lovely wigs and I’m sure every night I’ll find a boyfriend in the front row of the audience to flirt with all through the show!”

The panto is the latest from Stuart Morrison Productions who’ve brought us some fantastic shows in the past. Katie Paine stars as Wendy, Hollyoaks’ Vera Chok plays Tinkerbell and Cresset regular George Dee plays Tiger.

Get ready to take a trip to Neverland this Christmas as The Cresset will have us flying high in December with this year’s panto Peter Pan, and it’s one that kids of any age will enjoy.

in Peterborough from December 15 – 31. To book your tickets call 01733 265705 or visit www.cresset.co.uk

GREAT SHOWS LINED UP FOR 2023

As The Cresset moves into its 45th year of providing great entertainment at the heart of Peterborough’s community, their 2023 spring season promises to be another packed-out line-up of fantastic events!

There’s the usual selection of great music – from top tributes such as Desperado, Woman Like Me – The Little Mix Show, The Diana Ross Story, Re-Take That, Good Evening Mr. Bublé, The ELO Experience, The Meatloaf Songbook and Islands In The Stream; to quality artists ndy Fairweather Low, Showaddywaddy and Marti . Or if you can’t pick just one act to jam to, there’s The Magic of Motown, Bring The Heat, Beyond The Barricade, 80’s Mania, Rock Icons, Lipstick On Your and 90’s Live bringing several different eras of musical history to life!

Bringing the laughs this season will be Danny Baker on his brand-new Sausage Sandwich Tour, plus the sidesplitting productions of Menopause The Musical 2 and The Little Mermaid Adult Panto. The Cresset’s long running (in fact, the longest running in Peterborough!)

Comedy Club takes place from February to July, giving four up-and-coming comedians their time in the spotlight each month! There’s also a couple of upcoming comedy announcements you won’t want to miss out on, so be sure to follow The Cresset on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram plus subscribe to their mailing list for all the latest updates.

For something a bit different, get ready for a night of laughter, cabaret, mystery, and glamour in An Evening of Burlesque; a compelling evening of mediumship from Tony Stockwell; a fascinating deep-dive into the world of true crime with psychological therapist and crime commentator Emma Kenny in her show The Serial Killer Next Door plus a night of fun and fantasy from The Dreamboys. There’s also a deep-sea adventure perfect for all the family in The Little Mermaid Family Panto

All this and much more is on its way to Peterborough in 2023 – The Cresset, where there really is always something going on, and always something for everyone to enjoy!

PARTY ON!

It’s not just about the theatre shows, there’s plenty of fun to be had celebrating the festive season at The Cresset’s special party nights.

If you’re looking for somewhere for a bit of a much needed knees up they offer a great value night out for groups large or small.

Their party nights have been running for over 30 years so they must be good! This year’s events are on December 9 and 10 and December 16 and 17

They include a freshly prepared 2 course meal with varied options available all served to your table. Plus there’s great live music provided by The Veltones and a disco to get you dancing, all for £32.50.

Sounds like a hassle free way to enjoy the party season to us – to book call

Come on, let’s celebrate!

Party season is here and this year we think you’ll want to let your hair down. So whether it’s you and your friends, your works do or a family gathering it looks like the Holiday Inn Peterborough West has a night out with your name on it.

If you haven’t decided where to head to yet for the office party, forget standing around the photo copier with a bowl of nibbles and lift everyone’s mood with a really great night out instead that everyone really needs.

ESP asked Maria Osker from the Holiday Inn Peterborough West what’s on the party menu this year.

“Our venue has been one of the many venues in the city that hosts great special events and Christmas really is our forte. Over the festive period we welcome thousands of guests to celebrate in style with informal and formal events catering for parties of 5 – 500.

“Our venue allows us to give the real wow factor and atmosphere that everyone hopes to achieve for the festive season. This year we have changed the concepts slightly and made each event individual

giving our guests more variety and options to suit their needs.”

The Big Company Bash

For larger groups the range of events space on the ground floor is perfect to keep the party atmosphere buzzing.

They can cater for large corporate parties for up to 300 guests with a sit down meal and up to 500 for an informal buffet. The hotel was designed for events like this enabling guests to have a great party in the main room but also having that quieter space for catching up in the banqueting bar.

Small Gang, Big Party

If you’re a smaller group wanting to celebrate but would like to be with other partygoers they have created a great offering of different events to suit all needs.

“We understand that from the past couple of years not everyone is ready for a full party, and yet some just want to let

their hair down and party the night away,” explained Maria.

“We have many options available from a chilled Charcuterie & Wine evening in the Open Lobby, with soft sounds from the saxophonist which is great for small groups that just want to relax without the formal dinner.

“We have the traditional joiner party ‘A Jolly Good Time’ offering a 3 course festive dinner and disco through to our ‘Glitz & Glam’ party which really offers the wow factor. This party includes a glass of prosecco on arrival with soft tunes from our saxophonist, a 3 course festive dinner, followed by our 5 piece band, disco and photo booth.”

You might have been visited by the hotel team brandishing their Christmas brochures back in the summer, but if you weren’t among the early birds who made a booking then and are panicking about where to go, take a look at what’s on offer by downloading a brochure from their website page www.letsdochristmas.com/holiday-innpeterborough-west/

To enquire about available dates just give them a call on 01733 289900

New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala Ball

Get your glad rags and bowties on as this special event returns to the Holiday Inn to see in 2023 in style.

Christmas Day the Easy Way

Christmas Day is for family and fun so perhaps this year you can make the most of that precious time together, ditch the chores and let someone else handle the cooking!

Why stand over the washing up when you can enjoy a fantastic Christmas lunch in a relaxed atmosphere? The Holiday Inn will be serving up a lovely lunch for all the family to enjoy with a glass of prosecco on arrival, followed by a 3 course festive dinner. With the lunch sorted you can head home and put your feet up with the Quality Street and some festive fun.

If you feel the need for some glitz and glam to make this New Year’s Eve go with a bang this extra special celebration evening includes Champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by a 6 course dinner, and entertainment from a 5 piece band. There’s a disco until the early hours to keep the party going.

Beer Lovers Christmas Cheese Board

Party season might make you think of cheese and wine, but beer lovers Gina and Eddie at Peterborough’s bottle shop, Bottle & Board, believe it’s time to consider a change. They know a thing or two about how to pair your ales with your food. The shop is packed with winter brews to buy, as well as Christmas gift packs, so we asked Gina for her guide to the perfect sharing platter for your Christmas feast….

Some might ask: why beer and cheese in the first place?

It’s true that wine is the established pairing partner of cheese, whether in a formal restaurant setting or at a relaxed dinner party. We’re

taught that the two are an excellent match. But is that really the case?

Beer has greater depth and range than wine, for example there is a wider

range of strength in beers from 0.5% to 15% and sometimes higher. Plus there are a wider range of various beer styles giving a greater breadth and complexity of flavours to work with.

There are two main rules to pairing food, either try to contrast the taste of the cheese with the flavour of the beer, or compliment the two.

Fresh and light cheeses, such as goats cheese suit the citrusy flavours of Belgian white beers, Gueuze and German wheat beers – this pairing is all about keeping it fresh, the high carbonation of the beer acting as a natural palate cleanser.

A nutty, aged cheese such as Montgomery’s cheddar, or Lincolnshire Poacher often pairs well with brown ales and Flemish red ales such as Ridgeway’s Warm Welcome or Duchesse de Bourgogne.

Veined blue cheese always looks great on a sharing platter, these cheeses pair well with Barley wines and imperial stouts, such as Ridgeway’s Imperial Stout, Criminally Bad Elf or Anchor Christmas Ale.

This is just a guideline to creating your cheese platter; if you would like more advice and help with constructing your Christmas cheese board we are always happy to help at Bottle and Board.

Christmas is Coming to Bottle and Board

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Dog-friendly Dining

Long walks wrapped up in cosy knitwear and chunky scarves, boots crunching over colourful leaves or soft snow – one of the highlights about this time of year, for sure.

But the picture wouldn’t be complete without our canine friends by our side. And, of course, all that walking is thirsty work for both people and dogs, so stopping off for a warming cuppa and slice of cake or a filling pub lunch is a must.

Check out ESP’s guide to some of the best dog-friendly venues in the area, where you and your dog can curl up by a roaring fire and watch the world go by from inside a warm haven.

Perfect for Pooches - Our Top Picks for Pubs

3. Dog in a Doublet Whittlesey

1. The Hare & Hounds Greatford

ESP photographer Mike can vouch for this village gem – or rather his sheepdog, Scout, can! Treat yourself to one of its famous Sunday roasts or an artisan hand-stretched pizza, which you can even design yourself. In Mike’s words: “Couple that on a winter’s day with a blazing log fire, excellent draught beer and a dog at your feet, and you have the perfect recipe.”

Our resident activities bod Darren – owned by Staffie Hector – has never failed to be impressed by the quality of the food at this renowned riverside venue. Hector also gave it the paws up when he received his very own free roast dinner which he tucked into beside Darren, who says: “The staff are always really nice and accommodating, we get that relaxed feeling of going to dinner at friends or family, and to have Hector with us too just tops it off perfectly.”

4. The Fitzwilliam Arms Marholm

With water bowls and biscuits greeting dogs on arrival, ESP’s Bella the Westie rates this as one of her favourite haunts. It’s also a hit with her owner, our wellbeing writer Karen, who highly recommends sampling their Sunday lunches.

2. Fox & Hounds Longthorpe

I’ve visited several times with my Cocker Spaniel, Henry, and each time, we were guided to a dogfriendly corner of the pub where it isn’t out of the ordinary to see four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes laying next to their owner’s feet. A bowl of water and jar of treats can be found at the entrance.

5. Tobie Norris Stamford

I love the quirky and historic look and feel of this Tudor building, with its three floors and seven rooms to explore. There’s also plenty of space for dogs; I’ve enjoyed venturing inside with fellow doggy friends for a drink – and then been tempted by one of their famous pizzas!

Former journo Kelly Jackson has lived in Peterborough just over 10 years. She enjoys visiting eateries in and around the city, especially if it’s dog friendly so her canine companion can join in!

Prefer a café over a pub? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Why not try out one of these?

Bewiched Coffee, Peterborough city centre

Now, I haven’t visited here with Henry in tow but it’s one of my regular places to hitch up my laptop and work for a few hours. As well as its dog-friendly sign on the door, the café has photos of past canine customers on the wall behind the counter. On my last visit a lovely Greyhound was making himself comfy in the corner next to his owner. Enough said.

Poppy’s Coffee Bar, Whittlesey

This vibrant and colourful coffee shop hasn’t long opened its doors but it’s already winning over pooches with its treats, puppachinos and dog beds. And the cakes and shakes for humans look ravishing, too! Coffee and pastries are very reasonably priced, so you’ll nab a bargain to boot.

Lakeside Kitchen, Ferry Meadows

Who doesn’t love a crisp autumn or winter dog walk at Peterborough’s premier park? There’s a separate indoor section of the café especially for dog owners to take shelter, but always plenty of space out on the decking and plenty of dog bowls.

New groomers will be a doggy delight!

There’s a new salon in Peterborough, but this one’s for our four-legged friends and promises to be a cut above the rest!

Just pull up and trot in with your best friend for a trim and they’ll come out looking pooch perfect.

Office Manager Heather Rilling told ESP –“If you’re looking for a dog grooming salon that goes above and beyond – then you’ve come to the right place. Dogs of all ages, breeds, coat type, and temperaments are all very welcome, and we are so excited to welcome our first customers!

grooms, hand stripping and spa services to name a few. We have an amazing loyalty scheme offering a free full groom and spa treatment after 10 visits!”

Owner James Rubython says The Muddy Paw ethos is to build a bond with each and every dog, all dogs are treated with the same love and kindness, as if they are a member of their family.

“Over time we build a relationship with each dog and their owner ensuring that not only do they look and smell great but that each dog looks forward to every trip.

“We can offer tips on behaviour and training, diet, and exercise. Dogs are our passion – and our goal is to pass on our wellbeing and grooming knowledge to our customers to ensure the dogs are in tip top condition and living their best lives!”

The importance of keeping on top of your dog’s groom is paramount to its overall health and wellbeing; a well-groomed dog not only keeps them looking and smelling amazing, but regular grooming from a young age encourages positive behaviour, and is also a great way to detect early health problems due to the free health check provided at the start of every groom.

The Muddy Paw is the newest dog grooming salon from this team and will be based within Van Hage Garden Centre, PE1 Retail Park in Peterborough which is a great location with lots of free parking.

“We offer luxury grooming services, using only the most high-end products and salon equipment. Our services range from bath and brushes, and maintenance trims to full

Prices start from £25 for a bath and brush and from £30 for a full groom, puppy visits start from £20 depending on breed. They also offer 50% off your first puppy visit!

Go EAST for fine food and festivities!

For excellent Pan Asian cuisine, EAST above Charters barge in Peterborough never disappoints.

It’s all beautifully presented on white porcelain and you just can’t beat dining on the river to feel like you’re somewhere special.

The next special occasion to consider for dining out is of course the festive season and East launches its Christmas menus from November 29 available until Christmas Eve

It’s a great choice for your Christmas party but also ideal for lunch to catch up with friends over the festivities or to take a break from all that shopping.

East’s Lunch Menu is available Monday-Saturday from 12 noon till 2.30pm and on Sundays from 12 noon till 3.30pm. You can enjoy a starter and one main course for just £12.95.

Thelocation for my birthday treat, dinner with friends here was once again a real gift with delicious starters, my favourite duck pancakes and some excellent chicken Pad Thai noodles. The fusion of Oriental styles of cuisine is created with the finest and freshest ingredients, all expertly prepared and include dishes chosen from diverse cultures of South-East Asia.

The choices here are a wonderful alternative to typical Christmas fare and as it’s the season for socialising there’s a choice of sharing menus including a vegetarian selection. This includes dishes such as Singapore Vegetable Curry and Wild Ginger Tofu and Vegetables. From our experience there’s more than enough food to go round and a sharing menu is a great opportunity to try some delights you might not usually opt for.

The three course festive sharing menu for example is £28.95 per person for four people or more and includes a range of popular starters and tempting main courses such as Braised lemongrass Beef, Char Sui Pork and Massaman Chicken amongst others.

This Lion is King

I always say there’s no substitute for experience.

So, when I discovered that the new owners of The Red Lion in Warmington were at the helm at Fratellis and The Wishing Well, I knew I’d be in for a quality meal.

Warmington is one of those places I don’t think of as having a good choice for dining. But now that I’ve sampled what The Red Lion has to offer, I couldn’t care less about a choice even if there is one, as for me, the Lion is king to eat at.

It’s the kind of place you’d take your partner when you want something much better than ordinary – and it’s also the perfect venue for treating mums and dads to a nice meal in a lovely setting.

There’s an air of sophistication about the food without it being too fancy and that’s what I like. You’re greeted with honest, flavoursome food that’s prepared with attention and more importantly, made the way the owners would eat it at home. There are a few staple dishes on offer but the menu changes monthly and that means you’re almost always in for some seasonal treats.

To view all of the menus for lunch or Christmas just visit www.eastrestaurant.co.uk

Sharon McAllister

I skipped a very tempting starter menu and dived straight into my main – belly pork, mustard mashed potatoes, carrot purée, tender stem broccoli and cider gravy. It wasn’t cooked in copious amounts of salt or sugar; it was just real.

You could actually taste every accompaniment on the plate and more importantly, it was served hot. Being presented with warm or cold food is a pet hate of mine.

About half an hour later we asked about desserts. Homemade is always the word my ears are wired to pick up, and the sticky toffee pudding was probably the best thing I’ve put in my mouth all year.

We must have spent about three hours in The Red Lion. The restaurant was busy but never did we feel rushed. Our host made us feel like we were having an experience rather than making a transaction and for me that’s the key to happy diners, as long as the food is consistent, which I know The Red Lion will insist on.

I’ll just be insisting on them letting me have that sticky toffee pudding recipe next time I visit…

Pep Cipriano

paparazzi Caught in the act?

A look back at summer in the city…

During the summer ESP’s Paparazzi team were out an about capturing you all enjoying the sun and sounds so let’s revisit warmer times!

June saw some fantastic concerts on the Embankment with Simply Red and Café Mambo Ibiza DJs performing live. It was also the month that saw the welcome return of the Dragon Boat Festival at Peterborough Rowing Lake. ESP Magazine was the media partner for the race brought to us by NewWave Events and we had a cracking day on the water.

August saw The Deepings Raft Race make a splash 80s style while Peterborough Pride made a return with a display of rainbow banners in a fabulous parade through the city and celebrations at The Green Backyard.

Our thanks to the ESP Paparazzi team - Wayne Bloye, Mike Harris and Alina Pashko. You can view all the images on our Facebook page.

paparazzi Caught in the act?

A look back at the PBF!

One of the main events of the year was the much anticipated return of the Peterborough Beer Festival organised by the local branch of CAMRA. So let’s take you back to the biggest bar in the Boro and relive the brews, tunes and socilaising and fondly remember those sunny days and tipsy nights at this wonderful event in the city.

Our ESP Paparazzi photographers Alina Pashko and Mike Harris were there to get you saying ‘Cheers!’ as they snapped you enjoying one (or two) pints, G&Ts, wines and ciders.

A big thank you to all the hardworking volunteers who make this event happen! As it gets cooler we’re already looking forward to next summer and heading back to the Embankment.

View all of our images on our Facebook page.

An exciting new opportunity for potential young stars in the city is coming to Peterborough.

The Young Actors Company, which has been running for over 40 years, is setting up a new centre at The Cresset, where they will run a drama school and an acting agency to help young talent find work in the industry.

The school is more than just a place to learn the craft and become an actor but also to make friends, build confidence and learn all important life skills whatever career path they decide to follow.

This will be their second school with one already well established in Cambridge bringing their wide ranging expertise to the city and making it even more accessible to youngsters aged 5 - 21.

They have already helped dozens of young people get their acting careers off the ground gaining roles in TV and film. One of their alumni is Peterborough’s very own success story Himesh Patel, well known for playing Tamwar in EastEnders for several years as well as many other acting roles since, including films like Yesterday, Tenet and Don’t Look Up.

Himesh says their support helped launch his career – "Joining The Young Actors Company was the single most important step I took as an aspiring young performer. They gave me the push in the right direction and the ability to expand my horizons at an important time in my life. Anything I have now and any success I may have in the future, I will always owe to The Young Actors Company."

They run a Screen Acting Course like no other which focuses solely on screen acting and the Screen Academy undertakes many projects every year, both in-front and behind the camera. These projects include showreels, silent movies, trailers, competition films and an opportunity for all actors in the Screen Academy to produce a feature film of their own.

Principal Vanessa Boland from the Young Actors Company says – “Every year they make a film and this is premiered at our red carpet screening event. The young actors are treated like movie stars for the day and walk down the red carpet surrounded by friends, family and of course the paparazzi. The film is then shown for the first time on the big screen. Actors then receive a copy to keep forever.”

Their well respected Stage Academy is led by Peterborough’s very own nationally renowned Director and Author, Darren O’Sullivan and along with The Workshop are production based groups which provide the highest quality training by industry professionals.

“We are really excited to bring so many exciting opportunities to the city – I am actually from Peterborough myself,” adds Vanessa. “We pride ourselves on being a safe space for young people to be themselves.”

Just as important as nurturing young talent is then translating that into careers in the industry and Y.A.C Talent has been representing young actors and creating opportunities to work professionally for over 25 years.

With strong connections in all areas of the entertainment industry, the Agency works in association with The Young Actors Company to offer professional representation.

Vanessa adds – “Our Agency represents young actors aged 5-21 and specialises in TV, film, theatre, radio, voiceover and commercials. We work closely with young actors and their parents every step of the way from submission to audition to production to ensure a fun, safe and educational experience.”

You will have seen previous students in shows like Sherlock, Uncle and Waterloo Road as well as The Crown, Artemis Fowl and Dumbo

This is a great opportunity for potential young stars of the future to learn their craft and gain support to win roles. But even if an acting career doesn’t come to fruition for whatever reason, this fun experience will build friendships and confidence that will remain with them throughout life – whether that’s under the spotlight or not.

nd out more visit

NEW SKI SLOPE OPENING AT TALLNGTON LAKES

Winter fun is back and the dry ski slope at Tallington Lakes is just the place to head. Boasting a fresh new surface that mimics snowlike conditions it opens for the start of the winter season in November.

Asmany haven’t had the chance to hit the snowy mountains these past two seasons, this brand new Proslope artificial surface offers an exciting opportunity to learn to ski or brush up your skills. The 120m ski slope hasn’t had a facelift for 35 years and this is a major improvement to what the centre has to offer.

There’ll be organised racing, freestyle competitions, ski touring classes, as well as private and group ski/snowboard lessons. Not forgetting Day Courses and the Junior Snow School so there’s something to suit everyone. To kick off the winter season in style, look out for the Christmas Freestyle Open Day in December.

Tallington has British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI) and Snowsports England instructors to coach and guide you and of course their Pro Shop is packed full of ski gear, and boot fitting experts to make sure you get the perfect fit.

ESP caught up with Tallington’s Chief Instructor, Lotti to find out more…

Just how much of an improvement is this slope going to be?

“It’s no secret the old slope was tired, but the new surface is the closest to snow we’ve ever skied! After skiing on many dry slopes around England, I would have to say this new surface is by far the best, and maybe even better than the sticky snow at some of the snowdomes! It’s great for beginners to advanced, racers and freestylers.”

What new opportunities will this new slope provide?

“For beginners this is a much better surface to learn on, much more forgiving, freestylers and snowboarders will also appreciate this. For more advanced riders it will provide a much more realistic experience. With our new food hut at the bottom of the slope we’re bringing a much more alpine feel to Lincolnshire. We’re hoping to create a bigger community here at Tallington that will encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved and have fun!”

As many may not have been able to hit the slopes for a while, how do artificial slopes help get people ready/better?

“At a fraction of the price to snow domes dry slopes are the perfect option to learn or improve prior to holiday to ensure

you’re getting the most out of them. With help from our instructors getting your ski legs back has never been easier, from fitness advice, resort advice and even ensuring you get the correct kit before going away.”

What can you provide for beginners?

“We offer a variety of options for beginners. For adults we have private lessons which are tailored to the individual, group lessons that follow a session plan or a day course that’ll take you from zero to hero in 5 hours (hopefully)! Juniors can take advantage of our private lessons as well or take part in our specifically designed junior snow school that moves at a slightly slower pace.”

How important is it to get your boots fitted correctly?

“Boots can make or break a holiday, and if you’ve ever been in hire boots before I’m sure you know this! Our trained boot fitters can help ensure you walk out with the best fitting boots, whether that’s as they come, with footbeds or even custom moulded. Having the correct fitting boots means not only should your feet not hurt but you can also see an improvement in your own skiing ability.”

What would be your main advice for anyone planning a ski holiday this winter?

“GET FIT! Sometimes people forget that skiing is exercise and can be an almighty full body workout. Working on your fitness with some home exercise and some skiing practice prior to your holiday can make a massive difference when you get away.”

What is the biggest mistake people make when considering trying skiing?

“Confidence. When you’re more relaxed skiing becomes easy, as soon as you panic and tense the chances of you falling and getting injured increase. Our instructors can help build your confidence by ensuring you are getting the right information and helping to put you at ease. Although too much confidence can also lead to injuries if participants try to run before they can walk.” www.tallington.com www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

Get ‘moativated’ this winter!

We all feel the slump in winter with many people suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) so while it is a natural time to slow up, it’s still important to stay fit and healthy, but also to stay connected.

So the chilly days and long nights are here, if you can feel your mojo sliding away into the (earlier) sunset it’s time to address your winter wellbeing.

Getting out in some fresh air when you can is still important for your physical health and mental feel-good factor, but there’ll be times when you can achieve more indoors.

Hunkering down, feeling isolated and sluggish won’t help with the winter blues so ESP headed to the aptly named Club Moativation at the Holiday Inn Peterborough West for some winter health tips.

Kitted out with a fully equipped air conditioned gym with a range of cardio, resistance machines and free weights, a warm 10 x 5m pool, and running various studio classes including yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics, HIIT training and low intensity classes, it has something to suit everyone.

For those times when you’re fed up with the chill but just need to chill out, there’s also a toasty sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi to warm up and relax in.

“Club Moativation is a smaller club with a big heart,” leisure club manager Mark Drake told ESP. “We pride ourselves on being at one with our members and offering the personal touch. We book members onto a fitness induction and into any classes that they wish to participate in. A positive of a club our size is that we get to know our members well and therefore we can continuously support their progress.”

“We are a social environment and members feel that escapism from those challenging areas of everyday life,” says Mark. “Friendships across multiple years have been forged through membership with Club Moativation and that can be the strongest pull when following a weekly health and wellbeing regime.”

There’s no doubt having a bit of backup and professional advice helps keep up your motivation whether it’s exercise or healthy eating. It’s all too easy to slouch on the couch with the comfort food!

Mark says – “We offer advice regarding a well-balanced diet that can provide all of the energy you need to keep active throughout the day, nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness. Eating a healthy balanced diet can also help you to maintain a healthy weight.

“We will tailor a health and fitness program to follow and offer regular reassessments to maintain motivation and progression towards those health and fitness goals.”

We’ve all found that the concept of New Year resolutions don’t work and actually make you feel more disheartened if you don’t stick to them, but you can decide to improve your health at any point and start making some positive changes.

Whether you want to tackle weight issues, feel you’d benefit from more oneto-one personal training sessions, improve for a specific sport or need something to help relieve stress, Mark

believes investing in your wellbeing this winter will have huge benefits.

“In these modern times and with the awareness around Mental Health being paramount, it may just take that 20 mins in the Jacuzzi, an holistic and spiritual hour in a Yoga class or thrashing out an hour in the gym or taking part in a High Intensity Interval Training class. There is no ‘One Size Fits All’, it is any individual’s focus, aim or desire to become or feel a certain way that puts them in a more positive and healthier frame of mind.”

Club Moativation is located within the Holiday Inn Peterborough West at Thorpe Wood in Peterborough.

paparazzi Caught in the act?

It was a Great Eastern Run!

Thousands of runners took to the streets of Peterborough in October as this fantastic event returned to the city thanks to Good Running Events. The sun shone and the smiles were broad.

Whether it was pounding the roads tackling the half marathon or dressing up for the Anna’s Hope 5k fun run, everyone was cheered along and thousands of pounds were raised for various charities like Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, SSAFA, Little Miracles and Anna’s Hope.

ESP’s photographer Mike Harris was there to capture the action and it’s a huge well done from all of us to all the organisers, sponsors and all important volunteers who helped make it happen. It’s a fantastic event for Peterborough and we’re delighted to see it return.

Next year’s run is on Sunday October 15, it’s a great goal to help you get fit in 2023. www.greateastern.run

Karen Devine Wellbeing

Keeping on top of our health and wellbeing in the winter is more challenging than in the spring and summer months. For a start we only get about 8 hours of daylight compared to the 16-17 hours we get in the summer therefore, we spend more time indoors with closed windows, central heating and unnatural light.

We also eat more cooked foods and less leafy greens, colourful salads and fruits which deliver natural hydration in the summer months so we are more susceptible to dehydration with all its negative effects from low mood, sleep issues, dry skin, weakened immunity and more.

In nature, autumn is about winding down, getting prepared for the ‘retreat’ of winter to conserve energy. We are part of nature and her cycles; therefore, we must look towards the hints she gives us. We too, should start winding down where we can. We have become a species that never stops, we try to fit so much into our lives that we wonder why we end up burnt out, low in mood, and more likely to pick up the autumn and winter illnesses.

Of course, we can’t all down tools and hibernate for the winter, but we can help ourselves get through these months by making the natural adjustments we need to navigate through them. This will help us mentally, emotionally, and physically.

1. Rest – The winter months are the best time to catch up with sleep, our body detoxifies and removes so much of its cellular wastes as we sleep, especially from the area of the brain. When we’re not getting enough, or our sleep is restless, our body’s ability to give up its toxins is interfered with. This can leave us feeling irritable, groggy and tired during the day. It can also weaken our immunity, leaving us susceptible to the winter bugs.

2. Exercise – Our body needs to move, this is what it is designed to do, but we don’t need to push ourselves to

exhaustion. A walk, yoga, Pilates, swimming, a bike ride – anything that gets your heart rate up, your lymphatic system moving and lubricating your joints goes a very long way to support your wellbeing.

3. Optimum nutrition – Let’s keep this simple, our food is to provide the raw materials needed for our cells to work, at the same time to help hydrate our body and to help ‘sweep’ the wastes out of our digestive system. This means ‘whole foods’ that nature supplies us with – vitamins, enzymes, minerals, phytonutrients and fibre. Refined carbohydrates, sugar and alcohol can cause huge blood sugar swings which leads to irritability and low mood. They weaken our immunity, lower our energy and lead to weight gain.

4. Hydration – Keeping our cells hydrated in the autumn and winter months is much harder as we don’t gravitate towards juicy fresh fruits, leafy greens, smoothies and fresh juices. Our thirst response can also diminish in the winter so keeping our hydration up at this time of year is equally important (we also spend more time indoors). Water with ginger (to warm it), adding spices to some foods, herbal teas and veggie soups/stews will all help. Also keep an eye on how much alcohol and sugar you consume (especially in December) as these cause havoc with hydration. Our mood, sleep, immunity and outlook is very much improved in a hydrated body!

5. Fresh air and sunlight – both are extremely important for our mood so still try and get outdoors where and when you can. It’s known that breathing in fresh air can increase our energy levels, improve our mental functions, and boost our immunity.

Wrap up and get outside on those fresh winter days where you can.

6. Finally remember that our brain needs stimulation. Try not to veg out in front of your TV throughout the winter. Our brain is able to reorganise its structure, improve its function and create new habits due to a process known as neuroplasticity. Learning and having new experiences allows our neural pathways to strengthen, whereas those which are used infrequently weaken and die. Brain plasticity fluctuates throughout our lives, childhood being the most significant time for our brain development. However, we can help to maintain plasticity by learning new things, new skills as well as in the practice of mindfulness or meditation. In other words, use it or lose it!

Read more from Karen in the lifestyle section of our website www.espmag.co.uk or visit www.karendevine.co.uk

Karen Devine is a Peterborough based Registered Nutritional Therapist, Colonic Hydrotherapist and Naturopath

Is the arrival of winter giving you the chills? There are plenty of ways to survive the season and stay healthy. ESP’s wellbeing writer Karen Devine gives her tips on making the most of this time for renewal…

up guys. Have you ever wolf-whistled at a girl in the street? Does your mate’s banter ever go too far? Ever told a girl she’d look prettier if she smiled?

Whether you realise it or not, this type of behaviour is never OK. Violence against women isn’t always physical. Misogynistic behaviour like sexist jokes and ‘banter’ have a big impact on the way we view women and girls, and often creates a culture of sexual violence.

It’s time to call it out – whether it’s thinking twice about your own actions or pulling up your mates on how they treat women and girls.

As part of a bold new campaign from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, local authorities and partner agencies, KNOW Violence Against Women aims to educate men on what violence against women is; helping create a safer space for women and girls across the county.

UN Women reports that 97% of women aged 18-24 have been sexually harassed in the UK, and according to recent research, almost 80% of women surveyed in Cambridgeshire currently feel unsafe in public spaces*.

The new KNOW Violence Against Women campaign encourages men to identify and call out misogynistic, harassing and sexually violent behaviour to help create a safer environment across Cambridgeshire. You'll soon be seeing posters in public spaces like colleges, universities, parks, gyms, pubs and bars to help spread the message across the county, educating men, and women, on what

violence against women and girls is.

Unfortunately, many women and girls feel that sexual harassment and violence is an almost inevitable part of being female, with latest research* reporting a higher percentage of them feeling unsafe or in danger at numerous public areas across Cambridgeshire, compared to male residents.

As well as facing sexual violence in public spaces, women and girls often face abuse online. Who doesn’t know a female friend who’s received unwanted nude images from a guy or even been coerced into sending some of themselves? Guys might dismiss comments like “you’re smart for a woman” as ‘banter’ but it’s finally being called out as misogynistic, harassing behaviour, which contributes towards a culture of sexual violence.

Accepting and normalising bad attitudes can be a catalyst for much more violent behaviours in the future. Superintendent John Massey, head of protecting vulnerable people at Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: "Violence against women takes many forms – from catcalling and wolfwhistling in the street to groping women in a bar – and behaviour of this type is never acceptable.

“Many people don’t realise that this kind of behaviour can be classed as threatening behaviour,

harassment, or assault, and identifying this is the first step towards making a societal and systemic change. Misogynistic behaviour, sexist jokes and ‘banter’ have a big impact on the way we view women and girls. Violence against women isn’t just physical abuse – it's far wider than that.

“This campaign urges us all –especially men and boys – to recognise what violence against women is and to think about the way we treat women, not only in Cambridgeshire but in every aspect of our lives.”

The KNOW Violence Against Women campaign is the first in a series of initiatives which will be running across Cambridgeshire in the coming months, supported by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough local authorities and partners across the county.

The campaign, delivered by behaviour change agency Social Change, features three strong slogans; KNOW Misogyny, KNOW Harassment and KNOW Sexual Violence.

The future looks bright!

There are so many reasons why you might want to start a degree, from boosting your earnings potential, to pursuing a career that you’re passionate about.

Peterborough’s new university, ARU Peterborough, opened its doors this September and offers a wide variety of courses from business and law, to engineering and construction, as well as a range of Degree Apprenticeships and so much more.

Ever wondered if university could be for you? An open day is where you can find out.

Are you thinking of starting a degree? It can feel overwhelming when it comes to deciding which course and which university to apply to, as there are so many options. The good news is that you can explore them for yourself, so you can compare and make sure you choose the right one for you.

Every university will have a calendar of open days taking place throughout the year, they’re free and you can attend as many as you like.

What can I expect at an open day?

An open day is designed to give you a taste of what it would be

like to study at a particular university. There will be a range of activities on the day, which might include a welcome talk, campus tour, talks about the courses and more.

You’ll get a chance to meet with lecturers and ask any questions you might have about the degree. Most universities will also have current students there on the day, so you can hear a firsthand account of their university experience.

As well as exploring the university, attending an open day gives you the opportunity to check out the local area. It’s important to find out if this is an area you would like to move to (or stay in), as it will be your home for a few years while you study.

Ifyou’re planning your big day but are watching the pennies, how do you still have the amazing wedding you want on a budget?

What can be one of the most expensive parts of your wedding fund is the dress. Getting the right bridal gown is of course the main focus for brides-to-be but some can be absurdly pricey.

Even on something as important as this you can still be a savvy shopper and find the ideal gown at outlets like Lily Rose Bridal in Peterborough. This lovely bridal boutique specialises in affordable exsamples, vintage and brand new designer dresses.

You won’t be short of choice though, with over 100 stunning gowns in stock in sizes from 6 – 24 and the range changes all the time with so many different styles to choose from.

You’ll get personal service from the owner Julie, who’ll help and advise you to make sure you get the right look to flatter your figure and your budget. You can make it a stress-free appointment with friends or family there who can relax on

the sofas and help you make up your mind.

“We know how important the dress is for brides-to-be but the cost of some gowns can be extortionate,” says Julie. “Lily Rose is all about finding the perfect dress you’ll love but at an affordable price. We work hard to source gorgeous gowns of all styles that are great quality but won’t break your budget.

“Every bride deserves to feel amazing on her big day and we really take the time to work with you and help select the right look and any accessories you might need.

We’ve had some amazing reviews from delighted brides who found just what they were looking for at Lily Rose, and were so grateful they got to feel fabulous without breaking the bank.”

To save even more, don’t miss out on the Lily Rose bridal gown sale from November 12

Visit www.lilyrose-bridal.co.uk or follow them on Instagram and Facebook to find out more.

Bride

Price

Ex-Sample, New and Vintage Gowns

• Our boutique located in Peterborough just off the A1 brings brides-to-be a selection of over 100 stunning gowns in sizes from 6 – 26.

• We specialise in affordable, exsample, vintage and brand new designer dresses with prices from £150 to £995.

• To complete the perfect look we have a beautiful range of veils, capes and accessories.

• We offer a bespoke, one-to-one service for the perfect personal bridal experience.

20

Bridal Gown Sale dresses

from Nov 12th

Jan 15th

2023 is round the corner and you might already be getting hitched – or you might just get that proposal over Christmas or on New Year’s Eve, who knows!

PETERBOROUGH.

ORTON HALL

Enjoy everything from an Afternoon Tea with friends to dinner in the award-winning Huntly Restaurant.

From

dining out to celebrating Christmas, partying on New Year’s Eve to staging the perfect wedding day, this beautiful 17th-century Manor House provides an amazing backdrop. Nestled in 20 acres of mature woodland in the conservation village of Orton Longueville it’s a wonderful setting for any occasion.

With a fascinating heritage, it has 70 characterful bedrooms and retains much of the charm of the original house, a stunning orangery as well as an on-site spa and the popular pub, The Ramblewood Inn.

There’s ample free parking, free Wi-Fi and excellent transport links as it’s so close to the A1 and just 15 minutes from Peterborough station so it’s ideal for corporate conferences, a base to meet with family and explore the local area or to experience their superb food.

The festive season is on the way and Orton Hall is lining up some fantastic ways to celebrate with Christmas party packages, festive afternoon teas and lunches, Christmas staycations and of course their New Year’s Eve celebration evening.

If you’re getting married next year, they will be showcasing the hotel to all those seeking the perfect wedding venue on Sunday January 15, 2023. This will be a wonderful opportunity to be shown around by the hotel team and find out more about how they can deliver the perfect wedding day.

To book in for any dining or events, just call 01733 391111

Celebrate at

HALL HOTEL & SPA

391111

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

12 - 4pm daily, 1st to 23rd December. £23 per person incl glass of fizz, festive cocktail or mocktail. Pre-bookings only.

FESTIVE LUNCHES

12 - 4pm, Mon to Sat throughout December. 2 courses £24.95 or 3 courses £29.95 incl coffee. Pre-bookings only.

CHRISTMAS STAYCATION PACKAGES

3 and 4 nights from £545 per person including dinner, bed and breakfast.

WEDDING SHOWCASE

SUNDAY 15TH JANUARY, 2023

If you are looking for a wonderful wedding venue come along to see how the hotel, grounds, food and hotel team can deliver your perfect day. Our team of experienced wedding co-ordinators will be on hand with a glass of fizz to show you round and answer any questions.

LOOKING FOR

PERFECT

Strictly stars head to Peterborough! Our gorgeous cover star for this winter issue is Ukranian Nadiya Bychkova, one of the fabulous professional dancers currently gracing our screens in the latest BBC series of Strictly Come Dancing.

We’re big Strictly fans here at ESP and we saw Nadiya in action in the dance show Here Come the Boys at the New Theatre earlier this year. Performing alongside Graziano, Nikita and former Strictly star Pasha she definitely held her own amongst the male stars.

You can get your fix of Strictly stars performing live in Peterborough with some more great shows heading our way over the coming months.

First up is the fabulous Strictly Ballroom The Musical at the New Theatre running from November 28 – December 3. This one is based on Baz Luhrmann’s awardwinning worldwide film phenomenon, and stars former Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith from BBC’s EastEnders. It’s directed and co-choreographed by TV judge, Craig Revel Horwood, who’s now a nearby resident of Peterborough!

If you’re looking for tickets as Christmas presents there are a couple of great nights coming up that we’re sure fans of the show would love to find in their glitterball this year!

We’re super excited to see a fresh version of Firedance, a hotter than hot Latin spectacular featuring Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer with music from a live band. We caught the amazing first show and can’t wait for Firedance: Reignite on February 23 at the New Theatre.

Another fan favourite from the series arrives on April 13 when Giovanni Pernice brings his Made in Italy show to the New Theatre.

The Strictly Come Dancing 2021 champion and dance heart-throb invites you to join him on a journey to his homeland for his brand new 2023 production joined by an outstanding ensemble of some of the best dancers and singers from the Ballroom and theatre world. There are a limited number of VIP tickets available which includes show ticket, plus a pre-show meet & greet with Giovanni!

To book visit www.newtheatrepeterborough.com or call 01733 852992

difficult one, given that it fell on the one-year anniversary of the traumatic events that changed everything for them. However, nobody suspected that things would go quite so disastrously wrong during that weekend away.

We loved that this tale was told through the perspective of each family member. Once the narrative - interlaced with a comical subtext - unfolded through these numerous points-of-view, it soon became clear that things were not always what they seemed in both the past and present. The way certain things appeared one way before seeing it completely differently from a different point of view was truly clever writing.

Comments

“Well written with a massive twist in the middle which makes you stop and think 'did I miss something?' before you realise what has been happening.” Stuart G

“Very comical and so very relatable. If you don’t feel some pull on your heart strings reading this, then you are a robot.”

Danny

“I’ve had several laugh out loud moments in public and also felt strongly towards the characters in their stories.” Natalie

ESP’s long-time writer, Mikey Clarke, recently wrote his first book. We’ve read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s both heartbreaking and laugh-outloud.

7 1⁄2 Reasons Why I Hate This World tells the story of The Gardener family. They suspected that their holiday would be a

Mikey’s book is a no-holds-barred, coming-of-age story that doesn't pull any punches – likely to be a relatable read for anyone who’s battled to repair their own psyche. If you like funny, thrilling, and tragic coming of age stories such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Fault in Our Stars, then you'll love this. Don’t just take our word for it, here are some of the reviews found on Amazon, where you can pick up your own copy.

Well done Mikey, we look forward to seeing what you write next!

“The main character explores loss, love and genuine care for his family whilst trying to negotiate growing up in a world that has not only hurt him but also challenges everything he knows. Very relatable and frank, whilst being hilarious too (I’m just saying I wanna be Uncle Daves friend, you’ll get it… honest).” Karina

“The first book that has really pulled me in, in ages. It is such an easy read and I think a lot of people will relate to the thoughts of the main character Aiden. Really pleased I bought this.” Emma

ESP’s very own Mikey Clarke has written a book – and we love it!

Photo: Raymond Gubby

Gavin Miller

Winter Movies

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER

Released: December 16

Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet Director: James Cameron

After a 13-year hiatus, the sequel to the biggest grossing film of all time worldwide is here.

Blockbuster Titanic, Aliens and Terminator 2 movie director James Cameron is back with the first of another four scheduled Avatar movies – as he takes us back to the breathtaking water-laden planet of Pandora.

Initially scheduled for release a whopping eight years ago, The Way of Water was significantly delayed so Cameron could develop new technology in order to film ‘performance capture’ scenes underwater – and provide cinema-

goers with groundbreaking neverseen-before visual effects.

Sam Worthington’s Jake Sully is now settled on the alien world with his mate Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and new family, after permanently leaving his human body to become a member of the Na’vi tribe.

But after a peaceful decade, a familiar foe returns in the form of Stephen Lang’s Colonel Miles Quaritch – and the Na’vi must unite once again to protect their homeland.

BLACK ADAM

Released: October 21 Dwayne Johnson gets to star as his boyhood comic-book anti-hero Black Adam – a man blessed with powers from the Egyptian Gods – who has been unleashed after five thousand years of imprisonment. But will the Justice Society of America be able to curb his brutishly vengeful tactics and teach him to become a hero? Especially when he has to tackle the demon Sabbac – in this spin-off from DC Comics’ Shazam!

STRANGE WORLD

Released: November 23

The latest Disney big-screen animation sees a family of quarrelling explorers venture to an unchartered land full of weird and wonderful creatures – but their differences threaten to topple their latest and most crucial mission. The legendary Clade family is led by Dennis Quaid’s Dad Jaeger, and includes his son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his wife Meridian (Bad Boys II’s Gabrielle Union), who embark on this mysteriously treacherous quest.

Sigourney Weaver returns to join newbies such as Kate Winslet’s pivotal character Ronal – and reportedly Vin Diesel in a currently unspecified role – as Cameron finally sees his big-budget dream come to fruition.

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

Released: November 11

In the wake of T’Challa’s death – which will apparently be explained at the start of the sequel to pay homage to the late Chadwick Boseman – a new threat emerges from the hidden undersea nation of Talokan, in the form of the iconic comicbook mutant Namor the Sub-Mariner (Tenoch Huerta). The majority of the original cast return to defend Wakanda, with Dominque Thorne’s super-armoured Ironheart debuting.

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY

Released: December 23

This star-studded Knives Out sequel to Rian Johnson’s highly-regarded ‘whodunnit’ is scheduled to receive a special one-week cinematic release at the end of November – before its exclusive Netflix Christmas release. Former-Bond Daniel Craig reprises his role as ice-cool Detective Benoit Blanc, who gets called to the private island of Edward Norton’s tech billionaire Miles Bron when someone is murdered.

Peterborough’s longest serving film critic with a passion for movies.

Released: October 28

The ‘sleeper’ horror sensation from the producer of IT hits just in time for Halloween – co-starring Bill ‘Pennywise’ Skarsgard and Justin Long (Jeepers Creepers). A woman (Georgina Campbell) rents an Airbnb in a rundown Detroit neighbourhood due to a job interview the next day –but all is not what it seems with the disturbingly eerie house.

THE MENU

Released: November 18

A young couple – The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy and X-Men’s Nicholas Hoult – travel to a remote island to dine at an exclusive restaurant run by Ralph Fiennes’ acclaimed celebrity chef. But his approach to the lavish cuisine has some shocking surprises in store for the wealthy guests, in this macabre black comedy horror.

MATILDA

Released: November 25

The latest iteration of the beloved Roald Dahl children’s novel is an adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Alisha Weir stars as the extraordinary title character who – armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination – dares to take a stand against Emma Thompson’s tyrannical headmistress with miraculous results.

VIOLENT NIGHT

Released: December 2

Stranger Things star David Harbour swaps Jim Hopper for Santa Claus by headlining this festive action-comedy. When a group of mercenaries – led by John Leguizamo (Bruce from Encanto) – attack the estate of a wealthy family on Christmas Eve, kickass Santa steps in to save the day. National Lampoon’s Beverly D’Angelo co-stars.

I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY

Released: December 26

British starlet Naomi Ackie (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) portrays the legendary songstress Whitney Houston in this biographical musicaldrama from the writer of Bohemian Rhapsody. It chronicles her journey from obscurity to superstardom in this celebration of her life – with Ashton Sanders starring as her husband, Bobby Brown.

Sarah SlackAre you having a laugh?

Comedy Nights at The Cresset

Comedy fans looking for a great night out within the next few frosty months are in luck as The Cresset is bringing not just one, but two big household names to their venue this winter.

Performing on Sunday November 27 Jimmy Carr is back on the road with brand new material for 2022 and 2023 after having the UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021. Fans of Jimmy Carr will already know what to expect as he’s performed at The Cresset many times over the past 10 years, you might still grab a ticket if you haven’t had the chance to see him perform live yet.

Then performing on Wednesday November 30, get ready for perfected puns and outrageous one-liners as star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is back with his brand new show, Gary In Punderland. One of the most sought after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock The Week special guest, Gary’s been through the laughing glass and he’s ready to bring you a brand new show with hit after hit of the kind of oneliners only a master could craft.

To book tickets for both shows and for more information on The Cresset’s winter season, please call 01733 265705 or visit www.cresset.co.uk

Paul Chowdhry Brings New Show to the New Theatre

Following a complete sell-out 2021 tour, star of global smash hit Live Innit, Taskmaster and the first British-Asian stand-up to sellout London’s Wembley Arena adds extra 2022 dates to his tour, including a date at New Theatre Peterborough on Sunday December 4

After barely surviving the pandemic, and with two years of pent-up killer material, Paul tackles the UK’s handling of Covid, why the rule of six only worked for white people, fame, England football fans and Tom Cruise landing his helicopter in someone’s garden. For tickets call 01733 852992 or visit www.newtheatre-peterborough.com

One to Watch: Foxdog Studios

This winter I was thrilled to see that not only have comedy nights started again at the much-loved Stamford Arts Centre, but their December Pint of Comedy club will be headlined by one of my favourite acts which I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing not just at the Edinburgh Fringe, but also when they were awarded Best Show of the Leicester Comedy Festival back in 2019.

www.espmag.co.uk

Performing at the Stamford Arts Centre on Friday December 2, Foxdog Studios are a critically-acclaimed comedy duo who advertise themselves as the ‘UK’s #1 IT consultants’ and offer a comedy show

utilising digital technology like you’ve never seen before. Expect plenty of audience participation as the show is a fully interactive experience, and as a result you may want to make sure your phone is fully charged to ensure you can take part in their unique brand of techy musical comedy. For more information and to book tickets, please call 01780 763203 or visit www.stamfordartscentre.com

Sarah’s been a scout for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards for 10 years, has written for Chortle, Funny Women and British Comedy Guide, and has been the panel co-ordinator for the Leicester Comedy Awards.

Friday October 28 Comedy Club at Stamford Corn Exchange

Just in time for Halloween, Stamford Corn Exchange will be bringing another amazing line-up of comedians to its theatre headlined by none other than the sharp-tongued satirist and cult comedian Fin Taylor. Joining him will be English Comedian Finalist of the Year Ben Briggs along with promising newcomer Isabelle Farah for a showcase starring the best performers on the circuit right now. For tickets call 01780 766455 or visit www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

November 25 Cresset Comedy Club

Need a funny Friday night out? The longest-running comedy club in Peterborough features four of the best up-and-coming comedians in an intimate club-style environment. Whilst the line-up is yet to be confirmed, the Cresset’s Comedy Club is the place to be for a chance to see the next big thing on stage. Tickets available on 01733 265705 or by visiting www.cresset.co.uk

November 4 and December 2

Bijou Comedy Club

Held in association with Jongleurs Comedy Club, Bijou will be offering a great night out in the cosy Bijou basement at the venue on Bridge Street in Peterborough, for an intimate gig headlined by three great names from the UK comedy circuit scene. Line-up TBC, for tickets head to www.bijoupeterborough.co.uk.

ADAM’S CRAZY ABOUT NEW SINGLE

There’s more good news from Peterborough’s talented collection of musicians. Adam Leon is well known on the circuit and is also part of Austin Gold as well as producing his own solo material.

He’s been in LA to finish off his album which, all being well, will be released early in 2023 with some tour dates for Europe next year to be announced.

Adam’s latest single You're My Crazy Kind of Lady has a very special meaning and personal connection for the Peterborough singer-songwriter. The catchy pop rock number is about the one person who is crazy enough to stay – no matter what life brings us. This one’s dedicated to his wife Lisa.

His video is doing really well on Youtube, with thousands of views and is been played all over Europe, so take a look https://youtu.be/TRj20hH3k50 or find out more on www.adam-leon.com

AUSTIN GOLD ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW

big fans of Peterborough rock band Austin Gold and think they’re destined for big things. The guys have built up a strong following in the city and beyond and they’re delighted to return for a home town launch show for the new album, Those City Lights.

The album will be released on November 4 via TMR Rock Records and will be launched at the Key Theatre on Thursday November 10. Don’t hang about for tickets though, as their appearances in Peterborough always sell out!

Those City Lights is a hard-hitting album with big guitars and choruses but at times is stripped back with songs given room to breathe. It has a great balance, something fans of Austin Gold will love while opening them up to a fresh audience. The album is available to order now via www.austingold.co.uk

For tickets to the gig ring the box office on 01733 852992

JANUS STARK FACE THEIR FEARS

Another Peterborough band with a big following is also launching new music with a gig here in November.

Peterborough’s guitar hero Gizz Butt and his rock band Janus Stark will be live at the Ostrich Inn on North Street on Friday November 18 for the vinyl launch of their latest album Face Your Biggest Fear released on Time And Matter Records. Previously only available on limited edition CD and digital download but at this appearance you can buy it from the band on white vinyl.

Janus Stark will be supported by their favourite UK Garage Punk band Nosebleed and another of their favourites from the North East, Loudmouth.

NEW YEAR’S EVE TUNES AT THE BURGHLEY

The Burghley in Peterborough is another city centre venue where you can get your regular fix of live music and they’ve secured a belter for New Year’s Eve

The Dizzy Miss Lizzys will be helping you see in 2023 from 8pm so you’re guaranteed a cracking night. There’ll be a buffet and a midnight toast as part of the party night and tickets are £20 in advance from the bar.

The bar not only serves up top gigs but a great value Happy Hour for drinks and a tasty Sunday carvery too, so you know where to head for brews, tunes and lunch!

If you’re looking for somewhere to catch some live tunes over the next few weeks you’ve only got to check out our ESP Gig Guide in this issue (and online www.espmag.co.uk) to see there are some great nights coming up.

The Ostrich Inn on North Street is a venue that’s really cemented itself on the local circuit as a major supporter of live music and has staged some cracking gigs this year. There’s more to come with a great line-up over the next few weeks with

Nightlife

NEW YEAR’S EVE AND NIGHTS OUT AT THE BREWERY TAP

If you fancy a night out there’s loads going on to keep your social life lively at The Brewery Tap on Westgate.

A range of DJ nights with the likes of local legend Mr Nash and Rick Allen bring you every flavour of music. There’s music every weekend along with special events like Brownsuga on November 11 and the Embrace Events takeover on November 17

If you’re thinking about where to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the Tap has live music from the popular One Eyed Cats and music from DJ Rick. The evening kicks off from 6.30pm with music through until 3am. Tickets are £10 in advance, £15 on the night (subject to availability) so grab yours early from the bar or online.

If you want to meet your mates for a night out with some food, their Christmas menus will be available from November 1 through until December 24 with plenty of options and prices from £16 per person. Take a look at www.thebrewery-tap.com

bands playing every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Highlights include local punk heroes The Expletives who are playing on Friday December 9 and Candy Twist on Saturday December 17

Between Christmas and New Year there’s a brief break from the live tunes with the Off The Cuff DJs from 2pm - 7pm on Boxing Day. Then it’s No Gods No Managers at 8pm on Thursday December 29, followed by The High Rollers at

9.30pm on Friday December 30

New Year’s Eve will be a real banger with David James Smith from Austin Gold (also well known from Peterborough heroes Children of the Revolution), taking to the stage at 9pm and seeing you into 2023.

The pub is straight back into its regular gigs in the New Year kicking off with Tribal Misfits on Friday January 6. See Gig Guide for all dates.

Nightlife News from the local scene. Check out www.espmag.co.uk for more.

HIRE THE FUNCTION ROOM

If you love a night out at The Brewery Tap how about hiring their function room for your very own event? This private space at the rear is perfect for all sorts of celebrations.

It has capacity for 100 people or 50 formally seated and has a PA system in the room which can play music from your own mp3, laptops, DJs or bands.

From Sunday to Thursday, 7pm till 11pm it’s £120 to hire, Friday to Saturday 7pm till midnight it’s £250 to hire fee. Just pop in for a look or give them a call for details and prices on 01733 358500

NIGHTS OUT AT CHARTERS

The bar on the boat continues to serve up some great nights with regular quizzes, DJ nights and of course plenty of live music – just see our Gig Guide.

On November 4 Eclectic Ballroom (Jim Norton & Zed Malik ) return to Charters for their last party of 2022. Joining them are The Allergies and the formidable Madame Electrifie –expect breaks, funk, disco, house and jazz infused grooves throughout the night. Support comes from two Peterborough legends Pat Unwin (Dig Deep, Beats on The Barge), Mark Goodliff aka Mr Clubman (Attic, Shock Viva La Rock).

On December 24 it’s the Annual Christmas Eve Vinyl Party when a collection of popular DJs will take turns to spin vinyl spanning the decades and genres from 12 noon till late. It’s a guaranteed good night out and it’s free entry. Then it’s the big New Year’s Eve party with DJ Sav – dance the night away from 8pm till late with free entry all night. Visit www.charters-bar.com/events for details.

LUCI COLLINS

PUPPETS

SAT

COSMIC RODNEY

MEG

JESSIES GHOST