Editor’s Choice

Discover a winter line-up that's chock-full of treats – from The Cresset, The Key Theatre and the New Theatre in Peterborough.

Editor’s choice at The Cresset

The Cresset’s winter line-up is chock-full of treats – from the magic of the circus to smash-hit comedy…

1
Cirque: The Greatest Show
Sunday, 19 November 2023
A heart-pounding corker of a show, mixing old-school, West End glamour with the best in modern circus entertainment. Cirque invites you into the big top for songs, stunts and routines that will light up even the gloomiest November night.

2
Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know
Wednesday, 22 November 2023
Certified National TreasureTM Sir Ranulph Fiennes – climber, explorer and all-round tip-top derring-doer – is back in Peterborough to share more of his astounding adventures from across the globe. This talk will include brand new film and photographs, capturing some of the most exciting moments Sir Ranulph has experienced to date.

3
Mixology with Sammy Virji
Saturday, 25 November 2023
With his lush, R&B-inspired Garage sets, DJ Sammy Virij has swiftly and deftly carved a name for himself onto the UK club scene. Catch him for one date only at the Cresset, for a night of sick beats and infectious basslines.

4
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Thursday, 14 December – Sunday, 31 December 2023
A magical family pantomime adapted from the much-loved classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Join Dorothy and Toto as they attempt to get back to Kansas, helped by the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow, and hindered by… the Wicked Witch of the West! Oh no they aren’t! Oh yes, they are! You can read our exclusive interview with Cheryl Fergison, starring as Good Witch Glinda.

5
Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer
Saturday, 3 February – Sunday, 4 February 2024
Comedy legend Sarah Millican breezes into Peterborough in February, promising a welcome antidote to the deep-winter blues. In her latest tour, Sarah turns to the subject of growing up and making changes, and of how where you start not necessarily being where you end up…

For more information on all our picks, head to cresset.co.uk or phone the box office on 01733 265705.

Editor’s Choice at The Key Theatre

It’s not just about panto – this winter there’s a sparkling array of all kinds of entertainment right on your doorstep. Here, we round up some of the best…

1
Aladdin Access Performance – relaxed, signed & audio described
Saturday, 16 December 2023
Okay, maybe it is just a little bit about panto (oh no, it isn’t!) because on 16 December there’s a special ‘relaxed’ performance of Aladdin with audio description and signing, ideal for anyone who is hearing or sight impaired, has learning disabilities or autism, or those who would benefit from a more laid-back environment such as very young children and their families.

2
My Mountain Life
Thursday, 25 January 2024
You can read more about the extraordinary journeys of mountaineer Simon Yates (and find out if he’s ever seen a yeti!) in our exclusive interview with him. The intrepid adventurer – whose most perilous experience was immortalised in the movie Touching the Void – comes to the Key at the end of January to talk about his life and travels.

3
NT Live – Skylight
Friday, 26 January, 2024
Theatre royalty Stephen Daldry directs this revival of David Hare’s much-acclaimed play, Skylight, starring Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy. Filmed live at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End in 2014, the performance is available to watch again in venues throughout November, December and January.

4
Nabil Abdulrashid: The Purple Pill
Friday, 9 February 2024
A smash-hit breakthrough stand-up on Britain’s Got Talent (yes, even Simon was smiling), Nabil’s comedy cleverly mixes endearing silliness with well timed, razor-sharp punchlines, often about himself as a Muslim of African heritage – and other people’s reactions to this. He’s one of a smart, new cohort of British comics deftly mining their backgrounds for laughs while at the same time opening up and sharing some of the challenges that comedians of colour and/or faith still face.

5
Garth Merenghi
Thursday, 15 February 2024
All hail Matthew Holness, whose glorious comic creation – hack writer Garth Merenghi – skewers every 1980s horror paperback cliché with serial-killer ruthlessness. Fans will cherish Merenghi from cult early-naughts TV shows such as Darkplace, but Holness has also recently written two brilliantly bonkers, full-length horror novel pastiches, TerrorTome and Incarcerat, and this is your chance to hear the Maestro of the Macabre sharing his favourite bits with
a hilarious live-reading-slash-stand-up- routine (pun intended).

For more information on all our picks, head to keytheatre-peterborough.com or phone the box office on 01733 852992.

Editor’s choice at the New Theatre

There’s plenty of magic and sparkle this winter at the New Theatre – and here’s just a taste…

1
Andalucia – Flamenco
Friday, 26 January 2024
Just what we will all need come late January – a burst of sunshine, music and hot, hot dance moves courtesy of the Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company and their latest show, Andalucia.
This display of traditional Spanish dance styles from throughout the Andalucia region will be accompanied by a live chamber orchestra and authentic flamenco musicians and singers.

2
Dave Gorman: Powerpoint to the People
Sunday, 3 December 2023
It takes a brave (and incredibly funny) person to combine a stand-up routine with a Powerpoint presentation, but Dave Gorman carries it off effortlessly, riffing on subjects as diverse as how much crisps weigh, cryptic crosswords – and celebrity crushes. You can read our exclusive interview with Dave Gorman here!

3
Messiah from Scratch
Tuesday, 19 December 2023
An opportunity for you/your choir to attend a performance of Handel’s magnificent choral masterpiece, Messiah – and join in! Led by a renowned conductor (currently TBC) and mezzo- soprano soloist Yvonne Howard, Messiah from Scratch invites the audience to become part of the chorus during this unique musical experience.

4
Madama Butterfly by Ukrainian National Opera
Wednesday, 31 January 2024
Puccini’s epic, tragic love story Madame Butterfly is brought vividly to life by the Dnipro Opera from Ukraine, sung in Italian with English subtitles. Set in late 19th century Japan, telling the story of a young American naval captain and his Japanese bride, the work has become a much-loved part of the modern opera company repertoire.

5
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon
Tuesday, 28 November 2023
Hugely exciting and ambitious, this movie showing/live concert performance of Mimi and the Mountain Dragon is going to be an absolute must-see. It will feature Peterborough Youth Orchestra (with local professional guest musicians) playing the film’s original score by Oscar-winning composer, Rachel Portman, alongside the heart-warming Christmas favourite. You can read our exclusive interview with Rachel Portman here!

For more information on all our picks, head to newtheatre-peterborough.com or phone the box office on 01733 852992.