11 of the best things do do in Peterborough this week

Big Machinery Weekend

Sacrewell Farm, Feb 1 and 2

The Farm’s popular Big Machinery Weekend is back with an array of farm vehicles from vintage tractors to state-of-the-art combines available to view, climb aboard and explore. Young engineers will be able to sit atop some mega machines, pose for photos and even see them in action with ploughing demonstrations going on throughout the weekend. Normal farm admission applies.

www.sacrewell.org.uk

Fiction Fix

Samm’s, Bridge Street, Feb 2

Meeting in the Performance Room downstairs from 8pm to 10.30 pm, it features seven local writers. It’s mainly fiction, in any genre, and offers a platform for local writers to read their work aloud to each other and members of the public. All welcome, admission free. Featured author this month JS Watts has a new book coming out soon.

From 8pm

Peterborough Arts Cinema

John Clare Theatre, tonight

Sharply critical of the almost surreal bureaucracy of war, scathing satire Catch-22 is based on Joseph Heller’s novel. The story focuses on a group of Air Force pilots in the midst of WWII. The title refers to the twisted logic that makes up the pilots’ standard military procedure. This film features a stellar cast and arguably the best American actor of the last 50 years, Alan Arkin.

Starts at 7.30pm

Kinky Boots The Musical

Key Theatre, February 4

Inspired by true events, this huge-hearted hit (the West End stage version filmed live for cinema in 2018) tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think. Charlie (Killian Donnelly) is a factory owner struggling to save his family business, and Lola (Matt Henry) is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. This unmissable musical theatre event celebrates a joyous story of British grit transforming into a high-heeled hit as it takes you from the factory floor in Northampton, to the glamorous catwalks of Milan!

www.vivacity.org

Sand Castles

Key Theatre, Feb 6,7 and 8

Local amdram group The Revellers bring you a comedy from the pen of Bob Larbey who wrote and co-wrote TV comedies such as The Good Life, Ever Decreasing Circles, Please Sir!, As Time Goes By, and Brush Strokes.

Tickets at vivacity.org

Sinderella

The Cresset, tonight

Adult panto returns to Peterborough and you’re invited to the biggest ball in town to see if true love will prevail in this naughty little fairytale! The all-star cast includes RuPaul’s Drag Race UK 2019 runner-up Divina De Campo alongside Stacey Layne Matthews, Jamie Campbell and Rob King.

Tickets at www.cresset.co.uk

Chicago Blues Brothers -A Night At The Movies

Key Theatre. Feb 1

Direct from London’s west end, join the Chicago Blues Brothers and their 11-piece band, for a brand new 2-hour all singing, all dancing hit parade bringing you the greatest movie anthems of all time, performed live in concert.

Featuring songs from Footloose, A Star is Born, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman, the Full Monty and many more, not forgetting all the much loved Blues Brothers classics, with a ton of surprises and lots of lunacy.

Staying true to the legacy and style of Jake and Elwood, performed in the crazy, upbeat and hard hitting style that has made The Chicago Blues Brothers one of the most successful theatre shows touring the globe.

Dig out those trilbys, shades and polish your dancing shoes, because we are bringing the party to you in this 2 hour spectacular of non–stop music and laughter. You’ll dance, you’ll sing, you’ll have the time of your life.

Tickets at vivacity.org

Susie Dent - The Secret Lives of Words

Stamford Corn Exchange, tonight

Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day with the Queen of Dictionary Corner. Susie will retell the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne (involving a chamberpot) and bugbear (a terrorising

monster), and explain such oddities as the silent ‘h’ in ghost and the mysterious disappearance of kempt, gormful, and ruly

(and yes, you really can be gruntled!). Hear Susie’s selection of the funniest moments from her 25 years on Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as some startling results from eavesdropping on a group of waiters.

Box office 01780 766455

Fairport Convention

Key Theatre, Feb 4

Fairport Convention has been entertaining music lovers for over half a century. During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes. But one thing has remained the same - Fairport’s passion for performance. This concert will present a mix of long-established Fairport favourites, and some surprises from albums old and new including Full House which was released 50 years ago this year. The band skilfully interprets traditional ballads, and the repertoire also includes plenty of contemporary compositions.

Tickets at vivacity.org

Counterfeit Stones

Key Theatre, Feb 6

Why pay a fortune to see ants in a stadium when for a fraction of the price you can get up close and smell the faking brilliance of the Counterfeit Stones? Now in their 29th year, these fraud-stars continue to deliver the best “mock ‘n’ roll” show on the circuit. Packed with big hits, retro fashion, vintage guitars and a huge dollop of “Spinal Tap” humour, it’s Satis-fiction guaranteed.

Tickets at vivacity.org

Funhouse Comedy Club

Lightbox, Bridge Street, January 30

Topping the bill is Steve Shanyaski who appeared last year on ITV’s ‘Comedy Rocks’ hosted by Jason Manford.

Opening the night will be comedian and scriptwriter Sean Percival. Completing the line-up is Josh Baulf. Compere for the night will be Stevie Gray.