Shows, including Jimmy Carr, Less than Jake and Sally Morgan, are to go ahead this autumn after The Cresset announced: “The show must go on.”
After losing £150,000 last year, the theatre was set to close until great support from the public and acts appearing on stage allowed staff to re-negotiate the contracts bringing stars to Peterborough.
Now it’s full steam ahead for the autumn season and tickets are selling well for shows including Stewart Francis, Peter Alliss, Waterloo, The Stones and children’s shows Show Me Chris & Pui and Boogie Pete.
Jonathan Martin, chief executive of YMCA Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who runs the complex under the direction of the Cresset Board of Trustees, said: “This is fantastic news. We are delighted to be able to keep the theatre going and continue to bring these big names to Peterborough.
“We were devastated when we realised we had no option but to close the theatre. The reaction was phenomenal. The public support was overwhelming – more than 18,000 people signed a petition to keep us open and we also had great support from the acts themselves. I hope all those people will continue to support us by coming to see the shows this season.”

Summer School  Monday 2nd Aug – Friday 20th August 3 weeks of Drama

Our ever popular Summer  School returns once again and is an absolute must for all children with an interest in drama, acting, singing and having fun. Each week the students are led by a team of professional workshop leaders. Summer School is suitable for age 9+ and is a great place to meet new people and make friends.

Easter School prices are £100 per child per week with a reduction for a *2nd child or more.  Book 2 weeks for the special rate of £90 per week. Again, available this year is Breakfast Club. Drop the kids off before you go to work and we will provide breakfast for them for just £15.00 per week extra.

*Contact our Box Office on 01733 842500 to book your discount tickets

Cresset favourite Sally Morgan brings her popular TV series Psychic Sally on the Road to the theatre on June 10.  Famous for her work with the late Princess Diana, Sally’s amazing abilities will take the audience by storm. Tickets cost from £19.50 and doors open at 7.30pm.

Unpredictable comic Reginald D Hunter is a familiar guest on television shows such as Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 Out Of 10 Cats. He brings his unique blend of comedy to Peterborough on June 24. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £17.

And to cap it all, Ladies Night features thrills, spills and rippling torsos with music, dancing, wine, a delicious buffet and the all-important male strippers – suitable for any self-respecting hen night. Tickets cost £16.50 and doors open at 7.30 on June 25.

For more information or to book any of the shows go online at www.cresset.co.uk or call the box office on 01733 265705 or 01733 842500.

Ladies Night, thrills spills and rippling torsos. What more could a girl ask for? Yes girls, grab your handbags & slap on the lippy! If you find the thought of bare flesh and baby lotion irresistible, then this is definitely the night for you.

Tantalising hunky male strippers
Glass of sparkling wine on arrival to get you in the party mood
Sumptuous Buffet
Hunky Male Waiters
2 Drag Queens
Disco provided by Strobe Disco

Group Bookers call 01733 842500 buy 10 or more tickets for just £14.50 each

Imelda May: the sound of 2009. Having fallen in love with rockabilly and blues as a nine-year-old in Dublin, Imelda May has fused them together and given them a modern twist to create the most exciting and original sound you’ll hear this, or any year.

Jools Holland is excitable by nature, but when he spots a new artist who has what he considers “it,” his enthusiasm goes off the scale. To go by his reaction to Imelda May, she has “it” in spades. “I’ve got to have you on the show,” he told her after seeing her play live – and so, a couple of months ago, she duly found herself on “Later With Jools Holland,” wowing an audience who included Jeff Beck, Elbow and Roots Manuva. Beck, in fact, made a point of telling Holland that he was only there to see Imelda.

The prestigious Irish World Newspaper Awards crowned Imelda 2008’s Best Female Newcomer. It’s not much of a stretch to see more acclaim ahead in 2009.

- 2009 Irish Female Singer of the Year – Meteor Awards
- Love Tattoo has gone Double Platinum in Ireland
- Love Tattoo hit #1 on the Irish charts June 2009

Imeldas show is sure to be a great night and at just £16.00 per ticket and affordable one at that! You can always make an evening of it by having a pre show supper at The Fayre Spot bar and restaurant where prices for a main meal start at only £4.50!

Ayeisha

Kate Rusby went down a storm on Friday night here at The cresset, bringing her exquisite interpretations of Traditional songs and finely wrought self-penned tunes that have won her an audience that reaches beyond the genre.

There is still lots coming up for you guys to come and see, starting with the king of unconventional Mr Jim Davidson, Sure to excite his ever growing band of faithful squires, and their ladies. King Jim gives the crowd exactly what they want, with his latest stand up show filled with tales of wanton women, pointless wars and her Majesty’s troops. Tickets are still available so contact our box office.

Also Music legend Billy Ocean, Billy Ocean returns to the Cresset by popular demand after last year’s sell out show. He is one of the most successful black recording stars Britain has ever produced, selling over 30 million records in his lifetime.

Don’t miss one of the most celebrated Psychic Mediums Colin Fry as he delivers messages of love and comfort in his brand new FREE SPIRIT TOUR.

Be stunned by his breathtaking accuracy and compassion in this all new show as he conducts an evening of intimate communication with your loved ones.

Lots to look forward to so get in contact with out Box Office

Ayeisha

All smiles at the Cresset!
Well, the autumn season really started with a bang on Saturday! What better way to get the ball rolling than two sold out performances from the brilliant Jimmy Carr? As I spent most of the evening ensuring the hordes were fed and watered, I didn’t get to see much of the show, and the only jokes I can remember are too rude to repeat here. If you missed out this time too, you will have another chance to see the funny man as we’ve managed to secure an extra date at the end of the tour on January 8th – Tickets are on sale now so get in quick! (Would also make an ideal xmas present I think….)

The one I’m really looking forward to though is tomorrow night, as the genius (see what I did there) that is Dave Gorman is heading to the ‘Boro on his bicycle. This is geek comedy at it’s best, Dave is a man on a mission, and it’s usually pretty entertaining! I’ve got front row seats (yes, I did pay!) and will be first in the queue for the book signing afterwards so I’ll let you know how that goes!

It’s a massive season this autumn, so if you haven’t yet received one of our events diaries, which could be due to the darn postal strike, give us a call or an email and we’ll get one to you. Alternatively, check out the website, which lists all forthcoming events and lets you book online.

Talking of the webstite, keep a look out for the new and improved version which should be launched next month. With state of the art booking systems which allow you to select your seats from the comfort of your sofa, it’s going to be pretty impressive. I’m slightly concerned that our box office staff may get lonely, with eveyone booking online, so don’t forget you can always give them a call or pop in for a chat!

Anyway, I’m off to charge my camera battery in anticpation of tomorrow night – I’m hoping for a photo of Dave when he arrives on his bike!

Ciao for now
Penny

We’re well into the Autumn season here at the Cresset, we’ve already opened our doors to the hilarious Jimmy Carr (back on January 8th – tickets are selling fast!), told funny man Dave Gorman on yer bike, and enjoyed the musical accent of Curtis Stigers. The season is jam packed with live music to tickle everyones fancy, funny men and Grumpy Old Women!

Kicking off this evening with Kerrang! award winning Welsh rockers Funeral for a friend singing a mixture of new material and old favourites from their newly released album ‘Your History Is Mine: 2002-2009’.

I personally cannot wait for Jason Manford on Thursday 15th, and I will be sat on the front row like and excited child at ten to 8! If you haven’t managed to get tickets for his sell out gig no need to worry because this season is wall to wall with sidesplitting comedy acts.

We have our second comedy club on Friday 16th, showcasing David Ward, Ellis James, Andy White, plus a guest act. These evenings are always a success, especially with the meal deal offered by the Fayre Spot, getting you your ticket, first drink at the bar and Dish of the day for only £17.50! So why not ring up and book for our Comedy club on 13th November? Get in early because tickets sell out fast!

That’s only touched upon what’s going on at the Cresset this autumn; we have tribute acts Trextasy, Abba Forever and The Illegal Eagles playing out all of the classics. Big name acts in the shape of funny man, Stephen K Amos and impressionist Alistair McGowan.

After the huge success of the launch in Queensgate on the 12th September, what’s really got the Cresset staff excited is this years Pantomime, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Its going to bigger and better then ever before, The Cresset welcomes Kim Taylforth from TV’s Bad Girls and last years Panto ‘Snow White’ and playing Beauty is Nicola Alexis from TV’s The Bill.

With Christmas appearing in all the shops and it getting a little chillier in the mornings, why not start planning your festive treats, and what better than bringing the family to watch ‘Beauty and the Beast’ starting on 14th December. Will good overcome evil? Find out at the Cresset this Christmas.

Have a good look round our new snazzy website, especially our What’s On as there is something in there for everyone. Also our new ticketing system is up and running meaning you can now pick the seat you want at home in your pyjamas or come in and see our receptionists at the Box Office.

That’s all from me and my very first blog!
Ayeisha

Well it may have been a week ago but I am still well and truly on a buzz from Jason Manford, he’s hilarious and it was one of those shows that left your rib cage aching from laughing so much and in my case your mascara looking like something out of a Marilyn Manson or a Kiss video! Talking about that particular genre of music I was left after writing my last blog listening to the serene and soothing sounds of Funeral for a Friend warming up and apparently is was an ‘awesome’ night.

This evening we have Trextasy kicking off at 8pm playing out to the excited audience tunes such as ‘I love to boogie’ and ‘Children of the revolution’. That’s not all Trextasy kicks off a week of brilliant tribute acts including ‘Back to the Cavern’ on the 23rd and ‘Abba Forever’ on the 29th, so if you like 60’s and 70’s music why not come down and grab yourself some last minute tickets?

Has anyone tried out the new menu down at the Fayre Spot yet? Well I decided to take advantage of the ‘Beat the rush’ option and ordered my lunch from the comfort of my desk, you can to all you have to do is send your order through to fayrespot@cresset.co.uk there’s even a menu to have a butchers at first! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it didn’t burn a hole in my purse!

All the signs are pointing to the fact Christmas is coming fast which here at the Cresset means Panto! We’ve been working hard designing the new posters, banners and even a flag for the Panto. So keep and eye out for them, they will be around town and the Cresset.

I’m not one to say our stars have faces like the back of a bus, but currently its pretty accurate, we have our Panto ads plastered to the back of buses round Peterborough so there’s no excuse for you not to know when, where and how to book for this years ‘Beauty and the Beast’

We’ve got plenty coming up at The Cresset, if you take a look at our What’s On we have tickets available to book for acts up to April 2010!

Recently added to the list are the Chippendales, now I don’t know about you ladies, but PASS ME THE BABY OIL!

On that note I’m going to go and cool down!

Ayeisha

What a week we’re having here at the Cresset!

There truly is something in there for everyone. We started the week with Sally Morgan rather apt really following on from her hit TV series she came to the Cresset for the second time this year to pass on messages from beyond the grave to the fascinated audience, only one day after Halloween!

Yesterday we opened our doors to The Moscow Ballet and ‘The Nutcracker’ following the famous story of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker. That’s not it by a long way we have something for you every day this week, and there are still tickets available.

Tonight we have Charlie Landsborough playing out some tunes to his captive audience if you’re sat there thinking ‘Who is this man’ well he’s famous for singing songs like, ‘It’s about loving you’, ‘Song for the Dragonfly’ and ‘I’ll be missing you’.

Tomorrow continues with more musical talent but a completely different style, many of us will be familiar with Cuba being famous for sun, sea, sand and cigars but Orquesta Buena Vista are coming to Peterborough for the first time to introduce us to the finest Cuban music.

Friday we turn away from music in favour for comedy, and lets face it with the weather being as miserable as it currently is we all need a good reason to have a giggle! We have three Grumpy Old Women who are ready to step up to the mark grumping their way through, Beauty on a budget, how to be dance appropriate and the joy of fresh air to name but a few.

Followed by none other than the most famous man to adorn a sofa since Homer Simpson its Ricky Tomlinson, the man that made ‘My A**e’ one of the most common phrases in 1998! This hilarious man will be entertaining you along with his three guest acts Pauline Daniels, Tony Barton and Duncan Norvelle, three for the price of one, cant argue with that!

Check out our website for all the details on this weeks jam packed week of entertainment aswel as all other dates, and don’t forget that you can make any evening to the Cresset a full package by dining in The Fayre Spot Bar/Restaurant before singing along to your favourite songs or laughing until your sides hurt!

Ayeisha

· You do everything you can to avoid the city centre on a Saturday
· They’re down to the last 5 X-Factor contestants
· The Christmas coca-cola advert is on the telly
· You start wondering what on earth to buy your parents
· Someone In the office sends out the dreaded secret santa email
· All the shops are playing that Mariah Carey song

And if you work here at the Cresset it’s when the months of planning and organising suddenly turn into four weeks of craziness! The festive season this year kicks off with the ladies night, which sold out in record time. Then we’ll start frantically cooking turkeys and trimming sprouts for the Christmas party nights, and before you know it, it’s Panto time!

Christmas at the Cresset is always a big event, the decorations are going up, rehearsals for Beauty and the Beast have begun and every department from the Café to Box office to the Pub are gearing up for our best one yet!

The Fayre Spot are taking bookings for Christmas lunches and dinners. So whether you’re popping in for a coffee and a mince pie, getting your glad rags on to party, or bringing the kids to the pantomime make it a Cresset Christmas!

Penny

Christmas is just round the corner, Heart FM is playing the odd Christmas tune to make the day go that little bit faster, Queensgates lights are illuminating the evenings (check out ESP for a picture of some of The Cresset Panto’s cast helping switch the lights on). The nights are even getting colder, but with the met office giving Cambridgeshire only a 10% chance of having a white Christmas, it looks like there’s no point in digging out the sledges, but here are some things to be looking forward to this December.

Starting just round the corner we have our Jesterlarf Christmas comedy evening, what better way to kick off the festive season then having a good laugh! An evening ideal for work colleagues or even family and friends Jesterlarf offers an entire evenings entertainment for you. Not only are you given three comedians for the price of one (Kevin McCarthy, Dan Evans, Rhodri Ryhys), you also get a traditional two course Christmas meal and a disco until the early hours!

One week from today it’s the launch of this years Cresset Panto, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, have you got your tickets yet? There’s still tickets available, so if you want to add a little magic to Christmas ‘09 call our Box Office and book your tickets to the star studded panto, tickets start from just £11.

If that’s not enough for you we have an A list January with entertainment from Loose Women’s Jane McDonald and Jimmy Carr.

I’ve got all my pressies bought and wrapped but if you’re struggling to find that perfect gift for someone special this Christmas, why not get them a Cresset gift voucher, giving them a choice from our vast selection of entertainment.

That’s all from me I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed that it’s a white Christmas!

Ayeisha

Panto is in full swing!

The Cresset’s Christmas Pantomime has well and truly started now! 10am yesterday morning the theatre was full to bursting with excited children eagerly waiting for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to begin. It went down a storm with children memorised by the amazing sets and the characters, including Kim Taylforth (From TV’s Bad Girls) and Abby Surgeon (From Heart FM).

All the staff here are really excited that its only 10 sleeps until Christmas and there is a real Christmassy feel around the place. We’ve got a secret Santa circulation and I’m keeping shtum about who I’ve got!

There are still tickets available to buy for this years pantomime, so why not treat the family and come and watch the magical performance?

Ayeisha

Despite the snowy weather that has recently graced the streets of Peterborough the Panto is thriving and we’re packing in audiences of screaming children and adults! I’ve seen the panto twice already and am still very much looking forward to watching it with my family on Christmas Eve….  It’s only 3 sleeps ‘til Christmas!

The audiences are loving the show, Kim (Taylforth) is equally as terrifying as she was last year and Colin (Ridgewell) is hilarious, the whole cast are brilliant. The stage looks fantastic, check out the display in the reception area of The Cresset, we had a photographer in last week to take some snaps of the cast in action; there are some great pictures!

I say it every time, but if you haven’t got your tickets yet there is still time! People are buying tickets everyday, have you got yours?

Merry Christmas!

Ayeisha

Spring 2010

Well we had our white Christmas and New Year, and after all the excesses of the festive period…. we’re back at work and school with good intentions for our newly made resolutions and a lot to look forward to here at The Cresset! We’re sat in the office on ‘snow watch’ and unfortunately have very little to report, so much for that predicted 10cm!

It all kick starts with the return of Mr Jimmy Carr on the 8th who is going to perform his Rapier Wit tour to a sold out theatre, on top of the two sold out theatres back in September. I can safely say its going to be a great night after watching one of his earlier performances, and you get plenty for your £22.50, with each half being around the hour mark!

Then at the end of the month we have the legend of loose women, and pork pie appreciation member Jane McDonald! She will be belting out tunes to the audience and is sure to be sporting some dazzling dresses on the 31st January.

What a way to start the year with two big names like that, and it doesn’t stop there with the likes of Iglu & Hartly coming to shake things up a bit at the beginning of February…and then we get to the point where the females are all a quiver, it’s the Chippendales show, I don’t know about you but there is no better way to spend a Monday night!

There’s plenty more where that came from so if you’re interested in seeing what’s coming up for the rest of the year why not check out our What’s On, on the website which is updated regularly with the latest acts coming to the Cresset.

Its looking doubtful that I’ll get to make any snow angels tonight…..

Ayeisha

I don’t think I was the only one worried that the snowy weather would stop Jimmy Carr arriving for his performance on Friday, but he made it through the England blizzards and put on yet another hilarious performance for us here at The Cresset.

So we’ve now got Jane McDonald to look forward to at the end of this month. If you’ve got your ticket sorted already, why not make an evening of it and have your dinner at The Fayrespot bar and restaurant too. With main meals starting at just £4.50 who can argue with that?
 
I reserved myself two tickets for the Circus of Horrors in March, I watched the first one last year and loved it, I’m sure you will too! It’s a jaw dropping performance, the cast are immensely talented showcasing trapeze, sword walking and other circus skills and the performance has a story line to go along with it. Warning though, it’s not for the weak stomached!

Keep an eye out for the new What’s On leaflets around the Cresset, telling you what we have coming up from now until the middle of the year, but for a totally up to date version keep checking the What’s On part of the website.

There’s so much to look forward to coming up at the Cresset, and I’ll be keeping you up to date

Ayeisha

Welcome to the Cresset Market which is open on every Thursday and Saturday. Come on down to the Cresset and grab yourself a bargain. There is plenty to choose from and we are sure that there is something here for everyone.

We’re working hard up here in marketing to design things so keep an eye out! Coming up at the end of March early April is the return of the popular Easter school.

Two weeks of four days filled with music, acting and dance there’s something for everyone. If your between 9 and 16 and would like to come along look out for the application form and don’t be nervous if you’ve never been before, there will be plenty of people in the same boat!

Also the spring Diary is coming out very shortly, listing what’s coming up at The Cresset this year and also information about all of our other services like, weddings, meetings and our Bar and Restaurant.

We’re all very excited here, knowing we have a packed year full of big names and big talent. Make sure you keep checking our new look website for a day to day updated list of who we have coming

Ayeisha

With Valentines Day getting closer, and a lot of people getting engaged (I’ve heard on Heart FM!) I thought it a good idea to mention the Wedding show coming up on the 28th February.

It free to enter and we’ll have over 35 exhibitors on the day from cakes to dresses, flowers to cars. Not only that but there will be two professional fashion shows, there will be lots of ideas for outfits for the bridal party.

You can also get a chance to see our room here at the cresset dressed to impress! They will be set up for occasions giving you a chance to imagine what your day could look like.

Other then that we have a lot coming up here at the Cresset for you to look forward to including some great comedy from the likes of Sean Lock, Reginald D Hunter, Roy Chubby Brown and John Bishop. There really is something for everyone this year, we’ve got dancing, cooking music and laughs.

Keep checking the What’s On part of our website to see who we have coming to The Cresset and what seats you can book!

Ayeisha

Rhod Gilbert has completely sold out!

So for those of you that have tickets, its sure to be a great night, and for those of you that didn’t manage to bag some in time, why not check out our What’s On for listings of what else we have on offer, including some hilarious big name comedy acts such as John Bishop, Katy Brand and Jim Davidson.

This weekend we have Jane McDonald, so once again if you have tickets why not make a night of it and have your dinner at the Fayre Spot? Great prices and even better food!

Ayeisha

What a start to the week we had with Jane McDonald receiving three standing ovations from an amazed audience, she went down a storm and said she wanted to come back! So fingers crossed.

Coming up next at The Cresset on Monday is the Chippendales, being a lover of theatre I may pop into this myself…who am I kidding? The idea of a dozen topless men dancing round a stage has my knees all a quiver! If It sounds like your kind of thing there are still tickets available, a brilliant idea for a girls night out.

Then on completely the opposite end of the scale is something for the little ones, its Cbeebies’ Chris and Pui, a great show for all the children, and tickets start at just £10! 

We have plenty coming up in February to make sure there is something for everyone, from comedy to kids, from music to a Wedding show! So why not check out our What’s On to see what you fancy this month…and talking of fancying things…. don’t forget Valentines Day on the 14th!

Ayeisha

Its Valentines this Sunday, I hope you all have something nice planned! How about booking some tickets for an up and coming show as a great gift for a loved one? Or buying one of our gift cards and giving them the choice!

The Chippendales went down a storm with the audience captivated by there amazing… dance moves! There was even a photo opportunity to get up and close to the dancers. Now allow me to come back to the real world and tell you what else we have coming up at The Cresset.

This month we have the first of four Comedy Clubs featuring the hottest up and coming talent. February 26th includes, Kent Valentine, Marty McLean, Paul F Taylor and Tom Price. Tickets always sell out for this so you best be quick if you want one! You can make an evening of it by eating at The Fayrespot bar and restaurant before watching the acts.

Later of this month we have Julian Clary, telling everyone he’s ‘Lord of the Mince’, he’s celebrating 25 years in the spotlight, so why not join him?

This being the month of love and romance, what better way to end it then a wedding show, for all you loved up engaged couples, why not come and check out the exhibition with over 35 stalls from cakes to tiaras!

Ayeisha

Well we had a packed out show for Rhod Gilbert on Friday who impressed audiences again with his hilarious banter, then on Saturday we had something for the little ones with Chris and Pui from Cbeebies.

Have you checked out our What’s On recently? Well on Friday we added a few new great acts!

 

12th May – Hardeep Singh Kohli who is the ‘Nearly Naked Chef!’ the evening is sure to be a winner if you love cooking and comedy happily marinated! Hardeep is hilarious and intelligent; he was the runner up in the first series of Celebrity Master Chef so he’s not all talk! The relaxed evening will take you through two different recipes with chat and laughs the whole way through.

 

24th May – Imelda May, this quirky singer supported Jamie Cullum in his recent tour, and has won a huge fan base by merging rockerbilly and blues together, her fans include the like of Jools Holland!

 

26th May- Two days later and the opposite end of the spectrum we have Example who has stormed the charts with his songs ‘Wont go quietly’ and ‘Watch the sun come up’ and he’s collaborated with the likes of Calvin Harris. The alternative rapper who is signed to Mike Skinner’s label, The Beats is well known for his tongue in cheek lyrics and quirky style.

 

15th August – Gene Watson has been in the business and staying true to his Texan roots for over 30 years now, he’s earned himself the name a true ‘lone star hero’ and he’ll be here at the Cresset to play some of his country songs to captivated audiences.

 

So there’s four new acts put on the Website on Friday, but if you still haven’t checked out who else we have coming to the Cresset, get a move on! Aswel as that the new events diary has landed with a list of who is coming up at the Cresset aswel as everything else we have here to offer, like weddings, food and party spaces. So pick one up next time you’re here.

 

Ayeisha

Tim Vine performed to a packed out audience on Saturday when his train pulled into The Cresset this weekend. Comedy has been packing out the Cresset recently and we have some great big name acts coming up that are going to follow suit, including Julian Clary who is coming up at the end of this month. Tickets are still available for his shown so ring our Box Office if you’re interested in tickets!

We’ve just added a new show to the diary,

 

10th September – Peter Alliss is coming to the Cresset to share his extensive knowledge if the popular sport. Known as the Voice of Golf, he has had a long and successful career in the game, first as a player, then as a commentator and course designer, and is also a prolific writer and after-dinner speaker.

 

Also its getting closer to The Cresset Easter school, it’s a great way to meet new people and have fun learning lines, songs and dances to perform at the end of each week. Its for ages 9-16 and is guaranteed to keep kids busy this half term!

There’s plenty coming up here, remember the diary is now available listing what’s coming up and you can always check our what’s on, online!

Ayeisha

The 2010 Peterborough Stage Dance Festival will be held here once again at the Cresset in Peterborough from Sunday 25th to Friday 30th July 2010.

The Cresset is one of Peterborough’s most popular theatres and has a large stage and a seating capacity of 800 and also extensive changing and practice areas.  There is ample free parking and a coffee shop and bar/restaurant for refreshments during the Festival.

If you would like to take part in the Festival, please download and complete your entry forms and return them to

Julie Taylor, The Cresset, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 8DX. Full payment must be received no later than Monday, 12 April 2010.

The Festival has been extended to 6 days, but from the enquiries already received,  space is limited so we  would, strongly recommend that you send your entries in as early as possible as they will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Cresset in July for the Peterborough Stage Dance Festival 2010.

Click here to download the Entry forms

Click her to download the 2010 Syllabus

Coming up on Wednesday, straight from America we have the ultimate tribute act to Michael Jackson, ‘Who’s Bad’. They will perform all of the favourites from, The Jackson’s, Jackson five and Michael Jackson, from Thriller to ABC! Tickets are £22.50 for an evening of classics and sing-a-longs.

Also this week we have Darts legends Eric Bristow and John Lowe along with other names who will be entertaining the audience for an evening of darts and banter. On Sunday the 7th we have ‘The Circus of Horrors’, following on on the huge success of The Asylum, The Circus of Horrors has had a major revamp & is back rocking & shocking with a brand new show.

Set in Mexico during the early 1900’s , the cast of chasosmongers transport the body of their doyen Dr Haze to a remote area of Mexico. Unbeynowed to them they settled In a former burial ground of Aztec Warriors. There they join the local inhabitants ‘Day of the Dead’ rituals to try & revive their esteemed leader.

So there is plenty to look forward to this week, remember you can always make an entire evening of it by having a pre-show supper at The Fayrespot bar and Restaurant, with prices starting from just £4.50 for a main course!

Ayeisha

The circus was in town last night, but no ordinary circus, it was the gory Circus of Horrors. We were transported to Aztec Mexico and shown some amazing stunts and acrobatics by the talented cast, from sword to fire swallowing.

We’ve got plenty more where that came from in the shape of Magic of Motown, heading straight here from the USA, the tribute act will be performing songs from the greats. Such as the Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, Isley Brothers & scores more. Its sure to be an evening full of sing a longs and ultimate classiscs.

Then on the 13th we have singing and acting legend Barbara Dickson, she will be playing favourites spanning her 40-year career, so don’t miss it as there are still tickets available.

Remember you can pick up our diary which lists all the shows we have coming up at The Cresset this spring, or check out the What’s on page of the website for an updated version everyday.

Ayeisha

Click the picture above to see Katy in action on this years Sport relief!

On the 22nd April we have Katy Brand’s Big Ass Tour at The Cresset!

Join the British Comedy Award Winner and star of ITV2′s Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, Have I Got News For You and Peep Show, for an evening of anarchic comedy, celebrity satire, music spoofs and much, much more, its guarenteed to be a side splitting evening.

 Following the success of her hit TV show, Katy is returning to her live roots with this silly, sassy and smart evening of comedy.  Featuring old favourites and new material, there’s something here for everyone.

We all need to have a good laugh and this girls got award proving shes the one to make it happen!!

Tickets are selling fast at £18.50 but there are still some available, so call our Box Office on 01733 265705 to book yours today, or visit the What’s On page of our website

Ayeisha

Following the phenomenal success of his last biking adventure from Sydney to Tokyo, the intrepid actor, adventurer and author Charley Boorman has decided to take a break from trekking around the world and stay a little closer to home, and is coming to the Cresset tomorrow.

The Actor, Adventurer and Author takes a break from travelling the world, to travel the UK with a brand new live show. The star of Long Way Round, Long Way Down, Race To Dakar and By Any Means hosts an evening of stories, anecdotes and tales from his worldwide escapades.

There plenty more where that came from aswel because we have a full house on Friday as the Hairy Bikers are teaching us to cook with some friendly banter to accompany it!

Ayeisha

Its that time of year again, The Cresset Easter School is back and with two weeks of dancing, acting and singing ahead its sure to be great fun for all involved!

Elsewhere in the Cresset, we have a great month ahead of us, with big names in music, and comedy.

16th April – Kicking us off we have Pam Ayres bringing her current show to Peterborough thirty-five years after she first appeared on the “Britain’s Got Talent” TV show of its day, “Opportunity Knocks”.

Pam’s shows sell out wherever she appears, and her current show includes material from her bestselling books, SURGICALLY ENHANCED, WITH THESE HANDS, and THE WORKS, along with new poems and stories.

17th April – Next up we have pop legends Go West, Peter Cox and Richard Drummie are back visiting towns across the UK.

The singular talents of Pete Cox and Richard Drummie were first bought together in 1974 when the teenagers who would go on the become one of the most successful, and undoubtedly most talented groups to emerge from the UK. Producing smash hits such as ‘We Close Our Eyes’, and ‘The King Of Wishful Thinking.’
18th April – Often referred to as the hottest show in town, the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the nation’s most successful touring production returns to the Cresset with its ‘Brand New Show’.
 Featuring back to back non-stop nostalgia classic gold hits from the 50’s through to the 90’s mixed with all new feel-good comedy routines, this definitely is a show not be missed!
22nd April – Katy Brand is taking her Big Ass on tour.  Join the British Comedy Award Winner and star of ITV2′s Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, Have I Got News For You and Peep Show, for an evening of anarchic comedy, celebrity satire, music spoofs and much, much more.
Following the success of her hit TV show, Katy is returning to her live roots with this silly, sassy and smart evening of comedy.  Featuring old favourites and new material, there’s something here for everyone.

30th April -  “Folk music doesn’t get any cooler than Kate Rusby” Q magazine

 The defining voice of contemporary English Folk Music, Kate Rusby’s exquisite interpretations of Traditional songs and finely wrought self-penned tunes have won her an audience that reaches beyond the genre.
A rare achievement for a folk artist but entirely understandable given Rusby’s expressive vocals that invest whatever she sings with irresistible emotional depth. 

So there is plenty to look forward to!

Ayeisha

How are you all feeling after stuffing yourselves with Easter eggs and any other form of chocolate?! Well we’ve been very busy over the Easter time signing lots of new exciting acts for the coming months.

Tango Pasion – 1st October

Two decades after the Broadway success of ‘Tango Argentino’, creators reignited the passion of Tango with a brand-new live spectacle, combining virtuosity with sensuality – the result Tango PasiÏŒn, has since taken the international stage by storm, enthralling audiences with its charm and zeal.
 
Waterloo – 22nd October

The ultimate Abba show! ‘Waterloo’ is the show that guarantees a sensational night out with stunning costumes, 6 piece band and award winning lighting design. Providing a pure slice of entertainment, the ultimate party night is here over two hours of Abba HITS.  Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen and many more… With Fabulous musicians and live vocals. 

The Stones - 29th October

The Rolling Stones are universally known as “The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World”. Now “The Stones” bring to the stage all the energy and excitement of a live Rolling Stones concert. This is not a “tongue in cheek” approach, but a serious tribute to their music: The greatest tribute band in the world pays tribute to the Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World.

Boogie Pete – 21st November

Are you ready to boogie with Pete from Boogie Beebies?

Star of the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies TV show Boogie Beebies, catch the much-loved Pete Hillier in his hit stage show Boogie Pete live – featuring all your favourite songs and dances including Go, Go Mango, Hey Monkey and Ocean Motion!

And last but by no means last…

Jimmy Carr – 5th September and 4th December (2 shows)

Since the turn of the century Jimmy has been a ‘fun slinger’ of international repute.
‘Laughter Therapy’ is his ninth solo show. It’ll be an evening of none stop jokes, gags and banter. If you’ve got a sick sense of humour then maybe laughter is the best medicine. Not to be taken if you have a sensitive disposition or an overactive moral compass. Recommended dose: one brand new show to be taken annually (I said annually).

Ayeisha

Pam Ayres brings her current show to Peterborough thirty-five years after she first appeared on the “Britain’s Got Talent” TV show of its day, “Opportunity Knocks”…and its completely sold out!

What a great night its going to be including material from her bestselling books, SURGICALLY ENHANCED, WITH THESE HANDS, and THE WORKS, along with new poems and stories.

With a full house, im certain the atmosphere is going to be electric, why not make an evening of it, and order yourself a pre show supper at The Fayre Spot Bar and Restaurant, with main meals sarting from only £4.50!

Everyone who has tickets, enjoy the night

Ayeisha

Click on the picture above to see the guys in action!

The Go West 25th Anniversary Tour

Peter Cox and Richard Drummie are back visiting towns across the UK.

The singular talents of Pete Cox and Richard Drummie were first bought together in 1974 when the teenagers who would go on the become one of the most successful, and undoubtedly most talented groups to emerge from the UK.

The duo famed for songs such as ‘King of wishful thinking’, ‘We Clsoe our Eyes’ and ‘Call me.’ Are coming to the Cresset so its time to dig out the leg warmers and mullet wigs and come and have a boogie to these sing a long classics!

Tickets are still available, so contact our vox office for tickets and special offers

Ayeisha

On the 22nd April we have Katy Brand’s Big Ass Tour at The Cresset!

Join the British Comedy Award Winner and star of ITV2’s Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show, Have I Got News For You and Peep Show, for an evening of anarchic comedy, celebrity satire, music spoofs and much, much more, its guarenteed to be a side splitting evening.
 Following the success of her hit TV show, Katy is returning to her live roots with this silly, sassy and smart evening of comedy.  Featuring old favourites and new material, there’s something here for everyone.
We all need to have a good laugh and this girls got award proving shes the one to make it happen!!
Tickets are selling fast at £18.50 but there are still some available, so call our Box Office on 01733 265705 to book yours today, or visit the What’s On page of our website
Ayeisha

Check out the What’s On pages of our website, to see the reams of new acts added to the calendar for 2010! There are huge names, and something for everyone, we have comedy, music and children’s entertainment, by the bucket load, so what are waiting for!

New Acts include…

Jimmy Carr – 5th September / 4th December

Peppa Pig’s Party – 29th September / 30th September

Joe Pasquale – 21st October

Brian Conley – 10th November

And many many more!

Ayeisha

What a weekend we had here at The Cresset, kicking us off was Pam Ayres on Friday, performing to a packed out audience, then on Saturday we had eighties legends Go West, with sing-a-long classics such as ‘King of wishful thinking’ and ‘We close our Eyes’ and finally we had That’ll be the Day featuring back to back non-stop nostalgia classic gold hits from the 50’s through to the 90’s mixed with all new feel-good comedy routines.

So now we’re looking forward to what else we have coming up this month, starting with this week, Katy brand on the 22nd, guaranteed to be a hilarious night of impressions. The defining voice of contemporary English Folk Music, Kate Rusby’s exquisite interpretations of Traditional songs and finely wrought self-penned tunes have won her an audience that reaches beyond the genre.

Tickets are still available, so to make sure you don’t miss out call our Box Office today on 01733265705 or visit the whats on page of our website

Ayeisha

Let me clear things up

Obviously it’s a very sad time for everyone here at the Cresset, as you may have read in the paper over recent days the Cresset theatre is to close on the 26th June, meaning that Reginald D Hunter will be the last big show to see.

Many people may be a bit confused, but the entire complex is not closing, just the theatre. We are still very much accepting bookings for Weddings, Parties and other occasions. Not to mention our extensive performing arts departments from drama to dance.

The Cresset Café has recently had a make over and a new menu of fresh foods have just been introduced, and also the Fayre Spot is still fronting great live music every Friday evening aswel and great pub grub starting from £4.50!

Inside the Cresset we still have a Barbers, show repairs and a Sprogs, which are all still staying open.

On a more positive note coming up at The Cresset we have Kate Rusby on the 30th April, The defining voice of contemporary English Folk Music, Kate Rusby’s exquisite interpretations of Traditional songs and finely wrought self-penned tunes have won her an audience that reaches beyond the genre.

We have plenty of shows over the next couple of months so get your tickets now!

Ayeisha

There’s still lots to look forward to at The Cresset theatre; we have plenty of great acts coming through our doors before the 26th June.

Including big names such as Jim Davidson on the 7th May, strictly for the over 18’s the evening is sure to be close to the knuckle but incredibly funny!  Sure to excite his ever growing band of faithful squires, and their ladies. King Jim gives the crowd exactly what they want, with his latest stand up show filled with tales of wanton women, pointless wars and her Majesty’s troops.

Then on 12th  May we have Hardeep Singh Kohli,  just think Ready Steady Cook but with great cooking (Hardeep was runner-up on the first series of Celebrity Masterchef) and funny anecdotes, all delivered by Glaswegian Hardeep in his own unique, articulate and utterly charming way.

Later on in May we have chart topper Example and Imelda May, and psychic Colin Fry.

Juat another reminder to let you know its not the entire Cresset complex that’s closing, just the theatre, the weddings, conferences and shops and café are remaining open

Ayeisha