ESP Magazine

17/10/2025

If you'd like to celebrate Diwali with some delicious food and music, Kathmandu Lounge - Peterborough is the place to be.

We've tried the food at this independent city centre restaurant and can recommend it!

17/10/2025

Fancy a movie night? Those lightcycles are back in TRON Ares.
ESP's film critic Gavin Miller goes for a ride...

FILM REVIEW: TRON – ARES (15) RATING: 3/5

Will TRON ever have a large enough following to make the box-office money it so desperately wants from a big-budget movie?
Yep – as me and my son found out at Easter with the ninety minute plus queue for the Lightcycle ride at Orlando’s Disney World – the appetite is potentially there, but the series really does seem to struggle to reach blockbuster status.

And here, despite visual decadence, this – just like with the original TRON (1982) and it’s Legacy sequel (2010) – never gets out of third gear.

In fact, exactly like those two previous films, this is a three-star flick. Never bad enough to be a two, never pushing a four. The absolute epitomy of a ‘solid’ middling movie.

Once again – despite the obligatory Jeff Bridges cameo – one of the issues may be the lack of proper A-list leading star.

Fifteen years after Sam Flynn tried to rescue his father Kevin (Bridges) from the ‘Grid’, Dillinger Systems – led by Ed Dillinger’s (the antagonist of the original film) grandson Julian (X-Men’s Evan ‘Quiksilver’ Peters) and his mother Elisabeth (Gillian Anderson) – and ENCOM – with chief executive officer Eve Kim (Greta Lee) at the forefront – are in a race to bring digital constructs to reality. They aim to find the ‘permanence code’ to make digital creations a reality for more than 29 minutes before they expire and de-materialise.

As Eve searches for a more practical approach in a remote Alaskan station – set up by by ENCOM’s former CEO Kevin many years ago – to try and find a solution, Julian has taken to more brazen methods by creating Ares (played by Oscar winner Jared Leto), a Master Control Program (MCP) who is deemed to be the ‘perfect, expendable soldier’.

But when things inevitably go awry, and Ares goes ‘rogue’ when he becomes self-aware, he enters the real-world and is tracked by his second in command Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith), as things get out of control.

To the backdrop of an impressive Nine Inch Nails soundtrack, there are multiple visually-breathtaking set-pieces – usually involving the super-cool Lightcycles – that lead to a paint-by-numbers storyline, that won’t really linger in the memory for very long.

Perfectly passable popcorn-crunching fare, but absolutely nothing in terms of ingenuity to make it stand out.

Which leaves us looking for the ultimate TRON movie waiting to break out – and still makes the most impressive thing about the franchise the aforementioned ride at Disney World.

Quite literally the epitomy of ‘style over substance’.

ESP Rating: 3/5

Gavin Miller

ODEON Cinemas Luxe Peterborough & Showcase Cinema de Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Gillian Anderson, Arturo Castro, Hasan Minhaj, Cameron Monaghan & Jeff Bridges
Running Time: 1 Hr 59 Mins
Director: Joachim Ronning

Film Review Venue: ODEON Cinemas Luxe Imax Peterborough

For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe cinemas go to www.odeon.co.uk and www.showcasecinemas.co.uk

17/10/2025

Good news for KPop fans… ODEON Cinemas Lux Peterborough will be screening KPop Demon Hunters Sing Along from Friday October 31 – Sunday November 2 in Queensgate Peterborough.

We're goin' up, up, up — and now it's YOUR moment! Back by popular demand on Halloween weekend, seal the Honmoon and sing your favourite ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ songs with HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys in this full-length, sing-along version of the Netflix hit film.

16/10/2025

Listen up Doctor Who fans - Sylvester McCoy is coming to PPeterborough Museum & Art Galleryfor a Q&A.

It's all part of the incredibly successful Adventures in Time & Space exhibition, the unofficial Doctor Who display which features dozens of monsters, props, and costumes from the TV series.

Best known as the seventh Doctor in Doctor Who (1987–1989) and for reprising the role in numerous appearances since, his extraordinary career spans stage, screen, and audio.

You will also know him as endearing wizard Radagast the Brown in The Hobbit trilogy, and his connection to Doctor Who continues to this day through over 100 Big Finish audio dramas.

This is an incredible chance to hear the stories behind the roles in this rare and intimate live conversation.

Limited tickets can be booked here:
https://peterborough-museum.arttickets.org.uk/peterborough-museum/caught-in-conversation-sylvester-mccoy

16/10/2025

It's not often a film gets a 5 star review, but ESP's Mike Clarke swears this is worth it...

FILM REVIEW: I SWEAR (15) ESP RATING: 5/5

A small film with a big heart – and one that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll.

I took my mum to see I Swear, and before the lights dimmed, I warned her there would probably be tears based on what I’d seen in the trailer.

There were indeed tears. Lots of them. Not just from us, but from several people around the room. But there was laughter too – and gasps – the kind of emotional ‘ebb and flow’ that only a film truly in tune with its audience can pull off.

Directed by Kirk Jones, this Scottish-based biographical drama tells the story of John Davidson, a man living with Tourette’s syndrome, played with extraordinary warmth by Robert Aramayo (probably best-known for playing Elrond in TV series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power). His performance is layered and human, never leaning into cliché or pity. Around him, the strong supporting cast – Shirley Henderson, Maxine Peake, Peter Mullan – form a believable, quietly powerful ensemble that grounds the story in real emotion.

What struck me most was how the film handles its tone. It finds that delicate balance between heart, humour and heartbreak – the kind of mix British cinema does so well. At times, it kind of reminded me of The Full Monty, where laughter and tears often arrive in the same breath.

I came away feeling like I’d learned something – not just about the condition itself, but about kindness, resilience, and the small mercies that carry us through hard days.

This is one movie that deserves your attention – I swear by it.

ESP Rating: 5/5

Mike Clarke

Showcase Cinema de Lux Peterborough & ODEON Cinemas Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson & Peter Mullan
Running Time: 2 Hrs
Director: Kirk Jones

Film Review Venue: Showcase Cinema de Lux Peterborough

For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe cinemas go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and www.odeon.co.uk

16/10/2025

A new independent Tourist Board for Peterborough has been created.

Peterborough is set to be back on the tourism map with a new Tourist Board set up to attract visitors to the city.

A new website promoting the city’s culture, heritage and events — www.discoverpeterborough.co.uk — has been launched to show everyone what the city has to offer with the strapline — “More than you imagine…”.

Peterborough now has a new independent Destination Management Organisation (DMO), the Peterborough Tourist Board, chaired by Andrew Pakes MP.

The announcement marks a major step forward for the city’s visitor economy, placing collaboration, civic pride, and sustainability at the heart of how Peterborough is promoted and experienced.

Andrew Pakes for Peterborough MP said: “This is about building confidence in who we are and how we tell our story. From our Cathedral and heritage landscapes to our arts venues and festivals — Peterborough has so much to be proud of. We’re showing the world that this city is more than you imagine.”

The Peterborough Tourist Board brings together leading partners from across the city’s cultural, business, and community sectors, including Flag Fen Archaeology Park, Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough Positive BID, Peterborough City Council, John Clare Countryside, Nene Park Trust, Peterborough Lido, Film Peterborough, and Queensgate Peterborough.

Together they represent the wider Peterborough Tourism Collective — a growing network of members and partners that includes attractions, heritage and arts organisations, hospitality venues, and local media. The Collective will form the foundation of a new membership model designed to give every part of the city’s visitor economy a voice — from community-led heritage projects to major cultural institutions and private sector partners.

Paul Stainton, Head of Marketing & Communications for Peterborough Cathedral said: “A Destination Management Organisation is vital for bringing together the many voices that make Peterborough such a vibrant and unique city. It gives us a shared platform to showcase our heritage, culture, and visitor experiences to a much wider audience.

"For too long the city has been without a unified tourism voice and the launch of a new tourism website is an exciting step forward — it provides a unified window into everything Peterborough has to offer, from our historic Cathedral to our diverse attractions and events. Tourism is a cornerstone of the city’s growth, supporting local businesses and strengthening community pride. By working together under a strong DMO, we can ensure that Peterborough takes its rightful place on the national tourism map.”

The Board will provide joined-up leadership, unify marketing and data, and strengthen Peterborough’s ability to attract visitors, investment and national recognition.

The new Discover Peterborough website has gone live, created by the This is Peterborough! team — a civic-led initiative founded to design a major annual festival celebrating the city’s living history and creative identity.

Described as a “work in progress”, it will continue to grow as partners, attractions and residents contribute their stories, events and ideas — creating a living showcase for everything the city has to offer.

Andrew Pakes MP, Chair of the Peterborough Tourist Board, said: “This is a proud moment for Peterborough and a major step forward in telling a stronger story for our city. The new Tourist Board brings together the people and organisations who believe in this place and want to help it reach its potential. Discover Peterborough is just the beginning — a living project that will grow through collaboration and community input.

"It’s not about a glossy launch or a finished product; it’s about creating something meaningful, together. This is about building confidence in who we are and how we tell our story — celebrating what makes Peterborough distinctive, attracting investment, and ensuring tourism benefits everyone who lives, works and visits here.”

Cllr Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council adds: “Peterborough is a city rich in heritage, creativity, and community spirit. The formation of our new tourist board and launch of Discover Peterborough website marks a practical step forward in showcasing all we have to offer — from our cathedral to our cultural festivals, and everything in between. I’m proud to support this initiative, which reflects our commitment to collaboration, economic growth, and putting Peterborough firmly on the map as a destination of choice.”

Matthew Bradbury, Chief Executive of Nene Park Trust also commented: “Peterborough’s strength lies in its mix of historic landmarks, thriving communities and outstanding natural spaces. The new Tourist Board brings these together under one shared story, helping people see our city in a new light. At Nene Park Trust, we know how important it is to put people and place at the heart of tourism. This is about growing civic pride, protecting what makes Peterborough unique, and inviting more people to discover it for themselves.”

While the Tourist Board will lead Peterborough’s external tourism profile, its approach is firmly 'resident-first' — ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt locally.

Rebecca Jackson, Co-Founder of This is Peterborough! and Board Member of the Peterborough Tourist Board, said: “Tourism isn’t just about visitors. It’s about local pride, opportunity and connection. Discover Peterborough is as much for residents as it is for tourists; a place where we can all find something new to explore, enjoy and celebrate.”

The Board’s work forms part of a wider strategy to grow Peterborough’s visitor economy through collaboration, storytelling and strategic investment. Its priorities include uniting cultural, commercial and community partners under a shared destination identity, and supporting sustainable tourism growth that benefits local people and businesses alike.

The Board is also exploring options for Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) alignment — a national accreditation scheme led by VisitEngland.

Future projects include the development of a City Box Office & Visitor Hub, improved coordination of city-wide events, and long-term work to build a unified tourism and cultural identity for Peterborough — rooted in collaboration and community impact.

14/10/2025

New Christmas events planned for Cathedral Square!

Peterborough City Council has announced plans for new family friendly festive fun in the centre.

For the first time Cathedral Square will host its own Santa’s grotto and elf workshop in a ticketed area near Cathedral Arch, as part of the 'Once Upon a Christmas Wish' immersive event.

On the Square there will be Christmas huts selling festive food and gifts, exciting children’s rides, and a photo opportunity with the Gingerbread family nestled near the Guildhall.

Little ones can join Mrs Claus and her cheeky elf in the magical classroom, while there is also live festive entertainment every Saturday and Sunday.

The Once Upon a Christmas attractions will open from November 28 on Thursdays to Sundays, and every day on Christmas week.
Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/once-upon-a-christmas-wish-peterboroughs-immersive-christmas-event-tickets-1761998568149?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Cathedral Square Christmas tree arrives in the week of November 17, and the spectacular official lights switch-on will take place on the evening of November 21 with live music and performers on the big stage.

There’s more at Peterborough Cathedral with the 'Wonder of Christmas' event and attractions on Cathedral Green, a spectacular light trail extending up to and beyond the Cathedral, including areas near the Norman Arch and other city centre locations.

A snow machine will blanket the cathedral entrance and Norman Gate, with two nutcrackers standing outside the main doors.

The event runs from November 19 to December 4 in the evenings, with a free Christmas Trail open throughout December.

Finally, there will also be an artisan market on December 6, on Bridge Street and Cathedral Square.

Cabinet member for Communities, Poverty and Public Health Cllr Zameer Ali helped select the 42ft tree for the city centre, from a farm in Rowington.

He said: “I was proud to select the tree for our city centre, which everyone will see on 21 November in its full glory.
“These events are something new and exciting for the city centre for 2025 and will really showcase the spirit of Christmas in a fun, family-friendly environment.”

Paul Stainton, Head of Marketing and Communications for Peterborough Cathedral, said: "Our collaborations with Peterborough City Council and Peterborough Positive will allow us to bring the city together at Christmas in a really meaningful way.

"Linking the celebrations between the Square and the Cathedral encourages visitors to seamlessly experience both, creating a stronger sense of connection at the heart of Peterborough, while also reclaiming Cathedral Square for the community."

Read more in the winter issue of ESP Magazine out on October 31 and keep an eye on the Peterborough City Council social media in the coming weeks.

Step into a Magical Christmas Adventure! Meet Santa & Mrs Claus, enjoy Elf School, markets, live shows & festive fun for all! ✨

14/10/2025

Looks like movie weather this week to us - ESP film reviewer Mike Clarke checks out this latest animation...

FILM REVIEW: NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE (PG) ESP RATING: 3.5/5

Weird, wild and wonderfully brisk – a riot of colour and chaos that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Clocking in at a perfectly judged 92 minutes, Night of the Zoopocalypse hits the sweet spot – long enough to feel satisfying, short enough to keep the attention span of young ‘uns firmly in check. As a parent who quietly panics when a children’s film edges over two hours, I couldn’t have been happier.

The set-up – surprisingly a short story from legendary Hellraiser creator Clive Barker – is gloriously offbeat. When a meteor crashes into Colepepper Zoo, the animals are turned into zombies. Cue Gracie the wolf (Gabbi Kosmidis) and Dan the mountain lion (Stranger Things’ David Harbour) leading a ragtag group of survivors – including film-obsessed lemur Xavier (Pierre Simpson), sharp-tongued ostrich Ash (Scott Thompson) and scheming monkey Felix (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) – as chaos unfolds.

It’s visually stunning, bursting with neon skies, eerie shadows and inventive set-pieces. The action starts within minutes and keeps up a steady, high-energy rhythm throughout. My only quibble? The humour doesn’t always land. I’d have loved it to fully embrace its goofier, more anarchic side that it shows glimpses of.

Still, this is a fun, fast-paced and eye-popping watch. And with Halloween season upon us, it’s a perfect first step into the world of spooky films for younger viewers.

For me it’s an above average animation. But for my seven-year-old boy, however, it’s ‘Five out of five… no, ten out of ten… actually, twenty out of twenty!’ I think it’s safe to say he was a fan – and thought it was out of this world.

ESP Rating: 3.5/5

Mike Clarke

Showcase Cinema de Lux Peterborough & ODEON Cinemas Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: David Harbour, Gabbi Kosmidis, Scott Thompson, Pierre Simpson & Paul Sun-Hyung Lee
Running Time: 1 Hr 32 Mins
Directors: Rodrigo Perez-Castro & Ricardo Curtis

Film Review Venue: Showcase Cinema de Lux Peterborough

For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe cinemas go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and www.odeon.co.uk

14/10/2025

What an amazing Great Eastern Run despite the fog!

We hope all the thousands of runners who took part on Sunday now have their feet up and are recovering well.

Whether you were dressed as a Minion, were one of the Anna's Hope fairies or one of the many volunteers who make this event by Good Running Events Ltd. possible in Peterborough - we salute you all for playing your part and the amazing fundraising you've done for so many charities !!

It's brilliant Peterborough has wonderful events like this putting our city on the map.

Photos: Mike Harris for ESP Magazine

14/10/2025

Breaking The Code opens in Peterborough tonight!

If you fancy seeing something a little different a touching play telling the incredible story of Alan Turing - Breaking the Code – opens at the New Theatre Peterborough tonight running until October 16.

Alan Turing was a brilliant mathematician, best known for his work at Bletchley Park, breaking the Enigma code used by N**i Germany in World War II – but also a pioneer within the fields of computing and Artificial Intelligence.

In 1952, Turing was convicted of gross indecency for having an affair with a young man, and was sentenced to chemical castration, forced to take hormones. He died from cyanide poisoning in 1954.

Director Jesse Jones says - “It's a portrait of somebody we associate with having done one main thing – breaking the Enigma code – but it delves into his life and his relationships in a very human way. It's funny at times. It's heartbreaking at times. And it really does the job of making him human. It breaks the code of him a little bit, I suppose.”

In 1986, Hugh Whitemore’s play about Turing, Breaking the Code, was first staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London before transferring to Broadway; in 1996, it was made into the TV film, starring Derek Jacobi.

This new production sees Mark Edel-Hunt playing Turing who says he’s a fascinating man to play - “If Alan was sat here, he'd be the first one to remind us that he didn't do it on his own: I think he'd be dismayed at the idea of being heralded as the man who single-handedly broke the Enigma code. And he believed passionately in his work, but he wasn't interested in celebrity. But that tension between what the establishment wanted him to be and who he actually was is really what the whole play is about. He was a brilliant mind, and yet he couldn't fully be that mind because he lived in a world that was going to punish him for being who he was. That tension is what drives the whole play.”

Breaking the Code is on at the New Theatre, Peterborough, October 14 to 16 – book tickets on 01733 852992 or https://newtheatre-peterborough.com/

11/10/2025

This sounds a great night at Flag Fen Archaeology Park for those of you who enjoy your scares - are you brave enough for Fright Night?!

Working in collaboration with Kindred Drama, the eerie landscape of Flag Fen will come alive with spine-chilling characters in an immersive evening of fear and excitement.

11/10/2025

🏅 2025 AEPG Great Eastern Run Medal Reveal! 🏅

Here it is — this year’s stunning finisher medal! ✨
Featuring the iconic Vivacity Peterborough Lido, where thousands of runners will start and finish their Great Eastern Run journey on Sunday 12th October.

Every runner who crosses the line will earn this medal — a lasting reminder of your incredible achievement and of one of Peterborough’s most recognisable landmarks. 💙

Who’s excited to add this one to their collection? 🙌