ESP Magazine

ESP Magazine ESP Magazine is Peterborough's premier, local leisure and what's on magazine and website. http://www The magazine is distributed throughout Greater Peterborough.

ESP is a dynamic and entertaining, free what's on, leisure and lifestyle publication and website. Our content is aimed at those who enjoy life and who want to hear about their local area in an upbeat and positive way.

Local performer set for national spotlight at the O2 arena!Popular local performer Jimmy James Entertainments is taking ...
05/06/2026

Local performer set for national spotlight at the O2 arena!

Popular local performer Jimmy James Entertainments is taking his remarkable voice to one of the world’s most iconic stages this summer. Having built a strong reputation on the live music circuit, Jimmy has earned national recognition and will perform on the main stage at The O2 Arena in London on Sunday June 14, where he’ll compete in the finals of the National Entertainment Awards in the Best Solo Act category.

Jimmy’s journey to the national finals began when he was spotted by industry judges while performing live. He progressed through the regional heats and was crowned Best Solo Act at the regional finals held at The Cresset in Peterborough, securing his place at the prestigious London event.

Renowned for his exceptional vocal talent, Jimmy delivers a timeless repertoire that includes classics from Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck, alongside vibrant Motown, Soul, and Reggae shows. He also presents a heartfelt personal tribute to his vocal hero, Joe Longthorne MBE.

With his powerful voice and effortless stage presence, Jimmy’s become a firm favourite with audiences both locally and further afield, headlining shows across the country.

Winning at the O2 would bring major industry exposure and national recognition, marking a huge milestone in Jimmy’s rapidly rising career.

Fans can follow Jimmy’s journey and upcoming performances via Jimmy James Entertainments on Facebook and check out his gigs in our online gig guide.

We wish him lots of luck for the finals!

Fancy a Friday night film? ESP's chief film critic Gavin Miller says indie horror Backrooms is worth a visit...FILM REVI...
05/06/2026

Fancy a Friday night film? ESP's chief film critic Gavin Miller says indie horror Backrooms is worth a visit...

FILM REVIEW: BACKROOMS (15) ESP RATING: 3.5/5

This has pretty much come out of nowhere to already become one of the biggest indie horror hits of all-time – after a sensational opening weekend worldwide.

It was actually my son, Joshua, who gave me the back story to this ‘found footage’ web series-turned-movie from creator Kane Parsons – who directs this in his film debut – which probably helped better than going in ‘completely cold’.

And if it lives up to the hype will definitely depend on a certain point-of-view – as this psychological horror is definitely a slow burner to say the least.

Set in 1990, it sees furniture store owner Clark (12 Years a Slave’s Chiwetel Ejiofor) – struggling to cope with his alcoholism and recent divorce among his dwindling finances – discover a large extradimensional space adjoining his premises.

After experiencing electrical issues, he finds a mysterious doorway that leads him into the ‘Backrooms’ – a maze of seemingly endless liminal spaces of bizarrely constructed hallways and oddly-placed furniture.

But after being ‘spooked’ by an unknown entity chasing him back into his store, he enlists the help of his assistant manager Kat (Lukita Maxwell) and her cameraman boyfriend Bobby (Finn Bennett), to document his findings. This is where things start to go awry.

Especially when Clark’s therapist Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve) – who herself has suffered from her own childhood trauma – becomes involved after entering the Backrooms, despite initially being sceptical after Clark had mentioned it in one of sessions.

And all this is eerily being viewed by a scientist – Mark Duplass’s Phil – who works for the Async Research institute, who seem to be heavily involved in this otherworldly realm after losing one of their staff to the alien-being that Clark has now discovered.

What entails is a methodical mind-bending story within a retro early-nineties world, accompanied by a eclectically-foreboding soundtrack. Which is terrific.

There’s definitely nods to the likes of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining – and even a little bit of Blair Witch thrown in – and if you’re a fan of these type of ‘thinker’ horrors, then this is absolutely for you.

But this definitely won’t be for everyone – particularly if you’re unaware of the YouTube series – as this leaves a lot of unanswered questions that provides food for thought, among a smattering of jump scares.

As it stands, there’s no doubting this in an intriguing slice of psychological indie delight from young filmmaker Parsons, which – at the very least – makes further entries into the Backrooms an intriguing proposition.

And as his first big-screen effort, this is undoubtedly compelling fare that deserves the attention of any fan of cinema.

ESP Rating: 3.5/5

Gavin Miller

Showcase Cinema de Lux Peterborough & ODEON Cinemas Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Lukita Maxwell, Finn Bennett & Mark Duplass
Running Time: 1 Hrs 50 Mins
Director: Kane Parsons

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

Visitors to Nene Valley Railway will get a rare opportunity to see and travel behind one of Britain's most famous expres...
05/06/2026

Visitors to Nene Valley Railway will get a rare opportunity to see and travel behind one of Britain's most famous express steam locomotives this autumn.

The legendary GWR Class No. 6024 King Edward I will make its first-ever visit to the railway on October 10 and 11.

Fresh from an extensive overhaul and recent return to steam, the locomotive will haul passenger trains throughout the weekend as part of the railway's special Travel with a King event.

Widely regarded as some of the most powerful steam locomotives ever built to operate on Britain's railways these were designed to haul the heaviest and most prestigious express trains on the Great Western main line.

Today, only a handful of King Class locomotives survive, making any opportunity to see one in steam a significant occasion.

Throughout the event, you'll be able to travel behind King Edward I on heritage passenger services, enjoying the sight, sound and spectacle of one of Britain's most iconic steam locomotives at work.

The visit will also include a special Cornish Riviera Express Jolly Fisherman evening dining train, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy traditional fish and chips whilst travelling behind the locomotive.

The locomotive attends courtesy of the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust, whose continued support helps bring historic locomotives to new audiences across the country.

Tickets for Travel with a King and the Cornish Riviera Express Jolly Fisherman go on sale at 12pm on Thursday June 11 and can be booked via the Nene Valley Railway website:
• Travel with a King: https://nvr.org.uk/product.php/564/Travel-with-a-King
• Cornish Riviera Express Jolly Fisherman: https://nvr.org.uk/product.php/565/The-Cornish-Riviera-Express-Jolly-Fisherman
If you fancy this unique experience you’re encouraged to book early.
Photo: Tom Peacock

It's the 'Swim with Pride' event tonight 🏳️‍🌈 at Vivacity Peterborough LidoThis is an exclusive evening swim for members...
04/06/2026

It's the 'Swim with Pride' event tonight 🏳️‍🌈 at Vivacity Peterborough Lido
This is an exclusive evening swim for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, featuring live entertainment from Teddi The Drag Queen Peterborough Pride - UK from 7pm - 9pm
Book online at vivacity.org/swimwithpride

The poppy cascades that are displayed in Peterborough Cathedral as part of The Longest Yarn II: Britain at War exhibitio...
04/06/2026

The poppy cascades that are displayed in Peterborough Cathedral as part of The Longest Yarn II: Britain at War exhibition are very impressive, but did you realise each flower featured has a meaning?

The poppy drop panels include 1,800 flowers which took 600 hours of crocheting - they’re a stunning part of the display.

The exhibition which features all new displays as well as eight large knitted figures launched yesterday and you can see it until June 27.

Entry is by donation to support the cathedral but you can book a timed ticket to avoid lengthy queues.

Did you know dogs are now allowed at Flag Fen Archaeology Park?If you fancy a visit to this incredible Bronze Age site, ...
04/06/2026

Did you know dogs are now allowed at Flag Fen Archaeology Park?

If you fancy a visit to this incredible Bronze Age site, or just want a drive out for a coffee in the café with your four-legged friend, they can now join you.

Dogs aren’t allowed in the museum or exhibition hall but they can explore the rest of the site on a lead and visit the roundhouses – including the newly built one after the fire which sadly destroyed one of them a while ago. It’s now been rebuilt in a new location and is looking very authentic.

Dogs are welcome in the café and the staff will gladly provide water bowls for them and a nice cuppa and cake for you!
(You can just visit the café without buying an entry ticket.)

Foodie Fridays return to Nene Park Trust on Friday June 5 to get the summer started.Either settle down after a day of fu...
03/06/2026

Foodie Fridays return to Nene Park Trust on Friday June 5 to get the summer started.

Either settle down after a day of fun in Ferry Meadows, or pop down after work for chilled vibes in the open air.

Experience summer nights in this beautiful setting with live music from local performers while you dine on some delicious dishes from various street food vendors.

There'll be craft beers available from The Tipsy Towed and a changing line-up of food vendors each week so you can try lots of different flavours.

Food is served from 3pm and the music is live from 5 - 8pm.

The location for Foodie Friday events is now outside the Visitor Centre and they’re happening every Friday through to the end of September.

There'll be some special themed weeks coming up too so keep an eye on on social media for each weekly line-up.

If you like movies about music, ESP film reviewer Mike Clarke says Power Ballad is one to sing along to...FILM REVIEW: P...
03/06/2026

If you like movies about music, ESP film reviewer Mike Clarke says Power Ballad is one to sing along to...

FILM REVIEW: POWER BALLAD (15) ESP RATING: 3.5/5

This is an easy-going musical comedy – which works best when you stop comparing it to greatness.

I walked into Power Ballad with huge expectations. I’m a massive fan of writer-director John Carney and his previous music-focused movies Once, Sing Street and Begin Again. All three are easy recommendations for anyone who loves films about music.

This latest effort follows Rick (Paul Rudd), a former aspiring musician whose dreams of stardom never quite worked out, and who now makes a living as a wedding singer.

When he crosses paths with fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the pair bond over their shared love of music and end up writing a song together.

But when Danny turns that song into the hit that reignites his career, Rick is forced to confront the success that slipped through his fingers. Determined to claim the recognition he feels he deserves, he sets out to take back what’s his – even if it means risking everything he cares about.

The problem for me is that it’s almost impossible not to compare this flick to Carney’s previous work. And unfortunately, Power Ballad doesn’t quite have the same level of heart and soul as those films.

A big reason for that is that it feels like quite a bit of character development has been left on the cutting-room floor. Certain relationships feel undercooked. Particularly Rick’s friendship with a fellow band member, which suddenly becomes important to the story despite the film doing very little groundwork beforehand. There were multiple moments where I felt like I’d missed a scene.

The music also doesn’t quite reach the heights of the director’s previous films either. One of the joys of his his aforementioned back catalogue, was walking out of the cinema with several new songs immediately added to your playlist. Here, because of the nature of the story, everything revolves around one key song. It works within the narrative, but it means the soundtrack never quite leaves the same lasting impression.

That being said, something interesting happened once I stopped making those comparisons. I started enjoying the film for what it actually is.

On its own merits, this is sweet, funny, and incredibly easy to watch. Rudd (Ant-Man) is as effortlessly charming as ever, Nick Jonas (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) holds his own, and the film has a warmth running through it that makes it difficult to dislike.

It might not blast out a truly memorable power ballad for the ages – but is still enjoyable in its own right.

ESP Rating: 3.5/5

Mike Clarke

Showcase Cinema de Lux Peterborough & ODEON Cinemas Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Havana Rose Liu, Peter Mcdonald & Jack Reynor
Running Time: 1 Hr 38 Mins
Director: John Carney

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

If you're visiting Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery or Peterborough Cathedral - and there are plenty of things to see a...
03/06/2026

If you're visiting Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery or Peterborough Cathedral - and there are plenty of things to see at the moment - you can get a great parking deal in Queensgate Peterborough

They’re back and this time they’ve brought ‘The Gang’ – The Longest Yarn II: Britain at War exhibition has opened at Pet...
03/06/2026

They’re back and this time they’ve brought ‘The Gang’ – The Longest Yarn II: Britain at War exhibition has opened at Peterborough Cathedral today.

This much-anticipated sequel brings us 80 new panels of ‘wool art’ telling the story of not only the battles fought, but the lives lived at home. Once again each panel is amazingly detailed and it’s sure to attract visitors from far afield.

With the news that the huge Titanosaur display is also staying on, you can now see the incredible dinosaur and this amazing display for one great day out.

The Longest Yarn II: Britain at War, also includes The Gang, eight life-size figures representing the people whose courage sustained Britain during the war, from a Land Girl to a Spitfire pilot.

Plus there are the spectacular 'Poppy Drops' hung from the Upper Levels, each panel has been lovingly created by local groups and there’s also a selection of intricate post box toppers to see.

The exhibition runs until June 26 and Titanosaur remains in place throughout the summer. Entry to view The Longest Yarn II is by donation, and you can see Titanosaur as part of your visit.

We thought both displays were brilliant and well worth a visit.

Timed tickets are live on their website: https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/event/tickets-coming-soon-the-longest-yarn-ii-britain-at-war/

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