The Cresset

All smiles at the Cresset!

2009-09-09T17:48:00.002+01:00

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

Family Fun Day!

2009-07-10T14:18:00.002+01:00

So, summer is upon us! I think it took most people by surprise actually, the sudden heatwave in June, and only 1 day of rain at Glastonbury! What is the world coming to? The situation seemed to revert back to normal this week, humid and overcast during the day, and chilly at night with showers when you least expect them. I was at Alton Towers on Tuesday, and it rained. Incessantly. All Day. I was not a happy bunny, and my feet were wet for around 8 hours, not fun!

Anyway, with that typical English optimism, we have ignored the baffling weather and started planning our summer events. The first one, two weeks on Saturday, is the Fayre Spot Family Fun Day. We did this last year and it was a great success (although the sound of all those children having far too much fun did give me a killer headache!)

So, here's the info you need
When?: Sat 25th July 12.00-5.00
Where?: Fayre Spot Bar, the Cresset, Bretton centre
What?: BBQ, Bouncy Castle, Face Painter, Pool and table football, drinks promotions
What Else?: Big screen showing of BOLT, Sue Ryder charity raffle, colouring competition
How much?: Free!! (except the food and drink, let's not get too carried away!)
Why?: Why not??

If there's anything else you need to know drop us a line or pop in, but do come along on the day, the clue's in the title, it's gonna be fun!!

PS - We're currently working on the annual Summer Sizzler for August Bank holiday weekend, as soon as the live music's sorted we'll let you know.

Summer's on its way.......

2009-04-24T15:57:00.003+01:00

The sun's out, skies are blue, it's starting to feel a little like summer! But if you're anything like me you'll be staying home this year and looking for cheap and cheerful ways to make the most of the holiday season at home. Well, we've got plenty coming up to keep you amused....

On 11th July we're hosting a Club Tropicana beach party, with a cracking disco, loads of fun games and spot prizes, hot music and ice cool cocktails. A buffet is included and tickets are only £16.00. It's going to be a great night out, and a fab opportunity to dig out those bermuda shorts and grass skirts! Special rates are available for group bookings, call the box office for details on 01733 842500. Go on, get your mates together and come and join the party!

Plans are also underway for the summer season at the Fayre Spot, with events being scheduled for July and August including a family fun day, lots of barbecues and the annual live music summer sizzler on August Bank Holiday Sunday! There's also plans for lunchtime specials, drinks promos and other special offers so I'll let you know as soon as we've got it all worked out.

Meanwhile, enjoy the sun, let's hope it lasts!

Penny
x

PS - Don't forget to get your tickets for Jimmy Carr - on sale now!!!!!!

BLOG EXCLUSIVE

2009-04-17T11:30:00.003+01:00

Top news of the day - exclusive to you blog readers, Jimmy Carr is coming to the Cresset!

Confirmed this week, Jimmy will be appearing here on Saturday 5th September, at 7.00pm, with rumours of an extra late show if the early one sells out (which I'm guessing it will do pretty quickly!)

I don't even need to go into a rant about how good he is, I'm sure you're all well aware, and only need to say that it's over 16s only and tickets are priced at £22.50 each.

Tickets go on sale from 9.00am on Thursday 23rd April, call the box office on 01733 265705, or book online via the website. It will sell out so get in there quick - and don't say I never give you anything!!

Penny
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Ssssshhhhhh! Top Secret News!

2009-04-07T12:36:00.002+01:00

There are new events going into the diary all the time at the Cresset, some are just rumours of gigs which may not happen, and some are at the finalising contract stage. It's all really exciting, and there are definitely some that you will want to know about, including a massively popular comedian (we're even talking about doing 2 shows it's going to be that good!), one of the most successful Rhythm and Blues bands of the sixties, and an iconic British TV and film actor.

But I can't tell you any more than that at this stage, it's all top secret. However, I will be able to post ticket release dates in advance, so keep your eyes peeled to be first in the queue for front row seats.

And there is already lots to get excited about in the programme, with some welcome returns from the likes of Solid Silver 60s, That'll be the Day and Sally Morgan, and some exciting new acts making their Cresset debut.

My personal highlight (as I think I may have mentioned before) is Dave Gorman, on the 10th September. Did you know he's doing the whole of his national tour by pushbike? No comfy tour bus for this guy, he's on a mission! Check out his saddle sores for yourself, tickets on sale now.

Before that though, the comedy highlight of the summer, and the one act I may be able to squeeze in before my annual Glastonbury jaunt, is Ardal O'Hanlon. Yes, the daft one from Father Ted! (And that dodgy sit-com, My Hero, but don't let that put you off!) He's a lovable Irish comic with a lot to say and a funny way of saying it, so get your ticket now and I'll see you there. (I'll be the one at the bar rambling on about Glastonbury to anyone who will listen!)

More news next week - enjoy the sunshine!

Penny
x

Having a laugh!

2009-03-31T10:36:00.004+01:00

There's nothing but doom and gloom in the news these days, with the country falling deeper into a recession every day, and you could be forgiven for thinking there's not a lot to smile about at the moment. However, that isn't the case here at the Cresset. Last Friday saw another excellent comedy club, with Rob Rouse headlining and putting the smile back on people's faces. It was standing room only this time, so if you missed it and want to check out the best comedy club in the area next month get online at http://www.cresset.co.uk/ and get your tickets now for 1st May. At just £9.50 for an advance ticket, and with 4 comedians to tickle your funny bone, what better way to beat the blues and have a good old giggle!

Watch this space!

2009-02-17T22:22:00.002Z

So, since the fire at the Broadway theatre, there has been some uncertainty as to whether the shows scheduled there for the coming months there will go ahead - well, some of them certainly will, as The Cresset is happy to announce that some acts have already confirmed they still want to come to the Boro and so will be moving the shows here!

Personally I'm delighted, there are a couple of acts that I was hoping to see, and am so glad the gigs will still be going ahead. The first of these is Ed Byrne on 12th March. He's an irish comedian, the one that did the voice over on those carphone warehouse ads? You know who i mean! Anyway, he is now confirmed and tickets are already flying out so get in quick.

Confirmed today is Dave Gorman!!! I love this guy, and saw him at the cresset several years ago now. He is extremely clever and funny, but not in a smart-a**e kind of way! If you can, come and see him, small problem though is that I'm at home at the moment and don't have access to the date, so will update soon. this really is so hot off the press it doesn't event feature on his website! For more info on Dave and his "projects" check out www.davegorman.com

Also moving across town to the Cresset on the 8th May is Rob Brydon. Now my only real experience of him is Gavin and Stacey, where he played Uncle Bryn, a slightly odd chap of questionable sexuality. He was absolutely hilarious! So if his stand up is as good as his character acting I can't wait!

In addition to all this the monthly Comedy Club starts again next Friday - and this season each month will feature 4 acts!!! All for under a tenner! (£9.50 advance price, book up now)

So we're all having a laugh at the Cresset this spring - come and join us!

There's also lots more going on behind the scenes, all top secret at the moment but I will reveal all as soon as I can, so keep checking the website for info.

Keep smiling!
Penny
x

New Year, New Start!

2009-01-26T21:36:00.003Z

Well, that was Christmas then! After a typically hectic and fun-filled festive season, and with panto chants still ringing in our ears, we have packed away the fairy lights, said goodbye to the last of the brussels sprouts and gone steaming into the new year with a January Sale! In the Fayre Spot all pints are just £2 and there's a special "Credit Crunch Lunch" menu available at excellent value to ease the january purse strings. Get down there now for lunch and a beer with change from a fiver!

Elsewhere, plans are afoot for an exciting year ahead, including a new-look comedy club, some quality productions and some of the best live music you'll see in the 'boro this year - watch this space!!!

C2 SESSIONS - WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

2008-10-09T12:59:00.002+01:00

Sorry for the delay in entries, I promise to be much more regular from now on - have had technical problems, apparently logging in is much more complicated that it should be (well for me anyway!)

Anyway, really wanted to write and tell everyone how excited I am about the C2 Sessions gig on the 18th. This is kind of my first go at being a promoter - working with local boys from the Brays we have put together a great bill, and are now marketing like mad to sell tickets!

Its looking really exciting so far, with some top local bands, a guest percussionist, the Deaf By Stereo Djs, and all for just £7 a ticket. Honestly, where else can you see 4 great bands and have a blinding night out for just £7? I always find Peterborough so difficult to get moving, it's like people are scared to try something new and just keep on doing same old same old. Well no more Peterborough - get off your couch and come and see some great bands! You never know you might even enjoy it!

C2 SESSIONS
SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER
THE BRAYS *** MESH 29 *** GIN SOLDIERS *** MATT ZILCH *** PHIL LEE *** DBS
Tickets £7 advance £8 door

2008-08-19T12:39:00.002+01:00

This bank holiday sunday should be a good one - I'm hosting the third annnual Summer Sizzler event at the Fayre Spot! Starting at 5.00 with a BBQ, then Jennifer James will be playing from 6-8 - she has a awesome voice, and mixes her own tunes in with some classics - I'm loving her version of Jolene. Then from about 9.00 the One Eyed Cats will be rock and rolling all over the place. It should be a great day, fingers crossed the weather will hold!!!

The Fayre Spot tel 01733 84518
www.myspace.com/jenniferjamesxx
www.oneeyedcats.com

Big Gigs!

2008-08-18T14:55:00.003+01:00

Exciting times ahead - there's loads of live music stuff coming up that I'm sooo looking forward to!! I'm working on Thursday night for the We are Scientists gig - saw them at Glasto and they were great - look them up on you tube, some of the videos are crazy! Then I'm going to a one-day festival thingy near Northampton on Monday with Richard Ashcroft (well, not actually with him, he'll be on stage and I'll be watching but you know what I mean) It's called Last Days of Summer and also features Supergrass, Black Kids (my current favourite album), the Young Knives and Fun Loving Criminals!! How much fun? It was all a bit last minute but as Glasto seems like so long ago now I jumped at the chance to get one more bite of the Festival cherry before the summer ends, and I might even get to wear my wellies again!

But before both of those its the grand opening of the 31st Peterborough Beer fest on the embankment tomorrow!!! This is probably the biggest and best event in the Peterborough calendar, and knocks spots off the so-called Peterborough Festival which seemed to bypass me completely this year. There's loads of beer, some cracking bands and its the one place you are always going to bump into people you haven't seen for ages - how much fun? And the toilets are pretty good considering it's in a field - there are flushes and everything!! Don't miss it!

www.cresset.co.uk
www.thelastdaysofsummer.com
www.beer-fest.org.uk

Back with a Thud

2008-07-25T12:42:00.002+01:00

So having survived Glastonbury and been rehabilitated into the real world of work, bill paying and comparably tame social activities, I was starting to look forward to a good summer involving lots of beer gardens and jugs of Pimms when ouch!!

Starting with a slight ache and stiffness in my lower back, within the space of 24 hours I found myself with (apparently) scoliosis caused by a problem in my lumbar region which caused severe muscle spasm. I didn’t really care what it was called, all I knew was that I couldn’t stand, walk or sit without severe pain. Nor could I laugh, wash my hair, sneeze, shave my legs or cough.

Two weeks later and I am almost recovered. As my home PC has picked up a nasty virus, perhaps out of sympathy for my plight, please forgive the long delay between entries. I am currently writing this on a laptop on my sofa feeling very Carrie Bradshaw and praying that the relief from pain which I have felt over the last day or so is in fact the beginning of the end of my ailment and not just respite owing to the horse-sized painkinllers prescribed to me.

Due to my injury I have spent the last couple of weeks “on the bench” and therefore have little of interest to report. I will however prove a valuable addition when I return to my quiz team, having watched endless TV gameshows, along with other high quality presentations such as DIY SOS, Loose Women and the whole 6 series of Sex and the City (hence the Carrie Bradshaw feeling).

In the last few days however, I have decided to put this spare time to more educational use and tried to broaden my horizons. I finally managed to watch all 3 and a half hours of Gone with the Wind, swiftly followed by The Great Escape and am currently trying to source a copy of Casablanca to complete my Classic movie trio. Continuing along this worthy trail, and determined to exercise my mind before I resort to trashy celebrity gossip, I have also read Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing. Not two of the most taxing plays in terms of length or subject matter, but admirable nonetheless!

And now, feeling suitably enriched, I will reward myself with a Friends triple bill on TV....well, we all deserve a little treat every now and then!!

Wanted - Face Painter!

2008-07-11T15:27:00.002+01:00

As summer is nearly upon us, I am in the process of planning a family fun day in the Fayre Spot for July 26th (Saturday). Things are starting to come together, the bouncy castle is booked (because a fun day just isn't fun without one!), the barbecue has come out of the store room and the disco is organised for the evening. But I'm struggling to find a face painter.

I love face painters - making small children up into super heroes or wild animals so they get to play at being someone or something else for a while is hugely entertaining. It also makes them sit down and be quiet for time it takes to apply the paint - a blessing for parents the world over!

Anyway, Saturday 26th June, from 2.00-5.00 at the Fayre Spot. A small fee is available, along with a voucher for a free meal in our restaurant. So if you are a face painter, or know someone who is, comment on the blog or email fayrespot@cresset.co.uk and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Glastonbury Poll

2008-06-28T22:10:00.002+01:00

Summary of the Glastonbury Festival in ten words gathered from random festival goers: extravagant, muddy, delirious, awesome, pulsating, beautiful, addictive, hysterical, sweet, indescribable!

Glaston bloomin bury

2008-06-27T12:30:00.002+01:00

Wednesday 24th June Day One

Time spent at Glastonbury 5 hours. Wine consumed - 2 boxes. Sunburn victims - only me, so far so good, there is a scent of anticipation mingling with the smell of the toilets on the evening breeze andas long as no one mentions the weather all will be well!!

More to follow...

GLASTONBURY!!

2008-06-24T12:14:00.000+01:00

I’m writing this in a ridiculous state of excitement. I’ve packed my rucksack, road tested my wellies, stocked up on cereal bars and checked the route for roadworks so I think I’m ready to go.

Yes, it’s Glastonbury time again! Tomorrow morning I will be setting off in the direction of deepest Somerset to party the weekend away with 140,000 other people. After my first event last year, I couldn’t wait to go again, and fail to understand those people who are not attending the festival because JayZ is headlining the pyramid stage on Saturday night. What’s that about? Now I’m not a fan of rap music, I prefer my musicians to sing, and preferably play guitars. I’m an old-school indie chick at heart, still wearing Doc Marten boots and a Ned’s Atomic Dustbin t-shirt (don’t ask!). But there is so much else to do other than stand in front of the Pyramid stage all weekend!

At the same time as JayZ is performing, there are no less than 25 other performances going on – and that’s only the published ones! I might go and see Massive Attack, Biffy Clyro, CSS, or even the Proclaimers or Gilbert O’Sullivan, all of whom are performing at the same time! As well as the live performances there is a dance village (including a silent disco), comedy, poetry, cabaret, cinema, and a hundred other things to do. I’m intending to visit Shangri-La, a festival within the festival, which has 14 micro venues, including a 50s rockabilly diner, slumber party, secret garden, first class lounge, Jacuzzi, and a circus freakshow.

Anyway my point is that there is a massive amount more to Glastonbury than the main stage headliners and what you see on the BBC coverage. It’s an amazing experience, and one which I intent to appreciate fully, and can only pity those who would forgo such an amazing experience because of an American rap artist who will be performing for 45 minutes out of the 5 days I will be there.

I’ll be texting in blog entries while I’m there, although they will be short and sweet, so keep a look out!

Pimms o'clock on the broads

2008-06-17T08:26:00.003+01:00

Took a trip to Wroxham on Thursday. Where is Wroxham? Well, if you get the train to Norwich, then get onto the smallest train in the station, that will take you to Wroxham, a nice little town in the middle of Norfolk (on the way to Sheringham).

On arriving at Wroxham we picked up our boat which was to be our venue of choice for the remainder of the day. The weather was looking decidedly dodgy (of course it was, it was my day off!) but we carried on regardless and set off up the broads. 8 hours later we returned the boat to its rightful owner, having stopped at 6 different pubs, consumed a large bottle of Pimms on board, and hurled three loaves of Kingsmill over the back of the boat to the greedy ducks.

All in all we had a great day, with no tv, no radio, no mobile phones, internet or organised entertainment. At risk of sounding like my parents, we made our own entertainment, and I haven't laughed so much in ages! So I would strongly recommend it - as long as you have good company even the dodgy weather doesn't matter. Although you do need to be selective about who drives the boat - a certain member of our crew (who shall remain nameless) was completely incapable of going in a straight line, preferring to zig-zag across the river in a mildly alarming way - even the ducks steered clear!

Euro 2008 - does anyone really care?

2008-06-10T08:40:00.002+01:00

I like football. As a Chelsea fan (no comments please) it's been a difficult season. Coming second in everything was difficult to stomach. However, in a normal even numbered year, the disappointment and frustration of the premiership season would have been eased by the disappointment and frustration of an unpredictable and occasionally unbelievable England campaign in an international tournament, invariably ending with a humiliating penalty shoot out

Not this year though, this year we are sitting at home twiddling our thumbs and watching Lineker, Hansen and Lawrenson trying to make the Euros sound exciting. And actually they could be. I fell asleep yesterday during the France v Romania game (that one wasn't), but woke up in time to see Holland completely taking apart the World Champions Italy. Now that was a good game of football for any neutral to watch, and by the end of it I was quite enthusiastic about the whole tournament.

So, I'm going to watch it - maybe not every game, but enough of them - and maybe if the England squad are watching too, we might all learn something in time for the World Cup qualifiers!

British Summertime

2008-06-08T11:00:00.002+01:00

I work five days a week. Ok, that's fine, that means I get two days off out of every seven. Cool. Although my rota varies and those two days change quite often, and are not always consecutive. That's still not bad though, in fact it's quite nice having weekdays off, the shops are quieter and it's handy to catch up on things.

So in theory it sounds ok. BUT in reality, the british weather seems to change according to my rota! Invariably I will find my days off blighted by rain or cold and damp, and yet as soon as I return to work there is glorious sunshine and customers are asking my why I don't have a tan!! Me? a tan? Now I'm very fair skinned, I was the only person to get sunburn at Glastonbury last year where, incidentally, it rained every day. So I don't stand much chance of getting a tan anywhere, but if it's going to rain every time I get a day off how the hell am I even supposed to try?

2008-06-08T10:59:00.000+01:00

Well, this is it then, my first blog! How exciting! It’s almost like a “dear diary”, I have no idea if anyone will even read this, but what the hell, I’m gonna do it anyway! So, if you are reading this, do call again, most days I will be keeping you all up to date with my exciting life (!) and having the odd rant about whatever is on my mind. You never know, it may prove an interesting alternative to the moronic goings on in the Big Brother house this summer!