Opinion: ‘Not just about bricks and mortar’

Lockdown has given us far more time to think and ponder on life in general and Peterborough in particular.

Between March and June I managed to undertake a daily walk whilst listening to a classic album daily for three months, many of which were from the 1960s, still by far the best decade for popular music (queue avalanche of differing views). This was my way of managing and coming to terms with the temporary loss of freedom caused by Covid-19.

My grandson James is a teacher in China and, despite a strictly enforced lockdown earlier this year, is now out and about with seemingly very few restrictions. However he does report that many cinemas and theatres are still closed. This demonstrates that the arts are suffering all over the world.

Many creative people live from hand to mouth and cannot currently go on the road and perform either now or in the immediate future. Through my connection with Baston Folk Club I am aware of musicians who are still active and creative but who are unable to make a living from performing or touring. Many of these good folk also teach music but, due to current restrictions, are not able to do that. In short they are well and truly stuck!

Thinking of James, in 2013 he was involved in Eastern Angles’ superb play, Dark Earth, which was so atmospherically staged at Flag Fen. This acting experience provide him, then a 16-year-old, with the confidence to go on to spread his wings even further. Whilst at university in Nottingham he directed a most successful student production. All of these experiences within the arts gave him increased confidence to try new things and to explore the world.

James’s grandad is also partial to a spot of performing. The legendary Gaslight Club provided me with the opportunity to perform stand-up poetry on the same bill as comedians Jack Dee, Jo Brand, Milton Jones, Eddie Izzard and Paul Merton. I was able to hear sublime music from Ali Farke Toure, Pierre le Rue, Ezio and Booga and the bonkers John Otway as well as learn from stand-up poets such as Henry Normal, Atilla the Stockbroker and John Hegley.

Years later I have been lucky enough to attend events where I can listen to, and learn from, such local spoken word performers as Keely Mills, Mark Grist, Pete Cox and Charley Genever, all of whose work is thoughtful and innovative.

We can all look back to our own past experiences with a mixture of nostalgia, fondness and, in some cases, trepidation. Looking back is fine – indeed there is a great deal in the pages of this newspaper – but the real test of the value of these experiences is what we learn from them and how we adapt in the future.

And here is the nub of the problem. I’m lucky. I’m retired and do not have to worry about my current and future finances. But there are thousands of writers, performers and contributors to the creative arts industries who are suffering big time at the moment and, in addition, audiences are being starved of entertainment. Many of the organisations that I have performed for are older people’s groups – WIs, Friendship groups, U3A. Speakers are missing them and they are missing the speakers.

Many of these older group members rely on these events for social interaction and stimulation. Sadly 2020 has brought us increased loneliness, isolation and anxiety. We all miss getting out and about!

The civic society is not just about bricks and mortar, planning and architecture. It’s also about the celebration of people, their welfare and their sense of place within Peterborough. As the city’s cultural life gradually revives, and it will, the various authorities must consider how they can work together for mutual benefit. The city’s theatres, performers, musicians, indeed all entertainment providers must talk about co-operation not competition, expansion not contraction and those in power must look at ways to encourage audiences back into safe, secure, friendly environments.

Perhaps we must look at doing things differently – a permanent performing space in Central Park, a drive-in theatre, ways of taking the arts into streets and local communities. All ideas gratefully received! There’s only so much telly I can stand. I want to see real people again – this boy can’t Zoom for ever!