Best 8 theatre shows coming to thew stage in and around Peterborough this week

1) The Real Thing - Key Theatre, March 26

See the multi-million selling soul band from the 1970s, featuring the group’s three original vocalists Eddie Amoo, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, along with their five- piece band. vivacity-peterborough.com

2) Sam Bailey - The Cresset, March 30

Former X Factor winner and gold-selling artist Sam Bailey will be supported by rising star Sally Rea Morris when she brings her Sing My Heart Out tour for one night in Peterborough. www.cresett.co.uk

3) The Pillowman - Key Theatre, March 29-April 1

This brutal, dark comedy sees Mask Theatre once again challenge Peterborough’s audiences with controversial subject matter.

Martin McDonagh’s Olivier Award winning play is a dark, twisty, and utterly unforgettable masterpiece.

Director Helen McCay tells us: ‘This play is about story telling, and how violent and horrific stories can affect our minds. Playing on this theme I wanted to combine traditional acting with physical theatre to bring the horror to life.” www.masktheatre.co.uk

4) Never Gave - Key Theatre, March 24

An evening of song, laughter and legendary stories is promised at this enthralling tribute to the music, life 
and times of one of the world’s biggest country music stars.

Featuring the star of the West End production ‘Patsy’, the fabulously talented Sandy Kelly with special guest from the USA George Hamilton V.

This show promises to capture the hearts of legions of Patsy’s fans all over the show, leaving them ‘Crazy’ for more. vivacity-peterborough.com

5) You’ve Got A Friend - Key Theatre, March 29

From the creators of the smash hit West End show The Simon & Garfunkel Story, You’ve Got A Friend celebrates two of the world’s greatest songwriters of all time - James Taylor and Carole King.

This musical journey intertwines some of the greatest songs ever written including I Feel The Earth Move, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Fire & Rain, You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman) and the beautiful You’ve Got A Friend. vivacity-peterborough.com

6) 9To5 - The Cresset, until Saturday

There is still time to see Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society’s regional premiere of this hilarious musical based on the hit 80s movie which starred Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. 9 To 5 centres around Violet, Judy and Doralee, three co-workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical boss and features numbers from Dolly Parton’s Oscar, Tony® and Grammy award-nominated score, including Backwards Barbie, Shine Like The Sun and of course 9 To 5. www.cresset.co.uk

7) The Magic Sunglasses - Stamford Corn Exchange, March 23-25

Welland School of Dancing presents this story of jealousy, bravery and adventure.

Millie is a very shy little girl. She loves to dance, but is too shy to perform in front of anyone. A show is coming to town and Millie dreams of being brave enough to audition for it. Then one day Millie comes across a woodland glade full of sprites. The Queen Sprite gives Millie some magic sunglasses, explaining that they give the wearer whatever they wish for most.

stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

8) Sister Act - Royal and Derngate, Northampton, March 27-April 1

The critically-acclaimed new production of the hit musical comedy Sister Act is directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, of BBC1 Strictly Come Dancing fame.

The lead role of Deloris Van Cartier will be played by Alexandra Burke at all evening performances.

Alexandra recently starred in the national tour of The Bodyguard, a part she also played in the West End.

She originally rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor. At matinee performances, the role of Deloris will be played by Joanna Francis, who has recently finished performing in the West End production of The Lion King.

Based on the smash hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith, one of the funniest and funkiest musicals around, Sister Act, tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.

Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. 01604 624811 or www.royalandderngate.co.uk.