This week in Notts, dance meets discourse, literature leads the way, and the tattoo machines are buzzing...
Jasmin Vardimon Company - ALiCE
When: Tue 20 May
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: From £22
A woman, or perhaps a child, unsure of her identity and where she is going. Escaping or exploring, discovering the powers within her changing body. The world around her is different, curious, and compelling and at times absolutely bonkers. Dancer and choreographer Jasmine Vardimon re-imagines the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, promising a sensory feast, powerful performances and eye-catching moving scenery. This show follows on from her acclaimed adaptation of Pinocchio.
We Are Fugazi From Washington D.C.
When: Tue 20 May
Where: The Savoy
How much: £7.50
This film commemorates 23 years since American post-hardcore band Fugazi last performed. It’s made up of rare archive footage from the band and merges them with fan-recorded footage from their live shows. The 96-minute movie is both a celebration of the band and also of their fan’s camerawork. Although presented by Doc'n Roll Films, this film has been explicitly billed as not a documentary. Nevertheless, it invites newbies to discover a missed gem and old fans to reminisce about the glory days.
Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature Annual Lecture
When: Thu 22 May
Where: Central Library
How much: Free
This year’s guest at Nottingham City of Literature’s annual lecture is Baroness Lola Young OBE; actress, author, crossbench peer and the current Chancellor of the University of Nottingham. In the 70s Young forged a career in children’s TV, starring in shows such as Play School and Metal Mickey. In the 90s she moved into academia, lecturing and publishing her first book. In 2004 she became one of the first black women in the House of Lords. Last year she published her memoir Eight Weeks, which tells of her fascinating life.
Matthew Barley - Light Stories
When: Thu 22 May
Where: Metronome
How much: £5-15
Matthew Barley is an English cellist known for mixing things up a bit. On this tour he’ll be performing music by Anna Meredith, John Metcalfe and Bach, as well as his own compositions. This show is a deeply personal and epic journey, weaving together music, projected imagery and electronics. Barley gave a revealing interview to The Telegraph last year where he talked about how music healed him from a psychotic episode. If you like the idea of exploring the transformative power of music to heal, console and uplift then this show is for you.
When: Sat 24 - Sun 25 May
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £21.84
Whether you're adding to your sleeve or simply needle curious, The Big Tattoo Meltdown lands in Nottingham this weekend. Featuring over 100 tattoo artists from across the UK, they're bringing a buzzing mix of bold designs.
When: Sun 25 May
Where: Various venues
How much: From £35
Now entering its 20th year, in the past this Notts-born new music festival has played host to Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Fontaines DC, Wolf Alice, Florence and the Machine and many others. If you want to know more about its history please turn to page 18 of this issue. However, this year features Nottingham’s own Girlband!, as well as Fat Dog and Sprints. It takes place across a mammoth seventeen different venues, from Rock City to Rough Trade and many more besides.
When: 4pm, Sun 25 May
Where: Arc Cinema, Beeston
How much: £17.95
Exhibition on Screen is a documentary series that explores the history behind works of art. The spectacular sculptures and paintings of Michelangelo seem so familiar to us, but what do we really know about him? Spanning his 88 years, this ninety-minute documentary takes a cinematic journey through the print and drawing rooms of Europe and the chapels and museums of Florence, Rome and the Vatican. If you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of his tempestuous life, his relationship with his contemporaries and his incredible legacy then here’s your chance.
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