Whether you fancy indulging in some playful art, enjoying some excellent theatre, checking out some chap hop or getting inspired by poetry, there's plenty on in Notts this week...
The Void
When: Mon 22 - Tue 23 September
Where: Mansfield Palace Theatre
How much: £19
When it comes to theatres thinking outside of the box, few have been doing it quite like Mansfield Palace Theatre. A notable show coming up is a production by Yorkshire theatre company Thunder Road called The Void: A Horror Story, which will be touring the UK through autumn 2025. With shades of classic horror stories like Alien and The Thing, this immersive, multimedia production follows an astronaut who discovers a stray research vessel in the grip of an evil force.
Dear England
When: Tue 23 - Sat 27 September
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: From £29.50
Dear England is a play written by Notts-born screenwriter James Graham, which follows the tenure of Gareth Southgate as manager of the England football team from 2016-2024. Following the “Shakespearian” (Graham’s words, check out our recent interview with him here) story of Southgate’s efforts in recovering from past struggles to deliver some of England’s greatest successes in decades, this totally unique, dramatisation of a gripping, real life story has earned an Olivier Award.
Professor Elemental & Laurie Black
When: Wed 24 September
Where: The Chapel
How much: £16
Fancy a grassroots gig that will be truly weird and wonderful in the best way? This one is likely to be right up your alley. Over at The Angel Microbrewery’s excellent upstairs venue The Chapel, catch ‘chap-hop’ rapper Professor Elemental’s upbeat brand of eccentric wit and lyrical whimsy, with songs about carboot sales, mad explorations and, of course, tea. He is joined by experimental electronica artist Laurie Black, who recently supported Adam Ant and has been compared to Gary Numan.
Republica
When: Thur 25 September
Where: Rescue Rooms
How much: £20
Long-established, “technopop punk rock outfit” Republica are hitting Rescue Rooms this month. Back in the 90s, they carved a special, vibrant, especially synthy and inclusive spot in the Brit pop landscape, making high powered blends of punk and electronic infused with the spirit of rave. With a powerhouse frontwoman in the form of Saffron Sprackling - who was the vocalist on The Prodigy's Fuel My Fire - this will definitely be a memorable show, transporting you back to a musical golden age.
Music in the Round: The Lark Ascending
When: Thur 25 September
Where: Mansfield Palace Theatre
How much: £15
Ensemble 360 are a collective of classical performers who host a friendly and informative style of performance. Featuring The Lark Ascending: a legendary work by symphonist Vaughan Williams, before a string quartet written by Maurice Ravel, and the Fantasy for Horn Quintet by his teacher Charles Stansford, rounding things off with Williams’ Piano quintet. This special performance will feature Nottinghamshire violin player Benjamin Nabarro, who has performed across the world from North America to East Asia.
Inspire Poetry Festival
When: From Thur 25 September - Thur 2 October
Where: Various venues
How much: Various prices
The annual poetry festival organised by Inspire Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire County Council is back again this year, featuring some very special events that any wordsmiths in Notts would be silly to miss. One highlight will see fairly legendary modern poet Imtiaz Dharker interviewed by Bromley House Library’s Clare Brown over at West Bridgford Library, talking about her latest book Shadow Reader. Beyond that there’ll be plenty more to check out via their online programme.
Connor Selby
When: Fri 26 September
Where: Metronome
How much: £22
Connor Selby is a blues and folk troubadour from Essex, who has worked with Mark Knopfler. Well-traveled across the world and known for his rootsy, lyrically rich songs he’s been nominated three times for ‘Young Artist of the Year’ at the UK blues awards, and has also supported The Who at Wembley Stadium. Seeing him at Metronome this month will definitely be a good move – a show brimming with classic, no-nonsense guitar skills and songs.
Acoustickle Indian Summer
When: Fri 26 September
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free (booking required)
This will be particularly special – loved, local promoter and artist Parisa East has worked with her team to schedule a colourful and vibrant evening of Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African inspired poetry, themed decorations, music, food, and pop up stalls, with performances spanning jazz, RnB, and hip hop, all taking place at the ever-buzzing New Art Exchange. This will definitely put a shine on those dark, autumn evenings – if that’s what you’re looking for.
Rewind Friday
When: Fri 26 September
Where: The Beeston Social
How much: £3 - £6
The buzzing, energetic and multi-purpose Beeston Social does an excellent job at keeping Beeston nights enjoyably loud and exciting, and their regular Rewind Fridays has been a bit of a jewel in the team’s crown. Playing 90s, 00s, and R’n’B music, it takes place on the last Friday of every month, features all night DJs, £5 doubles, and a free drink with your ticket, plus the building’s wonderful atmosphere, of course. Grab a ticket to ensure entry!
I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih: Feels Strangely Good, Ya?
When: Sat 27 September
Where: Nottingham Contemporary
How much: Free
The playful work of late Balinese artist, I Gusti Ayu Kadek ‘Murni’ Murniasih explored the subconsciousness, dreams, the psyche, and female sexuality with lots of humour and absurdity. Exhibited until 11 January, the display will be an important step in transporting her legacy to a global audience. Now and again, we could all do with a healthy dose of the surreal and creative, so definitely check this out if you’re in that frame of mind.
Don't forget to head to our What's On page to see a full list of events!
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