This week, get yourself down to the Craft Brew Festival, enjoy some elegant post-punk covers, welcome Christmas in early with a ballet of A Christmas Carol, or skate down to Disney on Ice. Here are our top picks of the week....
Ukrainian Social Club exhibition
When: Until Friday 14 November
Where: Backlit Gallery, Sneinton
How much: Free
Backlit gallery presents Ukrainian social club, a powerful collaboration with the Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural centre tracing the lives of the Ukrainian community across 75 years. Through the lens of photography, the exhibition brings together more than forty portraits, alongside personal artefacts and cultural objects donated by the community.
When: Tue 11 November
Where: Mansfield Palace Theatre
How much: £24
Performed by Hinckley-based ballet company Ballet Theatre UK, this is a retelling of the classic Charles Dickens story through the medium of dance. Also included are a score of festive carols, excellent costume work, and impressive choreography created by artistic director Christopher Moore. There’s nothing like a good family trip to the theatre, and with the festive season emerging on the horizon this show should make for a memorable one with your loved ones.
When: Wednesday 12 November
Where: Metronome
How much: from £32.50
Covering seminal post-punk and new wave songs in a bossa nova style doesn't sound like it would work, but Nouvelle Vague have proved it very much does. Founded by Marc Colin and the late Olivier Libaux, with a rotating cast of talented female vocalists, including the likes of Camille, Élodie Frégé, Mélanie Pain, they embark on their 2025 worldwide tour to celebrate two decades since the release of their first album, alongside the launch of their new exciting LP. Read our interview with the band here, and snap up tickets to enjoy a night of elegant covers.
When: Wed 12 - Sun 16 November
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £29.75
Disney on Ice returns to Notts this month, and is set to be bigger, better, and more enjoyable than ever for people who want to give their little ones a magical, memorable experience. The Nottingham show features characters from movies like Encanto, Moana, and Frozen, plus other classic Disney princesses. Having been entertaining audiences for over forty years, this event continues to be immensely popular and worthwhile, with reviews highlighting the talent of the dancers, lighting, staging, and costumes.
When: Thursday 13 November
Where: Rock City
How much: £25
Brit award-winning group English Teacher are one of the most exciting bands in the country – four highly adept instrumentalists, trained at the Leeds Conservatoire and making poetic indie rock songs, with an intriguing post-punk quality. They’re still on tour promoting their 2024 record: This Could Be Texas, which won the Mercury Prize for song writing last year. This headline show in Nottingham is guaranteed to be immensely exciting, as a demonstration of some of the best British guitar music currently out.
When: 13 November
Where: Arc Cinema Beeston
How much: £16.95 - £17.95
This is a striking behind-the-scenes look at one of British comedy’s most recognisable characters, as he embarks on a comedy tour through five different countries. Battling ailments and travel adversity all the while, John Cleese reflects on his long stage career stretching back to 1963. As documentaries about entertainment figures go, this is bound to be a fascinating one. For a cosy and memorable trip to the theatre, bound to be made particularly worthwhile by the welcoming Arc Cinema complex, check it out.
When: Friday 14 November
Where: Fisher Gate Point
How much: £14.25
“Mansfield’s greatest export,” Sue Cheroux, played by actress and comedian Susan Earl, turns up at Fisher Gate Point this month with an energetic evening of comedy, singing, dancing, audience participation, and impromptu therapizing (Sue is apparently a therapist as well as a singer now, trained by podcasts). This will definitely be a profoundly fun and memorable one for those seeking a laugh. Susan is also a very seasoned actress who featured on Reggie Perrin and Red Dwarf, so you’ll be in for a great night of grassroots Notts talent.
When: Saturday 15 November
Where: The Nest
How much: From £45
This is an immensely popular beer festival that tours around the UK. This Nottingham edition is a particularly festive, Christmas themed one, featuring more or less everything you’d want from a festival, with 15+ breweries, cideries, and wineries, acoustic sets and live bands, street food, and more. Some of the less festive disposition might say it’s too early for Christmas-themed parties, but we’re convinced the joyful atmosphere of this one will make you feel differently. .
When: Sat 15 - Sun 16 November
Where: Lakeside Arts
How much: £10.50 - £12
Touring theatre company Stories in the Dust are bringing their forward-thinking show of the same name to Lakeside Arts this month. Featuring actors Anna Harriott and Iona Johnson, this show is described as an ‘eco fable’, telling the story of two travellers journeying across a mysterious land in a contraption they’ve built themselves, singing, playing games, and telling stories inspired by times gone by. The show is suitable for kids aged 5-12, and is guaranteed to be a thoughtful and engaging watch.
Don't forget to head to our What's On page to see a full list of events!
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