This week, as Spring approaches, Notts gets busy with art, music, theatre, live podcasting, and much more – the possibilities of things to do are almost endless....
Kiss Me Kate
When: Tue 17 – Sat 21 February
Where: Squire Performing Arts Centre
How much: From £17 / £12 concessions
West Bridgford Operatic Society present their adaptation of 1948 Broadway classic Kiss Me Kate – which itself is based on Shakespeare play The Taming of the Shrew. Featuring the iconic, original music by Cole Porter, this production sees a talented team, led by Linda Croston, take on the story of actress Lilli Vanessi and her ex-husband Fred Graham. The West Bridgford Operatic society is also a beloved, eighty year old institution, which definitely deserves everyone’s continuing support for providing a welcoming, theatrical space for local people.
Where: Mansfield Palace Theatre
When: Wed 18 February
How much: £5
This production, made possible by Sheffield-based theatre producers Music in the Round, is a new adaptation of children's book series The Storm Whale, written by Benji Davies. It's ideal for three to seven year olds and their families, who can expect an immersive 'storybook' style concert with original music written by award winning composer Paul Rissman, with plenty of chances to join in. We very much recommend this one if you're looking to give your little one(s) a transporting experience for a while, as the Mansfield Palace Team continue to excel at serving a variety of audiences with their productions.
When: Fri 20 and Sat 21 February
Where: Lakeside Arts
How much: Free (booking required)
This should be a truly fascinating one, and an excellent chance for you to see some of the most creative young folks over at the Uni of Nottingham doing their thing. In collaboration with Lakeside Arts, the student-run New Theatre team are staging a two night takeover of the new Andy Warhol exhibition at Djangoly Gallery. The production follows four archetypal characters – the Artist, Muse, Tycoon, and Enthusiast – each use the café and gallery space to engage audiences in a discussion of the ideas that Andy Warhol explored in his life and work. Each ticket also comes with a free drink!
I Am A Storyteller: Storytelling Workshops
When: Until Fri 20 February
Where: Various libraries
How much: Free (booking advised)
These workshops will be run by Inspire in various libraries through the Notts area. They’re suitable for children aged seven and up, with their families, and provide a welcoming opportunity to explore the art of storytelling under the guidance of professionals – local storyteller Beccy Dye, playwright Andy Barrett, and musical storyteller Ling Peng, among others, are all participating. If your little one is of a creative inclination, this will be a great way to make the February half-term as memorable as possible.
Undr the Cosh Live
When: Fri 20 February
Where: The Nest
How much: £33
Undr the Cosh is a hugely successful podcast, with millions of YouTube views, hosted by pro footballer Chris Brown, ex-pro Jon Parkin, and writer-comedian Chris J. Brown. It’s known for its raw, unfiltered, and often hilarious perspectives on the world of football, and it’s undergoing a live tour which stops in Notts towards the end of the month. These shows have received excellent reviews over the years, and often feature special guests.
When: Fri 20 February
Where: Theatre Royal and Concert Hall
How much: From £39
Featuring two cast members from The Sopranos: Steve Schirripa and Michael Imperioli, this ninety-minute live show delves into the making of the iconic TV series, which lasted until 2007. It features anecdotes which are both fascinating and funny, choreographed alongside entertaining slides and video-clips, plus a section where the audience can ask questions. This show has been selling out all over the US, so now that it’s debuting in the UK, it’s definitely worth attending.
When: Sat 21 February
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £48.45
Former world champion boxers, Leeds-born Josh Warrington and Notts-born Leigh Wood duke it out for the second time this month. The fight follows their dramatic and controversial October 2023 face-off that saw Wood clinch it with a round-seven knockout. The sequel this month will definitely be the most thrilling follow-up possible, with a long established rivalry set to reach an epic peak. Seating is available for supporters of either fighter, or those who are neutral.
When: Sat 21 February - 2 May
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free
This multimedia exhibition is the latest chapter in the story of Our Yard – an ongoing project run by the team at creative studio, MIMM. You’re invited to experience the ongoing, positive impact of immigration upon the UK – featuring newly commissioned work, archival footage, personal testimonies, and a stirring soundtrack – showcased through the lens of soundsystem culture. Our Yard has been ongoing for quite a long time, and this exhibition sees it reach a milestone, so we very much recommend that you check it out.
Don't forget to have a look the LeftLion events listings, plus those on our sister website – notts.com.
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