This week in Notts! Enjoy local theatre performances and live comedy, or head to Dot to Dot music festival and dance the night away in various venues across Nottingham. Here's our top picks...
When: Monday 18 May
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £27.50
Jonathan Van Ness returns to the UK with his brand-new comedy show, Hot and Healed, at Nottingham Playhouse. From dazzling the screens to now ruling the stage, the Emmy-winning television personality and hair guru returns to the UK with even more wit and eccentric humour that will leave you unable to catch a breath. Following two sold-out global tours, Road to Beijing and Imaginary Living Room Olympian, this performance reaches new levels of entertainment that will have you undoubtedly entertained.
Exhibition on screen: Frida Kahlo
When: Tuesday 19 - Friday 22 May
Where: Arc Cinema, Beeston
How much: £12.50
The extraordinary story of one of the world’s most influential female artists, Frida Kahlo, is back by popular demand at The Arc Cinema in Beeston. Everyone knows Frida by her big eyebrows, floral crowns and bright colours, however, the film uncovers the true story of the painter's passionate yet turbulent life. Her artwork was heavily influenced by her upbringing and the physical and emotional pain she endured. You'll get to enjoy Exhibition on Screen’s trademark combination of interviews with world experts and a detailed exploration of the art. Directed by Ali Ray and created in close collaboration with world experts and those who knew her.
When: Wednesday 20 - Sunday 23 May
Where: The Dales United Reformed Church
How much: £10
The Dales Music and Drama Group present CLUEDO, a play full of murder, mystery and mischievous characters. Join Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard at a disastrous dinner party in Boddy Manor, where the host has been brutally murdered. Like in the popular board game, the dinner guests must race against the clock to piece together clues and find the weapon, before the killer strikes again. Audiences will be torn between those who are guilty and those who are not, but whose you trust? Based on a script written by Sandy Rustin.
When: Thursday 21 May
Where: French Living
How much: £45
With summer just around the corner, French Living is welcoming diners to celebrate with a mouth-watering paella evening. For one night only the chefs will pour their hearts into an exclusive adaptation of the European dish. Whether you're spending quality time with your family or seeking a dinner out with someone special, French Living are aiming to transport you to the heart of Valencia with fresh sangria, tongue-tingling amuse bouche, golden paella and creamy crème catalane.
When: Friday 22 May
Where: Five Leaves Bookshop
How much: From £3
Join Rainbow Heritage Award winner, and LeftLion history editor, CJ De barra, as they return with their new book Queer Nottingham 1991-2000, at Fives Leaves Bookshop. Following on their explorations of the 60s, 70s and 80s, the Irish author is continuing to celebrate queer life in Nottinghamshire through real life stories, only this time it’s the nineties and noughties. It should be a really feel-good celebration of LGBTQ+ history in Nottingham; accompanied with stalls, quizzes, comedy and a live DJ set.
When: Saturday 23 - Sunday 31 May
Where: Lakeside Arts, Highfields Park
How much: £6.50 (Under 18 months go free)
Captivating visitors of all ages, Nottingham-based company Architects of Air has delivered amazing experiences for local families for over 30 years. Discover a new immersive world of beauty, light and art through their latest design. Composed of a series of plastic domes, the Timisien inflatable structure is designed to create a sensory and stimulating phenomenon of light and saturated hues, where the outside world can be forgotten. Heavy inspiration has been taken from the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi, as well as the detailed ceilings of Iranian Mosques. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Sunday 24 May
Where: Various Venues
How much: £39.38
Dot to Dot music festival returns to Nottingham for another year, hosting a number of emerging global bands and artists all across the city. Fcukers, Lambrini Girls and NewDad will be headlining the festival, joined by a range of rising acts including Lucia & The Best Boys, Chinese American Bear and Mitch Santiago, bringing even more vibrancy to one of the most lively music cities in the UK for the late May bank holiday weekend. This year’s venues include Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Bodega, Palais, Stealth, Rough Trade, Metronome, Jam Cafe, Angel Microbrewery and more. One wristband gets you entry to all of them.
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