Thought-provoking theatre, alternative rock music and local art: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham 11 - 17 May

Sunday 10 May 2026
reading time: min, words

This week in Notts! Enjoy original theatre and gritty alternative rock, or head south of river and meet Ladybay's artists in their studios. Here's our top picks...

Pleasure Incorporated

Pleasure Incorporated

When: Monday 11 May
Where: Fisher Gate Point
How much: £11 (concession available)
 
A one-woman theatre performance that reimagines sex work through the lens of corporate bureaucracy. Written and performed by Jemima Foxtrot, the show uses HR policies, performance reviews and workplace rituals to explore labour, autonomy and survival. Drawing on the artist's lived experience of escorting in Berlin, the production employs corporate satire to examine how bodies and power are managed within capitalist systems. Combining live performance with video art and an original soundtrack, the show balances humour with moments of tenderness. Recommended for ages 16+. Content note: mentions of sex work and child sexual abuse.

Gentleman Jack

Gentleman Jack

When: Wednesday 13 - Saturday 16 May
Where: Theatre Royal and Concert Hall
How much: From £18

The Northern Ballet presents Gentleman Jack, an biographical depiction of Anne Lister – a 19th century Yorkshirewoman who was one of the most countercultural people of her time, and who history dubbed ‘the first modern lesbian’. Her diaries are pretty timeless and have been creatively adapted in lots of ways, from TV, to books, to music, so you’re guaranteed an intriguing narrative should you choose to check this out. The team are also particularly well respected in the world of ballet — the choreographer is Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, who won an award for her work on A Streetcar Named Desire, and the music comes from experienced composer Peter Salem.

Riding The Low

Riding The Low

When: Friday 15 May
Where: Rock City
How much: £16.50

Alternative rock band, Riding The Low, roll into Rock city on Friday 15 May at 18:30, bringing their distinctive and gritty sound to one of Nottingham's most loved live venues. Fronted by actor and director Paddy Considine, the Staffordshire based group also features Chris Baldwin, Dan Baker and Rich Eaton, building a reputation since forming back in 2006. They will be joined by support act Joseph Hooligan, setting the tone for a full evening of live music. With Rock cities famously close up atmosphere, this one should feel loud and immersive!

Nottingham Rock Festival

Mayhem Rock Festival

When: Saturday 16 May
Where: The Nest
How much: £77

The ultimate ‘Scandinavian Rock’ experience will take place in The Nest, one of Nottingham's newest and most versatile industrial event venues. The festival will headline Swedish hard rock powerhouse groups H.E.A.T and ECLIPSE, with an added lineup of Confess, Toxic Rose, SUiCiDE BOMBERS, Smoking Snakes, Trench Dogs and Wasted Wizards. UK special guests, South of Salem, will also play alongside this mix of established names and rising talent. Performances will start at 13:00pm and a livestream will be available to watch so no one has to miss out on the full day of guitar-led wildness.

Coins For Charon Chloe Rodgers We Are The Station

Coins for Charon / Chloe Rodgers / We Are The Station

When: Saturday 16 May
Where: The Angel Microbrewery
How much: £7

This May, Coins for Charon, Chloe Rodgers, and We Are The Station will co-headline what's set to be a pretty unforgettable night at The Chapel, which is upstairs in Hockley cultural hub The Angel Microbrewery pub. Coins for Charon  recently debuted to lots of buzz at the Mist Rolling Inn on Derby Road, while We Are The Station make noisy, indie rock, and Chloe Rodgers is very well-known on the Notts band circuit for her dreamlike and Bjork-tinged indie sound. Each act is a well loved part of our city's local scene, so it's definitely worth attending this gig if you're looking to support it. 

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Lady Bay Arts Festival

When: Saturday 16 - Sunday 17 May
Where: Lady Bay
How Much: £5 (U18s go free)

Artists in Lady Bay will open their homes and studios to visitors this weekend as part of Lady Bay Arts Festival Weekend. From painters and sculptors to designers and makers, the Lady Bay Arts festival presents a unique opportunity to see artists in the spaces where they make their work. Public spaces including Lady Bay Church at All Hallows, the Church Halls, Lady Bay Primary School and the Scout Hall will also host exhibitions and art workshops. Maps can be collected from starting points at £5 for adults and free for U18s. Head south of the river to experience all the creativity and hospitality that Lady Bay has to offer.


Remember to check out our events listings for more things to do this week. If you have an event you'd like to promote, head to Notts.com to check our free listings offers.

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