Carnival, Costume & Community
An Illuminated Legacy
Exhibition
City Arts, Nottingham
Until 7th Feb

This exhibition presents a selection of work by late Nottingham-artist Jessica Kemp. It is programmed to coincide with Nottingham Light Night, one of her favourite local festivals. The work is shared as a tribute to Jess and her legacy.
The puppets, lanterns, carnival props and costumes showcased are a small selection of artworks from the many community projects Jess worked on with City Arts.
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Inner Rooms, Inner Minds
Exhibition
City Arts
Until 15th Feb

An exhibition of artwork by Edwina Kung.
Created between 2021-2022, the exhibited works explore the connection between body and mind. Our minds are a space for us to explore our experiences, bringing in places, memories and people.
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The Winter's Tale
by William Shakespeare
Nottingham Shakespeare Company
Various Venues
Until 4th Feb

The play centres both around royal lives and the woes and concerns of ordinary people. The text highlights to the audience the value in humbling oneself. As King Leontes falls into despair and grief at the loss of his family, surrounded by the trappings and opulence of royalty, the second act reminds us of the joys and value in humble simple life. Only through confessing and accepting his own faults and wrongdoing, can Leontes be reunited with his wife and child.
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Moon Rabbit and Other Stories from China
Nottingham Confucius Institute and Lakeside Arts
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Until 16th Feb

Have you ever looked up in the evening sky, and seen the rabbit who lives on the moon? Have you ever wondered how she got there, and what she does night after night?
This magical piece of storytelling theatre recounts some of the extraordinary myths and folk tales of China and East Asia, each one a firm favourite with generations of Chinese and East Asian families. A show rich with music, wonder, and surprise.
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Handbagged
by Moira Buffini
Lace Market Theatre, Nottingham
Until 4th Feb

The monarch and her most powerful subject. One believed there was no such thing as society and the other vowed to serve it. Moira Buffini’s sparkling and insightful piece cleverly explores the nature of history – and what might have gone on behind closed doors at the weekly meetings between the Queen and Mrs Thatcher.
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Deathtrap
by Ira Levin
Robin Hood Theatre, Averham
Until 4th Feb

This hugely popular record-breaking thriller offers a rare and skilful blending oftwo priceless theatrical ingredients - gasp-inducing thrills and spontaneous laughter. It holds the record for the longest running comedy thriller on Broadway.
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Art Exhibition
by Stephanie Morris
Attenborough Nature Reserve
Until 28th Feb

Attenborough Nature Centre will be exhibiting the art of Stephanie Morris throughout the month of February.
The exhibition is located in the corridor at Attenborough Nature Centre and will be available during standard opening hours. All the pictures on display are originals and a proportion of all sales will be donated to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
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Speech Therapy
Bunkers Hill, Nottingham
3rd Feb

Nottz Premier Poetry Event
Bunkers Hill
every 1st Friday ~7.30-1am
poetry partying 2011 til 2day
The Uneasy Sleeps of Max Maxwell
by Richard Hasnip
Bulwell United Reformed Church
3rd Feb

A new one-act play by Richard Hasnip, followed by conversations with leading scientists.
Max’s grip on domestic practicalities is slipping, but if his brain-child is a success will all be forgiven?
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Light Night 2023
Visit Nottinghamshire
Various venues Nottingham
3rd and 4th Feb

This popular after-dark festival returns for its 15th year. Many immersive and interactive light-based installations, performances and activities feature right across the city centre.
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SUB:VERSION
Light Night 2023
Tom Dale Company & Inspire Youth Arts
Nottingham Contemporary
3rd and 4th Feb

Celebrating light, choreography and electronic music SUB:VERSION at Nottingham Contemporary will bring the audience directly into the performance space for a new kind of interactive viewing experience. The event takes place in The Space on the ground floor of Nottingham Contemporary.
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DIY Poets February Showcase
Featuring Charlotte Lunn
9th Feb
Nottingham’s premier poetry group DIY Poets are delighted to bring their latest showcase as a hybrid in person/zoom event to City Arts, Nottingham.
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The Beekeeper Of Aleppo
Nottingham Playhouse in association with Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse and UK Productions Ltd
Nottingham Playhouse
3rd - 25th Feb

Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger.
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Showcase Spectacular
Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group
Nottingham Arts Theatre
4th Feb

The young people of our Youth Theatre group bring an evening of drama, dance and song to showcase their talents and hard work.
The ethos of the group is to create an environment that allows our young people to grow, to learn and to be creative. We are passionate about providing access to theatre and developing skills, while always being adaptable to individual’s journeys and being led by our young people.
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Bruk-Up Dance
with Jamal Sterrett
Dance4 FABRIC Nottingham
Young Creatives Nottingham
4th Feb

During this bruk-up dance workshop with Nottingham legend Jamal Sterrett, we’ll explore:
Body control and isolation techniques;
Body visualization and mapping points;
Gliding and footwork techniques;
Bruk up animation techniques;
Bruk up fundamentals;
Waving;
Pivoting;
Shoulder popping.
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Light Night Lantern Parade
Nottingham Light Night.
Lister Gate, Lister Gate, Nottingham
4th Feb

City Arts presents a community lantern parade for Nottingham Light Night.
Lovingly crafted by Nottingham residents and a range of local community groups, the beautiful illuminated creations will lead a procession through the city centre.
Join the parade and as we light up Lister Gate, Albert Street, St Peter’s Gate, Bridlesmith Gate and Low Pavement.
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The Art of Clown
Masterclass
Ines Sampaio
nonsuch Studios, Nottingham
4th & 5th Feb

Join Nonsuch Studios' Artistic Associate Ines Sampaio for an amazing weekend of clowning, skills development and pure, honest fun!
The Art of Clowning is much more than putting on ill-fitting colourful clothes, a red nose and storming out the door being a buffoon.
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Grantham Open Mic
Stamford Poetry
The Lord Harrowby, Grantham
7th Feb

Grantham's Poetry Open Mic, first Tuesday of every month at The Lord Harrowby in Grantham. With host Mike Alderson.
Tuesday February 7th from 7:30pm.
Why not join Mike and friends for poemz & pintz
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This is who I am
by Ice and Fire
New Theatre, Nottingham
7th Feb

This Is Who I Am shares first-hand accounts from LGBT+ people about their experiences in their own country and on arrival in the UK, addressing the particular challenges they face going through the UK asylum system.
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Open Mic Poetry Night
Open Book
The Organ Grinder, Nottingham
7th Feb

Open Book is held on the first Tuesday of the month in the function room of the Organ Grinder, Nottingham. The format is two (sometimes three!) headline poets and an open mic slot.
The 2023 season of Open Book kicks off on Tuesday 7th February at The Organ Grinder, Nottingham, 8pm start.
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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
7th - 11th Feb

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways.
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Home, I’m Darling
Bill Kenwright Productions
Derby Theatre
7th - 11th Feb

Every couple needs a little fantasy to keep their marriage sparkling. But behind the gingham curtains, things start to unravel, and being a domestic goddess is not as easy as it seems…
Following sold-out seasons at the National Theatre and in the West End, Laura Wade’s Olivier Award-winning comedy embarks on its first UK tour
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The Young Voices Symposium
Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature
Nonsuch Studios, Nottingham
8th Feb

Are you looking for new ideas on how to develop youth voice within your organisation? Are you an aspiring young professional or an early-career creative wanting to have your voice heard to make a change?
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Winter Wildfowl at Skylarks & Holme Pierrepont
South Notts Out & About
Skylarks, Adbolton lane, Holme Pierrepont , Nottinghamshire
8th Feb

Join Neil Glenn for a walk around Skylarks and Holme Pierrepont while keeping an eye out for local winter wildfowl.
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Some-Antics Collective Meetup
Some-Antics
online
8th Feb

The monthly meetup!
We'll be doing some writing, a quiz and having a laugh.
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The Remains of Logan Dankworth
by Luke Wright (support Scott Coe)
Stamford Arts Centre
8th Feb

Logan Dankworth, columnist and Twitter warrior, grew up romanticising the political turmoil of the 1980s. Now, as the EU Referendum looms he is determined to be in the fray of the biggest political battle for years. Meanwhile, Logan’s wife Megan wants to leave London to better raise their daughter. As tensions rise at home and across the nation, something is set to be lost forever.
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Leicester Comedy Festival
Various Venues Leicester
8th - 26th Feb

We’re delighted to be back for 2023 with an exciting programme to help us celebrate this special anniversary, including returning faces, established acts and the freshest talent, gracing venues across the City. There will be a huge range of comedy shows and events in venues across Leicester and Leicestershire and we hope you will get out and about, explore the City and County and see some fantastic comedy.
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The Dormouse Project
by Lorna Griffiths
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
Idle Valley Visitor Centre
9th Feb

A talk by the leader of the Dormouse Reintroduction Project, Lorna Griffiths, on why dormice have been introduced to Nottinghamshire woodlands and how they are getting on.
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advert
Light Night 2023
Various venues Nottingham
3rd and 4th Feb
Many immersive and interactive light-based installations, performances and activities feature right across the city centre.
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Viva Verse and Vino!
The Old Town Hall - Bourne, Lincolnshire
9th Feb

Come and share your original poetry with us at our Open Mic session in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of The Shambles.
Or…if you prefer, you can recite an old classic or favourite… or just come along and listen to others’ literary creations and enjoy a glass or two of your favourite tipple in our lovely venue.
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February Real Talk
Bar Social - Derby
9th Feb

This time with Nottingham spoken word artist, Chris Oliver.
Chris will be delivering a workshop at 6pm and then headlining when the open mic starts at 7.30pm.
There will be an open mic and DJ DP Beats will be there with his tunes. The open mic is open to any form of creativity, not only spoken word.
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DIY Poets February Showcase
Featuring Charlotte Lunn
City Arts - Nottingham
9th Feb

Nottingham’s premier poetry group DIY Poets are delighted to bring their latest showcase as a hybrid in person/zoom event to City Arts, Nottingham.
Featured poet will be Charlotte Lunn plus 10 wonderful DIY Poets.
There will also be an open mic with sign up at the event – either as a zoom performer or at venue performer.
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Initiation
Nottingham New Theatre
Nottingham University
9th - 10th Feb

David and Liam are just two housemates, best mates even, in their final year of university. They’ve been through thick and thin together, rugby wins and losses, bad dates and even worse dates, and the all-nighters that come after a forgotten deadline. But is that enough to sustain their friendship?
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Legally Blonde
University of Nottingham’s Musical Theatre Society
Nottingham Arts Theatre
9th - 11th Feb

Based on the novel and the hit-movie of the same name, Legally Blonde: the Musical chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy, UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner.
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Surviving by Storytelling
free mental-health focussed workshops
Shine Lincolnshire
Writing East Midlands
The Robert Hardy Building, Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Rd, Lincoln
9th - 23rd Feb

The workshops are delivered by two expert facilitators who have expertise in poetry, group facilitation and mental health, Writer and Assistant Professor of Mental Health; Dr Mark Pearson from University of Nottingham, and Dr Helen Foster, Research Associate from the University of Leicester.
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I talk with my hands
Exhibition by artist Zoe Milner
City Arts, Nottingham
9th Feb - 29th March

The work uses hand-drawn typography to teach people about British Sign Language (BSL), a gestural language. BSL is Zoe’s first language. It has it’s own set of words, grammatical structure and syntax. When Zoe writes she is translating her first language, BSL, into her second language, English.
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Diana: The Untold And Untrue Story
Awkward Productions
Nonsuch Studios
10th & 11th Feb

Do you know the story of Diana? Probably. But do you know our story of Diana? We very much doubt it.
Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue tale of her extraordinary life.
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Fatherhood
Altered Skin
Derby Theatre
10th Feb

Being a father in the 21st century is complicated. Being the father of a young son of mixed South Indian, Turkish, Austrian heritage, even more so.
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An Audience with Kenneth Alan Taylor
Hosted by Matthew Bannister
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
10th Feb

Kenneth Alan Taylor has spent a lifetime in theatre, as a manager, writer, director and performer. He was awarded a BEM in the Queen’s Birthday honours list 2021 for his exceptional services to theatre, including 30 years as pantomime Dame in his own productions at Nottingham Playhouse.
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Wodehouse in Wonderland
Cahoots Theatre Company
Derby Theatre
13th - 15th February

Join the famous writer for marvellous tales and spectacular tunes! Hear stories of first meeting Jeeves, an addiction to soap operas, and why he wrote books that were ‘like musical comedies without music’. Listen to songs composed by Broadway legends with lyrics written by himself and be entertained with characters such as Lord Emsworth, Gussie Fink-Nottle and the squashily romantic Madeline Bassett.
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SMUT! The Verbal Burlesque!
Ben Macpherson
The Playwright, Nottingham
15th Feb

SMUT! is a night of poetry and storytelling in Nottingham celebrating human sexuality. A verbal burlesque that can feature anything from a deeply moving love letter, to an erotic limerick. Whether it's heartfelt, cheeky or downright indecent, we'd love to see you at this Open Mic Night. SMUT! is an inclusive safe-space to enjoy all kinds of love and the writing it inspires.
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Krapp's Last Tape
by Samuel Beckett
Kenneth Alan Taylor
Djanogly Theatre, Lakeside Arts
15th - 18th February

On the occasion of his birthday, Krapp listens to tape recordings he made decades earlier. He listens to the promises he made and the fruition to which they came, and begins to face the realisation that he has wasted his life. This becomes increasingly poignant as he begins to record his last tape..
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Alice in Wonderland
The Watson Players
Landau Forte College Theatre
15th - 19th February

Alice is having a boring day with her Governess, Nora Know-it-all. After being given a book to read, Alice falls asleep... or does she?
Alice soon finds herself in a wonderland, full of crazy colourful characters. She meets a very bored and naughty Joker. He is set on causing as much trouble for Alice and Nora as he can, to liven up his very boring life!
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9 to 5 The Musical
music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick
Mansfield Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society.
Mansfield Palace Theatre
15th - 19th February

Set in the late 1970s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss.
In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy - giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains "otherwise engaged," the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can't she?
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CADALFEST: KALYANI THAKUR CHARAL
New Arts Exchange
16th Feb

Our ongoing collaboration with NTU’s Postcolonial Studies Centre, CADALFEST (Celebrating Adivasi and Dalit Arts and Literature Festival), concludes this February with an event with Bengali Dalit writer, Kalyani Thakur Charal.
Kalyani’s vision of social justice, democracy and equality is inspiring and powerful. Join her for poetry and readings from her novel Andhar Bil, and a discussion about her activist and editorial work.
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The Mikado
by Gilbert & Sullivan
St Peter's Gilbert & Sullivan Society
St Peter's Church, Ravenshead
17th & 18th February

Pirates of Penzance 2008The Society was founded in 1954, and first staged a 'show' in 1957. We aim to stage one of the G & S musicals each year, usually in February. Additionally, we undertake a range of charity concerts, offering our services to a variety of worthy causes to raise money.
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The Wedding Singer
Belper Musical Theatre
Belper School
21st - 25th February

After the raving success of You're The Voice & Shrek The Musical, we are pleased to announce our 2023 show The Wedding Singer
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AccessAbility Arts presents Spoken Word
Daniel Kay and Lisa Maria
Rendezvous Hinckley
22nd Feb

Here's the spoken word event you've been waiting for! Come out and enjoy an evening of poetry and performance as artists take the stage to share their work. This is a great opportunity to support the local arts community and hear some new voices.
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A Bunch of Amateurs
by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop
West Bridgford Dramatic Society
Studio Theatre
West Bridgford
28th February - 4th March

This is a great little comedy, about a local drama group in difficulty - high costs, declining audiences, in fighting between actors, a council that doesn't care. They decide to hire in a Hollywood star - who only turns up because he thinks he is performing King Lear at Stratford Upon Avon (and to help his failing career).
This play was written by two of the writers of Spitting Image - Nick Newman and Ian Hislop (of Have I Got News For You and Private Eye fame.
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RED NOSE DAY 2023
Comic Relief
17th March

Red Nose Day is back on Friday 17 March. Get fundraising and make a powerful difference to people here in the UK and around the world.
Register below to:
Request your free Red Nose Day fundraising pack
Set up your JustGiving page
Receive exclusive digital tools to help you raise money and make a difference
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The Writers’ Conference 2023
Writing East Midlands in partnership with University of Derby
University of Derby
1st April

The Writers’ Conference returns in April 2023, bringing writers from all over the region, and beyond, together with the industry, for a day of inspiration and networking. Get your creative juices flowing, discover new pathways and make connections.
Hosted at the University of Derby, this will be a day of workshops, panel discussions and talks – including from keynote speakers (to be announced).
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