I talk with my hands
Exhibition by artist Zoe Milner
City Arts, Nottingham
Until 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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JOURNEY OF THE MIND
Art Exhibition
Kanwar Singh
New Art Exchange
Until 22nd April

Journey of the Mind combines Sikh teachings with new forms of storytelling to encourage visitors to think about their own minds to help improve mental wellbeing. Featuring figurative drawings and digitally created paintings by world-renowned Sikh artist Kanwar Singh, and short films by British animator Christian Wood, the exhibition explores the stories of those who historically attained the highest spiritual levels.
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Nottingham Contemporary
Art Exhibitions
Until 7th May

Carolyn Lazard: Long Take
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Charlotte Johannesson
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Rosalind Nashashibi: Hooks
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Séance
DARKFIELD
Next to DH Lawrence Pavilion, Lakeside, Nottingham
Until 2nd April

We will not prey upon the paranoid, the bereaved, the credulous, the wide-eyed, the weak or the inbred... In return, we ask you to proceed with an open mind. Séance is for entertainment only and we cannot hold the medium responsible for the outcome.
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Robin Hood
and the Major Oak
A Derby Theatre Production
Derby Theatre
Until 8th April

For Easter 2023, join Robin, Tuck, Marian, Little John and their Sherwood Forest friends (and foes) for a thrilling new adventure: Robin Hood and The Major Oak, a merry new adaptation by Deborah McAndrew based on the classic, much-loved story.
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Pride and Prejudice*
(*sort of)
THE FIVE STAR COMEDY SENSATION
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Until 1st April

Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story.
Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.
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Lost
by Alan Hescott
Lace Market Theatre, Nottingham
Until 1st April

Originally commissioned for The Television Workshop, Lost tells the story of a class of Jewish youngsters who are held in Prague town hall. In their innocence and naivety they struggle to imagine the horrors facing them. It is a powerfully moving play which deals with survival, sacrifice, friendships, love and, above all, identity.
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Traditional Publishing: What Novelists Need to Know
with Emma Pass
Writing East Midlands
Online
29th March

Your manuscript’s complete at last, your final edit made – but now what? If you’ve been considering traditional publishing but don’t know where to start, or you need advice on how to improve your submission package, this 6-week, online course could answer any questions you might have before embarking on this next stage of your writing journey.
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March Pint of Poetry
Stamford Poetry
Stamford Arts Centre
29th March

Once again we meet to share our poetry. Also, make sure you know the details of this year's Poet Laureate for Stamford competition, Deadline in April. Have a chat with some of the previous holders of the post to find out what it entails.
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Writing Collaborations, Collaborating to Write
Creating Supportive Communities, with Barbara Cooke
Creative Writing Leicester
University of Leicester
29th March

This talk will focus on the different types of collaboration that make up the professional life of a writer, editor and academic. Barbara will be drawing on her own experiences of poetic co-creation, collaboration with an illustrator, and setting up and participating in writing retreats to show that while writing is usually a solitary act, no writer need ever be alone.
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Peter Pan
New Theatre, Nottingham University
29th March - 1st April

All children grow up... except for one. JM Barrie's spellbindingly classic tale Peter Pan takes flight. When Peter Pan, leader of the lost boys, loses his shadow, headstrong Wendy helps him to reattach it. In return, she is invited to Neverland, where Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and the vengeful captain hooks awaits. Exploring the possibilities and pain of growing up, a riot of magic, mischief, and make-believe ensues.
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TWO ONE ACT PLAYS
Blaby Drama Group
Blaby Social Centre, Leicester Road, Leicester
29th March - 1st April

WORLD PREMIERE by Charles Mander
And
SHAKERS by John Godber and Jane Thornton
At BLABY SOCIAL CENTRE. Food will be provided at the interval.
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THE GHOST TRAIN
The NODS Theatre Co.
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, Derbys
29th March - 1st April

Six passengers get stranded at a small Cornish wayside station. Despite the stationmaster's weird stories of a ghost train, they decide to stay the night in the waiting room. Soon they regret this decision as ghostly and not so ghostly apparitions materialize.
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James and the Giant Peach
Sleaford Playhouse Theatre, Lincolnshire
29th March - 1st April

Prepare to experience the enchantment of Roald Dahl's popular classic, "James and the Giant Peach," like never before! Sleaford Little Theatre Academy's production, adapted for the stage by David Wood, promises to be a unique and technically challenging show that will thrill audiences of all ages.
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Coming Out Of My Cage
(And I've Been Doing Just Fine)
Nonsuch Studios, Nottingham
30th March

'Mr Brightside' hasn't left the UK charts in 19 years. How did it end up like this? An interactive investigation with karaoke, lip-syncing, and absolute bangers.
Tim and Hannah discover a viral video of a bar singing 'Mr Brightside' to their recently departed friend. Reading online comments they uncover stories of incredible people - all united by one song.
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CRIME CLUB
Brierley's Believe It Or Not
National Justice Museum
30th March

Meet Richard Butler Brierley, Keeper of the County Gaol. Fifteen years is quite some time to be gaoler and he has seen many a change in that time, as well as many inmates. When he came into the position at Nottingham’s County Gaol, he found a gruesome and curious selection of items from past convicts kept by a previous gaoler.
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advert
The Vicar of Dibley
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
26th - 29th April
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Do or Die Poets
Sobar Social presents
Sobar, Nottingham
31st March

The Sobar Social is back with poetic vengeance! Join us and our resident poetry crew The do or Die poets for a joint celebration of creativity, recovery and performance.
Expect great poetry, a great open mic session and an amazing headliner the form Do or Die Poets alumna BETH PARKER. Hosted by the ever awesome MIGGY ANGEL!
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Jess Green: Farewell Leicester
Upstairs @ The Western
31st March

BBC Slam Champion, Jess Green is an award-winning performance poet and script writer for theatre and TV. She began to garner a following in 2013 with her viral poem, Dear Mr Gove and has since performed at Glastonbury, Latitude, Bestival and BBC 6 Music Festival. She’s featured on BBC 6 Music, E4, BBC5Live, ITV and BBC Breakfast as well as in The Guardian, Huffington Post, The Independent and The Spectator.
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Louise Fazackerley
Word Wise #64
Sophie Sparham
Dubrek Studios 67 Bridge Street Derby
31st March

With work rooted in word-witchery and the working class, Louise explores the synergy between poetry, voice and movement in a way that makes the ugly beautiful and the mundane fantastical. Winner of BBC Radio 3 ‘New Voices’, European Slam Finalist and support artist for punk legend Dr. John Cooper Clark, Louise is a true, Northern powerhouse. Welcome to her world of darkly humorous poetry.
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The Road To Zandra
by Jayne Williams in collaboration with Mark Preston
New Perspectives’ Open Pitch
the Space, Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
31st March - 1st April

It’s 1999. When Mark’s life hits rock bottom he hits the open road escaping Notts for Blackpool. Beached without pleasure, it’s his ex-army mates that turn his life around… in the only way they know how….
Dragged into drag with mascaraed lashes, high heels and frocks, Zandra is born!
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If They Only Knew
A Solo Exhibition by Charlie Buttrum
Surface Gallery, Nottingham
31st March - 8th April

If Only They Knew explores the effects of domestic abuse through a range of visual media: painting, mixed media, sculpture, photography. Art has always been a part of Buttrum’s life, but became increasingly important in her journey, helping her to escape loneliness and to express her own experience of domestic abuse. Buttrum wants to raise awareness and bring attention to the effects that abuse can have both mentally and physically.
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Full Circle
Studio Artist Exhibition
Surface Gallery, Nottingham
31st March - 15th April

Surface is pleased to announce the return of our annual studio artist show: Full Circle. The exhibition will bring together a collection of artwork by current and recent studio artists.
Emerging from winter with the seeds of new creative growth for their annual exhibition, the studio artists will reveal new work that has been nurtured over the recent months. Full Circle encompasses a range of materials, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, installation and textiles.
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This Town
Contact and Derby Theatre
Derby Theatre
1st April

This Town is a modern-day epic narrative poem, performed and written by exciting new talent Rory Aaron (BBC New Creatives, Southbank Poetry Collective).
An ode to home, This Town uses powerful spoken word to transport us to a post-industrialised landscape, weaving together stories of loss, PTSD, and friendship.
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Trade
ŽENA Productions
Nonsuch Studios, Nottingham
1st April

Jana is on the cusp of adulthood; she’s started dating her first boyfriend and is getting ready to leave her war-torn hometown, to provide for her family. However, when she wakes up in a basement in Sarajevo, it is clear that life doesn’t always follow the plans we make for it.
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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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Alice in Wonderland
TaleGate Theatre
Majestic Rheatre, Retford
2nd April

TaleGate Theatre Productions, the team that brought you ‘Rapunzel’ and ‘Goldilocks’, are back this Easter.
Join Alice on a magical wander through Wonderland as she meets a whole host of crazy characters straight out of the classic book by Lewis Carroll.
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KILLER AT LARGE
True Crime Investigators UK
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, Derbyshire
3rd April

Welcome to ‘True Crime Investigators UK’, The show is presented and researched by two former Police Officers, John and Sally.
'A killer at large' is a presentation by John & Sally, using audio vision media to tell the story of this intriguing local case.
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Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead
Based on the novel by Olga Tokarczuk
Complicité
Nottingham Playhouse
4th - 8th April

In a small community on a remote mountainside near the Czech-Polish border, men from the local hunting club are dying in mysterious circumstances. Janina Duszejko – ex-engineer, environmentalist, devoted astrologer and enthusiastic translator of William Blake – has her suspicions. She has been watching the animals with whom the community shares their isolated, rural home, and she believes they are acting strangely…
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My Car Plays Tapes
John Osborne
Stamford Poetry
Cellar Bar Stamford
5th April

My Car Plays Tapes is the new storytelling show by writer, theatre maker and Radio 4 regular John Osborne about minimum wage jobs,, cars that don’t work and being reunited with your old cassette collection.
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Audition for Something Unspoken / Suddenly Last Summer
Lace Market Theatre, Nottingham
6th April

YOUR LAST CHANCE...
TO AUDITION FOR SOMETHING THIS SEASON.
And talking of something, there's Tennessee Williams'...
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AGM + Wild Flowers of the British Isles
Newark & Sherwood Local Group Talk
David Fox
6th April
Newark Library, Beaumond Gardens, Baldertongate, Newark

A quick local group AGM followed by a talk on the wildflowers of the British Isles by David Fox
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Run Your Tongue Spoken Word Open Mic
feat. Nancy Dawkins
Vegan Bar, 94 Granby Street, Leicester
6th April

We are back for another edition of Run Your Tongue - the spoken word open mic night where everyone is welcome and anything goes!
We are delighted to welcome the fantastic NANCY DAWKINS to headline for us this time:)
Join us for a weird and wonderful evening of words at the amazing new DONALD WATSON'S VEGAN BAR, Leicester.
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A Journey Through Lost Britain
with Matthew Green
Five Leaves Bookshop*
14a Long Row, Nottingham
6th April

From an Orkney settlement buried in sand five thousand years ago to a medieval city mouldering beneath the waves of the North Sea, Britain’s landscape is scarred with the haunting and romantic remains; these shadowlands that were once filled with life are now just spectral echoes.
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Live from the poets corner
at the playwright
NOTTS POETRY
The Playwright, Nottingham
6th April

Live from the poet's corner at the playwright is a monthly spoken word open mic evening inviting anybody to get up and share some words, featuring poetry from a range of spoken word artists, poets and musicians.
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Speech Therapy
Bunkers Hill, Nottingham
7th April

Speech Therapy on Good Friday promises more goodies than the Easter Bunny. Our rising star Jack Coverdale will be giving us a feature set along with a full length set from a long-standing friend of this long-running night of ours ...Lytisha Tunbridge.
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Club Night
Parcel of Rogues (tbc)
with Cath Edwards and Fran Hollinrake
Litchfield Storytellers
Online
11th April

You will be able to join us from the comfort of your favourite armchair
- we will be streaming live and recording!
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Curtains
Kristian Thomas Company
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, Derbyshire
11th - 15th April

Boston, 1959.
The Colonial Theatre.
The cast of Robbin’ Hood takes their bows on opening night.
Just as the curtain falls, so does Jessica Cranshaw, the profoundly untalented leading lady of the production...
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Colonial Legacies
with Dr Panya Banjoko
Nonsuch Studios, Nottingham
18th April

The legacy of colonialism remains an under-explored area in Nottingham and this talk aims to address this imbalance by highlighting significant people, such as architects, financers, and decision makers with a colonial connection in the city.
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LET’S TALK CONFERENCE
Conversations examining the Global Ethnic Majority and the Cultural Sector
New Arts Exchange, Nottingham
20th - 22nd April

Conversations about the Global Ethnic Majority* within (or outside) the cultural sector aren’t happening enough. The Let’s Talk conference will address the imbalance by exploring key topics through conversations with artists and communities. Panya Banjoko, Joon Lynn Goh and Lara Ratnaraja will lead conversations exploring the notion of space, connections, and the need for public discourse to be led by, with, and for the Global Ethnic Majority.
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The Vicar of Dibley
by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter
The Bonington Players
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
26th - 29th April

The Bonington Players return with a stage play by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter based on the much-loved original television series by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer.
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DIY Poets
at Nottingham Poetry Festival
Francis Patrick McMahon
City Arts - Nottingham
26th May

DIY Poets will host a mental health themed evening of poetry at Nottingham City Arts.
Come along and perform your poems.
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