Current Events
Until 26th Sept
Till the Stars Come Down
by Beth Steel
Nottingham Playhouse
You’re invited to the wedding of the year!
It’s Sylvia and Marek’s big day and the Stone family have gathered in Mansfield. The bride, her sisters and aunties are getting their glam on and everyone’s on their best behaviour. For now. But once the vows have been made and the drinks start flowing, deep-seated family resentments begin to bubble up. When secrets start spilling out, alliances shift, and by the end of the night, nothing will ever be quite the same again. Funny, relatable and deeply moving, this brilliant night out explores what happens when we’re forced to choose between family, and love.
Click here
Until 10th Jan
Prehistoric Lives in the Trent Valley
University of Nottingham Museum
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
This exhibition explores the prehistoric occupation of the Trent Valley and the material traces these ancient communities left behind.
See the results from years of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental investigations into one of our most important river systems, highlighting how early settlements were both shaped by and altered this dynamic landscape.
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14th Sept
EPA presents Change the World
The Palace Theatre, Mansfield
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15th Sept
Alfie Brown
The Entertainer
Canalhouse, 48 - 52 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH
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15th & 17th Sept
Audition for Butterflies Are Free
Lacemarket Theatre, Nottingham
Auditions are being held for Butterflies Are Free, an upcoming production at Lace Market Theatre. Interested performers are invited to attend the audition session on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 19:15. Those selected will perform in the show, which runs from 11-16 January 2027 in the Auditorium. This is an opportunity for local actors and performers to be part of a theatrical production in Nottingham's vibrant arts scene.
Click here
15th - 19th Sept
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF Musical
Gatepost Theatre Co.
Duchess Theatre, Derbyshire, NG10 1EF
Follow the journey of a group of contestants as they whisk, knead, and bake their way to glory, all under the watchful eyes of judges and hosts who have become household names.
With a mix of original songs that capture the spirit of the Bake Off tent—from tense technical challenges to joyous showstoppers—the musical creates a vibrant and immersive experience. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions as friendships form, cakes collapse, and dreams come true.
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15th - 19th Sept
The Silence Of The Lambs
Starring John Partridge
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
The iconic psychological thriller
A world stage premier
The Silence Of The Lambs
Dr Hannibal Lecter will see you now...
Come face to face with the chilling cultural phenomenon THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS as it makes its world stage play premiere. Based on Thomas Harris’s gripping literary masterpiece, this electrifying new play sets the definitive psychological thriller loose in Nottingham this September.
Click here
16th Sept
Pints n' Poets
Open Mic Poetry
The barley Twist, Nottingham
Come along for a song and a sonnet! Grab a drink, take the mic, pour your heart out!
Pints n' Poets is back in the Barley Twist basement Tuesday 15th September for an evening of epic verse and groovy tunes! Local legends and creative geniuses from far and wide will come together to share some magic! The existential, the therapeutic and the absurd shall gather!
Open mic spaces galore!
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16th Sept
The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town
Written by Spike Milligan and Ronnie Barker
Adapted by John Hewer
Mansfield Palace Theatre
Something is rotten in Old London Town…
In Victorian England, a rotten, raspberry blower is claiming the lives of the upper-classes. The dark alleyways and moonlit graveyards of London are alive with the repetitive dins of the Phantom.
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16th Sept
Bagz to Riches
Lock up ya grandads! Baga Chipz MBE presents...
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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16th Sept
Heritage Open Days
Behind the Scenes at the Resource Centre
Palace Theatre, Newark
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16th Sept
Miriam Margolyes'
Full English LIVE
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
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16th Sept
PubhD Nottingham
Can you explain your PhD in a Pub?
The Barley Twist, Nottingham
Three speakers will explain their research to a bunch of people in the pub in exchange for a pint or two.
The talks are at “pub level” – you don’t need to be an academic to understand them!
See The PubhD Format and About pages for more information about what to expect at an event.
Click here
16th Sept
Bad Ideas Club
with Chris Lanyon
Writing Workshop
Newark Library
Click here
16th Sept
Smash Night
MissImp
Nottingham Improvised Comedy Theatre
The Malt Cross, Nottingham
Come and give your laughter muscles a work out with three great acts from Nottingham and beyond performing hilarious scenes and games for your amusement. Based on YOUR suggestions these funny performers will spontaneously create never to be seen again comedy sketches you won’t want to miss! Join us at our new home downstairs in the Malt Cross for a Wednesday evening filled with lots of fun, laughter and a bit of silliness!
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16th Sept
Nottingham Comedy Festival
Preview Show
Canalhouse, Nottingham
Click here
Wednesdays 16, 23 & 30 September, 7 & 14 October
Thresholds, Liberating Narratives
Exploring Your Photography
lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Click here
17th Sept
Al Murray
All You Need Is Guv
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
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17th Sept
The Brass Band Story
with Trevor Herbert and Carlton Brass
Nottingham Central Library
1 Carrington Street, Nottingham, NG1 7FH
Click here
18th Sept
Stories of Movement and Belonging in the Era of Sustainability
Talk & Panel Discussion
Djanogly Theatre, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Click here
18th Sept
Bad Betty Live
Bad Betty Press
New Arts Exchange, Nottingham
A dynamic night of live poetry and music, showcasing exciting acts from Notts, the UK and beyond in a warm, inclusive setting. BSL signed.
“Fierce and bristling with life” – The Guardian
“The very best of contemporary poetry” – The Book Hive
Award-winning publishing house Bad Betty Press presents poetry and music.
Click here
18th Sept
Crying into Bins
Written and performed by Lia Burge
Nottingham Playhouse
From the food waste bin into which her friend had a nervous breakdown, Lia tries to make sense of the twenty years she spent serving food and drink. Crying into Bins chronicles tales collected over two decades and takes shape as a long-form spoken word poem. But expect a little more than one woman and a microphone. This is a fast-paced and funny poetical exploration of mental health, societal structures, terrible rage and bittersweet acceptance.
Click here
18th Sept
Caravaggio
Exhibition On Screen
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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18th Sept
Let's Celebrate
September Showcase!
Lutterell Hall
Church Drive, West Bridgford, Nottingham
Nottingham-based Showcase, bringing together all of Nottingham's Creatives, for their chance to Perform, Market themselves, Support and Celebrate Each Other!
A showcase that allows you to experience music, dance, pole, aerial, spoken word, poetry, acting, and comedy all in one place.
Click here
18th Sept
We Shall Overcome
singsong-and-spokenwordalong
fundraiser for BLINDEYE
The Barrel Drop, 7 Hurts Yard, Nottingham NG1 6JD
Yay for the next Barrel Drop singsong-and-spokenwordalong. We'll be shaking that bucket for Blind Eye as is tradition.
(Waving the card reader doesn't sound as quaint, but quaint we aint, or are we?)
Click here
19th Sept
Nott Another Writing Room
Just a free space to write in surrounded by other writers.
Nottingham Central Library, Room 7, 1 Carrington Street, Nottingham NG1 7FH
No workshop. No prompts. Just a chill writing room.
Whether you've been writing since before Google (1998!) or whether you've not written since school...but have a spark of an idea, this is a space for you to write, relax and explore your ideas.
Click here
19th Sept
The Crucible
Nottingham Academy of Performing Arts
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
A gripping tale of fear, suspicion, and the cost of integrity. Set during the Salem witch trials, The Crucible follows a community torn apart by paranoia as accusations spiral out of control. When personal vendettas collide with mass hysteria, neighbours turn on one another and truth becomes dangerously fragile. Arthur Miller’s timeless drama exposes how quickly fear can override reason — and how courage can emerge in the darkest moments.
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19th Sept
LYRIC IN(TER)VENTIONS
with Karen McCarthy Woolf
New Art Exchange, 41 Gregory Boulevard, 39 Nottingham NG7 6BE
Sharpen your skills and develop your practice with some of poetry's leading lights.
Bad Betty masterclasses offers a chance to work closely with one of the featured acts.
This deep dive into disruption as a formal technique offers an opportunity to think about who and what your poetry is in dialogue with and how that plays out on the page. Together we will consider non-linear approaches to longer pieces and sequences, exploring image, juxtaposition and sonic patterning alongside ekphrastic strategies where the poem is in conversation with other art forms.
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19th Sept
Writing Workshop
Bad Ideas Club with Casey Bailey
Hucknall Library
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19th Sept
Sailor Swift
From the Artist Formally Known and Pete Morton
The HopBarn, Upton Road, Southwell NG25 0PZ
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19th Sept
On Your Bike Baffo
Children's Theatre Oh! Productions
Nottingham Playhouse
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19th Sept
Burlesque and Cabaret
The Cold Store, Vat and Fiddle, Nottingham
Join us at the Old Cold Store for Nottingham’s newest burlesque and cabaret riot, Dirty Deeds Productions Volume 1! Where the glamour gets loud, the burlesque has a bite and the attitude is turned all the way up to 11!
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19th & 26th Sept
Audition for Youth Theatre
Lace Market Theatre
Lace Market Theatre, Nottingham
Lace Market Youth Theatre is holding auditions for young performers interested in joining the organisation. The audition sessions will take place on Saturday, 19th and 26th September 2026, running from 10:30 to 12:30 each day. Prospective members should assemble in the bar area at Lace Market Theatre to register and participate in the selection process.
Click here
19th Sept - 17th Oct & 7th Nov - 5th Dec
Gallery Art Group
Visual Arts Studio, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Click here
19th Sept - 10th Jan
LagosPhoto
Stories of Movement and Belonging
Djanogly Gallery, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Click here
19th Sept - 10th Jan
The Flower & The Wall
Byron Mohammad Hamzah
Angear Visitor Centre, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Click here
20th Sept
The Ritual Year
with Lulah Ellender
Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row, Nottingham
Wassails and plough blessings, cheese rolling and well dressings, Bradford’s Mela and the Notting Hill Carnival, summer hen races and festive sword-dancing…
In their new book The Ritual Year, writers and researchers: Kiera Chapman, Lulah Ellender, and Rebecca Warren journey through some of the gatherings that shape our year, challenge our understanding of the past, and give pattern and meaning to communities across Britain today.
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and beyond
21st Sept
Words of Wisdom
Free Poetry Open Mic
The Angel Microbrewery & The Chapel
7 Stoney St, Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1LG
A poetry open mic night at The Angel. Expect an evening of varied poetic styles and voices, and monthly themes for inspiration. Whether participating or listening, experience local talent and connect with Nottingham's lit community. Every third Monday of the month in The Chesterfield Lounge.
Click here
21st Sept
Dandelions Poetry
Feat. Kate MacAlister
Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
We are very pleased to welcome Kate MacAlister on MONDAY 21st September to start our Dandelions evenings again after the summer break.
There will be our usual open mic, so please email dandelionspoetry@gmail.com if you'd like to read.
Click here
22nd Sept
Irish Group Discusses
Old God’s Time
by Sebastian Barry
Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row, Nottingham
Click here
22nd Sept
Write Night
The Malt Cross
16 St James's Street, Nottingham, NG1 6FG
Come along to Write Night, a drop in writing workshop for poets. Each month Write Night explores a theme or style of poetry with a few exercises and prompts, suitable for poets of all experiences. Whether you have been writing for years or stopped putting words down when you left school, this night is a place to come and experiment , find community and build together. This night is designed to be a supportive, welcoming environment. Your workshop leader will take you through all steps of the plan.
Click here
22nd - 26th Sept
The Thrill of Love
by Amanda Whittington
Robin Hood Theatre, Averham, Nr Newark
Based on the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in Britain, Amanda Whittington's gripping drama explores love, ambition and betrayal in post-war Britain. Powerful, moving and thought-provoking, this acclaimed play shines a light on the woman behind one of the country's most infamous cases.
Click here
22nd - 26th Sept
Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS…
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Car Man is back! Loosely based on Bizet’s ever-popular opera, The Car Man has one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertoire.
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23rd Sept
Old Herbaceous
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
Described as “Downton Abbey with gardening tips”, Old Herbaceous is the humorous love story of a single-minded yet gentle man with a passion for plants and is a charming one man play which has entranced sell-out audiences all around the country over the last eight years.
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23rd Sept
Brush Painting
Workshop One
Visual Arts Studio, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
This beginner-friendly introduction guides you in using soft brushstrokes and fluid ink to paint flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies with a sense of life.
Explore the art of Chinese brush painting and be inspired by the tradition of flower-and-bird painting (花鸟画), this workshop invites you to observe nature closely and express it with calm focus and growing confidence.
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23rd Sept
On Highfield’s Lake
Djanogly Theatre, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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23rd Sept
Macbeth
by William Shakespeare
Mansfield Palace Theatre
A full-scale production set in the murky Dark Ages where love, politics and witchcraft collide.
A warworn Macbeth is told by three sisters that he is fated to become King of Scotland so beginning a series of events that lead to the destruction of kings, friends and souls as he, and his Lady, try to cling to the tainted crown.
Click here
23rd Sept
The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town
by Spike Milligan and Ronnie Barker Adapted by John Hewer
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
In Victorian England, a rotten, raspberry blower is claiming the lives of the upper-classes. The dark alleyways and moonlit graveyards of London are alive with the repetitive dins of the Phantom. Inspector Corner of the Yard and his faithful sidekick, Sergeant Bowles, are fed up with these din-dins. The case is afoot. Will the Phantom be uncloaked? All will be revealed… particularly if the Phantom uncloaks himself.
Click here
23rd Sept
The Power of Place
History on your doorstep- with Historic England
National Civil War Centre, Newark
This interactive day will explore: • Using timelines to link local, national and international history • Working with maps and aerial photographs to understand your locality • How to teach a local history unit based on the 900-year history of Newark Castle • Investigating local buildings to uncover stories and create engaging heritage trails The afternoon includes a guided medieval town trail, with practical tips on how to run your own, interpret architecture, and inspire questioning in pupils. A free lunch is also provided.
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23rd Sept
Meet Chris Broad
Waterstone, Nottingham
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23rd Sept
My Sister's Flat and the Earth's a Globe
Theatre
A play for the Autumn Equinox.
Mamoth Cinema, Nottingham
Mammoth is pleased to host its first piece of theatre.
Steve's sister has certain preoccupations and priorities but she is now missing. There are clues which he must try to sift out. How long does it take to form a thin layer of dust and how does he feel about her? She is an artist, but the body of work she has left behind is...confusing. Consider the material with him and form your own conclusions.
Click here
23rd Sept
Witchcraft & Paganism Book Group
The Magic of the Orphic Hymns
Five Leaves Bookshop*
14a Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 2DH
Click here
23rd - 26th Sept
NEXT TO NORMAL
Encore Performing Arts
Duchess Theatre, Derbyshire, NG10 1EF
When this landmark musical debuted on Broadway in 2010, it won 3 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama – one of only ten musicals in history to receive this prestigious honour. A ground-breaking and intimate portrait of a modern family, NEXT TO NORMAL “tears at the heart in a way few musicals manage” (Attitude)
NEXT TO NORMAL is an intimate exploration of family and illness, loss and grief. At its heart is Diana Goodman, a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar disorder and haunted by her past.
Click here
24th Sept - 1st Oct
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Programme
Various Venues, Notts
Celebrate 10 years of poetry with much-loved returning guests and exciting new voices. From inspiring readings and workshops to family events and poetry showcases, join us for a week of wonderful words!
Click here
24th Sept
Desert Island Poems
Paul Farley in Conversation with Clare Brown
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
West Bridgford Library, Bridgford Road, West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 6AT
Join us at West Bridgford Library for an evening of poetry, as acclaimed poet Paul Farley shares his desert island poems in conversation with the Director of Bromley House Library, Clare Brown, before reading from his own award-winning work.
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24th Sept
Marlon James
in conversation with Jake Wild Hall
Waterstones, Nottingham
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24th Sept
Crime Club
Bath Time Killers
National Justice Museum, Nottingham
This September, Crime Club delves into the chilling world of British serial killers from the first half of the twentieth century.
Brides in the Bath Murders: A case that captivated the nation and became a landmark in forensic pathology and criminal investigation. At the centre of the case was serial killer George Joseph Smith, whose calculated murders of his wives by drowning shocked Edwardian Britain.
Click here
24th Sept
Open Evening 1
Lacemarket Theatre, Nottingham
Lace Market Theatre welcomes visitors to its Open Evening on Thursday 24 September 2026 at 19:30. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the venue, learn about the theatre's work and community programmes, and discover the various ways to become involved. Whether interested in volunteering, membership, or simply finding out more about upcoming productions, this event provides an ideal chance to meet the team and ask questions directly. For further information, contact the Open Evenings Coordinator.
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24th Sept
Poetry Scum
Open Mic Poetry
Robin Hood, Sherwood, Nottingham
Championing working class, marginalised & activist artists & creatives. Open mic, all artists welcome
Click here
24th Sept
Lykewise
Darren Simpson, Pushkin Press and Five Leaves invite you to the launch of Lykewise
Nottingham Central Library
1 Carrington Street, Nottingham, NG1 7FH
We welcome back Nottingham writer Darren Simpson to launch his new scary novel!
Don’t look to closely into the mirror.
It may look back…
Dunn Caulkner is no stranger to scary stories. The village of Harrowmere is plagued by danger and the unexplained: foggy boglands, eerie wraithlights and the terrifying legend of Grasping Jack. So how could Dunn ever have known that the darkest threat of all would come from a looking glass?
Click here
25th Sept
Sit Down with the Social Model Writers
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Beeston Library, Foster Avenue, Beeston NG9 1AE
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25th Sept
5 Mistakes That Changed History
Paul Coulter
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
5 Mistakes That Changed History is a hilarious historical storytelling show performed by historian and comedian, Paul Coulter, about five people and how their mistakes (big and small!) changed the world.
Blending history, storytelling and comedy the show has been a smash-hit, sell-out success on the comedy festival circuit, selling out both Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Adelaide Fringe Festival three years in a row in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Click here
25th Sept
The Paper Crane Poets Showcase
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Beeston Library, Foster Avenue, Beeston NG9 1AE
Join Beeston Library’s resident poetry collective for another brilliant evening of original spoken word at Beeston Library. By turns light-hearted, irreverent and profound, this performance features an exciting range of local voices, all with something to say!
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25th Sept
Mansfield Town Film Festival
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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25th Sept - 5th Oct
The Misanthrope
National Theatre Live
Event Cinema
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
Award-winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) plays the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy.
Telling the truth isn’t always that simple. Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the carefully constructed lies of modern society. But the more she challenges those around her, the fiercer the backlash becomes. Soon, she must confront the price of speaking her truth in a world that would rather silence her.
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25th Sept - 4th Nov
Caribbean Pioneer Gardeners
exhibition
Beeston Library
Foster Avenue, Beeston, Nottinghamshire, NG9 1AE
Discover the experiences of six Caribbean gardeners of the Windrush generation and their legacy at Hungerhill Gardens in St Anns, Nottingham, England’s oldest and largest allotment site. Featuring interviews, photographs and a new poem by Carla Thompson.
Based on the book Caribbean Pioneer Gardeners by Colin Haynes, published by Five Leaves, includes material from an English Heritage Open Days exhibition in 2005/6.
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26th Sept
Portraits Painting
with Jane Stockley
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Discover varied, expressive approaches to painting the face in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Ideal for beginners and intermediate participants, this workshop begins with dynamic exercises in brushwork and colour mixing, then steadily guides you towards creating a finished portrait.
Click here
26th Sept
Beyond the Spectrum
Poetry for Neurodivergent People
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Beeston Library, Foster Avenue, Beeston NG9 1AE
In this one-off poetry workshop, with autistic professional writer Pippa Hennessy, you will write alongside like-minded people.
Beyond the Spectrum is a writing project which celebrates autistic creativity and creates spaces for neurodivergent people to write together. In this one-off poetry workshop, with autistic professional writer Pippa Hennessy, you will write alongside like-minded people to respond to prompts and craft a poem reflecting your own experiences and creative process. Best of all, it’ll be fun! You’re welcome if you already write, or if you’ve never written anything creative before!
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advert
Bookshop
A limited and highly subjective collection of some of the books out there.
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26th Sept
Bad Ideas Club
Poetry Showcase
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Mansfield Central Library
Join us for an afternoon of poetry live at Mansfield Central Library with independent publishers Bad Betty Press, featuring Leanne Moden and Chris Lanyon and hosted by Jake Wild Hall.
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advert
In The Moment 2
by Guy Jones
The second collection of poems and flash fiction performed by the author Guy Jones in and around Nottingham.
Click Here for an Ebook
For a signed hard copy email Guy Directly
guy@hothousetheatre.com
All proceeds go to Hothouse Theatre.
26th Sept
Autumn Charity Concert
Nottingham Confucius Institute and Lakeside Arts
Djanogly Theatre, Lakesdie Arts, Nottingham
Celebrating culture and community, leading artists from the UK Chinese Music Ensemble gather for an evening of unforgettable live performance.
Featuring Cheng Yu, Wang Xiao, Mengdie Ji, Bai Xue and Wang Wei, the group has performed internationally, collaborating with renowned artists such as Lang Lang and the London Symphony Orchestra. They have recorded for film and television, including Born in China, Doctor Who and Mulan.
Click here
advert
Bookshop
A limited and highly subjective collection of some of the books out there.
Click here
26th Sept
GOBS Poetry Book Club
Hannah Silva's Crow, Pirate, Fly
Nottingham Central Library, 1 Carrington Street, Nottingham NG1 7FH
Join us to chat about Hannah Silva's Crow Pirate Fly, followed by writing activities inspired by the book.
GOBS Collective invites you to chat and scribble your heart away at our Poetry Book Club, hosted at Nottingham Central Library and via Zoom.
Click here
advert
26th Sept
Prosecco, Poetry & Purpose
Join us to celebrate A poem in Your Heart, Leadership: Womens Voices
Waterstones
1-5 Bridlesmith Gate
Nottingham NG1 2GR
Enjoy a glass of fizz while hearing more about the Poem in Your Heart story and listening to some of the amazing poems written by women about leadership.
There will also be an opportunity to create a community poem on leadership.
If you have a favourite poem on leadership bring it along to share in our inspiration space.
Click here
advert
Give While You Shop
Raise free funds for Hothouse Theatre and Oh MyNottz by shopping online with Give as you Live, over 4200 retailers to choose from, shop & raise a donation at no cost to you!
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26th Sept
Bright Places
Nottingham Playhouse
I was 23 when it came crashing into my life; without warning, when everything was going so well, just when I was really, really happy…
A three-woman, one-woman show about Multiple Sclerosis, MS for short, not to be confused with M&S or S&M.
Click here
26th Sept
Speak Easy
Nottingham City of Lit
Nottingham Central Library
Click here
27th Sept
John, Clare & Me
Two Lives in Poetry and Music
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026 -
Southwell Library
The Bramley Centre
King Street Southwell NG25 0EH
Not Scary Poetry Society presents an afternoon inspired by the life and work of John Clare, the ‘Northamptonshire peasant poet’, through poetry and music. Discover words and melodies, shaped by Clare’s deep connection to the English countryside and the natural world, accompanied by tea and a delicious slice of cake.
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27th Sept
Ask a Publisher
On Creating Your First Poetry Pamphlet
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
West Bridgford Library, Nottingham
JoinBad Betty founding editor, Amy Acre, for a relaxed workshop on how to turn astash of poems into a pamphlet manuscript ready to send to publishers. We’lllook at poetry pamphlets from a variety of small presses to help you considerwhere your work might fit in, and do a few quick exercises to get you thinkingabout your poems as a holistic work. Addressing poets’ frequently askedquestions alongside your own, we’ll demystify the publishing process, discusswhat editors look for, and whatsteps you can take to give your work the best chance of success
Click here
Advert
Oh My Nottz is a Hothouse Theatre project
Donate to Hothouse Theatre and help keep it going
27th Sept
The Gruffalo's Child Film
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Mansfield Central Library
Click here
27th Sept
Autumnfolk Market
The Nest
Iremonger Road, Nottingham
Autumnfolk Market brings together over 45 independent makers, artists and creatives at The Nest on Sunday 27 September 2026. This seasonal market showcases a carefully curated selection of traders offering ceramics, prints, woodwork, jewellery, photography and handmade goods alongside baked treats and seasonal gifts.
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27th Sept
An Evening with Victoria Aveyard
Waterstones, Nottingham
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27th Sept
Story Telling Evening
with the Woolly Tellers
Fox and Grapes, Nottingham
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28th Sept
UNLIMITED
Partner Awards for Disabled artists
Online
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28th Sept
Word Wise #98
10th Birthday Bash
Feat. Bridie Squires
Dubrek Studios, 67 Bridge Street, Derby
Click here
28th Sept
Five Leaves New Poetry
The First Three Years
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
West Bridgford Library, Nottingham
Click here
28th Sept
Leanne Moden
Poetry Café
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Retford Library
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28th Sept
Hot Mess
Open Mic Poetry
Ye Olde Ramme, Mansfield
Click here
28th Sept
The Next Fix
the Winners and Losers in the Future of Drugs
with Kojo Koram
Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham
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28th Sept - 3rd Oct
X
by Alistair McDowall
Lacemarket Theatre, Nottingham
Click here
29th Sept
Jasmin Vardimon Company
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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29th Sept
Into the Everyday
A First-Draft Generating Bootcamp
with Georgina Wilding
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Mansfield Central Library
Click here
29th Sept - 10th Oct
MAMMA MIA!
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Click here
29th Sept - 20th Oct
Writing Ghost Stories
4-week course
Online
Click here
Deadline 30th Sept
Call for New Writing Submissions
Lace Market Theatre
Online
Click here
30th Sept
The Joffe Books Prize for Writers of Colour 2026
Online
Click here
30th Sept
Brush Painting
Workshop Two
with Feng-Ru Lee
Visual Arts Studio, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Click here
30th Sept
Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare
Romeo & Juliet (14+)
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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30th Sept
Reading Poems
The Time of Our Lives
with Becky Cullen
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
West bridgford Library, Nottingham
Click here
30th Sept
Michael Spicer
Hope All’s Well
Comedy
Nottingham Playhouse
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30th Sept
Barry Castagnola
The Last of the Barrys
Comedy
Canalhouse Nottingham
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30th Sept
ALBO(a)E
A little Bit Of (almost) Everything
Unit 42 & 43 Sneinton Market, Freckingham Street, Nottingham,
Click here
30th Sept
Funny Sods
Robin Hood, Sherwood, Nottingham,
Click here
30th Sept
Fiction Book Group reads
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham,
Click here
30th Sept
The Science of Psychedelics
with Dr David Luke
Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
Click here
1st Oct
Cara Thompson
an evening of poetry and heritage in celebration of Caribbean Pioneer Gardeners
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Beeston Library, Nottingham
Click here
1st Oct
Baby Friendly Reading
A Pause for Poetry with Liz Berry
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
West Bridgford Library, Nottingham
Click here
1st Oct
Romeo and Juliet Screening (1996)
Inspire Poetry Festival 2026
Southwell Library, Southwell, Notts
Click here
1st Oct
Tez Ilyas
Tez Things I Hate About You
Nottingham Arts Theatre
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1st Oct
Jeremy Bowen
Truth Under Fire
Nottingham Playhouse
Click here
1st - 2nd Oct
The Glad Game
by Phoebe Frances Brown
Nottingham Playhouse
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1st - 3rd Oct
The Girl on the Train
Ravenshead Theatre Group
Ravenshead Village Hall
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2nd Oct
D.H. Lawrence
a personal record by ‘E. T.’ Jessie Chambers
Book launch
Eastwood Library, Notts
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2nd Oct
Neil Delamere
Reinventing the Neil
Nottingham Arts Theatre
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2nd Oct
Legend
Music of Bob Marley
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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3rd Oct
Chuckl. Nottingham
with Reginald D Hunter & Special Guests
Nottingham Playhouse
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3rd Oct
Team Viking
Comedy
Nottingham Playhouse
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3rd Oct
Phil Wang
UH OH
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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4th Oct
Queer Sundays
Deviants and Trailblazers
Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row, Nottingham
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4th Oct
Simon Evans
is Staring at the Sun
Nottingham Arts Theatre
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6th Oct
Catching the Light
cricket poems with editors Tim Beard and Nicholas Hogg
Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row, Nottingham, NG12DH
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6th Oct
Time and Tide
The ebb and flow of temporal modes
Online
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6th Oct
Enter the Castle
Jon Ronson
Nottingham Playhouse
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6th - 10th Oct
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Erewash Musical Society
Duchess Theatre, Derbyshire, NG10 1EF
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6th - 10th Oct
By Royal Appointment
Starring Jane Asher, Laura Main, David Robb and Matthew Cottle
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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7th Oct
East Midlands Free Reads Scheme 2026
Writing East Midlands
Online
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7th Oct
Brush Painting
Workshop Three
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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7th Oct
Museum, City and Archaeology
Talk
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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7th Oct
Andy Parsons
Please #@!$ off to Mars
Nottingham Arts Theatre
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7th Oct
Alexei Sayle
How I’ve Tried to Change The World
Nottingham Playhouse
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8th Oct
James Wright
The Buildings Archaeologist
Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row, Nottingham, NG12DH
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8th Oct
Simon Yates of Touching the Void
Pleasure and Pain
Nottingham Arts Theatre
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8th Oct
Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Kool Story Bro
Nottingham Playhouse
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8th Oct
Jazz Emu
The Pleasure Is All Yours
Nottingham Playhouse
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8th Oct
Murder, She Didn't Write
ingenious improvised comedy
Palace Theatre Newark
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8th & 26th Oct
Cold Reads
An Amplify Event
Nottingham Playhouse
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8th Oct - 28th Feb
Secret and Sacred
Libraries from East Midlands Parishes
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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9th Oct
Alfred Monson and the Ardlamont Murder
Talk
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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9th Oct
Lucy Beaumont Live
Bad at Quiz Shows, Good with Weirdos
Nottingham Playhouse
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9th Oct
Ay Kash
If Only
Nottingham Playhouse
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9th Oct
Tinker Fox and The Fight for the Midlands
Evening Talk
Palace Theatre Newark
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9th Oct
Live at Lunch
Shakespeare
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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Deadline 10th Oct
The Solstice Prize 2026
The Solstice Nature Prize for Writing is now open!
Online
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10th Oct
Express and Explore
workshop one
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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10th Oct
Flo and Joan
With Feeling
Nottingham Playhouse
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10th Oct
No Photos
Drama
Nottingham Playhouse
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10th Oct
The Comedy Store
Newark
Palace Theatre Newark
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10th - 11th Oct
Animal Farm
Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group
Nottingham Arts Theatre
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10th - 11th Oct
CLOCKED IN
VIBEZ
Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
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11th Oct
Queer Sundays
In Out
Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row, Nottingham
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11th Oct
Rapunzel
Wrongsemble
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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11th Oct
Simon Amstell
I Love It Here
Nottingham Playhouse
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11th Oct
Rule Brit-HA-nnia
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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12th - 13th Oct
Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf
Comedy
Nottingham Playhouse
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13th Oct
Owen Jones on The Fall of the West
Himmah Hub
37a Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG76BE
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13th Oct
Vale of Belvoir Writing Group
find your inspiration
Parish Room, in the Old School, next to Bottesford library
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13th - 17th Oct
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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14th Oct
Brush Painting
Workshop Four
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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14th Oct
Illusion Impossible
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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14th Oct
Ghost in the Museum
Palace Theatre Newark
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14th - 17th Oct
A Butler Did It
Bonington Players
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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14th - 17th Oct
Dear Evan Hansen
Newark Amateur Operatic Society
Robin Hood Theatre, Averham, Nr Newark
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15th Oct
Come What May, We’re Here to Stay
the story of South Asian resistance in Britain, with Taj Ali
Himmah Hub
37a Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 6BE
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15th Oct
Wild Writing Workshop
with Victoria Firth
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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15th Oct
Inclusive Dance Workshop
with Thick & Tight
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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15th Oct
Tease (18+)
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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15th Oct
Queenz
Battle of the Divas!
Nottingham Playhouse
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15th Oct
Tell Me Where It Hurts
Drama
Nottingham Playhouse
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15th Oct
CAN YOU CATCH A SERIAL KILLER?
THE UK’S FIRST INTERACTIVE SERIAL KILLER INVESTIGATION
Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
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16th Oct
Bad Betty Live October
A dynamic night of live poetry and music
New Art Exchange
41 Gregory Boulevard
#39 Nottingham NG7 6BE
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16th Oct
Thick & Tight
Natural Behaviour
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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16th Oct
Lucian Freud
A Self Portrait - Exhibition on Screen
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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16th Oct
Finlay Christie
Champagne Casanova
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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16th Oct
Local
Drama
Nottingham Playhouse
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17th Oct
Batik Workshop
with Shamila Chady
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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17th Oct
THIRD KRE-8TION
KRE-8 Dance Studios
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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17th Oct
Nigel Havers
Talking B*ll*cks
Nottingham Playhouse
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17th Oct
Troy Hawke
Never Stop, Never Change!
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
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18th Oct
Queer Sundays
The Bed Trick
Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row, Nottingham
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18th Oct
How To Train Your Dragon 2
Film with Live Orchestra
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
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18th Oct - 1st Nov
October Half Term
a fun-packed time for the whole family
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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18th Oct
Carol Ann Lee
Matinees of Murders and Mysteries
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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19th Oct
Suzannah Lipscomb & Kate Williams
To Kill A Queen
Nottingham Playhouse
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20th Oct
Macbeth
RBO x Met Opera
Event Cinema
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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20th Oct
Wonderland
Welcome to the Wonderland Hat Shop!
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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20th Oct
Underneath the Lintel
Karuna productions
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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20th Oct
The Science of Dreams
SEED Talks
Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
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21st Oct
Hannah East
Express Yourself
Nottingham Playhouse
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21st Oct
Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
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22nd Oct
My Life with Kenneth Williams
David Benson
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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22nd Oct
Josh Pugh
Ha Ha, Yeah Sound
Nottingham Playhouse
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22nd Oct
Another Goodbye
Drama
Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
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23rd Oct
Paul Merton & Suki Webster
Improv Show
Nottingham Playhouse
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23rd Oct
Monster Mayhem!
Professor Edvard Von Goosechaser’s annual Comedy Lecture
Palace Theatre Newark
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23rd - 24th Oct
Cinderella
Northern Ballet
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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24th Oct
The Unfriend
Burton Joyce Players
Burotn Joyce Village Hall
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24th Oct
An Evening with Kellys Heroes
Music
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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24th Oct
GOBS Poetry Book Club
Mona Arshi's Small Hands
Nottingham Central Library
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24th Oct
The Comedy Store
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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24th Oct
I Was A Teenage Bisexual
by Polis Loizou
Nottingham Playhouse
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24th Oct
Michael Portillo
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
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25th Oct
Ignacio Lopez
Nada
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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25th Oct
Harry Enfield
And No Chums!
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
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26th Oct
Larry Dean
Hellbent
Nottingham Playhouse
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27th Oct
Manon
The Royal Ballet
Cinema Event
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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27th - 31st Oct
Titus Andronicus
by William Shakespeare
Lacce Market Theatre, Nottingham
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27th - 31st Oct
SWEENEY TODD
Beeston Musical Theatre Group
Duchess Theatre, Derbyshire, NG10 1EF
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28th Oct
Hocus Pocus Live Experience
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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28th Oct
Kevin Bloody Wilson
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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28th Oct
An Evening with Jack the Ripper
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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28th Oct
Open Space
Directors Workshop
Nottingham Playhouse
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28th Oct
That'll Be The Day
Palace Theatre Newark
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28th - 31st Oct
Chess The Musical
Nottingham Operatic Society
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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29th Oct
Messy Brain Craft Workshop
+ Prince Achmed
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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29th Oct
The Adventures of Prince Achmed
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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29th Oct
The Makings of a Murderer
The Undercover Detective
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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29th Oct
And Still I Rise
2Funky Arts
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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29th - 31st Oct
Once Upon a Time in Sokoto
by Inua Ellams
Nottingham Playhouse
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Deadline 30th Oct
Happiful Poetry Prize
eturns for 2027 with new judges and a prize for every entrant
Online
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30th Oct
Fertile Soil
Rebel Witch Productions
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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30th Oct
Batty!
Victoria Firth and Company
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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30th Oct
The Simon and Garfunkel Story
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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30th Oct
Arabs & Asians
Stand-up Comedy Show
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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30th Oct - 8th Nov
Nottingham Comedy Festival
The Nottingham Comedy Festival will return for our 18th year!
Various Venues
We are a ten day long comedy festival, bringing together a wide range of comedians from around the country for a time of fun and laughter. From brand new acts to top established names, there's something for everyone.
We pride ourselves on supporting all acts, including underrepresented voices such as women, BAME and LGBTQIA+ comedians.
Our goal is to bring all of this amazing talent that we love to our home town and share with as many people as possible.
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31st Oct
Nerina Pallot
Solo Tour + Support
Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham
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31st Oct
Stone Carving Workshop
with Alan Micklethwaite
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
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31st Sept
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
the Musical
Mansfield Palace Theatre
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31st Oct
The Lady in the Bay Window
Coalface Productions
Arts Theatre, Nottingham
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31st Oct
Nottingham Pagan Market
Sneinton Market Avenues, Nottingham
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Open to ALL writers, from those that have only just met us to exclusively online followers to frequent WEM event attendees. We want to hear what you think of our competitions, community projects, young writers’ groups, masterclasses, internship opportunities and free writer development schemes.
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