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The (Almost) Complete History of Britain

Interview: Alexis Gregory in Smoke, a queer thriller at Nottingham Playhouse

Smoke is a new play from acclaimed queer theatre-maker Alexis Gregory coming to Nottingham this month. As well as a hard-hitting, savage, comic-thriller, a panel follows the play, hosted by You Are Loved and exploring issues from the play. LeftLion speaks to Alexis about social media, drugs, homophobia and much more...    

Comedy Review: Danny Bhoy at the Nottingham Playhouse

A veteran comic’s vibrant victory lap at the Nottingham Playhouse has the audience smiling...

How Dale Harvey's 'Great British Pub Crawl' became a social media sensation

Dale Harvey is a man on a mission to champion and save British Pubs. A former publican, in March 2022 he, alongside his partner Holly Booth, set themselves the challenge to visit every pub in Notts. A year or two later, having completed this, they expanded to covering all the pubs in England, Scotland and Wales too. Thus the social media sensation The Great British Pub Crawl was born. Four years, 9500+ beers and over 300k social media followers later ‘Professional Drinker’ Dale is fast closing in on visiting his 10,000th pub…

Theatre Review: Barnum at the Nottingham Playhouse

Roll up, roll up! Barnum brings big top joy to Nottingham Playhouse...

Theatre Review: Scenes from a Friendship at Nottingham Playhouse

Time-hop through nineties teendom into adulthood with the latest gem from Nottingham playwright, Jane Upton. A messy trip down memory lane to make us laugh, cry and celebrate the friendships that shape us...

Comedy, music festivals and local talent: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham 18 -24 May

 This week in Notts! Enjoy local theatre performances and live comedy, or head to Dot to Dot music festival and dance the night away in various venues across Nottingham. Here's our top picks...

Binks Yard Film Club - The Greatest Showman

Theatre Review: Small Island at Nottingham Playhouse

A play that focuses on the harsh realities of postwar Britain for the Windrush generation and examines the consequences of empire...

14 great music festivals in and around Nottingham for 2026

You can feel it starting... The evenings are lighter and the first warm weekends spark everybody into optimism, and suddenly someone shares a line-up in a group chat and writes, ‘We have to go!’

Across Nottinghamshire and the wider east midlands, 2026 is shaping up to be another packed one. Big-name headliners, grassroots weekends, city takeovers and quieter escapes all sit side-by-side. If you want to start planning your festival season soon, here are some suggestions. 

Book Review: The History Boys Part II by David Marples

Gareth Watts takes a leaf through a new book by Dave Marples' new book about more great goals seen at the World Famous City Ground...

Small Island: Nottingham Playhouse

Comedy Review: Russell Kane in Chuckl Comedy at Nottingham Playhouse

Russell Kane headlines a night of comedy at Nottingham Playhouse, under the Chuckl comedy banner.  And he has got Gen Z and the world of toxic masculinity in his sights...

Interview: BalletBoyz directors Michael Nunn and Billy Trevitt at Nottingham Playhouse

After 25 years of pushing boundaries, BalletBoyz return to Nottingham with a radical new show celebrating their silver anniversary. Artistic Directors Michael Nunn and Billy Trevitt talk to Leftlion about the story so far...  

Five worthwhile bottomless brunches in Nottingham (with a twist)

There is only one social occasion where it’s acceptable to be double-parked with margaritas before midday, and the best part is it sometimes comes with pancakes. Bottomless brunch has become a go-to activity for catch-ups with friends, thanks to the promise of unlimited cocktails without sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Nottingham has dozens of bottomless brunch experiences but these five independents all have something unique to offer, from drag queen bingo to table-side magic and even a sober option for foodies

Theatre review: Nine Sixteenths at Nottingham Playhouse

The story and epic fallout of Janet Jackson’s 2004 Super Bowl is creatively re-examined through the lens of a real-life, queer black girl coming of age tale in this authentic, eye-opening and funny four-woman show.

DJ Yoda - The History of Hip Hop AV Set

Theatre Review: Punch at Nottingham Playhouse

Punch premiered at the Nottingham Playhouse in 2024 and went onto international acclaim. A true story that shocks yet inspires. Now, by popular demand, it has come home. With a whole new cast, how is it bearing up?  

Theatre Interview: Rosalie Minnit, star of Clementine, appearing at Nottingham Playhouse in April

Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find The One. But love is never easy and Clementine promises a show that is both funny and thought provoking. Rosalie Minnit, actress and writer behind the show, shares her insights with Leftlion...  

Punch: Nottingham Playhouse

Notts folk rockers Connexion Man talk songwriting and shared history

Connexion Man are a relatively fresh name on the Nottingham circuit, but their roots in the city still run deep. Built on long standing friendships, shared history and a renewed love for their home’s music community, the group are reconnecting with the scene that first shaped them. Ahead of a debut record and gig at The Grove, the band talk about returning to Notts and their evolving sound. 

Theatre Review: Fixing at Nottingham Playhouse

Repairing a 1952 Sunbeam Talbot Mark II becomes a metaphor for growing up, self care and finding your identity...  

Theatre Review: Matt Parker – Getting Triggy With It at the Nottingham Playhouse

Matt Parker is a best-selling author and stand-up performer, who has built a reputation for being a wizz at mathes.  As part of his mission to bring maths to the masses, he has just been in town. Leftlion crunches the numbers... 

Theatre Review: The King Stone at Nottingham Playhouse

A brand new play channels the mystical energy of the Nine Ladies, Derbyshire's stone circle. But what can ancient monuments and the spinning cosmos say about relationships down here on earth... 

Theatre Review: The Beekeeper of Aleppo

Following its world premiere at The Nottingham Playhouse in 2023, The Beekeeper of Aleppo makes a welcome return to its theatre of origin. But can the new production live up to its early acclaim....