Review: An Audience with Sir Paul Smith at Nottingham Playhouse

Sir Paul Smith is one of the most famous names to come out of Nottingham since Robin Hood. Born in Beeston in 1946, he’s spread his wings across the world of fashion and retail ever since but clearly still holds a real affinity for his hometown. 

The night begins with Nottingham Playhouse Chief Executive Stephanie Sirr coming on stage to introduce herself and explain to us that the event was actually put together at (Sir) Paul’s suggestion. After hearing that Nottingham Playhouse might be struggling financially due to recent funding cuts, he offered to step in and see if he could help put some money back in their coffers. Clearly you can take the lad out of Nottingham, but…

And thus begins 90 minutes of Paul and his old friend, the journalist Richard Williams, regaling us with stories about his life, his time in the city and the ins and outs of one of the great fashion empires of the last 100 years. 

The Paul Smith company was founded in a 3 x 3 metre outlet on Byard Lane in 1970, after Paul served an initial internship at the Birdcage store on Bridlesmith Gate. From there he spread his wings in London and, later, crucially Japan. According to the man himself, there are now around 350 Paul Smith stores and outlets in Japan, as well as in 70-odd other countries. He regales us with stories about how he initially made friends and acquaintances out there in the Land of the Rising Sun, including how he’d carry a small train set in a briefcase, just to liven up dull business meetings. 

Adorably, he also talks at length about the love of his life Pauline. They both started the business together in the 1970s, although they didn’t actually marry until 2000. Funnily enough on the same day they tied the knot, he was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth. He also discusses his loves of cycling and photography, some of the weird things he receives through the post from fans. Finally he talks about his new challenge, the Paul Smith Foundation and the work he is doing to support emerging designers and artists. Overall you get a real sense of his journey, of how hard he’s worked and of the passion he still runs the business with to this day. 

Praise must also go to the other man on stage all night, the journalist Richard Williams. Also born and bred in Nottingham, he used to hang out with Paul back in the 1970s and it’s clear there is a rapport from the very beginning and that his presence puts his subject at ease throughout. Since those days Williams has interviewed the likes of Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, John Lennon, Bob Marley, writing for Melody Maker, The Guardian and many more – including a handful of music biographies too. Although the night belongs to Paul, he’d probably be quite fun to sit and listen to at an event like this himself too.

An Audience with Sir Paul Smith took place at Nottingham Playhouse on Tuesday 15 October 2024.