Whether your idea of a good time is brushing up on your Orwell and Christie in the theatre, or enjoying live music and a drink in the sun, there's plenty going on in Nottingham for you this week...
SOFY
When: Tuesday 1 April
Where: The Bodega
How Much: £13.75
Leicester-raised artist SOFY kicks off the month with an intimate show at Bodega, set to be an exciting showcase of her hip-hop and indie tinged mixtape Another Day in Paradise. Since becoming runner-up in BBC Radio 1’s national talent search, she’s become one of the country’s most talked about artists and counts Arlo Parks and Sam Fender among her fans. Check out the show and you might just be able to say, in 1-2 years, “I saw her before she blew up”.
Murder on the Orient Express
When: Tues 1 April - Sat 5 April
Where: Theatre Royal
How Much: From £17
It’s Winter, 1934. The Orient Express has stopped dead in its tracks and a killer lurks onboard. With a train full of suspects and nowhere to escape, it’s left to world-famous detective Hercule Poirot (portrayed by Michael Maloney) to crack the case wide open before the killer can strike again. Following her success directing Witness For The Prosecution on the West End, Lucy Bailey brings to life yet another Agatha Christie classic, with its twists and turns in tow, at Theatre Royal this week and promises to keep audiences immersed to the end of the line.
Animal Farm
When: Wed 2 April - Sat 12 April
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How Much: From £14
Marking the 80th anniversary of George Orwell’s legendary political fable, the Nottingham Playhouse is hosting a fresh new interpretation of the story, adapted by Tatty Henessy and led by director Amy Leach. The team reinvent the tale of exploited animals rebelling against a farmer, and dealing with the fallout, through immersive staging, top notch acting and explorations of decaying idealism and greed’s allure. Don’t miss this if you’re a fan of the Playhouse’s ever astronomical standard of theatre-making.
Megson
When: Fri 4 April
Where: Metronome
How Much: £5-20
Megson are a folk duo comprised of husband and wife duo Debs Hanna (vocals, whistle, piano, accordion) and Stu Hanna (guitar, mandola, banjo). They’ve released a whopping thirteen studio albums over their twenty-year musical career and have been described as “the most original duo on the British folk scene” by The Guardian. Four times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and double winners of the Spiral Earth Awards, this is your chance to see them in Notts.
Castle Beer Fest
When: Fri 4 - Sat 5 April
Where: Nottingham Castle
How Much: £11
Hopefully coinciding with some warm Springtime weather, Nottingham Castle have announced a fun new festival in their grounds, featuring street food, live music, a selection of local ciders and 100+ beers from over ten local breweries. Intended as a celebration of the thriving independent brewing scene in Notts, and taking place in-and-around the Castle’s bandstand, this will be a great outing if you’re someone looking forward to the simple joys of beer and good food, as more-such summer festivals approach on the horizon.
Paul Smith
When: Fri 4 April
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How Much: £35.52
Due to popular demand, Paul Smith’s 2025 UK tour, Pablo, arrives in Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena this Friday. Crowned Liverpool’s New Comedian of the Year, Paul Smith brings with him hilarious stories from his everyday life, as well as trademark audience interaction that is sure to get the crowd involved so take a front row seat with caution! This evening promises side-splitting laugh out loud comedy from start to finish, and is certainly one to watch.
Nottingham Forest vs Loughborough Lightning
When: Sat 5 April
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How Much: From £12
Nottingham Forest Netball are warming up to take on Loughborough Lightning this Saturday at Motorpoint Arena. This 2025 season of the Netball Super League marks the team’s debut in the league under Head Coach Chealsea Pitman, a landmark moment in the team's history. The team will come face to face with reigning champions Loughborough Lightning who, having won the league three times since 2021, are not to be underestimated. With Nottingham Forest hot on their heels this season, this home match is not one to miss.
Don't forget to head to our What's On page to see a full list of events!
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