This week is one for the books, including Splendour Festival celebrating their final weekend, Beyond Monet & Beyond Van Gogh, a convention for hit sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf, and events for theatre, music and ballet fans alike.
When: Monday 13 July - Sat 18 July
Where: Theatre Royal and Concert Hall
How Much: From £26.50
This is an internationally acclaimed musical undergoing a European tour which lasts until October. It’s about a secret service agent turned bodyguard who is hired to protect a famous singer from a stalker, leading to a romance. Celebrated actor Sidonie Smith, who has played leading roles in Chicago and West Side Story, and Adam Garcia, who was the lead in the 1998 theatre production of Saturday Night Fever, both star in this show. It’s going to be some really high calibre theatre – we’d very much recommend you check it out, and immerse yourself in this well loved, enjoyably cinematic story.
Bastille Day Dinner & Live Music
When: Tuesday 14 July
Where: French Living
How Much: £44
Celebrating France's national day the authentic way, French Living are inviting you to rendez-vouz in their downstairs cellar, transporting you to France, for an evening of French music and gypsy jazz guitar to pair nicely with the Chef's grillades. The day marks the storming of Bastille in 1789 which catalysed the French Revolution; it is a celebration of unity and independence. In sharing that unity, the venues seating provides large tables to share in true spirit of the day.
When: Wednesday 15 July
Where: The Grove
How Much: From £9.90
Sophie Eliana is a folk musician based in Denver Colorado. This month, she’s coming to Sneinton Market music hideaway The Grove, as part of her Planting Seeds tour. She’s an interesting and talented performer, with a background of studying farming in Maine, and experience playing many shows across different countries including Iceland and Spain. Support comes from two east midlands folk artists: Katie Keddie and Eva Cave. At LeftLion we continue to be big fans of The Grove, which is a very important hub for local grassroots music. Presales are important for independent gigs like this, so if you fancy attending this one make sure to buy a ticket early.
When: Friday 17 July - Sat 18 July
Where: Theatre Royal and Concert Hall
How Much: From £21
The English Youth Ballet present a new adaptation of Swan Lake, marking their 28th year of performing some spectacular shows across Europe. Swan Lake is the most performed ballet in the world – it’s set in Imperial Russia, and follows a mystical love story. The English Youth Ballet is a company very worth seeing if you get the opportunity – this production will feature one hundred dancers aged between eight and eighteen, all of whom are from in and around the Nottingham area. Chances to see ballet in this form don’t come along very often, so check it out if you can.
The Official Red Dwarf Convention
When: Saturday 18 July - Sun 19 July
Where: The Level
How Much: From £40
This is a big celebration of the famous sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf, which ran from 1988 to 1999, and later was revived for a run that lasted until 2020. It should be a great experience if you’re a fan of the show, as there’ll be cast members participating like Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Chris Barrie, and loads of others, with panels, behind the scenes stories, interactive experiences, photo opportunities, and exclusive merchandise all scheduled to be there. There are bronze, silver, and gold passes available, which offer different benefits and opportunities to meet more cast members.
When: Saturday 18 July - Sun 19 July
Where: Wollaton Park
How Much: From £60
Yep, the summer festival season has officially started. Wollaton Park’s Splendour Festival is back for one last run and featuring a vibrant lineup of both internationally acclaimed and loved local artists. Ending its 18-year run with a bang, the headliners this year include indie rock legends like The Wombats, Snow Patrol, and Primal Scream, RnB royalty Craig David, indie act Hard Life, and many others. Local heroes Divorce and ALT BLK ERA will be there, plus the two winners of the recent Future Sound of Nottingham competition – jazz rap artist Omari Marsalis and grime collective Two2’s (read our recent interview with both acts here). Obviously, this barely scratches the surface of what’s scheduled – a memorable experience is guaranteed.
Beyond Monet & Beyond Van Gogh
When: Sunday 19 July - Sun 9 August
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How Much: Average price of £30 (Under 3's go free)
Two immersive art shows celebrating two of history’s most legendary painters are at the Motorpoint Arena this month. Well known paintings from Claude Monet and Van Gogh will be shown via 3D technology and specially curated soundtracks – there’ll be a space inspired by Monet’s famous gardens at Giverny, a Van Gogh inspired ‘sunflower alley’, and plenty more memorable installations to walk through. There will also be yoga sessions amongst the installations, which are selling out fast. We’re lucky to experience this here in Notts, as the event only received its world premiere in Liverpool last summer, before touring in select UK cities that year.
Make sure to have a look at our LeftLion events listings, and sister website notts.com, for more things to do in the coming week.
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