8 Things to Do In Nottingham This Week

Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition

We don’t half love it when a big shot comes to Notts. And they don’t really come much bigger – in the art world, at least – than Leonardo da Vinci himself. The early-Renaissance Italian genius had his fingers in all the pies, with an interest in everything from invention to botany, astronomy to anatomy. Not only that, but he’s the artist behind some of the world’s most famous works, including The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. There ain’t nothing this bloke couldn’t do. This month, Nottingham Castle is gonna be home to ten of the main man’s finest drawings from his Royal Collection. There’ll be a little slice of everything in there as he loved to use a whole range of media: pen and ink, red and black chalk, watercolour and metal point, so there’ll be a little something for everyone to get ogling. Whether you’re right into your art or have been under the impression we’ve been banging on about the Titanic actor, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. The exhibition will run until October, so you’ve got plenty of time to get yersen up there.
Runs until Sunday 9 October, 10am - 5pm, Nottingham Castle admission applies.

Chicago: The Musical

Alright, now we’re talking. The prohibition era was a bit of a messy time in America, and one story that came out of it has become an international award-winning Broadway and West End musical. You guessed it – Nottingham is about to get bombarded with the good stuff. The story, based on true events, tells of nightclub singer Roxie Hart shooting her lover alongside cell block rival Velma Kelly, and a battle ensues to keep off death row. But you already know all that. The cast is made up of Eastenders’ Jessie Wallace, John Partridge, Billy Flynn and Coro’s Hayley Tamaddon. Prepare for "Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery… all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts".
Monday 15 August - Saturday 20 August, £15 - £39.50, Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

Pond Dipping

Right. Sun’s out, fun’s out. Better get stuck in to all this nature business while we still can, han’t we? Get down to Vernon Park and experience #pondlife in all its glory, with a guide to give you all the information you need. If you’ve never been pond dipping before, you’re in for a right treat. Get your net, a tray and some spoons so you can get a proper look-in at all the water-based critters – you could even record your findings with a camera or illustrations and send us the results. If you don’t have a net, you can make one out of an old coat hanger, a pair of tights, and some imagination. Everyone’s meeting by the fishing lake at 1pm, welcoming little kids and big kids alike.
Wednesday 17 August, 1pm, free, Vernon Park

Uncensored! presents An Audience with Rat Scabies

Punk in Nottingham really is summat. With our rebellious history, we’re as good as  any when it comes to baring our teeth. Punk rock radio show Uncensored! Know a thing or two about it n’all, having been about in the city for forty years. Join them in celebrating their ruby anniversary at Rough Trade, where there’ll be plenty to stuff in your bonce. Christopher John Millar AKA Rat Scabies is coming to chat about being part of The Damned, and his life as a legend in general. It’s a seated talk, but there’ll be plenty of chance to grab yourself a drink and reminisce with all the punk heads before and after for sure.
Thursday 18 August, 6.30pm, £11.74, Rough Trade

Death Do Us Part Danger Show

Sword-swallowing. Whip-cracking. Knife-throwing. Whether that sounds like summat to proper get the blood pumping or just your average Monday evening, you’ll be sorry if you don’t get down to the Sal on Thursday to catch some of the most daring and dangerous cabaret acts Notts has ever seen. The most dangerous husband and wife duo, Charlie and Rachel Atlas will be doing all they can to keep ‘emsens alive as they attempt some of the most dangerous stunts known to man. Australian Madeline Glasseater is one of the best Sideshow Showgirl’s in the biz, and alongside Jacqueline Fury, will be treating you all to some of the bet burlesque you’ll see this side of the Moulin Rouge. Crackin’. It’s bound to be a night for the books, so think ahead and book online for a two bob discount.
Thursday 18 August, 7.30pm, £6/£8, The Salutation Inn 

Outdoor Theatre: A Midsummer's Night's Dream 

“Look, what fools these mortals be!” Is what we’ll be yellin’ at yer if you don’t manage to get over to Newstead Abbey to catch some of the best theatre the city has to offer this week. That’s right, it’s time to pack up the cool box with the best ham and pickle sarnies you can muster, make sure the picnic blanket and camp chairs are packed in the boot, and take a couple of brollies just in case. This week, the mischievous Puck, donkey headed Bottom and Titania the fairy queen are descending on Newstead Abbey to bring one of the most magical of William Shakespeare’s plays to life. It’s a proper romantic one an’ all, so take the mr or mrs with a bottle of prosecco and do date night good and proper.
Friday 19 August, 7pm, £10/£14, Newstead Abbey

Phlexx Records and Friends

We love it when a bunch of our fave Notts heads come together to make summat special. A shining example of this is the bunch that made “It’s a Phlexx tiiiiing” a thing. This week, they’re holing up at the ‘Tempreh once again, and plan to bring you some of the freshest names in Notts music, before hitting you square in the jaw with their own Phlexx DJs. Daisy Godfrey is the latest name on the scene, and while you may have caught her busking it up on the streets of Hoodtown, her soulful voice with take you to all sorts of places on stage. Listen to the latest offerings from Benjamin Zięć, and have a goose at some live art from the likes of Sarah Cunningham and Céline Siani Dijakoura. We reckon it’s gonna be a big one.
Saturday 20 August, 8pm, free, Nottingham Contemporary

Gloworm Festival 

Taking the kids to a festival can be tricky. What with all the wide-eyed youths pouring crystals of summat or other down their necks and gurning right in two-year-old Timmy’s face. Oh, to be young again. Well, lucky for you, Gloworm Festival is a weekend festival designed and created specifically for those of you with mini-me’s running about. There’s summat for kids of all ages, and all the workshops, rides and activities you’ll find inside the festival walls – apart from food and drink stalls – are absolutely free. Music to your ears, right? Plus you can introduce the kids to some class local music from the likes of 94 Gunships, Unknown Era and the not-so-local but ever-so mighty Top Loader. Oh, and Dick and Dom are doing a DJ set. But hey, you win some, you lose some.
Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 August, adults £25, children aged 3-16 £10, under 3’s go free, Clumber Park 

For the full motherload of everything else going on this week check out our comprehensive Nottingham events listings.

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