photo: Experience Nottingham
There are only a few Spiegeltents left in the world, we guess because watching Gogglebox in your trackies is more exciting than watching a hot woman in a corset throwing some shapes, but what are we to know? Anyhow, before that happens, let’s take in the glamour of the past and allow us to give you the lowdown…
The home of vaudeville, burlesque and a rip-roaring good time, and created originally in Belgium, Spiegel Zelts – or Spiegeltents – translated from the Dutch as, you guessed it, tent of mirrors, have been around since the beginning of the twentieth century. However, their big break came in the roaring twenties, as people looked for a distraction from the horror of the Great War and decided to let their hair down.
As their popularity grew, so did the amount of tents created – they were soon to be found all across Europe and America, giving vent to more basic desires. They became synonymous with the markers of early twentieth century decadence, people flocked to the tents to soak up the glitz, watch pant-wetting stunts as acrobats flew overhead, and dance until the small hours. These tents weren’t for the faint-of-heart, as things always got wild, people always got their crazy on, and Spiegeltent appearances were described as ‘always on a full moon’.
And oh, the drip glamour and debauchery. The exterior is like the best cake-walk from Gooseh, and the inside is full of stained glass, velvet and mirrors, like the fanciest ballroom. Think the wet dream of Baz Luhrmann and you’re pretty much there. The mirrors the tents were built around weren’t just pretty either, they were specifically designed so that punters could discreetly send flirty eyes over to the objects of their affections. Later, they would whisk them off to dance, or for a quick wander to the local park for a bit of fun.
Even Hollywood loved hanging out in them, with Marlene Dietrich known for performing under the velvet draped ceiling and Marilyn Monroe dropping in whenever one rolled through town. Imagine spying Marilyn in one of those mirrors, and then dancing until dawn as she decides to belt out a tune.
The glamour of those bygone days might be over now and Marlene has performed her last. For one week we can pretend that an evening down the pub isn’t the highlight of our social calendars and revel in the glitz and glamour of it all. So stick on some lippy, put on your best suit and let the Spiegeltent bring us some old-time charm.
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Hallouminati
Nottingham Spiegeltent Grand Opening
Hosted by I’m Not From London, Swing Gitan, MuHa and Hallouminati mash things up and get the party started. The bands have got a distinct Gypsy knees-up vibe. Perfect. Let’s go.
Wednesday 30 September, 7.30pm, free
The Joust of Legends
Get your medieval on and practice your jousting skills with the GameCity lot. Perfect preparation for the Sheriff's Gauntlet challenges later in the year, as part of the annual GameCity festival.
Wednesday 30 September – Sunday 4 October, 12pm, free
Strictly Age Friendly Dancing
Celebrate International Older People’s Day by watching a bit of samba, ballroom and belly dancing. There’s the chance to get stuck in yourself if you fancy it.
Thursday 1 October, 1.30pm, free
The Gilded Merkin
Glee Club plays host to some of the best burlesque and cabaret acts in the world, don’tchaknow. Variety-providers, The Gilded Merkin, are stepping out of their regular abode to deliver a big budget extravaganza! Grab tickets from their website cockle.
Thursday 1 October, 7pm, £12
Tales of the Fantastic
Round up the kiddywinks and treat them to a night that’ll stick in their bonces forever. Theatre and storytelling packed with magic, mirrors and universe. Cheers Nonsuch Theatre!
Thursday 1 October – Saturday 3 October, 10.30am and 11.30am, £5/£8/£20
The Bodega presents…
Local artists Joy Mumford, Bitter Strings, Ryan Farmer, Molly & Jack and Josh Kemp are taking over with everything from acoustic to country so you can either sit back or get yer dancing shoes on.
Friday 2 October, 7pm, free
Victorian Old Time Music Hall
Singalongs that’ll take you right back to the good owd days. Dead cheap, and it sounds like we’ve never seen owt like it. Get stuck in.
Friday 2 October, 2pm, £2.50
25-Hour Dance Marathon
Dance4 have been grafting away to create a dance show that chucks in every form under the sun. Dip your head in for free, but chuck ‘em a nugget towards new dancing digs with state-of-the-art facilities.
Saturday 3 October, 1.30pm, free
The Spiegeltent Comedy Spectacular
Wet your knickers with some of the best funnymen on the circuit. Andrew Stanley, Geofff Norcott, Charlie Baker, and Phil Nichol all included. See you there.
Saturday 3 October, 7pm, £16.25
Bamalamasingsong
Mass karaoke? Yes please. Local promoters I’m Not From London are sorting us out. Heroic air grabs and voice-loss are imminent. If you’ve not been to one yet, it’s the perfect start to a beautiful friendship.
Sunday 4 October, 7.30pm, £6
Nottingham Indie Fashion Fair
Get a look-in at some of the best clobber this city has seen. Last year’s event was a goer, this year looks like it’s gonna be even goerer. And with Stiff Kittens DJing all the way through, you can stand to get a little boogie on too.
Sunday 4 October, 1.30pm, free
Cocktails and Cabaret
Circus performers, fully stocked, Moulin Rouge-themed bar, and plenty of magical mirror antics. Have a wander down any evening this week and see the madness for yersen.
Wednesday 30 September – Sunday 4 October, 5pm – 6.30pm, free
The Nottingham Spiegeltent is in Market Square from Wednesday 30 September – Sunday 4 October.
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