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Hitchcock meets Lord of the Flies in this exciting comedy-thriller at the Nottingham Playhouse

Rotten is a comedy about the Instagram generation that is as dark as it is funny. Its creator, Josie White, speaks with Leftlion about terrible things and how she came to write them... 

Comedian and doctor Michael Akadiri talks fatherhood, politics and the Wollaton vida loca

As award-winning comedian Michael Akadiri brings his new show Trust Me, I'm a Daddy to the Canalhouse, he speaks to Leftlion about his journey this far... 

We chat to Jake Bugg about his inspirations, memories and what we can expect from his new album

From performing on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury aged 16 to releasing his fourth studio album, A Modern Day Distraction, this month, Nottingham-born singer-songwriter Jake Bugg has had a wild musical journey. Ahead of his new album being released this week, we sat down with the local hero to hear about the making of the record, supporting Liam Gallagher and battling Metallica at Glastonbury…

We catch up with Lace Thief ahead of her Rough Trade show

Laura Dickinson is the name behind indie-folk project Lace Thief. We spoke with her as she prepared to celebrate the launch of her new single with a show at Rough Trade Nottingham where there will be support from Peter Hall and Cracked Hands, and appearances from artist Gemma Vincent and DJ Jay Sandhu... 

We speak with Pale Waves about influences and their mature new album, Smitten

With their fourth album Smitten released on 27th September, Pale Waves are continuing to make big waves of their own. Ahead of the release, we caught up with drummer Ciára Doran to hear about the band’s influences, creativity and experiences…

Comedian Pierre Novellie talks about autism, the Isle of Man and his dislike of mouth noises

Acclaimed comedian, Pierre Novellie, returns to Nottingham for a gig at the Canalhouse. Leftlion caught up with Pierre recently to find out more about his recent autism diagnosis and his new act. 

We chat with DECO about their debut album and the joy of touring

Formed in 2011, with roots in the Midlands and beyond, there’s a lot to unpack with 80s-influenced band Deco – and they've only just released their debut album. With two Nottingham shows imminent, lead singer Max Kendall found time to sit down with LeftLion to talk about the new record, as well as the band’s headline tour, and everything in between…

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #4: Daudi Matsiko on Music, Songwriting, Depression and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves

The latest episode from our 'Live at the Library' podcast features British-Ugandan singer-songwriter Daudi Matsiko...

Actor and Comedian Colin Hoult on ADHD, Mapperley Hospital and Being a Vampire

He's worked with vampires, ghosts and Ricky Gervais. Now Colin Hoult is bringing his new comedy show to Nottingham and reveals to us how it all began, as a child, in the shadows of Mapperley...

We talk to Boston Manor about chart success and Nottingham memories

Experienced Blackpool-based rockers Boston Manor have recently released their fifth album, but success still brings them joy and surprise. We spoke with vocalist Henry Cox as the band waited for news of Sundiver's chart position, and prepared to lift the roof off Rock City...

In photos: Venus Grrrls at The Bodega with Retina and Penny Moon

Brews, hairdos and tunes: Trekkah Benjamin reflects on the 10th anniversary of Phlexx Records

Currently celebrating its 10th birthday, Phlexx Records has made its name as one of Notts’ most successful labels, since its founding in 2013 by local names Trekkah Benjamin and Bru-C. With the recent set-up of their new record store, adjoining coffee shop, and barber shop on Weekday Cross, we caught up with Trekkah to reminisce on the history of Phlexx and their ambitions to move ever up and onwards.

Comedy and conspiracies: we chatted to Dom Joly about his upcoming show at Nottingham Playhouse

Can Dom Joly save Nottingham from the conspiracy theorists? He chats with LeftLion about his struggle with extreme believers, his new book and his globe-trotting adventures. 

Book Review: Mark Vanner's 'The Bone That Swallowed A Man'

Modern tech is able to represent real life with increasing detail - but it doesn't get to the heart of the truth like surreal poetry can.

Interview: Ed Byrne

Ed is coming to Newark with a show that's hilarious while tackling a very sensitive subject. He exclusively shares with us how Tragedy Plus Time came to be ...

Interview: Comedian Mark Thomas

Cathy Symes interviews Mark Thomas, the left-wing political comedian and protestor about his new stand-up show Gaffa Tapes which is coming to the Nottingham Lakeside on Friday 25 October...

In photos: Launch day at The Grove

Nottingham has always been renowned for its live music scene. That scene has become even brighter with the opening of brand new venue The Grove, in Sneinton Market. We were there to document the opening day, which featured music from seven of our city's most exciting up and coming bands...

Food review: Cafe Roya vegetarian restaurant beeston

On a beautiful summer’s day in July we took a jaunt to Beeston to visit vegetarian restaurant Cafe Roya, which brought fresh, healthy holiday vibes and warm service.

Theatre Review: Veronica's Room

A taut psychological thriller with a dark twist...

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #3: Emily Catherine on Hip-Hop, Fine art, Album Covers, Graffiti and Her New Exhibition

Welcome to the third episode of our ‘LeftLion Interviews’ podcast. Our guest is the incredibly talented artist and illustrator Emily Catherine...

History, style and roses: we visited The Bath Inn in Sneinton Market

Among Nottingham’s huge array of historical pubs, The Bath Inn, near the LeftLion offices in Sneinton Market, is one of our favourites, distinctive for its quasi-Egyptian decor, beautiful flower arrangements and the rich sense of history that hits you from the first step you take through the door. We visited for a chat with the Nottingham-born landlord Piers Baker, previously a rose grower by trade, to find out how the 19th century bar became the unique spot that it is today. 

We chat to Hollow Stone about new music, and keeping it real

Hollow Stone sport a diverse and unique style, with authenticity and a love of music always being placed at the forefront of their work. We caught up with lead singer James Doherty ahead of the band's album launch show at The Angel on 17th August, to hear about the album and the development of Hollow Stone's eclectic indie sound...

The ultimate guide to Gloworm Festival as Vicky McClure revealed as special guest

Gloworm is a dedicated family festival that delivers entertainment for both children and their adults, with a jam-packed weekend schedule of activities, performances, live music, and interactive experiences. We give you the lowdown on what's in store for 2024.

Join Us For A LeftLion Live Interview at Nottingham Central Library with Artist Emily Catherine

Next up in our series of LeftLion Interviews at Nottingham Central Library is the hip-hop inspired illustrator Emily Catherine on Friday 2 August at 7pm…

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #2: The Petebox on Beatboxing, Youtube Fame, Two Decades of Touring and ITV's The Voice

Welcome to the second episode of the ‘LeftLion Interviews’ podcast. Our guest is the amazing musician and beatboxer The Petebox...