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LeftLion's Latest Listens #42: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2026, our music team reviews new releases from Leah Wilcox, Eyre Llew and Origin One & Snowy... 

Gig review: Seas of Mirth at Rough Trade

Seas of Mirth returned to Nottingham on a tide of hilarity and art, bringing jellyfish, tug-of-war and quirky musicianship to the Rough Trade floor. Here's what went down...

Theatre review: Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal

Why go to London’s West End when London’s West End can come to you? Cameron Mackintosh’s Miss Saigon did just that when his spectacular production opened last night at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal...

Locating Lawrence: March 1926

Capri in 1926 was decadent, cosmopolitan, and bohemian, providing refuge for writers and intellectuals from the ugliness of modernity...

Gig review: Holly Humberstone at The Level

A year-and-a-half ago, Holly Humberstone showcased her new album at an intimate, acoustic ‘hometown’ performance at The Level. On Saturday, the Grantham-born and Nottingham-anchored star returned to the same venue with a formidable array of new experiences now on her CV and with her third album close on the horizon...

Nottingham Climate Assembly Opens Applications for Paid Participants

Six years in the making, Nottingham’s first citywide Citizens’ Assembly is almost here - you could be one of the people paid to take part and shape the city’s environmental future.

Gig review: Nova Twins at Rock City

Supported by the excellent genre-mashing talents of Precious Pepala and the histrionic, witchy goth-grunge power of Venus Grrrls, Nova Twins visit to Nottingham sat atop a bill that brilliantly demonstrates the ever-flourishing female talent in rock today. It’s a vanguard they are very much at the forefront of as they support their latest album Parasites & Butterflies. Expansive tours and devoted fans are the reward for the sheer hard work and creativity in pushing the punk aesthetic and sound forward into the modern landscape...

Gig review: Connexion Man at The Grove, with flöat and Andrew Tucker Leavis

The Grove has hosted a steady run of single, EP and album launches over the past year and a half, and this time it was Connexion Man stepping up to mark the release of their debut record A Forest and a Town...

Theatre review: Nine Sixteenths at Nottingham Playhouse

The story and epic fallout of Janet Jackson’s 2004 Super Bowl is creatively re-examined through the lens of a real-life, queer black girl coming of age tale in this authentic, eye-opening and funny four-woman show.

Musicals, indie markets, creative workshops and animated musical legends... Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 23 - 29 March

Creativity abounds this week in Nottingham! Check out classic West End musicals, mix with other creative folks, check out the handcrafted wares of local artists, or see animated musical legends Gorillaz live. Here's our top picks...

A one way ticket to nostalgia: visiting Alfreton's 80s Video Shop

Right on the border between Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire sits the 80s Video Shop – a one-way ticket to the age of neon, fuelled by original Big Box Rental VHS Tapes. Owners Chris Annable and Rob Lane talk to us about the story behind this tucked away portal to another time… 

Theatre Review: Punch at Nottingham Playhouse

Punch premiered at the Nottingham Playhouse in 2024 and went onto international acclaim. A true story that shocks yet inspires. Now, by popular demand, it has come home. With a whole new cast, how is it bearing up?  

Theatre Interview: Rosalie Minnit, star of Clementine, appearing at Nottingham Playhouse in April

Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find The One. But love is never easy and Clementine promises a show that is both funny and thought provoking. Rosalie Minnit, actress and writer behind the show, shares her insights with Leftlion...  

In photos: Pentire at Rescue Rooms, with Eighty Eight Miles and Kayla Grace

Theatre Review: RSC Hamlet at Theatre Royal

All hands on deck for a flawless nautical take on Hamlet...

Film review: Palestine 36

1936. Tensions are rising across Mandatory Palestine, as the grip of British colonial forces tightens. Rising unemployment, heavy Jewish immigration, and an infectious sense of frustration trigger a national general strike and acts of violence that change a nation.

Northern Ballet presents Gentleman Jack; the extraordinary story of Anne Lister

This year, the world premiere of Northern Ballet’s new full-length ballet Gentleman Jack, is set to captivate audiences as part of a nationwide tour, with performances at Nottingham's Theatre Royal from 13-16 May...

Gig review: Artio at Rough Trade

Hailing from Leeds, with their fiercely unique, self produced, DIY ethos Artio are a band perfectly suited to be playing Rough Trade for the intimate opening show of their tour. Fresh off the back of the release of their new album Soul Rot, an ode to creative burnout, identity, and the emotional toll of simply having to exist, especially to a baying algorithm, the band brought out many a new and dedicated fan alike, setting off the evening with an even more intimate meet and greet before taking to the stage...

Classical Concert Review: The Hallé Orchestra at the Royal Concert Hall with Denis Kozhukhin

The Hallé Orchestra returns to Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall with an astonishing performance by pianist Denis Kozhukhin...

St. Paddy's Day and... unemployed donkeys? Here's what's on this week in Nottingham, 16 - 22 March

Each week in Notts is different, but during the coming week there's set to be a particularly high amount of events that set themselves aside from the norm... here's what's going on... 

Gig review: Widow's Rock n Rollium with Hystamine and You Want Fox at Billy Bootleggers for International Women's Day 2026 Nottingham

On International Women’s Day Billy Bootleggers played host to the Widow’s Rock n Rollium - a spicy night of cabaret, burlesque, bands and fierce femme energy, featuring bands You Want Fox and Hystamine. We went down to check it out…

LeftLion's Latest Listens #41: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Willow Bay, Drivelheads, LOCAL LOSER and Firmament...

Gig review: The Vaccines at Rock City

English indie rock band The Vaccines triumphantly returned to Rock City to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of their debut album. They delivered a legendary performance to an electrified crowd, creating a striking and memorable night for the masses...

Theatre Review: The Woman in Black at Theatre Royal

It delivers more genuine fear than most big-budget horrors...

Gig review: Only Notts at The Palais

“Turn pain into purpose” are the words of Only Notts director Reece Walker to summarise his mission through the cause. After a close and tragic loss, Reece and his friends found comfort in creativity. This has snowballed into a successful mission to raise awareness for men’s mental health and the power of music, all while encouraging the community to engage in the arts in some form or the other...