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Film Review: Final Destination: Bloodlines

Join us as we review Final Destination: Bloodlines. Will it make you watch your step next time you cross the road? Absolutely...

Stories, stages, and sharp needles: here's what's on events this week in Nottingham 19 - 26 May 2025

This week in Notts, dance meets discourse, literature leads the way, and the tattoo machines are buzzing...

We catch up with three city centre restaurants ahead of Nottingham Restaurant Week in June

Nottingham Restaurant Week is set to take place across the city from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 June. Organised by It’s in Nottingham, it’s a chance for you to access exclusive discounts and try out some new flavours from the city’s vibrant food scene. To mark the occasion, we caught up with representatives of three popular dining spots involved: Antonio Oriente from Pizzamisu, Amita Sawhney from MemSaab and Terry Hayfield from Fellows, Morton & Clayton.

Gig review: Hachiku at The Grove, with Lucy Crisp and Emzae

Following its win at the Duckies last week, we headed to The Grove to catch two local artists - and one from very far away…

Theatre review: A Thousand Splendid Suns at Nottingham Playhouse

Stage reviewer Beverley Makin went along to see literary adaptation A Thousand Splendid Suns at Nottingham Playhouse, a moving adaptation by Ursula Rani Sarma in conjuction with Birmingham Rep and Leeds Playhouse.

Comedian Matt Forde talks Notts, politics, podcasts and Forest, ahead of his upcoming Nottingham Playhouse gig

Nottingham’s own Matt Forde is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, writer, impressionist and more. He’s perhaps best known for his podcast The Political Party, where he interviews politicians. However, he’s also a regular on radio, TV and even voiced Donald Trump in the reboot of Spitting Image.

Collective Creations: we heard about the 1525 Collective at Nottingham Contemporary

Nottingham Contemporary is home to the 1525 Collective, a youth programme for Nottingham’s young creatives and has welcomed members such as local MP Nadia Whittome. From networking, to skill-building, workshops and projects, the collective extends a helping hand to the city’s creative youths. 

Gig review: Moonlit at Rough Trade

Recent winners (for good reason!) of the Ultimate Battle of the Bands, Moonlit, headlined Rough Trade Nottingham alongside fellow NTU artists Skunk and Emily Sanders…

Gig review: The Waterboys at Rock City

To celebrate the release of Life, Death and Dennis Hopper - a concept album celebrating the film pioneer the project is named after - The Waterboys have embarked on an impressive 32-date tour across the UK. Naturally, LeftLion couldn’t miss their visit to Nottingham...

Gig review: The Amazons at Rough Trade

The sun is out, the weather is warm, and Nottingham's Rough Trade is buzzing with energy as the dance floor fills with eager gig-goers, all gathering to see The Amazons. Now two days into their in-store Rough Trade tour, the rock band, known for their anthemic sound and blistering live performances, continue to draw crowds with ease... 

Theatre review: Detention at Nottingham Playhouse

The final instalment in Gary Clarke’s masterpiece trilogy of dance theatre, Detention takes us through the shameful history of Section 28, reliving how life was like for the queer community. Capturing their fear, determination and drive that led to breakthroughs in LGBTQ+ rights as we know them today - and a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go.

Art exhibitions, community events and legendary gigs: here's what's on events this week in Nottingham 12 - 19 May 2025

This week in Notts, explore our material world, take One Step At A Time for community, or listen to some big tunes shaking the Arena... 

We review Kinoteka, the Polish Film Festival

Join us for a deep dive into two of the films at this year's Kinoteka Film Festival...

Film Review: The Accountant

Join us as we review the Accountant 2. It's got action, twists and turns, and comedy - did it pack in just a little too much? 

Theatre review: War Horse at the Royal Concert Hall

The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse, directed by Tom Morris with revival director Katy Henry, opened in Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall this week, bringing to life the classic story by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford, with unique artistry and dynamism.

War Horse: an interview with actor Damian Lynch

Damian Lynch is a British actor and voiceover artist, currently starring in War Horse at the Royal Concert Hall. Emma Hornsby spoke to Damian to get a glimpse behind the scenes of this momentous and memorable theatre production.

Gig review: Richard Dawson at Metronome

For a man with a bizarre and enigmatic back catalogue, Newcastle’s folk troubadour Richard Dawson possesses a rare gift: to create songs that revel in the mundane while also providing an elemental musical base that allows his tales to flourish. At Nottingham's Metronome, Dawson, with his leg encased in a surgical boot, was able to put on a show packed with a gamut of emotions; a night of opinion polls, cheese pasties, ghost stories and a ruptured Achilles tendon made for an evening which will go down as one of the most bizarre in a long time...

Gig review: Kid Spirit at Mist Rolling Inn

Alt-rock four-piece KID SPIRIT are carving their own path in Nottingham, and Mist Rolling Inn provided the perfect venue to showcase their talents...

Gig review: Soda Blonde at The Bodega

A 'Touch' of Frost - we speak to jungle legend Jumpin Jack Frost about his collaborations with Nottingham musicians and promoters

Widely known as the Godfather of jungle and drum n bass, Jumpin Jack Frost talks to us about his upcoming collaboration with a dynamic collective of Nottingham musicians and promoters.

Gig review: Personal Trainer at Rescue Rooms

Dutch indie rock band Personal Trainer swung by Rescue Rooms on their UK tour of their 2024 release Still Waiting, much to the excitement of LeftLion. We headed down for a Thursday night boogie…

On the Road again: The story behind Igloo Hybrid, Nottingham's sole hostel accomodation

Tucked away in a quaint courtyard just off Wheeler Gate, Igloo Hybrid is Nottingham’s only hostel accommodation for visitors to the city. After thirty years of welcoming guests from around the world, owner B Kristiansen is getting ready to sell up and return to her native Denmark, but not before finding a buyer that will keep the heart of Igloo beating. We spoke to B to find out what kept her in Nottingham for so long and what goes into running this local establishment.

In photos: Panic Shack at The Bodega, with The Pill

Indie trio The Amazons talk Rock City, The Chameleon and their love of Nottingham ahead of their Rough Trade gig

While they may proudly herald from Reading, rock trio The Amazons’ thriving career has long been intertwined with our city too. From cutting their teeth in The Chameleon to sold out shows at Rock City, to even playing Motorpoint Arena with Royal Blood, they have spent the last decade making memories and building a strong fanbase right here in NG1. Now with shows at Rough Trade and Rock City coming up in the next six months, we decided to catch up with frontman Matt Thomson to discuss their longstanding romance with Nottingham…

Gig review: Greentea Peng at Rock City

Self-described psychedelic RnB singer-songwriter Greentea Peng returned to Rock City with intention, clarity and energy to burn...