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Seann Walsh moves from stand-up to drama in this new play at the Theatre Royal

Comedian Seann Walsh has made a name for himself in the world of stand-up. But will his move to acting be stand out?

Gig review: Tusks at The Bodega

Emily Underhill's Tusks has taken on a wonderful life of its own, an excitingly atmospheric project which enthralls in recorded form. At her first headline gig in Nottingham, her music proved captivating - even on a Monday...

Punks and weirdos: Celebrating 15 Years of studio and performance venue JT Soar

From the headquarters of a fruit and vegetable wholesaler near Sneinton Market to one of Nottingham’s best loved recording studios and truly intimate, DIY music venues - it’s been quite a journey for JT Soar. 

When Phil Booth and his business partner Nick first took over the space at number 2 Aberdeen Street, they saw beyond an empty concrete room with metal grilles and a scooter garage next door. Their vision was to create something truly special: a recording studio, rehearsal and gig space, with a truly barrier-free ethos in all senses of the word.

Now fifteen years later, JT Soar celebrates its decade-and-a-half anniversary since it first opened its doors, marking the occasion with a “two-day, one stage, all killer-no filler line-up” of some of Phil Booth’s favourite bands. Ahead of what is being billed as ‘JT Soar Fest’, we asked staff, promoters, bands and community members to share their favourite memories of JT Soar, and outline what makes it so special.

Gig review: Seas of Mirth at The Old Bus Depot

For one night only, The Old Bus Depot was transformed into a neon-lit sub-aquatic world of wonder, as genre-blending independent band Seas of Mirth made their incomparable mark. LeftLion's Lewis Oxley dived in...

Gig review: FEET at Rescue Rooms, with Otala and L’Objectif

Put away your umbrellas, our English Weather just got a whole lot brighter. Coventry five-piece FEET adorned the Rescue Rooms stage with enough indie-pop to pack a punch, and we headed down to get our fix...

Gig review: Bess Atwell at Rescue Rooms, with Pem

Stopping off on her Light Sleeper tour, Bess Atwell enthralled a well-filled Rescue Rooms with a precise but emotive set. With intense and ethereal sounds from Pem in support, it was a memorable evening...

We spoke to 80s post-punk legend Peter Hook, ahead of his gig at Rock City

The term legend can be thrown around a lot in music nowadays, but only a select few truly deserve the tag. From his iconic basslines to his enduring work with Joy Division and New Order,  Peter Hook is one-such artist. As he sets his sights on a return to Nottingham to play New Order’s Substance albums in full, we had a whirlwind chat with Hooky about his life in music.

Gig review: Rhoda Dakar at The Bodega

Rhoda Dakar is a legend of the 2-Tone scene with a decades-long career winning her multitudes of fans. Many of those fans gathered at The Bodega for a jubilant and celebratory performance...

Gig review: Apocalyptica at Rock City

Back in 1996, Finnish metal outfit and classically trained cellists Apocalyptica made a name for themselves by playing Metallica’s music through their revolutionary and mightily impressive string arrangements. Now almost 30 years and 10 albums later, they have returned to play Metallica’s greatest hits once again in their own unique style. To witness this one-of-a-kind event, we headed down to catch their show at Rock City…

In photos: Seb Lowe at Rescue Rooms, with The Guest List

Festivals of beer and film, theatre and storytelling - Here's what's on this week in Notts 7 - 13 October 2024

Check out a celebration of short films, sample a huge range of beer and cider, enjoy some human stories, or be entertained by a bit of music and theatre this week in Notts.

Gig review: Wunderhorse at Rock City

Nottingham’s Rock City played host to a night of raw energy and exceptional musicianship, headlined by Wunderhorse with support from London-based HighSchool. It’s soon to say, but it might just be a contender for gig of the year…

LeftLion's Latest Listens #7: Notts music we're currently spinning

This week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands, features new releases from Bored Marsh, Jake Bugg, Jake Greener, Dorothy Ella & Gordon Parma, and Malin Hill...

Pick Six: Actor, writer and comedian Colin Hoult

This month’s Pick Six is chosen by Nottingham-born actor, writer and comedian Colin Hoult

Gig review: Marseille at Rescue Rooms

Rescue Rooms played host to a mid-week Derbyshire triple bill as Marseille arrived for a huge headline show, joined by The Blooms and Shadows of a Silhouette...

Classical Music Review: BBC Philharmonic with John Storgårds at the Royal Concert Hall

After critical acclaim at this year's Proms, how will the BBC Philharmonic fare in Nottingham?

Gig review: Night Swimming at The Bodega Bar

Sometimes a gig breaks from the usual mould, and Monday night at The Bodega offered just that: a seated, laid-back atmosphere in the downstairs bar with free entry, where the crowd gathered around small tables in a casual but attentive setting…

In photos: Gaffa Tape Sandy at The Bodega, with Really Big Really Clever and Airport Dad

Gig review: Bored Marsh at Rough Trade

The hallowed Rough Trade stage hosted an eclectic mix of local music as Bored Marsh celebrated the launch of their debut EP, IDIOT, with support from Hhymn and TRANKS...

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... 

Gig review: Lace Thief at Rough Trade

Launching a brand new single at Rough Trade is a great way to celebrate. We watched indie-folk project Lace Thief perform a languid and vibey show, with strong support from Peter Hall and Cracked Hands...

Our October cover artist Steve Cole talks photographing Ratcliffe-on-Soar

This month’s cover artist Steve Cole tells us more about his stunning photography of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station

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…

The Claw - September 2024

The Claw is back for the 2024/25 season...

Heart and Coal: the history and future possibilities of Ratcliffe-on-Soar

The end of September saw the closure of the UK’s last remaining coal-fired power station: Ratcliffe-on-Soar. Environment Editor Adam Pickering reflects on the past and future of this instantly recognisable Nottinghamshire landmark, the conflicted feelings that surround it, and how it could be re-purposed in the years to come.