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We chat with Ian Broudie about goals, inspirations and Nottingham memories

The Lightning Seeds were formed in 1989 and named after a misheard Prince lyric, with frontman Ian Broudie going on to become one of the best tunesmiths of his generation, a writer of wonderfully melodic and uplifting indie-pop songs tinged with the band's custom vulnerability. Ahead of the band's return to Nottingham on 14th November, as part of their tour celebrating 35 years of the band and aptly timed to follow up on the release of their Greatest Hits album, Tomorrow’s Here Today, we had the chance to speak to frontman, producer and songwriter Ian Broudie...

How a Mini Cooper led to success on the stage and an acclaimed solo performance of A Christmas Carol

Guy Masterson's renowned Scrooge performance is coming to the Playhouse. He lets Leftlion in on how Richard Burton helped him along the way...

Comedy Review: Nightmare Nightmare Kill Kill at the Lord Roberts

Experimental drag comes to the city...

Film Review: The Teacher

A timely debut eloquently evaluates elements of the human condition when plagued by grief.

Breaking ground: we catch up with Nottingham Forest Women

Forest Women are no strangers to the top of the table. The dream of climbing the ranks to the Women’s Super League is aspirational, but with the recent announcement that  Nottingham Forest  Women will be a full-professional club by 2025/26, now feels within reach. Megan Hill caught up with Amber Wildgust, Head of Women and Girls Football at Nottingham Forest, to find out what turning pro means for the future of the club, both on and off the pitch.

Film Review: Small Things Like These

A delicate and moving portrayal of a specific trauma, the Irish Magdalen Laundries, but one that speaks to the universal conflict between what's right and what's easy.

Film Review: Juror #2

A star-studded courtroom thriller from none other than legendary director, Clint Eastwood…

Theatre Review: Hairspray

A young girl in 60s America has big dreams, big hair and wants to be famous...

Concrete Jumble: how Nottingham could reinvent itself ready for an ever-evolving future

A pertinent question is being asked across the country: what to do about the once busy city centres now rife with empty buildings? Bereft of the bustle, and with a derelict shopping centre to boot, Sophie Gargett explores how Nottingham could reinvent itself ready for an ever-evolving future.

Nadia on... the right to protest

Nottingham East Labour MP talks about the right to protest

Gig review: Royal Republic at Rock City

Combine a packed crowd with a contagiously charismatic and high-energy performance and you’ll get a show that’ll leave you saying “wow, wow, wow”! Royal Republic had the whole crowd bouncing, with Dea Matrona perfectly setting the scene for a night that was both fast-paced and fun. Phillippa Walsh enjoyed a true feast for the senses...

In photos: The Mouse Outfit at Peggy's Skylight

Comedy Review: Juliette Burton in the LOL-GBTQ+ at the Lord Roberts Comedy Festival

Juliette Burton offers more than just laughs in her stand-up performances... 

Review: Aren't We Havin' A Good Time (Short film)

A short poignant film about dementia and the toll it takes on both sufferers and the people who love them...

Gig review: Seckou Keita and the Homeland Band at Metronome

Bringing a taste of Senegal to Metronome on a dark October night, Seckou Keita and the Homeland Band performed a rich and blistering set...

Gig review: Sum 41 at Motorpoint Arena

For over 30 years, Sum 41 have remained one of the biggest names in pop punk. For 90s kids like me, the band would soundtrack our adolescence, with their impressive catalogue of hits finding their way into numerous parts of 00s pop culture. Sadly though, all good things must come to an end, with the band announcing these Autumn dates will be their last ever here in the UK. So, to bid a final farewell to a band that many grew up with, we headed over to the arena to catch Sum 41’s last show here in Nottingham…

Gig review: Bloodworm at The Bodega

Bloodworm’s sold-out Halloween gig at The Bodega was nothing short of iconic, packed with humour, heavy riffs, and Halloween energy that Nottingham fans won’t forget anytime soon. With support from the mesmerising Swallowtail, the night was a celebration of raw talent and dedication from both bands…

Gig review: Pale Waves at Rock City

In October, Rock City was graced by indie-rock stars Pale Waves on the third date of their Smitten tour. Supported by rising trio Swim School, it was a captivating night...

Gig review: Uncle Lucius at The Bodega

It's a long road from Texas to The Bodega, but Uncle Lucius made that journey last week, filling the intimate Nottingham venues with tales of whiskey, bar fights and God's own country...

Chapters of history: author Simon Smalley turns the pages on Nottingham’s queer past

The history of St. Ann’s has always been a fascinating one. Today, the idea that the council could bulldoze entire areas of communities separating neighbours and friends is one that is difficult to imagine. However, for those who lived it, it’s still all too real. CJ De Barra speaks to St Ann’s born-and-bred author Simon Smalley about growing up in the area as a young gay man in the 60s and 70s.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #9: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Luna & The Lime Slices, The Junipers, Jude Forsey and Kelsey & The Embers ...

Gig review: Young T & Bugsey at Rescue Rooms

Bugsey and Young T got Nottingham moving at their first hometown show in eight years, headlining Rescue Rooms. We were there to see it all...

We tried out two immersive escape rooms at Escapologic

When the LeftLion team were invited to Escapologic for a competitive, team-building afternoon, it seemed too good of an opportunity to miss, but what mind-bending and mysterious fun awaited...

Gig review: Soft Play and Panic Shack at Rock City

For anyone feeling an impending monotony as the nights creep in, I highly recommend booking yourself a loud, chaotic and crazed gig to look forward to. The mighty Soft Play, supported by Panic Shack at Rock City this week, was just the antidote, shaking the crowd out of a midweek malaise..

Watch: Road to Tram Line Spot

Road to Tram Line Spot is a new short film by Georgianna Scurfield, which tracks the creation of the city's first (intentional) city centre skate spot, whilst documenting the famous (unintentional) Broadmarsh Banks spot it has replaced. LeftLion are proud to co-present this sixteen and a half minute movie for your viewing pleasure...