LeftLion Magazine - December 2021 - Issue 142

COVER PAGE

#142 December 2021

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Supporters

Credits Al Gilby It’s a WonderfAl Life alan.gilby@leftlion.co.uk

Ashley Carter Editor ashley.carter@leftlion.co.uk

Jared Wilson Editor-in-Chief jared.wilson@leftlion.co.uk

Lizzy O’Riordan Editorial Assistant lizzy.oriordan@leftlion.co.uk

George White Editoral Assistant george.white@leftlion.co.uk

Natalie Owen Head Designer natalie.owen@leftlion.co.uk

Fiona Carr Design Assistant fiona.carr@leftlion.co.uk

Adam Pickering Partnerships Manager adam.pickering@leftlion.co.uk

Katie Lyle Marketing & Editorial Assistant katie.lyle@leftlion.co.uk

Curtis Powell Head of Video and Photography curtis.powell@leftlion.co.uk

Ekam Hundal Creative Digital Assistant ekam.hundal@leftlion.co.uk

Tom Errington Web Developer tom.errington@leftlion.co.uk

Kelly Palfrey Art Co-Editor kelly.palfrey@leftlion.co.uk

Hamza Hussain Web Developer hamza.hussain@leftlion.co.uk

Alex Stubbs Art Co-Editor alex.stubbs@leftlion.co.uk

These people #SupportLeftLion Al Draper, Alan Phelan, Alison Gove-Humphries, Alison Harviek, Alison Hedley, Alison Knox, Alison Wale, Andrew Cooper, Ankunda, Annie Rodgers, Ant Haywood, Anthony Blane, Ashley Cooper, Bad Squiddo Games, Barbara Morgan, Barrie the Lurcher, Ben & Jack, Ben Lester, Ben Lucas, Betty Rose Bakes, Bob Allison Âû, Bridgette Shilton, Carla Prestwich, Caroline Le Sueur, Chloe Langley, Chris Rogers, Claire Henson, Clare Foyle, D Lawson, Dan Lyons, David Dowling, David Knight, Diane Lane, Donna Rowe-Merriman, Eddie, Eden PR, Ellen O'Hara, Erika Diaz Petersen, Felicity Whittle, Frances & Garry Bryan, Friday Club Presents, Hayley Howard, Heather Hodkinson, Heather Oliver, Helena Tyce, House of Pain Wrestling Academy, Ian Storey, Ian Yanson, In memory of Anna Novak (Bradford and Scoraig), In memory of Jenny Smith, Ivy House Environmental, James Medd, James Place, James Wright, Jane Dodge, Jason Jenkins, Jayne Holmes, Jayne Paul William & Pirate Jack, Jed Southgate, John Haslam, John Hess, Jon Blyth, Joshua Heathcote, Julian Bower, Kate Newton, Kath Pyer, Katherine Sanders, Kathleen Dunham, Kay Gilby, Kaye Brennan, Kiki Dee the Cat, Kemi, Livi & Jacob Nieri, Lizzy and Margot, Luke and Flo, Marc Weaver, Mark, Mark Barratt, Mark Gasson, Mark Rippey, Martin, Matthew Riches, Matt Turpin, Matthew Riches, Max Sherwin, Mighty Lightweights, MinorOak Coworking, Monica White, Nick G (real living wage rocks), Nicola Baumber, Nigel Cooke, Nigel King, Nikki Williams, Norman the Dog, NottingJam Orchestra, Oliver Ward, Paul Woodall, Peter Taylor, Rachel Ayrton, Rachel Hancorn, Rachel Morton, Raphael Achache, Richard Barclay, Richard Goodwin, roastinghouse.co.uk, Rob Arthur, Ron Mure, Ros Evans, Roy Manterfield, Ruth Parry, Sam Hudson, Sam Nahirny, Sarah Manton, Simon Evans, Siobhán Cannon-Brownlie, Spicer, Steve Lyon, Steve Stickley Storyteller, Steve Wallace, Stuart Jones, Sue Barsby, Sue Reader, Tara de Cozar, The Sultan, Tim Foster, Tom Markkanen, Tracey Newton, Tracey Underwood, Tracy Lowe, Wolfgang Buttress

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Anna Murphy Fashion Editor anna.murphy@leftlion.co.uk

Featured Contributor Rebecca Buck Stage Co-Editor rebecca.buck@leftlion.co.uk

Dom Henry Stage Co-Editor dom.henry@leftlion.co.uk

Jamie Morris Screen Co-Editor jamie.morris@leftlion.co.uk

Daniela Loffreda Food Editor food@leftlion.co.uk

Tom Quigley Photography Co-Editor tom.quigley@leftlion.co.uk

Fabrice Gagos Photography Co-Editor fabrice.gagos@leftlion.co.uk

Writers Dani Bacon Bassey Love CeCe Emma Duncan Alex Keene Liam MacGregor-Hastie Sam Nahirny Emma Oldham Georgianna Scurfield Emilia Turner Nadia Whittome

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Photographers Rich Bell Claudia Clare Kingdom Hudson Nathan Langman Wesley Morgan Lee Oliver Jill Palmer Nickoli Parker Dario Pehar Matthew Petley Nick Revill Georgianna Scurfield Beshlie Seelochan Eve Smallman

Illustrators Raphael Achache Pete Gray Kasia Kozakiewicz Tracey Meek Kate Sharp Cover Rich Perotta

Fiona Carr Fiona is a mixed-media creative based in Nottingham and a recent graduate from Nottingham Trent University. She specialised in Visual Communication for her BA and Textile Design for her MA, allowing her to develop a wide range of creative skills during her studies - from graphic design and embroidery to print and photography. Fiona took inspiration from the environment and the future of the planet for her final art pieces, creating a short graphic newspaper, named Paper Green, inspired by green walls and sustainable city design. This was all before landing her dream real adult job as Design Assistant for LeftLion.

Sub-Editor Lauren Carter-Cooke Editorial Illustrations Emily Catherine

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Contents 16

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The Cultural Review of 2021 Editor-in-Chief Jared Wilson gives his annual review of a year in which Nottingham took some steps back towards normality

On Bail We catch up with presenter, musician, comedian and Strictly Come Dancing winner Bill Bailey ahead of his gig at the Motorpoint Arena

Shop Local This Christmas Made in partnership with Independent Nottingham, check out our eight-page pull-out guide to help you shop local and independent this Christmas

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Nadia Whittome Our regular columnist and Labour MP for Nottingham East rounds off 2021 with a scathing look back at a year of government ineptitude

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Chop Notch When the council planned to cut down four mature trees in Newarkon-Trent, the local community stepped up to save them

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A Nun in Notts Whoopi Goldberg’s portrayal of a nun in Sister Act might not be as far from the truth as you’d think, according to our Nun in Notts

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War Stories Notts filmmaker Bradley Severn’s introspective short A Picture of Memory aims to shine a light on the brutality of war

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Dreaming of a Light Christmas After the popularity of their first year, Christmas at Wollaton is back with a brand new trail of festive lights at the iconic estate

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All About That Bass After moving from Nuthall to New York, bass player Mark Lewandowski is living the dream on the other side of the pond

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Roast Busters Does The Roundhouse do the best Sunday roast in Notts? It’s a big claim, but our Katie Lyle is willing to make it

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Breaking the Mould Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945 makes its way to Djanogly Gallery, highlighting the place women hold in art history

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Out of Time: Lord Byron in Greece Our regular history feature explores why Nottingham poet Lord Byron is such a revered figure across all of Greece

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The Hairy Hikers We talk to Aretê’s Josh and Matt, the high-end barbers taking their safe space out into nature with their open wellbeing walks

Editorial At a time when people are still trying to process 2020, its slightly less annoying younger sibling, 2021, is about to shuffle off its mortal coil. For all the miserable elements COVID brought along with it, the apparent hastening of time remains the most baffling. But here we are: it’s Christmas again, so act accordingly.

What have you got planned? Owt nice? I hope those of you that didn’t get to see your loved ones last year get to remedy that this time around. Chuck It’s a Wonderful Life or Zulu on, stuff yourself with treats, get just drunk enough that you feel warm and fuzzy and enjoy yourselves.

Before you get carried away in thinking that this time of year is about spending quality time with your family, however, let me remind you of the true meaning of Christmas: buying stuff. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with Nottingham BID and It’s in Nottingham to put together an eight-page pull-out guide of how you can spend your money on local, independent businesses

this year. Inside you can find out more about the people behind some of Notts’ best indie shops, as well as their gift recommendations to help ease the pressure of Christmas shopping this year.

And with that, I would like to officially conclude LeftLion’s business for 2021. We’ve already got the first six issues of next year planned, and we’ve got some gloriously goofy, weird, eclectic stuff planned for you. We might even try and go an entire issue without saying the C word (not that one)...

Have a wonderful Christmas and take care of yourselves, you beautiful bastards.

LeftLion Magazine is fully recyclable and compostable. Our paper is recycled or made with FSC® certified (C015932) sources, and printed using renewable energy.

Ashley Carter, Editor ashley.carter@leftlion.co.uk

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Going Underground Our mole on the ground isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to bring you the Notts stories you might have missed... illustrations: Kate Sharp

Christmas Day The first thing we always do is go to church. We might not go every Sunday, but we love going to The Good Shepherd on Christmas Day. Then we have lunch, which is obviously turkey and all the trimmings; it would be wrong to cook anything else. Although anyone that has mashed potatoes rather than roast is vile. Then it’s the highlight of the day: The Queen's Speech. Her message is usually about inclusivity and togetherness, which is marvelous. Then as it gets later on we have a few glasses of champagne, some pork pie and play some games together.

Words of Wisdom I was digging around town when this weird story caught my ears. A poor chap woke up to find the words “I will kill you” written in toothpaste alongside a smiley face on a glass shower screen in his Lower Parliament Street apartment. Can you imagine how bloody scared you’d be? Good job it happened right next to his toilet.

Christmas Games We don’t own computers so we’ve never played computer games. Scrabble used to be a favourite, but we played it too much when we were younger and now we’re traumatised by it. One year we were given the Colditz board game as a Christmas present and none of us, not even our mum or dad, could work out the rules. Another year it was A Question of Sport and we all quite enjoyed that, although it just ended up with everyone shouting. There were also the really simple games when we were children like when our parents got hard peas and put them in piles around the house. Whenever you found a pile you had to make lots of farm animal noises and the team with the most peas won. It was mayhem.

Hot Dam About time we had some bloody good news around these parts. After a hiatus of over four centuries, my good friends the beavers have finally been reintroduced to Nottinghamshire.

The family, which included four kits (babies to you lot) were released at Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford. God speed, you bucktoothed beauties.

That’s the Spirit You’ve just won the National Lottery’s top prize; where’s the first place you visit?

New York? Paris? The Caribbean? If you’re Laura Hoyle and Kirk Stevens, the answer is obviously the National Justice Museum. I love the NJM as much as the next guy, but I’d be lying if I’d say it would be the very first place on my bucket list.

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Nottingham’s most opinionated grocers on...

Christmas Presents We never buy anything for each other for Christmas. What’s the point? It’s nice to receive gifts, but there’s nothing we want. If we actually need something we already have it. We did buy some birthday presents for each other this year, but that was a one-off. It won’t happen again.

“I got a tax rebate for £500 and 5p . I told ‘em they could keep the 5p .”

“When you say stuff like that, I think being a serial killer is a good idea. People need s where to die.” em shop th f o e d they n “It’s o side, an ’t see in n a c u o y s!” pa Chup sell Chu s i word to be first g “Her tely goin i defin '” t r a “Do you wan ‘sh t croissants , yes or no!?” Exa sperated m other talking to screaming child on the floor in Lidl.

“Gene r anyth ally speak ing, ing ab blood o y goo ve a fiver lad is d red e to wine.” d on with a L ” y? ght is ga d rd fi “Is th id-swo lic brea sco. r m a Te two, -penis g iddle of k m c o e m th s in stick

The irony of Dr Seuss’ The Grinch is that, for most of us, the Grinch is far more relatable than anyone in Whoville.

SHOWER THOUGHTS words: Dani Bacon illustration: Fiona Carr

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City sTYLIN’

at the Cattle Market interview and photo: Georgianna Scurfield My name is John. I do different jobs for a living. Tiling, brick jobs, laminate. All those sorts of things for your house. I am a handyman.

I came to the Cattle Market to see if I could find something for my job, but I found nothing. I saw that there were some sinks and things, but I don’t need them at the moment. This is only the second time I’ve been to the Cattle Market. The first time I came here I was coming to buy wood. I thought there would be more things that I need today but there wasn’t.

I have lived in Nottingham and the UK for four years now. I love it because it gives you a lot of opportunities to work. I came from Italy to here, and it was very different there. To live good, you live in Italy. Here, people go to the pub until 11 o’clock. In Italy, that’s when you go to the pub, and they stay there ‘til about six in the morning.

I come from Kongo. Now they call my country the DRC – the Democratic Republic of Congo. But to me it is Kongo – not with a C, but with a K. Kongo. That’s where God lives. I want to tell you about my God. He is alive, and I can see him whenever I want. All the things we think we know in the world, nothing is true. It’s God – he created you and me. He is a male like me. I feel him. I want to tell you something.

Before, I was not feeling passion. Now, whether it's morning or night, I am powerful.

John

Pick Six

This month we’ve tasked Emma Duncan of Fortune & Glory Film Club with choosing a few of her favourite things...

Book Haunted Despite working in a library, I’m pretty poor at taking time out to read. For that reason, I enjoy short stories, especially ghost or horror stories. I particularly love Chuck Palahniuk’s writing, so his collection of shorts Haunted has always stuck with me.

Song Nancy Boy Placebo was my first musical obsession as an angsty teen, and their first album still packs a punch for me. Seeing Brian Molko performing Nancy Boy on Top of the Pops was breathtaking for a sixteenyear-old baby queer from Corby.

Film Indiana Jones Trilogy The Indiana Jones trilogy means a great deal to me, with Fortune & Glory Film Club taking its name from a quote in Temple of Doom. They were films we watched a thousand times as a family, and I was desperate to grow up to be Indy.

Holiday Whitby Whitby is somewhere I could never tire of. It’s a beautiful place, with many nooks and crannies to explore. Between the emporiums of curios, countless dogs, and the tea shops, it really is my happy place by the sea.

Meal Greggs I’ve got a bit of a reputation for being a real Greggs-a-holic.

I had my birthday party in a branch of Greggs a few years back: my version of those McDonald’s kids parties. Except I was 35… My go-to order is a sausage roll, pepperoni pizza, and a tea.

Notts Spot JT Soar JT Soar is a real Nottingham treasure. I’ve seen some glorious gigs there, and the whole atmosphere adds to the magic. I’ll also take any opportunity I can to say how much I miss Lee Rosy’s Tea.

facebook.com/fortuneandgloryfilmclub

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Notts Shots

Steez boots are made for walking Wesley Morgan - @drk__room

Paint the town red Matthew Petley - @frames_by_frames

Want to have your work featured? Send your high-res photos from around the city, including your full name and best web link, to photography@leftlion.co.uk

Gimme skelter Beshlie Seelochan 10

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Arm in arm Lee Oliver - @lgvisualz

Romeo and Drooliet Nathan Langman - @_meadowman2

Sorry I’m latte Claudia Clare - @shotsbyclare

Weather’s turning Eve Smallman - @eve.smallman

Current fun Dario Pehar - @worldinmyeyesdp

Have I got blues for you Kingdom Hudson - @75hudsonn leftlion.co.uk/issue142

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Nadia on...

2021 words: Nadia Whittome photo: Fabrice Gagos

As it’s LeftLion’s December issue, I thought I’d take a look back at what’s happened in politics this year. I can only apologise for the lack of festive joy, but you can blame the Government for that.

This year got off to a difficult start. People spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve alone, unable to see family and friends. We then had months more in a national lockdown caused by the Government’s devastating mishandling of the pandemic. We lost loved ones, as deaths hit 100,000 and then kept on going.

Businesses went under, livelihoods were destroyed. Nottingham Trent students, forced to pay for rooms they couldn’t use, organised a rent strike and won some major concessions from the university. Although we’re not out of the woods yet, the vaccination roll-out by our incredible NHS has thankfully given us some light at the end of the tunnel.

In March, the murder of Sarah Everard sent shockwaves around the country, with women sharing their own experiences of sexual harassment and violence. Around a similar time, the Government was pushing through the Policing Bill, which handed additional powers to the police, cracked down on protest, and criminalised Roma and Traveller communities’ way of life.

Hundreds turned out on Forest Rec to oppose male violence and the curtailing of our democratic rights. Despite our best efforts inside and outside Parliament, the Bill continues to inch closer to becoming law.

In May, violence against Palestinians came to a head, with evictions in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, attacks on worshippers in the al-Aqsa Mosque, and airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

Once again, the people of Nottingham took to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian people. While a ceasefire was achieved, there is no sign of any progress to end the occupation, recognise Palestine as a state and bring stability to the region.

We watched with horror over the summer at events unfolding in Afghanistan. Many of us donated to organisations supporting asylum seekers. My office later discovered that in many cases the Government had not even opened the emails we sent, attempting to help vulnerable people flee.

No sooner had Parliament returned than the Government was up to its usual tricks - rushing through damaging legislation. This time, they passed the Health and Social Care levy - a flat tax making low-income workers pay for the NHS and social care, while protecting the wealthy. Just a couple of weeks later, they also cut Universal Credit payments by £20 a week taking £1,000 a year from 5.5 million families.

I can only apologise for the lack of festive joy, but you can blame the Government for that In Nottingham, as students celebrated the start of term, a spate of spikings in night clubs hit the national news, with some women fearing they had been injected. With the fierce outcry, including a “girls night in” boycott, police and clubs have now taken the issue more seriously.

But to tackle spikings, and other forms of gendered violence, we must also tackle men’s behaviour - that means deep, long-term change.

2021 was also a significant year for the climate - COP26 represented one of last and best hopes for keeping global warming to an increase of 1.5C. I witnessed events first-hand in Glasgow.

The conference was disappointing - the outcomes agreed put us on course for 2.4C instead. But hope is not lost, as next year world leaders are due to reconvene.

What happens in 2022 depends on all of us.

In Nottingham and cities across the world,

demonstrations showed that there is a huge movement in support of tackling climate change. It is because of public pressure that the Government continues to make more announcements in this area.

Among the latest was more education about climate change - something I have been campaigning for alongside school students since my election.

But it will be an uphill battle because, as we have learnt, many Conservative MPs are not only focused on the interests of their constituents but on those of the private companies paying them on the side.

It was Owen Paterson breaking lobbying rules and then the Government's attempts to get him off the hook that threw a spotlight on corruption. But the problem goes much deeper.

Conservative MPs receive over £4 million a year on top of their already generous £82,000 MP salaries. Lucrative second jobs should be banned - we were elected to represent our constituents, not the highest bidder.

When I hear them moan about their salaries, I cannot help but think of the one in three children who live in poverty in Nottingham East - their families pushed into destitution by policies Tory MPs voted for.

I think of volunteers at food banks like Himmah and St Ann’s, the many businesses in Nottingham that offered free meals to children in the school holidays, and the people who give up their time to organise and campaign for change.

These are the people who have truly represented our communities in the last year - who help each other out, who stand up for each other.

Westminster is depressing as ever, but the people of our city make me hopeful for the year ahead. nadiawhittome.org

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A Nun in Notts I never imagined I’d be a Catholic sister. I didn’t grow up in a tradition where that was the norm. I come from Belfast in Northern Ireland, so I actually grew up in a culture that vilified Catholics, and I’d always assumed that I would get married and have kids. I was in quite serious relationships in my young adult life, but I sort of always knew that wasn’t for me, although I couldn’t explain why.

I guess it was a long road of discernment that brought me here. My faith has always been really important to me, and I love being part of a community, particularly one that has a heart for social justice. I think that the love of God, neighbour, and nature is central to the Christian tradition. It’s definitely got pushed aside for political expediency at some points, but in our congregation that’s the main focus.

Our congregation was set up in Nottingham at the end of the nineteenth century when industrialisation had made life difficult for the poorest members of Nottingham. Factories and mining meant that people were living in oppressive situations. It was an unjust way of treating people, using them for labour and then leaving them in squalor without education or healthcare. When we first came to Nottingham, that’s what the sisters focused on. They went into people’s homes to provide healthcare, and to set up schools.

In my day-to-day life, no two days are the same. We pray together as a community in the mornings and evenings, so the day is held by those two points of prayer. It’s an important time to come together and listen to scripture, but also to listen to one another.

We have to learn to see wisdom in one another, rather than expecting it to always come mystically from above. The in-between part of the day is quite diverse, our community has just moved house so a lot of it is quite practical, full of unpacking and getting the house ready.

I’m a peace activist so that’s an important part of my work. When people think of religious life, I don’t think they’d think that nuns get arrested, but I’ve been arrested for protesting nuclear weapons and the war in Afghanistan. One of the vows we take is obedience, but I think God calls us to holy disobedience when a law is unjust.

Since January, nuclear weapons have been illegal under international law, but our government is still buying more weapons of mass destruction.

I feel called to keep protesting, especially since I come from a place of privilege and many brothers and sisters across the world can’t do that. They live under regimes where they’d just disappear.

I’m very blessed to have this privilege, and that my community supports me. I mean, if you read the Bible, Peter, Paul, and Jesus himself were all arrested. We’re walking on tried and tested ground.

Non-violent civil disobedience is a powerful tool to bring about social change.

When people think of religious life, I don’t think they’d think that nuns get arrested, but I’ve been arrested for protesting nuclear weapons and the war in Afghanistan. One of the vows we take is obedience, but I think God calls us to holy disobedience when a law is unjust I think it’s challenging to keep balance. There’s so much injustice in the world and the need is endless.

You could be involved in every campaign going, so it’s a challenge trying to discern what’s yours to do. Someone once said, “You can’t do everything, but doing something makes all the difference,” and I believe that. I can’t save the world, and I have no more answers than anybody else, but I believe that we can make a difference. Here in Nottingham, for example, we have the gun factory Heckler & Koch in Lenton, which I think perpetuates our addiction to violence. I think you have to prioritise where you are, so to resist the arms trade in Nottingham is really important.

It’s important to have time for my community too.

The essence of religious life is living with people that you’d never normally choose to live with.

God calls these women of different ages, cultural backgrounds and class to come and be together.

We experience the normal struggles of living with each other, but we’ve intentionally chosen to live a certain life. We’ve committed to this for life. It’s not like a house share where the tenancy agreement is up in a year.

Of course, community can be difficult. If you ever read stories in the Bible about the disciples, they bicker and fight all the time, and we’re no different.

I don’t think our lives are very different from anybody else's in that way, if you share your home with family and friends there are always ups and downs. When a couple says they don’t argue, I don’t believe them, likewise when a nun says they don’t argue, I don’t believe them either.

Equally, the community element is what I enjoy the most. I never feel like I’m doing this on my own. I know that my sisters are always supporting me. We support each other to go out in the world, through prayer and action. Sometimes in very practical ways, like going to the climate protest together.

You don’t just become a sister overnight. It’s a really long process that can take between six and nine years. After all, we make our final vows for life. Most women nowadays are entering in their thirties and forties and have come from lives with careers and responsibilities. Risking all that is huge. But I feel very blessed and privileged to have this life, which brings such joy and peace and hope and diversity to me.

Like I mentioned, we’ve just moved into a slightly bigger property so we can welcome guests. We want to be able to use those spaces to home people who would otherwise be destitute. We also want to share space with grassroot activists, maybe people who can’t afford rent space.

And of course, to be a presence in the local community, and for everyone to feel welcome and heard.

illustration: Kasia Kozakiewicz leftlion.co.uk/issue142

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THE NOTTINGHAM CULTURAL REVIEW OF 2021 words: Jared Wilson illustration: Raphael Achache

A year that started badly, but ended with something of a return to normality. Long may it continue...

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JANUARY We begin the year in our third national lockdown. After a brief Christmas hiatus where three households are allowed to socialise indoors together, the party is over and all nonessential socialising is outlawed until at least mid-April. Happy New Year!

Sleaford Mods release their new album Spare Ribs and spray paint its name in graffiti on the shutters of JT Soar recording studio in Sneinton.

They also announce that they’ll be playing their biggest capacity show ever at the Motorpoint Arena in November.

Nottingham City Council-owned Robin Hood Energy goes into administration, with losses estimated to be around £38million. This acts as a precursor to a national energy crisis which will unravel towards the end of the year.

FEBRUARY Writer, director, film producer and Broadway Cinema staff member Sophia Ramcharan sadly passes away. Creatives across the city pay tribute to her life and work.

Television Workshop actor Bella Ramsay is announced as one of the leads in an HBO TV adaptation of the Sony video game The Last of Us.

MARCH Meghan Markle takes a break from being vilified

by Piers Morgan and the Daily Mail to donate £10k of her cook book profits to Nottingham food bank charity Himmah. Director Sajid Mohammed initially thinks it’s a joke.

Vicky McClure is all over our screens again in the final series of Line of Duty and a UK record 12.8 million viewers tune in live for the last episode.

APRILl Nottingham City Council and Nottingham BID help lots of city centre bars and restaurants get back on their feet by pedestrianising lots of streets and allowing them to take over them with tables, chairs and marquees.

Notts singer songwriter Saint Raymond releases his new album We Forgot We Were Dreaming.

MAY Nottingham community cohesion legend Toni Price passes away from cancer. She’s not a household name, but those who know her work know the good she did for this city. In early November a red phone box sprang up in Sherwood , as one of the last projects she ever organised came to fruition. It’s a book-sharing library and we’ll think of her whenever we pass by.

Nottingham-based rappers Young T and Bugsey get three nominations at the 2021 Brit Awards. Unfortunately they are pipped to the post on all of them, but it still makes them the most successful Notts act at the Brits in living memory. Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome

takes a mental health break from her role.

Hucknall-born journalist, author, trans woman and campaigner Paris Lees releases her book What It Feels Like for a Girl to mass critical acclaim.

Nottingham Panthers win the playoff finals against the Sheffield Steelers, in the first event of its kind streamed entirely online. The Arc Cinema in Beeston opens to the public with director Shane Meadows joining them for the grand unveiling.

JUNE Prodigious local classical musicians the KannehMasons play two big homecoming concerts at The Royal Concert Hall. Cellist Sheku KannehMason also receives an apology from the British Home Office who seem to have mistakenly cancelled his passport just as he’s about to head off on an international tour.

Nottingham Castle reopens on Monday 21 June after a three year makeover, and features a new solo exhibition from Beeston-born fashion guru Sir Paul Smith.

Loki becomes the third major Marvel TV show to be released on Disney+ and features Nottingham-born actress Sophia Di Martino as Sylvie. Environmental festival The Green Hustle becomes the ‘first festival back’, taking place outdoors on Sneinton Avenues on Saturday 5 June.

Former Forest striker Ben Brereton changes his surname to Brereton-Diaz, qualifies for Chile and becomes a sensation in the 2021 Copa America. Notts County lose in the play-offs for the third time in four years.

JULY 27-year-old Emily Campbell from Bulwell becomes a national icon for becoming the first British Woman to win a medal for weightlifting, claiming silver at Tokyo 2020. Shona McCallum from Newark also wins a Bronze as part of the British field hockey team.

It's a big summer of outdoor gigs with DHP taking over the Arboretum and Revolution Sounds taking over the Old Cold Store at Castle Rock Brewery. Unfortunately Splendour Festival bites the dust again this year, alongside other local staples Goose Fair and The Hockley Hustle.

Fingers crossed for the return of all of these in 2022.

Saad Eddine Said is appointed as the new Artistic Director and CEO of art gallery New Art Exchange, replacing Skinder Hundal.

Angharad Jones appointed as Artistic Director of New Perspectives Theatre Company, replacing Jack McNamara.

AUGUST Nottingham Craft Beer Week returns to venues across the city, featuring a raft of events including Smash The Pint-riarchy at the Liquid Light tap room and Nottingham Craft Beer Festival at Sneinton Avenues. Sci-fi and general geekery convention EM-Con takes place at The

Arena featuring guests such as Catherine Tate and Jason Mewes.

Worksop-born Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson returns home for a spoken word show at The Royal Concert Hall.

Jake Bugg releases his new album with the Sillitoe inspired title Saturday Night, Sunday Morning.

Nic Harvey leaves his role as the Director of Television Workshop, to be replaced by Alison Rashley. Nic’s last performance is directing the notoriously unlucky Macbeth. Lead actor Joe Kinch ends up popping his knee and paying a visit A&E in between performances, but soldiers on to finish the run on crutches.

SEPTEMBER The delayed 2020 Paralympics takes place in Tokyo. Nottingham-based winners include Sophie Hahn, Charlotte Henshaw, Tully Kearney and Richard Whitehead.

Bru-C becomes the first Nottingham-based rapper to sell out Rock City. Nonsuch Theatre move outdoors, setting up shop on the Embankment over two summer weeks with Nonsuch on Trent.

Nottingham Pride returns across the streets of Hockley. Nottingham International Film Festival takes place at the Savoy Cinema.

OCTOBER Wigflex City Festival makes its comeback after a one-year hiatus featuring Goldie, Tom Ravenscroft and many more acts and DJs playing at venues across the city. Detonate follow up their annual festival at Colwick Park by taking over Nottingham Arena for a truly massive Halloween party. Mayhem Film Festival returns to Broadway for four days of horror films.

NOVEMBER A Christmas Carol launches at Nottingham Playhouse, a year after initially planned. Adapted

by Mark Gatiss (Sherlock) and directed by Adam Penford (Nottingham Playhouse Artistic Director), it’s set for a move to Alexandra Palace in London just in time for Christmas.

London Grammar play at Nottingham Arena a decade on from their first proper gig as a band for Sounddhism at the Bodega. Nottingham Comedy Festival takes place across the city over two weeks at venues including Canalhouse and Angel Microbrewery.

Local theatre company Chronic Insanity, who set out to make twelve shows in twelve months, realise they have doubled their target.

A Nottingham delegation visits the COP26 conference in Glasgow and realises that if things don’t change soon then we might all be in lots of trouble.

DECEMBER Santa visits all of our houses.

leftlion.co.uk/issue142

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out on Bail Actor, writer, musician and, of course, stand-up comedian - Bill Bailey has become one of the UK’s most popular figures over the past thirty-plus years. We chat to the comedy legend about lockdown, Strictly Come Dancing, and his latest tour, En Route to Normal…

The last year and a half has been a weird one. We all know as much. We've all said as much, perhaps a little too often. The lockdowns put everyone in a strange state of paralysis, leaving us desperate to find some way of pushing through the boredom. Some of us relied on Netflix, some of us (probably too many of us, in truth) tried our hand at baking banana bread. But when you’re one of the nation’s finest comedians, you have to put your mind to something a little more productive.

Take Bill Bailey, national treasure and an everpresent in British comedy, who spent a large portion of lockdown piecing together En Route to Normal, his hilarious new show which will tour everywhere

from Plymouth to Glasgow to, most importantly, the glorious city of Nottingham. “There was loads of music and new songs that I wrote as a response to being cooped up in my shed for months,” Bill laughs. “I did a lot of thinking about other times when there has been such a monumental moment in human history. I did wonder if I really wanted to talk about the pandemic too much, but it’s such a huge subject that it would be weird not to acknowledge it. In the end, though, I use it as more of a springboard to talk about a lot of other things, like, ‘What is normal? What does it mean? Do we really want that?’”

Although Bill has emerged from lockdown with an arena tour, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Like the rest of us, he found vast spells of the last eighteen months “really hard”, as normality shut down and we were all forced to keep our distance. “It was so tough on everyone. It was just such a surreal situation. Some days felt like they would go on and on, and then other times you’d blink and three days had gone by,” he says. “It was very strange. I found it really difficult to be creative at times.”

As has often been the case throughout his life, the wildlife enthusiast turned to nature for comfort when things became particularly challenging.

Bill speaks of the “huge amount of solace” he gets from being out in the open, going for walks and listening to birds to savour some muchneeded moments of calm.

This has become increasingly important with the rise of technology, he adds, believing the great outdoors can help to tackle the “low level pressure and anxiety to constantly be in touch” that many of us feel. “It’s a great relief from all of that,” he claims.

Yet the 56-year-old also tried out something slightly different towards the end of last year - taking part in and, of course, eventually becoming the champion of hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. As each week passed and Bill wowed viewers with everything from the Charleston to the quickstep, the unlikely star quickly won over the public, helping to deliver a string of joyous moments as he marched to victory. “It's very strange when you find yourself at the centre of something like that,” Bill muses, giving

the sense that it still hasn’t quite sunk in. “I’ve watched loads of these shows that grip the nation and capture people’s imaginations, and then suddenly there I am in the middle of it.

“At times it was very hard to gauge what people's reaction was, because we didn't see anyone and we weren't meeting anyone,” he continues. “In normal times, you might go out to the shop or to a restaurant and people will come up to you and let you know what they think. But because we were in the middle of that lockdown and we were in a bubble, it felt like we were almost on another planet for a while. Social media was how we could tell we were really lifting the spirits of the country, which was amazing, and I slowly started to find that I could dance!”

With restrictions now lifted and the country feeling like it is - you guessed it - en route to normal, Bill is returning to more familiar territory by swapping the dancefloor for the stage. The former Never Mind the Buzzcocks regular will bring his tour, which has been described as “hilarious” and “unmissable”, to the Motorpoint Arena just before Christmas and, rightly of course, he can’t wait to come back to the East Midlands.

I’ve watched loads of these shows that grip the nation and capture people’s imaginations, and then suddenly there I am in the middle of it “It's somewhere I've spent a lot of time at over the years,” Bill says - and he isn’t lying. Back in the late eighties, while still part of a double act with Toby Longworth, he would perform at Nottingham Trent’s Students’ Union and make the most of the city’s pubs after each gig.

Since then, he has rocked up at Just the Tonic on numerous occasions, and he regularly visits friends and family in the area. Decades after first bringing a smile to audiences in Nottingham, he still feels a strong connection to our hometown.

If you pop by the arena to watch this legend in action, you can expect the same witty humour and unique creativity that has made Bill such a popular figure over the years - but with a bit of a twist this time out. “This show is more reflective than a lot of my other stuff,” he explains. “In previous shows I’ve been able to use my experiences of traveling around the world and seeing new things and new places, but of course that hasn't been possible. This is much more introspective as a result.” Amusing musical numbers, whipsmart jokes and a thoughtful exploration of the meaning of life? Sign us up.

Bill Bailey’s En Route To Normal tour calls at the Motorpoint Arena on Thursday 23 December. Tickets and dates can be found at billbailey.co.uk.

words: George White leftlion.co.uk/issue142 1919

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leftlion.co.uk/issue142

It’s the return of LeftLion’s annual gift guide, in collaboration with Independent Nottingham, brought to you by Nottingham BID. Our city has so many brilliant independent businesses selling thoughtful, locally-sourced gifts…

Read on to discover what magical finds could soon be under your tree. leftlion.co.uk/issue142

21

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Shop Profile: Mica from Behind The Red Door It was our ninth birthday this November, so we’re nine years in the making. The Art File has been going for over twenty years now though, they’re the greeting cards company that bought this building. They decided to use the downstairs space to showcase their cards, and the shop led on from there, growing over time to include gifts.

I’ve been here for six years now. Before this, I worked in a small shop in Bingham. I used to work with the sister of the owner here, so I found out about this store through word of mouth. I’d never visited Behind The Red Door before, but as soon as I came in I knew it was for me. I like working in an

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Tucked away in the historic Lace Market, Behind the Red Door sells contemporary gifts ranging from accessories to stationery. With greeting cards and gift wrap designed in house, a trip here can meet all your wrapping needs.

22

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independent store because it feels so much more personal than mainstream retail. My favourite part is doing all the displays, and chatting to customers. I love seeing people’s reactions when they first come into the shop. Lots of people say it’s like Aladdin’s Cave.

I never thought retail would be for me, but I love working here. We’re lucky to be in this part of town because it has a nice vibe to it. Obviously, a lot of independents are in Hockley, but it’s worth making the trip down to the Lace Market. This area is great, and it has a lot of history. This street, this alleyway, this building, all so full of history.

Coming up to Christmas, the shop is full. We have all our Christmas cards, gifts, trees, and decorations, all ready to go to their new homes. I like this time of year because people tend to be in a good mood when they’re shopping for presents. I do my Christmas shopping here too. Even as we’re buying stock, I’m eyeing things up.

Gift Idea: Miss Sparrow Scarf - £20 A warm and cosy Miss Sparrow scarf.

Perfect for that mandatory boxing day walk.

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Known for their personalised customer service, K.Fines pride themselves on their regular shopping evenings, providing a space for customers to try on jewels and drink fizz. Stocking established and independent brands, the shop has lots to choose from this Christmas.

Shop Profile: Katie from K.Fines Jewellery After years of working in high end fashion I found my calling in jewels. I managed a jewellery store for a number of years, being involved from seeded design through to creating the final piece. After they ceased to trade I created Keishi which then branched out to K.Fines Jewellery in 2018.

Everyday is different here. I adore catching up with my incredible team first thing and talking through any special requests from customers. Bespoke appointments get me every time though - creating that special one-off piece for someone is the ultimate. That and wedding jewellery, people

that are getting married are genuinely so happy and that’s infectious. Finding that perfect piece for a client is the best feeling.

I love all our jewellery but my current favourite is our bespoke signet ring collection. We’re seeing family members personalising pieces with family crests, initials, cute drawings by their little ones and set with birthstones. I love that these pieces will eventually become family heirlooms, that’s special. I’m looking forward to Christmas. Christmas is where it happens for us. There’s a constant buzz in store with clients searching for the perfect gift.

I love jewellery, I love how it makes you feel, how it elevates an outfit and how those finishing touches can separate you from the crowd by giving you your own identity.

We look forward to our annual champagne and shopping evenings which for us mark the start of the festive period.

Gift Idea: Rachel Jackson Deco Moon Necklace - £50 A gold moon necklace to add warmth to any outfit. Symbolic of a bright future, this is ideal for the new year.

leftlion.co.uk/issue142

23

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Sourcing clothing from all arou nd the world, Braderie is a vintage shop located on Pelham Street. Stocked with cosy jumpers, an array of fleeces, and high quality vintage jackets, there’s no need to be cold this winter.

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Prices

19-21 Pelham St, NG1 2ED

Forget trawling through Dep op for that perfect vintage sweatshirt. Brad erie is one of the best places to go.

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Wild Clothing

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Stocking vintage European and American clothing, alongside contemporary brands like Dickies and Run & Fly, Wild has become a landmark shop in Nottingham’s vintage scene.

Clothes, bags, footwear, vinyl records, hats… Wild has it all.

Shop Profile: Shaun from Wild I took over Wild in August 2020. I’m from Derby originally, and I had a very small vintage clothing shop there. The shop was doing ok but it was in the west end of town where all the students were, rather than the town centre. When they went home it was so quiet because there was no passing trade.

I found a shop in Derby city centre but was struggling to negotiate with the landlord.

24

Then I came into Wild one day and started moaning to the previous owner Robin, who I’ve known a long time. He told me that he was retiring soon and asked if I wanted to buy this shop. I made up my mind on the spot. leftlion.co.uk/issue142

braderie.co.uk

I was meant to take over in June 2020 but shops were only just starting to reopen after the first lockdown. I was adamant that I still wanted the shop but I didn’t want to open up coming out of a lockdown, so we pushed it back a couple of months. Things were difficult; last December was a disappointing one, but since April this year it’s been absolutely manic.

Vintage clothing is something I’ve always loved. I really like the stuff we’ve been getting at the minute, sixties leather jackets and seventies suede jackets. I love looking for vintage denim too. Proper old vintage denim doesn’t turn up very often but I’ve always got my eyes open. There are lots of reasons why people buy second hand. I started buying it because I was into American fifties and sixties fashion. A lot of it’s down to wanting to dress uniquely, but also the sustainability behind it as well. There used to be a stigma around buying second hand and vintage but that just doesn’t exist anymore. People don’t bat an eyelid.

Gift Idea: Official Band T - £19.95 Whether you’re after a classic or current artist, Wild is packed with band merchandise.

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Shop Zero

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Empowering people to live a more eco-friendly life, Shop Zero offers plastic free refills and sustainable homeware items. Doing all the research for the customer, Shop Zero is helping Nottingham make earth friendly choices.

Shop Profile: Sarah from Shop Zero I was brought up in Edwinstowe by a mum who was a biologist. I went on to study biology myself up to PhD level and I’ve always had this strong belief that we need to work in harmony with nature. I worked in sustainability for a number of years, then had kids and came out of it.

When the kids were older, I started reading about environmental issues again and picked up the book Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson. I got really inspired by that book and became connected to the fact we’re always being pushed to consume.

I did Plastic Free July and found it hard. That’s why I started running the pop-ups and selling food in bulk, and it grew from there. The reception has been amazing. Even when I was just doing my pop-ups in Cobden Chambers, it was crazy the number of people who would come. I started off selling food, then people started asking me about bamboo toothbrushes and sponges so I started linking with local makers. A big part of my ethos is collaborating with others who create sustainably. It sounds like a cliché, but I do feel part of a community.

Over Christmas we all get pushed into this idea of gift giving.

I’d recommend asking people if they want a gift, or shopping in charity shops. If you do want to buy something, maybe buy something practical or eco-friendly. People are coming in and buying things like lunch boxes and reusable cups at the moment. You can buy things to help people make a change. We all have the power to make a difference in our own lives, and how we consume is how we exert that power.

Gift Idea: Unwind & Pamper Zero Waste Gift Set - £45 Supporting local Notts makers, this pamper kit includes a whole range of zero waste products for a relaxing night at home. leftlion.co.uk/issue142

25

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We can’t forget Nottingham’s most iconic doughnut shop.

Ranging from your simple glazed doughnut to Death by Chocolate, there’s something for everyone. All doughnuts are handmade from start to finish, ensuring great quality every time.

Shop Profile: Wade from Doughnotts I probably start each day at half three or four in the morning and do admin stuff, or I’ll head down to the bakery and crack on baking. We’re producing about 20,000 doughnuts a week at the minute which are all handmade and hand cut. So, it’s all systems go.

26

Doughnotts started about seven and a half years ago. It was me and Megan Scaddan in Megan’s mum’s kitchen, and we started it on a tenner. Megan and I were both on about £100 a week at the time and we had nothing to lose, so we just ran at it.

leftlion.co.uk/issue142

The first doughnut that we made was just a glazed doughnut and I sold it to my mate Rupert. I sold him twelve for £12 and drove them about thirty minutes to his house.

We have so many flavours now. Things like Cookie Monster, Red Velvet and Death by Chocolate were the first ones we made, but I love them all. I’ve had doughnuts from all around the world. There’s a company in New York called Dough that has really dry doughnuts, but I like that because that’s their thing. But if you go somewhere like Doughnut Plant, their doughnuts are like chewing gum, which I love too. I think we make a very good middle ground.

We’re expanding crazy fast; we’re looking at a new Nottingham site, and have one potentially opening in Sherwood and one opening in the Ikea retail park. We want to let Nottingham know that we’re investing back into the city. We want to pump money into the local economy, and to employ more people, which is better for everyone.

Gift Idea: Gift Voucher - £6 or £12 Simple and efficient. There’s no better gift than handmade Nottingham doughnuts.

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Megan Crook Textiles Unit 15, Sneinton Market, NG1 1DS

megancrook.com

Megan Crook Textiles is a rainbow clothing emporium, based in Sneinton Market. The shop sells ready-made clothing, bespoke pieces, and holds creative fashion workshops for anyone craving a bit more colour in their life.

Shop Profile: Megan Crook Colour, for me, is life. It represents pure vitality. It’s so important to surround yourself with colour, whether that’s in your home or on your person. It’s so uplifting.

I’ve been here for two years, but prior to that I worked from home for fifteen years. I don’t think I’ve ever been as content with my life and work as I am now. It’s great to have that sense of community in Sneinton Market, there are lots of independent businesses supporting each other. I love that it’s public-facing but also a working studio. You can choose your fabric and have a bespoke garment, or choose from products on the shop floor. That’s really special and unique.

My favourite days are when I’m doing sampling, or when I’m drafting patterns for new designs, and we’re making them, trying them on and twizzling around the studio. A lot of my inspiration comes from sourcing materials, I probably should have been a buyer or a personal shopper or something like that, I’ve just got the eye for finding things that are unique and different. When I source material I’ll feel the weight of it, I’ll look at the pattern, and I’ll visualise what I feel that particular fabric is best suited for.

Like I said, this space is definitely one of the things I’m most proud of. I also run another business called Get Crooked which is my festival love child, and seeing my work at Glastonbury was so amazing.

I used to do a lot of trade shows, so seeing my designs in places like New York and Moscow was really exciting. But also, it’s great just getting emails from people who received their order and are delighted.

Gift Idea: Velvet Cowl - £35 A jewel toned cowl to brighten up a gloomy December. This feels luxurious and practical.

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1. 101 Vintage 2. The Bead Shop 3. Behind the Red Door 4. Braderie 5. Brew Cavern 6. Carolyn Codd 7. Coles Sewing Centre 8. Dash Vegan 9. Debbie Bryan 10. Doughnotts 11. Five Leaves Bookshop 12. Gray & Bull Opticians

13. Hopkinson at Cobden Place 14. Inspired 15. Keishi Jewellery 16. K.Fines Jewellery 17. Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates 18. Megan Crook Textiles 19. Shop Zero 20. Splatt 21. Stewarts 22. Thea Kitchen, Bar & Garden 23. The Watered Garden 24. Wild Clothing

Gift Guide

For travel discounts and further information on what Nottingham has to offer this Christmas, visit itsinnottingham.com

Editor:

Lizzy O’Riordan

Design:

Fiona Carr

Photography: Curtis Powell Ekam Hundal

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Independent businesses are a crucial point of difference for Nottingham’s retail and leisure offerings, rich in diversity and creativity, and Nottingham BID are committed to recognising and celebrating their vital contribution to the local economy through the dedicated Independent Nottingham stream of delivery.

To discover your local independents, visit: itsinnottingham.com/ideas-inspiration/independents Are you an independent business owner?

You can get involved in the Independent Nottingham campaign if your business is: a bricks and mortar, public facing business, within the Nottingham BID area that you, the business owner, considers to be an ‘independent’, and Nottingham BID agree that your business helps make Nottingham unique. To find out more, visit nottinghambid.com/what-we-deliver/independent-city

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Christmas at Wollaton illustration: Natalie Owen

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Christmas at Wollaton is back with a (metaphorical) bang, offering plenty of festive cheer with its enchanting music and stunning illuminations. Take a look at the brand new trail turning Wollaton Park into a winter wonderland until Sunday 9 January…

Tickets are available to buy at christmasatwollaton.org

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Festive Forest

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Deer Park

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Tunnel of Light

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Twinkle Twinkle

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Star of Wonder

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Rainbow Walkway

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Euphorbia

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Winter Garden

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Festive Finale

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interview: Katie Lyle photos: Ekam Hundal

food review: Baresca Nottingham is home to a whole host of incredible tapas restaurants, from Iberico to Revolucion de Cuba - but nestled down the Lace Market’s Byard Lane is a real contender for the number one spot. First opened in 2015, Baresca has offered tasty Spanish food in a classy setting, and has received high praise from countless people ever since. So, I think it’s high time I discover what all the fuss is about.

After a friendly welcome from the front house staff, I start off with a simple classic: grilled Catalan bread drizzled in exquisite olive oil.

It’s certainly not the most generous portion size - two slices of bread with a small helping of rich tomato sauce - but what you do get is well worth savouring.

FOOD AND DRINK

roast busters

The Roundhouse is a unique pub located within the former Jubilee Wing of the Nottingham General Hospital, providing a diverse menu packed with high quality, locally sourced food and ales. We speak to Head Chef Pete Smith and Operational Manager Tracey McGowan about everything going on at the Nottingham local…

This building has a lot of history, doesn’t it?

Pete: Well, it's the first ever round hospital concept, the idea being that all the wards had the sister in the middle so she could see everything. Our bays are where the hospital beds would have been, with a window view going all around and a ward down below.

It’s designed by the same guy that designed the Albert Hall, which is why it looks like it does.

Tracey: It has a nice feel to it here in the evening. It's quite quirky inside, it’s a nice location, and we do have a terrace when the weather is decent, which is definitely a bonus.

Your menu is incredibly varied.

What kind of things are on offer?

Tracey: There's no blueprint, we just do what we think we should be doing at the time. We’ve got a steak night coming up and we’ve just had a Beaujolais weekend with live music. We are trying to incorporate themes, so it gives our customers something different.

Pete: I think that variety is the most unique thing we do. Because we change the menu so often, and we do specials and events that

are themed, we are doing over 350 dishes a year. We do French, Italian, Spanish, Eastern European, Thai, Japanese - there’s no limit.

What are your plans for Christmas?

Tracey: We are doing a menu all month which is two or three courses at a set price of £25-£30, plus we have an à la carte for walk-in or those who don’t want a set menu. We will be doing a four course Christmas dinner and a ticketed New Year’s Eve party with a four course meal and a DJ, so that will be really nice.

There’s no blueprint, we just do what we think we should be doing at the time I loved the Sunday roast, it had brilliant portion sizes...

Tracey: We don’t skimp on it, do we? It had been quiet, but all of a sudden things are picking up.

People are walking around past the castle a bit more than they would on a weekday, and we are already getting many return customers who love our dinners.

And what drinks do you have on offer?

Tracey: We have an array of spirits and wines. We do cask ales, where we are supporting local businesses such as Blue Monkey and Shipstones. We are limited to the amount we can have on because we only have a small space downstairs in the cellars, so we are forever changing the barrel type.

What else do you have planned going forward?

Pete: In the new year we are doing some events that are food and wine related, where you can have food and drinks to come and try.

We have people coming to speak as well, so we will have Italian, Spanish, French nights, as well as gin nights, with drinks paired with the food so you can try it together and see why it works.

theroundhousenottingham.com

Next up is perhaps the pick of the bunch, a crispy set of halloumi fritters that have the mouth watering. So often with halloumi, as all hardcore cheese fans will know, the taste can quickly become repetitive, and the saltiness of the batter can start to overwhelm. Not here, though - this is delightfully light and cooked to perfection. I pair the fritters with another of my orders, the Moroccan spiced aubergine tagine, and it’s a combination fit for kings. The paprika spices of the tagine perfectly complement the slightly tangy halloumi, creating a taste sensation like no other.

With the cheese sweats starting to form, I round things off with a bowl of mushroom risoni, garnished with a rich, creamy chive sauce boasting a deliciously distinctive flavour that definitely sticks in the memory.

While arguably a little on the pricey side, Baresca has plenty of magnificent options for vegetarians and carnivores alike, and with some of the nicest interior decoration in town, it’s the perfect place for a proper fancy night out. George White barescatapas.co.uk

To Nosh Christmas Door Cookie - Clemie’s Vegan Cakes

To Sup Christmas Pudding Gin - Blue Monkey Brewery

Joining Nottingham’s already exquisite selection of Italian eateries is Gusto, a brand new restaurant promising fine dining that will “ignite all the senses”. You can book a table from Monday 6 December. gustorestaurants.uk.com/nottingham

Treat Santa or, more importantly, yourself to a delicious Christmas Door Cookie this festive season. Offering vanilla shortbread topped with royal icing, this adorable delight tastes just as good as it looks. @clemievegancake

Think Blue Monkey is all about beer? Think again. With its Christmas Pudding Gin, this Notts institution is taking things in a whole new direction. Want a really merry Christmas? Take a punt on this. facebook.com/bluemonkeybrew

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New Business Gusto Italian

food for thought

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WELLBEING

the hairy hikers

words: Adam Pickering photo: Nick Revill

LIVING IN ABUNDANCE Adam Pickering talks to Aretê’s Josh O’Callaghan and Matt Dryden, the high-end barbers taking their safe space out into nature with their open wellbeing walks…

Aretê is a nifty little barber shop on Heathcote Street which you might not have come across yet. I found them on Instagram and was instantly intrigued - this was a proper arty, high-aesthetic business, with a love for the craft leaping off the screen. Yet it turns out they aren’t just about presentation, with the brains behind the barbers also placing a strong focus on mental health.

We’re a neutral ear, we don’t know their peers or families so they can open up without causing any conflict Despite some successes in destigmatising conversations around men’s mental health in recent years, it’s a topic that too often goes under the radar. Many men still feel they can’t talk openly about their feelings, or that they shouldn’t have strong emotions. With a disproportionate amount sadly taking their own lives 75% of suicides are male - it remains the biggest killer of those under the age of 45, according to ONS figures.

So for Josh and Matt, the old-time friends who started Aretê, barbering became a calling that goes beyond the coiffure - with the pair wanting to offer extra support to their customers. “We love the chat that goes along with it. It’s about creating a safe space to come and get things off your chest in a friendly environment,” Josh enthuses. They wanted to take their plan further than just having a chinwag in the barber’s chair, though, with the idea of wellbeing walks coming up - communal jaunts out into nature to meet their customers and work out life’s stresses through mutual support. After the guys organised their first walk in Wollaton Park, I

go along for a chat to see how it went, and to get into what it was all about. “The idea is to create a little community,” says Josh, who adds that he was reluctant to apply too much pressure for people to spill all their woes out on day one. “I think that will happen, but in the short term it’s about getting out, having a laugh and breaking up your routine.”

Josh and Matt chose a Sunday because they saw the benefit of filling in what might otherwise be a bit of dead space for people. “This can get you out of bed and give you some purpose for the day,” Josh says.

“It’s about giving something back and being a part of the community, really. All of our strength comes from our customers. It's been a hard eighteen months for everyone and we just want to make sure the people that support us feel supported by us.”

“We do become that sounding board for a lot of people, and it helps having an hour with someone that you've got a connection with - but they're not your closest friends, so you have that distance to speak freely.”

Matt agrees, adding, “People have often said things like, ‘This is where I come to get my therapy,’ which is a massive compliment. It does feel like a safe space in a barber shop. I know some have more intimidating atmospheres than others but we’re really keen to make it feel like an environment where you can open up and not feel judged. We’re a neutral ear, we don’t know their peers or families so they can open up without causing any conflict. So the walk is a bit like the barber shop on the move to us.”

If you’d like to get involved with Aretê’s wellbeing walks, or just fancy a haircut, drop in and have a chat or get in touch via their website or social media. aretemens.co.uk @arete.mens

Our new regular columnist Love CeCe takes an alternative and holistic approach to wellbeing, and will be giving advice on improving your spiritual side...

‘Tis the most wonderful time of the year!

The Winter Solstice is on its way.

Throughout human history and way before the very modern idea of time, we've celebrated the movement of the sun. The term Solstice is loosely translated to “sun stand still”, and on Tuesday 21 December at 10.59am, the sun will be at its furthest point away from Earth and will take the shortest path across the sky. It marks the start of the astronomical winter and gives us the longest night of the year. And then, one degree at a time, the days will get longer. The light of the world is born!

Around the world, megalithic monuments were built; Stonehenge tracks the dance of the Sun of Man each year. It's amazing and another reminder to take in the changes around us, to be in harmony with nature and to slow down.

It's also a chance to be kind to one another. Winter can be a very dark time for some of us with the lack of sun and the pressure the festive season can bring.

Make it your mission to help those in need, donate to your local food bank, check on an elderly neighbour or give away a coat to someone who has less. It's not just about the presents you can buy, sometimes it's your presence that means more. Show gratitude because we are truly blessed.

This year has been nearly mythical so we'll close it out with a fitting affirmation: I AM LIVING IN ABUNDANCE Not just money, but health, joy, love and peace.

Please make sure you support local businesses too, we put a lot of care into our products and services just for you.

I'll be back when the Gregorian calendar flips to 2022 but until then my loves, be safe, no fear and stay blessed.

Love

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words: Love CeCe illustration: Fiona Carr traceymeek.com

Chop notch

Anti-Climatic My most stimulating portion of November was spent compiling eighteen interviews from COP26 in Glasgow (which you can read on our website). A frequent criticism that came up was the overrepresentation of corporate and fossil fuel interests at the conference, in contrast to the scant space given to the most affected, least guilty parties.

At least 503 fossil fuel lobbyists were in attendance - dwarfing the combined delegations of the eight worst climate change-affected countries, or any other single country’s delegation. Was anyone surprised? No; lobbying is pervasive at all levels of politics, and it continues to make action on climate change woefully weak.

A notorious example is the perverselynamed (nominally defunct) “Global Climate Coalition” (1989-2001); a fossil fuel interest-led lobby group set up to sow confusion and distort legitimate climate science - despite the industry’s own scientists making the breakthrough discovery that human emissions are warming our planet. Those convinced that climate change is a con, invented by wealthy interests, have been conned by the very wealthy interests who’ve known longest that climate change is real.

Lobbying is pervasive at all levels of politics, and it continues to make action on climate change woefully weak The UK political system is laden with such blurred-priorities and miraculously multitasking part-time “public service” people, exemplified in the second jobs affair currently embroiling the UK Government. But Ben Bradley, the MP for Mansfield and Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, says it “wouldn’t be right” for MPs to only have to stick to one job.

When the council planned to cut down four mature trees in Newark-onTrent, the local community stepped up to save them. Emma Oldham, one of the movement’s campaigners, tells us all about it…

At a time when we’re left feeling betrayed by our leaders’ lack of commitment from COP26 negotiations, it is becoming harder than ever to shrug off eco-anxiety.

It’s easy to throw in the towel. But don’t.

While global leaders are failing us, community groups are saving us. And they are everywhere. Right across the UK, people are uniting to protect precious pockets of green space and habitats which otherwise would be lost to development and greed.

I’ve been on the frontline of a very recent community campaign myself. The same week leaders pledged to end deforestation, my district councillors erected metal fencing to imprison and slaughter four mature trees in Newark-on-Trent to make way for a tarmac car park.

Trees are the lungs of our planet, and by stopping the chop their legacy continues to supply fresh oxygen, capture carbon, and alleviate flooding The community value of these trees was neglected, and its wildlife was deemed worthless. Thousands of residents and 6,000 petition signatures were ignored.

Strong evidence of high bat activity was ignored. Mass peaceful protests and candle vigils were ignored.

Democracy had failed us. But, when the iron wall went up around our green space, the community rose further.

I’ve never seen anything like it.

Monitors and volunteers helped to protect the site at all hours around the clock for five consecutive weeks after the chop was voted. It unleashed a tidal wave of support, passion, and unity. The cameras started turning up, we made it on national TV and our #StoptheChop campaign was reaching new audiences.

Despite all this pressure, the authorities didn’t buckle and on Remembrance Day, Newark and Sherwood District Council took over our green oasis with a

formidable force of workmen and police, erecting fencing all around us.

Warnings of trespass and orders to leave the site, coupled with the threat of arrest, forced peaceful protestors to leave. But our ‘fab5’ was born. Five incredible individuals – including 80-year old Jo – stuck it out to the very end, with four of them sleeping under the trees on a chilly November night.

On the outside of the wall, the community flocked together, lighting candles, performing songs and honking horns in support of the protestors. Even at midnight a beautiful mix of residents, strangers and police supported the protestors by passing hot water bottles, blankets, battery packs and food over the barricades. The message was loud and clear - the community would go down fighting for their leafy residents.

But on Friday afternoon, after thirty hours of protestors in confinement, NSDC deputy leader Keith Girling arrived onsite to announce that work must be halted immediately. This was due to a new deal offered to the council by landowner Dan Derry, who bought the green space from the council in 2017 and then leased it back to them. We had won.

Through unity, perseverance, teamwork and care we’d saved a vital green space that not only acts as a stepping stone for foraging bats, foxes and hedgehogs but also helps with our mental health and wellbeing. The trees are the lungs of our planet, and by stopping the chop their legacy continues to supply fresh oxygen, capture carbon, and alleviate flooding. Most importantly, our children will be able to grow old with them.

We hope this small but vital victory brings encouragement to all the other community groups currently fighting to protect their green spaces and wildlife. When you have community, you have hope. facebook.com/ProtectNewarksGreenSpaces

Green Light in the City A free pop-up shop full of activities to help answer your questions on climate change, delivered by both Nottingham universities, Carbon Neutral Nottingham 2028, Ignite!, Green Hustle, and ChalleNGe. itsinnottingham.com

Arkwright Meadows Community Gardens

Plant.NG wild

Nottingham’s packed with great community gardens, creating space for locals to come together and get hands on with nature and food growing - The Meadows’ AMC Gardens is one of the finest examples.

Rachel Richards is Notts’ premier planter of Miyawaki mini forests, like the one that’s just gone in at Woodthorpe Park. Here she shares knowledge on tree planting, wildflowers, soil health, and more rewilding goodness.

amcgardens.co.uk

facebook.com/plantNGwild

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words: Adam Pickering

DIG THIS

I’m sure that Joe Manchin - the US Senator and de facto deciding vote in the 50-50 split Senate spearheading efforts to block Biden’s dramatic Build Back Better climate legislation, who also happens to make in excess of $500,000 per year from his fossil fuel interests - would agree.

Until we make sure politicians work for the people (and planet) they supposedly represent, we’re unlikely to see anything like the sweeping world-saving system change that Glasgow protestors demanded.

ENVIRONMENT

words: Emma Oldham photo: Nickoli Parker

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A Reel Improvement It might sound strange to claim but, despite having to close their doors for the first few months of the year, 2021 has arguably not been the absolute disaster for cinemas that many anticipated (what can I say? I’m a wildcard). There have undoubtedly been tremendous challenges, but with an exciting Christmas schedule still to come - including colossal blockbuster releases in the form of Spider-Man: No Way Home and The Matrix Resurrections - things are looking bright for the Screen industry.

A key turning point was the release of Mortal Kombat way back in April, as shocking as it may seem. Although far from a masterpiece, this giant, CGIheavy action flick racked up $83 million worldwide. Sure, these are hardly groundbreaking numbers, but they were still pretty impressive considering the circumstances - and were a sign that, after a year of watching movies at home, people were ready to embrace the joy of the cinema again.

With perhaps the best of the year’s bunch on its way this December, it could be a very merry Christmas for cinemas

@LeftLionScreen

words: George White

Here at LeftLion, we like to focus on the local screen scene - and it doesn’t get much more local than a movie set inside one of our very own cinemas. A Picture of Memory, the debut short from Hucknall’s Bradley Severn, is exactly that, following a Second World War veteran’s trips to The Arc Cinema in his hometown, as he uses films as a way of reflecting on his troubled past.

For Bradley, his favourite movie theatre was key from the very start of the project. “When I went there a while ago I said to the manager, ‘I’m really interested in creating films,’ and he told me that if I ever wanted to shoot there, I could. As soon as he said that I had in my mind a story that had the cinema at its heart,” the first-time filmmaker explains, adding that he wrote the script almost overnight following that gamechanging conversation.

I wanted to highlight how war is portrayed in films versus how it actually was for those involved Arc continued to prove invaluable throughout the filmmaking process, offering not only a space to shoot but also on-screen talent for Bradley to benefit from.

“I had some of the actual cinema crew take part in the film,” he says. “It was key for me to get the staff involved - it helps to create a stronger sense of reality. At the end of the day, they know how to play their roles better than anyone!”

With the Second World War at its centre, A Picture of Memory is joining an area of cinema that has been widely explored in the last seventy-odd years. Yet that doesn’t mean there aren’t still important messages

to deliver. Through developing a direct comparison between the often over-glamorised way in which war has been depicted on screen, and the harsh, brutal reality for those who fought on the front line, Bradley is hoping to show the “real life” version of this vital moment in history. “It’s showcasing two contrasting World War stories: one made up for the cinema and one that’s an actual experience. Although they’re both quite similar on the surface, they ultimately highlight how war is portrayed in films versus how it actually was for those involved.”

Creating a short from scratch is an impressive feat for Bradley, who has never formally studied filmmaking preferring instead to learn first-hand through “trial and error”. Watching tutorials online and putting them into practice has helped to refine his skills, but ultimately there is no better way to grow than by learning from the best in the business. Constantly studying the biggest directors in the game is crucial, Bradley says, as he attempts to analyse their approach to certain shots and recreate their techniques in his own unique way.

Once A Picture of Memory becomes available to the public, the young filmmaker’s focus will turn to submitting the short to festivals both in Notts and across the country. After that? There are plenty of other ideas up his sleeve. But one thing’s for certain - each project will revolve around one very specific aim. “Whatever I do, I want to make sure there is a thought-provoking message at the centre of each of my stories. If I can use any of my films to help others, that’s absolutely what I want to do.”

A Picture of Memory will be available to watch on the Severn Film Studios YouTube channel from Thursday 2 December.

To Watch Edward Scissorhands (The Loft Movie Theatre) Is Edward Scissorhands a Christmas movie? Eh, it’s close enough. This Oscar-nominated classic is perfect for those who fancy something a little different this festive period.

And at less than £7 a ticket, consider this a snip…

Monday 6 Dec, Savoy Cinema

To Remember Torvill & Dean (2018)

To Follow Cassie Bradley

This heartfelt biopic of Nottingham’s most famous athletes was released on Christmas Day three years ago.

Penned by local screenwriter Billy Ivory, this touching ITV drama attracted an audience of just under eight million people, and received a pretty impressive five-star review from The Guardian.

Featuring on-screen in the likes of Wolfe and lending her voice to the likes of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Cassie Bradley is an up-and-coming actor with a wide range of talents. Drop her a follow to see what she does next! @cassiebradley.ig

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“We are thrilled to see audiences returning in significant numbers... and with the incredible movie slate to come, there are real grounds for optimism in our industry,” is the message from Cineworld’s Mooky Greidinger. With perhaps the best of the year’s bunch on its way this December, it could be a very merry Christmas for cinemas.

Notts filmmaker Bradley Severn’s introspective short A Picture of Memory aims to shine a light on the brutality of war. We hear about what the movie involves, the messages it is trying to convey, and how The Arc Cinema in Hucknall played an instrumental role in its creation…

Short reels

This was followed by a successful double-whammy in Cruella and A Quiet Place Part II a month later, with the pair making over half a billion dollars between them. Since then, the likes of Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, No Time to Die and (ugh) F9: The Fast Saga have posted incredibly impressive figures, almost returning to pre-pandemic levels - and even films with more of an arthouse feel, like Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, have raked in the cash.

SCREEN

words: George White photo: Jill Palmer

war story

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MUSIC

all about that bass

interview: Jared Wilson

After moving from Nuthall to New York, bass player Mark Lewandowski is living the dream on the other side of the pond. We hear about his time in Nottingham, his love for The Big Apple and how School of Rock inspired his passion for music…

Tell us about your early days in Nottingham.

I grew up in Nuthall. My parents are still in the same house we lived in when I was a child. I had a wonderful education at Trinity School in Aspley they were greatly supportive of me throughout my time there. Nottingham is such a great place to be a young person. There’s such a vibrant nightlife that I think it instilled a love of going out, checking out music and being part of a ‘scene’. I used to hang out at Rescue Rooms or the Bodega all night.

What got you into music as a child?

When I was at Trinity I started getting into rock School of Rock had just come out, and I saw the cello player play the bass and that was that. I pestered my parents who gave in and bought me an electric bass. My dad is a big jazz fan. Family vacations would sometimes be to jazz festivals in the UK or Europe.

At that time I really wasn’t into that type of music all that much. It was hearing Wynton Marsalis at the Marciac Jazz Festival in the south of France that really was the turning point for me.

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You moved to London to study at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. When was this?

After I left school. I knew music was what I wanted to do full time then - I was serious about it and never had a plan B. I ended up going to Guildhall, mainly because my mate and fellow Nottinghamshire musician Will Glaser went there too. It was great. I started working on the jazz scene in London really quickly and had a wonderful time learning from my idols down in the capital.

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You’ve played at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club quite a few times. What was that like?

My first gig there was when I was sixteen or seventeen. I used to go to their jam sessions pretty much every night when I first moved to London. I’d

be out until 3 or 4am five nights a week and would be learning, chatting with older musicians, hanging out and playing. After doing that for a while, I started to get called to play there in the house bands. By the time I left London I was sometimes working there multiple times a week. It’s probably the most respected jazz club in Europe, so it was a real honour.

You played for a while here with local band Manières Des Bohemians. How did you find that?

Those were incredibly happy days for me. It was the first band that played regularly that I was ever part of.

It was cool to get into the music of Django Reinhardt.

I knew nothing about it before at all. Rob Rosa and the guys took me under their wings and we had a wonderful time playing all around.

I’m really proud to come from Nottingham and my upbringing there was invaluable to where I am now in my life Was it a big decision to move to New York?

I always wanted to move there. I used to go on Google Street View and electronically walk down the streets! It has all the mystique that surrounds it, and its place in jazz history is second to none. Of course, it was a tough move. I was set up in London with a nice apartment, a dog and so on.

Going long distance with my girlfriend was also difficult, although she’s been an angel and is the most supportive partner to me still. We’re married and she lives out here with me now so it all worked out okay.

What’s it like studying at Juilliard School?

Juilliard is regarded as the best music school in the world so it was a privilege to be there. I was part of the Artist Diploma course which was basically just a band. There were six of us - the majority being Europeans who had travelled to NYC to do this course. We rehearsed twice a week, took private study with the faculty and travelled around performing and teaching. It was a great experience overall and a wonderful springboard into the New York scene.

You have recently released the new album Under One Sky. Tell us about that.

My intention with this album is to explore my identity as a British jazz musician living and working in New York. It’s a study in the similarities and differences of living on both sides of the pond, and I’m trying to document the various lessons and experiences that have informed my playing and writing up to this point.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

I’m really proud to come from Nottingham and my upbringing there was invaluable to where I am now in my life. I hope to come over to the UK much more regularly in the shadow of this awful pandemic. I hear there’s an amazing jazz club called Peggy’s Skylight in Hockley now! I’m desperate to come check that place out as I hear it’s great. Between that, Nottingham Jazzsteps (who I can’t even begin to equate how much I owe for their support and mentorship), and all the other wonderful places to hear and play jazz in Nottingham, it seems like the scene and community is strong. I hope to get back soon, to catch up with old friends and to drink a pint of Legend.

Mark’s latest album, Under One Sky, is now available at his website marklewandowski.bandcamp.com

MUSIC

MUSIC REviews Jerub Trade It All (Single) Jerub strikes again with his unbelievable vocal talent, powerful lyrical messages, and honest and sincere conviction.

With instrumentals that stir and uplift, Trade It All feels rather significant. Just on the cusp of what will surely become an incredibly successful musical career, this singer-songwriter certainly has a lot of potential. With a presence that will always leave its mark, he is set to wow audiences when he headlines The Bodega on Thursday 2 December.

Katie Lyle

Underdark Our Bodies Burned Bright On Re-Entry (Album)

Star Botherers Tales of Layton Rakes (Album)

Nottingham band Underdark have finally released their debut album, a collection of five tracks, brutal vocals and a sound that will make any shoegazing post-metal lover ecstatic. It's a tsunami of sound that washes over you along with the harshest of vocals from their relatively new singer Abi Vasquez, leaving you emotionally drained at the end of the album. This is not a pretty sound - forget a dreamlike approach, this is the stuff of nightmares. Bassey

After two years of recording, Warsop's Star Botherers are preparing to release their long-awaited second album, Tales of Layton Rakes.

Fast-paced and uplifting, this album brings together thirteen songs all written to celebrate stories of everyday life that we can all relate to.

Exemplified no better than in songs such as Blackpool and Just Around The Corner, the goal of this collection is clear early on - to bring listeners together in light, breezy harmonies and a sense that there really is nothing that can't be fixed with a relatable, upbeat tune. Alex Keene

Chloe Rodgers Back To The Quay (EP)

In Isolation The Man Who Hides From Love (Single)

It’s a stunning sight to observe a seed planted in the rough but fertile soils of Nottingham blossom into the marigold of vibrant colour and blissful lightness that Chloe Rodgers has become. Blending hints of the spiritual with the sophisticated, the urban with the cinematic, Chloe reflects the wholesome, delicate and vulnerable underbelly which Nottingham often hides behind a rough and boisterous façade. Her singing: uniquely ethereal and elegant. Her songwriting: profound proof of a budding talent. Lovely stuff. Liam MacGregor-Hastie

Taken from their recent album Shards, In Isolation are releasing the single The Man Who Hides From Love on Monday 13 December - and will launch the track with a unique video global collaboration of animators. These Nottingham stalwarts of the Darkwave/Goth world have put together an impressive project and the release will be greatly appreciated by their followers - and this track is one of the strongest from the new album. Christmas has come early. Bassey

If you’re from Nottingham and want to get added to our music writers list, or get your tunes reviewed, hit us up at music@leftlion.co.uk

NUSIC BOX

Your new Notts music tip sheet, as compiled by Nusic’s Sam Nahirny.

Want more? Check out the fortnightly podcasts and live sessions on the Nusic website.

Staywidit When Lee from The Elementz tells you that you need to check a NG artist out - you know they’re gonna be sick. And that was true for Staywidit. Proudly repping Notts with a unique take on Drill that’s already getting love from the likes of Kiss and GRM Daily. Latest drop Splattered feels like an artist ready for world domination - and this is just the start.

@staywidit.cgu

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EM An artist we first heard through the wholesome helping collective of Circle of Light - Em manages to mix Billie Eilish-esque quirk and big pop chorus melodies, all wrapped up in a badass popstar package.

Already the few tunes we’ve heard feature disgustingly catchy choruses that are made for daytime radio. She’s also bossing every part of the ‘make it happen’ path - writing, producing and obvs performing these lil pop gems too. Vibes. Catchy, catchy vibes. @mlybldwn

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Former Marvel and DC comics illustrator Rich Perotta talks us through the process of creating his festive LeftLion cover, an homage to Nottingham, the place the native New Yorker now calls home...

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My name is Rich Perotta. I have been, and still am, a professional Illustrator, graphic designer and comic book artist since the mid nineties. I am a native New Yorker who lived there most of my life until I moved to Nottingham in March 2020.

What was the inspiration behind the cover?

I wanted to encapsulate the Christmas Spirit as well as give proper homage to my new home. Given my career in comic book art, I chose to add a bit of American style comic design with a considerably buff Santa holding all the children’s presents with one hand, while joyously guiding his reindeer with his other hand. Having him fly over the Council House was a quick and easy decision.

What was the biggest challenge that you faced in creating the piece?

None. A challenge implies that there is a problem to fix. There was no problem drawing this cover since I had so much fun doing it.

Tell us about some projects you’ve worked on in the past…

My first professional job in art was Marvel Comics and I was there for a good ten years; helping illustrate dozens of comic book titles ranging from Iron Man to X-Men to Deadpool, along with many others. Shortly after my time there, I was an Illustrator at DC comics for a two year span, and in 2013 I started expanding my repertoire with independent comic publishing.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell LeftLion readers?

That is a loaded question. I guess the best place to start would be to say… Hi.

@richperottaart

words: Emilia Turner

Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945 makes its way to Djanogly Gallery, surveying foundational works by artists including Barbara Hepworth, Sarah Lucas, and Mona Hatoum, defiantly attempting to reclaim the place women hold in art history...

Breaking the Mould sets itself out in three distinct sections: ‘Figured’, ‘Found’, and ‘Formed’, each contained in their own individual rooms all the while presenting models of a similar nature to one another. Each room offers the viewer insight into post-war sculptures, while simultaneously celebrating the works of female artists.

The first room, ‘Figured’, holds sculptures which explore the human form and approaches to the body. Works from sculptors such as Kim Lim, Permindar Kaur, and Karin Jonzen are presented here, demonstrating a variety of materials and practices. Moving between freestanding and wall-mounted pieces, Breaking the Mould provides us with an eclectic picture of women’s sculpture.

Breaking the Mould is a refreshing look at works solely by female sculptors, something which has been uncommon over past years due to the sexist ideals surrounding sculpture Barbara Hepworth’s Reconstruction (1947), for example, displays a drawing of an operating theatre, the work affixed directly to the wall. This was the first work by a sculptor that the Arts Council Collection invested in, in 1947, when it was created by Hepworth. Artist Margaret Organ, talking about Hepworth’s work, explains that there is “no feeling of tense activity; instead, the viewer is lulled by the delicate tracery of pencil lines”. Although this piece may not be considered the most eye-catching compared to the other, more elaborate sculptures on display, the contrast between the intense subject of surgery and the delicacy of the drawing nonetheless draws you in.

The following section, ‘Found’, contains works which references found objects, either used in production or directly incorporated into the work. Fleeting Monument (1985) by Cornelia Parker immediately grabs one’s attention. Made up of miniature Big Ben models all cast from a single mould, in the centre the models are suspended from the ceiling by a wire; the pieces on the outside lie flat on the floor. Positioned in the middle of the room, each fraction of the sculpture seems as though it points towards the viewer. The circular arrangement of Fleeting Monument brings you back again and again; even as you walk away, you are left feeling drawn towards it.

Susan Collis’ Untitled (Rawl Plugs) (2007) sits quietly in the wall, unnoticed except by the most perceptive of eyes. When walking around each of the other sculptures, it’s easy to miss Collis’ piece due to how small and subtle it is. Made up of four rawl plugs positioned in the wall, the beauty of this sculpture is that from afar it looks to be just a collection of plugs left behind from something mounted on the wall. However, a closer look will allow you to see that the rawl plugs are actually made of brown goldstone and onyx, glittering in the bright lights of the gallery. Although it appears simplistic, it so easily deceives you, its value hidden by its ordinariness.

The final room, exploring ‘Formed’ sculptures, contains works from those such as Mona Hatoum, Wendy Taylor, and Liliane Lijn. There is a focus on minimalist sculptures incorporating materials such as ceramic, paper, colour and light. We are told that minimalism “has provided a particularly rich source of inspiration for women working in sculpture.” Among the sculptures stands Mona Hatoum’s kinetic + and – (1994). This moving piece formed of wood, metal, and sand features a toothed, motorised metal arm rotating on the sand.

The arm creates markings in the sand, which is then erased by the other side of the arm, a constant cycle of making and erasing. This evokes the idea of existence and disappearance, a truly mesmerising sculpture to observe. Another notable piece is Inversion (1970) by Wendy Taylor.

This piece creates an element of illusion, as an aluminium column appears to be floating, two large chains draped over it. Taylor appears to be challenging the idea of equilibrium, an exploration of science and its apparent ability to defy gravity.

Breaking the Mould is a refreshing look at works solely by female sculptors, something which has been uncommon over past years due to the sexist ideals surrounding sculpture. Not only is this a chance to experience works held within the Art Council’s vast collection, it’s an opportunity to learn more about post-war British sculpture by women. By celebrating these works by women, hopefully an interest in exploring other typically bypassed or ignored works is galvanised.

Breaking the Mould is currently on view at Djanogly Gallery until Sunday 9 January. The exhibition is free to the public.

lakesidearts.org.uk

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What have you got planned for the future?

My plan for the future is rooted in the recent past. In early 2021, I ventured into comic book publishing where I wrote and illustrated my first four part graphic novel series, theINCANTESI. I have a couple of other ventures that I am considering pursuing on the creative spectrum.

breaking the mould

ART

UNDER COVER ARTIST

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words: Ashley Carter ilustration: Natalie Owen

words: Ashley Carter illustration: Natalie Owen

To celebrate Nottingham City Council’s new partnership with Vyronas, a suburb of Athens named after Lord Byron, we look back at the legendary Nottingham poet’s involvement with the Greek War of Independence…

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks in and around Athens. The first few days were spent just south of the city at Cape Sounion where, on one of my first mornings, I walked up towards the beautifully preserved Temple of Poseidon, one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens. As the sun rose, the details of the temple became clearer, and the etchings of centuries of years of visitors (now mercifully kept at a distance) were made visible. One name – carved over two centuries previously – caught my eye above all others, chiselled with adroit craft in an impressively dainty font: Byron.

It was far from being my last interaction with the legacy of the Nottingham poet, as his name and image became a ubiquitous presence all over the region. Monuments, hotels, bars, restaurants and streets all bore his name, or Vyronas – the Hellenic equivalent. In fact, only last month Nottingham City Council announced a partnership agreement with Vyronas, a suburb of Athens named in his honour. There was something almost surreal about Athens, an ancient city with a history to rival any other, the birthplace of Plato, Pericles, Socrates, Thucydides, Themistocles, Sophocles and democracy itself, the home of the Parthenon and the Acropolis, dedicating so much to a poet from Nottingham. But the name Byron is woven deeply into the tapestry of Greece, where he remains a revered figure due to his role in the Greek War of Independence.

The enduring myth of the warrior-poet existed long before the likes of Ernest Hemingway and George Orwell volunteered to fight against fascism for Spain’s dying

republic in the thirties. It might be a well-worn trope nowadays, but the notion of the literary knight was deeply embedded in the Romanticism movement that took root in the late seventeenth century. Buoyed by Homeric tales of heroism, sacrifice and adventure, artists headed Eastwards in search of glory, enlightenment, honour and virtue – traits that one can only find within themselves when immediately faced with deadly peril. In short, they were looking for purpose - and most famous amongst them was George Gordon, Lord Byron.

Spending £4,000 of his own money (about half a million pounds today), he prepared a Greek fleet for service and joined Prince Alexandros Mavrokordatos, leader of the rebelling forces in western Greece Born in 1788 to a dissolute army captain, Byron unexpectedly inherited the title and estates of his great-uncle William, the fifth Baron Byron. With roots that can be directly traced back to the William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion, his was an ancient and respected family, and after attending Trinity College in Cambridge (where he infamously kept a pet bear), Lord Byron took his seat in the House of Lords before embarking on a grand tour of the continent which

included Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, Malta, Greece and Albania.

It was while in Greece that he began his epic Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage which, as well as serving as something of a travelogue of his odyssey, spoke of the plight of his generation. In a similar way to which the young aristocracy in post-World War One Britain found themselves feeling lost and without purpose, Byron’s generation had grown up in the shadow of Napoleon terrorising Europe and, now that the tyrant was exiled and the lengthy conflict was over (at least temporarily), the clear and defined purpose of struggle and sacrifice that exists during wartime was gone, and only disillusionment, melancholy and weariness remained. During a subsequent visit to the continent, Byron found himself in Constantinople (now Istanbul), where he walked in the footsteps of Hector and Achilles by visiting the site of Troy, and imitated the mythological exploits of Leander with a mammoth swim across the Hellespont – the tumultuous four-mile strait, now called the Dardanelles, that joins Europe and Asia.

The Greece Byron visited was a country experiencing something of an identity crisis. For starters, Greece was more of an idea than it was a solid geographical landscape; a wildly disparate populace with varying interests that differed even wider still. But, when The Philiki Etaireia (Friendly Society) – a secret revolutionary group – formed in Odessa (modern-day Ukraine) in 1814, they had one goal: the Liberation of the Motherland. The debate over what that motherland was, and who it included would come later, but for now, all those that called themselves Greek had a common goal: freedom from Ottoman rule. Europe

now and theN

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Lower Parliament Street, 2021

was still feeling the shockwaves of the French Revolution, the ripples of which had reached the Mediterranean, bringing with it a sense of hope that change might be possible. If kings had fallen in the west, why couldn’t Greece gain its independence from the Ottoman Empire in the east? A growing sense of nationalism had begun to stir and, encouraged by stories of Turkish atrocities, including several high-profile incidents in which the Ottomans decimated entire Greek towns, killing the men and enslaving the women and children, Greece found their plight falling on sympathetic ears across Europe, with the intellectual and cultural elites in Britain, France and Russia taking an almost romantic view of their struggle against their oppressors. Led by two brothers – Alexandros and Demetrios Ypsilantis – the battle to rid Greece of its Ottoman overlords, who had ruled over them since the fifteenth century, began in 1821.

Now as famous as he was infamous – the former due to the popularity of his Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage and the latter a result of a scandalous relationship with his step-sister – Byron was living in a state of self-exile in Pisa when the revolution started. The circumstances in which he came to arrive there, and the sordid, self-destructive manner in which he conducted himself during his time in Italy, warrant an article all of their own, but suffice to say that, by the time the Ypsilantis brothers had begun their revolution, Byron had grown fat and grey, and was floundering in sexual promiscuity. “I have a presentiment,” he told his mistress, Marguerite Power, with his usual fatalistic melodrama, “that I shall die in Greece.”

Agreeing to act as an agent for a committee in London which had formed to help the Greeks with their revolution, Byron left Italy for Kefalonia in April 1823.

Spending £4,000 of his own money (about half a million pounds today), he prepared a Greek fleet for service and joined Prince Alexandros Mavrokordatos, leader of the rebelling forces in western Greece. But the disparate nature of the Greek populace was starting to cause problems for the fledgling revolt. Rather than joining forces, the rebellions of Mavrokordatos and the Ypsilantis brothers were happening independently, and the two factions steadfastly refused to join forces against a

common enemy. Their rivalry was tribal, emerging from a geographical enmity that spanned millennia, ensuring that the two soon became fiercely bitter adversaries. “I came here to join a nation,” Byron furiously wrote in his personal journal, “not a faction.” It was only comfortable Ottoman victories at Thrace and Macedonia that brought a pause to the infighting, and Byron made attempts to mediate between the two factions, taking personal command of a group said to be the bravest of all Greeks – the Suliotes, a Greco-Albanian race who had escaped Turkish persecution in the seventeenth century, and lived an itinerant existence in the mountains of Suli, the Ionian Islands and Kefalonia since.

Byron’s death at Missolonghi accomplished more for Greece’s unity and liberation than all his utterances and actions For all the personal shortcomings Byron had demonstrated during his troubled life, he displayed an admirable pragmatism when it came to his role in the revolution. A political realist, he remained steadfast in the face of the rebellion’s chaotic nature, its shattered factionalism and military ineptitude. “It was only the healthy cynicism of Byron’s view of human nature in general and the Greek character in particular,” wrote Byron scholar Paul Trueblood, “coupled with his longer view of the ultimate good that kept him from turning in disgust from the whole project.” He displayed an acute understanding of leadership, willingly living a Spartan lifestyle in insufferable conditions, strenuously drilling alongside the soldiers he personally subsidised.

But in February 1824, Byron was apoplectic to discover that his generosity and dedication to the cause was being taken advantage of, as the Suliote leaders had padded the payrolls with fictional men in order to line their own pockets with his money. “I ought to make up my mind,” he wrote in disgust, “to meet with deception, and calumny,

overheard: illustrated

and ingratitude.” Despite the setback, he continued to show unwavering commitment to the cause, training alongside his men for a planned assault on Lepanto, a Turkish stronghold north-east of Athens that poetically shared its name with the battle that prevented the Ottoman Empire spreading into mainland Europe almost three centuries previously. But the conditions were finally catching up with Lord Byron and, having contracted malaria, he died in Missolonghi on Monday 19 April, aged just 36. “Die I must. Its loss I do not lament; for to terminate my wearisome existence I came to Greece,” Byron said on his deathbed. “My wealth, my abilities, I devoted to her cause. Well, there is my life to her.”

Two years after Byron’s death, England and Russia agreed to act as mediators in the conflict and, in 1827, the Greek factions put aside their differences to elect Capo d’Istria president of Greece. Refusing an armistice, the Ottomans were forced into battle when England and Russia, now joined by France, attacked and defeated a Turkish fleet in the Battle of Navarino. Turkey eventually recognised Greek autonomy in 1829 with the Treaty of Adrianople. Over the next century, Greece continued to fight to expand its borders to include all Greek-speaking territories, until it reached its current geographical configuration in 1947. If it wasn’t for the likes of Byron inspiring further European intervention, the concurrent revolutions of Mavrokordatos and the Ypsilantis brothers would most likely have been ruthlessly quashed as quickly as they’d begun.

For all his faults in life, the Nottingham poet did more, both symbolically and practically, for the fight for independence in Greece than any other non-Greek, although it eventually cost him his life. Testament to his exploits can still be seen across all of Greece with the varying tributes to his memory, and to this day, the name Byron (or Viron) remains amongst the most popular for boys. In giving his life for the cause, Byron made himself a martyr for Greek independence, as Paul Trueblood said, “Byron’s death at Missolonghi accomplished more for Greece’s unity and liberation than all his utterances and actions.” For all of his triumphs as a writer, poet and rogue, it was Byron’s short but eventful involvement in the battle for Greek autonomy that left the biggest mark on history.

illustration: Pete Gray

To celebrate all of the weird and wonderful things you lot come out with, artist Pete Gray took it upon himself to turn some of the best-ever Overheard in Notts quotes into illustrations...

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What’s on?

WEDNESDAY 1 DEC ​​​​

📣 Why Can't I Get My Turkey For Christmas?

UON Business School Free, 6.30pm - 7.30pm 📖 Candlestick Festive Pamphlet: Online Launch Five Leaves Bookshop Free, 7pm - 8pm 🔧 Speed Dating: 25-40 The Walrus £20, 7.30pm 🎲 Pub Quiz The Lion at Basford £1, 8pm 😂 John Bishop Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £37.50, 8pm

THURSDAY 2 DEC 🎵 Native Harrow + Jason McNiff The Running Horse £12 - £12, 7.30pm - 11pm 🍴 Gin Tasting X Glass Painting Debbie Bryan £38, 5.30pm - 7.30pm 🎨 Book Launch Two Twin Pipes Sprout Water Nottingham Contemporary 6.30pm - 8.30pm 🎵Nayla Yenquis Group: Jazz/ Soul of Brazil Peggy's Skylight £10, 7pm - 10pm 🎵Jerub The Bodega £7.70, 7pm 🔧 Christmas Baking Malt Cross £20, 6.30pm

FRIDAY 3 DEC 🎵 Ben Mark Smith and The Balancing Acts Rough Trade £9, 7pm - 11pm 🎭 We Wish You A Merry Murder The National Justice Museum £42.99, 6.30pm - 10.30pm 🎵 Segarra Angel Microbrewery £8, 7.30pm - 11pm

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FRIDAY 3 DEC

SUNDAY 5 DEC

TUESDAY 7 DEC

FRIDAY 10 DEC

🎵 Dennis Rollins' Peggy's Skylight £14 - £20, 5pm - 11.45pm

🎨 Christmas Pop-up Hopkinson's Free, 11am

🎵 Dreadzone Rescue Rooms £20, 6.30pm

🎵 Junodream The Bodega £11, 7pm

🎵Panchiko Metronome £16, 7pm - 11pm

😂 Jason Manford's Christmas Concert Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £17.50 - £62.50, 7.30pm

🎵 The Sensational 60s Experience Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £29.50 - £31.50, 7.30pm

🎵Albert Hall Christmas Concert 2021 Albert Hall Free - £6, 3pm

SATURDAY 4 DEC 🎵 University Choir and Chamber Choir Lakeside Arts £14 - £14, 7.30pm 😂 Comedy Pryzm Pryzm £9.50 - £15, 7.45pm - 10.30pm 🎵The Xmas Xtravaganza Rock City £35, 6.30pm 🎵Bowie Rocks The Boat!

The Boat Club £10, 8pm 👪 Black Masculinities In The 21st Century New Art Exchange Free, 2pm - 4pm

😂 Daniel Sloss Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £25 - £25, 7.30pm 🎵 Shackled The Chameleon £5.50, 7pm

🎨 Open Mic: Big City Audio Rough Trade Free, 6pm

WEDNESDAY 8 DEC 😂 NCF Canalhouse Comedy Canalhouse £2, 7.30pm - 10pm 🎵Blues Jam with Colin Staples The Navigation 9.30pm

MONDAY 6 DEC

🎵Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Rock City £16.50, 6.30pm

🔧 Art Workshop: Exploring Sculpture and 3D Nottingham Contemporary Free - £15

🎥 Gorillaz: Song Machine Live from Kong Broadway Cinema £10 - £12, 7.45pm

🎥 Edward Scissorhands Savoy Cinema £5 - £6.95, 8.30pm - 11pm

🔧 Christmas Wreath Making Malt Cross £55, 6pm

🎵 Jazz Workshop Performance The Lion at Basford Free, 8pm

🎨 Power: Freedom to Create Zine Project Primary Free, 6pm - 8pm

🎵 Big Lad JT Soar £7.70, 7pm

🎵 Little Simz Rock City £20, 7pm

🎵 New Generation Jazz Peggy's Skylight £12 - £16, 6pm - 10.30pm

🎵 Stanleys Rough Trade £9.90, 7.30pm

🔧 Christmas Candle Making & Glass Painting Workshop Debbie Bryan £38, 5.30am - 7.30am

🎵 Ewan Mcvicar Stealth £5.50, 9pm

🎵 Chubby and the Gang The Bodega £13.20, 7pm

🎵 D-Block Escape Motorpoint Arena Nottingham £32.50 - £38.20, 6.30pm

🔧 Rewild your Habitat Backlit Gallery Free, 2pm - 4pm

🎵 An Inspired Christmas Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £5 - £5, 7pm

🎵 Christmas with Il Divo Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £37.50 - £137.50, 7.30pm

👪 Beer and Carols Malt Cross £24, 5pm

🎵 NTU Music Christmas Nottingham Trent University £5 - £12, 7.30pm - 9.30pm

TUESDAY 7 DEC

🎵 Dry Cleaning - Artist of the Year: Live & Signing Rough Trade £11, 6pm

🔧 Yoga & Tango Workshop St John's Church £10 - £23, 5pm - 11pm 🎵 Nottingham Harmonic Choir Albert Hall £15.50, 7pm 🎵 Silence of The Jams Rough Trade £8, 8pm

📖 Open Book Poetry & Spoken Word Organ Grinder Free, 8pm - 10pm

🎨 Deep Listening Room Primary Free, 10am - 9.30pm

📣 Wrap Live!

Metronome Free, 7.30pm - 9.30pm

THURSDAY 9 DEC

🎵 Marisa and The Moths Rough Trade £13.20, 7pm 🎵 Skream Stealth £11 - £15.40, 10pm

SATURDAY 11 DEC 🎵 Under the Surface Lakeside Arts £16 - £16, 7.30pm 🚲 Nottingham Panthers vs Guildford Flames Motorpoint Arena Nottingham £12.25 - £21.50 ♫ Garage & Bassline The I Club £8, 10.30pm 🔧 Digital Story Telling City Arts Free, 10am - 4pm ♫ Gradrags: Death Disco (LGBTQ+) Rough Trade £10, 8pm

SUNDAY 12 DEC ♫ Northern Soul Rough Trade Free, 6pm 👪 Johnny & the Raindrops Mapperley Plains Recreation & Social Club Annex £5, 1.30pm - 3pm 🎵 Love Actually in Concert Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £33 - £70.40, 7.30pm 🎨 Burlesque & Cabaret The Glee Club £18, 6pm 🔧 Germinate! Setting Intentions with Sprouted Seed Gardens City Arts £2, 2pm - 5pm

FRIDAY 10 DEC

MONDAY 13 DEC

🎵 Bass In Ya Face Motorpoint Arena Nottingham £63.90 - £92.15, 7.30pm

🎵 The Darkness Rock City £32.50, 7pm

TUESDAY 14 DEC

THURSDAY 16 DEC

🔧 Young Performer Training Nonsuch Studios £120, 5pm - 7pm

🎭 Meat Loaf Story Motorpoint Arena Nottingham £34.80 - £40.40, 7.30pm

🎵 Lil Darkie The Bodega £14, 7pm 🎵 Madness Motorpoint Arena Nottingham £46.14 - £63.65, 6.30pm 🎵 Palm Reader Rescue Rooms £10, 6.30pm 🎭 The Muppet Christmas Carol Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £30 - £68, 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY 15 DEC 🎵Cats in Space Rescue Rooms £20, 6.30pm 🎵Unschooling Rough Trade £8.80, 7pm 🔧 (S)NO(W) need for DATA? Primary Free - £3, 5.45pm - 8.30pm

THURSDAY 16 DEC 🎵Snuff The Bodega £17.50, 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY 22 DEC

MONDAY 27 DEC

🎵 Aydenne Simone Peggy's Skylight £16 - £20, 6pm - 10.30pm

🔧 Hands on Skin Drum Class Sumac Centre £10, 7pm

🎥 Christmas Movie Monday Horse and Plough Free, 12pm - 9pm

🎵 Blue Note Thursdays Peggy's Skylight £12, 7pm - 10pm

🎵 Rock Against Racism!

Rough Trade £10, 7pm

🎵 UB40 Motorpoint Arena Nottingham £43.50 - £57.50, 8pm

WEDNESDAY 29 DEC

😂 Paul Chowdhry Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £27.50, 8pm

😂 An Evening Inside No. 9 Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £27.50, 7.30pm

🎨 An Evening of Christmas Cheer Nottingham Arts Theatre £10 - £12, 6pm

🔧 Introduction to Immersive Technology UON Leadd:NG - Online Free, 11am - 1pm

SUNDAY 19 DEC

THURSDAY 23 DEC

🎵 Cabbage Rescue Rooms £12, 6.30pm

🎲 The Big Christmas Quiz Horse and Plough £5, 8pm

FRIDAY 17 DEC

🎨 Drink and Draw Rough Trade Free, 7pm

😂 Bill Bailey: En Route to Normal Tour Motorpoint Arena Nottingham £41.05 - £52.35, 8pm

🎵 Cosmic American Xmas Party The Old Cold Store £12 - £12, 7.30pm - 11pm 🎭 The Magic of Motown Motorpoint Arena Nottingham £32 - £37.60, 7.30pm 📣 Sir Ranulph Fiennes Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £30 - £35, 7.30pm

SATURDAY 18 DEC 😂 Just The Tonic Christmas Comedy Special Metronome £17.50, 6.45pm

SATURDAY 18 DEC

MONDAY 20 DEC 🎵 Enter Shikari Rock City £25, 6.30pm 🎵 Live Jazz Christmas Special Malt Cross Free, 6.30pm

🎥 Bottomless Christmas Home Alone Movie Night Percy Picklebackers £30, 8pm

SATURDAY 25 DEC

😂 Real Deal Comedy Jam Pryzm £12.50, 8pm

THURSDAY 30 DEC 🎵 The Glenn Miller Orchestra Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £27.50 - £31.50, 3pm

FRIDAY 31 DEC ♫ 90s House Party - New Year's Eve 2021 Rescue Rooms £10, 9pm ♫ Gladrags: NYE Party Rough Trade £10, 8pm

TUESDAY 21 DEC

🍴 Christmas Day Lunch Lace Market Hotel £95, 12pm - 3pm

🎵 New Year's Eve Gala 2021 Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £19.50 - £36.50, 6pm

🎵 Open Mic Night The Navigation Free, 8pm

🚲 Christmas Day Park Run Forest Recreation Ground 9am

😂 NYE Comedy Show The Glee Club £25.50, 6.45pm

🎵 Xmas Jazz Jam Peggy's Skylight Free, 7pm

✝ Jesus’s Birthday Nazareth Free, today

🍺 Rager at Thursfield’s Thursfield’s Place Free, 8pm

🎭 Robin Hood Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £14.50 - £41 Sat 11 Dec - Sun 9 JAN

🎨 Witness The National Justice Museum £10.95 Wed 22 Dec - Thu 31 Mar

ONGOING EVENTS 🎭 Wonderland! - Theatrical Experience Intu Victoria Centre £14.40 - £60 Mon 22 Nov - Thu 30 Dec 🎭 Groan Ups Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall £15.50 - £37.50 Mon 29 Nov - Sat 4 Dec 🔧 Nonsuch Young Company Nonsuch Studios £60 - £90 , 9am - 9.45am Wed 1 Dec - Sat 11 Dec 👪 Christmas Market Old Market Square Free Wed 1 Dec - Fri 31 Dec

👪 Outdoor Nutcracker Trail Newstead Abbey £5 Wed 1 Dec - Mon 3 Jan

😂 Christmas Comedy Special The Glee Club £12.50 - £32.25 , 7pm - 8.30pm Thu 2 Dec - Sat 4 Dec

🎨 '(un) rest' & 'Our Place' City Arts 10am - 5pm Wed 1 Dec - Fri 7 Jan

🎨 Craft Fair Contemporary Nottingham Contemporary Fri 3 Dec - Sun 5 Dec

👪 Laced: In Search Of What Connects Us New Art Exchange Free , 10am - 4pm Wed 1 Dec - Sat 8 Jan 👪 Cut & Mix New Art Exchange Free , 10am - 4pm Wed 1 Dec - Sat 8 Jan

🎭 Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs Nottingham Arts Theatre £12 - £17 Sat 4 Dec - Sun 19 Dec 🎭 The Gingerbread Man Lakeside Arts £10.50 - £14 Thu 9 Dec - Thu 30 Dec

🎨 Jack Findlater Exhibition Nottingham Society of Artists Tue 14 Dec - Sun 19 Dec 🎥 Polar Express Savoy Cinema £2.15 Sat 18 Dec - Fri 24 Dec 🎨 Kindred Spirits The Harley Gallery & Portland Collection Free Wed 22 Dec - Sun 6 Feb

🎩 Museum Tour The Haunted Museum & Oddities Collection £8 - £8 , 11am - 6pm Wed 22 Dec - Thu 17 Jul

FOR THE FULL RUNDOWN, VISIT LEFTLION.CO.UK/ LISTINGS

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BEST OF DECEMBER Christmas at Wollaton When: 26 November 2021 9 January 2022 Where: Wollaton Hall How Much? From £14.30 The iconic Nottingham estate has once again been transformed into a festive wonderland of lights, music and fun with the return of Christmas at Wollaton.

Whether you were lucky enough to see last year’s spectacle or are visiting for the first time, you’ll be treated to a brand new trail for 2021, promising a multi-sensory experience guaranteed to capture the imaginations of young and old alike. If the popularity of last year is anything to go by, you’ll want to book early.

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Craft Fair Contemporary 2021 When: Friday 3 December Sunday 5 December Where: Nottingham Contemporary How Much? Free

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs When: Saturday 4 December Sunday 19 December Where: Nottingham Arts Theatre How Much? From £12

If you’ve got your eyes peeled for something independent and a bit different for your Christmas shopping this year, you could do a lot worse than heading over to Nottingham Contemporary for the triumphant return of their three-day Craft Fair. Featuring forty designers and makers, both local and from around the UK, you’ll be able to get your hands on ceramics, textiles, jewellery, Christmas decorations, homeware, candles, prints, cards and more.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, what’s the best panto of them all?

Following their award-winning pantomimes Beauty and the Beast (2018) and Aladdin (2019) watch out for the unmissable Christmas 2021 pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Packed with comedy and festive fun, don’t miss this action-packed, magical Amanda Hall production, once again at the Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously When: Friday 17 December, 7.30pm Where: Royal Concert Hall How Much? From £30

Just the Tonic Christmas Comedy Special When: Saturday 18 December, 6.45pm Where: Metronome How Much? From £10

If you find yourself feeling a little too cheery this Christmastime, bring that joy down a few notches with an evening listening to the man who once cut his own fingers off with a buzz saw.

From fighting in wars, climbing Everest, crossing Antarctica on foot and, you know, penning some poems, the endlessly impressive Sir Ranulph Fiennes is likely to have enough anecdotes to keep you on the edge of your seat all night.

Join the iconic Nottingham comedy club for an evening of laughter at Just the Tonic’s Christmas Comedy Special at Metronome. Although the final line-up is yet to be confirmed, their reputation for booking the best acts of the British comedy circuit over the past 25 years means you’re guaranteed to be laughing throughout the twohour running time. Unless you’re a miserable old Grinch, in which case stay at home.

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19th Annual Christmas Covers Party When: Saturday 18 December, 7.30pm Where: The Bodega How Much? £8.25 Say day is night, say black is white, but don’t you dare say that the Bodega won’t be hosting their annual Christmas Covers Party.

After a one-year, COVID-shaped hiatus last Christmas, the popular event is back with bells on, where the likes of Vanity Project, Alex and the Christmaspher Hale Band, Stuart Pearce (not that one), The White Skull Death Snakes of Death, Dog Explosion, and The Madeline Rust will cover an eclectic array of tunes to welcome in the festive period.

YMCA Beer + Carols When: Monday 6 December, 7pm Where: The Malt Cross How Much? £1 (donated to YMCA Greater Nottingham) Back by popular demand, YMCA Greater Nottingham are asking you to get dolled up in your best Christmas jumpers and bring your best singing voices to the Malt Cross for an evening of good old-fashioned carol singing.

In the first of six events this December, you can expect all of the Christmas classics and a range of beers to get you in the singing mood.

A Rock City Christmas with Terrorvision When: Tuesday 28 December, 7pm Where: Rock City How Much? £25 Not to sound like one of those awful BBC panel show comedians, but that period between Christmas and New Year’s is bloody awkward. Luckily for you, Rock City is hosting Terrorvision for a post-Christmas gig that will keep the festive party going long after Santa’s done one. Expect a riotous atmosphere and all the biggest hits from the Bradford band.

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