All too many of us know that guilty feeling of never having explored Nottingham’s cultural offerings, trapped in the campus bubble and restricted by a student budget. Nottingham has a host of cultural gems that are not to be missed during your time at Uni. From art galleries, theatres and life-drawing classes, Her Campus Nottingham has rounded up the top 8 ways to get your culture on in the city!
1. Nottingham Playhouse
First up we have one of the county’s leading producing theatres right here in Notts city centre. Currently celebrating its 50th year of diverse drama, dance, music, and comedy, the Playhouse hosts both brand-new productions and well-known classics. Performances here have featured world-famous names such as Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Hugh Grant, and Rosamund Pike.
The exterior courtyard is also not to be missed. The dramatic steel Sky Mirror sculpture in the courtyard, created by Anish Kapoor in 2001 sits across from the much raved about CAST restaurant and deli.
Don’t Miss: Richard III – From 25th October to 16th November.
Click here for more information.
2. Nottingham Contemporary
Ever wondered what that giant greeny-yellow warehouse in Lace Market is? Nottingham Contemporary is one of the country’s biggest art spaces with 3,000 sq. foot of temporary exhibition space. It is known for exhibiting boundary-pushing collections from up-and-coming artists, as well as hosting discussions and workshops year-round.
The next two big exhibits are Asco – No Movies and Geoffrey Farmer’s Let’s Make the Water Turn Black – are both on show until 5th January 2014. A Mexican American art collective and a playful installation artist respectively make this autumn a great time to head down to the gallery.
Don’t Miss: The great little front of house shop with stacks of art books and unique gifts.
Click here for more information.
3. Get Your Foodie On
Don’t think that going out for dinner can be a cultural experience? Her Campus Nottingham has two places that will make you think again.
Number one is Iberico World Tapas, located on High Pavement and serving up some of the most authentic (and scrummiest) tapas that can be found outside of Spain. Housed in the historic Galleries of Justice in a beautiful Grade II listed building, we recommend the out of this world Catalan bread, chorizo and the Spanish cheese board (and maybe a glass of cava too). More info here.
Or maybe you fancy transporting yourself to Brazil over at Tropeiro. Based on the ‘Rodizio’ concept, giant skewers of at least 12(!) types of meat are brought to your table and sliced for sampling. Even former residents of Brazil have raved over the delicious authenticity of this spot. Go at lunchtime for a more student-friendly price. More info here.
4. Broadway Cinema
Choosing a film at the cinema can sometimes feel like picking from a never-ending list of 3D blockbusters and soulless rom-coms. The independent Broadway Cinema offers a refreshing change and a wholly different cinema-going experience. The weekly programme of alternative and international films is handpicked to include only the best films, and visitors can also attend a host of mini film festivals, digital art exhibitions, talks, and courses throughout the year.
After a six million pound revamp in 2006, the cinema now has four screens with one designed by regular visitor and fashion designer Paul Smith.
Extra Info: The Orange Wednesday deal applies here and the cinema has its own restaurant: the chilled Mezz Bar. For What’s On, see here.
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5. New Theatre
You don’t have to venture very far for this one so there’s no excuse if you’ve never visited the University’s own New Theatre.
The New Theatre is the only entirely student run theatre in the country and every week features a different performance. Plays can either be theatre classics (previous successes include The History Boys and A Midsummer Night’s Dream) or an original piece written by the students themselves.
This term’s exciting schedule can be found here.
6. Wollaton Hall and Park
The enchanting Wollaton hall and its surrounding deer filled grounds are steeped in history. Built in 1588 for Sir Francis Willoughby, the grand and opulent exterior remains almost exactly as it would have been hundred of years ago.
The building houses the city’s Natural History Museum, as well as restored period rooms in the English Renaissance style. Known to many now as Wayne Manor in the latest Batman film, Wollaton Hall makes for a cute and cultural day out – although you might want to wait for summer to experience it at its best. For opening times, check here.
Also try: Former home of Lord Byron, Newstead Abbey.
7. Live Music
Nottingham’s music scene is having its moment. London Grammar and Amber both formed at the Uni just a couple of years ago and are getting a ton of praise and radio-play. The Bodega Social Club is the go-to place to discover an up-and-coming band or artist, while Rock City regularly host bigger names (upcoming acts include Sub Focus, Frank Turner, and Ellie Goulding).
The Bodega say they have “cemented itself a reputation for bringing world class stadium and festival-headlining talent to audiences before they made it big”, and with a former act list including Coldplay, The XX, The Strokes, and Florence and the Machine, their upcoming gig list is more than worth checking out.
8. Class on Campus
Ever fancied yourself as something of an artiste? ArtSoc is one of the most talked about societies right now with their weekly life-drawing classes. Held on campus every Thursday evening, with a welcoming and informative atmosphere, ArtSoc provide the model and all of the equipment necessary.
Classes are £2 for members and £3 for non-members and held in Trent Building from 7.30-9.30pm.
Check out ArtSoc’s Facebook page or more info on their life-drawing class and other trips/exhibitions they hold.
What are your favourite ways to get your culture on in Nottingham? Do you know any great ones that we’ve missed? Tweet us @HCNottingham!