The Spiegel Tent returns to Old Market Square to entertain the crowds in the first week of October.
Marlene Dietrich has performed in it, and Marilyn Monroe loved it. Nottingham’s Spiegel Tent, has spent its life travelling the world from New York to Sydney, the Dutch Lowlands festival, and now, it’s back!
This year features a load of amazing acts including star comedian Russell Howard so we’ve created an easy to read guide of what’s on below…
Saturday 1 October
Circus Skills Workshop 10.30am – 11.30am £4
Fancy learning circus skills? If you answered yes, then luckily for you there’re three sessions giving you the chance to become the next star of the big top!
Age Friendly Dancing Fun 2.00pm – 4.00pm Free
Show off your moves for free in the tent as you try out ballroom, salsa or lindy hop – you can sit and watch if dancing isn’t your thing, suitable for all ages.
Prohibition Opening Party 7.30pm – 11.30pm £8 in advance/£10 on the door
Celebrate the launch of the Spiegel Tent with live music from Fat Digester, Bendigo, Ra Ra Ria and Unknown Era bringing a mix of reggae, blues, hip hop, dance and aerial acrobatics.
Sunday 2 October
Tarzanna Aerial Theatre Show 10.30am – 11.30am £6
This family friendly aerial theatre show makes it’s debut, combining the magic of storytelling with puppetry and circus acts.
Ultimate Flyby Orchestra 3.30pm – 4.30pm £6
The Ultimate Flyby Orchestra offers something different to your usual classical sound, jumping from genre to genre to keep you entertained throughout the show.
Just The Tonic Comedy Night with Russell Howard 8.00pm-10.30pm £15
Join the famous Russell Howard as he tries out new material in this one hour show in preparation for his huge upcoming tour – laughter is guaranteed.
Monday 3 October
Independent Freshers Fair 2.00pm – 5.00pm Free
Calling all students. To welcome you to Nottingham, stalls from many local and independent businesses will be set up in the tent and the first 500 to arrive will get their hands on a cool goodie bag – you must show a valid student ID.
Gilded Merkin Burlesque Show 7.30pm – 10.30pm £15
Glitz, glamour, cabaret and music arrive on Monday as Nottingham’s premier burlesque night arrives to the tent. Featuring Reuben Kaye, Missy Malone, Abigail Collins, Bettsie Bon Bon, Crimson Skye, Scarlett Daggers, prepare to be amazed.
Tuesday 4 October
Circus Skills Workshop 10.30am – 11.30am £4
Another chance to learn some new circus skills, including acrobatics, balancing, juggling and more.
Electric Swing Circus 7.00pm – 11.00pm £8
This 6-piece fusion of saucy 1920’s swing and stomping electro beats will get you in the mood to dance the night away.
Wednesday 5 October
Circus Skills Workshop 10.30 – 11.30 £4
Brush up your big top skills with this one.
We Are The Monsters 1.00pm – 2.00pm, 3.00pm – 4.00pm £8
No two people – or monsters – are exactly the same. Take your kids to this joyous world of dance as they transform into little monsters through their imaginations.
Gypsy Folk Night 7.30pm – 11.00pm £6
Live music from Maniere Des Bohemiens and Hallouminati.
Thursday 6 October
Jack and the Beanstalk 10.00am – 11.00am £5
Come to this family event where the story of Jack and the Beanstalk comes to life in front of your very eyes.
Old Time Music Hall 2.30pm – 4.15pm £6
Take your family back to the good old days, with songs, sketches and skits.
Gilded Merkin Burlesque Show 8:00pm – 10:30pm £15
Back for a second night, this amazing show will see performances from Stage Door Johnny, Velma Von Bon Bon, Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, Josephine Shaker, Eliza DeLite and Scarlett Daggers.
Friday 7 October
Jack and the Beanstalk 10:00am – 11:00am £5
In case you missed the first performance, there’s another chance to see the giant beanstalk grow again! Fun for all the family.
Bless Em All 2:30pm – 4:00pm £6
As you enter the venue you’ll arrive in the 1940’s with songs and sketches in a variety show featuring works from Vera Lynn, Flanagan and Allen and Gracie Fields.
Bamalamasingsong Rock Singalong 7:30pm – 11:30pm £10
Be prepared to lose your voice as a band plays songs that everyone will sing along en masse. Like an amazing night of karaoke, nobody is left out and by the end of the night you’ll never want to leave.
Saturday 8 October
Jack and the Beanstalk 10:00am – 11:00am £5
For the third and final time, the growing beanstalk will be coming to life, providing you with laughter and entertainment – a perfect way to start your saturday.
Old Time Music Hall 2:30pm – 4:30pm £6
Packed with songs and sketches to make you chuckle, laugh with your family all the way back to the 1940s.
Just the Tonic Comedy Night 8pm – 10.30pm £12
Matt Richardson (host of the Xtra Factor), Stephen Bailey, Spencer Jones, and Jim Smallman come together creating an amazing line up to end the week with a barrel of laughs – an excellent night of comedy for everyone to enjoy.
To buy tickets, go to October Nottingham’s website.
