We have found no fewer than 20 ideas for things to do and places to go over the next few days in the Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford and wider Nottinghamshire area, so tuck into our guide below.
Theatre entertainment takes centre stage, with a host of shows set to wow packed audiences. At Mansfield’s Palace, the focus is on Take That, the Rat Pack era of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis jnr and Dean Martin, the dance and acrobatics of ‘Tap Factory’ and the music of iconic movies from the 80s. Not to mention Michael Buble, Roibbie Williams and Harry Connick jnr.
Local talent gets in on the act too with a junior showtime event, while art-lovers will enjoy a take on Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, ‘The Kiss’.
Meanwhile, Worksop’s Acorn Theatre relives the classic sounds of Motown from the 60s and 70s, and Retford’s Majestic Theatre welcomes Barry Steele with his tribute to the likes of Roy Orbison and Chris Isaak. Elsewhere, The Verney Institute in Pleasley is a venue also worth visiting this weekend when it welcomes a unique, new musical trio, Cri Du Canard.
If you’re interested in birds or the stars, the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is the place to go, while The Harley Gallery at Welbeck, Kirkby Library and Brierley Forest Park at Huthwaite are also under the spotlight. For fun with the kids, head off to Sherwood Pines, where 25 years of ‘The Gruffalo’ is celebrated, to Rufford Abbey Country Park or the East Midlands Designer Outlet at South Normanton,
Before you set off for your chosen destination, please check its website to confirm opening times and admission prices. Have a great weekend!
17. Learn about one of world's most iconic paintings
'The Kiss' by Gustav Klimt is one of the most recognised and reproduced paintings in the world. Painted in 1908, it is an evocative image of an unknown couple embracing. Now you can learn more about it at the opening event of an 'Exhibition On Screen' series in the Leeming Lounge of Mansfield's Palace Theatre that shows documentaries about some of the most amazing artists across the globe. 'Klimt And The Kiss', featuring interviews and insights, shows this Friday at 1 pm and then again at 6 pm. Photo: Submitted
18. Enjoy 'The Sound Of Music' one more time
'The Sound Of Music'; is one of the most cherished films of all time -- and now you can catch the story of the von Trapps one more time, this time in theatre form. Nottingham Arts Theatre, on George Street in the city, presents the family favourite tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday (7.30 pm to 10 pm) and then again on Saturday (2.30 pm to 5 pm and 7.30 pm to 10 pm). The hills are sure to be alive! Photo: Submitted
19. Classic music and sounds from Motown era
It was the beat of a generation and the sound of a nation. The classic music of Motown during the 1960s and 70s remains as popular today as it ever was, and a show at Worksop's Acorn Theatre on Friday night brings you the hits of legends such as Martha Reeves, The Temptations, the Supremes and Marvin Gaye. 'Made In Motor City' features a band of high-quality musicians recreating authentic versions of the sounds of Detroit. Photo: Submitted
20. Dance in the aisles to The Big O
You're sure to be dancing in the aisles at Retford's Majestic Theatre on Friday night when acclaimed singer Barry Steele, and a fabulous cast of musicians, revives the music of The Big O, aka Roy Orbison, and others, including Chris Isaak and the Traveling Wilburys. According to the promoters, 'Barry Steele And Friends' is a tribute show that brings "top-class rock 'n' roll with style". Photo: Submitted