What's On this cosy season at Nottingham's Squire Performing Arts Centre

From toe-tapping folk music to French chanson and comedy confessions, Squire Performing Arts Centre's calendar is looking rather entertaining this winter!

As the nights draw in and the cosy evenings beckon, there's no better time to swap the sofa and the same old programmes for a theatre seat and enjoy a little culture, laughter and live entertainment. Nestled in the heart of Nottingham city centre, Squire Performing Arts Centre has a brilliant line-up of performances waiting for you, with something to suit music lovers, comedy fans, history buffs and anyone looking for a great night out.

Here are six shows to pop in your diary and make the most of the cosy season!

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Granny's Attic

Friday 13 November 2026 | 7.30pm | Tickets: £17

If your idea of a great night out involves toe-tapping tunes and musicians who really know how to work a room, Granny's Attic should be right up your street.

The acclaimed folk trio of Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, George Sansome and Lewis Wood, have been touring together since 2009, building a reputation for their lively performances, exceptional musicianship and fresh take on traditional English folk music.

Combining melodeon, anglo concertina, guitar, violin and vocals, the trio bring traditional songs and tunes to life by exploring fresh approaches and writing their own compositions. Their energetic performances have won them fans across the UK and beyond, from folk festivals to intimate venues.

The Rheingans Sisters

Friday 20 November 2026 | 8pm | Tickets: £20

Ready for something a little unexpected? Multi award winning duo The Rheingans Sisters are bringing their abold, acclaimed contemporary folk sound to Nottingham for a magical evening of music.

Rowan and Anna Rheingans are known for pushing the boundaries of folk, weaving together fiddle playing, vocals, banjo, electric guitar, synthesiser and intriguing rhythmic sounds. Their album Start Close In received widespread critical acclaim, earning a place among The Guardian's top 10 albums of 2024.

Expect traditional melodies with a twist, bold arrangements and moments that move from mesmerising and meditative to wonderfully uplifting. This is folk music with its imagination firmly switched on, perfect for curious music lovers who enjoy discovering something new.

The Secret Show - The Improvised Comedy Confessional

Saturday 21 November 2026 | 7.30pm | Tickets: £8

Fancy an evening of comedy where you never quite know what's coming next? Little John Improv's The Secret Show invites audiences to share their anonymous confessions, awkward mishaps and juicy secrets, which the performers then transform into hilarious sketches and stories on the spot.

No names, no judgement, just plenty of comic potential! Whether it's an embarrassing moment you'd rather forget or a confession you've never dared to share, your secret could inspire the next big laugh.

There's more, too. Nottingham's musical improv favourites, Rhymes Against Humanity, will be joining the fun, turning audience stories into improvised scenes, sketches and songs. Who knows? Your everyday dramas might even become the next show stopping musical number.

It's unpredictable, interactive and guaranteed to be something you've never seen before. Just remember, what happens at The Secret Show might end up on stage!

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Seed Talks – The History of Greek Mythology

Thursday 26 November 2026 | 7.30pm | Tickets: £14.50

From Mount Olympus to Medusa, join Seed Talks for a fascinating journey through the history of Greek mythology with expert speaker Dr Shelby Judge. Discover the ancient stories that have inspired generations of philosophers and poets, painters and playwrights, filmmakers and fans alike and explore why these myths continue to capture our imagination thousands of years later.

Travel through the great mythic ages of ancient Greece, meeting powerful Olympian gods, fearless heroes and fearsome creatures along the way. From epic adventures to timeless moral dilemmas, this engaging talk uncovers the stories behind some of history's most enduring legends.

Perfect for mythology lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the ancient world, the evening concludes with a Q&A session, giving audiences the chance to delve even deeper into these remarkable tales.

PIAF

Friday 27 November 2026 | 7.30pm | Tickets: £20

For a night of powerful storytelling and unforgettable French song, don't miss Christine Bovill's acclaimed show PIAF - a celebration of Edith Piaf and the passion, drama and music of Paris.

This is not a tribute show. Instead, award-winning songwriter and performer Christine Bovill explores her own remarkable journey, intertwined with the extraordinary life and music of French singing legend Édith Piaf. 

At the heart of the story is a young girl from Glasgow whose reluctance to learn French changes when she hears one unforgettable song. What follows is a moving, often funny journey into the world of Piaf, filled with passion, pain and the songs that have captivated audiences for generations.

With Christine's acclaimed interpretation and a fresh perspective on Piaf's legacy, this is a performance for anyone who loves music with a story to tell. Expect an evening of emotion, drama and a little French magic, no passport required.

A Roman Rumble: An Adult Panto by Far Out Theatre

Saturday 12 December 2026 | 7.30pm | Tickets: £18

Prepare for an adults-only pantomime packed with outrageous comedy, shameless innuendo and plenty of imperial mayhem. Far Out Theatre's A Roman Rumble transports audiences to Ancient Rome, where romance, betrayal and complete incompetence collide in spectacular fashion.

When Cleopatra catches the eye of the hopelessly romantic Mark Antony, chaos erupts across the empire. With the power-hungry Caligula causing havoc, ominous prophecies predicting disaster and a cast of larger-than-life characters trying desperately to keep things under control, Rome is on the brink of total collapse.

Expect outrageous characters, big musical numbers, audience interaction and enough scandal to make Caesar blush. This Roman adventure promises an evening of unfiltered fun.