Category: Leicester

Drama and Theatre Arts students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will test their skills when they perform in a professional co-production with the city’s Curve Theatre.
This year’s DMU x Curve collaboration sees students working alongside professional theatre-makers to stage Jemma Kennedy’s Second Person Narrative – a funny, relatable and moving portrait of a life unfolding through the choices we make and the stories we tell ourselves.

The annual Curve and DMU co-production programme has been providing DMU students with professional performance opportunities since 2012, giving them the chance to rehearse and perform in a professional theatre environment while gaining valuable insight into the collaborative nature of the theatre industry.
Running at Curve’s RR2 Theatre from 4th to 6th June, Second Person Narrative follows a character known simply as “You” through 30 episodes across an entire lifetime, exploring how choices, relationships and chance encounters shape who we become.
Directed by Kitty Benford, whose previous credits include Fantastic Foxes at Curve and Acceptable Rebellion for the National Theatre’s Speak Up programme, the production is performed by a student ensemble from DMU.
Sorcha Drinkwater is a third year on DMU’s Drama and Theatre Arts BA (hons) course. Althought naturally inclined towards writing a dissertation for her final year project, Sorcha decided to challenge herself by opting to perform at the Curve instead and is now playing several parts as a member of the ensemble cast. She said: “It’s been brilliant working with the Curve – challenging at times for me, but I’ve learned so much about the industry doing this production.”
Sorcha, who plans to pursue a career teaching drama rather than performing, added: “I must admit I was a bit nervous, but I thought I’ll never get another chance to perform with my friends from the course, and it’s been really good – really fun actually much more than I expected. I would say that if you think this is something that you don’t necessarily want to do, that’s probably exactly the reason why you should – it’s good to do something that scares you sometimes.”
Second Person Narrative runs at Curve from 4th to 6th June. Tickets are available from Curve’s Box Office and at www.curveonline.co.uk.
Posted on Wednesday 3 June 2026

Grace Towning (Zo), Cole Dennis (Laura) and Ivano Turco (Finley) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
First look photos have been released for Public – The Musical.
The new musical is playing at Curve, Leicester, until 13 June, following its earlier runs at VAULT Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
It follows four strangers trapped inside a public toilet, with Grace Towning playing Zo, Matt Corner playing Andrew, Ivano Turco playing Finley and Cole Dennis playing Laura.
Cole Dennis (Laura), Grace Towning (Zo), Matt Corner (Andrew) and Ivano Turco (Finley) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
Matt Corner (Andrew) and Grace Towning (Zo) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
Ivano Turco (Finley) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
Cole Dennis (Laura), Grace Towning (Zo) and Matt Corner (Andrew) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
Public – The Musical is created by Stroud and Notes and is written by Hannah Sands, Kyla Stroud and Natalie Stroud. The musical is directed by Sands, with music composed by Kyla Stroud, choreography by Natalie Stroud and musical supervision and orchestrations by Olivia Zacharia.
The creative team also includes Amy Jane Cook as set and costume designer, Katy Morison as lighting designer, Livs Needham as musical director, Anita Gander as associate designer and Harry Blumenau Casting as casting director.
Ivano Turco (Finley), Grace Towning (Zo), Matt Corner (Andrew) and Cole Dennis (Laura) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
Ivano Turco (Finley), Grace Towning (Zo), Matt Corner (Andrew) and Cole Dennis (Laura) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
Matt Corner (Andrew), Grace Towning (Zo), Cole Dennis (Laura) and Ivano Turco (Finley) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
Grace Towning (Zo) in Public – The Musical, © Mark Senior
The musical premiered at VAULT Festival in 2023, where it received the VAULT Festival Origins Award, and later ran at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The production is presented by Roast Productions in association with Curve and is created by Stroud and Notes.

Leicester City Council is also carrying out a simultaneous consultation on future term time calendars,Poland added he was concerned the two authorities were proposing term times that were not exactly aligned.He said this could be a problem for families living near the city and county border with children who go to schools in both.Both the city and county councils have said they will work closely together to co-ordinate future term times where possible.The county council’s Reform UK cabinet member for children and families Charles Pugsley said he was pleased both options kept the July Fortnight. “It [the July fortnight] defines part of who we are as a county,” Pugsley said.”Generations of families have built their summers around the fact our schools on average break up a couple of weeks earlier than anywhere else.”It’s something people in Leicestershire evidently really value so whichever way the consultation goes the early summer break is safe.”A final decision on future school term dates is expected in September.

LEICESTER City Council has started legal proceedings to enable it to secure Lee Circle car park, which closed in March when NCP went into administration.
The council says neither the owners, administrators or NCP have taken action to ensure the site is not accessible to members of the public, which has resulted in anti-social and criminal behaviour there.
The council has today issued a legal notice to the owners of the car park, and will make an application to Leicester Magistrates Court on Thursday 4 June for an order to enable it to secure the car park.
Nicola Odom, head of the city council’s safer communities service said: “We have made numerous attempts to get the owners of this site to make it safe and secure, and prevent it from being a hazard to the public, but they have failed to do so.
“We were not able to seek this order at an earlier stage as the court will require evidence of the likelihood, and where possible evidence of, anti-social behaviour taking place there. We now have this evidence which will be presented on Thursday.
“If the court grants the order, the council will make the site safe and inaccessible, and will re-charge the owners for all costs incurred.”
The city council has been working alongside Leicestershire Police to try to prevent ASB at the site. Inspector Ryan Ludlam, commander for the Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), said: “Leicestershire Police fully support the council’s action to secure this site, which has been linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
“This is a positive step in protecting the public and preventing further incidents while longer term solutions are put in place. We would continue to encourage our communities to report any such issues to us by calling 101 or visiting our website.”
Lee Circle is one of five car parks which closed when NCP went into administration. Three of these – Abbey Street, St Nicholas Circle and East Street – have been re-opened by Euro car parks. The Rutland Centre car park, which is located near to Curve theatre in the city’s cultural quarter, remains closed, and has been secured by its owners.
Martin Fletcher, the council’s highways director said: “We know there is interest from operators in both of these car parks, and we are hopeful that they will eventually re-open. In the meantime we are working to increase the number of on-street parking bays, and dedicated disabled parking spaces in the cultural quarter.
Details of all parking spaces and disabled parking spaces in Leicester are on the council’s website at leicester.gov.uk/parking 

A key decision is due to be made on more than 150 new homes in Linby. A total 763 homes are being built at Top Wighay, near Hucknall and the village of Linby.The site is also home to Nottinghamshire County Council’s £19 million Oak House office building, which had been built with the intention of entirely replacing the ageing County Hall.Plans for phase 3B of the development, which totals 158 homes, are due before Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (June 3).- Advertisement -These reserved matters plans, which include the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale, have been tipped for approval.They have previously been approved for Vistry to build, however they have since returned under a new housebuilder; Persimmon.“The density of development is acceptable, and the layout considered to respect the character of the area,” planning documents say.“The design of the dwellings is acceptable with a mixture of materials and scale of properties, with public open space overlooked and residential amenity respected.”The whole site is 40.347 hectares (just over 99 acres), while the development site is 5.61 hectares (almost 14 acres).It is located to the north of Hucknall, and west of Linby village.The village’s parish council has objected to the new reserved matters plans.According to the parish council, the proposed development under Persimmon seeks “the removal and material alteration of pedestrian and cycle connections and green amenity space shown on the outline planning permission.”“Reserved matters cannot materially depart from the approved plans,” the authority said.It also criticised the boundaries of the scheme, and the “poor design of proposed dwellings, by virtue of a number of blank or inactive street-facing elevations, close-boarded fences facing the public realm, a cramped layout, large areas of hardstanding, and too little soft landscaping.”However, planning documents say the council’s planners consider the layout to be “in accord” with the site masterplan, while design concerns “are not shared”.The meeting will take place on Wednesday at 6pm at the council’s chamber.

In documents sent to the council, McDonagh said the scheme would meet a “pressing accommodation need” in the district.However, the council said a number of previous applications for the site had been considered and were either refused or withdrawn.It said a similar scheme for two caravan pitches plus a dayroom was rejected by its planning committee in May 2020 and a planning inspector then dismissed an appeal against the refusal in November 2022.District councillor for planning Mike Shirley, Blaby District Council portfolio holder for planning and strategic growth, said the council was “disappointed” at the decision and said: “We have concerns about the impact any development in this location has on the Blaby conservation area.”Blaby county councillor John Bloxham said: “To say this is frustrating doesn’t even come close.”

A man has been arrested and remains in police custody after a serious assault in the beer garden of a Radcliffe-on-Trent pub.The incident happened at the Manvers Arms pub in Main Street today on Sunday 31 May.A man, in his 30s, was stabbed in the beer garden and taken to Queen’s Medical Centre where he remains in a serious condition.A man, aged 48, has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and remains in police custody.Both victim and suspect are known to each other.There are a number of cordons in place while a thorough investigation is underway. This includes at the Manvers Arms pub.- Advertisement -Detective Inspector Luke Waller said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim who remains in hospital in a serious condition.“This was a vicious assault in front of members of the public, which will have been incredibly distressing for them to witness.“We hope that we can offer the public some reassurance that a man, in his 40s, now remains in police custody on suspicion of this serious offence.“We would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who saw the incident and who has not yet spoken to the police to please come forward.”Anyone with information can call 101 quoting incident number 516 of 31st May 2026 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sportGet our free Inside Sport newsletterGet our free Inside Sport newsletterOlly Woodburn scored two tries as Exeter pulled off a stunning 35-26 victory in a pulsating contest as Leicester Tigers missed the chance to climb to second in the Gallagher Prem table.The result ensured Bristol fell out of the race for a play-off spot but Leicester, Exeter and Saracens all remain in the mix for the two remaining spots behind Northampton and Bath.Exeter were deserved winners by scoring four tries to three, with Len Ikitau and Andrea Zambonin also touching down while Henry Slade kicked three penalties and three conversions.Leicester’s tries came from George Pearson, Olly Cracknell and Charlie Clare while Orlando Bailey added 11 points with his boot.Hanro Liebenberg led out Tigers for his 150th appearance for the club and his side were soon ahead when Bailey kicked a fourth-minute penalty.But almost immediately from the restart, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso collected a clearance to sail past three defenders before timing his pass perfectly to send Woodburn in under the posts.Exeter gave their play-off hopes a huge boost (Getty)Henry Slade converted and added a straightforward penalty before Tigers replied with an impressive score when Pearson collected a superbly judged cross-field kick from Bailey.Leicester looked to have regained the lead when a break from Bailey saw Adam Radwan cross the line but TMO replays showed the wing had been held up by the combined efforts of Slade and Harvey Skinner.However Tigers were not to be denied and a second penalty from Bailey put them back in front but this was soon nullified by one from Slade.Leicester blew a golden opportunity when Ollie Hassell-Collins failed to collect a poor pass from Pearson with the line at his mercy after strong runs from Jack van Poortvliet and Jamie Blamire had put the defence on the back foot.But the hosts went into the interval 14-13 ahead thanks to another Bailey penalty.Leicester’s hopes of a home semi-final took a blow (Getty)Three minutes after the restart, Exeter scored an excellent second try when a neat off-load from Dafydd Jenkins sent Tom Hooper racing into the opposition 22 and when the ball was recycled, Ikitau out-flanked the cover to score.Leicester changed four forwards in one swoop but it did not pay dividends as Exeter immediately extended their lead when Woodburn took an inside pass from Ikitau for his second try.However Woodburn was then sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on with Tigers capitalising when Cracknell powered over to leave his side trailing by four points going into the final quarter.Woodburn returned from the sin-bin with no further damage done to the scoreboard but on his return Clare finished from close-range to set up a tense finish.A handling error from the home side enabled Exeter to regain the lead when a long pass saw Zambonin evade a weak challenge from Adam Radwan for the bonus-point try with Slade’s last-minute penalty leaving Tigers with no points from the game.PA

For those that want to see the iconic Flying Scotsman, it is not too late.It will run on Sunday 31 May.Go to Rushcliffe Halt near East Leake, wardens show you to the free car park. The electronic payment machines weren’t working today so take cash too, it’s just £3 for the charity working to restore the line for visitors and the museum at Rushcliffe Country Park.There are plenty of toilets and refreshments at the station.Flying Scotsman is expected at the station between 09:20 – 09:30, 11:20 – 11:30, 13:20 – 13:30, 15:20 – 15:30 and 17:20 – 17:30.- Advertisement -Flying Scotsman© westbridgfordwire.comFree parking (thanks to British Gypsum Saint Gobain and Rushcliffe Golf Course), light refreshments and just £3 for a platform tickets for those over 12.About half an hour after each timed appearance above during which it stops at the station, it returns pulled by a diesel locomotive and doesn’t stop, but still fun to see it twice.See videos.@westbridgfordwirenews The Flying Scotsman’s final weekend at Rushcliffe – travelling from Nottingham Transport Heritage Museum to Loughborough and back in the reclaimed Great Central Line #flyingscotsman #steam #steamtrains #trains ♬ original sound – West Bridgford Wire News@westbridgfordwirenews The Flying Scotsman at Rushcliffe Halt 30 May 2026 #flyingscotsman #steam #steamtrains #trains #nottingham ♬ original sound – West Bridgford Wire News Flying Scotsman© westbridgfordwire.comFlying Scotsman© westbridgfordwire.comFlying Scotsman© westbridgfordwire.com

Nottingham City Transport is changing West Bridgford and Rushcliffe bus services in June. The changes come into effect on 21 June 2026. The operator explains that the number of people travelling by bus has never fully recovered since the pandemic, with 1 in 10 fewer customers each year. This is because of the increase in home working, hybrid working and online shopping, which means people need to travel less.- Advertisement -In addition, Nottingham has experienced a number of major roadwork schemes in recent years, which have seen customer numbers decline on affected routes. Passengers found alternative ways to travel whilst services were disrupted and despite the works now being finished, they haven’t returned to the bus. As an example, one group of services is carrying 25% fewer people than before the works on their routes.The 50% increase in the Bus Fare Cap at the start of 2025 has contributed to decline in bus usage around the country, with NCT passenger numbers in the last year falling by 3.77%. These changes include:Providing a much-requested direct link between Ruddington and West Bridgford CentreReturning Green 11 to be a Meadows and Lady Bay service to improve reliability, moving the extension to Cropwell Bishop to a new routeReinstating the link between Cotgrave and The Cropwells directly to West Bridgford Central AvenueGreen 5, 5ARevised timetable on all days.On Sundays, all buses will operate as a 5 rather than a 5A.Preview new timetable here >>Green 6Revised timetable on all days.The timetable will start earlier on Sundays, with a bus from Gamston at 07:03 and from City at 07:30.Preview new timetable here >>Green 7Revised timetable on all days.The Saturday timetable will start slightly later, with the first bus from Edwalton Fields at 08:13 and from City at 08:38.This service is part-funded by EMCCA.Preview new timetable here >>Green 8Revised timetable on all days.Green 8 and 9 will no longer operate as circular services around Wilford Hill and Compton Acres.Green 8 will follow its current route between City, West Bridgford, Musters Road and Boundary Road, returning back to the City the same way.Buses will run every 30 minutes on Monday to Saturday daytimes and hourly on Sunday daytimes.Loughborough Road between Greythorn Drive and Boundary Road will no longer be served by NCT. Our Green 10 provides an alternative service for Wilford Hill Crematorium, stopping at Greythorn Drive Top. Boundary Road between Loughborough Road and Musters Road will no longer be served. These areas are lightly used. Preview new timetable here >>Green 9Revised timetable on all days.Green 8 and 9 will no longer operate as circular services around Wilford Hill and Compton Acres.Green 9 will follow its current route between City, West Bridgford and Compton Acres, but will then extend to Ruddington and Clifton, replacing the current Navy 3.This new route provides a much-requested direct link between Ruddington and West Bridgford.Buses will run every 30 minutes on Monday to Saturday daytimes, providing a more frequent service between Ruddington and Clifton than at present. Evening and Sunday buses will run every hour between City and Compton Acres. Preview new timetable here >>Green 10, 10C, 10XRevised timetable on all days.Monday to Saturday evening buses generally run 10 minutes earlier, although the last bus from City at midnight is retained. On Sunday evenings, the last bus from City will be at 22:15.The 10X will be renumbered 10A.Preview new timetable here >>Green 11, 11B, 11CRevised timetable on all days.Green 11 will return to operating between City, The Meadows and Lady Bay, with hourly daytime extensions to the Water Sports Centre.The daily daytime frequency will remain every 30 minutes, with buses every 45 minutes in the evening until the last bus from City at 22:45.NCT say the decision to extend Green 11 beyond Lady Bay was intended to generate additional passengers to support the service that had been in decline for some time. The extension has resulted in reliability issues, not helped by a number of roadworks taking place on the extended part of the route. By returning the route to its original form, this addresses the feedback we have received from residents along the route, particularly in Lady Bay.A consequence of restoring reliability to Green 11 is that they are no longer able to provide the direct link between Lady Bay and Gamston. The time taken to operate to and from Gamston exceeds the time the bus has available to maintain a reliable 30 minute service over the main section of the route.The Tollerton, Cotgrave and Cropwell Bishop section of the route will be replaced by new Green 12.Green 11Preview new timetable here >>Green 12New Green 12 replaces Green 11 between Nottingham, Gamston and Tollerton, Cotgrave, Hollygate Park and Cropwell Bishop.Green 12 will serve Central Avenue and West Bridgford, reinstating this much-requested direct link.Buses will operate hourly on Monday to Saturday daytimes, with a Sunday daytime service introduced and the last bus from Nottingham at 20:10 on Mondays to Saturdays.Some journeys will serve Cropwell Butler and Upper Saxondale, with Sunday buses serving Cropwell Butler and Bingham.The Bridgford Connect ticket will no longer be available, following the introduction of the direct service.