Lakeside Arts
WHERE
Nottingham
What it’s like
Family theatre shows with puppetry, live music and storytelling at the University of Nottingham's arts centre by the lake.
The thing to book for here is a family show, the kind with puppetry, live music and storytelling built in rather than just a play read out loud. It's the University of Nottingham's public arts venue, so alongside the theatre you've got galleries and a museum on site too if you want to make more of the trip.
Booking's essential, and it's not the simplest system going. You can do it online, but some things (baby and toddler tickets, wheelchair spaces) can only be sorted by phoning the box office directly. If you've got a little one who's not going to need their own seat, ask about the free baby and toddler ticket for their lap, it depends on the age rating of the show. There's also a multibuy discount if you're booking more than one event, which is worth knowing if you're the sort who plans a term's worth of outings at once.
Getting there by car is the bit to plan for. There are two free car parks right by the DH Lawrence Pavilion, but they say these fill up quickly, especially during events and term time, so turning up ten minutes before curtain-up is a gamble. The bus alternatives are decent though, with the Indigo running every five minutes through the day and bus 34 also stopping from the city centre.
If anyone in your group needs a wheelchair space, get it booked in advance rather than hoping to sort it on the door, since the theatre's tiered seating means those spaces are front row only. Some productions also run BSL interpreted or relaxed performances, and there are touch tours before some shows, though places on those are limited and need booking ahead too.
What’s on here
- THU15
LagosPhoto: Stories of Movement and Belonging
Free · 87 more dates
- THU15
Prehistoric Lives in the Trent Valley
87 more dates
- FRI16
Thick & Tight: Natural Behaviour
An evening of dance, satire and poetry at Lakeside Arts exploring 'natural' and 'unnatural' behaviour through a queer lens.
Magical Garden
Free
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Two free car parks next to DH Lawrence Pavilion
- Wheelchairs
- Dedicated wheelchair spaces available in Djanogly Theatre and Recital Hall (front row, must be booked in advance)
- Getting there by bus or train
- Trent Barton Indigo bus runs every 5 minutes daytime, 24/7
- Booking baby/toddler tickets and wheelchair spaces has to be done by phone, not online
- Parking fills up fast around events and in term time, so leave extra time
- Touch tours have limited places and need booking well ahead
- Headsets for the hearing system need booking in advance too, though staff can sometimes help on the day
Plan your visit
How do we book tickets?
By phone on 0115 846 7777, in person at the box office, or online. E-tickets get emailed over and you can just scan them on your phone, no need to print.
Are there deals if we're going to more than one show?
Yes, there's a multibuy scheme. Two events gets you 5% off, rising up to 20% off if you book 14 or more.
Can babies and toddlers come along?
Free tickets are available for infants under certain ages depending on the show's rating, and they sit on your lap. You'll need to book these by phone rather than online.
Is there parking?
Two free car parks sit right next to the DH Lawrence Pavilion, though they fill up fast during events and term time. Paid parking is also available elsewhere on campus if those are full.
How do we get there without a car?
The Trent Barton Indigo bus runs every five minutes during the day, and bus 34 also runs from the city centre. There's a Park and Ride option too.
Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
There are dedicated wheelchair spaces in the Djanogly Theatre and Recital Hall, but they're front row only and need booking in advance rather than online, so call the box office.
What if someone needs a personal assistant with them?
A free PA ticket is available for deaf or disabled visitors who need one to attend. Some ID cards give automatic eligibility, otherwise the venue assesses it themselves.
Do they do relaxed or BSL performances?
Some productions offer BSL interpreted or relaxed performances, the relaxed ones having house lights on and no loud surprises. Touch tours are also available before some shows but need booking ahead as places are limited.
Is there anywhere to eat?
There's a Pavilion Café and induction loops are fitted there too, useful if anyone in your group uses a hearing aid.
Areas to explore
Angear Visitor Centre
indoorsSpace in the Djanogly Gallery building housing exhibitions, the gallery shop and café.
Djanogly Gallery
indoorsMain gallery hosting a range of visual art exhibitions.
Highfields Park
outdoorsPark and lake surrounding Lakeside Arts, used for outdoor events and family days out.
University of Nottingham Museum
indoorsMuseum of archaeological artefacts from Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands.
Wallner Gallery
indoorsAn informal white-box gallery space with creative installations, between the Box Office and Pavilion Café.
Weston Gallery
indoorsHome to Manuscripts and Special Collections exhibitions from the University's collection.
Also on site
Djanogly Recital Hall
indoorsAward-winning recital hall known for its acoustics, used for public concerts and BBC recordings.
Djanogly Theatre
indoors213-seat professional theatre space within the DH Lawrence Pavilion.
Gallery Shop
Shop selling handcrafted gifts and art, in the Djanogly Gallery building.
Featured in 2 Huddlepin lists
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