Nottingham Theatre & Arts

'And what happens when the pendulum swings too far? We push back.'
A wickedly funny new play that explores the enigma of Mary Whitehouse: pearl-clutching prude or ‘the most dangerous woman in Britain’?
In the 1970s, one twinkly old lady wielded extraordinary influence, fighting against what she believed was the UK’s moral decline. Armed with only a typewriter in her garden, this seemingly harmless grandmother took on the BBC and the ‘godless media’ in a culture war that divided the nation.
Caroline Bird delves into Whitehouse’s most explosive battle—her infamous blasphemy trial against Gay News, which revealed the shocking power behind her sweet smile. It will challenge your beliefs about freedom, censorship, and explore one woman’s formidable resolve to push back the tide.
Known for her iconic stage and TV appearances (Hamlet, A Streetcar Named Desire, Dinnerladies, Shameless, Silk, The Village, Inside No. 9, See No Evil, Black Mirror), Maxine Peake brings this fascinating and outrageous character to life.
Samuel Barnett will take on over 15 diverse roles as the second cast member, including her mother, a documentary filmmaker, a Roman centurion, Margaret Thatcher and Jesus. He was winner of the first ever Edinburgh Award, and the Scotsman Fringe Award for the one-man show Feeling Afraid as if Something Terrible is Going to Happen, and Tony award-nominated for both Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, and Twelfth Night.
This play is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Some characters and scenes have been imagined, or conflated from various sources including diaries, court records and interviews.

Meet at 7 for a 7:30 start at the box office. I have octagonal grey glasses and a beard.

Prepare to be spellbound as our legendary Nottingham Playhouse panto 2025/26 is the tale of Sleeping Beauty!
Outraged at not being invited to the Princess’s party, the evil Maleficent casts a spell that sends the Princess and her whole kingdom into a deep sleep, when she pricks her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel. As they snooze, a tangled forest springs up around them. Only one thing can break the curse – the magic of true love! Enter our Prince, who must battle through the thorns, and work with the Princess to defeat the wicked fairy.
It’s going to be panto pandemonium in a show bursting with jaw-dropping costumes, dazzling effects, and sprinkled with magical mayhem. Comedy chaos will be provided by Nottingham’s favourite panto dame John Elkington in this festive spectacular beyond your wildest dreams!

Meet at 1:30 for a 2 o'clock start at the box office. I have grey octagonal glasses and a beard.