What's On

A History of Polar Exploration: Anne Strathie (Guildhall) Drawing on her latest book, A History of Polar Exploration in 50 Objects: from Cook's Circumnavigations to the Aviation Age, Anne Strathie shares the stories of objects from a period of exploration which is the bedrock of our present-day knowledge and fascination with polar regions.

Today these objects are located worldwide, whether in polar regions, public spaces, museums and other repositories, or in private collections. Some objects were used by famous explorers, but more testify to important work by mariners, scientists, artists, photographers and filmmakers, or sometimes overlooked roles played by explorers' relatives, sponsors and other supporters.

Collectively, the objects evidence a continuum of polar endeavour which, notwithstanding national ambitions and personal rivalries, reflect levels of international collaboration to which we should aspire when exploring or attempting to safeguard the increasingly fragile polar regions. Dates: Wed 25 Booking and More Information

Alan Barnes and David Newton Alan Barnes and David Newton have been playing duets together for over 40 years. These multi award-winners cover a vast repertoire from Louis Armstrong to Chick Corea and play with an empathy that can only come with long experience. The emphasis, as always, is on swinging, accessibility and interplay. Expect a hugely entertaining programme of straight ahead jazz flawlessly played and interspersed with lots of anecdotes. Dates: Wed 11 Booking and More Information

ALEX CLARKE - STAMFORD JAZZ As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and three-time nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene.

Praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire across a broad spectrum of styles, Alex's sound is steeped in the tradition of bebop. Her total respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in a fiery, melodic approach inspired by the likes of Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley and Vincent Herring.

As well as working as a bandleader, Alex performs alongside many notable names such as Alan Barnes, Alex Garnett, Alec Dankworth, Bruce Adams and Art Themen, and regularly works with prestigious larger ensembles such as the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, the Simon Spillett Big Band and Down For The Count. Dates: Fri 06 Booking and More Information

An Evening Of Mediumship With Pauline Join Pauline for an evening of connections as she works for spirit bringing their love and proof to us. Pauline has been working as a Medium for many years doing her own evenings, spiritualist churches and centres along with one-to-one. readings. She is also a teacher and often runs workshops and her own development group.
We look forward to seeing you.
Dates: Fri 13 Booking and More Information

Big Dick Whittington A Wild, Adults-Only Pantomime from Misfit Productions Live at the Guildhall Arts Centre – Strictly 16+

From the mischievous team behind Red Hot Riding Hood (yes, the one that completely sold out!) comes a brand-new, adults-only panto packed with laughs, great songs, and just the right amount of wrong.

Meet Big Dick Whittington – a loveable lad with a big dream and even bigger… ambitions. He heads to London with his sarcastic talking cat, to seek his fortune, but what he finds instead is a villain with a fur fixation, a city full of chaos, and a shipload of trouble.

There’s a magical fairy, a sassy Sultana, rogue rodents, and more double-entendres than you can shake a stick at — all wrapped up in a riotous, fast-paced adventure bursting with music, madness, and mischief.

It’s cheeky, bold, and strictly for grown-ups — but underneath all the saucy sparkle is a classic panto heart with a seriously fun twist. Dates: Tue 10, Wed 11, Thu 12, Fri 13, Sat 14 Booking and More Information

Bootleg Boss - Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band Bootleg Boss are a UK based seven-piece band that perform the classic songs of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Formed in 2012 this accomplished and exciting Live Band feature Kev Jamieson as the vocal-singing, guitar-playing, harmonica-blowing, band-leading, audience-engaging, dance-inducing, singalong-inspiring Boss. Dates: Fri 27 Booking and More Information

Comic Art Masterclass (Stamford) Kev F Sutherland has written and drawn for Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel comics, and now makes graphic novels adapted from Shakespeare. Now he'll teach you how easy it is. Whatever stories you want to tell, Kev can teach you how!

After the end of a Comic Art Masterclass, we all take away a comic containing a strip by everyone in the class plus an individual caricature by Kev F.

Learn everything he knows, so you could leave school and steal his job! Dates: Fri 20 Booking and More Information

Disco Toddlers 2026 Join us in our beautiful Ballroom and spark joy in your toddler's world with our themed disco toddler sessions - watch them groove to music and lights! With participatory songs, a play corner and more, it's sure to be the coolest disco in town. Unforgettable memories await! Dates: Mon 16 Booking and More Information

February Craft Morning (Guildhall) Join arts facilitator Hannah Peacock for a fun and silly mask making workshop. Create you, inspired by the pop art style and using paper and lolly pop sticks create a colourful self portrait or a portrait of your grown up. During the craft morning, we will also be making 3D animal masks of your favourite animals. Dates: Fri 20 Booking and More Information

February Craft Morning (Stamford) Join arts facilitator Hannah Peacock for a fun and silly mask making workshop. Create you, inspired by the pop art style and using paper and lolly pop sticks create a colourful self portrait or a portrait of your grown up. During the craft morning, we will also be making 3D animal masks of your favourite animals. Dates: Thu 19 Booking and More Information

Gong Bath Meditation 2026 A deeply restorative experience for the mind, body and soul. All you have to do is lie comfortably on your mat and be open to sound vibrations. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket and a small cushion. Age 13+ Sally will create a soundscape using light percussion instruments and gongs. Important: Please bring a thick comfy mat or equivalent, a warm blanket (depending on the season) and a small cushion, and be open to receiving the enveloping sound vibrations which can help bring you into a restorative state of balance and relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket and a small cushion. It is recommended that you do not have a gong bath if: you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy you have any condition which is sound sensitive or could be triggered by sound such as Tinnitus, Meniere’s or Epilepsy you have a significant Metal Implant/Pacemaker or you have a serious mental health condition If you have any queries, please contact [email protected] Dates: Fri 20 Booking and More Information

Grantham Gang Show 2026 A talented group of local Scouting and Guiding members light up the Guildhall stage with musical magic! The Grantham Gang Show returns with a fresh variety show for the whole family—packed with timeless entertainment, hilarious sketches, toe-tapping musical numbers, dazzling costumes, creative choreography, and so much more.
We’re celebrating the unifying power of music and performance, bringing together people of all ages, communities, and backgrounds. Come and experience the spirit, energy, friendship, and incredible talent that make the Grantham Gang Show a true highlight of the year! Dates: Fri 20, Sat 21 Booking and More Information

HAMNET (12A) Dir: Chloé Zhao | UK | 2025 | 126 mins
Cast | Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn

With phenomenal performances from Oscar nominees Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter) and Paul Mescal (Aftersun), Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao’s (Nomadland) Hamnet ¬– based on Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel about William Shakespeare and his family – is a wildly sensitive, magnificently crafted story of love, grief and the restorative power of art.

1580 England. Impoverished Latin tutor William (Mescal) meets free spirit Agnes (Buckley), and they begin a passionate affair that leads to marriage and three children. As Will’s theatre career takes off in London, Agnes anchors the family’s domestic world alone. When tragedy strikes, the crucible of their shared suffering sets the stage for the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet – the most famous of his tragedies, and one which bears a name interchangeable with that of his son.

“Pure exhilaration” ★★★★★ The Telegraph
“Jessie Buckley is extraordinary in Chloé Zhao’s tender act of Shakespearean catharsis” ★★★★★ Time Out
Dates: Wed 04, Thu 05, Tue 10, Wed 11, Thu 12 Booking and More Information

Jacqui Dankworth: The Sondheim Songbook The internationally acclaimed vocalist Jacqui Dankworth presents her own very special celebration of the incredible musical legacy of Stephen Sondheim. Jacqui is joined by American pianist, Charlie Wood, for this intimate concert, which explores a sparkling collection of Sondheim’s most celebrated music, inspired by Jacqui’s own collaborations with the great man. Dates: Fri 13 Booking and More Information

Jekyll and Hyde - Dickens Theatre Company Calling all English students & literacy lovers alike! DTC’s acclaimed production of this classic Gothic horror arrives back in Spring 2026.
It’s 1888 & Victorian London is under attack. Within the thick Fitzrovia fog and dimly lamp-lit streets lurks an evil predator. Unprovoked, a young child is attacked and beaten by a mystery man. But who is this "sneering Satan" & will he strike again?
6 actors take on all the roles in DTC's acclaimed stage adaptation of RL Stevenson’s iconic Victorian masterpiece.
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde is touring alongside Macbeth as part of DTC’s ‘Revision on Tour’. Dates: Wed 04, Thu 05 Booking and More Information

Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening From the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall in the north east of England, Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening reach out to the wider world, connecting threads of music, landscape and people over almost 2000 years. Named after the old Northumbrian word for twilight, ‘The Darkening’ is: Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle, vocals), Amy Thatcher (accordion, clogs, synth, vocals), Tim Bloomer (guitar), Joe Truswell (drums), and Stef Conner
(vocals, lyres). Dates: Sat 28 Booking and More Information

NT Live: The Audience Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award® -winning hit production, directed by Stephen Daldry.

For 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II met with each of her 12 prime ministers in a private weekly meeting. This meeting is known as The Audience. From Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, the Queen advised her prime ministers on matters both public and personal. Through these private audiences, we see glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that shaped a monarch.

Peter Morgan’s Netflix phenomenon The Crown was based on this hit play that was captured live from London’s West End in 2013 and went on to become one of the most-watched NT Live productions. Dates: Thu 26 Booking and More Information

PARADISE IN PASTEL AND PAINT (adult workshop) Artist Jane Hindmarch leads an inspiring afternoon of creativity, drawing from her exhibition In
Arcadia Ego – I am in Paradise. Explore nature and the idea of paradise through pastel and
paint, beginning with expressive drawing techniques and moving into painting to reinterpret
colour, texture, and form. Jane will share insights from her own process, encouraging
experimentation and reflection. For all skill levels, this workshop offers a supportive space to
observe and create.
Materials provided. Bring an apron! Dates: Sat 07 Booking and More Information

Piano Legends: Forever Elton and Joel Step into a dazzling celebration of two of the greatest musical icons of our time with Piano Legends: Forever Elton and Joel, a spectacular theatre show celebrating the timeless hits of Billy Joel and Elton John. Led by the multi award-winning composer and musical director Phil Mountford, this tribute band brings the magic of two of the greatest piano men to life with electrifying performances. Dates: Sat 28 Booking and More Information

Singing Workshop With Val Regan Raise your voice in harmony in this community singing workshop, led by Val Regan. Singing is for everyone and you are welcome whether you are new to singing or an old hand. You’ll learn uplifting songs in harmony parts, all the teaching is done by ear so you don’t need to read music and you’ll never be asked to sing on your own. Singing is good for you, it boosts your mood and your immune system and it’s a great way to meet people. What are you waiting for?

Val leads choirs and singing workshops all around the U.K. and is the composer of the musical Gwenda’s Garage. She is known for her engaging style and sense of humour. She’ll have you singing before you know it. Dates: Sat 21 Booking and More Information

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure Step into the world of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks, where nothing is quite what it
seems and a really big adventure is about to begin.
Sir Charlie is bold, brave and brilliantly clever. He loves daring quests filled with wily
witches, terrible beasties and fire-breathing dragons. And yes, he has a cat called
Envelope!
But who is this pint-sized hero and where did his story come from? Dates: Wed 18 Booking and More Information

Snow White, Rose Red, Brown Bear Snow White and Rose Red – sisters, twins, best friends – have lived in the forest since they were Babes in the Wood. Brought up by their hardworking Mother to be kind, caring and forest fluent... if sometimes a little over enthusiastic in their deeds!
When their quiet life is interrupted by a friendly bear a new chapter begins. But why has the bear chosen them as playfellows? Why is there sadness in his eyes? And who on earth is that rude little man with a ridiculously long beard that they keep bumping in to?
All questions will be untangled in this new show from the Woods of Widdershins, using puppets, storytelling, original music and a fantastical fairytale forest. Dates: Sat 14 Booking and More Information

SONG SUNG BLUE (TBC) Dir: Craig Brewer | USA | 2025 | 132 mins
Cast | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, Fisher Stevens, Jim Belushi

Dream big this Christmas. Oscar nominees Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables) and Kate Hudson (Almost Famous) give tremendously charismatic performances as an ordinary couple with an extraordinary dream in Song Sung Blue.
Based on a stranger-than-fiction true story, it sees two down-on-their-luck musicians (Jackman and Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it's never too late to find love and follow your dreams.

In Milwaukee, Mike (Jackman) and Claire (Hudson) are working as celebrity impersonators for state fairs and dive bars. Separately, they perform standards in a dusty variety act, but they dream of making something exciting of their own. A winning story of love, loss and inspiration, featuring the iconic songs of Neil Diamond, Song Sung Blue is grounded in real feeling.
Dates: Sat 07 Booking and More Information

The Carpenter’s Experience 2026 When we were young, we’d listen to the radio, waiting for our favourite songs. Now they’re back again, like a long-lost friend, all the song we loved so well. . .
The UK’s leading Carpenters show, featuring the amazing voice of Maggie Nestor and eight top-class musicians, captures the sights and sounds of the amazing talents of Richard and Karen Carpenter.
Karen’s silky contralto is combined with Richard’s delightful piano and seamless harmonies in this big production that brings Close To You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Top of the World, Rainy Days and Mondays, Solitaire, Goodbye to Love, Please Mr Postman, For All We Know, Only Yesterday and dozens more classic songs to the stage.
The Carpenters Experience is coming to town for an evening of non-stop hits – it’s yesterday once more…
Please be aware this is a tribute show. Dates: Sat 07 Booking and More Information

The Groove 2026 An exciting, fun-filled night for adults with disabilities aged 16+, their families and support workers. If you have ever wanted to experience a nightclub environment this event should not be missed! THE GROOVE is a great opportunity not only to dance to great music, but to socialise and meet new people in a safe place. Head into the Ballroom where our Live DJ will play top tunes all night! The Bar will be open serving alcoholic and soft drinks. Please ensure you have ID if you would like to purchase any alcohol from the bar. Wheelchair access is available. Dates: Sat 28 Booking and More Information

The Imagination Train All aboard, the train is about to depart! Join Connie the Conductor on this fun-filled, sensory journey. Will we visit Mermaid Lagoon, Unicorn Skies, Machine City, or Outer Space? The show is a gentle, interactive puppet show designed for 1-3 year-olds and their grown-ups to experience together. Dates: Thu 19 Booking and More Information

The Royal Ballet: WOOLF WORKS Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling and poignant reality. Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor leads a luminous artistic team to evoke Woolf’s signature stream of consciousness writing style in this immense work that rejects traditional narrative structures. Woolf Works is a collage of themes from Mrs Dalloway, Orlando, The Waves and Woolf’s other writings. Created in 2015 for The Royal Ballet, this Olivier-award winning ballet triptych captures the heart of Woolf’s uniquely artistic spirit. Dates: Mon 09 Booking and More Information

When Vincent Met John Vincent died in 1890, John died in 1980, both of gunshot wounds to the chest. But imagine what might have happened, had the two greatest artists of their time, met?

Vincent van Gogh was a nineteenth-century Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art.

John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who gained worldwide fame with The Beatles.

Around five years before their deaths both men went through profound change.

Vincent van Gogh finally renounced his religious ambitions and began to paint in earnest, and despite great arguments with antagonist Paul Gaugin created his life’s great masterworks.

John Lennon renounced sex, drugs and rock & roll and began five years seclusion as a family unit, and despite great arguments with antagonist Paul McCartney created a son, and what would be his last album.

This play takes place at their exact moment of crisis and decision, exploring love, death, art and legacy. Dates: Fri 06 Booking and More Information