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

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

Forever Elton Come and join award winning film composer Phil Mountford for his fantastic tribute to the music of Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin in a night full of the back catalogue hits that this incredible duo, singer songwriter partnership produced.

You can expect to be tapping your feet, dancing in your seats, and singing at the top of your voices as Phil and his incredible band play totally live and to perfection hits like- I'm Still Standing, Kiss the Bride, Saturday nights alright for fighting, Your Song and Candle in the Wind to name just a few in this near 2 hour show, with all the glitz and glamour of those famous costumes like worn by the man himself.

A brilliant tribute show, to an incredible musician. Dates: Sat 28 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

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: Thu 05 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