Arts & Toast

In this episode, we head to Lakeside Arts in Nottingham to explore an exciting new exhibition, Drawn Through Time.The exhibition brings together an inspiring group of artists, including George Shaw, James Pyman, Billy Hughes, and Penny McCarthy. At the heart of the show is McCarthy’s work, deeply influenced by the Renaissance master Titian.McCarthy was granted rare access to Titian’s lesser-known piece, The Submersion of the Pharaoh’s Army in the Red Sea, spending six months studying the artwork and his techniques. Her research, alongside rare woodcuts of Titian’s original works, forms a key part of this unique exhibition and will be available to see at this exhibition.In this thought-provoking episode, Kirsty speaks with Penny McCarthy and curator Ashley Gallant about how art created over 500 years ago continues to influence contemporary practices - from modern urban landscapes and painting, photography to comics and even AI-generated art.Drawn Through Time opens this weekend at Lakeside Arts in Nottingham and runs until 26 July. Entry is free, with a range of guided tours and talks available throughout the exhibition. For more details, visit the Lakeside Arts website.Image made from details of: How I wanted to be that sky – to hold every flying and falling at once, 2021 by Penny McCarthy and The submersion of Pharaoh’s Army in the Red Sea, c. 1549 by Titian

Kirsty Corbett spoke with the cast of “Scenes from a Friendship”, Benedict Salter and Katie Redford about how rehearsals are going. The pair talk about reminiscing withitems such as Nokia 3210s and a yellow sticker bargains before going on to talk about the plot of the Long Eaton based play. They go on to talk about the emotional rollercoaster, Nottingham based, writer Jane Upton has put them on as they prepare for opening night.First Year Juniors, Long Eaton, 1987. Kylie’s about to hit number one, and Jess meets Billy for the first time. There’s conflict, competition and mutual intrigue, but they quickly become inseparable: Proper soulmates – the kind who finish each other’s sentences and overshare about first kisses. As they pursue different paths, him in the big city, her in their fading hometown, they can’t escape the pull of their friendship – or the arguments and jealousy that come with it. Following them across the decades – from making mixtapes and endless summers, to the chaos of parenthood, Scenes from a Friendship is a warm, funny, and deeply felt look at the bond you share with the person who’s shaped your life, who knows all your flaws but loves you regardless.Tickets are on sale, now, for “Scenes from a Friendship” . The show opens with its world premiere on Friday 15 May and due to demand the run, for the show, has nowbeen extended to 12 June 2026. Tickets start at £18 and can be bought from the Nottingham Playhouse website.

University of Derby 3rd year Theatre Arts Students are proud to announce their productions for 2026: "The Light Burns Blue". Based on the true story of the Cottingley fairies, The Light Burns Blue asks us to reflect on the ethical dilemmas oftruth and lies, and the whether we can believe all that we see, and to consider, in a world of darkness, what do we really need?spoke Theatre Arts students & actors Olivia Osbourne, who plays Elsie, and Liv Murphy who plays Winifred as well as Isaac Raven, student marketing assistant and Senior Lecturer Amanda Wallace about the true story inspiration behind “The Light Turns Blue”. They also talk about what it is like to be students at a professional “learning theatre” which gives them access to key areas, besides acting, such as stage management, wardrobe and marketing.Tickets are on sale, now, for “Light Burns Blue” which runs on 22 & 23 May, with both matinee and evening shows available. All performances will also be captioned. Tickets can be bought via the Derby Theatre website, for just £10 with discounts available for under 26s and University of Derby students.Derby Theatre offers valuable industry experience and contacts. This course (Theatre Arts) is unique; no other university level course is housed in a producing theatre. You will be at the centre of this professional environment developing skills in acting, devising and directing for your career as a professional theatre artist. This theatre arts programme will develop your theatre and performance skills such as acting, directing and devising for your career as a professional theatre artist. For more details on the course please see the Derby University website.

The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust, in partnership with producer Mark Robert Petty, is bringing “A Musical Spectacular!” to Derby Theatre on Sunday 3 May 2026 at 7.30pm.Gillian Sewell's journey of honouring her Derby born son, Lewis Sewell, is nothing short of inspiring. After his passing in 2020 due to cancer, Gillian and her family set up the Lewis Sewell Trust, under Lewis’ instructions.They empower young aspiring artists, ensuring that Lewis’ vision lives on, gifting scholarships to those who cannot afford to go to drama and theatre school but has a talent that will earn them a paid career. Every scholarship awarded, every opportunity created, is a testament to Lewis's spirit.Kirsty Corbett began asking Lewis’ mum, Gillian, about how she finds fulfilling Lewis’ wishes for aspiring performers before chatting with the fundraising concert's Producer, Mark Robert Petty, about how he got involved with the Derby based charity.🎟️ Tickets are on sale now via the Derby Theatre website for A Musical Spectacular on Sunday 3 May 2026 at 7.30pm. This spectacular concert will feature an all-star West End cast, Carolyn Maitland (Woman in White), Luke McCall (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables), Laura Pick (previous Elphaba in Wicked), Luke Suri (Frankie goes to Hollywood), Manon Taris (Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera) and Chris Weeks (Spotify sensation & currently in Buddy Holly Story) performing alongside talented pupils from local colleges including Embark Federation and Kristian Thomas Company. Together they will perform beloved songs from musicals including The Greatest Showman, The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Hamilton, Back To The Future, The Buddy Holly Story, Guys & Dolls, Sunset Boulevard, Jersey Boys, Wicked, Les Misérables, Rent, Grease, Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia! and many more.

In this episode I’m joined, again, by Ashley Gallant of Lakeside Arts and also Ceri Lewis from Artist Rooms. Artist Rooms was set up in 2008 by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate galleries . Since its inception in 2008 the collection includes the original artworks of over 40 international artists and has allowed the Art to be toured all over the UK, enabling 60 million people to see iconic works of Art. It’s with thanks to Artist Rooms that the original work of Andy Warhol was brought to Nottingham. Some pieces haven’t been seen by the public in ten years and it was an absolute joy to listen to the passion of both Ashley and Ceri at the preview opening of this fabulous exhibition.The show closes, at Lakeside Arts, on Sunday 19 April 2026, and there are a limited amount of tickets left via the Lakeside Arts website.

Lakeside Arts is the University of Nottingham's public arts centre and a leading regional venue for theatre, dance, and visual arts located on University Park. It offers an eclectic year-round program including exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly performances across galleries, a museum, and a theatre. It’s an absolute gem of a place and, for the last couple of months, has been home to the original artworks of Andy Warhol. Some of the works on show haven’t been available to the public in a decade but thanks to Lakeside Arts and an amazing initiative with Artist Rooms they’re available for you to see. Artist Rooms is a programme run by the National Galleries of Scotland and the Tate which, amongst many positives, makes Art more accessible to the public away from London and Edinburgh, for example but more on that later.In the first of this two part special, I chat with Ashley Gallant who is the Head of Visual Arts at Lakeside. He chats about his role and the logistics in making sure that the original artworks of Andy Warhol are both cared for and presented in an accessible way for the general public.The second part of this series is also now LIVE! Head over to the Arts & Toast podcast with me, Kirsty, to hear from Ashley and also Ceri Lewis from Artist Rooms about their goal to make art accessible to the public, outside of areas such as London and Edinburgh.

Rosalie Minnitt joins the podcast to discuss her meteoric rise in the comedy world following the success of her debut character show Clementine. An award-winning comedy writer and performer, Rosalie has written for BBC Radio 4, BBC Bitesize and CBBC but it was her hilariously chaotic alter-ego Clementine that captured audiences at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe. Subsequently the show was named one of the top-reviewed performances of the festival by the British Comedy Guide and has seen sold-out runs and extended dates at Soho Theatre. Rosalie is now taking Clementine on tour across the UK. In this episode, Kirsty chats with Rosalie as she reflects on creating the wildly unhinged "Clementine", her journey from Durham University graduate to acclaimed comedian and what life has been like since her breakout Fringe success.

Have you ever thought about stepping out of your comfort zone?When Rachael Hawnt auditioned for a ITV show with zero expectations, she discovered a love for music she'd not had before. It was a leap into the unknown after months of lockdown - turns out, it was just what she needed!Fast forward to 2026 and Rachael, winner of ITV’s Starstruck, is now taking on an international tour and celebrating every decade of Cher’s incredible career. Prepare to be dazzled by disco hits and party to pop chart-toppers as Rachael’s incredible talent shines through and makes you ‘Believe’.What’s your comfort zone? Maybe it’s time to step out and try something new! Listen to Rachael chat about her journey, here!🎟️ Tickets are onsale for the entire tour, including Demontfort Hall in Leicester on 18 April 2026, now.#MusicJourney #LivePerformance #Inspiration #GrowthMindset #StepOut

Steve Steinman shares his unexpected journey from working in a restaurant to performing on stage, surrounded by the legends of rock. Who knew that a simple love for singing, and an appearance as Meat Loaf on Stars in their Eyes, could lead to a top 20 album alongside Taylor Swift and Robbie Williams?🎶 From childhood memories of Elvis to collaborating with incredible musicians such as Toyah Wilcox and pianist Mark Alexander (who played with Meat Loaf), Steve is proud to bringing the 50th anniversary concert of "Bat Out of Hell" to Derby's Vaillant Live in November 2027. Tickets are onsale via Ticketmaster, now.

In this episode, Joseph Toonga of Just Us Dance Theatre chats about creating the UK’s first paid hip hop dance apprenticeship, offering five emerging artists the opportunity to train, create and earn simultaneously. Designed as an alternative to traditional pathways like university, the program supports young dancers who may feel excluded by conventional routes into the industry.Drawing on experience working with major dance companies worldwide, the initiative’s founder identified a critical gap in support for hip hop artists—particularly when it comes to financial sustainability. This apprenticeship aims to remove those barriers, enabling creativity to thrive without economic pressure.With an overwhelmingly positive response from the dance community, Just Us Dance Theatre is leading the conversation around accessibility and inclusion in the arts for dancers and choreographers. As they prepare to open their UK tour at Lakeside Arts in Nottingham next month (April 2026), the episode explores how alternative career pathways like this can empower the next generation of dancers and reshape the future of hip hop. Joseph also talks about a Q&A event and a rare opportunity to see a tech rehearsal.Listeners are invited to reflect on how the dance industry can become more accessible and to support emerging talent through innovative programs like this one.🎟️ Tickets can be purchased from Lakeside Arts

Kirsty Corbett spoke with Harry Kingscott, the Young Artist & Participant Producer at Derby Theatre about being the host of the Connections Festival in the East Midlands, for the National Theatre. Kirsty was also able to catch up with Derby Theatre Youth Theatre cast member Evie (aged 15) from Chellaston about her role as “Cherry” in their upcoming Connections production of “Sycamore Gap”. She was also able to chat with two of Derby Theatre’s young Ambassadors – Hope (aged 17) from Stockbrook and Georgina (18) from Burton – who are working on both marketing and backstage for this year’s festival running from 23 – 26 April 2026.The National Theatre’s Connections festival is a nationwide youth theatre programme for ages 13–19 (up to 26 for additional needs), involving 250+ companies and 6,000+ young people across the UK every year. Participants perform new plays by leading writers, progressing from local shows to regional partner theatres, with selected groups reaching the Summer Festival finale. At Derby Theatre performers will include Inspire Coventry College, Burton & South Derbyshire College, Sydney Stringer Academy, Flying High and Allestree Woodlands as well as Derby Theatre’s youth theatre performing “Sycamore Gap.”🎟️ Tickets for all of the performances, as well as the workshops, are available from the Derby Theatre website.

Q The Music’s James Bond Themed Concert Spectacular is coming to the Midlands.Kirsty Corbett spoke with the creator of Q The Music, and professional trumpet player, Warren Ringham about the upcoming concerts. He talks about his lifelong love of Bond, choosing the right pieces of music for the concert & what it’s like having Caroline Bliss on his contacts list in his phone.Compered by Miss Moneypenny, Caroline Bliss guides the audience through the world-famous scores - sharing fascinating snippets from her Bond experience and anecdotes of the Timothy Dalton era. Fans of the 007 franchise can experience the magic live, with performances scheduled at Vaillant Live in Derby on Sunday 22 March 2026, and the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry on Friday 27 March 2026.This episode is a must-listen for Bond enthusiasts, film score lovers, and anyone interested in the artistry behind one of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks.🎟️ Tickets are on sale now and can be bought from venues or directly from James Bond Concert Spectacular

Ever had an idea you thought was crazy? Here’s how a simple chat turned into a global sensation! 🎤✨The journey of "The Choir of Man" started with a casual conversation in a pub. Just two guys, a beer garden and a wild idea about men singing together - who knew it would evolve into a powerful statement about male friendship and mental health?They’ve been touring the world and the reception has been incredible! From pubs to stages, this unique show is breaking down barriers and encouraging men to talk openly about their feelings.You're now invited to join them in the Jungle, as it begins its UK tour, in celebrating community and the joy of singing together! 🎶What does your community mean to you? Let’s keep the conversation going!👉 Link in bio to catch the full story and details on our tour, including Nottingham Theatre Royal from 9 - 13 June 2026.

Celine McKeown joins Kirsty on the Arts & Toast podcast to share behind-the-scenes insight into the powerful musical inspired by the events of September 11 attacks and explains how the amateur-dramatic group is preparing to bring the moving story of compassion and community to the stage in Nottingham. She also talks about a special community project marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, which aims to collect and preserve personal stories from people across the East Midlands who were affected by the tragedy. Tune in to hear how local theatre, history and community storytelling come together in this inspiring conversation -and find out how you can get involved and support this meaningful production. Tickets are onsale for the upcoming production of Come From Away by Carlton Operatic Society (26 - 30 May 2026) and can be purchased Nottingham Theatre Royal website.

Fabric Dance is fast becoming the Midlands' leading organisations for championing Dance. Formed in 2022 through the merger of DanceXchange (Birmingham) and Dance4 (Nottingham), FABRIC Dance is dedicated to supporting dance artists, choreographers and young performers across the UK.We also explore APPLAUSE Youth Dance Festival, FABRIC Dance’s inspiring annual festival celebrating young dancers aged 11–24 from all genres, styles and backgrounds. For the first time, the festival is coming to Nottingham’s Concert Hall on 11–12 April, bringing together rising dance talent for an unforgettable showcase of creativity, passion and performance. Have a listen to discover how FABRIC Dance is supporting the next generation of UK dance artists, what audiences can expect from the APPLAUSE Dance Festival being held in the East Midlands.🎟️ Ticket details

Kirsty spoke with Nottingham based Isaac Neilson about his campaign to play a gig a day throughout 2026 to highlight the lack of support within the UK music industry for grassroot musicians, all being documented via his Instagram account.In this podcast, the East Midlands based singer-songwriter shares honest insights into the realities of the UK independent music scene, from playing small pub venues to festival stages like Y Not Festival. This year Isaac is documenting his journey, exploring the barriers many emerging artists face when trying to build a career without industry backing or connections. If you’re interested in independent music, singer-songwriters, live gigs and the behind-the-scenes reality of becoming a musician in the UK, then this interview will be right up your street! Oh, and Kazoo knowledge is also shared. Enjoy!🔗 Isaac Neilson on Instagram

In this special episode of Arts & Toast, Derbyshire-born songwriter and performer John Tams, the “Songmaker” behind the acclaimed stage production War Horse, shares the story behind the music that helped bring the show to life. This is a rare and personal conversation about storytelling, music, and the lasting impact of war.You may recognise John Tams from the hit TV series Sharpe, starring alongside Sean Bean, but his greatest passion has always been music. In this fascinating conversation, John recalls the unexpected moment when celebrated author Michael Morpurgo first asked him to help develop a "project" during a casual dinner in a Derbyshire pub. John reflects on how music helps communicate emotion, deepen storytelling and connect audiences to the themes at the heart of War Horse including the human impact of war and conflict both past and present. The episode also features a spontaneous and moving recital from John himself, offering listeners a rare chance to experience his music in an intimate setting - you will not hear this anywhere else but here, on Arts & Toast.For fans of theatre, folk music, storytelling and the creative process behind major stage productions, this is a unique conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.👉 Follow Arts & Toast on Instagram🔗 War Horse on stage🔗 John Tams

In this episode of Arts & Toast with Kirsty Corbett, Neill Martin-Hoare, Head of Events at the National Memorial Arboretum, shares how creative experiences using light and sound bring people together to honour those who have served while celebrating moments of national reflection.Neill explains how the Arboretum uses immersive experiences combining light, sound and storytelling to create meaningful events that connect visitors of all ages. These carefully designed experiences allow families and communities to both celebrate seasonal moments and remember the service and sacrifice of those who have served their countries.From event design to audience experience, this conversation reveals how the arts can transform remembrance into something powerful, reflective and shared across generations.If you’re interested in arts in public spaces, cultural events, remembrance, or immersive experiences, this episode offers a fascinating look at how creativity can shape meaningful national moments.👉 Follow us on Instagram🔗 National Memorial Arboretum

In this episode of Arts & Toast, Barra Collins from LAS Theatre discusses adapting the popular children’s book "The Littlest Yak", by Lu Fraser, for theatre. Actress Emily Attridge-Cox, who plays Gertie, joins the conversation about bringing this joyful family show to life on stage.The story has delighted young readers and families, and now it has been reimagined as a vibrant theatrical production.Joining the conversation is actor Emily Attridge-Cox who plays the character Gertie. Together they discuss the creative process behind adapting a much love children's book into a live performance from storytelling to puppetry - they're all about creating a magical experience for their audiences.Designed for families with children aged 3 and over, the show celebrates imagination, resilience and the joy of theatre for young audiences.If you love family theatre, children’s books brought to life on stage, or the creative process behind adapting stories for performance, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at children’s theatre in the UK.👉 Follow us on Instagram🔗 LAS Theatre

In this episode Vanya Polunin joins Kirsty to talk about the global phenomenon Slava's Snow Show, created by his dad - legendary clown Slava Polunin. From family life behind the scenes to the magic that has kept audiences captivated for more than three decades, Vanya shares the story behind one of theatre’s most beloved productions.How does a theatre show capture audiences around the world for more than three decades?In this episode of Arts & Toast, Vanya Polunin speaks about growing up with his dad - internationally renowned clown and theatre creator Slava Polunin, the visionary behind the iconic Slava's Snow Show.Winner of the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award, the production has toured globally for over 30 years, delighting audiences of all ages with its unique blend of visual theatre, humour and imagination. In this conversation, Vanya shares stories from behind the scenes, reflects on the legacy of the show and explores why its message about play, wonder and creativity continues to resonate across cultures.If you love theatre, performance or clowning - or the stories behind world-famous productions - this episode offers a fascinating insight into the enduring magic of one of theatre’s most celebrated shows.Note: This interview originally aired on Erewash Sound in October 2025.👉 Follow us on Instagram🔗 Slava's Snow Show

In this episode, Phil Hargreaves joins Arts & Toast to discuss the impact of Derby Feste, and why events like this are crucial for keeping the arts vibrant in cities like Derby and across the UK.What does it take to deliver a major arts festival—and why do cities fight to keep them?In this episode of Arts & Toast, Phil Hargreaves speaks with Kirsty about the cultural importance of Derby Feste, one of the East Midlands' most celebrated Arts festivals.From programming and scheduling to securing funding and community support, Phil shares the behind-the-scenes realities of producing a large-scale arts event. He also explains why festivals play a vital role in sustaining creativity, tourism and community engagement in cities like Derby, contributing to the local economy. The conversation highlights the commitment of Derby City Council in ensuring Derby Feste returned for another year, in 2025, demonstrating how local partnerships help keep the arts alive and accessible for everyone.If you’re interested in arts festivals, cultural leadership, arts funding or the future of UK arts sector, this episode offers a fascinating insight into how events like Derby Feste come to life.Note: This interview originally aired on Erewash Sound in September 2025.👉 Follow us on Instagram

Lydia Leaf aka the Nearly Blind Artist was diagnosed with a rare skin disease that took over her eyesight in her late 40s. Lydia, a trained teacher, from Ilkeston in Derbyshire is now working with local projects such as Make/Shift, alongside the national initiative Access to Work, to continue her career as a Professional Artist and community workshop leader. Her story, and infectious personality, is guaranteed to inspire you.Please note that this interview originally aired on Erewash Sound in January 2026.👉 Follow us on Instagram🔗 Lydia Leaf's website

Actor Kristian Cunningham joins Arts & Toast to discuss his passion for making performing arts training more accessible in the East Midlands and away from London. Kristian goes on to talk through his experience playing Jamie in the hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie at Derby Theatre.What does it take to build a career in the performing arts outside London?In this episode of Arts & Toast, actor Kristian Cunningham speaks with Kirsty about his journey into theatre, his deep love of the Arts. Kristian talks about why BTEC's are as important as A Level's and why expanding performing arts opportunities beyond London is so important for the next generation of performers, here, in the East Midlands.Kristian also shares his experience playing the lead role of Jamie in the acclaimed musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie, a production that has inspired audiences across the UK with its story of identity, confidence and following your dreams.From training and career pathways to the realities of working in theatre today, this episode offers valuable insight for anyone considering a future in acting, musical theatre, or the performing arts industry.If you're looking for career inspiration, theatre insights, and advice for aspiring performers, this is an episode you’ll want on your listen again list.*This interview originally aired on Erewash Sound in October 2025. Please note that the show has now closed.👉 Follow us on Instagram🔗 KTStudios

Internationally acclaimed UK artist Kate MccGwire joins us to discuss her extraordinary sculptures made entirely from feathers. Recorded during her exhibition at Lakeside Arts, this inspiring conversation explores her creative journey, career change from interior design, and the dedication behind 25 years of groundbreaking artwork.What does it take to change careers and become an internationally recognised artist?In this inspiring episode, we speak with British sculptor Kate MccGwire, known worldwide for her striking sculptures created entirely from ethically sourced feathers. Recorded during her major exhibition at Lakeside Arts (Nottingham, East Midlands), the conversation reflects on 25 years of her artistic practice and the deeply personal journey behind her work. Before becoming a full-time artist, Kate worked as an interior designer – a path that ultimately led her back to her true passion: creating powerful sculptural forms inspired by nature. In this episode she shares how she made the leap into the Arts and the challenges of building a creative career. If you’re thinking about a career change into the arts, studying fine art or sculpture or simply love discovering the stories behind contemporary artists, this episode is a must-listen.Note: This interview originally aired in September 2025 on Erewash Sound. The exhibition discussed has since closed.❤️ Follow Arts & Toast, and Kirsty, on Instagram🔗 Kate MccGwire