Arts & Toast

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...

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...

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...

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 Wilco...

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 experi...

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...

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 Mo...

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...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 a...

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 mean...

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 produ...

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 mo...

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...

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,...

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 &am...

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...