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Shows and gigs not to be missed
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The view from above
A new gallery is coming to the National Space Centre, exploring how satellite data is vital
for managing our relationship with Earth’s air, water and land WORDS BY TOM YOUNG
Home Planet, an all-new interactive and spellbinding experience gallery will be open at the National Space Centre in time for Easter.
Funded by Severn Trent Community Fund, it’s set to inspire visitors to consider human impact on the environment, and how we can all live in greater harmony with Mother Earth. The concept is highlighted by an installation from local artist Michelle Reader, inspired by the Great Wave of Kanagawa, but made from recycled materials.
Boasting an interactive projection floor, you’ll be able to engage with ice, water and sea creatures that respond to your touch. Above this, another big screen reminds you of the various habitats and life-forms on our planet.
Another exhibit explores the effects of rising global temperatures, time-lapsed from before the industrial revolution to the present day – a giant thermometer near the audience reacts accordingly to the temperatures displayed at different points in the show.
We spoke to Kevin Yates, Head of Exhibition Development at the National Space Centre.
Why was now the right time to introduce this gallery?
We have developed individual exhibits within the Orbiting Earth gallery in previous years, but the generous funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund allowed us to rethink the gallery as a whole. Climate change, along with broader environmental concerns, can be quite complex subjects for people to navigate. So, this was the ideal opportunity to address these topics in a way that is accessible and engaging for all.
What had stood out about Michelle Reader’s previous work that led to her creating the new piece for the gallery?
Whilst the science we get from satellites is vital to helping us manage our relationship with our home planet, we recognise that art often speaks to us on a different level. It can help motivate us to embrace the changes that will be necessary to live more harmoniously with our home in space. We loved Michelle’s previous work, so once we discussed the project with her, we were convinced she would create an installation that would communicate with visitors in a powerful way.
What’s the main insight that you hope visitors will take away from the new gallery?
We hope visitors will come away from the gallery with a deeper appreciation of the crucial role satellite data plays in understanding the impact human activities have on the environment. But more than that, we hope people will feel empowered, both individually and collectively, to make decisions that protect our precious home planet, for us and all life on Earth.
See more interactive Space Centre exhibitions at spacecentre.co.uk/ whats-here
Shows and gigs not to be missed
There are so many great shows, gigs and events coming to Leicester in March and April. We’ve picked out a handful of highlights you might not have considered but would be
crazy to miss WORDS BY KERRY SMITH
From The Gruffalo to Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, we’ve picked out some iconic shows and gigs taking place in the city centre during March and April.
COMEDY
9 Years In – Still No Plan…
The Same Faces: Improvised Comedy – 9th Anniversary Show
Saturday, April 16 The Q Room @ International Arts Centre, Leicester
One of the city’s cultural gems, The Same Faces have been Leicester’s leading improvised comedy group since 2013, and they’re inviting you to attend their ninth birthday party (which usually means there’ll be cake).
The last nine years have seen The Same Faces grow from three founding members to over 40, whilst running workshops, performing in multiple venues and several comedy festivals, expanding to Northampton and doing their utmost to make improv cool.
If you’ve never seen one of their shows before, A) you’ve been missing out, and B) you can expect two hours of improvised sketches, songs, games and one-liners. Everything is made up on the night; think Whose Line Is It Anyway? but live and local! Are they any good? Yes! They’re one of the few acts in the history of Leicester Comedy Festival to receive award nominations in consecutive years (2018 & 2019).
Niche has attended a few of their shows since they returned to action in September 2021 and has no hesitation in saying that you won’t find a better night out for the price anywhere in Leicestershire.
Tickets: £5 or £7 on the door. Book at tsfleicester.eventbrite.co.uk.
MUSIC
Tony Hadley 40th Anniversary Tour
Tuesday, March 15 De Montfort Hall, Leicester
It’s all Gold. The former Spandau Ballet frontman brings his 40th Anniversary Tour to Leicester. One of the most iconic voices in British Pop History, Tony celebrates four decades in music from his breakthrough as part of the ’80s New Romantic movement right up to his critically acclaimed solo releases of recent years.
Tickets: £49. Book at demontforthall.co.uk.
FAMILIES
The Gruffalo
April 20-24 Curve, Leicester
There’s no such thing as a Gruffalo. Children aged three and up (and their grown-ups) are invited to join Mouse as he goes on a deep, dark journey through the woods in this musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic picture-book.
Tickets: £14 Book at curveonline.co.uk.
THEATRE
Eric & Ern
Saturday, April 23 De Montfort Hall, Leicester.
This brilliant homage to Morecambe and Wise is fun for ages eight to 108! Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens bring you sunshine, breathing new life into the legendary duo’s immortal sketches. From Greig’s Piano Concerto, to Mr Memory, to the paper bag trick, revisit some of British comedy’s most iconic moments. Tickets: £24.
Book at demontforthall.co.uk.
