Artistic Director: Jae Marriott

Chair of the Board: Gareth Morris

It is with great pride that I introduce you to our 2025/26 season.

The Lace Market Theatre is a magical, hidden gem in the heart of Nottingham city centre. It is a unique place, not just because of its historic building or indeed its secluded situation, but because of the people who go there and the magic they create within.

Run entirely by volunteers, we put on a season of 13-15 plays every year, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Come along and experience some of this theatrical magic with us: from period costume dramas to contemporary psycho-dramas; comedy to tragedy; large casts and complex choreography to intimate two-handers in our upstairs studio. We cater for all tastes and temperaments.

My introduction to the Lace Market Theatre was in 1990, when I joined to work with the Youth Theatre but quickly became immersed in the full life of the theatre. For the next fifteen years, my husband Neil and I did just about everything... it felt as though we practically lived at the theatre. We loved the opportunity to act, work backstage, design and build sets, serve on the management committee and as Artistic Director for the 2000/01 Season. But the biggest gift of all was the chance to flex our directorial muscles, in an environment that celebrated artistic ingenuity and risk-taking.

Twenty years later, I am back, and once more as Artistic Director. The Lace Market Theatre has again become my ‘home away from home’. It is different, but also the same - like meeting up with an old friend that you haven’t seen for a long time.

“But us, old friend,
What's to discuss, old friend?
Here's to us – who's like us?
Damn few!” 
(Stephen Sondheim from ‘Merrily We Roll Along’)

I hope that you find plenty to challenge, excite, amuse and entertain you this season, and to keep you coming back for more. The Lace Market Theatre is a very special place - a place to see great theatre, meet like-minded folk, be inspired and maybe become part of ‘The LMT Family’.

Jae Marriott

Artistic Director 2025/26