From free school holiday activities in Mansfield Museum to 80s’ icons live on stage, as well as an Easter panto and outdoor entertainment, there is something for all ages and tastes in the new season at Mansfield Palace Theatre.

Outdoor theatre returns to the town this summer when local theatre company Oddsocks brings Shakespeare to Carr Bank Park on Sunday, 5th July with a performance of Hamlet.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will also be marked with an outdoor performance. Picnic And Proms Iin The Park, on 3rd June at Berry Hill.

To add to the royal celebrations Neil Sands’ matinee show on 18th May, Happy And Glorious, promises song, dance and nostalgia.

The museum also wants the community to get involved in its celebrations through two projects.

70 Voices is an initiative where it wants to interview 70 local people about their views on Mansfield district and the Queen’s 70 years’ service to the country.

A second royal project is Community Bunting. Are you a keen knitter or do you like to crochet. The museum is looking for people to help it decorate venues and the town with colourful and patriotic artwork to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Contact Jodie Henshaw at the museum on 01623 463008 or [email protected] for more information.

Family shows at the Palace Theatre include the Wizard Of Oz Easter Panto starring Bobby Davro (10th April), Twirlywoos Live (2nd May) and The Queen’s Knickers by Nicholas Allan (23rd July), while the singalong film screenings return with Bohemian Rhapsody on 2nd June.

There are two Comedy Store nights on 14th May and 17th September, while Dom Joly brings his Holiday Snaps tour to the town on 14th September and Ooh, And Another Thing… An Evening With Su Pollard is on 21st June.

Local productions include Chess by Heanor Musical Theatre Company in April, Joseph from New Youth Theatre in June, and Bad Girls by Ripley and Alfreton Musical Theatre Company in July. Many dance schools will also be performing their annual showcases.

As always, the Palace has a packed season of music. April sees tributes to Guitar Heroes (27th), Elvis Presley (28th) and Phil Collins (29th), while May pays homage to Madonna (4th), Billy Joel (17th), the 80s (19th), Abba (20th), John Lennon (21st) and a Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise (23rd).

June sees tributes to Luther Vandross (8th) Rod Stewart (9th), The Beatles (10th), Elton John (16th), The Everly Brothers (17th) and Franki Valli (22nd), and in July tributes include the Calling Planet Earth 80s show (20th) and Rhiannon – the Fleetwood Mac Tribute (22nd).

Original artists feature The Real Thing on 27th July, The Fizz — whose line-up includes original members of Bucks Fizz — on 29th July, and Odyssey on 30th July.

The ELO Experience will recreate all of Jeff Lynne’s classic hits on 1st September, followed by Talon – The Best Of The Eagles on 9th September.

Tickets to any show can be booked at mansfieldpalace.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01623 633133.

A full brochure of all shows and events is at https://issuu.com/home/published/mp_brochure_2022_low_res