The Alehouse Sessions: Live

Barokksolistene bring The Alehouse Sessions to The Level on Friday 27 November, a night that's less like a concert and more like a 17th-century tavern. The whole thing is curated and devised by Bjarte Eike, and it's built around the sounds and the convivial atmosphere of a pub from that era, rather than a quiet concert hall.

The set is an ever-changing look at the music of the period, and the range is wide: Purcell overtures sit alongside English sea shanties and Scandinavian folk songs. The ensemble, who go by the name 'The Alehouse Boys', work their way through the music with humour, virtuosity and a flair for improvisation, weaving the story of the period into the performance rather than sticking to a traditional concert model. It's an approach that lets the music breathe and change, so it's not the same show every time they take it out.

The Level, at Nottingham Trent Students' Union on Shakespeare Street, is a venue that's hosted the likes of The Stone Roses, Pink Floyd, Bastille and Dua Lipa. This is only its second classical show since cellist Abel Selaocoe visited in 2024, so it's a bit of a departure for the space. The night is part of Through the Noise's 'noisenight' series and is for ages 18+.

Doors open at 7pm, with an 8.30pm start and an estimated 10pm finish. Tickets are £15–£23.