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Scene and Herd
EVENT OF THE WEEK W.C 28th April 2025
This Wednesday 30th April, get ready for a musical time warp as Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox swings into Sheffield’s Octagon — and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
Postmodern Jukebox is famous for reworking modern pop hits into vintage styles from across the decades. Think Ariana Grande turned into a sultry 1940s jazz standard, Radiohead reimagined as a moody 1960s soul ballad, or Lady Gaga given a roaring ‘20s big band makeover. Each song is a playful re-interpretation, blending nostalgia with fresh, inventive twists that keep audiences guessing what’s coming next.
Musically, it’s a feast: lush horns, ragtime piano, silky-smooth vocals, and toe-tapping rhythms — all performed with dazzling, high-energy showmanship. Expect jazz, swing, doo-wop, soul, and even a touch of rock ‘n’ roll, wrapped up in a show that feels part Great Gatsby party, part Las Vegas spectacle.
The band’s ever-rotating line-up of world-class singers and musicians bring not just technical brilliance but real character and fun to every performance. One of my personal favourite singers is Effie Passero who is joining the tour line up - listen out for her unbelievable vocals.
Whether you’re a vintage lover, a modern pop fan, or just after an unforgettable night out, PMJ’s live show promises pure joy from start to finish.
Tickets are selling fast — grab yours here and get ready for a night of sequins and seriously talented vibes.
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Herd the Word
EVENT OF THE WEEK W.C 28th April 2025
Sheffield’s Festival of Debate welcomes writer Lanre Bakare to Sheffield to discuss his debut book, We Were There: How Black Culture, Resistance and Community Shaped Modern Britain. The event takes place from 7 - 9pm at the Showroom Workstation.
In his book, Bakare uncovers the untold stories of Black British communities and how they have shaped the cultural and social fabric of modern Britain. He highlights the contributions of everyday people, from activists and artists to educators and community leaders, whose work often goes unrecognized in mainstream histories. Bakare examines the legacy of these figures, exploring how they’ve influenced everything from politics to music and how their work continues to resonate today.
Joining Bakare in conversation will be Sheffield-based writer and broadcaster Désirée Reynolds. Together, they’ll discuss the themes of the book and the importance of reclaiming overlooked histories.
Tickets for this event are priced at £9, with a £7 concession available here.
APRIL 2025
TOP 4
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Your guide to the month ahead.
Scroll up for our weekly event recommendations.
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April Theatre takes the Stage
Sheffield’s theatre scene offers a wide range of exciting performances this April in a variety of our excellent smaller venues. Here are some key picks:
From 2nd to 4th April, SUTCO’s presents Luke Hookham’s It Came from the Ice at The Library Theatre. Described as a 'cosmic horror', the play focuses on survivors who return from an Antarctic expedition… but something else joins them. Read Sheff Herd’s article about this production and other work from this innovative theatre company here.
On 11th and 12th April (11th sold out at time of publishing), Butter Side Up Theatre Company will host Thestival; a two day celebration of musicals, comedy, drama and creative debuts. The event will take place at the charming Lantern Theatre in Netheredge.
On 25th April, Longpig Theatre’s highly anticipated production (read Sheff Herd’s preview here) of Jim Cartwright’s Two will be staged at Shakespeare’s. This gripping, darkly comedic two-hander explores the complex nature of human relationships, set in the unusual space of one of Sheffield’s favourite pubs. With strong performances and sharp dialogue, Two promises to be a captivating addition to the city’s theatre scene.
Finally, on 29th April and May 1st, Forge Light Theatre brings a new adaptation of The Roaring Girl to Crookes Social Club. The production reimagines the classic tale with the backdrop of 1970s punk subculture and will feature a live band playing original music. Sheff Herd will be previewing this event so look out for more information soon.
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Abbeydale Live Festival
Sheffield’s Abbeydale Road will be buzzing with activity on Saturday, April 26th, with the launch of Abbeydale Live, a brand-new music festival from Independent Abbeydale celebrating local talent and community spirit. The event will feature over 50 live performances spread across 14 independent venues, transforming the area into a hub of creativity and sound.
Organised by the Abbeydale Traders Association, the festival is designed to support local businesses while showcasing Sheffield’s vibrant music scene. Popular venues such as The Bear, Rumkeg, Cole’s Corner and Herd Hangout The Broadfield will open their doors to a wide range of acts, offering music lovers a chance to experience live performances.
The lineup features an exciting mix of artists, including the Langsett Dance Orchestra, the University of Sheffield Big Band, and up-and-coming musicians from WaterBear Music College. Behind the scenes, event operations arebeing carefully managed by Tim Foulerton-Walker, a well respected festival coordinator with experience working on Glastonbury and our very own Tramlines.
Running from 1pm.- 11 pm, the festival is completely free to attend, making it an accessible and inclusive celebration for all. With a broad range of music and a strong community focus, Abbeydale Live is set to be an exciting addition to Sheffield’s cultural calendar. Keep an eye on local event listings and social media for full details and lineup announcements.
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Egg-cellent Easter Events
There are all sorts of great events in Sheffield this Easter. For fans of the Easter bunny, we hear that he's visiting Graves Park Animal Farm on 18th - 21st April. Children can search for hidden eggs and receive a chocolate treat at the end. The event is an annual family favourite, offering a fun outdoor experience in one of Sheffield’s most popular parks. Book tickets here
Sheffield Manor Lodge will also be running an Easter egg hunt on April 20th. Visitors can explore the historic grounds while searching for hidden eggs and enjoying chocolate prizes. This event tends to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.
Families with young children might enjoy the Easter craft workshop at Sheffield Plate in Orchard Square. Taking place on April 13th from 10-11am, this session includes Easter-themed arts and crafts, music, and a creative atmosphere for kids. As spaces are limited, it’s advisable to book in advance here.
Finally, motorcycle enthusiasts can take part in the annual Sheffield Theo's Egg Run on April 20th, which begins at Europa Link and finishes at Weston Park. This charity ride for the Children's Hospital attracts riders from across the region, and has stalls, refreshments, and a great community atmosphere at the final stop. Details can be found here
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Festival of Debate 2025
Sheffield's Festival of Debate, the UK's largest annual politics festival, is gearing up for its 2025 edition, running from April 22nd to May 30th. This annual festival is dedicated to sparking conversations about systemic change and exploring alternatives to current political and social systems. Throughout its duration, attendees can expect a variety of events, including lectures, discussions, and performances aimed at creating dialogue and inspiring action. The events take place at a variety of venues - from The Octagon and the Pennine Lecture theatre to The Leadmill.
One of the exciting highlights of the festival is a special event with John Harris on April 24. Harris will reflect on the political landscape, offering insights into how it has evolved and the forces shaping it.
For those interested in global economic shifts, anthropologist Jason Hickel will delve into the topic of degrowth on April 29th, arguing for a model that challenges the traditional emphasis on economic expansion. Meanwhile, journalist Lanre Bakare will share compelling stories of underrepresented communities on May 1st, shedding light on their influence in shaping societal changes.
The festival will also feature writer Shon Faye, who will present her work on themes of identity, love, and belonging on May 8th. Additionally, the event titled All The People: An Inclusive Party on May 15th will be a celebration of inclusivity, bringing together artists with and without disabilities to showcase their talents.
Another highlight will be Helen Mort's discussion with feminist writer Laura Bates on May 16th about the modern-day challenges of sexism.
The festival will also screen a documentary on underground dance culture, followed by a panel discussion on May 9, and showcase Sheffield’s thriving social enterprises with a documentary screening on May 28th.
The Festival of Debate 2025 promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking experience, offering a platform for critical discussions on a variety of topics. For more details on the event schedule and ticketing, visit here
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