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Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures - The Car Man

Tue 22 Sep 2026 to Sat 26 Sep 2026
Tue 22 Sep 2026
to
Sat 26 Sep 2026

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS…

Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Car Man is back! Loosely based on Bizet’s ever-popular opera, The Car Man has one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertoire.

The familiar 19th Century Spanish cigarette factory becomes a greasy 1950’s garage-diner in the American Mid-West where the dreams and passions of a small-town are shattered by the arrival of a handsome and enigmatic stranger. Fuelled by heat and desire, the inhabitants are driven into an unstoppable spiral of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge.

Matthew Bourne’s vivid storytelling combines with one of the most passionately dramatic scores ever written, with music by Terry Davies featuring Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite (after Bizet’s Carmen), to create a dance thriller like no other.

The Car Man will ignite your senses and leave you breathless.

Music by Terry Davies & Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite (after Bizet’s Carmen)
Sound by Paul Groothuis
Lighting by Chris Davey
Designed by Lez Brotherston
Directed & Choreographed by Matthew Bourne

Access performances

Touch Tour: Sat 26 Sep 1:00pm

Audio Described: Sat 26 Sep 2:30pm

Age Guidance: 12+ 

Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+

Running time: 2 hours, including an interval. Doors open 1 hour before each performance

Show warnings: Contains scenes of a sexual nature, brief nudity, strobe lighting and gunshots

Save Money

Members
All tickets £68 & £62.50 tickets for £57.50 in the Stalls and Upper Circle for Tuesday to Thursday 7.30pm & Thursday 2pm performances.

Under 26s
All £68 & £62.50 tickets for £53.50 in the Stalls and Upper Circle for Tuesday to Thursday 7.30pm & Thursday 2pm performances. To purchase these tickets you must be 26 or under at the time of booking. You may be asked to show your ID on doors to confirm your age.

Groups 10+
All £68 & £62.50 tickets for £53.50 on bookings of 10 or more in the Stalls & Upper Circle for Tuesday to Thursday 7.30pm & Thursday 2pm performances. Please email group.sales@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or call 0115 989 5555 to book.

No concessions in the Balcony or for Friday 7.30pm & Saturday 2.30pm & 7.30pm performances.

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A male dancer in jeans lifts a female dancer in a white dress against a vintage diner backdrop. The vibrant pink and orange tones convey energy. Zoom in A dancer leaps energetically against a vibrant orange and yellow backdrop. He wears a white tank top and blue jeans, exuding confidence and dynamism. Neon diner signs are faintly visible. Zoom in A dancer in denim leaps energetically against a vibrant orange backdrop. Behind him, the neon sign for "Dino's Diner" is visible, adding a retro vibe. Zoom in A dancer in denim holds a partner mid-air against an orange-yellow backdrop. The dynamic pose and vibrant background convey energy and passion. Zoom in Four men showering on stage, surrounded by mist and dramatic lighting. They stand behind metal fixtures, creating an intense and artistic atmosphere. Zoom in Energetic group of performers in vintage outfits, mid-dance onstage. Two central figures in hats and floral attire embrace joyfully, surrounded by cheering cast. Zoom in Performers energetically leap in unison on stage in a dynamic dance scene, set against an urban backdrop with graffiti, exuding excitement and passion. Zoom in A dynamic dance scene onstage shows performers in casual attire, with one mid-flip on a vintage car. Nearby, others pose dramatically or lie on the ground. Zoom in A lively 1950s diner scene with dancers in colorful retro attire striking energetic poses. Neon signs and a bar backdrop create a vibrant, nostalgic vibe. Zoom in A dancer in jeans and a white shirt leaps energetically on stage at Dino's Diner, with neon lights and performers posing dynamically in the background. Zoom in A dynamic stage scene with a performer in a red jacket and blue jeans energetically dancing on cars. A group of dancers energetically poses around, with dramatic lighting and an industrial backdrop creating an intense, lively atmosphere. Zoom in
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'BUCKLE UP FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE. GRIPPING, GASP-MAKING, EDGE OF YOUR SEAT STUFF’
★★★★★
Daily Mail
‘A SHATTERINGLY GOOD PIECE OF STORYTELLING. TERRIFIC’
★★★★★
The Observer
‘A THRILLING AND SERIOUSLY SEXY SENSATION’
★★★★★
Daily Express
'BUCKLE UP FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE. GRIPPING, GASP-MAKING, EDGE OF YOUR SEAT STUFF’
★★★★★
Daily Mail
‘A SHATTERINGLY GOOD PIECE OF STORYTELLING. TERRIFIC’
★★★★★
The Observer
‘A THRILLING AND SERIOUSLY SEXY SENSATION’
★★★★★
Daily Express

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