Bonington Theatre

Amateur dramatics gets proper respect at this intimate venue on the outskirts of Nottingham. The Bonington Theatre serves up a steady diet of local productions, from crowd-pleasing comedies to more ambitious dramatic works, all performed by enthusiastic community groups who clearly love what they're doing. The theatre itself feels refreshingly unpretentious - no red velvet or gilt here, just decent sightlines and surprisingly good acoustics in a modern space that puts the focus squarely on the performances.

Families with older children might enjoy the pantomimes and lighter fare, though this isn't really one for the little ones. Theatre lovers will appreciate the chance to see grassroots drama at its best, often with ticket prices that won't break the bank. Productions change regularly, so it's worth checking what's on during your stay.

For those camping at nearby sites like Holme Pierrepont or the Nottingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site, it makes for a pleasant evening out that's a world away from the usual holiday entertainment. Just don't expect West End polish - that's rather the point. The real charm lies in watching local talent tackle everything from Shakespeare to contemporary drama with genuine passion.