WHAT’S ON Our pick of the best artsy cultural

6 March – 3 April WHAT’S ON

xxxxx On 22 March comedian Dom Joly comes to Exeter to share his holiday snaps from the world’s danger zones

EXHIBITION & ART WORKSHOPS Until 15 March CREATIVE COVERAGE MIXED EXHIBITION Expect a plethora of art from local artists, such as Susan Thomson, Maria Floyd and Peter Thwaites, much of which exudes the beauty and wildness of Devon and beyond. Learning Room, RHS Rosemoor, Devon; www.rhs.org.uk

Until 12 April CHERELLE SAPPLETON: AMONG OTHER THINGS Sappleton’s art focusses on feminist agendas and performance using photographic media; she seeks alternative ways to address the problems she identifies with representing ‘blackness’ and the (female) body as an artist. Her work is grounded in processes of collage and abstraction, which are used to explore and respond to issues of representation, agency and the materiality of photographic imagery. 7.30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

9 March PAINTING FROM LIFE: LIFE PAINTING WORKSHOP: COLOURS OF THE FLESH Enjoy a day of blending paint to create some fantastic body forms, tutor Sarah John is a practising ceramics and fine artist and has been teaching at Exeter Phoenix for over three years. She will be sharing her skills and techniques in an informal

22 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk atmosphere, which bring out the best creative ideas. 10.30am-4pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk emotive and visceral dance from an all-female cast. 7.30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

THEATRE COMEDY & DANCE 8 March STILL I RISE New choreographerVictoria Fox has created work that channels the resilient, unapologetic nature of the iconic poem by Maya Angelou. Its unflinching, relentless hope for the human spirit runs through this visceral dance work. Cinematic sounds from pounding beats to stirring classical arias, drives the journey onwards. Expect raw, gutsy,

10-11 March MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD A moving and funny exploration of the lives of four generations of women in one family, presented in British Sign Language and spoken English and featuring a cast of one hearing and 3 d/Deaf actors, this production is an example of great visual and physical storytelling. 7.30pm; Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

13 March PETER PAN (ADULT PANTO) Peter Pan lives in a magical world of naughtiness. His life would be

© MARK DOUET

above: Willie and the Bandits will be rocking out at Exeter Phoenix left: My Mother Said I Never Should is on at the Northcott below: Madame Butterfly and co will be singing aplenty at the Northcott

perfect if he could just find a recipe for the little blue pill. Bring on a whole host of hilarious shenanigans with an evil pirate, Princess Tiger Willy, and of course Peter’s sparkly, glamorous fairy friend. 8pm (doors 7.30); Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

15 March YOUNGER THAN SPRINGTIME A programme of eclectic songs to celebrate the arrival of spring with a bit of everything, from madrigals to jazz and pop. Expect music from legends of literature such as Shakespeare, Lennon and McCartney. 6pm; Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road, Exeter; www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

22 March DOM JOLY’S HOLIDAY SNAPS – TRAVEL AND COMEDY IN THE DANGER ZONE A must for Joly fans. The Trigger Happy host will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travel spots, from North Korea through the Congo and Syria toChernobyl. Armed with a trusty Powerpoint, fans can expect his holiday snaps to provide comedy and a sense of danger. Joly will stick around afterwards to sign books and say hello. 7.30pm; Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchangeco.uk 24-28 March THE STRANGE TALE OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN AND STAN LAUREL Looking at an unknown period in comic history when two maverick imaginations collided for a brief time – and playing fast and loose with the facts – the showis no nostalgic bio-drama, but an hilarious and deeply moving homage to two English men who changed the world of comedy forever. The show includes an original piano score played live each night, composed by MOBO award-winner Zoe Rahman. Various times; Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

FILM 8 March I VITELLONI The film that established Fellini as a director of international standing is a fond recollection of the director’s own experience as an adolescent. The film is told with a balanced blend of drama and humour and features an achingly beautiful score by Fellini’s regular collaborator Nino Rota. Exeter Picture House, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter; www.picturehouses.com

10 March BAFTA 2019 SHORTS Miss the BAFTA 2019 shorts? This programme includes all the live action and animation short film nominees from last year, showing the breadth and diversity of talent from our shores. 6.30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

MUSIC & OPERA 14 March MISSA SOLEMNIS Beethoven’s magnificent Missa Solemnis will be brought to life through the combined talent of Exeter Philharmonic Choir and four international soloists.

The performance of this work celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday while Exeter Philharmonic Choir – the city’s longest-established choral group – is soon to mark its own milestone 175th anniversary. 7.30 pm, Exeter Cathedral 1 The Cloisters, Exeter; Book online at www.exephil.org.uk

16 March MADAME BUTTERFLY This version of Madame Butterfly is transposed to 1980s Japan, where traditional culture collides with a new digital age, and the intimate exploration into the heart and mind of a young woman, is all the more poignant. 7.30pm; Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

26 March WILLIE AND THE BANDITS Think rock and roll nostalgia from the 60s and 70s as the guys offer a contemporary approach, combining elements of world music, dance music and hip-hop, all of which creates something unique.

7.30pm; Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

FAMILY EVENTS 22 March SUPERHERO FAMILY DAY AT EXETER RACECOURSE Children are encouraged to dress up – expect capes flying, masks masquerading and super-human powers to charge them through the day. They’ll also be taking part in running races on the actual racecourse, have their faces painted and test their climbing skills on the high-ropes course. There’ll be some horse racing too.

LIBRARY LIFE

EMILY MACAULAY shares the latest from Exeter Library Libraries see the future in the eyes of the children excited to be with us. Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs all public libraries in Devon and Torbay, ensures that every child whose birth is registered in Devon receives access to a library. The first tangible link that child has with society – and what a door of opportunities and adventures that opens for them.

If you’ve lost your child’s library card do pop in and speak to us (bring a bit of ID to prove who you are) and we can find an old card or create a new one. If you’ve got concerns about your account (perhaps you lost a book years ago) please also come in and speak with us. We want everyone to be enjoying their library and can find a way around most problems.

Children can borrow up to twelve books at a time (useful if they devour them like a Tasmanian Devil) and have reduced fines (or no fines at all if they’re aged under 5).

We hold weekly events for children too, which are all free of charge – although we welcome donations to help us keep putting on these activities. Every Tuesday at 10.15-10.45 and 11.15-11.45 we hold our very popular Bounce and Rhyme sessions. Bring along your little one and join in with nursery rhymes and other familiar songs (quality singing voice not required). Every Friday at 11.30-12.00 and 2.00-2:30pm join us for story time for younger readers.

Dad and baby enjoy a bit of a sing-song

24 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk Leap into the fun, super hero style, at Exeter Racecourse

Gates open at 11.50am; Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter; www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

28 March-1 September THE GREAT BIG BRICK SAFARI Expect over 80 giant wild animal models made from over 1 million LEGO ® bricks. From a giant gorilla, a jumbo size elephant and a majestic lion, to marvellous macaws, beautiful butterflies and a cool crocodile, these animals will form the trail for visitors to follow around the zoo. Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon; www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

30 March-3 April EASTER HOLIDAY ADVENTURES One day and week long activity courses and sessions for 5-8 and 8-14 year olds. Courses and activity sessions include improver kayaking and sailing courses, canoeing, rock climbing, climbing wall and powerfan descents, artificial caving, improvised raft-building, archery, team-building, bush craft skills and bell-boating. Early morning drop off and late collection options for busy parents. 8am-6pm; Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre, Haven Road, Exeter; www.haven-banks.co.uk

31 March LOOKING THE PART Fancy dressing up as a Dartmoor shepherd or an Exonian Roman? Dress up in the style of a bygone era or explore the clothes of different cultures with our selection of costumes. Capture the moment by stepping into our display case or behind our portrait frame and taking a snap. Various times; Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Queen St; www.rammuseum.org.uk n