WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, arts and festivals

WHAT’S

ON 23rd July onwards

Fun farce: The Play that goes Wrong is on at the Northcott

Always check COVID-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

THEATRE / COMEDY

25 – 27 July THE FIRST CUT OR ISABELLA’S REVENGE – OUTDOOR THEATRE The Topsham Estuary Players will be performing the comic history of the Exeter Ship Canal. Expect hilarity and bring a chair. 6pm start, Powderham Castle, Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk

9 – 14 August THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG The award-winning smash hit comedy returns to Exeter, telling the story of a farcical 1920s murder mystery where, inevitably, everything goes wrong. Warning – you’ll leave the theatre with cheeks hurting from excessive laughter. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

12 – 13 August

RUSSELL HOWARD: RESPITE Riding high on the success of his Sky One show The Russell Howard Hour, and his global smash Netfl ix special Recalibrate, Russell is back on stage where he belongs, making sense of a world that’s spinning out of control. Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

18 – 29 August TREASURE ISLAND Featuring dastardly pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid, set sail on the Jolly Todger with Devon’s favourite funny men Le Navet Bete as they return with their swashbuckling, smash-hit comedy for all the family. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

22 August

CARL HUTCHINSON: I KNOW I SHOULDN’T BEHAVE LIKE THIS... From buying a house to having kids, Carl takes his unique adolescent approach to grown up issues. He’ll be sharing his stories and observations that’s had crowds laugh their heads off year after year. Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

5 September

PROFESSOR BRIAN COX: HORIZONS WORK IN PROGRESS Expect a dazzling cinematic journey; a story of how we came to be and what we can become. Venues will be fi lled with images of far-away galaxies, alien worlds, supermassive black holes and a time before the Big Bang. Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

MUSIC

24 July

EXETER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The outdoor concert at Poltimore House is a bring-a-picnic-and-a -blanket kind of event. The orchestra will be treating you to classics from Elgar, Brahms, Sibelius and more. Poltimore House Gardens, Poltimore, Exeter; www.ticketsource.co.uk

27 July

FLO & JOAN The musical comedy sisters Flo and Joan have a new hour of their dark and waggish songs to parade about the place. Their performance style has been described as ‘stiletto sharp’. 7.30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

28 July

THE HI-LIFE ORCHESTRA Legendary trombonist Abdul Raheem’s 8-piece orchestra takes the magical sounds of hi-life and updates it with modern grooves, infectious riff s and blazing horn lines. This is a rebirth of Hi-Life that continues to play important roles in shaping the future sounds of West Africa. 7.30pm, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

30 July

JESS MCALLISTER BAND Devon based Jess McAllister’s music spans from free-spirited, nostalgic folk, through to rhythmic, grooves Old Firehouse Exeter, 50 New North Road, Exeter, EX4 4EP; www.oldfi rehouseexeter.co.uk 4 August THE TREE SESSIONS – THE NIGHTINGALE SONGS AND STORIES Mercury Prize- nominated BBC Folk Award winning singer and author Sam Lee will be performing at the woods of the Castle, bring a picnic and a blanket. Gates open at 6pm for a 7pm start, Powderham Castle, Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk

FESTIVALS

23 – 24 July

CHAGSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

top: Hilary Burns, just one of the crafters appearing at Craft Festival Bovey Tracey; above: Family favourite Treasure Island is on at the Northcott

The Dartmoor festival returns with a line up which includes Scouting for Girls, Seasick Steve, Town of Cats and Elles Bailey. Family fun includes a bouncy castle, slide, face painting and a climbing tower for the brave. Chagstock Festival, Higher Fields, Whiddon Down, Near Chagstock; Devon; www.chagstock.info

30 July – 1 August

THE SOMETHING WILD FESTIVAL The festival site at Huccaby Farm is embedded right in the heart of Dartmoor, next to the Dart, offering an ideal swimming spot and a lovely tranquil location for camping.

The running trails are the big events but there’s also wild swimming, yoga, and other outdoor fun for all ages. The Something Wild Festival, Hexworthy, Princetown, Yelverton; www.wildrunning.co.uk

30 July – 6 August

SIDMOUTH FOLK FESTIVAL The week-long festival will see everything from big concerts to small intimate sessions; dancing, storytelling, workshops and entertainment for all ages and lots of great food. The Sidmouth Folk Festival, Blackmore Gardens, Sidmouth; www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk 14 August

EXETER RESPECT FESTIVAL This festival is all about diversity and inclusivity – the celebratory message is All Different, All Equal. There will be film showings, food and entertainment, followed by live music in the auditorium in the evening. This year the festival will be dedicated to all front line NHS staff and key workers. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeter-respect.org

26–29 August

NATURE VALLEY GONE WILD FESTIVAL WITH BEAR GRYLLS By day, you and your family can join Bear and the team of adventurers and learn new skills on how to survive in the wild, or try one of the many adventure activities such as quad biking, climbing, paddle boarding and many more. By night, see artists including Razorlight, Kaiser Chiefs, Ministry of Sound Classical, Melanie C, Scouting for Girls, and Morcheeba. www.powderham.co.uk

3 – 4 September

SHEB FEST Ash, Ella Henderson, Republica and Exeter’s very own Pattern Pusher will be belting out the big numbers at this popular over-16s Devon festival. Sheb Fest, Allacott Farm, Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon; www.shebfest.com

10 – 12 September

CRAFT FESTIVAL BOVEY TRACEY Workshops, demos, beautiful produce for sale – all from artists and crafters such as ceramicists, print makers and furniture makers. A must for art and craft enthusiasts. Craft Festival, Mill Marsh Park, off St John’s Lane, Bovey Tracey, Devon; www.craftfestival.co.uk

15 – 18 September

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LITERARY FESTIVAL Expect inspiring writers, experts, thinkers and opinion formers, along with lively panel discussions and dozens of children’s events, all set in the beautiful location on the stunning Jurassic coast. Various locations in Budleigh Salterton; www.budlitfest.org.uk

ART

Until 30 August

DENSITY AND LIGHTNESS AT EXETER CATHEDRAL Over 75 sculptures from 24 South West artists will feature and running alongside the exhibition are workshops, dance performances and art tours by leading experts. Art pieces will also be for sale. Exeter Cathedral, The Cloisters, Exeter; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

LIBRARY LIFE

CALLUM ELLIOTT-ARCHER shares the latest from Exeter Library

Things are starting to feel a bit more normal in the Library. We have started the Summer Reading Challenge (six books in six weeks for children, it’s fun and it’s free), and we are starting to see an increase in the number of people using our service. We are facing the right direction.

The ‘Lost Librarian’ escape room is coming to Exeter Library (ending 4 August). This is a ground-breaking escape room for inquisitive explorers of all ages (12+ guidance, younger audiences must be accompanied by an adult). Using interactive mechanical books, small groups need to work together to solve the clues to unlock the books on a 60-minute journey, uncovering a fantastical tale of the last known witches in the UK and the legacy that they have left behind. £12 group Price; sessions are one hour slots, available throughout library opening hours. Visit Eventbrite or Search Lost Librarian Evolve to find your tickets. wwwdevonlibraries.org.uk

Until 5 September

A LANGUAGE OF SEEDS Devon photographer Leonie Hampton captures both the beauty of the natural world and draws our attention to the urgent climate crisis through images that connect hand, body, and the food she grows. Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Queen Street, Exeter; rammuseum.org.uk

25 July – 15 August

SUMMER EXHIBITION AT THE GLORIOUS ART HOUSE CAFÉ A group show by talented local artists to relaunch the Glorious Gallery in its new home on the first floor. Drinks and snacks will be available at the cafe bar to be enjoyed downstairs and outside in the courtyard. The Glorious Art House Café, Fore Street, Exeter; www.thegloriousarthouse.com

27 August – 30 October IN PLAIN SIGHT: THELMA HULBERT GALLERY This exhibition will take in a range of mediums including: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and film, each London Group artist will hide some element within the work to be discovered by the viewer. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton; www.thelmahulbert.com

below: Folk singer Sam Lee will be performing at Powderham Castle

FOOD & DRINK

Until 30 August

PRINCESSHAY’S MOJITO BEACH BAR Expect cocktails and mocktails in the summery setting of beach-hut style thatched umbrellas, palm trees and sand. You can grab a bite to eat from local street food operators and there is live music on selected Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons. Princesshay Square, Exeter; www.princesshay.co.uk

Every Thursday

EXETER FARMERS’ MARKET Sample West Country produce at this vibrant market. Expect local producers offering meat, fish, preserves, organic fruit and vegetables, freshly baked cakes, bread, pies and brownies. Every Thursday from 9am-2pm on Fore Street and South Street; www.exeterfarmersmarket.org

7 – 8 August

GUILDFEST ROOFTOP MARKET FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL This family-friendly festival, the first of its kind in the city, will be taking place on the roof of the Guildhall Car Park, offering stunning views over the city. As well as food and drink from local producers, there will be children’s activities and workshops in the mornings. Entry is free, although priority tickets are available. n www.guildfest.co.uk

Artist Liese Webley; Thirsty for Swimming (below)

DEVON OPEN STUDIOS

11–26 September

The big annual event is back! Meet artists in their studios in some of the most beautiful, unexplored parts of Devon. In addition to being able to buy art direct from the creator, there’s the chance to watch artists give demonstrations and talks. One local artist showcasing her work is Liese Webley, who paints colourful semiabstract paintings inspired by the local scenery.

“I also love visiting other local artists and seeing all the diverse art they produce and the spaces they work in; having experienced the event from both sides I can see it’s a win-win for artists and visitors alike,” says Liese. www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk