Quirk Theatre On ‘What Makes Exeter Phoenix…’
Published December 4, 2017
In October we launched You Make Exeter Phoenix, an appeal to raise £60,000 for major refurbishments to our beautiful building.
Since then we’ve been talking to some of the people who make Exeter Phoenix thrive, like Simon Hall, one of the creative geniuses behind our annual family Christmas shows from Quirk Theatre.
Quirk Theatre are a South West based theatre company known for their inventive and innovative approach to live theatre. They have been wowing audiences at Exeter Phoenix for fifteen years with their use of projection, shadow puppetry, multifunctional props and creative set design. Essentially simple, but beautifully effective, Quirk Theatre deliver a magical experience for all.
How long have you been involved Exeter Phoenix?
Quirk have produced a family Christmas show at Exeter Phoenix for the last 15 years.
What’s your favourite bit of the building?
The auditorium!
What’s your first memory of Exeter Phoenix?
Going to see a show in the old Phoenix. Back then, it was a very different place from what it is today.
How did you get into working in the arts?
I went to see an open air performance of King Lear in a ruined castle in Suffolk. Lear’s line ‘Blow wind, and crack your cheeks!’ was accompanied by a rumble of thunder and it started to rain. It sent shivers down my spine. I found myself weeping when Cordelia died. I had never experienced anything like it. I packed my bags, enroled at the Hub Theatre School and sailed for Cornwall. I have never regretted it for a moment.
How magical! Which Quirk Theatre show are you most proud of?
Lucy And The Lost Ones, this years Christmas production! It’s our most ambitious show to date. We have attracted funding from Arts Council England which has secured the best team of creatives from across the West Country. It’s going to be absolutely brilliant!