Re-discover Christmas at Exeter Phoenix

After a Christmas that nearly never was, we’re thrilled to welcome our visitors to savour the festive season to its fullest this year and get you feeling warm and fuzzy in the season of good will!

Choose from a rich choice of atmospheric music, cabaret and storytelling events, shows, workshops and opportunities for outright rambunctious celebrations await anyone who cares to swerve the high street to see what is going on under Exeter Phoenix’s roof – and beyond.

Re-discover the fun and variety the Christmas season has to offer, here at Exeter Phoenix!

Quirk Theatre’s heart-warmingly hilarious show Rhia & The Tree Of Lights invites the whole family to enjoy a fantastical adventure around our amazing Jurassic Coast. From a Deep-Time Disco to a boogie with a flamboyant sea slug, with vibrant, original music & traditional Indian stories, Rhia & The Tree of Lights is a festive show for the whole family – a meaningful alternative to the panto that takes you to the heart of what the season is all about.

The regular and much beloved SPORK! Poetry event returns this December with a Christmas special, promising a world class comedy rap jazz duo, powerful spoken word artists and the Exeter Railway Band serving another helping of carols for good measure.

For those seeking quirky glam and hearty alternative jollitude this month, the annual Steampunk Yule Ball event offers just the ticket: a ‘Carnivale’ themed spectacular, heaving with bands, DJs, performers and sideshows. Attendants are invited to dress and feel their best in the spirit of this unique night.

Jim Causley will be returning to present A Causley Christmas, a night of West Country carols performed with great musical skill and passion combined with the poetry of his famous relative Charles Causley whilst Carolling & Crumpets with John Kirkpatrick promises folk and folklore combined into an evening of exploration around pagan origins of seasonal themes and rituals.

Festive films on offer for the season at Studio 74 will include the magical Italian Pinocchio (2019). Wildly unlike the Disney version, Matteo Garrone’s dark adaptation is packed with fantasy, adventure and beauty. Sometimes the old ones are the best and you can also sit back and savour It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) on the Studio 74 screen this Christmas.

Don’t forget to pop into the Exeter Phoenix-supported Maker Mart on Gandy Street, the perfect opportunity to pick up unusual, locally crafted gifts. At Exeter Phoenix and the Exeter Phoenix-supported Positive Light Projects on Sidwell Street, you could also consider making your own by joining the seasonal crafts and printmaking sessions on offer. Classes and workshops also make a lovely gift, if you’re not sure what your recipient will most enjoy you can contact the box office to arrange a Gift Voucher.

The Phoenix Café-Bar will as always offer the opportunity to relax with a warming beverage, or pop by for lunch. Our Festive Drinks menu is now available.

After your fill of Christmas, Exeter Phoenix are planning to see the year out with a bang: NYE Party: Show Must Go On! will be the perfect place to shake out the old and bring in the new with an exuberant circus vibe, bubbles and glitter. Bands, DJs and walkaround performers will be taking over the Exeter Phoenix. Fairground games, a quiz, darkly glamourous drag karaoke and a silent disco will see people into a hopefully very happy, healthy and brilliant new year.