An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide
Published November 24, 2022
With Christmas just around the corner, we've gathered a selection of festive ideas for all your friends and family. An experience is the best gift because life is more about the moments you share with people, than it is about the stuff that you have.
From theatre goers to film lovers, family favourites or inspiring art courses, we've got an array of choices for all interests, covering everyone in your life. What's more, you can provide someone with the opportunity to be part of our future (and our furniture) by adopting a seat or taking part in our membership schemes.
Gift sustainably, support local - and give the gift of experience this Christmas.
SUPPORT US, FOR THEM
Do good. Donate on someone's behalf, and leave a tangible, positive impact behind in their name!
Exeter Phoenix is a registered charity, so any money spent when you buy a ticket, eat a meal or give a donation goes back into bringing fun, creativity and culture into the city.
Adopt A SEAT
Celebrate their love of theatre, and Adopt a Seat in our auditorium. This also keeps creativity thriving in Exeter - let them be part of our future by giving much-needed funds which allow art and culture to continue changing lives. Plus, you'll get a plaque on the back of a seat saying whatever you want - as long as it's clean!
Adopt a Seat today >>
BE OUR FRIEND
Know someone who loves visiting Exeter Phoenix? Let them peep behind the curtain with our memberships, and they'll receive a unique behind-the-scenes newsletter with exclusive features and project updates - not to mention an exclusive welcome pack with a limited edition pin badge and a specially designed set of postcards.
Become a member >>
LOCAL ARTY GIFTS
Support local designer makers and purchase something in Maker Mart! It is a curated, unique place to shop, filled to the brim with some of the most wonderful creative offerings our community has to offer. Visit them on Gandy Street, or at the pop-up in Guildhall.
Maker Mart is supported by Exeter Phoenix. Tap here to visit their website >>
LET THEM DECIDE!
Give them a gift voucher and let them decide! Our vouchers can be redeemed for anything in our programme, whether it’s a day exploring your creative side at a sculpting workshop, a training session with our filmmaking team, or a great night out at one of our events.
Tap here to buy a gift voucher >>
GIFT AN EXPERIENCE
Because life is more about moments you share with people, than it is about the stuff that you have.
A PAIR OF CINEMA TICKETS
There's not a better place to spend your screentime - with a programme packed full of eye-opening documentaries, special screening events, groundbreaking new releases and unique film festivals - plus, Studio 74 is independent and solar-powered.
Discover our film programme here >>
GIG TICKETS FOR TWO
We've got a music programme bursting at the seams with both international and home-grown talent. Bring your loved ones to see one of their favourites, or discover some brand new music. From folk to funk, we've got lots to choose from.
Take a look at our programme here >>
Go to the theatre
Our performance programme is richly diverse and filled to the brim with cutting-edge drama, dance, poetry and family fun from award-winning directors, writers and theatre companies. Whether you want to laugh or cry, there really is something for everyone!
See more here >>
GET CREATIVE
From Photoshop lessons to a day of experimental drawing, we've got a whole bunch of courses for anyone creative in your life! Or try them yourselves, and gift something homemade this Christmas.
Take a look at the upcoming courses here >>
DRINKS & LUNCH ON OUR TERRACE
Come on over for a drink and bite to eat in our vibrant café bar! Our chefs regularly add new dishes to our menu, including our weekly curry specials, soups and seasonal favourites. With plenty of veggie, vegan and gluten-free options, and a kids menu, we cater for all.
See the menu here >>
GIFT IDEAS
Feelgood festivity for everyone on your list
BEST FOR FAMILY
THE GREATEST MAGICIAN
Thu 25 Jan | 8pm
He's back - and this time for not one, but two nights! Second date added due to popular demand. A dazzling and enigmatic magic show, presented by James Phelan and directed by the great late Paul Daniels.
WE ALL NEED A LAUGH
ANIA MAGLIANO
Sun 28 Jan | Doors 7pm
To the hairdresser at [redacted] Salon: You can take my money. You can take my dignity. You can take too much off the ends. But you cannot take my right to talk about it on stage. This is a show about the worst haircut of Ania Magliano’s life.
CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY
FIVE CHILDREN & IT
Sun 17 Dec - Wed 28 Dec
Quirk Theatre return to Exeter Phoenix for their 20th show with a heartwarming and hilarious festive adventure all about ✨wishes✨.
A GIGGLE FOR JANUARY
DEGENERATE
Sat 13 Jan | 7pm
A dark comedy about a woman (sometimes funny), her vampire (kills every night) and the reality of ageing in a youth-obsessed culture.
GARDEN LOVERS
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION 5 WEEK COURSE
Starts Mon 08 Jan | 7pm - 9pm
In this course we will be taking a close look at the plants we use in our everyday lives, following the seasons.
TECHY CHILDREN
YOUNG & ANIMATED SATURDAY CLUB
5 weeks | Starts Sat 06 Jan | 10am - 1pm
Popular Saturday morning beginners group for young people looking to learn stop motion and digital animation.
THE ONE WHO HAS IT ALL
CONCERTINA SKETCHBOOKS 5 WEEKS
Starts Fri 12 Jan | 10.30am - 1pm
Concertina sketchbooks are a great way to explore themes, mediums and techniques, in this course you will be guided through the process of making and using your sketchbook to record ideas and inspire future projects.
SKA LOVERS
THE BEAT
Sat 20 Jan | 7.30pm
One of the key bands of the U.K. ska revival of the late ’70s and early ’80s, the Beat achieved a near-perfect balance of pop melodies and taut rhythms that made them stars in Britain and won them a worldwide following.
PERFECT FOR EXPLORERS
TRAGEDY & TRIUMPH
Mon 15 Mar | Doors 7pm
Few stories of exploration are as dramatic as two expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century. This illustrated talk explores the three famous explorers who dominate the story.
DIFFICULT DADS
THE MAD DOG MCREA WEEKENDER
Fri 03 May - Sun 05 May
The Mad Dog Mcrea Weekender is back for 2024 - three days of live music and DJs, here at Exeter Phoenix, taking place over the May Bank Holiday.
COMEDY FOR GEN Z
ANIA MAGLIANO
Sun 28 Jan | Doors 7pm
This is a show about the worst haircut of Ania Magliano’s life. Her critically acclaimed debut run sold out in Edinburgh and London. She’s supported Marc Maron, Cat Cohen and Ed Gamble on tour, and writes for Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date.
LAUGHS FOR A POLITICAL SHAMBLES
MATT FORDE
Thu 22 Feb | 7.30pm
Host of hit political podcast ‘The Political Party’ Matt Forde (Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You, The British Scandal, The Last Leg, The Royal Variety Performance) explores the dark comedy horror that is British politics, ahead of the next election. Plus silly voices.
Want a laugh but this isn't it? We already have over 30 (!) Comedy shows booked for next year already, including...
PHOENIX FAVES: CHLOE PETTS, ROB AUTON, JAMES ROWLAND, JESSICA FOSTEKEW, JONNY & THE BAPTISTS
RISING STARS: CONNOR BURNS, VITTORIO ANGELONE
ONLINE SENSATIONS: FIN TAYLOR, MORGAN REES, RED RICHARDSON
COMEDY ICONS: KIRI PRITCHARD-CLEAN, JO CAULFIELD, NICK HELM, GARY MEIKLE, CATHERINE BOHART, STEPHEN BAILEY
FAMILY FRIENDLY: FRAMED! - PADDLEBOAT THEATRE, KID CARPET & THE NOISY GARDEN CENTRE
...and so many more! See the full Comedy listings here >>>
BORED OF CHRISTMAS ALREADY? HEAD TO OUR NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!
MIRRORBALL | Sat 31 Dec | 8pm - 2am
Join us for a NYE Party like no other and see in the new year with a mirror ball sparkle in your step.
2024 will be our 25th birthday, so we’re pulling out all the stops for a silver themed spectacle to remember. You can expect Live Music, a Silent Disco, Karaoke, a Rave Room, Cocktail Lounge and more in a full-building takeover.