With the Rugby World Cup in full swing, Studio 74 takes a look at a lesser known international rugby event – the International Gay Rugby World Cup.
The International Gay Rugby Association provides opportunities for members of the LGBT community to compete in rugby through tolerant and accepting clubs and teams. The Association also works with other rugby governing bodies to improve tolerance of LGBT athletes at all levels, and creates a sense of community through the various tournaments and events they run.
The most prestigious of these tournaments is the Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Cup – or the Bingham Cup for short. Held every two years since 2002, this event is the equivalent of International Gay Rugby World Cup.
Released earlier this year, documentary Scrum throws you into the sweaty, grueling world of the Bingham Cup, and provides a powerful insight into rugby as more than just a sport.
But it’s not all about rugby. Speaking to our Studio 74 team, Scrum director Poppy Stockwell said ‘the film is really about brotherhood and the importance of finding your tribe, being accepted for who you are and having the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself.’
Find out more, and join us for our screening of Scrum at Crossing The Line film season. Details here >>
A pop up horror cinema in Exeter’s Underground Passages, canal-side cycling adventures celebrating film, and boundary-pushing screenings followed by gritty debate; just some of the immersive cinematic experiences created by Exeter Phoenix this October.
Exeter Phoenix has just announced a season of controversial, inspirational and debate-sparking films to celebrate the opening of its new independent cinema space, Studio 74. The season, named Crossing The Line, presents an innovatively curated collection of exciting and immersive film events in Studio 74 and across Exeter through the months of October and November.
The featured films, documentaries and artist moving image all cross a line in some shape or form, testing ethical boundaries or revealing astonishing stories of achievement.
Cinema fans will be invited to kick off the season with a bike ride and film screening of hotly anticipated cycle documentary Inspired to Ride, in an evening celebrating cycling and cinema along Exeter canal-side.
Later in the season cinema goers can brace themselves for a terrifying screening of The Descent in the subterranean claustrophobia of Exeter’s own medieval underground passages. Set in an underground cave system, and reported to be one of the scariest films to come out of the British film industry in the last decade, this screening promises to challenge even the most hardened horror fans.
Aptly timed with Exeter’s participation in the Rugby World Cup, fans can look forward to a screening of Scrum, Poppy Stockwell’s acclaimed documentary delving into the world of international gay rugby. As the month draws to a close, audiences will given the opportunity to step into the programming role, as Exeter Phoenix launches it’s first head-to-head audience vote-off, promising an evening of great cinematic anticipation.
Other season highlights include a night of discussion and debate on the subject of ethics in the media, preceded by a screening of Jake Gyllenhall’s Nightcrawler, a foray into German cinema with The Lives of Others, and an evening of documentary and debate revealing the lines of data, technology and military power at work around us.
Film programmer Alison Pym said of the festival, ‘Through its very nature film can take you to places unseen and reveal behaviour never even imagined, so to programme a season that celebrates that very quality has been an exciting prospect. Experimenting with edgy themes, audience participation and immersive settings as well as planning to fill our brand new cinema Studio 74 with stunning imagery and knowledgeable experts as soon as the paint dries has been as much of a joy as the events will be themselves. I am looking forward to seeing the furrowed brows of high debate and the wide eyes and open mouths of astonishment as this season takes you through the good, the bad and the ugly of human nature.’
Comments Off on Rugby, Sexuality and Independent Filmmaking
Crossing The Line is an innovative season of film events, documentaries, shorts and artists’ films to test ethical and physical boundaries and reveal astonishing stories of achievement.
Ahead of our Crossing The Line screening of Scrum, the team at Studio 74 interviewed the film’s director, Poppy Stockwell.
What prompted you to make this film? How did you discover the story?
I worked on a documentary about the Convicts in 2006 on their first ever Bingham Cup campaign to New York so when the club won the right to host the Bingham Cup in Sydney last year, I jumped at the chance to make another film. I discovered the story of Scrum by going to trainings Tuesdays and Thursday and then the games on Saturday and hanging around and chatting with the players months before the Bingham Cup tournament. I knew I wanted to follow the Convict A team because they had the most at stake, everyone’s hope were pinned on them to win the Cup.
After speaking with Aki, the Japanese player, I instantly knew I wanted to work with him to share his story but he took a bit of convincing…Brennan, the self assured Canadian seemed like a fantastic contrasting character to shy Aki and then I found out that Brennan and Aki were in competition for the same position on the team – bingo! Charlie the coach was a natural character to follow because the whole team revolves around him and Pearce, the Irish backpacker, was impossible not to include because of his personal journey through joining the club and going to Bingham was a film makers dream. Plus he’s an absolute laugh.
The film will screen at Studio 74 during the Rugby World Cup, yet one of the first lines of voiceover in Scrum states “its not just rugby” – what is Scrum really about?
Scrum isn’t really about rugby at all. The film is really about brotherhood and the importance of finding your tribe, being accepted for who you are and having the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
In Scrum you gained access to remarkably intimate scenes between the team members and in individuals lives/homes. As a Director, how did you feel being present in these moments? What impact do you think your presence had on them?
To witness and record these moments as a director is always a privilege and an honour. I work hard to create meaningful relationships between myself and the people sharing their stories, so I’m always humbled when they feel safe enough to share their vulnerabilities and wounds. I’m my presence in some of the scenes was a catalyst to open up but other scenes such as the locker room – I doubt I had any affect.
What is your favourite moment from the shoot of the film?
Three moments:
1) The Aboriginal players perform a the ‘Baru’ (crocodile) dance with members of the Bangarra Dance Theatre at the Bingham Cup Welcome party. They had all been rehearsing for weeks and the performance was just awesome.
2) Pearse pushing through his physical exhaustion in the quarter finals and then having a meltdown on the sideline.
3) The final locker room scene.
Scrum highlights the challenges the team members have encountered in seeking acceptance within their field. How does this transfer to your experience of working in the film industry as a gay, female director?
There are loads of lesbians working in the film and television industry thankfully! I think the Arts has a much more inclusive landscape than the sporting arena. Having said that, there is still a huge disparity between the number of female directors compared to male directors working in the industry.
The Exeter Phoenix Digital team first enjoyed Scrum at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2015 – what are the challenges of getting documentaries about sexuality into mainstream film festivals and distribution? Do you believe there still a marginalization of films that tackle this topic in Australia? And other countries?
Interestingly Scrum, in terms of festival invitations, has had fair greater success outside Australia than on home soil. Why? I can only speculate. There seems to be a appetite for well made LGBTI films around the world, I guess breaking through to mainstream media channels is the real challenge. I think there is still marginalization of films that tackle this topic, especially in Australia. Luckily our dreadful, queer hating Prime Minister was ousted last night, we can only hope the new guy has a greater understanding of basic human rights.
Why have you chosen to develop your career through documentary? What is special about this form of filmmaking?
I suppose I initially gravitated towards documentary because of it’s accessibility, unlike fiction you don’t need a massive crew or even a small crew to make a film, you just need a camera, a good microphone and a computer. And of course real life is completely magical – truth really is stranger than fiction. Now I exploring narrative fiction and am currently developing a dramedy series. It’s all story telling right?
What one piece of advice would you give to emerging filmmakers?
Don’t wait for permission to make a film. Grab a camera and start shooting, even your smartphone will do. Better still grab a couple of mates that are equally as passionate as you, form a peleton and help each other. Don’t worry about perfection, get off the block and starting rolling!
Comments Off on An Update From Our 2014 Bursary Filmmaker
Last year, our bursary filmmaker Luke Jeffrey won the Two Short Nights Film Festival Audience Award with his Devon Short Film Commission Seeing Red.
This short film has since gone from strength to strength, most recently being shortlisted for Shooting People’s film of the month. Seeing Red is a great example of imaginative short filmmaking. If you have a Shooting People account, and would like to support this local filmmaker, you can do so here >>
Two Short nights is our annual celebration of short film and the people who make it. The festival is proud to nurture new and emerging talent through selected screenings, workshops and our famous 48 Hour Film Challenge. Find out more here >>
Comments Off on Exeter Contemporary Open – Gallery Opening And Awards Ceremony
Last night saw the gallery opening and awards ceremony for of the Exeter Contemporary Open 2015 exhibition.
Exeter Contemporary Open is an annual, open submission exhibition that presents work from some of the most exciting emerging and established artists from across the UK and beyond. The work of fourteen shortlisted artists is on display in our free-entry gallery until Sat 31 Oct.
The artists Jack Burton, Paul Merrick and Tom Pitt were announced as joint recipients of the prestigious Overall Award for this year’s exhibition. Each will receive a prize of £500.
The Moving Image award, introduced this year, was presented to artist Ruaidhri Ryan, who will be given the opportunity to reach new audiences through a series of screenings in our soon to be opened independent cinema, Studio 74.
Now in its tenth year, the Exeter Contemporary Open is sponsored by Haines Watts Chartered Accountants and provides an important national platform for contemporary visual artists.
See below for photos from our exclusive gallery opening.
Comments Off on Help Us To Future-Proof Exeter Phoenix
In February we announced an Arts Council grant of £320,000 awarded to Exeter Phoenix for structural changes that would result in better facilities that offer more to our visitors.
At a time when the future of the arts is under threat, this project is designed to future-proof the organisation by allowing us to invest in facilities which will increase arts activity and enable us to operate on a financially self-sufficient model.
The building works currently taking place will:
Provide us with a new 92 seat balcony in our main auditorium
Transform a disused roof space into an outdoor bar and hospitality area
Create an enlarged computer training suite
Build a new, solar powered, 74 seat digital cinema
Three Ways You Can Help
A requirement of our grant is that we raise a percentage of the overall costs from elsewhere. So far we’ve raised, or have pending confirmation of, nearly £80,000 of further funding. Now, in the final stages, we are looking to our audiences to help us cross the finish line.
Taking a moment to do even just one of the below will make a big difference. Thank you.
1 – DONATE
If everyone reading this email donated just £2, we would reach our donations goal.
This £12,500 fund would substantially help our cause and all we have to do to win it is receive enough public votes.
3 – SHARE
Know others who want to support Exeter’s arts scene?
By sharing this link on social media, you’ll make an enormous difference to the success of our campaign.
(https://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/help-us-to-future-proof-exeter-phoenix/)
Thank you!
If you’ve received this email, you’re part of the reason we’re here today, we simply couldn’t be doing what we do without you. Your support in helping us complete this amazing project means a lot.
Our solar-powered cinema project has been shortlisted to receive funding from the M&S Energy Community Fund. Securing this additional funding will allow us to install solar panels on the roof of our new cinema space. It will enable us to pay for the energy saving systems, fittings and technology within the building itself.
However, only the projects that receive the most support from the public will go on to receive funding. By voting for us, you can help us reach our target and bring one of the city’s greatest cultural assets to life.
What will the M&S Energy Fund allow us to do?
Install solar panels on the roof of our the cinema to generate our own energy and allow a greener future for arts in the city. Pay for energy saving systems, fittings and technology within the building itself.
Why do we need it?
Going green has been at the top of our agenda as an arts venue for years, and our Arts Council funding this summer has finally put in motion the structures that can make this possible.
Why do we need your vote?
Environmental sustainability isn’t something we want to do by halves. The more funding we can collect for this cause, the faster we can make our dream of a solar powered, energy efficient arts venue a reality.
What will it provide for our community?
As well as the satisfaction that comes from supporting the growth of Britain’s sustainable future, we hope that the financial savings made by generating our own energy can be passed on to our loyal customers. We want everyone to be able to share in the benefits that a solar-powered independent cinema will offer.
Comments Off on Additional Information – Big Screen In The Park
Entry to the park from 7.30pm, film starts at approximately 9pm.
Entry to the event is via the Queen Street gate, around the corner from Ruby’s Burgers.
Please do not bring alcohol onto the site. A full bar and festival food and drink stalls will be available.
If you have opted to pick up your tickets, they will be available to collect on the night at the gate.
Sorry, no dogs allowed except guide dogs and assistance dogs.
Weather dependency: We aim to go ahead whatever the weather, so be prepared and make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Cancellation of the event may only happen in circumstances where the weather poses a severe health and safety risk. In the event of cancellation, the news will be announced on our website and social media platforms no later than 1pm on the day. Subject to proof of ticket purchase, refunds will be available from our box office for up to 72 hours after the event was meant to take place.
This November, Theatre Alibi return to Exeter Phoenix with their latest show, Olive and the Dream Train. For one week only they are offering a fantastic family offer for all you early bird bookers.
Book now, and bring the family for just £20! If you book before Mon 17 Aug, and select a family ticket*, your discount will be automatically applied at the checkout.
Written by Daniel Jamieson, Olive & the Dream Train is a wonderfully playful story for five to eleven year olds about the value of creative thinking. The show combines performance with puppetry and live music. Find out more about the show here >>
Book your tickets here >>
Praise for Theatre Alibi:
‘Theatre Alibi is one of Britain’s most inventive companies’ THE GUARDIAN
‘Intelligent and moving theatre that doesn’t shy away from asking big questions’
THE STAGE
*Two adults and two children, or one adult and three children.
The festival season might be drawing to a close, but we’ll be keeping up the pace into autumn, through what is traditionally one our busiest seasons of events. With another vibrant mix of music, art and performance as well as the hotly anticipated launch of Studio 74, Exeter’s new independent cinema, visitors can soak up the best of what Exeter has to offer.
September kicks off with one of the city’s foremost annual arts events, as this year’s Exeter Contemporary Open exhibition opens its doors to the public. 2015’s exhibition will include diverse and contemporary work from 14 artists, selected from entrants from the UK and beyond.
Acoustica Festival returns for lovers of alt-folk and Americana, with events across the city on the last weekend of September. Other live music highlights include singer-songwriter heart-throb Jack Savoretti, Boston-based full throttle punk band, Barrence Whitfield & The Savages, and Mike Skinner (aka The Streets). Other notable additions to the bill are The Shires, currently one of the most talked about names in country music, and emerging artist Rhodes, fresh from supporting the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Sam Smith and London Grammar.
For theatre goers, the season starts with a touching project from Exeter-based company Scratchworks exploring foley artistry (the art of making sound effects for films). While in October, The Northcott Theatre bring Taste, a piece written by Murray Lachlan Young (Radio 2 & 4) down to Exeter Phoenix’s city centre venue as part of its new Exeter Northcott Theatre@series.
Following the summer’s redevelopments at Exeter Phoenix, the city’s new independent cinema Studio 74 opens with a season of cinema dedicated to Crossing The Line, an innovative series of feature film and shorts exploring moral, ethical, sporting or geographical boundaries. Alongside these special events the cinema will offer a regular programme of first-rate alternative film and the latest arthouse releases.
Full listings for all events can be found on our what’s on page here >>
Exeter Phoenix is excited to be supporting Culture, Data, Projector – Fabian’s Film’s latest film project exploring themes of culture, identity, the environment and sport inspired by each of the five nations taking part in the Rugby World Cup events in Exeter, September 2015 (Tonga, Namibia, Georgia, Italy & Romania).
With support from Met Office scientists, Exeter Phoenix Creative Hub Associate Artists David Salas and Amanda Whittington are two of the five artists/teams commissioned to create a series of documentary films which use data as part of their narrative.
The artistic team also consists of Emma George, Catherine Cartwright & Kate Sprake & Toby De Burgh bringing a range of disciplines to the table in the practice of moving image. (below, from left).
An integral part of this collaborative project has been the provision of seminar events to allow the artists to engage with the concepts of culture, data, identity and nation in preparation for the idea development of their films. These events, held at Spacex Exeter and Exeter College succeeded in inspiring the artists creative processes and they are now exploring innovative ways to combine scientific and creative disciplines. Susan Hayward presented “What is Culture, What is Film” exploring issues of representation, othering and perceptions of nation and identity. Dr Sarah Cook, a curator of contemporary art, writer and new media art historian visited from the University of Dundee to demonstrate how a range of visual artists have approached moving image installations using scientific data.
In their films the artists are representing one or each of the five nations using animated, poetic or expository documentary forms and are engaging with local Italian, Georgian, Namibian, Tongan and Romanian communities. Working with cinematographer Chris Jones and editor Joshua Gaunt, the artists will create their films for exhibition at internal and external venues across Exeter during the Rugby World Cup season from 18th September 2015.
The project is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and also has funding support from Exeter City Council, who are leading the Rugby World Cup events in Exeter in Autumn, including the Fanzone that will host sport, music and film entertainment in Northernhay Gardens during the Rugby World Cup. Support has also been provided from the Met Office (Exeter), Exeter College, the Open Data Institute and Exeter Phoenix.
Fabian’s Film is a Community Interest Company based in Exeter. Their mission is to make films which reflect the culturally diverse landscape of the British Isles; a form of Transnational British Film. For more information about Fabian’s Film or updates on the Culture, Data, Projector project visit the website, Facebook, and follow them on Twitter @FabiansFilm.
Our summer season is brimming with fun outdoor events for all the family, and so for one day only we’re offering a family fun in the sun offer, to let you get a taste of everything for a little bit less!
If you book a ticket for our outdoor screening of family favourite film Toy Story, we’ll give you a FREE ticket for our award-winning open air theatre event, The Magnificent Three.
To use this offer online…
Use the ‘Buy Ticket’ links on each event page to add tickets for Toy Story and The Magnificent Three to your basket, type in the promo code SUMMEROFFER and the total cost will automatically reset.
To use this offer over the phone…
Simply quote the promo code SUMMEROFFER when purchasing your Toy Story tickets and our box office staff will do the rest. Our box office is open from 10am to 8pm – 01392 667080.
*Offer valid on Sat 11 Jul when you buy a ticket for Toy Story at Big Screen In The Park (Wed 12 Aug). A free ticket is redeemable for the Tuesday performance of Miracle Theatre (Tue 14 Jul) only. Subject to availability. Maximum of 4 free tickets per customer.
Comments Off on Artists Selected: Exeter Contemporary Open
Artists Selected: Exeter Contemporary Open
Exeter Phoenix is pleased to announce the fourteen artists who have been selected for this year’s Exeter Contemporary Open art exhibition.
Exeter Contemporary Open is a firmly established highlight of the annual visual arts calendar in the South West and has become a nationally recognised platform for the very best in exciting, emerging contemporary art.
The selection panel – which consisted of Welsh artist Sean Edwards, London based artist, writer and curator Cedar Lewisohn, Nottingham based independent curator Jennie Syson and Phoenix Gallery curator Matt Burrows – had a tough challenge to whittle down an incredibly strong body of several hundred submissions, from across the UK and overseas.
Their final shortlist of work represents some of the most exciting and engaging contemporary visual arts practice from just fourteen artists and includes work from:
The exhibition itself opens with a gala preview and launch event, on Thu 10 Sep, at which time awards of £1000 and £500 will be made to the overall and additional prize winners, as well as the announcement of a new Moving Image Award. This will offer an artist working in video further screening opportunities, outside the gallery space, in Exeter Phoenix’s newly opened digital cinema.
Find out more about Exeter Contemporary Openhere >>
Filming for this short will run for two days from 21st-22nd July. Paul currently has positions on the crew for the following roles:
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
SOUND RECORDIST
LIGHTING OPERATOR
HAIR & MAKE UP
Due to budgetary constrictions all roles are unpaid – however transport costs and catering can be covered. All crew will receive a copy of the finished film.
If you are interested in applying or want to find out more you can email Paul here >>
For more information about Two Short Nights film festival and the other Devon Short Film and Devon Documentary Film Commissions, see twoshortnights.co.uk or our news story here >>
Comments Off on Devon Documentary Short Commission Update
Do you remember Jab Jab? Discovery of long lost tapes spurs band reunion, gig and first album: “Keep On Smiling”
The short documentary Jab Jabthe film, commissioned by Exeter Phoenix and Colourburn, is currently in production and will be screened at Exeter Phoenix’s Two Short Nights Film Festival 2015 and film festivals throughout the UK including the Picturedrome, Yorkshire. Directed by Amanda Whittington, working with co producer, Matt Joiner, their experience spans the BBC, Twofour, Community Channel, MTV and EMI. The team are seeking more funding to make an hour long film for broadcast and have launched a Crowdfunder campaign – click on this link to read more about the project and show your support: “Jab Jab band reunion – the film”.
Jab Jab the film will be the first to document the story and music of Jab Jab, who broke boundaries with their previously unheard fusion of rock, reggae, calypso, punk, soca music and Afro beats. It charts the Augustine brothers’ journey from the Caribbean island of Carriacou to the mills of the UK, their early days as the backing band for Trojan Record artists, and musical influences from their distant African roots to the rock, funk and punk scene of the day, the Huddersfield music scene and political landscape. Central to the film is the finding of the tapes – their restoration, the band’s reactions to hearing them and rehearsals for the reunion gig and the live concert.
On hearing the recordings for the first time, Jab Jab lead singer and bassist Joe Augustine said: “Hearing the lost recordings after all these years made me feel very emotional. I never realised that the band sounded that good and thought was it really me playing that? Our philosophy was always to ‘make the bad times good and the good times better’ and we’re really excited to finally share our music.”
“Although we’re older now, the passion and energy is still there and we can’t wait to get back on stage together. Mike Whittington (27) will be bringing some young blood to the band, playing bass, so I can focus on singing and rhythm guitar.”
Now that their music can finally be shared again, Amanda and Jab Jab are on a mission to reach original Jab Jab fans from the ‘70s and ‘80s and would love to hear from them. If you were a fan of their music or attended a gig please do get in touch with Amanda on the contacts below. The band is reaching out through social media to help spread the news that they’re back.
Keep on Smiling will be available to order from July 12, 2015 from Jab Jab’s website: www.jabjab.co. Fans and booking enquiries: jabjabband@gmail.com. Concert tickets are available from the Picturedrome: www.picturedrome.net.
In the run up to Exeter’s outdoor cinema event Big Screen In The Park, the gnomes from Amelie have gone on holiday! They can be found living it up in some of Exeter’s favourite locations, including cafes, independent shops and tourist destinations.
So far, the gnomes have been spotted in all kinds of places, from the cake display The Glorious Art House on Fore Street, to the book shelves of Exeter Central Library and hiding amongst the broad beans in The Real Food Store.
If you see one on their travels, Exeter Phoenix invites you to take a selfie and share it on social media using #bigscreeninthepark. Favourite gnome holiday snaps will win a pair of tickets to Big Screen In The Park.
Alongside Amelie, this year’s Big Screen In The Park features film favourites such as Interstellar, Toy Story, Ghostbusters and The Shining. The event takes place from Wed 12 – Sun 16 August in Northernhay Gardens. Tickets are available here or by calling 01392 667080.
Comments Off on Exciting New Developments This Summer
Back in February Exeter Phoenix announced the fantastic news of its successful bid to Arts Council England for £320,000 to improve its range of facilities. The pot of money was open to organisations wanting to make structural changes with a focus on sustainability, in all senses of the word. Here’s a little bit about what was included in our bid, and what you can expect to see coming to life here over the summer.
More capacity for audiences to see great music, theatre and comedy
A new 92 seat balcony in our auditorium served by a bespoke bar and hospitality area on the first floor will enable gig and theatre goers to enjoy drinks with a view. To top it off, the increased auditorium capacity will mean that audiences can expect to see more high-profile bands, companies and comedians play in Exeter’s city centre.
Arts and the environment
Sustainability means more than just financial resilience – all of our ambitions have the environment in mind too. An integral part of the redevelopment will be the addition of solar power generation, which will contribute greatly to a more sustainable future for our spaces.
A Brand New Independent Cinema Space For Exeter
Opening autumn 2015, Exeter Phoenix’s Studio 74 will be a fantastic asset to the city. More than just a cinema, Studio 74 presents a unique offer: a digital exhibition space that is committed to both film exhibition and production.
A platform to screen locally produced work alongside a diverse range of international and popular independent cinema, Studio 74 aims to place Exeter on the map at the forefront of independent and specialised film. Updated digital projection systems will mean great image quality and will guarantee audiences can see our pick of the latest feature releases on the big screen, whilst enjoying our brand new, super comfy cinema seating.
Fully kitted out with broadband connectivity, presentation capabilities and the opportunity for live streaming, the space will also provide the perfect venue for talks and conferences.
Perhaps most excitingly, a new cinema space in the region’s foremost multi-artform venue paves the way for yet more unique festivals combining music, art, film and food.
Donate
You can help us to make this happen.
We still need to raise 20% of the total costs for this exciting transformation, so we need all the support we can get. However large or small, your donation will make a big difference, thank you.
Our sizzling summer season is here, bringing with it a host of exciting outdoor events.
Miracle Theatre will kick off the outdoor programme with a week of Wild West fun in Rougemont Gardens. Alongside workshops, hoedown and root in’ tooting’ fun, Miracle Theatre will treat Exeter to their own brand of award-winning open-air theatre with their latest show, The Magnificent Three.
Back in the glorious sunshine of the Exeter Phoenix terrace, a steady flow of bands and guest DJs will be at our Ale & Cider Festival. This free event, in association with St Austell Brewery, will see excellent prices on a range of the best ales and ciders from the region, a table tennis tournament, and more.
The al fresco fun continues with Exeter’s most anticipated cinema event. Join us in Northernhay Gardens to celebrate Big Screen In The Park’s fifteenth birthday. This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, with five nights of screenings on rare and glorious 35mm film. With Toy Story, Amelie, The Shining, Interstellar and Ghostbusters, there really is something for everyone.
With Exeter Phoenix set to bring arts out into the summer sunshine, we’d like to share with you our top tips for enjoying these outdoor events…
1) Get cosy!
Bring whatever you need to enjoy a cosy evening in beautiful surroundings. Blankets, woollies, and insect spray make it onto our list!
2) Bring a seat!
We’re not just talking about fold up chairs! An array of rugs, cushions, blankets and pillows can make the perfect nest to enjoy your evening.
3) Get social!
An evening of entertainment under the stars can be a great way to round up your friends and family and do something different.
4) Expect the unexpected!
How often do you get the chance to see a film and enjoy a stunning sunset at the same time? How about enjoying some theatre with unannounced special appearances by wildlife? There’s always something a little different at an outdoor event!
5) Bring an appetite!
Our outdoor events include the chance to try something a bit different. Bring your own picnic or take advantage of the colourful and diverse street food stalls on-site. Whether it’s picnics with Miracle Theatre, candy floss and popcorn at Big Screen In The Park, or pie and pint deals at the Ale & Cider Festival, we’ve got it covered!
6) Arrive Early!
Get there early enough to pick a great spot, settle in, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in good company.
What would you add to the list? Join the conversation on twitter: @exeter_phoenix
Comments Off on Opportunities to join our team of volunteers
We are currently looking for people to help with a variety of music, performance and film events programmed by Exeter Phoenix. We’re currently looking for volunteers for Big Screen In The Park and Miracle Theatre’s Wild West Week.
If you are an energetic communicator with excellent customer service skills and excited about what we do please contact Anna-Ruth here >>
VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SCREEN IN THE PARK
12 AUG – 16 AUG
This year, Big Screen In The Park celebrates it’s fifteenth birthday. The formula of fresh air, bums on rugs and a great selection of films on our mighty pop up 10m screen all contribute to make Big Screen In The Park a cinematic adventure.
The event has a huge profile as well as a large audience to look after. To help make this event a success we need a strong team of volunteers to be part of the event management crew.
Wed 12 Aug Toy Story >> Thu 13 Aug Amelie >> 14th The Shining >> 15th Interstellar >> 16th Ghostbusters >>
As well as being able to watch these fantastic films on our 10m screen, volunteers will get a taste of large scale event management. This is a great opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes workings of one of the city’s favourite events.
Find out more about Big Screen In The Park here >>
To register your interest in volunteering, or find out more, email Anna-Ruth here >>
VOLUNTEER FOR MIRACLE THEATRE’S AWARD WINNING OUTDOOR THEATRE
14 JUL – 18 JUL
This summer, Miracle Theatre are bringing their new show The Magnificent Three to Rougemont Gardens for a week-long, Wild West themed, open air extravaganza in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix.
We’re looking for a team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to help us make sure everything runs smoothly. Available roles will include everything from stewarding, providing visitor information and helping out with associated events and workshops during the week. This is a great opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes workings of large scale event management, meet like-minded people and network and assist an established touring theatre company.
What’s more, all volunteers can take advantage of some great perks:
The chance to attend a free volunteers workshop, courtesy of Miracle Theatre. At this optional workshop, you’ll be able to learn songwriting skills from the professionals themselves.
Friends and family of volunteers will be able to purchase tickets for any of the week’s performances at a special discount price.
Find out more about the The Magnificent Three, and our Wild West Week here >>
To register your interest in volunteering, or find out more, email Anna-Ruth here >>
Summer Events and Arts In the Parks Exeter Phoenix launches its Summer Season
With another exciting mix of music, performance, art and film, Exeter Phoenix is set to launch a summer of fun. Alongside a diverse programme of comedy, gigs and creative courses, Exeter Phoenix will be bringing arts out into the summer sunshine with a fantastic range of outdoor events through the summer months.
Highlights include a week of Wild West fun in Rougemont Gardens, as Miracle Theatre bring their rootin’ tootin’ new show The Magnificent Three to the city along with a hoedown of live music.
In August, Exeter’s favourite outdoor cinema event Big Screen In The Park returns to celebrate its fifteenth anniversary with a five-day al-fresco cinema extravaganza. This year’s films see space epic Interstellar take its place alongside a special screening celebrating 20 years of Toy Story, and cult favourites including Ghostbusters, Amelie and The Shining.
Back on the sunny terrace of Exeter Phoenix, the Ale and Cider Festival features a host of live music acts and DJs, alongside table tennis and a great local ales selection. Other music highlights include foot-stomping rhythms from Youngblood Brass Band, funk and soul from Brother Strut and a trip down south for Scottish folk rockers Trembling Bells.
Spanish-Syrian artist Antonio Marguet exhibits some of his latest work in Phoenix Gallery through July and August. Working at the boundary of sculpture, installation and photography, Marguet attributes his fascination with sculpting unconventional and often humorous plastic objects to the influence of his father’s bubblegum factory.
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We have come a long way since the first Big Screen when our audience huddled together in a car park to share the collective experience of cinema, but really, very little has changed. The formula of fresh air, bums on rugs and a great selection of films on our mighty pop up screen still all contribute to make Big Screen in the Park a cinematic adventure.
This year we’ll be treating you to 80’s Bill Murray classic Ghostbusters as well as a dose of cult horror from Jack Nicolson in The Shining. Recent blockbuster space epic Interstellaris set to be a spectacular addition to the programme, viewed from beneath a looming night sky. Also on the list is one for all the family, a special screening of Toy Story, celebrating 20 years of infinity and beyond! Finally, cinemagoers can delveinto the delights of Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s quirky French cinema with a screening of the beautiful Amelie.
Pies, pizzas, hot brews and beers will all be on offer too so pack up your woolies, gather your friends and family and meet us in Northernhay Gardens to celebrate fifteen years of Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen In The Park. May there be many more adventures to follow.
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We’re looking for a team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to help us make sure everything runs smoothly. Available roles will include everything from stewarding, providing visitor information and helping out with associated events and workshops during the week. This is a great opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes workings of large scale event management, meet like-minded people and network and assist an established touring theatre company.