Author Archives: cbulford

  1. Apply for Exeter Phoenix Scratch Night: 10th Oct 2023

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    Deadline for Applications: 5pm, 15th September 

    Got an idea that needs a platform? Exeter Phoenix Scratch Night offers artists in need of an audience a chance to stretch their ideas and the opportunity to test their work in the Phoenix Auditorium, along with £150 to help develop their idea and a small amount of rehearsal space before the Scratch Night.

    Following the success of our Scratch Nights in 2022 , which has offered artists to test their earliest ideas in a low stakes environment, we'd like to offer artists the opportunity to take their new ideas a little bit further. In 2023 we will be delivering 3 x Scratch Night’s, the last of which will taking place on 10th October. Successful applicants will receive rehearsal space, the opportunity to perform their work in front of an audience and £150 to support their practice - which they can use however supports them best.

    Whether you're currently working on a show and there's a new bit you'd like to get in front of an audience, or you're looking to try something brand new for the first time – we'd like to invite you to apply to SCRATCH NIGHT, an opportunity to test up to 20 minutes of live work.

    SCRATCH NIGHT will take place on 10th October in the main auditorium, from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.Applications close at 5pm on 15th September and we will let you know if you have been successful the following week. You must be available for a technical rehearsal slot during the afternoon / early evening on Tuesday 10th October and for the SCRATCH NIGHT in the evening.  

    What you'll get: 

    £150 to support your practice. This can be used however you'd like, and you don't need to use it for this project. If you need to take a day off from work to rehearse, you'd like to buy some props or pay someone to help you out - that money is yours and has absolutely no strings attached.

    Rehearsal Space Use rehearsal space at Exeter Phoenix in the weeks leading up to SCRATCH NIGHT. We're not putting a time limit on this, but it will be subject to availability. Tech time and performance The SCRATCH NIGHT sharing will take place in the Exeter Phoenix auditorium, which is fully equipped with lighting, sound and a projector. Everyone will get an hour of tech time prior to the performance. Full tech spec of the auditorium available upon request.

    Please get in contact on scratch.night@exeterphoenix.org.uk if you have any questions.

  2. 2022 Film Commissions

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    • Devon Short Film: Dom Lee – Croak
    • South West Short Film: Jonny Dry – Open Country
    • South West Micro Film: Vicki Helyar – Potholes
    • Micro Film: Alex Blackwood – A Pirate Love Story
    • 19 - 25 Devon Film Fund: Anastasia Bruce-Jones – Microwave
    • Artists Moving Image: Natsha MacVoy – Mum! Mum!
  3. An Alternative Christmas Gift Guide

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    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 >> 

    art-full

    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.

  4. An Interview With Quirk Theatre

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    As the Christmas season is getting closer, we wanted to share an insight into this years Christmas theatre production of Mary The Pigeon by asking Quirk member Katie Villa some questions!

    Firstly, please can you introduce yourself?

    I’m Katie Villa and I am the artistic Director of Quirk, among other things.

    And perhaps you could tell us a bit more about Quirk and what you do?

    Quirk is in its 20th year, and we are delivering our 19th production (out of kilter thanks to Covid). For 20 years Quirk have been making work in Exeter with Exeter artists, south west artists, offering a meaningful alternative to pantomime. We feel passionate about telling stories that matter. Quirk started by working through the Brothers Grimm fairy tale back catalogue, but over the years we have evolved to take a few more risks artistically. More recently we’ve been growing the part of ourselves that makes work with a social conscience, using the opportunity to tell important, unheard stories and making original work.

    2022’s show is Mary the Pigeon – who was Mary and what has she done to inspire a show?

    Mary was a racing pigeon. Her own er was Charlie Brewer, a shoe maker who had a loft in his attic on West Street. Charlie and Mary won a lot of races together, she was his star bird but when the Second World War broke out and there was no more pigeon racing for a time, Charlie signed Mary up to the National Pigeon Service. Mary supported the national war effort, flying top secret messages from Plymouth and London across the channel. Mary sustained a lot of war wounds – she was shot, hit by shrapnel for a bomb, and even attacked by a peregrine; but no matter what happened to her, she always got home and never gave up. She was awarded a medal for outstanding service in spite of war wounds. Each time she got home, Charlie would use his shoemaking skills to fix her wounds and nurse her back to health. He even made her a special leather neck brace. The story really stood out to Quirk – a true story with a great female lead, and a lot of space for fun. It’s an important story, but it’s also hilarious and offers all the good silly bits that we all deserve this year. It’s also something children can connect to – they can even visit the outside of Charlie and Mary’s old house.

    We can always rely on Quirk to make us laugh. Is there anything else audiences can expect from the show?

    There will be great flights of fantasy alongside the story. There's some really exciting characters: we have a flamingo that’s trying to join the pigeon service, but you’ll have to stay tuned to see if they are successful. We’re also really excited that we’ve used the framework to draw in other stories from Exeter at that time. The most exciting part being we’ve cast a polish speaking actor called Ivona who will bring to life the story of the Eagle Owls – a Polish squadron based at Exeter airport during the war. This night-fighting squadron played a key role in protecting Exeter from the Blitz. Their four Beaufighters held off some of the bombers, no doubt saving many lives. The squadron gifted the city a Polish flag that is still raised each year in remembrance of their commitment and service.

    So obviously this is quite an important story in Exeter’s history, is there a reason why it is important to bring this story and this show to audiences right now?

    The thing that resonates for us right now is the theme of home. The homing pigeons’ natural instinct to get home against all odds feels like it parallels with a lot of things going on right now. With the refugee crisis and so many situations around the world, there are lots of people who are yearning for home. The show also tells the story of the Polish Eagle Owls: Polish fighters who showed commitment to a home that wasn’t their own in the hope of being able to return to their own one day.

    It’s also a story of love and hope, which is always important and universal to tell.

    And on top of all of that, it feels really important that people are able to come together this year and laugh together, and feel moved together, and enjoy all the things that we’ve been denied for quite a while now. We always promise our audiences a really good laugh – which we’re all desperate for right now.

    And there’s a book?

    There is! Since June we have been running workshops all around Exeter with school groups and community groups of all different kinds, creating collaged illustrations to go in the book. The book is being pulled together by Rosie Race, our ridiculously talented collage artist, who is also in the show. Rosie is a professional collage artist, but this will be her first book. She is pulling the whole thing together, seamlessly weaving the work of school and community artists into the book. The book is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the story of Mary, designed to appeal to Key Stage One and Two age children. Everyone who took part in the workshops get a free copy, and school groups who come to the show will receive a free copy for their libraries. It’s available to pre-order now, and will be on sale at Bookbag in McCoy’s Arcade – watch this space for the release date!

    It’s been an exciting new venture for us – we've told stories for 20 years but never told one in print. We’ve learnt a lot and, by including all those community illustrators, we have been able to demystify the process of book making for people too, making it feel more accessible. It has been a real group effort: a book for Exeter, about Exeter, made with the people of Exeter. We are so excited to see it printed!

    And finally, if you were a bird, what would you be and why?

    Just being a bird would be brilliant! Any bird I'd be happy with because then I could fly. I feel like I have most affinity with small bird – the little guys, like a robin, they’re my favourite bird. With their little twiggy legs they look kind of impossible. Like they shouldn’t exist because they’re so small and fragile. But they’re such a beacon of hope – a flash of colour in the winter.

     

    You can book your tickets for a showing of Mary The Pigeon at Exeter Phoenix here.

  5. ANNOUNCING BLOOM 2023 – SAVE THE DATE!

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    Announcing: Bloom 2023 - Sunday 21st May 2023

    Bloom 2023 is generously supported by Iron Mill College.

    Bloom is coming back for 2023 after our biggest Bloom yet in 2022! Over 30 organisations from across Devon got involved, and over 300 people (an a pony) joined us on the day.

    Click here for the Programme for 2023 so far >>>>>

    Join us for a Think-In

    Monday 28th November 2022, 1pm-2pm, The Workshop

    FREE - No Booking Required

    Because Bloom is about all of us - we are inviting you to join us to help shape Bloom 2023.

    Bloom is a free community event that has taken place alongside Mental Health Awareness week, in person and online, for the last three years.

    Bloom is a takeover of Exeter Phoenix (and potentially other venues!) that provides a space for organisations and communities to gather in support of, and to platform, a broad spectrum of experiences of mental health.

    Hundreds of people engaged with our activity last year, in our biggest Bloom yet! We have brought people together through art, dance and music workshops, film screenings on topics close to mental health, stands where anyone can access help and resources, panel discussions, an open mic where anyone can share their thoughts, introductory workshops to accessible supportive tools and practices, and much, much more.

    Our 'think-in' is an open-call to organisations working in the arts and/ or in mental health and anyone in the community to gather and discuss their experiences; how can we support and offer a platform to you and your community through an event like Bloom?

    It is also an opportunity for organisations who might want to be involved to find out a bit more and have a think about what they might bring to the day.

    Follow this link for a 2022 programme so you can familiarise yourself with the sorts of activities we offered last year, you can also watch a short video from the day here:

    Watch Bloom 2022 Video >>>>>

    All the best,

    Team Bloom

     

    If you're not able to join our Think In but would still like to share your thoughts, you can send your thoughts to bloom@exeterphoenix.org.uk - or let us know how you would like to contribute.

  6. Online Premiere of Four new LGBTQ short films from Devon and Cornwall based writers at Exeter Phoenix.

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    Four brand new short films by LGBTQ writers from Devon and Cornwall are receiving their online premiere on the Exeter Phoenix Website.

    Each was written by a different member of Down Stage Write theatre company’s Write Out Loud! Programme for LGBTQ writers in the region and produced with an all queer creative team in front of and behind the camera.

    From the struggles of gay parenthood to trying to forge a place for your identity in a world that resists you, the pieces take a wry and heartfelt look at the LGBTQ+ experience today.

    “The four writers Bee, Fynn, Robin and Jaime were commissioned by us after taking part in our LGBTQ writers project. The pieces are touching, funny, sometimes angry, sometimes deeply personal and also joyful” said Co-Director of the company Jon Nash. “We wanted to create work that while not shying away from the difficulties we can face was also joyful. Telling these stories with an all LGBTQ creative team made that even more special.”

    The films are a real home grown effort with the writers, actors, director and film makers all living and working in Devon and Cornwall. The film makers from 45 Degrees photography Hector and Gian as well as all of the writers and performers. Each film has also been shot on location in the region too from a deserted nightclub in Plymouth to a spot on the beautiful Cornish coastline.

    Robin Oliver, the writer of ‘Private’ found that “…working with Write Out Loud was a real joy and gave me a creative focus during a very emotionally significant time in my life. Private is about the lasting power of friendship, and the freedom that can come when you have the opportunity to fully embrace all that you are. Being able to perform the script myself gave me the chance to express much more than just my words on a page.”

    Actor Charlotte McEvoy reflected on working on ‘Jellyfish’ by Cornish writer Jaime Lock, “I loved being part of such a special and exciting project, I really hope people can see part of themselves in the story- I know I wish I had seen more media like this when I was younger!”

    We'd love to know what you think of the films and if you are a member of the LGBTQ community interested in writing for theatre, audio or film please get in touch with us as a new version of our free writer programme will begin in Spring 2023. You can learn more at www.downstagewrite.uk or email us at info@downstagewrite.uk

     THE BRYONY HOTEL by Bee Jarvis

    Performed by Samantha Tossu

    Bryony has always been a welcoming person, but opening her home up during an unprecedented global pandemic brings risks but also the possibility of love.

    NOT AN OPTION by Fynn Roberts

    Performed by Maisy Barlow

    A simple box on a local council form. A non-binary hacker with a message. A whole host of possible options.

    JELLYFISH by Jaime Lock

    Performed by Charlotte McEvoy

    Did you know Jellyfish don’t need sperm to reproduce? But for other creatures the path to parenthood isn’t so straightforward….

    PRIVATE by Robin Oliver

    Performed by Robin Oliver.

    Tomorrow is a big day for Benjamin. The big reveal. And sometimes you need a private conversation with a friend to help you prepare.

     

    Director: Jon Nash

    Director of Photography and Editor: Hector Manchego

    Sound Recordist and Production Assistant: Gian Carlo Ferrini

    Produced by Down Stage Write and 45 Degrees Photography

    Supported by Arts Council England.

     

    Down Stage Write CIC creates development and production opportunities for Playwrights in Devon and Cornwall. Write Out Loud! Is our programme for LGBTQ+ writers. For more information or to take part: www.downstagewrite.uk

  7. EXETER FRINGE FESTIVAL – WHAT NEXT? R&D SHARING

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    The artists for our Exeter Fringe Festival - What Next? R&D have settled into their venues today for a busy week of exploration & experimentation, ready for our sharing day on Sunday 23rd Oct in the main auditorium. 

    Having relaunched Exeter Fringe Festival in 2019, Alex & Elaine have recently decided to step away from running future festivals. With so many Devon-based artists and companies looking for the kind of development and performance opportunities that the Fringe had started to offer, a group of Exeter-based arts organisations has come together to make a smaller Fringe event happen this year, and to host a gathering, open to anyone involved or interested in theatre and performance in Exeter, to discuss the future of the Exeter Fringe and what we can do to continue to support performance artists based in the city.

     

    "In light of the Exeter Fringe announcement, we wanted to make sure that there was still an opportunity for Exeter-based artists to create and share their work, and so partners across the City came together to provide a week's worth of rehearsal space. The event on 23rd October is an exciting opportunity to see 9 new ideas come to life, followed by a discussion hosted by Performance in Exeter on what should happen next for the Exeter Fringe."

    Helen Bovey (Talent Development Producer, Exeter Northcott Theatre) & Naomi Turner (Performance Programmer, Exeter Phoenix)

     

    To launch the week we’ve asked the artists to share a bit about what they’re going to be working on:

     

    SHARING #1 (11am)

     

    Restless Theatre (Theatre Alibi)

    Title: Monstrous Love Revisited

    Using a mix of collaged classical texts and autobiographical new writing Restless Theatre are exploring new ways to question abusive behaviour through focussing on the agency of the survivors within these narratives.

     

    Jeremy Holloway (Cygnet Theatre)

    Whether you suffer from body dysmorphism, dyslexia and /or depression is often a lottery. How do you react if your ball is drawn?

     

    Ricochet Theatre (Kaleider)

    Ricochet Theatre are investigating instances throughout history where stories, whether they are real or fictional, are repurposed by modern authors to fit their own ideology. We are interested in questions of authorship, ownership, and what it means to reclaim a story.

     

    The Yoko Situation (Exeter Phoenix)

    ‘Teddy Midnight’ is a new dramedy play by The Yoko Situation - a love story from the perspective of a so-called manic pixie dream girl. The story explores how society, cishet men, and even neurodivergent women themselves cultivate this trope and the magic mirrors of navigating a relationship defined by it. The Yoko Situation is a new art collective led by writer/director Penn Balint (a veteran of bright hair and dating shy men), focusing on trans- and disabled narratives.

     

    Owl On The Roof Theatre (Exeter College)

    The Children of Lir is a dark fairy story from Celtic folk law. It tells the story of an adoptive mother who transforms her four new children into swans.

    The magic of the original story is replaced with surrealism and elements of horror as the old house they are staying in comes to life with the will of the new mother figure, and her deceased sister.

    The clutter and mess of old memories needs tidying away before the house can be sold, but the house seems to respond to Aoife. Acting on her subconscious, the house responds when the children act up or push her away, beginning to steal them away one by one."

     

    SHARING #2 (2pm)

     

    Break The Glass (Exeter Northcott Theatre)

    40 Elephants is a piece of actor-musician theatre. Set in a 1920s Music Hall, the troupe of performers dramatize the true stories of The 40 Elephants, Britain's first female crime syndicate. Focusing on the rise and fall of Alice Diamond the gang's longest running leader, and her second in command Maggie Hughes; the piece explores the struggles of women born into poverty in the early 20th century and the dangerous methods they took to escape.

     

    Excessive Human Collective (Maketank)

    Discopia ‘How did you go bankrupt?’ Bill asked. ‘Two ways,’ Mike said. ‘Gradually and then suddenly.’ Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises. 

    A performer finds herself in a desolate landscape littered with digital waste. She learns to communicate through the creation, repetition, and distortion of sound and movement. Found sounds are recorded and translated, the sound of a car is transformed into an echo of waves - this is their only connection to a world which once was. Can they use the technology which ultimately destroyed them to rebuild a better world? Responding to our acceleration towards ecological breakdown, and the reimagining of net zero futures we will examine what labour might look like in a post- work world, how value might be defined when money becomes valueless and where people will invest their most treasured currency - time. This is a new dance theatre work created by Excessive Human Collective with original music by Devon Bonelli and The Larisa Trio. 

    This R&D week will be used to develop the projection and a solo excerpt of the work, which can be toured separately when it is not possible to tour the full length version.

     

    Aimee Sweet (Exeter Library)

    ‘KNOTS' is a piece of new writing exploring female friendship and identity. It is a two-person play that fuses gig theatre, spoken word and physical theatre to examine a fiercely intimate and layered friendship.

     

    South West Dance Hub (The Hall)

    South West Dance will collaborate on R & D exploring 3 original multi-art form works involving costume, projection, voice and gesture, which have dance and movement at the core. We are exploring themes around ambiguity and hidden meanings, loss and social movement.

     

    After the sharings, there’ll be an opportunity to network and we’re delighted that Performance-in-Exeter (PiE) will also be hosting an open conversation style discussion at 4pm on the future of Exeter Fringe and theatre-making within the city & surrounding areas, to finish off the day. 

     

    You can book your free tickets for Sun 23rd here

  8. October Half Term at Exeter Phoenix

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    Looking for some indoor activities for all the family this October half term?

    We've got something for everyone in our programme - from theatre shows, to all-new art exhibitions, to spooky themed workshops in time for Halloween! We can't wait to welcome you back!

    THEATRE AND FILM

    DINOSAURS AND ALL THAT RUBBISH

    TESSA BIDE PRODUCTIONS

    MON 24 OCT | 2pm | Age 3+

    Man’s dream to reach the stars leaves the world in ruins and disturbs the sleeping dinosaurs. Will they wake up and save planet Earth?

    THE GRIMM SISTERS

    AT EXETER LIBRARY

    TUE 25 OCT | 6.30pm | Age 6+

    You know the Brothers Grimm? The famous storytellers…or story stealers more like! Their sisters were the true brains behind the books, but thanks to a treacherous father, a nasty curse and a great big dollop of bad luck, you’ve probably never heard of them.

    THE LOST KING (12)

    FILM SCREENING

    VARIOUS DATES (SEE WEBSITE) | RATED 12

    THE LOST KING reunites the creative team behind the hit film Philomena and tells the legendary, true-tale behind the rediscovery of King Richard III burial site.

    ART AND COURSES

    EXETER CONTEMP OPEN

    FREE EXHIBITION

    FRI 16 SEP  - SUN 06 NOV | OPEN DAILY

    The welcome return of Exeter Contemporary Open, which presents a significant annual showcase of some of the best emerging and established contemporary visual artists from across the UK. Make sure to vote for your favourites!

    YOUR FACE/MY FACE

    FAMILY WORKSHOP

    TUE 25 OCT | 2pm | Age 8+

    £20* per pair (£10* per additional person)

    Work in pairs with a family member or friend and use fun techniques to create portraits of each other.

    STAR IN YOUR OWN MONSTER MOVIE

    THU 27 OCT - FRI 28 OCT | 10am - 4pm | Age 8-13

    This two day workshop will give an introduction into digital composites, green screen and stop frame animation by combining video footage of you battling a stop motion monster or villain of your own creation!

  9. Have a very ‘Mary’ Christmas with Quirk Theatre!

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    This December, South West based Quirk Theatre brings to life the astonishing true local story of Mary The Pigeon Who Never Gave Up, in partnership with Exeter Phoenix and The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington. A magical alternative to panto and a festive treat for the whole family!

    For two decades, Quirk Theatre's beloved and memorable shows have given children their first experience of live theatre. Exeter Phoenix are delighted to welcome them back to produce what will be their 19th unforgettable, hilarious and heartwarming Christmas show with the venue - and this one is set to be their best yet!

    Did you know that pigeons are actually… superheroes?

    Set in Exeter during WW2, Mary The Pigeon Who Never Gave Up, follows the thrilling true story of one very special local pigeon, who flew top secret messages home from France during World War 2.

    Mary’s owner, Cecil (known as Charlie) Brewer, was a bootmaker and pigeon racer. Charlie lived at 6 West Street, Exeter, where he had his bootmaking workshop, photography darkroom and his pigeon loft in the attic. When war broke out, Charlie signed Mary up to serve in the National Pigeon Service. She was injured three times in duty but never gave up, earning her the Dickin Medal for Gallantry when the war ended.

    Visually beautiful, heartfelt and uproariously funny, join Mary, the madcap members of the National Pigeon Service, a lost flamingo and a Polish Eagle Owl from Squadron 307 as they all try to find their way home.

    This year, Quirk are also publishing a brand new picture book of this special story illustrated by collage artist, Rosie Race, and the people of Exeter! All summer long, Quirk have been running painting and collage workshops for schools and community groups in Exeter, creating beautiful collage  illustrations for the book. In partnership with Exeter City of Literature, Exeter Library and BookBag Exeter the professionally produced community book will be published in time for World Book Day in March 2023.

    Naomi Jackson, a teacher at Stoke Hill Primary, said: “The children were incredibly excited to be involved in work that will be printed and in which so many different groups of people have been involved.  They loved watching their pigeons take on individual personalities. Every child felt their success.”

    And the good news is that when you book for the show at Exeter Phoenix, you can get 10% discount on pre-orders for the book!

    Pay it Forward - and give someone else a ‘Mary Christmas’ too!

    Exeter Phoenix and Quirk have teamed up with Refugee Support Devon to run a Pay It Forward Scheme for the second year. So when you buy your tickets, you can add a little (or a lottle) to ensure another family gets the gift of live theatre this Christmas. Last year 11 refugee families were able to attend the show thanks to generous donations. Arif & Wesel brought their family to see Rhia & The Tree of Lights, saying: “Thank you for drawing a smile on our children's faces.”

    Plough Arts Centre, Torrington: 30th November- 3rd December 

    https://www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/event/mary-pigeon-who-never-gave

    Exeter Phoenix: 18th- 28th December 

    https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/quirk-theatre-mary-the-pigeon-who-never-gave-up/

    Produced with funding from Arts Council England, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council.

  10. A Summer Art Camp Recap!

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    Over August, we teamed up with Positive Light Projects and MakeTank to create our Summer Art Camp, a whole month of workshops for all ages, art classes, studio socials, ‘inspired by’ sessions, artist’s film screenings and so much more. Creative collaborations, artistic explorations and human connections could be found around every corner! Thanks to the generous support of the Scops Arts Trust and Waitrose in Exeter, many of these activities were completely free for the local community.

    Here’s some of the activities we got up to at Summer Art Camp 2022

    Throughout the month of August, our top studio transformed into a hub of artistic discovery and creative wonder - From improving techniques to taking inspiration from artistic greats such as Hilma AF Klint and Eileen Agar, our art classes were the perfect introduction for budding artists of all ages and abilities to expand skillsets, refine their craft and widen their artistic scope!

    For our little creatives, we hosted sculpt a Selfie sessions, where little ones created clay models of faces, forming shapes and sculpting the most creative of selfies! Our staple multi-generational workshop Your Face/My Face was a hit with families too, as pairs sketched away to replicate their partners face in drawings.

    Two women looking at a yellow painting on an easel
    sketchbooks on a table with people sat around chatting

    On Tue 2 Aug and Tue 16 Aug, we hosted a Studio Social for Summer Art Camp 2022, the chance for people to chat over a cuppa with like-minded creatives, share ideas, work on projects and get to know one another.

    Our workshop space was bustling with creative energy as artists from different walks of life came together and connected over their love of art.

    Over at Positive Light Projects, a team of artists led by Molly Rooke and Laura Robertson put together a Summer Art Camp installation which included a giant ice cream and a cheeky seagull. The installation was a backdrop for a whole host of free, family events, that included Sensory Seaside, Dream Holiday Collage and Knobbly Knee Painting workshops and provided entertainment for the passers-by on Sidwell Street!

    To wrap up our Summer Art Camp season for 2022, Make Tank hosted a bunch of workshops led by the amazing Word and Voice Theatre group from Lviv, Ukraine. The Summer Kitchen events explored and celebrated Ukrainian culture through music, food and discussion and bought together recent refugees from Ukraine, Exeter locals and other visitors to the city.

    A young girl stretches a pink slime solution in her hands. She is sat at a table. There is a blue board behind her covered in a seaside themed decoration

    View our photo gallery from Summer Art Camp 2022 

    SEE MORE LIKE THIS

    WATERCOLOUR FOR IMPROVERS

    Tue 13 Sep - Tue 11 Oct

    During this 5 week course you will be guided through techniques that build your confidence in using this popular medium and supported to develop your own paintings.

    BEGINNERS DRAWING

    Tue 13 Sep - Tue 11 Oct

    A step-by-step journey introducing you to basic and intermediate drawing techniques.

    DRAWN TO IT: FIND JOY IN YOUR SKETCHBOOKS

    Wed 14 Sep - Wed 14 Dec

    This workshop will showcase different tips and tricks to help you learn to treat your sketchbook as a place to get loose, have fun, document and play!

  11. THIRTEEN ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR EXETER CONTEMPORARY OPEN 2022

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    This September, Exeter Contemporary Open returns as we present a significant showcase of emerging and established contemporary visual artists from across the UK. Established in 2006, Exeter Contemporary Open has come to be recognised as one of the UK’s most prominent contemporary arts competitions.

    This year’s exhibition includes a shortlist of thirteen artists, selected from hundreds of submissions by a panel of industry specialists – internationally regarded artists Jonathan Baldock and Anne Ryan as well as Exeter Phoenix Gallery Curator, Matt Burrows.

    THIS YEARS SELECTED ARTISTS:

    Alex Crocker | Ben Sanderson | Georgia Gendall | Jackson Sprague

    Lottie Stoddart | Madi Acharya-Baskerville | Melanie Stidolph | Phil Root

    Rebecca Jones | Sarah Ryder | Seungjo Jeong | Sherie Sitauze | Will Roberts

    Each of the artists selected for the exhibition will be eligible for one of several cash prizes: The £1000 Overall Award, £500 Additional Award and £200 Audience Choice Award – as voted for by visitors over the course of the exhibition.

    Keep reading to find out more about each of the selected artists.

    A painting of a dark, human like figure and a red cat or animal like figure

    ALEX CROCKER
    Alex Crocker’s paintings are drawn from daily walks, domestic routines and family life and are recorded in simple drawn images of birds, bricks, worms, cars, bikes, trees, flowers, cats, people, clouds and windows.

    He uses his surroundings to generate imagery that allows him to prod the edges of visual experience and consciousness. This stuff of the world is transcribed into paintings dealing with inner and outer spaces and the feedback loop created when exteriorising a thought into an image.

    Interested in the intersections between the graphic and figurative, and the compression of light and composition into surface, he aims to explore the tension that rises between the agency of paint and the making of an image.

    A large painting on paper with a decorative checker boarder surrounding colourful arches.

    BEN SANDERSON
    Ben Sanderson works in painting, drawing and textiles, often returning to his existing pieces and transforming them: monotype prints on paper are developed and echoed in printed elements that appear on canvas, old canvas is sewn and patched back together or mulched to become rag paper, which in turn becomes a ground for new painting.

    His works often develop slowly, attuned to the seasons, embracing cyclical processes of growth and decay and Sanderson investigates processes of capturing human and non-human experiences of time, cycles of production and reproduction.

    An abstract sculpture made from a cows salt lick. The cow has made a hole in the block, making it look like a Barbara Hepworth sculpture

    GEORGIA GENDALL
    Georgia Gendall is an artist and facilitator living and working in Helston, Cornwall. Her practice takes on many forms; ranging from ludicrously impractical human powered contraptions and snappy ‘epic fail’ videos to curious ceramic sculptures, animal collaborations, cyclical sculptures, enduring sound works and public events.

    Her wry eye and attention to life’s smaller details underpins her work and she adapts everyday objects to redirect, interject, mimic and rethink how we interact with familiar places, people and local ecologies.

    Georgia’s commitment to consistently undermining purpose attempts to operate as a respite from the highly functional global landscape and celebrates what happens when we inevitably fall short.

    A wall sculpture comprised of abstract circular forms, painted mostly white with stokes of blues and browns.

    JACKSON SPRAGUE
    Plymouth-based Jackson Sprague’s work commonly reflects on the intimate drama of living with objects, demanding the attentions of real or fictitious characters, for example to water and replace flowers in vases.

    Works may also pull the viewer into a physical and emotional proximity with the specific use of scale and text, as well as inferred bodily or autobiographical symbolism. Recent works aim to put more pressure on the objects themselves - utilising pointedly seductive colour and formal arrangement to play-up tensions between aesthetic and functional, sculptural and pictorial, lasting and ephemeral.

    These ambiguities are characteristic of relationships, physical and psychical, that this work tenderly exposes.

    A layered collage made from paper scraps. The shapes are jungle-like and mostly green, with a pink column in the centre

    LOTTIE STODDART
    Lottie Stoddart’s interdisciplinary practice explores varied forms of enchantment. The works are enclosed realms; illusionistic, contained spaces where a residual story, memory, atmosphere plays out under its own internal laws.

    Her use and depiction of humble materials in a reduced economy of form, plays with registers of familiarity and ubiquity. The rendering and use of different materials in their collaged, shallow spaces hints at the unconscious and weird; from monstrous and mutating to celebratory and sensual, in a language that is playfully remembered, imagined, warped, reduced.

    A waxy orange ball with a bird-like form sat on top of it. The bird is covered in floral embroidery scraps, which also partly cover the ball

    MADI ACHARYA-BASKERVILLE
    Madi Acharya-Baskerville is an Asian born diaspora artist, living and working in the UK who is heavily influenced by an early childhood in India. Exploring themes that range from environmental concerns, migration and exile through to gender identity, the core of Madi Acharya-Baskerville's work exists in the found element, matter that already exists around us, an enduring reflection of the human condition.

    Her practice involves a variety of processes and techniques including collecting, painting, sewing, beadwork, modelling and casting, bringing together elements that have usually had a past life, collected from locations such as the coastline, woodlands and vintage markets.

    A film crop of the legs of a greyhound stood on a mixing table. An orange light sits above the crop.

    MELANIE STIDOLPH
    Melanie Stidolph works with video, film, and photography, and is frequently drawn to rock pools & mis-using photographic equipment. She recently re-appraised a body of images taken over the last 10 years, bringing them together afresh, along with several short essays, into a new artist’s book.

    Made during the years she was unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant these images were taken with automatic camera triggers that fire the shutter in response to changes in movement, sound or light; giving control over to the equipment and the subject.

    Latterly recognising an unexpected layer of synchronicity between the images she was making and her lived experiences, she has repositioned them to chart a journey in which an optimism in nature gives way to random attempts, fueled by hope and grief. 

    A ceramic jug made from rough, unglazed clay. A dark sticky liquid drips down the side and pools onto the self that its sitting on

    PHIL ROOT
    Phil Root is a visual artist based in Bristol working primarily in the medium of ceramics. His work examines how ceramics can act as a tool to tell vital, often overlooked stories of place, to engage audiences with the often- complex history of their surroundings.

    Recent sculpture explores modern and traditional relationships to dwelling and our relationship to the earth. By examining the materiality of our cities’ infrastructure, buildings, roads and pavements the work brings into focus the asphalt and brick surfaces that dominate our visual landscape everyday yet due to its ubiquitous nature is mainly ignored or overlooked. 

    A small collection of jean button-shaped objects, that also look old and worn like old coins.

    REBECCA JONES
    Cardiff-based Rebecca Jones uses ideas around memory as a departure point for researching non-linear narratives, such as leaky dreams, unreliable memories and déjà vu. She addresses the structure of these forms of narrative using repetition, replication and iterations of time, often incorporating traditional sculptural methods such as bronze casting.

    She is interested in the in-between spaces, and the expansive possibility that comes with something being unfixed, exploring this tension through shifting aspects of her work between context and container, fiction and reality, print and painting. She aims for her work to be ambiguous, excerpts of a wider story, leaving space that the viewer can use for their own interpretation.

    An abstract tubular sculpture made from paper. The outer surface is painted with green metallic paint and is torn to reveal the inner surface. which is metallic pink.

    SARAH RYDER
    Sarah Ryder’s practice values time for experimentation and freedom to play without knowing the end result. Testing out concepts of expanded painting, often making 2D works that transform into 3D, underpinned by notions of imperfection, temporality, the structure of systems, and the balance of chaos and control.

    Often painting on the slippery and malleable surface of industrial foil, she creates works that hover between sculpture and painting, that may gently collapse over time or else resist a consistent, fixed form on each new presentation. Her intention is for the painting to resist a fixed, perfect viewpoint. They may pause briefly for an exhibition but even then, will change as the viewer moves around, their body bringing shadows, reflections, distortions, disruptions.

    Two canvas paintings of cassette tapes. The cassettes are entirely blue and have no labels or tape.

    SEUNGJO JEONG
    South Korean, London-based artist Seungjo Jeong creates pared back, almost abstract paintings that speak to his background in software engineering. He recreates the mundane objects that we may encounter in every-day life with unique functions that we may fail to see or recognise.

    Jeong is interested in the spatial relationship between objects, the components of an object, and an object and its users. He thinks about his paintings as interfaces, ones where both the intuitiveness of graphical user interfaces in computing and the poetry of artwork come together.

    The background is a pair of womans hands rested in her lap. On top of this image sits a vertical slice of an image of a flood.

    SHERIE SITAUZE
    Sherie Sitauze’s practice is an ever-evolving exploration of oral storytelling as a vehicle for the cultivation and merging of narratives, as well as the sharing of knowledge, and proposing this in current time. She simultaneously critically considers the metaphysics around past, present, possible futures, particularly in relation to theories of knowledge and narratives of non-western communities. 

    For me, it begins around 1270AD: the Mapungubwe Kingdom and VhaVenda of southern Africa. I am in a constant cycle of coming to terms with my ancestral past while simultaneously seeking it in order to mobilise it within the present day. All the while being a long-term resident on this very foreign, western, and British soil. 

    A child-like collage of a person - using newspaper cuttings as the head, buttons for eyes and wool for mouth and arms.

    WILL ROBERTS
    Will Roberts’ paintings are highly narrative, layering references to historical methods of painting and contemporary culture. Rendering his paintings without using any direct source material, the paintings are not copies. Roberts calls them ‘False Objects’.

    They occupy a parallel space, replicas of an original that has never existed. He is interested in craftsmanship, the amateur, memory and the expression of our personalities through the display of domestic art objects that we have in our homes. Making the real artificial and the artificial real, Roberts reimagines these wall-hung treasures as theatre props to objectify and to portray nostalgic value.

    Exeter Contemporary Open is kindly sponsored by Haines Watts Chartered Accountants and Hotel Indigo.

    The exhibition will run from Fri 16 Sep – Sun 6 Nov.

    Entry to Exeter Phoenix’s gallery spaces is free! Find our more about the exhibition by visiting www.exetercontemporaryopen.com.

  12. Introducing our Autumn Performance Programme for 2022!

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    Welcome to a brand new season of Theatre & Performance at Exeter Phoenix!

    Our autumn programme of Theatre is full to the brim with cutting-edge dance, poetry and family fun from award-winning directors, writers and theatre companies. There really is something for everyone in our theatre programme and we can’t wait for you to come and join us for another season at Exeter Phoenix.

    There’ll be metamorphic soundscapes, explorations of the knife-edge of hoarding witchcraft that’s helping to dismantle the patriarchy and even dancing dinosaurs fuelled by rock’n’roll.

    We’ve got scratch nights and work-in progress performances to come too, a chance for you to test your ideas and help to shape the future of theatre in Exeter!

    Keep reading to discover what’s on in our Autumn performance programme.


    THE LESSON | TUE 27 SEP

    Icarus’ blistering, magical and award-winning production of Eugene Ionesco’s classic dark comedy returns to the stage.

    SAME ROOM SAME TIME | THU 29 SEP

    A new collaboration between Jane Mason and Grace Surman who have made work for 25 years in contemporary performance, but have only just met.

    BREATHLESS | SUN 2 OCT

    Breathless is a funny, honest and stylish exploration of the knife-edge of hoarding, from the joy to the addiction and suffocating shame.


    WHITE SUN | TUE 4 OCT

    Set against a backdrop of a nation that continues to bask in the light of its colonial legacy, hooked on profits despite the costs, White Sun collides with the past in the here and now of a human nervous system.

    TEATER DICTAT | FRI 7 OCT

    Johan Svensson and Magdi Saleh, theatre practitioners from Sweden, map their own queer histories as they talk about Teater Dictat, working in the Swedish theatre industry, retelling the British canon abroad and exporting the Swedish canon internationally. 


    FANBOY | SAT 8 OCT

    Fanboy is a love-hate letter to pop culture and nostalgia

    GROWTH OF THE SILK | SAT 15 OCT

    Growth of the Silk is an operatic fairy-tale of a woman, her crushing pressure to fit into the world’s social structure and her wish to escape them.

    WITCH HUNT | MON 17 OCT

    Growth of the Silk is an operatic fairy-tale of a woman, her crushing pressure to fit into the world’s social structure and her wish to escape them.


    DINOSAURS AND ALL THAT RUBBISH | MON 24 OCT

    One small step for man, one giant pile of rubbish left behind! Man’s dream to reach the stars leaves the world in ruins and disturbs the sleeping dinosaurs. Will they wake up and save planet Earth?

    DROWNTOWN | TUE 8 NOV

     Gritty dance theatre, with autobiographical testimonials and text, this timely performance gives voice to the vulnerable and unheard. With tenderness and honesty, DROWNTOWN holds up a mirror to a society at tipping point.

    DAYTIME DEEWANE | THU 1 DEC

    Daytime Deewane, by Azan Ahmed, is the latest production from Half Moon, the UK’s leading small-scale young people’s venue and touring company, winner of two Off West End Theatre awards for Best Production for Young People Age 13+ (Crowded and What Once Was Ours).

  13. Introducing Die Twice: The New Generation of the Exeter Music Scene

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    They’ve only been a band for 9 months, but the hype that indie/rock 5 piece Die Twice have already amassed proves that they’ll be going places. We’re just glad that we’re front row for it!

    Ahead of their headline show with us on Fri 22 July, we caught up with frontman Olly Bayton to find out a little bit more about Die Twice, what it means to be an up and coming musician and their thoughts on how independent venues can help leverage careers in music.

    Tell us a bit about Die Twice?

    Before our recent member Fig joined the band, we we’re originally called Nebula, then while creating more music we went by a few more names before settling with Die Twice. It’s genuinely hard to describe us as a certain genre as we love all types of music and try to make our music as versatile as it can be. But genres we are most inspired by are Blues, Jazz, Latin, Funk, Reggae, Rock and Hip Hop. We’ve been a band for about 8-9 months and been gigging for 7 and the support we’ve had in so little time is mind blowing.

     

    Who are the band members and who plays what?

    Die Twice is Olly Bayton (Vocals,Songwriter) Zee (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Songwriter) Blue  (Bass) Remi  (Lead Guitar) and Fig (Drummer).

    Die Twice 2

    How did you guys meet?

    We all mainly met in first year college as four members took a Music Performance Course at Exeter College and Olly met Fig through mutual friends at a forest. Fig and Olly would spend hours jamming drums and guitar in Figs garage in the early days of the band. As soon as there was an opening for him to join the band he got right in.

     

    Has any music inspired you lately?

    Honestly it can change every week, but recently we’ve been experimenting with gypsy jazz tunes inspired by Django Rienhart and Adrien Moignard but we’ve been previously inspired by The Doors, Arctic Monkeys, Koop, King Krule, Jimi Hendrix, The Police, Tommy Petty, Fela Kuti and many many more…

     

    Do you think independent venues such as Exeter Phoenix are vital for an early career musician or band? If so, how?

    Most definitely. Playing at independent venues feels a lot more exciting, personal and substantial for our band. It makes us feel like we are part of something important and we really feel the support from everyone involved. It’s definitely vital as it gives us comfortability on stage and in the venue in general.

     

    Do you think Exeter Phoenix have helped Die Twice to move forward?  Has it led to any exciting opportunities?

    So so so so much! Exeter Phoenix has given us so much support and countless opportunities. We had our first ever gig there in November last year, and since then we can’t get enough of it. Our Phoenix gigs are milestones in our early career as a band. Every gig we have done there has been exciting, busy, so much fun and has boosted our name so high. Exeter Phoenix gave us our voice.

     

    Is there any new music from Die Twice that we should listen out for?

    Yes yes yes! We are constantly developing our sound and writing new songs. There may be a little bit of recording going on in the next few weeks with a pretty big name as well…

    We have loads of gigs lined up for this summer and planning on making a little tour out of it called ‘Tour De Twice’ with gigs all over Devon and up and down the country!  We’ve been laying low for a while due to work, holidays and all that bollocks, but when we’re back, you’ll know x

     

    How can we listen to your music?

    You can listen to our tunes on all the major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music etc) and we also have a YouTube channel (Die Twice) with a music video and a live set of our third gig at the Phoenix, which is definitely worth the watch. We also have an Instagram (Dietwice__) which shows all our gigs, songs and some beautiful pictures of our band members!

    Catch Die Twice at Exeter Phoenix on Fri 22 July, along with indie 4 piece Colour TV, Idol Giants who are fresh from playing Ocean Fest in North Devon, and solo artists Wes Chamberlain.

    Get your tickets here >>

  14. Summer 2022 at Exeter Phoenix

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    The sun is out, the Summer Holidays are in sight and our programme for July & August is packed with a variety of live music, independent cinema, art, theatre, comedy and creative courses, all under one roof!

    Discover our Summer Programme with activities and events for all kinds of interests, tastes, ages and abilities.


    CINEMA

    BIG SCREEN IN THE PARK

    10 – 13 AUG

    We’ll be celebrating four nights of outdoor cinema with a line-up of new, old, cult and classic films, including Honey I Shrunk the Kids, The French Dispatch, No Time to Die and Back to the Future.

    SURF CINEMA SUMMER CAMP

    Join us this Summer for a stellar line up of films from all corners of surf culture, exploring big waves, exotic locations, surf heritage and the power of change.

    An audience sat in a cinema clapping

    CINEMA AT STUDIO 74

    This Summer, you’ll find the latest independent releases alongside the best of international cinema and eye-opening documentary, handpicked by people who are passionate about film


    THEATRE

    An image of two performers on a beach. A female performer is hitting a drum. A male performer is playing guitar and shouting,

    THEATRE IN THE PARK

    Fri 29 Jul – Thu 4 Aug

    Welcome to a sizzling season of outdoor theatre and performance in Rougemont Gardens!

    Join us for a classic Shakespeare comedy, an epic seaside tale gig-theatre show and an interactive art-heist mission for all the family.

    SUMMER THEATRE WEEK

    Mon 15 Aug – Fri 19 Aug

    Ages: 7-11

    Come and create your very own performance inspired by the classic tale of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe with Paddleboat Theatre!

    Learn drama skills, make new friends and work with PaddleBoat to create a magical world behind the wardrobe… what will you discover?


    ART

    COVER VERSIONS

    Sat 9 July – Sun 4 Sep

    Cover Versions is a group exhibition curated by brothers Anthony and Graham Dolphin exploring notions of the original and its copies, echoes and mutations in art, film and music.

    BECOME FRAGMENTED

    Tue 28 June – Mon 1 Aug

    An exhibition by the young people who attend Exeter Phoenix’s youth art groups Freefall and Freefall+


    WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

    SUMMER ART CAMP

    Wed 27 July – Thu 25 Aug

    This August, we’ve teamed up with Positive Lights Projects to create the Summer Art Camp.

    A whole month of workshops for all ages, art classes, studio socials, ‘inspired by’ sessions artist’s film screenings and so much more.

    SUMMER FILM SCHOOL

    Mon 1 Aug – Fri 5 Aug

    Ages 10 – 14

    This week long workshop offers the chance to work with skilled filmmakers to create an amazing short film from scratch in just one week!


    MUSIC

    Lead from villagers is standing in front of camera in yellow jacket with head tilted

    MUSIC AT EXETER PHOENIX

    From world renowned artists to new and local musicians, our music programme is bursting at the seams with events that you can sink your teeth in to. We also host DJ nights in our café bar and on the terrace! Discover music at Exeter Phoenix this Summer.

  15. Exeter Fringe Festival – What’s Next?

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    Save the date - Sunday 23rd October 2022.  

    Having relaunched Exeter Fringe Festival in 2019, Alex & Elaine have recently decided to step away from running future festivals. With so many Devon-based artists and companies looking for the kind of development and performance opportunities that the Fringe had started to offer, a group of Exeter-based arts organisations has come together to make a smaller Fringe event happen later this year, and to host a gathering, open to anyone involved or interested in theatre and performance in Exeter, to discuss the future of the Exeter Fringe and what we can do to continue to support performance artists based in the city.

    We’re hosting a day of work-in progress performances at Exeter Phoenix on Sunday 23rd October 2022, the culmination of a week of residencies for Devon-based artists hosted by Exeter Library, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter Phoenix, Kaleider, MakeTank, Exeter College, The Hall and Theatre Alibi –  tap here for the call-out & application guide  to apply for one of these spaces.

    After the sharing, we’re delighted that Performance-in-Exeter will be hosting a discussion on the future of Exeter Fringe, which we hope will provide the building blocks for future events.

    Full details of the event will be released in the coming months.

    Photo: South West Theatre Photography for Exeter Fringe Festival 2021

  16. Meet our first Associate Artist of 2022: Charlotte Johnson (Nèe Evans)

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    We're elated to reveal Exeter Phoenix's first associate artist of 2022, Charlotte Evans.

    We work with our associate artists to develop a bespoke package of support. This could include training, mentoring, access to rehearsal space, advice sessions, and opportunities to perform or share their work with our audiences. Read on to find out more about Charlotte, what she does and her favourite pasta shape.

    Charlotte is a rising star of the stand-up comedy world. She likes reality TV and finds politics boring - which can be tricky when your family is practically the UK's answer to the Kennedys!

    In her debut show, Charlotte avoids talking about family politics in favour of rewriting her own story - pausing only briefly to explain why she's the Kim of her siblings...she's unsure of who would be Khloe or Kourt as she hasn't met all 6 or 7 or 8 (?) of them yet.

    Originally commissioned as an audio mockumentary as part of the BBC New Creatives Scheme, My Dad and Other Lies has been developed with support from the Northcott Theatre, Exeter Phoenix and Pleasance Futures.

    Catch 'My Dad and Other Lies' at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Get your tickets here >> 

    Who are you?

    At the moment, I am Charlotte Johnson. Pre 2020, I was Charlotte Evans, but this wasn’t working for me professionally so I decided to become Charlotte Johnson.

    What do you do?

    I make stuff. Theatre, comedy, a big mess.

    Why do you like Exeter Phoenix?

    Everyone is really quite nice and they give me lots of support with various projects and will always say YES to stuff. (within reason)

    Why do you like Exeter?

    It’s actually much warmer than most of the country and you rarely need to wear a big coat. I moved here from Yorkshire so I’m quite grateful for this. Also, it’s much better than London as an early career artist - doors are always open, people are free for a chat, and there’s lots of space and time to make work because you don’t have to work three jobs and have a sugar daddy just to afford rent.

    I stayed here after uni, when i worked at the Bike Shed and have been given so many opportunities to FAIL, which has been super important to me.

    What do you do with yourself when you’re not making work?

    Usually watching The Kardashians or listening to a Guardian Long Read. I contain multitudes which makes me incredibly self-aware and down to earth.

    How did you get here? 

    I did an Access to Higher Education course with the National Youth Theatre when I was 19 and came to Exeter on a whim without ever having visited. To my surprise, it was MUCH smaller than London and I spent a year resenting it - luckily I studied Drama at Exeter University and worked behind the bar at the Bike Shed, and by the time I finished uni, I sort of fell in love with the place (even if my friends from London have never visited).

    When I graduated, I decided that I wanted to be a VERY serious theatre director, despite being a very not serious person. After an ill advised double act called CAT PEOPLE with my very talented but teaches Maths boyfriend, I decided to try stand up. I lost a lot of confidence at uni because people wouldn’t cast me in their promenade adaptations of Arthur Miller plays, and I knew I loved writing, so I started doing stand up and really enjoyed it. I was commissioned by the BBC as part of the New Creatives scheme to make My Dad Boris, a mockumentary about finding out my Dad is Boris Johnson, and then in a completely odd turn of events, I used the global pandemic to turn the audio piece into a live show.

    What’s your favourite pasta shape?

    Bows.

    What are you currently working on?

    I am working on my show, Charlotte Johnson: My Dad and Other Lies, which is about me, not the fact that my Dad is the most important man in the country, allegedly. You can catch me nearly every day in August at the Edinburgh Fringe, at the Pleasance, 4:05pm, Jack Dome.

    How do you like your eggs in the morning? 

    Delia’s way.

    Have a chat with me!

    Im usually hanging out on the Exeter Phoenix terrace working or pretending to work. If you’re a patron of the arts with lots of money please pop over and say hello. Or if you’re just a nice person, please talk, I don’t actually want to be doing the thing I’m doing on my laptop.

  17. An Alternative Father’s Day Gift Guide

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    This one’s for all the dads who say they don’t want anything (even though we know they do really!)

    Take the father figure in your life on a trip to see the very best of independent film in our solar-powered cinema, a delicious beer and lunch on our terrace, a night of electrifying live music in our auditiorium or even nurture their inner Picasso's and book them on to one of our creative courses.

    Whatever they're in to, we've got an array of gift choices for the alternative father figure in your life. Keep reading for some inspiration on what to pick this Father's day...

    A PAIR OF CINEMA TICKETS

    With a programme packed full of eye-opening documentaries, special screening events, groundbreaking new releases and unique film festivals, there has never been a better time to spend some quality time with the person that you call dad. We've just announced our programme for June, as well as our Surf Cinema Season and Big Screen in the Park.

    Discover our full film programme here >>

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    BEER & LUNCH ON OUR TERRACE

    Come on over for a drink and bite to eat in our vibrant, creative, café bar!

    Our chefs regularly add new dishes to our menu, including our weekly curry specials, soups, and seasonal favourites. With plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone!

    We accept walk-up customers as well as bookings. You can book a table by emailing: cafebar@exeterphoenix.org.uk

    GIG TICKETS FOR TWO

    We've got a music programme bursting at the seams with both international and home-grown talent. Bring your father figure to see one of their favourites, or discover some brand new music. From folk to alt-indie, we've got lots to choose from. Take a look at our full music programme here >>

    EXPLORE OUR GALLERIES

    For those with an artistic flair, take a wander around the home of contemporary visual arts in Exeter, for free! We've got multiple gallery spaces, with exhibitions spanning across a diverse range of disciplines and styles for you to explore. Take a look at our current and upcoming exhibitions here >>

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    GET CREATIVE

    From Photoshop lessons to a day of experimental drawing, we've got a whole bunch of courses for the creative father figure in your life! Take a look at the courses we've got coming up here >> 

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    LET THEM DECIDE!

    Still not sure what to get? Give them a gift voucher and let them decide!

    With our diverse programme of events, these make the perfect gift for any culture lover.

    Exeter Phoenix gift 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.

  18. Cinema coming up this June

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    31/05/22

    This June, join us for our rolling programme of first-rate independent film and latest arthouse releases, hand-picked by our very own film programmer, Claire.

    We’ve got American absurdist science fiction comedy-drama films, Oscar nominated treasures and deeply moving tales of rural Ireland, plus so much more to get stuck into this month.

    Keep reading to find out what’s coming up or join our mailing list here and select ‘film’ as your preference to receive updates straight to your inbox!

    EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (15)

    THE QUIET GIRL (12A)

    BERGMAN ISLAND

    SAT 4 JUNE – THU 9 JUNE

    SAT 4 JUNE – THU 9 JUNE

    FRI 10 JUNE – THU 16 JUNE


    BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

    MEN

    IL BUCO

    FRI 10 JUNE – THU 16 JUNE

    FRI 17 JUNE – THU 23 JUNE

    FRI 17 JUNE – THU 23 JUNE


    EARWIG

    GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE

    EVERYTHING WENT FINE (15)

    FRI 17 JUNE – WED 22 JUNE

    FRI 24 JUNE – THU 20 JUNE

    FRI 24 JUNE – THU 30 JUNE

  19. May Half-Term at Exeter Phoenix

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    Calling all artists (big and small), fairytale adventure seekers and picnic lovers!

    We’ve got a programme packed full of captivating theatre shows, creative art courses and picnics with a poetry twist this May half term. There’s so much to discover at Exeter Phoenix when school’s out and we can’t wait to invite you back for fun-filled activities for all the family.

    YOUR FACE/MY FACE

    TUE 31 MAY | 2PM – 4.30PM

    Working in pairs, you will be using charcoal and collage techniques to create fun images of one another!

    LOST IN THE WOODS

    THU 2 JUNE | 2PM

    An absurd comedy for all ages (6+), Hawk and Hill theatre bring a new twist to the fairytales you know and love.

    THE BIG SPORK! POETRY PICNIC

    SUN 5 JUNE | 2PM – 3.15PM

    Spork! presents a brand new event, THE POETRY PICNIC! An interactive workshop and show that’s fun for all the family.

  20. Meet the Speaker: Toby Strong

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    Toby Strong is a multi-Emmy and Bafta winning wildlife cameraman, who has worked on many of the BBC’s landmark series throughout his career. Over the last 25 years Toby has travelled across every continent, from crossing the Sahara with camels to sailing to the Galapagos, from the Himalayas to the ice caves on the peak of mount Erebus in Antarctica.

    As someone who has seen the beauty of this world but also its demise, Toby cares very deeply and his talk is full of passion, extraordinary tales, humour, and heart. Read on to find out about Toby's greatest inspirations and what you can expect from his upcoming talk, Through a Wild Lens.

    Tell us a bit about your background – have you always been interested in wildlife photography and the environment?

    I grew up in the Dorset countryside searching for adders, badgers and fossils.

    My love of the natural world and wild places stems from my gran who was a gardener and great naturalist, and my gamekeeping father. After getting a very bad degree in engineering I developed an early passion for exploration and a love of beauty.

    I spent a year in the south of France doing an apprenticeship with a wonderfully creative and forward-thinking Danish film maker. We made films on insects, snakes, and lizards. He was both a great naturalist and great naturist, the days were long and eventful!

    In the last 25 odd years I’ve had the privilege to film on every continent and in most environments. I’ve been lucky enough to work on a lot of the big wildlife series over the last couple of decades (Planet earth 2 and 3, frozen planet 2, One strange Rock, Human planet, blue planet 2, etc).

    For nearly half a year, I followed the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda and a season walking with the black bears up on the Canadian border. I've been lucky enough to film and share amazingly intimate time with hugely emblematic species, nearly two decades filming the Elephants of East Africa. Worked with the cheetahs of the Masai mara on big cat for four series.

    I love working in different genres and bringing skills and techniques from documentaries, music and drama into my filming.

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    What inspired you to get into wildlife cinematography?

    Initially I led expeditions, before heading to Africa on a one-way ticket, where I wanted to live as a game warden and to show people the magic of our natural world.
    Then I was introduced to photography and through my love of this newfound passion I realised I could reach so many more people and my path shifted to the one I’ve been lucky enough to be on for the last quarter of a century.

    You have been to some incredible places over the course of your career, are there any experiences which have stood out for you?

    It’s so very hard to pick favorites ... East Africa never releases its hold on me, and any dawn spent waking by a fire with the distant roar of lions is a good day! Also, Antarctica for its sheer magnitude and brutal splendor has got to be a favourite. On my last trip for welcome to Earth, I got to spend time in the ice caves on top of mount Erebus which was utterly unique.

    Throughout your career, you have witnessed firsthand the environmental challenges facing our planet, are there any causes that are particularly close to your heart, and have you made any changes in your day-to-day life to try and address them?

    I find this a hard question; I have seen much of the world that is in crisis and a lot that is now too late.

    It is hard for individuals to know how to make a difference. But it is through the individual that change is happening. Through our buying choices it is dictating the food on our shelves, packaging, and choice. If we choose not to buy food in plastic... food will not be sold in plastic, it’s that simple. If we only buy free range eggs, only free-range eggs will be farmed. Through our buying choices, those in power see what us the individuals, the people, the voters consider important, and this is what will then be acted on.

    Also, something that is very close to my heart is our school we have built in Madagascar. Over the last couple of years, we have gone from no school to one with over 200 students and three full time teachers. It’s a really good news story and something I’m very proud of.

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    What can audiences expect from your talk?

    I hope everyone who comes will have an evening of tales from the wilderness. Stories of wonderous animals and people. A heartfelt talk I can guarantee, humour I can aim for but with less certainty of delivering!

    I am no expert in any field, but I have been blessed to see much of this world and I look forward immensely to sharing tales from the last 25 years.

    Raising awareness about environmental issues is clearly something you are very passionate about, is there a take home message that you would like audiences to come away with?

    Yes, I would echo my answer from earlier that people’s buying choices hold immense power when viewed as a collective whole.

    This tiny planet of ours is so very precious and our time on it is but a beat of a mosquito’s wings. Let’s smile and hug those we love and take more joy in this remarkable place we call home.

    Toby Strong: Through a Wild Lens comes to Exeter Phoenix on Mon 13 June at 8pm. Get your tickets here >>

  21. Madame Thespia’s Deliciously Diverse Open Mic Cabaret – Celebrating Variety

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    MADAME THESPIA’S DELICIOUSLY DIVERSE OPEN MIC CABARET EXTRAVAGANZA is set to be a night of variety and delight. Hosted by the mysterious Madame Thespia (known offstage, as Izzy) along with Phil Kingslan John, of well known Exeter theatre company Four of Swords, the night will feature a variety of acts, chosen by the discerning Madame herself. She expressed in her selection process, that she was especially keen to celebrate performers from Exeter’s vibrant Learning Disabled and neurodivergent community. We caught up with our hosts ahead of their inaugural evening of entertainment…

    What inspired you to put this evening together?

    Izzy: I am very passionate about performing arts, but there aren’t many opportunities for neurodiverse people who might want to do it as a career choice. This evening will give people the chance to showcase their talents.

    Phil: I’ve been working with Izzy for a few years now, and I’ve been so impressed with her dedication and drive. I wanted to help create a platform for Izzy and people like her to gain experience of quality, fun, public performance.

    Do you think the theatre/performance landscape needs to improve their access for neurodivergent people? If so, what would you like to see?

    Izzy: I would like to see more understanding of different needs and abilities- I don’t read but i have a very good memory. Raise more awareness about performers with learning difficulties so others in the industry know how to support us. Creating more characters who have learning and other types of disability. 

    Phil: I think Izzy also has been searching for a local acting agency with a sensitivity for the needs of neurodiverse performers, and the organisation and resources to offer the support necessary. Accessibility in the arts is improving massively at the moment, but agents need hold the keys to so many acting jobs and they need to move with the times. 

    What can artists who want to perform on the night expect?

    Izzy: Madness, fun, creativity! An open mic style cabaret evening for anyone who loves performing and wants to gain confidence in front of an audience. It is especially to encourage people who have disabilities to be able to perform in an inclusive environment. 

    What can audiences joining us expect?

    Izzy: A fun and inspiring evening of entertainment!

    Phil: Experience a deliciously diverse night of different acts, routines and kinds of awesomeness! 

    Please apply in advance for a 10 minute slot to thespia@four-of-swords.comor come along on the night to enjoy the show!

    Wednesday 25th May, 6:45pm

    Tickets are available here.