in collaboration with Exeter Northcott

A bunch of local theatre makers, comedians, dancers, musicians, actors and clowns are going to try some new things – and you’re invited to experience it.

For the first time we will be partnering with Exeter Northcott as part of their Elevate Festival.

Join us as we sample the delights of a smorgasbord of bold, fresh, new work in progress performances. It’s the first crucial part of a journey for the acts and a left-field night like no other for the audience.

Our promise to you:
This’ll be…
Unpolished. Random. Uproarious. Vulnerable. Inspired. Awkward. New. Joyous.

Exeter Phoenix and Exeter Northcott will also be sharing an exciting announcement about the ongoing Scratch offer for the city’s artists.

Glitches in Time by Tom Marshman
One of society’s last taboos: queer aging, digital desire, and reclaiming space online.
Age guidance: 16+ (semi-nudity, sexual content)

Just Be! by Alex King (writer) and Awkward Pigeon Theatre Company (Performers and Director)
When meditation goes wrong: new teacher James and his reluctant students navigate grief, trauma and cake
Age guidance: 15+ (occasional mild swearing and references to grief, substance use and racism)

Don’t Swim Here (There’s Sewage Water) by Cut the Bull Theatre Company
Into sea swimming, saving the planet, anti-racism and a touch of whimsy? So are we…!
Age guidance: 14+ (strong language, themes of and references to discrimination)

Bone Caves by Alex Robins & Jon Nash
Step out of the light. Step through deep time. Step into the Bone Caves.
Age guidance: 12+ | Content warning: this performance will take place in the dark

Find out more about the shows >

Additional Information

Part of Elevate Festival, Exeter Northcott’s annual celebration of local artists and new work.

Scratching the Itch: shaping platforms for sharing work-in-progress

Join Katy Danbury (Exeter Phoenix Performance Programmer & Scratch Night co-producer) and Sam Parker (Exeter Northcott Artist Development Producer) for a pre-Scratch gathering to discuss how we might shape our collaborative Scratch Night offer in 2026. All people, ideas and feedback very welcome!

From 6:30pm in the Workshop studio at Exeter Phoenix. Followed by Scratch Night from 7:30pm in the main Auditorium.

Venue: Auditorium, Exeter Phoenix

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>