Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your essential guide to what’s on in and around Exeter this weekend (16-18 December 2016)

THEATRE

Peter Pan
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Exeter Northcott Theatre
Escape to Neverland this Christmas with Exeter Northcott Theatre and the boy who never grew up… Join Wendy, John and Michael as they soar into the night sky with Peter, to a magical land of mermaids and fairy dust, where children can fly and all sorts of exciting adventures happen every day.  But beware – danger is just around the corner. Captain Hook and the pirates are looking for revenge and Peter Pan is top of their list! The show runs until 1 January.   https://exeternorthcott.co.uk

Beauty and the Beast  
Exeter Corn Exchange
This classic fairytale romance is filled with unmissable magic and hilarious comedy characters. Exeter's premiere professional panto offers glittering sets, wonderful singing and lots of silly slapstick! With a cast packed with top West End performers and some some familiar favourites, this is the Christmas show for the whole family! The show runs until 1 January. https://exetercornexchange.co.uk

The Spirit Whistle 
Friday & Saturday, The Oak Room, St Peter Street, Tiverton
Iron Moon Arts return to the stage with a chilling ghost show for Christmas. Ghost puppetry, comedy, film and exceptional physical theatre skills will make The Spirit Whistle a thrilling experience for theatre-goers ages 10 and upwards. Full of surprise, fear and enchantment all played out in Tiverton's most exciting and haunted 17th century venue, The Oak Room. Inspired by M. R. James’ classic ghost story ‘Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad’, his supernatural tales were intended to be read aloud, making them popular Christmas ghost stories. Ticket are £12 (£9 conc), to book visit: www.oakroomtiverton.com/events

The Preston Bill
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
The story of a life. The story of our lives. Welcome to The NorthA story from Preston. About Preston. A story that will make you stop and think about where you, and we, are in the world. Show runs until Monday. www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

According To Arthur…
Clifford Room, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
As the winter snows begin to fall, an old man called Arthur lives all alone in his attic. He never ventures into the outside world; instead he spends all of his time with his only friend – the moon. But now, Arthur needs your help! On Christmas night, the clouds cover the sky and the moon is nowhere to be seen. Without his friend, Arthur’s life suddenly feels empty, and he feels more alone than ever before. Suitable for ages 3-plus, the show runs until 23 December. www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

MUSIC

Glenn Tilbrook
Friday, Exeter Phoeix
Following the release of his solo album Happy Ending in 2014, Glenn embarked on the critically acclaimed At Odds Couple UK and US acoustic tours with long-time collaborator Chris Difford. In 2015 Glenn and his Squeeze bandmates wrote, recorded and released their first album of new material in 18 years. It was a glorious musical return, Cradle To The Grave was met with rave reviews and entered the UK Official Album Chart at number 12. The band embarked on a sold–out tour across the UK, including a packed out date at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. Tickets £19, standing. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Sounds of the Season
Friday, 7.30pm, Powderham Castle, Kenton
With A Capella Group – Amamus Cantare. This vocal ensemble of 10 voices is comprised of professional singers from Birmingham, Gloucester and Somerset as well as Devon. Directed by Alison Burnett their programme will include hauntingly beautiful 20th century pieces, through to jovial and popular seasonal songs. Interspersed with light hearted readings and audience carols, the evening will leave you full of Christmas Cheer. http://musicinthecastle.co.uk/

Don Letts
Saturday, Exeter Phoenix
Phonic FM is proud to present legendary DJ, film-maker, broadcaster and musician Don Letts as special guest for the station’s Christmas party. Don span reggae tunes with punk bands such as the Sex Pistols and The Clash back in the day, was a funder member of Big Audio Dynamite, is producer of many acclaimed seminal videos and films and hosts the weekly Culture Clash show on BBC Radio Six. His DJ sets never disappoint and he last appeared in Exeter in front of thousands at Exeter Respect 2013. 8pm-late. £10. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

EVENTS

Exeter Christmas Market
Cathedral Green, Exeter
Exeter Christmas Market represents the best of what Britain, the South West and the rest of Europe has to offer – with a mix of great food, excellent crafts, unique gifts and decorations.  Open 10am-7pm Monday to Wednesday, 11am-9pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday until 18 December. https://www.facebook.com/exeterxmasmarke/

Christmas Farmers' Market
Saturday, Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter
Pick up your Christmas essentials from stalls selling lots of fresh, local produce with a festive twist. Open 10.30am-2.30pm.

What's That Bird?
Saurday, 9am, Tower Hide, Seaton Wetlands, Colyford Road, Seaton, EX12 2SP
An informal drop-in session to improve your bird identification skills.
Whatever your level of knowledge come and bird watch with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced volunteer guide. Meet in the Tower Hide at Seaton Wetlands. Telescopes and binoculars are available for use in the hide free of charge during the session. Find out more here.

Christmas Fair
Saturday & Sunday, The Shops at Dartington
Devon mulled cider and carol singing, what more could you need to get you into the festive spirit...a visit to The Shops at Dartington’s Christmas Fair of course! Open 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

EXHIBITIONS

The Beauty of Light on Dartmoor
Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre, Princetown
An exhibition by international award winning photographer and film maker Jonathan Scott. Jonathan has travelled the world and has had his work featured by the likes of National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, Google, the BBC, ITN and many more.  The exhibition is open until 5 March 2017.

MAKE 2016 Contemporary Crafts for Christmas
From Saturday, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey
The annual Christmas selling exhibition Make showcases over 50 designer-makers from across the UK. With works in a variety of disciplines and with a range of prices to suit everyone. The event runs until 2 January. www.crafts.org.uk