Your guide to What's On this weekend
Your essential guide to What’s On in and around Exeter over Easter.
THEATRE
Starlight Express
Daily, until Monday, Exeter Corn Exchange
Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary musical on wheels speeds into the Corn Exchange. Presented by Exeter's own Stage by Stage with a cast of over 50, this will be an unforgettable treat for all the family. An amateur youth group production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. www.exetercornexchange.co.uk
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Friday & Saturday, Exeter Northcott Theatre
Based on the 1967 Academy award-winning film, Thoroughly Modern Millie takes you back to the height of the Jazz Age in New York City, when “moderns,” including a flapper named Millie Dillmount, were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the workforce and rewriting the rules of love. Filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon lady of a villainess that audiences will love to hate, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment. https://exeternorthcott.co.uk
Me Time
Saturday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Sisters Amy and Scarlett need some headspace to make some big decisions. So when their mother Judy surprises them with a luxury spa weekend, you might imagine they’d be thrilled. But you haven’t met their mother. In the claustrophobic environment of a remote hotel, Judy’s domineering ways threaten to derail her daughters’ efforts to get their chaotic lives back on track. Tickets £12 (£9). www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk
Encore Dance
Monday, 7.30pm, Exeter Northcott Theatre
The UK-based Encore Dance Company specializes in presenting skilful, well-rounded, young dancers, performing in a multitude of versatile styles. Under the direction of Antony Dowson (former Royal Ballet Principal), the 17 strong cast perform a range of diverse dance works. https://exeternorthcott.co.uk
The Little Mermaid
Monday, 11am, Exmouth Pavilion
The classic tale of the little mermaid is brought to the stage in a brand new production by the internationally acclaimed Panto Company. It follows the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water. Will she be prepared to give up everything? Is it really better out of the water? Who knows? But of course there's a handsome prince, an evil baddie, a funny side kick and bucket loads of laughs along the way. https://www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion
MUSIC
Ferocious Dog
Friday, 8pm, Exeter Phoenix
Ferocious Dog are the new noise on the block – and are surprising everyone with their rapid ascent. There is no way they’re following any hipster templates – fronted by a big burly man with a mohican who sings impassioned political songs of broken Britain whilst his band seethes like a punky Levellers – they are the music business’s worst nightmare – a great band who are going to make it without anyone’s permission’ louder than war. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Secret Affair
Saturday, 8pm, Exeter Phoenix
The Friday Modulation and Phonic FM are proud to present legendary mod-revival band Secret Affair. Take two ambitious musicians, mix in a chunk of bitterness, add the end of the punk era and you have the recipe of how it all started…. Secret Affair are one of the top Mod revival bands and are back in Exeter for the 1st time in over 35 years. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Gemfest
Sunday, Exeter Phoenix
Gemfest is back for it’s 5th year of festival fundraising! A packed day of family activities from 11am-4pm, live music and entertainment from 6pm. Go along and warm up for the festival season, there’s something for everyone – guaranteed. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
EVENTS
Easter egg hunt
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, The Lookout, RSPB Bowling Green Marsh, Bowling Green Rd, Topsham EX3 0BG
The Easter Bunny has hidden clues around Bowling Green Marsh nature reserve and your help is needed to answer all his questions and - you could win some Easter chocolate! Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Tea and coffee available. 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. No need to book, £1.50 per child.
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt
Daily, Killerton Estate, Broadclyst, Exeter
Follow the fun Easter trail around the blossoming garden and parkland. On your way round, explore winding paths to find the bear's hut, ice house and chapel. Tuck into a Cadbury chocolate prize at the end. A charge will apply for the trail. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
Family fun at the races
Saturday, 11.45am, Newton Abbot Racecourse
Enjoy a thrilling afternoon at the races this Easter weekend. There will be a free Easter egg for the first 200 children through the gates on the day. Racing starts at 1.55pm, gates open at 11.55am, last race 5.15pm. Children’s play area will be open. www.newtonabbotracing.com
Easter fun
Daily until Monday, Powderham Castle, Kenton
Children can join in the Easter fun and games and follow the bunny trail to win a tasty treat from south west chocolatier Chococo! www.powderham.co.uk
Inside Outside Easter Sunday Market
Sunday, Transit Shed, Exeter Quay
Lots of stalls to browse including haberdashery supplies, jewellery, fudge and lots more! 10am to 5pm. Free admission.
Gemfest 2017
Sunday, Exeter Phoenix
Gemfest is back for it’s 5th year of festival fundraising! Organised by local Brain Tumour ‘survivor’ and her team, there will be a day event (11am-4pm) packed with family activities topped off with a variety of live music and entertainment (see website for full line up) in the evening from 6pm. So no reason to be bored this Easter Sunday! www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Easter Egg Hunt
Monday, 1pm, RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter, Black Hat Lane, Bakers Hill Exeter EX2 9TA
Children's Easter Egg Hunt at the Shelter on Easter Monday 17 April from 1pm to 3pm. £2 per child including chocolate egg. See the animals at the Shelter on your hunt. Refreshments, cakes and pet accessories on sale, no need to pre-register, just turn up.
