Entertainment & Reviews

With Mother’s Day approaching, former Devon primary school teacher turned author KJ Akay, 80, has an extra reason to celebrate after achieving two Amazon bestseller rankings in 2026 — a milestone made even more special thanks to the support of her son, Devon’s Natural Mr Universe champion, Ed Akay.

Akay, known in her teaching career as Jennifer Akay, taught at Branscombe C of E Primary School from 1996 to 2008 and also worked as a supply teacher across Devon. Passionate about English, she was known for inspiring children to develop a love of reading and writing — something that...

Ms Cara Patel, PhD Researcher at the University of Exeter and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, will join the healthcare chorus in the London premiere of LIFELINE , a musical shining a light on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the growing global health threat often referred to as antibiotic resistance.

Cara will perform alongside West End actors during LIFELINE ’s London run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, which begins on 28 March.

AMR is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Drug‑resistant infections already claim more than one million lives each...

Direct from Asbury Park, New Jersey, the scorching sounds of the Billy Walton Band will be hitting the Exeter Phoenix on Sunday March 29.

Long time guitarist with the legendary Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Billy brings his band and their explosive brand of Blues/Rock to the venue for the very first time.

Famed for their high energy shows and the searing vocals of Destinee Monroe, they have won a huge army of fans throughout the States and Europe.

Likened to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Billy has shared the stage with the likes of Bruce Springsteen...

Totnes Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (TAODS) has marked a major milestone in its history with a hugely successful run of its 2026 pantomime, Little Red Riding Hood , celebrating the society’s 90th year and playing to packed houses at the Civic Hall, with three of its five performances selling out.

Founded in 1936 as the Totnes Amateur Operatic and Musical Society, TAODS began its journey with Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel, before staging its first pantomime, Cinderella , at the Old Market Hall in 1953 — a venue whose...