Monday 5 September 2016, 5pm at The Bike Shed Theatre
On 5th September, Exeter’s cultural venues will celebrate a new season of events taking place in
the city. The Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter Cathedral, The Cygnet Theatre, Devon Libraries, Exeter
Northcott Theatre, Exeter Phoenix and RAMM, will officially announce an exciting programme of
events taking place between September and December at a launch party held at The Bike Shed
Theatre.
This is the first time the city’s venues have collaborated on such an event and, to mark the
occasion, they are opening the launch to the public. Anyone who wishes to find out about the
range of cultural events happening in the city is invited, free-of charge, to the party.
From theatre productions to art exhibitions, concerts and festivals, events taking place in Exeter
this season will give audiences the chance to enjoy work from home-grown talent alongside
nationally recognised companies.
Renowned theatre company, Complicite will present A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer at
Exeter Northcott Theatre; at RAMM, Kurt Jackson Revisiting Turner’s Tourism showcases the work
of the celebrated South West artist alongside JMW Turner’s original prints of the westcountry;
artists from across the globe exhibit as part of Exeter Contemporary Open at Exeter Phoenix whilst
The Bike Shed Theatre will be transformed into secret bunker for their foot-stomping Christmas
show Beneath the Blizzard.
The incredible Exeter Philharmonic Choir perform their ever-popular Christmas carol concert at
Exeter Cathedral, The Cygnet Theatre present a gripping story of the miners’ strike in Undermined
and two festivals will take place across the city: Active Life, Active Mind, encouraging positive
health and wellbeing will promote events taking place in Devon Libraries; and extreme imagination,
Exeter’s festival of writing and stories will host a huge range of fun events for young people at
venues across the city during the October half-term.
Tickets are absolutely free but are subject to availability on a first-come-first served basis. They
must be booked in advance via The Bike Shed Theatre’s website www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The Bike Shed Theatre
Nestled at the end of an alley in the heart of Exeter, you’ll find the Bike Shed Theatre. With a 60
seat subterranean auditorium and adjacent vintage cocktail tavern, the venue has performances
from some of the country’s most exciting emerging companies. Championing new work and
innovation, the theatre has gained national acclaim for its shows, winning a Peter Brook Empty
Space award in 2011 and the UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre award in 2013.The bar has
built a reputation for the most exquisite cocktails, and also serves local ale, cider and tasty wines.
www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is the spiritual home for a wide diversity of people, and all who come through the
door are warmly welcome. The treasures we hold, even the Cathedral itself, tell the story of our
City and Region, and some, such as the Exeter Book, part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World
project, tell the story of our language itself. For over 900 years, through worship, memorials and
music, Exeter Cathedral has told stories of conquest and revolution, and of deep devotion, prayer
and service.
www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Cygnet Theatre
An intimate space situated just above the Exeter Quay is the home of Cygnet – a unique drama
school providing high calibre apprentice actor training. Performances at Cygnet Theatre include
Classical, Modern and Musical including new theatre works. Cygnet also hosts occasional musical
events including folk & strings performances.
www.cygnettheatre.co.uk
Exeter Library
Exeter Library, the living room of the City, is nestled in the cultural quarter. More than just about
books Devon’s flagship library is also home to a Fab Lab and Business and IP Centre. There are
regular activities throughout the year and one off events also.
www.devon.gov.uk/events_at_exeter_central
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Located on the University of Exeter’s stunning Streatham campus, Exeter Northcott Theatre plays
a central role in the cultural life of the city and region. The theatre is passionate about live
performance and delights in presenting a varied programme of the highest quality drama, opera,
music, dance, comedy and family theatre. In 2015 Exeter Northcott made a return to producing its
own work with the much lauded co-production with Creative Cow, A Christmas Carol, and in
February 2016 it produced Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. Christmas 2016 sees the theatre producing its
very own production of J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan.
www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix is the South West’s foremost multi-artform venue. With hundreds of events and
exhibitions programmed each year, spanning contemporary art, music, film, and theatre, Exeter
Phoenix is a vibrant venue proud of its diversity and revelling in its eclectic buzz.
www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery
Exeter’s award-winning museum holds significant and diverse collections of natural history, art,
archaeology and ethnography. RAMM runs a dynamic programme of events, displays and special
exhibitions including for 2016/17: Queen Victoria in Paris and Hiroshige’s Japan: Stations of the
Tōkaidō Road.
www.rammuseum.org.uk
extreme imagination
exetreme imagination is Exeter’s biennial festival of writing and stories with an exciting programme
of author events, creative workshops, performances and exhibitions for young people, families, and
some events for adults too. Exeter’s major arts and culture organisations work in partnership to
create the festival, which aims to enthuse and inspire children and young people about stories,
showcase high quality writing and foster talent.
www.extreme.org
