News

Archive Project

29 Apr 2013

Researcher Erin Walcon is working with Dr Jerri Daboo of the University of Exeter's Drama Department to begin cataloguing and investigating the theatre's extensive archive.

As part of a Cultural Engagement grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, treasures from Exeter Northcott Theatre's historical archives will be peeking out of their storage boxes in the Old Library.

The research project includes labeling previously unidentified photos, conducting a first round of oral history interviews, and unearthing untold stories from the Northcott's past - including a rich history of new writing which premiered on the Northcott's stage

To read more, and to see images of now-famous film, television and West End performers who began their careers in repertory at the Northcott in the 1970s and 80s, visit the archive project blog.

Brewhouse Closure

21 Feb 2013

The Board and Staff of Exeter Northcott Theatre have been shocked and saddened to learn that The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre in Taunton is closing, and our thoughts go out, not only to friends and colleagues who have lost their jobs, but to the local community who have lost a vital cultural resource.

It highlights again how fortunate we are in Exeter to have a thriving regional theatre and the enormous benefits this provides, and reminds us how important it is to support and invest in theatre locally.

Mythical Places, Luminous Spaces – Print, Paint and Light

27 Jun 2012

Following the success of our visual arts programme at the theatre over the last 12 months, we are delighted to continue this popular initiative with a series of exhibitions and projects taking us through to the end of the year.

We currently have an selling exhibition of work by Laurence Cisneros-Foster, Richard Coleman, Cathy King, Ali Pawson and Geoff Powell. Their work can be views for free of charge throughout the public spaces in the theatre.

Mythical Places, Luminous Spaces – Print, Paint and Light

22 June – 29 July

This exhibition focuses primarily on printmaking and photography, with work by five local artists:

Laurence Cisneros-Foster presents a selection of photographs from recent travels in Mexico and Europe, reflecting his fascination with the abstract details of surface, texture and colour.

Richard Coleman is a digital artist who specializes in lens-based media, making work which explores the transitions from an analogue to a digital world.

Cathy King works across a range of print media, inspired by natural and urban landscapes, creating prints defined by strong lines, shape and colour.

Ali Pawson is a printmaker inspired by narratives and feminine mythology; she enjoys exploring the connection between landscape, history and folklore.

Geoff Powell is a self-taught painter who has found his own unique style of painting and drawing, exploring the joys and fears of humankind.

Russell Kane tickets for Nov 2012 now on sale

18 Jun 2012

Russell Kane Posturing Delivery

Sun 4 November 8pm

Tickets are now on sale for comedian Russell Kane's new show.

"What if I'm one of the guys who never has a baby? Why is this not a male subject? I plan to give birth, live on stage, then raise it - in front of you.

Come along!"

"More thought and intelligence behind his comedy than most people could ever get near"
THE MIRROR

"Extremely funny, poignant and fuelled by real intelligence and passion"
TIME OUT

Click here for more info and to book tickets online.

Early Autumnal Treats

26 Mar 2012

We have put two early treats from our Autumn and Winter 2012 Season on sale and they are already proving really popular with audiences.

English Touring Opera return with a bold programme that celebrates some of the most dramatically assured opera of the 20th Century.

Peter Maxwell Davies' haunting opera The Lighthouse (24 October) is based on a real-life account of the mysterious disappearance of the men sent to relieve the keepers of a remote lighthouse in 1900. Meanwhile Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring (25 & 27 October) is a genuinely hilarious depiction of English village life. Finally the The Emperor of Atlantis (26 October) was written when Viktor Ullmann (composer) and Peter Kien (writer) were prisoners at the Terezin concentration camp during World War II, and has since been acclaimed as an extraordinary testament of wit and humanity in the face of barbarity.
Click here for more information

For something completely different, we are over-the-moon to be welcoming hysterical comedian Greg Davis with The Back of My Mum’s Head (13 October). Most famous for playing the sardonic Mr Gilbert, Head of the Sixth Form in the BAFTA award-winning The Inbetweeners, this is sure to be huge, so don’t miss out.
Click here for more information

Theatre awarded Arts Council funding

31 Jan 2012

MEDIA STATEMENT

Click here to download a Word version of this statement

We are delighted to be able to announce that Arts Council England South West has awarded £125,000 per year for the next three years to Exeter Northcott Theatre to enable us to continue the important work we have been doing in our very special theatre. This funding comes from the Arts Council’s strategic fund for theatre in Exeter, one of the aims of this fund is to support mid-scale touring productions in the city. This vote of confidence from the Arts Council will provide reassurance to our other funders that the theatre remains an important part of the national theatre infrastructure.

This endorsement is extremely welcome coming as it does at the end of a very difficult few years. The Exeter Northcott Theatre is loved by audiences and artists and is vital to the cultural life of Exeter and Devon. This investment by the Arts Council gives us three years security and is an enormous boost for both patrons and staff.

The money will enable us to continue to present high quality national companies including English Touring Theatre, Theatre Alibi, Out of Joint, Richard Alston Dance Company, Ballet Black, Jasmin Vardimon Company and English Touring Opera. We will also be able to continue with our popular year-round family programme – families now represent 37% of our annual audience.

We are looking forward to working with all our arts colleagues in the city, ACE, the University of Exeter and Exeter City Council to build on our vibrant programme, as well as getting involved with the other exciting local projects that have also been awarded funding.

This funding will allow the theatre to continue to provide inspiring entertainment to an ever growing and diversifying audience. This starts right now with an exciting spring and summer season that is already selling extremely well. We look forward to welcoming theatre lovers through our door again very soon – what better way to help us celebrate than by joining us for an afternoon or evening of top class theatre!

Kate Tyrrell, Executive Director said: "This is fantastic news for everyone here at the theatre and we look forward to celebrating with all our supporters. It's been a tricky few years for the Exeter Northcott Theatre and the talented team here have shown exceptional professionalism and commitment throughout. I want to thank them and also our stakeholders for sticking with us. It's extremely exciting to at last have some good news and be able to plan with confidence for the future."

Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Economy and Tourism, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Exeter Northcott Theatre has been successful with its application for funding from the Arts Council England’s Strategic Theatre in Exeter Fund. Not only does this give the theatre and its stakeholders a sense of security for the next three years but it also validates the importance of Exeter Northcott to the city’s cultural make up. Most important of all, the residents of Exeter and the wider region will be able to continue to enjoy a high quality theatre experience at one of the city’s best loved venues.”

Theatre Board Chairman Phil Attwell said: "The University of Exeter has been working very hard over the last 18 months to find a way of sustaining the theatre. We are delighted that the Arts Council has recognised the importance of the theatre to the region. The University has supported the theatre for many years and is happy to continue doing so."