Scratch Night

Ever wondered how great performance really comes to life?

We’ll let you in on a little secret. It’s not just hours locked away writing or rehearsing. Sometimes artists need the spark of a real audience – the laughs, the gasps, the energy – to help shape their finest work. That’s where you come in.

Join a vibrant mix of local theatre-makers, comedians, dancers, musicians, actors and clowns as they step out with brand-new ideas, near-polished gems and experimental moves. They’re inviting you to be part of the process (and the magic) by being an enthusiastic spectator for that first live run-through.

Expect an eclectic, entertaining mash-up of fresh work-in-progress performances. This night is a crucial step for the artists and an unforgettable, left-field experience for the audience (that’s you!).

It might be hilarious. It might be messy. It might be tender, weird, brave or unexpectedly moving. And you might just leave feeling energised, joyful and hugely inspired.

A Scratch Night isn’t your typical evening out – it’s creative risk-taking at its finest and you can be at the heart of it.

This year, Exeter Northcott and Exeter Phoenix are working together on the city’s scratch noght offer. “Exeter Phoenix’s scratch offer has been an essential part of the city’s performance ecology for years, so I am thrilled that growing demand from artists has presented an opportunity for our two organisations to partner on the scratch” – Sam Parker, Exeter Northcott’s Artist Development Producer.