2024 was a transformative year at Exeter Northcott Theatre, featuring a return to in-house producing, expanded community engagement, and deeper investment in artist development. From the world premiere of The Commotion Time to launching new initiatives for young people and local artists, we worked to strengthen our position as a cultural cornerstone of the South West. Here are a few of our highlights:
Our Return to Producing
The Commotion Time
In October, we produced our first drama in three years with the world premiere of Sarah Dickenson’s The Commotion Time. The play dramatised a hugely significant moment in Cornish and Devonian history – the Prayer Book Rebellion – from the perspective of the women at the heart of their communities.
The Commotion Time was the first Northcott production directed by Creative Director and Joint Chief Executive Martin Berry, leading an entirely South-West cast and creative team. Audience members from the South West were offered a 25% discount on opening night and were invited to sit closer to the action than ever before in our brand-new AA Row and purpose-built, immersive on-stage seats.
Photo by Craig Fuller
It’s a statement piece full of wit and warmth, love and loss – mesmerising, thought-provoking and impassioned.
★★★★★ The Stage
Photo by Craig Fuller
Cinderella
Cinderella continued the record-breaking success of our beloved annual pantomimes co-produced with Exeter-based Le Navet Bete. A cast of professional actors, all of whom have links to the South West, performed alongside seven 7 – 11 year-olds sharing the part of Quackers the Duck, after over 90 local children auditioned.
As well as audio-described, BSL-interpreted, captioned, and relaxed performances, we offered our first ever No Kids Allowed performance, with extra naughtiness for adults, adding a second date after the first one sold out in a flash.
“They’ve done it again. That unique and magical partnership of the Northcott Theatre in Exeter and the Le Navet Bete theatre company has produced possibly the best pantomime in Exeter yet.”
Devon Live
Our Pay It Forward campaign raised over £10,000, enabling us to gift more than 500 tickets to local families who might not otherwise be able to experience the magic of theatre at Christmas. We were delighted to work with several local charities, including Children’s Hospice South West, Balloons, Live West, and – thanks to the kind support of StageCoach South West – Fostering Devon.
We also partnered with Devon County Council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme to provide thousands of tickets to recipients of benefits-related free school meals.
Photo by Ralph Whitehead
Photo by Craig Fuller
The Elves and the Shoemaker
2024 was the first year we produced a children’s Christmas show at our city-centre Barnfield Theatre. We teamed up with Devon-based PaddleBoat Theatre Company to create an original version of The Elves and the Shoemaker, full of puppetry, clowning, and a magical miniature world.
With the support of Starlight, a national charity for children’s play in healthcare, The Elves and the Shoemaker visited four local hospitals to bring joy to children and families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to make it to the theatre.
“An enthralling show, perfect for a young audience! The Elves and the Shoemaker was really enjoyable with songs, a heart-warming storyline, and audience interaction.”
Little Devon
The Bear
December 2024 marked another milestone in our return to producing, as we partnered with Bristol’s award-winning female-led Pins and Needles Productions to present their enchanting adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ beloved picture book The Bear at Waterside Arts in Sale.
The production showcased masterful puppetry, bringing to life the magical tale of Tilly and her unlikely friendship with an enormous polar bear who climbs through her bedroom window one night.
The Bear, co-produced with Pins & Needles productions
We were mesmerised, transfixed and entertained throughout the entire production. It’s one we will talk about for Christmasses to come.
★★★★★ Opening Night
Our Work With Young People
Photo by Lillie Sherry
In the last year:
- 940 young people attended a workshop, class, or residency with us.
- We expanded the age range of our Northcott Young Company, offering 100 spaces for children as young as 5 to imagine, innovate, and develop their performance skills.
- We partnered with 7 schools to deliver projects working directly with 90 young people in disadvantaged areas.
- 14 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds received a fully funded bursary to complete a Bronze Arts Award.
- We launched Youth Voice, a new initiative designed to give up to 12 young people a significant voice in their local theatre. Applications close on Fri 7 Feb.
“This place has felt like a second home for 5 years and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s the first place I learnt genuine respect and it’s saved me a million times. 2 words – thank you.”
Young Person
Our Work with Artists and Theatre Makers
Elevate
Since launching our new artist development programme, Elevate, in August:
- 212 South-West creatives joined our Elevate membership, gaining access to exclusive opportunities and discounts year-round.
- 235 artists and 189 audience members engaged with Elevate Festival, a week jam-packed with performances, masterclasses, and socials.
- 109 South-West playwrights submitted their work to our first annual script submission window.
- 5 exceptional local artists and companies became Elevate Associates, embarking on a developmental journey with tailored support from the Northcott.
Photo by Lillie Sherry
“There is lots of energy and humanity coming out of Exeter Northcott. Their commitment to access and the meaningful work they are platforming is not only exciting, but potentially culture-shifting! I can’t wait to play a small part in this, and see our collaborations and creative output flourish as a result.”
Hugh Malyon (Squeeze Box, Elevate Associate Company)
Photo by Lillie Sherry
Reclaim Festival
In October 2024, we produced our first-ever Reclaim Festival at the Barnfield Theatre, a week of work by women, for women. Local producers Katy Danbury and Naomi Turner curated the festival, which featured 14 different events including performances, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and workshops. Eight women-led companies were chosen from an open call-out to showcase their work, at one scratch night and two double-bills.
“What a great evening! I was knocked out by the variety and quality of what everyone did… I got so much positive feedback, I was really overwhelmed by it. So thanks again so much for giving me the opportunity to put my work up on its feet.”
Scratch Night participant
Our Work with Communities
- 44 local performers formed the ensemble and choir for The Commotion Time
- 8 local choirs took to the Northcott stage for our first ever Devon Choirs Big Weekender, coming together in a celebration of music and community
- 89 audience members attended our first babes-in-arms play and comedy gig, enjoying local culture that they might not otherwise be able to access
- 3 diverse community groups – Encompass (pictured), Café Theatre Company, and Creative Connections – called the Barfield Theatre home, meeting, creating, and performing together regularly
Photo by Kyle Carter
“Up there with the best experiences in my life!”
Ensemble Member, The Commotion Time
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re looking forward to the return of both Reclaim and Elevate Festivals, and the launch of our three new Get Creative Groups – the Northcott Theatre Choir, Northcott People’s Company, and Encore Dance. We’re especially excited to present our next in-house production, Romeo & Juliet, in July. Take a look at our Spring/Summer 2025 brochure to see what else we’ve got coming up.
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None of this work would be possible without the generous support of our audiences, whose donations help secure the future of our charity – thank you!
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