South West artists and audiences are at the heart of Exeter Northcott’s Autumn/Winter 2024 season, which includes three original Northcott productions: our beloved annual pantomime, and two brand-new shows. All three are rooted in Exeter and proudly made for the people of the South West.
Three Northcott Productions
The Commotion Time
Exeter Northcott’s return to producing begins in October with the world premiere of The Commotion Time, also the first production to be directed for the theatre by our new Creative Director Martin Berry.
It is the first play by Sarah Dickenson, a highly sought-after dramaturg who has worked with the RSC, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the National Theatre.
Set amid the tumultuous aftermath of Henry VIII’s death, this female-led story gives voice to the ordinary communities who marched to Exeter in their thousands to force the authorities to listen.
This project is funded with the support of the Creative Arc Programme, an initiative funded by the University of Exeter, Exeter City Council and the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Book NowWhen I read Sarah’s wonderful play, I knew the Northcott just had to do it. It is a story that says so much about this city, the community, and the plans we are making for the coming years at the Northcott. The Commotion Time is a South-West story, by a South-West writer, that speaks directly to the people of Exeter, Cornwall and beyond. Most importantly, it is rooted firmly in community, in every sense.
And if that isn’t reason enough to buy your tickets, it is a brilliant and gripping drama, full of laughs, love, passion and murder. If you love period drama, live music, great acting and a proper night out at the theatre, then you’ll love The Commotion Time.
Martin Berry, Creative Director
Cinderella
Local theatremakers are also at the heart of the Northcott’s festive season, with Exeter-based Le Navet Bete teaming up with the theatre once again to co-produce an original family pantomime, Cinderella.
Last year’s collaboration, Dick Whittington, is currently in the running for Best Pantomime (Under 500 Seats) at the Pantomime Awards. The success continues with ticket sales for Cinderella already 53% higher than the same time last year.
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The Elves and the Shoemaker
The third Northcott production is The Elves and the Shoemaker, set to enchant younger children at the Barnfield Theatre in December.
South-West favourites and Exeter University graduates PaddleBoat Theatre will bring their trademark inventive style to this highly interactive 50-minute adventure, full of clowning, puppetry and a magical miniature world which no little one could resist.
Book NowTwo Festivals of Local Work
Elevate
Alongside our Autumn/Winter 2024 season, Exeter Northcott is thrilled to announce the launch of Elevate, a new artist development programme building on the legacy of Futures.
In October, Elevate Festival will transform the Barnfield Theatre into a vibrant hub for emerging artists.
The week-long festival will include masterclasses, an evening of newly commissioned short plays, and scratch nights for works-in-progress. One local company will be offered a week-long residency, culminating in a sharing.
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The Northcott team are huge believers that the South-West is home to some of the country’s most exciting artists, and that our organisation has a responsibility to support them in taking their next steps. Elevate has been designed with that in mind, featuring a range of opportunities for artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to engage with us. Watch this space for more information on how to get involved!
Sam Parker, Artist Development Producer
Reclaim
Reclaim will follow hot on the heels of Elevate Festival, packing mid-November full of work by women, for women.
The programme of panel discussions, workshops, comedy, open mic nights, music and more will immerse audiences into a patriarchy-smashing week of locally sourced female greatness, curated by Exeter-based producers Katy Danbury and Naomi Turner.
Find out moreOver 70 Other Events
Our Autumn/Winter 2024 season features over 70 other shows and events, spanning a huge range of genres, including dance, theatre, comedy, talks, music, opera and workshops, bringing the very best world-class arts and entertainment to Exeter.
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