Quirk Theatre: Mary, The Pigeon Who Never Gave Up

For two decades, Quirk Theatre's beloved and memorable shows have entertained all ages and given many children their first experience of live theatre.

Exeter Phoenix are delighted to welcome them back to produce what will be their 19th unforgettable, hilarious and heartwarming Christmas show with the venue - and this one is set to be their best yet!

Set in Exeter, Mary The Pigeon Who Never Gave Up, follows the thrilling true story of one very special local pigeon, who flew top secret messages home from France during World War Two. 

Visually beautiful, heartfelt and uproariously funny, join Mary, the madcap members of the National Pigeon Service, a lost flamingo and a Polish Eagle Owl from Squadron 307 as they all try to find their way home. Just keep flying, just keep flying!

Some Local History

Mary’s owner, Cecil (known as Charlie) Brewer, was a bootmaker and pigeon racer. Charlie lived at 6 West Street, Exeter, where he had his boot making workshop, photography darkroom and his pigeon loft in the attic. When war broke out, Charlie signed Mary up to serve in the National Pigeon Service. She was injured three times in duty but never gave up, earning her the Dickin Medal for Gallantry when the war ended.

Pay it Forward - and give someone else a ‘Mary Christmas’ too!

Exeter Phoenix and Quirk have teamed up with Refugee Support Devon and Exeter Foodbank to run a Pay It Forward Scheme for the second year. When you buy your tickets, you can add a little (or a lottle) to ensure another family gets the gift of live theatre this Christmas. Last year 11 refugee families were able to attend the show thanks to generous donations. Arif & Wesel brought their family to see Rhia & The Tree of Lights, saying “thank you for drawing a smile on our children's faces.”

The show has been produced with funding from Arts Council England, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council.

"Quirk Theatre know perfectly how to create that magical blend of unmissable fun, laughter and audience participation" - EXPRESS & ECHO 

Liv Hooper, Exeter City of Literature said: "Working with Quirk has been a joy professionally and personally - Charlie Brewer was my great-grandfather, so Mary is bit of a family legend!

"Quirk's commitment to working with local community groups, businesses, and organisations to tell Mary's story in a new way is testament to the creative appetite and ability in Exeter. They are truly aligning with Exeter UNESCO City of Literature's ethos of celebrating local stories, shaped by local people."

Mary Trail

From the now until 18th December, families can take part in the Mary Trail.

Nine pigeons are hidden in various shop windows throughout Exeter city centre, starting on Fore Street and ending on Gandy Street.

If you find them all, write down the letters to crack the code and then pop into Exeter Phoenix, where you can get 10% off tickets!

Mary the Pigeon Picture Book with Bookbag

This year, Quirk are also publishing a brand new picture book of this special story illustrated by collage artist, Rosie Race, and the people of Exeter! All summer long, Quirk have been running painting and collage workshops for schools and community groups in Exeter, creating beautiful collage  illustrations for the book. In partnership with Exeter City of Literature, Exeter Library, and BookBag Exeter, the professionally produced community book will be published in time for World Book Day 2023.

Naomi Jackson, a teacher at Stoke Hill Primary, said: “The children were incredibly excited to be involved in work that will be printed and in which so many different groups of people have been involved.  They loved watching their pigeons take on individual personalities. Every child felt their success.” 

And the good news is that when you book for the show at Exeter Phoenix, you can get 10% discount on pre-orders for the book!